Patents by Inventor Kurt Russell Kelty
Kurt Russell Kelty 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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Patent number: 8450974Abstract: A power source comprised of a first battery pack (e.g., a non-metal-air battery pack) and a second battery pack (e.g., a metal-air battery pack) is provided, wherein the second battery pack is only used as required by the state-of-charge (SOC) of the first battery pack or as a result of the user selecting an extended range mode of operation. Minimizing use of the second battery pack prevents it from undergoing unnecessary, and potentially lifetime limiting, charge cycles. The second battery pack may be used to charge the first battery pack or used in combination with the first battery pack to supply operational power to the electric vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2010Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Sarah G. Stewart, Scott Ira Kohn, Kurt Russell Kelty, Jeffrey Brian Straubel
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Patent number: 8428806Abstract: A dual mode battery charging system and method of use are provided for use in an electric vehicle. The system utilizes at least two user selectable, charging operational modes. In a first operational mode, a state of charge circuit powers on the engine/generator system whenever the battery state of charge falls below a first level and until the battery state of charge reaches a second level, where the second level is higher than the first level. In a second operational mode, the state of charge circuit powers on the engine/generator system whenever the battery state of charge falls below a third level and until the battery state of charge reaches a fourth level, where the fourth level is higher than the third level, and where both the third and fourth levels are lower than both the first and second levels.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2012Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Russell Kelty, Scott Ira Kohn, Weston Arthur Hermann, Jeffrey Brian Straubel
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Patent number: 8389139Abstract: A system for integrating the venting feature of a battery with a means for simultaneously disconnecting the cell from the battery pack, thereby isolating the cell, is provided. The provided battery interconnect system is comprised of a battery, a connector plate for electrically coupling the battery to a battery pack, and an interruptible electrical connector for electrically coupling the connector plate to a battery terminal vent. The venting region, defined by scoring on the battery terminal, ruptures when the internal battery pressure exceeds the predefined battery operating range, causing the interruptible electrical connector to break and disrupt electrical continuity between the connector plate and the battery terminal.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2012Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Scott Ira Kohn, Clay Hajime Kishiyama, Kurt Russell Kelty, Jeffrey Brian Straubel, Vineet Haresh Mehta
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Publication number: 20130015814Abstract: A system and method for notifying a designated party when an electric vehicle charging operation is unexpectedly disrupted is provided. The system monitors the connection between the electric vehicle and the external battery pack charging source, issues a command to a notification system to send a notification message to the designated party when an interruption is detected, and then issues the notification message in accordance with a set of notification instructions. The notification instructions may include one or more criteria for determining whether the disruption is authorized, thus not requiring the transmittal of the notification message. Criteria for accepting the change in battery pack charging status as authorized includes user/device proximity to the vehicle, achievement of a target battery pack SOC, and location of the vehicle within a safe zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2011Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.Inventors: Kurt Russell Kelty, Scott Ira Kohn
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Patent number: 8346419Abstract: One embodiment includes a method that includes monitoring a battery state of charge circuit that is coupled to a vehicle battery, calculating an averaged value of the state of charge over a time period, charging the vehicle battery by powering a generator with a fuel burning engine that powered on and powered off according to one of a first operational mode and a second operational mode, wherein in the first operational mode the engine is powered on when the battery state of charge drops below a first state of charge and continues until the averaged value of the state of charge increases to a first preprogrammed value.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2008Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Russell Kelty, Scott Ira Kohn, Weston Arthur Hermann, Jeffrey Brian Straubel
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Publication number: 20120270080Abstract: A system for integrating the venting feature of a battery with a means for simultaneously disconnecting the cell from the battery pack, thereby isolating the cell, is provided. The provided battery interconnect system is comprised of a battery, a connector plate for electrically coupling the battery to a battery pack, and an interruptible electrical connector for electrically coupling the connector plate to a battery terminal vent. The venting region, defined by scoring on the battery terminal, ruptures when the internal battery pressure exceeds the predefined battery operating range, causing the interruptible electrical connector to break and disrupt electrical continuity between the connector plate and the battery terminal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2012Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Scott Ira Kohn, Clay Hajime Kishiyama, Kurt Russell Kelty, Jeffrey Brian Straubel, Vineet Haresh Mehta
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Patent number: 8241772Abstract: A system for integrating the venting feature of a battery with a means for simultaneously disconnecting the cell from the battery pack, thereby isolating the cell, is provided. The provided battery interconnect system is comprised of a battery, a connector plate for electrically coupling the battery to a battery pack, and an interruptible electrical connector for electrically coupling the connector plate to a battery terminal vent. The vent, defined by scoring on the battery terminal, ruptures when the internal battery pressure exceeds the predefined battery operating range, causing the interruptible electrical connector to break and disrupt electrical continuity between the connector plate and the battery terminal.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Scott Ira Kohn, Clay Hajime Kishiyama, Kurt Russell Kelty, Jeffrey Brian Straubel, Vineet Haresh Mehta
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Publication number: 20120153901Abstract: A method for withdrawing heat from a battery pack is provided, wherein the heat is transferred from at least one electrode of each cell comprising the battery pack, via an electrically and thermally conductive tab, through a current collector plate and through a thermal interface layer to a temperature control panel that is coupled to an external temperature control system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2012Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Scott Ira Kohn, Kurt Russell Kelty, Clay Hajime Kishiyama, Anil Paryani, Alexander Thomas Jacobs, Grant Dufresne Cutler, Peng Zhou
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Patent number: 8190320Abstract: A method of optimizing the operation of the power source of an electric vehicle is provided, where the power source is comprised of a first battery pack (e.g., a non-metal-air battery pack) and a second battery pack (e.g., a metal-air battery pack). The power source is optimized to minimize use of the least efficient battery pack (e.g., the second battery pack) while ensuring that the electric vehicle has sufficient power to traverse the expected travel distance before the next battery charging cycle. Further optimization is achieved by setting at least one maximum speed limit based on vehicle efficiency and the state-of-charge (SOC) of the first and second battery packs.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2010Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Russell Kelty, Vineet Haresh Mehta, Jeffrey Brian Straubel
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Patent number: 8180512Abstract: A method of optimizing the operation of the power source of an electric vehicle is provided, where the power source is comprised of a first battery pack (e.g., a non-metal-air battery pack) and a second battery pack (e.g., a metal-air battery pack). The power source is optimized to minimize use of the least efficient battery pack (e.g., the second battery pack) while ensuring that the electric vehicle has sufficient power to traverse the expected travel distance before the next battery charging cycle. Further optimization is achieved by setting at least one acceleration limit based on vehicle efficiency and the state-of-charge (SOC) of the first and second battery packs.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2010Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Russell Kelty, Vineet Haresh Mehta, Jeffrey Brian Straubel
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Patent number: 8153290Abstract: One embodiment includes an electrical cell that includes a flat housing, at least one electrode and an electrically and heat conductive tab coupled to the electrode and extending through the housing for electrically and thermally coupling to a collector panel, the tab being capable of conducting both current and a substantial amount of heat out of the housing to a temperature control system. The cells may be stacked to form a battery having a temperature panel interfaced to the temperature control system by a thermal interface. The battery may propel an electrically-powered vehicle or the like.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2008Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Scott Ira Kohn, Kurt Russell Kelty, Clay Hajime Kishiyama, Anil Paryani, Alexander Thomas Jacobs, Grant Dufresne Cutler, Peng Zhou
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Publication number: 20120046815Abstract: A method for limiting the adverse effects of temperature on the electrical energy storage system (ESS) of an electric vehicle after the vehicle has been turned off is provided. In general, whether or not coolant is circulated through a coolant loop coupled to the ESS depends on the difference between the ambient temperature and a preset temperature, the preset temperature typically corresponding to the temperature of the ESS.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2011Publication date: February 23, 2012Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Scott Ira Kohn, Kurt Russell Kelty, Vineet Haresh Mehta, Jeffrey Brian Straubel
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Patent number: 8117857Abstract: A method and apparatus for actively cooling the battery pack of an electric vehicle after the vehicle has been turned off, thereby limiting the adverse effects of temperature on battery life, are provided. Different battery pack cooling techniques are provided, thus allowing the cooling technique used in a particular instance to be selected not only based on the thermal needs of the battery pack, but also on the thermal capacity and energy requirements of the selected approach.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2009Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Russell Kelty, Scott Ira Kohn, Weston Arthur Hermann, Clay Hajime Kishiyama
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Publication number: 20120041624Abstract: A power source comprised of a first battery pack (e.g., a non-metal-air battery pack) and a second battery pack (e.g., a metal-air battery pack) is provided, wherein the second battery pack is only used as required by the state-of-charge (SOC) of the first battery pack or as a result of the user selecting an extended range mode of operation. Minimizing use of the second battery pack prevents it from undergoing unnecessary, and potentially lifetime limiting, charge cycles. The second battery pack may be used to charge the first battery pack or used in combination with the first battery pack to supply operational power to the electric vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2010Publication date: February 16, 2012Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.Inventors: Sarah G. Stewart, Scott Ira Kohn, Kurt Russell Kelty, Jeffrey Brian Straubel
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Publication number: 20120041625Abstract: A method of optimizing the operation of the power source of an electric vehicle is provided, where the power source is comprised of a first battery pack (e.g., a non-metal-air battery pack) and a second battery pack (e.g., a metal-air battery pack). The power source is optimized to minimize use of the least efficient battery pack (e.g., the second battery pack) while ensuring that the electric vehicle has sufficient power to traverse the expected travel distance before the next battery charging cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2010Publication date: February 16, 2012Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.Inventors: Kurt Russell Kelty, Vineet Haresh Mehta, Jeffrey Brian Straubel
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Publication number: 20120038314Abstract: A power source comprised of a first battery pack (e.g., a non-metal-air battery pack) and a second battery pack (e.g., a metal-air battery pack) is provided, wherein the second battery pack is only used as required by the state-of-charge (SOC) of the first battery pack or as a result of the user selecting an extended range mode of operation. Minimizing use of the second battery pack prevents it from undergoing unnecessary, and potentially lifetime limiting, charge cycles. The second battery pack may be used to charge the first battery pack or used in combination with the first battery pack to supply operational power to the electric vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2010Publication date: February 16, 2012Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.Inventors: Sarah G. Stewart, Scott Ira Kohn, Kurt Russell Kelty, Jeffrey Brian Straubel
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Publication number: 20120041626Abstract: A method of optimizing the operation of the power source of an electric vehicle is provided, where the power source is comprised of a first battery pack (e.g., a non-metal-air battery pack) and a second battery pack (e.g., a metal-air battery pack). The power source is optimized to minimize use of the least efficient battery pack (e.g., the second battery pack) while ensuring that the electric vehicle has sufficient power to traverse the expected travel distance before the next battery charging cycle. Further optimization is achieved by setting at least one acceleration limit based on vehicle efficiency and the state-of-charge (SOC) of the first and second battery packs.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2010Publication date: February 16, 2012Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.Inventors: Kurt Russell Kelty, Vineet Haresh Mehta, Jeffrey Brian Straubel
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Publication number: 20120041627Abstract: A method of optimizing the operation of the power source of an electric vehicle is provided, where the power source is comprised of a first battery pack (e.g., a non-metal-air battery pack) and a second battery pack (e.g., a metal-air battery pack). The power source is optimized to minimize use of the least efficient battery pack (e.g., the second battery pack) while ensuring that the electric vehicle has sufficient power to traverse the expected travel distance before the next battery charging cycle. Further optimization is achieved by setting at least one maximum speed limit based on vehicle efficiency and the state-of-charge (SOC) of the first and second battery packs.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2010Publication date: February 16, 2012Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.Inventors: Kurt Russell Kelty, Vineet Haresh Mehta, Jeffrey Brian Straubel
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Publication number: 20120021258Abstract: A method for actively cooling the battery pack of an electric vehicle after the vehicle has been turned off, thereby limiting the adverse effects of temperature on battery life, is provided. Different battery pack cooling techniques are provided, thus allowing the cooling technique used in a particular instance to be selected not only based on the thermal needs of the battery pack, but also on the thermal capacity and energy requirements of the selected approach.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.Inventors: Kurt Russell Kelty, Scott Ira Kohn, Weston Arthur Hermann, Clay Hajime Kishiyama
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Patent number: 8082743Abstract: A method and apparatus for limiting the adverse effects of temperature on the electrical energy storage system (ESS) of an electric vehicle after the vehicle has been turned off are provided. In general, whether or not coolant is circulated through a coolant loop coupled to the ESS depends on the difference between the ambient temperature and a preset temperature, the preset temperature typically corresponding to the temperature of the ESS.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2009Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Scott Ira Kohn, Kurt Russell Kelty, Vineet Haresh Mehta, Jeffrey Brian Straubel