Patents by Inventor Gary P. Houchin-Miller
Gary P. Houchin-Miller 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).
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Publication number: 20140093755Abstract: A battery module includes a plurality of electrochemical cells arranged in a first row and a second row offset from the first row. The battery module also includes a heat exchanger configured to allow a fluid to flow through the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is disposed between the first and second rows of cells and has a shape that is complementary to the cells in the first and second rows of cells so that an external surface of the heat exchanger contacts a portion of each of the plurality of electrochemical cells. The heat exchanger is configured to route the fluid between an inlet and an outlet such that a path of the fluid flow includes a plurality of adjacent fluid flow segments.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2013Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: Johnson Controls - SAFT Advanced Power Solutions LLCInventors: Gary P. Houchin-Miller, Anthony C. Pacheco, Martin Wiegmann, Ralf Joswig, Markus Hoh, Mikhail Balk, Kem Obasih
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Publication number: 20140050967Abstract: A battery module includes a plurality of battery cells disposed in at least two rows. The battery cells in adjacent rows are offset from each other. Each of the plurality of battery cells includes a cover and a first terminal that extends from the cover outward. The first terminal is configured to be coupled to a second terminal on an adjacent battery cell. The plurality of battery cells are electrically coupled to each other in a zigzag pattern via the first and second terminals.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: Johnson Controls Advanced Power Solutions LLCInventors: Jason D. FUHR, Steven J. WOOD, Dale B. TRESTER, Gary P. HOUCHIN-MILLER
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Patent number: 8609268Abstract: A battery module includes a plurality of electrochemical cells and a structure including an upper portion configured to support a bottom portion of each of the plurality of electrochemical cells and a lower portion coupled to the upper portion. The lower portion includes a thermal management feature having at least one passage provided therein. The passage is configured for a thermal management fluid to pass therethrough to provide thermal management to the electrochemical cells of the battery module.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2011Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Johnson Controls Advanced Power Solutions LLCInventors: Jason D. Fuhr, Kem M. Obasih, Richard Mark De Keuster, Robert J. Mack, Gary P. Houchin-Miller, Dhavalkumar Patel
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Publication number: 20130330594Abstract: A battery system includes at least a first battery module and a second battery module, and a service disconnect unit electrically coupling the first battery module to the second battery module. The service disconnect unit comprises a bus bar that includes a first portion electrically connected to the first battery module, and a second portion electrically connected to the second battery module. The service disconnect unit also comprises a removable conductive member configured to electrically connect the first portion of the bus bar to the second portion of the bus bar.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2013Publication date: December 12, 2013Inventors: Edward J. Soleski, Stephen D. Cash, Gary P. Houchin-Miller, Mikhail S. Balk, Bryan L. Thieme, Richard M. DeKeuster
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Patent number: 8603660Abstract: A battery module includes a plurality of electrochemical cells arranged in a first row and a second row offset from the first row. The battery module also includes a heat exchanger configured to allow a fluid to flow through the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is disposed between the first and second rows of cells and has a shape that is complementary to the cells in the first and second rows of cells so that an external surface of the heat exchanger contacts a portion of each of the plurality of electrochemical cells. The heat exchanger is configured to route the fluid between an inlet and an outlet such that a path of the fluid flow includes a plurality of adjacent fluid flow segments.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2011Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Johnson Controls—Saft Advanced Power Solutions LLCInventors: Gary P. Houchin-Miller, Anthony C. Pacheco, Martin Wiegmann, Ralf Joswig, Markus Hoh, Mikhail Balk, Kem Obasih
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Patent number: 8568915Abstract: A battery comprising a housing having a central longitudinal axis. A cover is coupled to the housing and a first flange is integrally formed with the cover and configured to act as a first terminal for the battery. At least a portion of the first flange extends away from the housing in a direction generally perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis. Wherein the first flange is configured for electrical coupling with a terminal of an adjacent battery in a battery system. for electrical coupling with a terminal of an adjacent battery in a battery system.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2009Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Johnson Controls—SAFT Power Solutions LLCInventors: Jason D. Fuhr, Steven J. Wood, Dale B. Trester, Gary P. Houchin-Miller, Thomas J. Dougherty
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Patent number: 8530069Abstract: A battery module includes a plurality of cells. The battery module also includes a housing configured to substantially enclose the plurality of cells. The battery module further includes a lower tray configured to receive the plurality of cells. The lower tray is located inside the housing adjacent a bottom of the housing and includes a top side and a bottom side. The top side has a plurality of sockets configured to receive the plurality of cells in a closely packed arrangement. The bottom side is configured to define a chamber between the lower tray and the bottom of the housing. The chamber is sealed off from the rest of the battery module and is configured to receive released gas from the plurality of cells.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2011Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Johnson Controls—SAFT Advanced Power Solutions LLCInventors: Steven J. Wood, Gary P. Houchin-Miller, Dale B. Trester
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Publication number: 20130207617Abstract: A battery system includes a plurality of electrochemical cells provided within a housing. The battery system also includes a thermal management system configured to provide at least one of heating or cooling to the electrochemical cells. The thermal management system includes a solid state coating having a first metal and a second metal different from the first metal. The solid state coating is configured to pass a current therethrough to create a temperature differential across a first surface of the solid state coating and a second surface of the solid state coating to provide the at least one of heating or cooling to the cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2011Publication date: August 15, 2013Inventors: Gary P. Houchin-Miller, James S. Symanski, Graig W. Rigby, Thomas J. Dougherty
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Publication number: 20130096762Abstract: A battery system includes a plurality of battery modules electrically coupled together in series. The battery system also includes a first electronic control unit (ECU) configured to act as a master ECU. The master ECU is electronically coupled to a first one of the plurality of battery modules. The battery system further includes a plurality of slave ECUs, wherein each slave ECU is electronically coupled to one of the other of the plurality of battery modules. The master ECU is configured to control whether electrical power is provided to each of the plurality of slave ECUs.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2011Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: Johnson Controls - SAFT Advanced Power Solutions LLCInventors: Gary P. Houchin-Miller, Craig W. Rigby, Thomas J. Dougherty, James S. Symanski
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Publication number: 20120328922Abstract: Provided herein are electrochemical cell element systems. One such system includes a first electrode having a desired length and an interrupted second electrode having one or more interruptions disposed between a plurality of electrode segments. The system also includes one or more separators positioned to separate the first electrode and the interrupted second electrode. The first electrode, the interrupted second electrode, and the one or more separators are wound along the length of the cell element.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology LLCInventors: Frederic C. Bonhomme, Jason D. Fuhr, Gary P. Houchin-Miller, John P. Dinkelman
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Publication number: 20120263988Abstract: Battery systems and modules having external thermal management systems are provided. In one embodiment, a battery module includes a housing and at least one electrochemical cell disposed within the housing. The battery module also includes a thermal interface having a first side in contact with the at least one electrochemical cell. The battery module also includes a heat sink in contact with a second side of the thermal interface. The thermal interface is adapted to enable heat transfer from the at least one electrochemical cell to the heat sink.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2012Publication date: October 18, 2012Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology LLCInventors: Kem Obasih, Robert J. Mack, Gary P. Houchin-Miller, Jason D. Fuhr, Richard M. DeKeuster
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Publication number: 20120164508Abstract: A battery system for use in a vehicle is configured to provide at least a portion of the propulsion power for the vehicle and includes a plurality of battery modules. Each battery module includes a plurality of electrochemical cells configured to store an electrical charge. The battery system also includes a plurality of fan assemblies each having a motor and at least one fan blade. Each fan assembly is associated with one of the plurality of battery modules to regulate the temperature thereof. A first fan assembly of the plurality of fan assemblies has a different configuration than at least one of the other of the plurality of fan assemblies or is configured to provide an output that is different from an output provided by at least one of the other of the plurality of fan assemblies.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2011Publication date: June 28, 2012Inventors: Gary P. Houchin-Miller, Steven J. Wood, Thomas J. Dougherty
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Publication number: 20120148889Abstract: A battery module includes a plurality of electrochemical cells and a structure including an upper portion configured to support a bottom portion of each of the plurality of electrochemical cells and a lower portion coupled to the upper portion. The lower portion includes a thermal management feature having at least one passage provided therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2011Publication date: June 14, 2012Inventors: Jason D. Fuhr, Kem M. Obasih, Richard Mark De Keuster, Robert J. Mack, Gary P. Houchin-Miller, Dhavalkumar Patel
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Publication number: 20120125447Abstract: A lithium-ion battery module includes a housing having a plurality of partitions configured to define a plurality of compartments within the housing. The battery module also includes a lithium-ion cell element provided in each of the compartments of the housing. The battery module further includes a cover coupled to the housing and configured to route electrolyte into each of the compartments. The cover is also configured to seal the compartments of the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2011Publication date: May 24, 2012Inventors: Jason D. Fuhr, Gary P. Houchin-Miller, Gerald K. Bowen, John P. Dinkelman, Dharmendra Patel, Alex Molinaroli
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Publication number: 20120077062Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes a housing having a first end and a vent located at the first end that is configured to deploy from the housing to allow the expulsion of gases from within the cell. The electrochemical cell also includes at least one projection extending outward from the first end adjacent the vent. The at least one projection is configured to prevent accidental deployment of the vent.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Inventors: Jason D. Fuhr, Wataru Tsutsui, Gary P. Houchin-Miller, Christopher M. Bonin
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Patent number: 8114540Abstract: A buss bar for connecting electrochemical cells together includes a conductive member having a first end, a second end, and an elongated body between the first end and second end. The body includes a stress relief region configured to dampen vibrational forces received by the buss bar. The buss bar also includes a voltage sense terminal coupled to the conductive member.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2009Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology, LLCInventors: Dale B. Trester, Steven J. Wood, Gary P. Houchin-Miller
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Publication number: 20110269008Abstract: A battery module includes a plurality of electrochemical cells arranged in a first row and a second row offset from the first row. The battery module also includes a heat exchanger configured to allow a fluid to flow through the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is disposed between the first and second rows of cells and has a shape that is complementary to the cells in the first and second rows of cells so that an external surface of the heat exchanger contacts a portion of each of the plurality of electrochemical cells. The heat exchanger is configured to route the fluid between an inlet and an outlet such that a path of the fluid flow includes a plurality of adjacent fluid flow segments.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2011Publication date: November 3, 2011Inventors: Gary P. Houchin-Miller, Anthony C. Pacheco, Martin Wiegemann, Ralf Joswig, Markus Hoh, Mikhail Balk, Kem Obasih
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Publication number: 20110212352Abstract: A battery module includes a plurality of cells. The battery module also includes a housing configured to substantially enclose the plurality of cells. The battery module further includes a lower tray configured to receive the plurality of cells. The lower tray is located inside the housing adjacent a bottom of the housing and includes a top side and a bottom side. The top side has a plurality of sockets configured to receive the plurality of cells in a closely packed arrangement. The bottom side is configured to define a chamber between the lower tray and the bottom of the housing. The chamber is sealed off from the rest of the battery module and is configured to receive released gas from the plurality of cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2011Publication date: September 1, 2011Inventors: Steven J. Wood, Gary P. Houchin-Miller, Dale B. Trester
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Patent number: 7951477Abstract: A battery module includes a plurality of cells. The battery module also includes a housing configured to substantially enclose the plurality of cells. The battery module further includes a lower tray configured to receive the plurality of cells. The lower tray is located inside the housing adjacent a bottom of the housing. The lower tray has a top side and a bottom side The top side has a plurality of sockets configured to receive the plurality of cells in a closely packed arrangement. The bottom side is configured to define a chamber between the lower tray and the bottom of the housing. The chamber is sealed off from the rest of the battery module and is configured to receive released gas from the plurality of cells.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2009Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Johnson Controls-SAFT Advanced Power Solutions LLCInventors: Steven J. Wood, Gary P. Houchin-Miller, Dale B. Trester
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Patent number: 7871719Abstract: A battery module includes at least one electrochemical cell. The electrochemical cell includes a first terminal conductively coupled to a first electrode and a body portion configured to function as a second terminal and conductively coupled to a second electrode via a pressure relief portion. The battery module further includes an end cap comprising a conductive portion and an insulating portion, the conductive portion being conductively coupled to the body portion. The pressure relief portion is configured to separate from the body portion to a deployed position when a pressure within the body portion reaches a first predetermined level, thereby substantially breaking the conductive coupling between the body portion and the second electrode. The insulating portion substantially prevents formation of a conductive coupling between the body portion and the second electrode when the pressure relief portion is in the deployed position.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2008Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Johnson Controls—SAFT Advanced Power Solutions LLCInventors: Gary P. Houchin-Miller, Dale B. Trester, Steven J. Wood