Patents by Inventor Moritz Boecker
Moritz Boecker 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: 11173829Abstract: A lighting system of a vehicle may include light units and controllers for operating the light units. Each light unit is multifunctional in that the light unit may operate in various modes, which may be invoked at different times under varying circumstances. A light unit on the first end of a vehicle may operate as a headlight if the first end is the front end of the vehicle. On the other hand, the light unit may operate as a tail light if the first end is the rear end of the vehicle. Furthermore, the light unit may operate as a turn signal in either direction or brake light while the first end is the rear end of the vehicle. The light unit includes a lens array positioned to receive light from various light sources. The lighting system may operate in a fashion that allows for lighting redundancy on each end of the vehicle in the event of a lighting controller failure.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2019Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: Zoox, Inc.Inventors: Moritz Boecker, Chang Gi Samuel Hong, Collin MacGregor
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Patent number: 11130412Abstract: A system for charging a battery carried by a vehicle may include a charging box for coupling to a vehicle chassis and including interface electrical contacts electrically coupled to the battery. The system may also include a charge coupler including coupler electrical contacts for electrically coupling to the interface electrical contacts from under the vehicle and configured to be coupled to an electrical power supply. The charging box may include an interface activation surface, and the charge coupler may include a housing for enclosing the coupler electrical contacts and including a base for supporting the coupler electrical contacts, a coupler activation surface opposite the base, an opening, and a door configured to open the opening to expose the coupler electrical contacts as the interface activation surface contacts the coupler activation surface and moves the coupler activation surface toward the base.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2018Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: Zoox, Inc.Inventors: Moritz Boecker, Bryan Emrys Booth, Timothy David Kentley-Klay, Richard Luke Osellame, Christopher John Stoffel
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Publication number: 20210213838Abstract: A vehicle can include a battery architecture configured to provide electrical power to motors, accessories, and other components of the vehicle. The architecture can include a controller coupled to multiple battery units. Each battery unit can include a battery and a battery management system. Additionally, each battery unit can be coupled to a controller and to other battery units. Through the use of redundant coupling and redundant data transmitted to and from the controller, battery units, and other components, the architecture can detect a fault and continue to operate while providing an indication of the fault.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2021Publication date: July 15, 2021Inventors: Kyle Matthew Foley, Robert Alan Ng, Moritz Boecker, Chong Zhang Tao, Vincent Richard Tannahill, Efren Alonzo Cabebe, Derek Redfern
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Patent number: 11034254Abstract: A system for charging one or more batteries of a vehicle may include a charging box mounted to a vehicle to facilitate connection to a charge coupler from under the vehicle. The charge coupler may be configured to provide an electrical connection between an electrical power source and the charging box. A vehicle including the charging box may maneuver to a position above the charge coupler, after which electrical contacts of the charging box and the charge coupler may be brought into contact with one another. The charge coupler and/or the charging box may be configured to provide electrical communication between the electrical power source and the one or more batteries, so that the electrical power source may charge one or more of the batteries. Thereafter, the electrical contacts may be separated from one another, and the vehicle may maneuver away from the charge coupler.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2017Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: Zoox, Inc.Inventors: Bryan Emrys Booth, Moritz Boecker, Kyle Matthew Foley, Robert Alan Ng, Da Liu, Timothy David Kentley-Klay
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Publication number: 20210175569Abstract: A battery pack for a vehicle electrical system includes a casing for receiving one or more battery modules. The battery modules are insertable into a casing of the battery pack by sliding couplers along pairs of rails and are securable to the ends of the rails. After insertion, the rails thermally insulate one battery module from other battery modules coupled to the casing. In some examples, a first stiffness or a first mechanical frequency of the casing with the one or more battery modules inserted may differ from a second stiffness or a second mechanical frequency associated with a body of a vehicle or another component associated therewith by a threshold amount. Additionally, the casing may be configured with vents for venting the hot gases, such as those generated by a battery module in a thermal runaway event.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2021Publication date: June 10, 2021Inventors: Robert Alan Ng, Moritz Boecker, Kyle Matthew Foley, Jason Jaspreet Singh Haer, David Sands
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Publication number: 20210114536Abstract: An electrical system can include a power supply configured to provide electrical power to components at a time at which the electrical system experiences an electrical fault. The electrical system can include a first battery electrically coupled in parallel to a second battery via an electrical bus, whereby the first and second batteries can provide electrical power to a first electrical load and a second electrical load. Upon experiencing a fault, a first circuit element can electrically decouple the first battery and the second battery by opening a circuit provided by the electrical bus, thereby isolating the first battery from the second battery. Next, the battery experiencing the fault can include a second circuit element that can electrically decouple the battery experiencing the fault from a respective electrical load, while the battery isolated from the fault can continue to provide electrical power to components.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2020Publication date: April 22, 2021Inventors: Moritz Boecker, Robert Ng, Kyle Matthew Foley, Bryan Booth, Timothy David Kentley-Klay
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Patent number: 10985352Abstract: A battery pack for a vehicle electrical system includes a casing for receiving one or more battery modules. The battery modules are insertable into a casing of the battery pack by sliding couplers along pairs of rails and are securable to the ends of the rails. After insertion, the rails thermally insulate one battery module from other battery modules in the battery pack. Additionally, the battery modules may include a top cover with an insulating material to further thermally insulate one battery module from another battery module. The battery pack may additionally be configured with vents for venting the hot gases, such as those generated by a battery module in a thermal runaway event. Additionally, the battery modules may include a second insulating material disposed between cells and configured to thermally insulate the cells from one another.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2018Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: Zoox, Inc.Inventors: Robert Alan Ng, Moritz Boecker, Kyle Matthew Foley, Jason Jaspreet Singh Haer, David Sands
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Patent number: 10960776Abstract: A vehicle can include a battery architecture configured to provide electrical power to motors, accessories, and other components of the vehicle. The architecture can include a controller coupled to multiple battery units. Each battery unit can include a battery and a battery management system. Additionally, each battery unit can be coupled to a controller and to other battery units. Through the use of redundant coupling and redundant data transmitted to and from the controller, battery units, and other components, the architecture can detect a fault and continue to operate while providing an indication of the fault.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2018Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: Zoox, Inc.Inventors: Kyle Matthew Foley, Robert Alan Ng, Moritz Boecker, Chong Zhang Tao, Vincent Richard Tannahill, Efren Alonzo Cabebe, Derek Redfern
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Patent number: 10916758Abstract: A battery pack for a vehicle electrical system configured with high-voltage bus bars. A positive bus bar and a negative bus bar may provide power generated by the battery pack to a drive module of the vehicle, to power one or more components of the vehicle. The drive module may additionally couple to high-voltage positive and negative bus bars. The high-voltage bus bars may be configured to provide additional power to the drive module from another battery pack, such as via a battery balance box. Additionally, the high-voltage bus bars may be configured to carry excess power from the drive module to another drive module associated with the vehicle via the battery balance box. The high-voltage bus bars may be configured to de-energize in the event of a thermal runaway or other failure of a battery module of the associated battery pack.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2018Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: Zoox, Inc.Inventors: Robert Alan Ng, Moritz Boecker, Kyle Matthew Foley, Jason Jaspreet Singh Haer, David Sands
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Publication number: 20200406767Abstract: A system for charging one or more batteries of a vehicle may include a charging box mounted to a vehicle to facilitate connection to a charge coupler from under the vehicle. The charge coupler may be configured to provide an electrical connection between an electrical power source and the charging box. A vehicle including the charging box may maneuver to a position above the charge coupler, after which electrical contacts of the charging box and the charge coupler may be brought into contact with one another. The charge coupler and/or the charging box may be configured to provide electrical communication between the electrical power source and the one or more batteries, so that the electrical power source may charge one or more of the batteries. Thereafter, the electrical contacts may be separated from one another, and the vehicle may maneuver away from the charge coupler.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2020Publication date: December 31, 2020Inventors: Bryan Emrys Booth, Moritz Boecker, Kyle Matthew Foley, Da Liu, Timothy David Kentley-Klay, Robert Alan Ng
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Patent number: 10829066Abstract: An electrical system can include a power supply configured to provide electrical power to components at a time at which the electrical system experiences an electrical fault. The electrical system can include a first battery electrically coupled in parallel to a second battery via an electrical bus, whereby the first and second batteries can provide electrical power to a first electrical load and a second electrical load. Upon experiencing a fault, a first circuit element can electrically decouple the first battery and the second battery by opening a circuit provided by the electrical bus, thereby isolating the first battery from the second battery. Next, the battery experiencing the fault can include a second circuit element that can electrically decouple the battery experiencing the fault from a respective electrical load, while the battery isolated from the fault can continue to provide electrical power to components.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2017Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: Zoox, Inc.Inventors: Moritz Boecker, Bryan Booth, Kyle Matthew Foley, Robert Ng, Timothy David Kentley-Klay
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Patent number: 10682921Abstract: A system for charging one or more batteries of a vehicle may include a charging box mounted to a vehicle to facilitate connection to a charge coupler from under the vehicle. The charge coupler may be configured to provide an electrical connection between an electrical power source and the charging box. A vehicle including the charging box may maneuver to a position above the charge coupler, after which electrical contacts of the charging box and the charge coupler may be brought into contact with one another. The charge coupler and/or the charging box may be configured to provide electrical communication between the electrical power source and the one or more batteries, so that the electrical power source may charge one or more of the batteries. Thereafter, the electrical contacts may be separated from one another, and the vehicle may maneuver away from the charge coupler.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2017Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: Zoox, Inc.Inventors: Bryan Emrys Booth, Moritz Boecker, Robert Alan Ng, Kyle Matthew Foley, Da Liu, Timothy David Kentley-Klay
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Publication number: 20200185671Abstract: A battery pack for a vehicle electrical system includes a casing for receiving one or more battery modules. The battery modules are insertable into a casing of the battery pack by sliding couplers along pairs of rails and are securable to the ends of the rails. After insertion, the rails thermally insulate one battery module from other battery modules in the battery pack. Additionally, the battery modules may include a top cover with an insulating material to further thermally insulate one battery module from another battery module. The battery pack may additionally be configured with vents for venting the hot gases, such as those generated by a battery module in a thermal runaway event. Additionally, the battery modules may include a second insulating material disposed between cells and configured to thermally insulate the cells from one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2018Publication date: June 11, 2020Inventors: Robert Alan Ng, Moritz Boecker, Kyle Matthew Foley, Jason Jaspreet Singh Haer, David Sands
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Publication number: 20200185686Abstract: A battery pack for a vehicle electrical system configured with high-voltage bus bars. A positive bus bar and a negative bus bar may provide power generated by the battery pack to a drive module of the vehicle, to power one or more components of the vehicle. The drive module may additionally couple to high-voltage positive and negative bus bars. The high-voltage bus bars may be configured to provide additional power to the drive module from another battery pack, such as via a battery balance box. Additionally, the high-voltage bus bars may be configured to carry excess power from the drive module to another drive module associated with the vehicle via the battery balance box. The high-voltage bus bars may be configured to de-energize in the event of a thermal runaway or other failure of a battery module of the associated battery pack.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2018Publication date: June 11, 2020Inventors: Robert Alan Ng, Moritz Boecker, Kyle Matthew Foley, Jason Jaspreet Singh Haer, David Sands
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Publication number: 20200180605Abstract: An electronic braking system with independent antilock braking and stability control. The system can utilize a variety of electro-mechanical actuators to apply clamping force to a mechanical brake caliper. The system can include a caliper electronic control unit (CECU) and a wheel speed sensor at each wheel of the vehicle to enable independent slip control, or antilock braking, at each wheel. A separate executive management unit (EMU) can receive data from each electronic caliper, vehicle accelerometers, and other sensors to provide electronic stability control (ESC) independent of antilock braking (ABS) functions. The removal of a conventional master cylinder, brake pedal, ABS pump, brake lines, and other components can reduce weight and complexity. The elimination of hydraulic lines running to a central ABS module and master cylinder can enable modular drive units to be swapped out more quickly and efficiently.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2020Publication date: June 11, 2020Inventors: Moritz Boecker, Ryan O'Leary Flatland, Paul Choin
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Publication number: 20200180448Abstract: A system for charging a battery carried by a vehicle may include a charging box for coupling to a vehicle chassis and including interface electrical contacts electrically coupled to the battery. The system may also include a charge coupler including coupler electrical contacts for electrically coupling to the interface electrical contacts from under the vehicle and configured to be coupled to an electrical power supply. The charging box may include an interface activation surface, and the charge coupler may include a housing for enclosing the coupler electrical contacts and including a base for supporting the coupler electrical contacts, a coupler activation surface opposite the base, an opening, and a door configured to open the opening to expose the coupler electrical contacts as the interface activation surface contacts the coupler activation surface and moves the coupler activation surface toward the base.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2018Publication date: June 11, 2020Inventors: Moritz Boecker, Bryan Emrys Booth, Timothy David Kentley-Klay, Richard Luke Osellame, Christopher John Stoffel
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Patent number: 10589738Abstract: An electronic braking system with independent antilock braking and stability control. The system can utilize a variety of electro-mechanical actuators to apply clamping force to a mechanical brake caliper. The system can include a caliper electronic control unit (CECU) and a wheel speed sensor at each wheel of the vehicle to enable independent slip control, or antilock braking, at each wheel. A separate executive management unit (EMU) can receive data from each electronic caliper, vehicle accelerometers, and other sensors to provide electronic stability control (ESC) independent of antilock braking (ABS) functions. The removal of a conventional master cylinder, brake pedal, ABS pump, brake lines, and other components can reduce weight and complexity. The elimination of hydraulic lines running to a central ABS module and master cylinder can enable modular drive units to be swapped out more quickly and efficiently.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2017Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: Zoox, Inc.Inventors: Moritz Boecker, Ryan O'Leary Flatland, Paul Choin
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Publication number: 20200055407Abstract: A vehicle can include a battery architecture configured to provide electrical power to motors, accessories, and other components of the vehicle. The architecture can include a controller coupled to multiple battery units. Each battery unit can include a battery and a battery management system. Additionally, each battery unit can be coupled to a controller and to other battery units. Through the use of redundant coupling and redundant data transmitted to and from the controller, battery units, and other components, the architecture can detect a fault and continue to operate while providing an indication of the fault.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2018Publication date: February 20, 2020Inventors: Kyle Matthew Foley, Robert Alan Ng, Moritz Boecker, Chong Zhang Tao, Vincent Richard Tannahill, Efren Alonzo Cabebe, Derek Redfern
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Publication number: 20190371093Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses described herein are directed to vehicle self-diagnostics. For example, a vehicle can include sensors monitoring vehicle components, for perceiving objects and obstacles in an environment, and for navigating the vehicle to a destination. Data from these and other sensors can be leveraged to determine a behavior associated with the vehicle. Based at least in part on determining the behavior, a vehicle can determine a fault and query one or more information sources associated with the vehicle to diagnose the fault. Based on diagnosing the fault, the vehicle can determine instructions for redressing the fault. The vehicle can diagnose the fault in near-real time, that is, while driving or otherwise in the field.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2019Publication date: December 5, 2019Inventors: Johannes Edren, Moritz Boecker, Joseph Funke
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Patent number: 10395444Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses described herein are directed to vehicle self-diagnostics. For example, a vehicle can include sensors monitoring vehicle components, for perceiving objects and obstacles in an environment, and for navigating the vehicle to a destination. Data from these and other sensors can be leveraged to determine a behavior associated with the vehicle. Based at least in part on determining the behavior, a vehicle can determine a fault and query one or more information sources associated with the vehicle to diagnose the fault. Based on diagnosing the fault, the vehicle can determine instructions for redressing the fault. The vehicle can diagnose the fault in near-real time, that is, while driving or otherwise in the field.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2017Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: Zoox, Inc.Inventors: Johannes Edren, Moritz Boecker, Joseph Funke