Patents by Inventor Kurt Russell
Kurt Russell 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).
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Patent number: 8054038Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing the level of battery charging required by an electric vehicle is provided. The system includes an interface for the user to input various travel parameters, such as a travel itinerary, which is then used by the battery charging system during charge optimization. In addition to a travel itinerary, the system may be configured to take into account departure times, road conditions, traffic conditions and weather conditions in determining miles to be traveled as well as the electrical energy per mile conversion factors to be used during optimization.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2009Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Russell Kelty, Scott Ira Kohn
-
Publication number: 20100316894Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2009Publication date: December 16, 2010Applicant: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Scott Ira Kohn, Clay Hajime Kishiyama, Kurt Russell Kelty, Jeffrey Brian Straubel, Vineet Haresh Mehta
-
Publication number: 20100212339Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2009Publication date: August 26, 2010Applicant: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Russell Kelty, Scott Ira Kohn, Weston Arthur Hermann, Clay Hajime Kishiyama
-
Publication number: 20100212338Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2009Publication date: August 26, 2010Applicant: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Scott Ira Kohn, Kurt Russell Kelty, Vineet Haresh Mehta, Jeffrey Brian Straubel
-
Patent number: 7782021Abstract: One embodiment of the present subject matter includes a system that includes a battery, an electric vehicle, the battery coupled to the electric vehicle to propel the electric vehicle, and a charging circuit to charge the battery. The embodiment includes a charging cost circuit to estimate a charging cost rate and to turn on the charging circuit. The embodiment also includes a timer circuit to provide a time signal to the charging cost circuit. The embodiment is configured such that the charging cost circuit is to turn on the charging circuit during a first time period in which the charging cost rate is below a first threshold until the battery reaches a first energy stored level, and to turn on the charging circuit during a second time period in which the charging cost rate is above the first threshold.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2007Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Russell Kelty, Eugene Michael Berdichevsky
-
Publication number: 20100211242Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2008Publication date: August 19, 2010Inventors: Kurt Russell Kelty, Scott Ira Kohn, Weston Arthur Hermann, Jeffrey Brian Straubel
-
Publication number: 20100188043Abstract: A method and apparatus that allows the end user to control the charging system, and in particular the battery pack charging level, of an all-electric or hybrid vehicle based on expected use is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2009Publication date: July 29, 2010Applicant: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Russell Kelty, Scott Ira Kohn
-
Patent number: 7741816Abstract: Some embodiments include a system, that includes an electric motor coupled to propel an electrical vehicle, a battery coupled to power the motor, a preheating system coupled to preheat the battery, a battery temperature comparator to compare a temperature of the battery to a target preheated temperature and to provide a battery below temperature signal when the battery temperature is below a specified temperature, a control circuit to determine the time remaining prior to a scheduled drive start time and to provide a preheating enable signal during a target time interval prior to the scheduled drive start time and a further control circuit to operate the preheating system in response to the battery below temperature signal and the preheating enable signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2008Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Russell Kelty, Weston Arthur Hermann, Eugene Michael Berdichevsky
-
Publication number: 20100136402Abstract: A sealed battery enclosure to extend the life of the batteries contained therein is provided, the sealed battery enclosure significantly reducing contamination from water or other liquids and gases.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2009Publication date: June 3, 2010Applicant: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Scott Ira Kohn, Kurt Russell Kelty, Vineet Haresh Mehta, Clay Hajime Kishiyama
-
Publication number: 20100136407Abstract: The adverse effects of the dielectric material covering the lateral outer surface of a conventional battery are eliminated by replacing it with a dielectric barrier that covers less than 20 percent of the lateral outer surface of the cell case; more preferably less than 15 percent of the lateral outer surface of the cell case; still more preferably less than 10 percent of the lateral outer surface of the cell case; and yet still more preferably less than 5 percent of the lateral outer surface of the cell case. The dielectric barrier may be shrunk-fit, bonded, friction-fit or otherwise held in place. An electrically insulating disk may be interposed between the dielectric barrier and the end edge portion of the cell case.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2009Publication date: June 3, 2010Applicant: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: William Vucich Beecher, Weston Arthur Hermann, Paul Bryan Kreiner, Ernest Matthew Villanueva, Kurt Russell Kelty