Patents by Inventor Dylan Erb

Dylan Erb has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240106076
    Abstract: A battery pack can include a plurality of battery cells arranged adjacent one another in a row. The battery pack can include a first spacer plate aligned with and positioned adjacent the first cell of the plurality of battery cells, a second spacer plate aligned with and positioned adjacent the last cell of the plurality of battery cells, and a housing enclosing the plurality of battery cells. The housing can include a first sidewall positioned adjacent the first spacer plate and a second sidewall positioned adjacent the second spacer plate such that the plurality of battery cells can be positioned between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The battery pack can include a cover. A layer of adhesive can be disposed between the battery cells and the cover. Various techniques can be employed to improve the durability of the battery pack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Dylan Erb, Abraham B. Caulk, Erik C. Ostergaard, Nivay Anandarajah, Alexander Bartlett, Edward T. Hillstrom, Evan D. Maley, Matthew I. Woods
  • Publication number: 20240106023
    Abstract: A battery pack can include an enclosure with a first panel opposite and spaced apart from a second panel. First and second battery cell stacks can be positioned between the first and the second panels. Each of the first and the second battery cell stacks can include a plurality of interconnected battery cells. A busbar fuse can be electrically connected between the first and the second battery cell stack and can include an exterior thermal contact that is thermally connected to the first panel. A thermal interface material (TIM) can be disposed between the exterior thermal contact and the first panel where the first panel can form a portion of a heat exchanger. A shell can at least partially enclose the busbar fuse and can retain a potting compound or phase change material around the busbar fuse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Abraham B. Caulk, Dylan Erb, Nivay Anandarajah, Alexander Bartlett, David T. Rosenberg, Zhongying Shi
  • Publication number: 20240106058
    Abstract: A battery pack can include a plurality of battery cells arranged adjacent one another in a row. The battery pack can include a first spacer plate aligned with and positioned adjacent the first cell of the plurality of battery cells, a second spacer plate aligned with and positioned adjacent the last cell of the plurality of battery cells, and a housing enclosing the plurality of battery cells. The housing can include a first sidewall positioned adjacent the first spacer plate and a second sidewall positioned adjacent the second spacer plate such that the plurality of battery cells can be positioned between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The battery pack can include a cover. A layer of adhesive can be disposed between the battery cells and the cover. Various techniques can be employed to improve the durability of the battery pack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Dylan Erb, Nivay Anandarajah, Alexander Bartlett, Abraham B. Caulk, Edward T. Hillstrom, Evan D. Maley, Erik C. Ostergaard, Matthew I. Woods
  • Publication number: 20240106062
    Abstract: A battery pack can include a plurality of battery cells arranged adjacent one another in a row. The battery pack can include a first spacer plate aligned with and positioned adjacent the first cell of the plurality of battery cells, a second spacer plate aligned with and positioned adjacent the last cell of the plurality of battery cells, and a housing enclosing the plurality of battery cells. The housing can include a first sidewall positioned adjacent the first spacer plate and a second sidewall positioned adjacent the second spacer plate such that the plurality of battery cells can be positioned between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The battery pack can include a cover. A layer of adhesive can be disposed between the battery cells and the cover. Various techniques can be employed to improve the durability of the battery pack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Dylan Erb, Nivay Anandarajah, Alexander Bartlett, Abraham B. Caulk, Edward T. Hillstrom, Evan D. Maley, Erik C. Ostergaard, Matthew I. Woods
  • Patent number: 11923494
    Abstract: Energy storage devices, battery cells, and batteries of the present technology may include a base plate. The batteries may include a first circuit board overlying the base plate. The batteries may include a battery stack overlying the first circuit board and electrically coupled with the first circuit board. The battery stack may include a plurality of battery cells. The battery stack may define an aperture through an active region of the battery stack. The batteries may include a second circuit board overlying the battery stack and electrically coupled with the battery stack. The batteries may include a compression plate overlying the second circuit board. The batteries may include a retaining member compressibly coupling the compression plate with the base plate. The retaining member may extend through the aperture through the active region of the battery stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Dylan Erb, Abraham B. Caulk, Ross L. Johnstal, Paul W. Firehammer, Edward T. Hillstrom, Zhongying Shi, Ian E. O'Connor, Alexander J. Clarabut
  • Publication number: 20230387553
    Abstract: Battery packs according to some embodiments of the present technology may include a first end beam and a second end beam. The battery packs may include a plurality of battery cells disposed between the first end beam and the second end beam. Each battery cell of the plurality of battery cells may be separated from an adjacent battery cell by an interface material. Each battery cell may include a first terminal and a second terminal on a first surface of the battery cell. The battery packs may include a plurality of busbar segments electrically coupling each cell of the plurality of battery cells. The battery packs may include a bus tray including a plurality of bus tray segments. Each bus tray segment may seat at least two busbar segments. Each bus tray segment may extend at least partially across at least three battery cells of the plurality of battery cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2022
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: Abraham B. Caulk, Alexander J. Clarabut, Dylan Erb, Nivay Anandarajah
  • Publication number: 20230387554
    Abstract: Battery packs according to some embodiments of the present technology may include a first end beam and a second end beam. The battery packs may include a plurality of battery cells disposed between the first end beam and the second end beam. Each battery cell of the plurality of battery cells may be separated from an adjacent battery cell by an interface material. Each battery cell may include a first terminal and a second terminal on a first surface of the battery cell. The battery packs may include a plurality of busbar segments electrically coupling each cell of the plurality of battery cells. The battery packs may include a bus tray including a plurality of bus tray segments. Each bus tray segment may seat at least two busbar segments. Each bus tray segment may extend at least partially across at least three battery cells of the plurality of battery cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2022
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: Abraham B. Caulk, Alexander J. Clarabut, Dylan Erb, Nivay Anandarajah
  • Publication number: 20230387552
    Abstract: Energy storage devices, battery cells, and batteries of the present technology may include a first circuit board defining a plurality of apertures through the first circuit board. The batteries may include a battery stack overlying the first circuit board and electrically coupled with the first circuit board. The battery stack may include a plurality of battery cells. The battery stack may define a plurality of apertures axially aligned with a corresponding aperture through the first circuit board. The batteries may include a second circuit board that defines a plurality of apertures through the second circuit board. The batteries may include a plurality of fasteners, each fastener extending through a separate channel of the plurality of channels. The batteries may include a plurality of conductive extensions electrically coupling each battery cell of the battery stack with one or more fasteners of the plurality of fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: Dylan Erb, Abraham B. Caulk, Ross L. Johnstal, Paul W. Firehammer, Edward T. Hillstrom, Zhongying Shi, Ian E. O'Connor, Alexander J. Clarabut
  • Publication number: 20230387555
    Abstract: Battery packs according to some embodiments of the present technology may include a first end beam and a second end beam. The battery packs may include a plurality of battery cells disposed between the first end beam and the second end beam. Each battery cell of the plurality of battery cells may be separated from an adjacent battery cell by an interface material. Each battery cell may include a first terminal and a second terminal on a first surface of the battery cell. The battery packs may include a plurality of busbar segments electrically coupling each cell of the plurality of battery cells. The battery packs may include a bus tray including a plurality of bus tray segments. Each bus tray segment may seat at least two busbar segments. Each bus tray segment may extend at least partially across at least three battery cells of the plurality of battery cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: Abraham B. Caulk, Alexander J. Clarabut, Dylan Erb, Nivay Anandarajah
  • Patent number: 11677120
    Abstract: Energy storage devices, battery cells, and batteries of the present technology may include a first circuit board defining a plurality of apertures through the first circuit board. The batteries may include a battery stack overlying the first circuit board and electrically coupled with the first circuit board. The battery stack may include a plurality of battery cells. The battery stack may define a plurality of apertures axially aligned with a corresponding aperture through the first circuit board. The batteries may include a second circuit board that defines a plurality of apertures through the second circuit board. The batteries may include a plurality of fasteners, each fastener extending through a separate channel of the plurality of channels. The batteries may include a plurality of conductive extensions electrically coupling each battery cell of the battery stack with one or more fasteners of the plurality of fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Dylan Erb, Abraham B. Caulk, Ross L. Johnstal, Paul W. Firehammer, Edward T. Hillstrom, Zhongying Shi, Ian E. O'Connor, Alexander J. Clarabut
  • Publication number: 20230100440
    Abstract: Battery packs according to some embodiments of the present technology may include a first end beam and a second end beam. The battery packs may include a first side beam and a second side beam each extending between the first end beam and the second end beam. The battery packs may include a base. The first end beam, the second end beam, the first side beam, the second side beam, and the base may be welded along each interface between each component. The battery packs may include a plurality of battery cells disposed between the first side beam and the second side beam. Each battery cell of the plurality of battery cells may be separated from an adjacent battery cell by an interface material. The battery packs may include a lid coupled with a surface of each battery cell of the plurality of battery cells facing the lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2021
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Inventors: Dylan Erb, Nivay Anandarajah, Abraham B. Caulk, Alexander J. Clarabut, Yu-Hung Li, Evan D. Maley
  • Publication number: 20230078897
    Abstract: Exemplary electrical disconnects may include a housing defining a first access at a first end of the housing and a second access at a second end of the housing. The second access may extend vertically along a height of the housing beyond a vertical location of the first access. The electrical disconnects may include a busbar characterized by a first segment and a second segment. The first segment and the second segment may be coupled at a break section of the busbar. The first segment of the busbar may extend through the first access of the housing. The second segment of the busbar may extend through the second access of the housing. The electrical disconnects may include a pyrotechnic initiator disposed within the housing. The electrical disconnects may include a blade laterally aligned with the break section of the busbar. The electrical disconnects may include a plunger within which the blade is seated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2021
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Inventors: Dylan Erb, John M. Schoech, Paul W. Firehammer, Alexander J. Clarabut
  • Patent number: 11600891
    Abstract: Energy storage devices, battery cells, and batteries of the present technology may include a first circuit board characterized by a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The second surface may include a conductive layer. The batteries may include a battery stack overlying the first circuit board and electrically coupled with the second surface of the first circuit board. The battery stack may include a plurality of battery cells. The batteries may include a second circuit board overlying the battery stack. The second circuit board may be characterized by a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The second surface may include a conductive layer, and the battery stack may be electrically coupled with the second surface of the second circuit board. The batteries may include a power distribution block electrically coupled with the first and second circuit boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Dylan Erb, Abraham B. Caulk, Ross L. Johnstal, Paul W. Firehammer, Edward T. Hillstrom, Zhongying Shi, Isaac S. Harper
  • Patent number: 11588155
    Abstract: Energy storage devices, battery cells, and batteries of the present technology may include a first battery cell. The first battery cell may include an anode current collector, and an anode active material disposed on the anode current collector. The first battery cell may include a cathode current collector and a cathode active material disposed on the cathode current collector. The current collectors may be polymeric materials. The batteries may include a first conductive band electrically coupled with the first battery cell. The first conductive band may be seated on the second surface of one of the anode current collector or the cathode current collector. The first conductive band may extend about a perimeter of the one of the anode current collector or the cathode current collector. The batteries may include a cell module including a first flexible extension electrically coupled with the first conductive band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Dylan Erb, Abraham B. Caulk, Ross L. Johnstal, Paul W. Firehammer, Edward T. Hillstrom, Christopher T. Campbell, Andrew C. Chu
  • Publication number: 20220077444
    Abstract: Energy storage devices, battery cells, and batteries of the present technology may include a first circuit board defining a plurality of apertures through the first circuit board. The batteries may include a battery stack overlying the first circuit board and electrically coupled with the first circuit board. The battery stack may include a plurality of battery cells. The battery stack may define a plurality of apertures axially aligned with a corresponding aperture through the first circuit board. The batteries may include a second circuit board that defines a plurality of apertures through the second circuit board. The batteries may include a plurality of fasteners, each fastener extending through a separate channel of the plurality of channels. The batteries may include a plurality of conductive extensions electrically coupling each battery cell of the battery stack with one or more fasteners of the plurality of fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Inventors: Dylan Erb, Abraham B. Caulk, Ross L. Johnstal, Paul W. Firehammer, Edward T. Hillstrom, Zhongying Shi, Ian E. O'Connor, Alexander J. Clarabut
  • Publication number: 20220077489
    Abstract: Energy storage devices, battery cells, and batteries of the present technology may include a base plate. The batteries may include a first circuit board overlying the base plate. The batteries may include a battery stack overlying the first circuit board and electrically coupled with the first circuit board. The battery stack may include a plurality of battery cells. The battery stack may define an aperture through an active region of the battery stack. The batteries may include a second circuit board overlying the battery stack and electrically coupled with the battery stack. The batteries may include a compression plate overlying the second circuit board. The batteries may include a retaining member compressibly coupling the compression plate with the base plate. The retaining member may extend through the aperture through the active region of the battery stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Inventors: Dylan Erb, Abraham B. Caulk, Ross L. Johnstal, Paul W. Firehammer, Edward T. Hillstrom, Zhongying Shi, Ian E. O'Connor, Alexander J. Clarabut
  • Patent number: 11043720
    Abstract: A busbar assembly includes a mesh busbar configured to electrically couple a first component to a second component. An electrical coupling method including securing a mesh busbar to a first component and a second component to electrical couple the first component to the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Philip Michael Gonzales, John Sturza, Dylan Erb, Stephanie Singer, Abdul Lateef, Chuck Honick
  • Publication number: 20210183197
    Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive a vehicle identifier identifying a vehicle from a first digital entity. The processor is also configured to digitally obtain a payment account associated with the identifier, responsive to receiving the identifier. The processor is further configured to validate payment rights through input from a second entity, confirming the right to use the account to pay for charging the vehicle and responsive to successful validation, charge the payment account for vehicle charging, following vehicle charging completion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Inventors: Alexander Bartlett, Dylan Erb, Jacob Wiles, Bikram Singh, Baocheng Sun
  • Patent number: 10988044
    Abstract: A charging station comprises a processor programmed to receive a vehicle identifier identifying a vehicle from a first digital entity; receive a payment authentication from a second digital entity; electronically identify an account associated with the vehicle identifier and the payment authentication; verify payment rights confirming a right to use the account to pay; and responsive to successful verification, activate the charging station to charge and process payment from the account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dylan Erb, Alexander Bartlett, Jacob Wiles, Bikram Singh
  • Patent number: 10957146
    Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive a vehicle identifier identifying a vehicle from a first digital entity. The processor is also configured to digitally obtain a payment account associated with the identifier, responsive to receiving the identifier. The processor is further configured to validate payment rights through input from a second entity, confirming the right to use the account to pay for charging the vehicle and responsive to successful validation, charge the payment account for vehicle charging, following vehicle charging completion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Bartlett, Dylan Erb, Jacob Wiles, Bikram Singh, Baocheng Sun