Patents by Inventor Robert S. Conell

Robert S. Conell 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: 9475481
    Abstract: A powertrain includes a motor-generator and an auxiliary electric system. The powertrain also includes a first energy storage device disposed in a parallel electrical relationship with a motor-generator and an auxiliary electric system. Additionally, the powertrain includes a first switching device selectively transitionable between a first open state to electrically disconnect the first energy storage device from at least one of the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system, and a first closed state to electrically connect the first energy storage device to at least one of the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system. The motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system are operable regardless of the first switching device being in the first open and closed states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan G. Holmes, Venkata Prasad Atluri, Chandra S. Namuduri, Robert S. Conell, Michael G. Reynolds, Thomas Wolfgang Nehl, Bob R. Powell, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Publication number: 20160257190
    Abstract: A powertrain includes a motor-generator and an auxiliary electric system. The powertrain also includes a first energy storage device disposed in a parallel electrical relationship with a motor-generator and an auxiliary electric system. Additionally, the powertrain includes a first switching device selectively transitionable between a first open state to electrically disconnect the first energy storage device from at least one of the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system, and a first closed state to electrically connect the first energy storage device to at least one of the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system. The motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system are operable regardless of the first switching device being in the first open and closed states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alan G. Holmes, Venkata Prasad Atluri, Chandra S. Namuduri, Robert S. Conell, Michael G. Reynolds, Thomas Wolfgang Nehl, Bob R. Powell, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Patent number: 9370992
    Abstract: A powertrain for a vehicle is disclosed. The powertrain includes an engine, a motor-generator and a starter mechanism. The powertrain also includes a first energy storage device disposed in a parallel electrical relationship with a motor-generator and an auxiliary electric system. Additionally, the powertrain includes a first switching device selectively transitionable between a first open state to electrically disconnect the first energy storage device from at least one of the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system, and a first closed state to electrically connect the first energy storage device to at least one of the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system. Electrical communication between the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system is independent of the first switching device being in the first open and closed states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan G. Holmes, Venkata Prasad Atluri, Chandra S. Namuduri, Robert S. Conell, Michael G. Reynolds, Thomas Wolfgang Nehl, Bob R. Powell, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Patent number: 9281703
    Abstract: Methods and systems for depowering a rechargeable battery in a rapid, yet controlled, manner. The methods comprise (i) providing a depowering medium comprising expanded graphite (and optionally, one or more dispersible non-ionic electric conductors) dispersed in a substantially non-ionic aqueous medium; (ii) contacting terminals of the battery with the depowering medium; and (iii) maintaining contact between the depowering medium and terminals for a period of time sufficient to depower the battery. The systems comprise (i) the depowering medium; and (ii) a container configured to receive a battery and the depowering medium such that the battery body is contacted with the depowering medium prior to the terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud H. Abd Elhamid, Tao Xie, Tao Wang, Ramona Y. Ying, Robert S. Conell
  • Publication number: 20150258881
    Abstract: A powertrain for a vehicle is disclosed. The powertrain includes an engine, a motor-generator and a starter mechanism. The powertrain also includes a first energy storage device disposed in a parallel electrical relationship with a motor-generator and an auxiliary electric system. Additionally, the powertrain includes a first switching device selectively transitionable between a first open state to electrically disconnect the first energy storage device from at least one of the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system, and a first closed state to electrically connect the first energy storage device to at least one of the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system. Electrical communication between the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system is independent of the first switching device being in the first open and closed states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alan G. Holmes, Venkata Prasad Atluri, Chandra S. Namuduri, Robert S. Conell, Michael G. Reynolds, Thomas Wolfgang Nehl, Bob R. Powell, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Patent number: 8836280
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining a state of charge of a battery. The battery is subjected to a predetermined magnetic field such that the battery and the predetermined magnetic field jointly create a resultant magnetic field. The resultant magnetic field is sensed. The state of charge of the battery is determined based on the resultant magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Brian J. Koch, Robert S. Conell, Mark W. Verbrugge, Gregory P. Meisner
  • Patent number: 8581543
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining a state of charge of a battery. The battery is subjected to a predetermined magnetic field such that the battery and the predetermined magnetic field jointly create a resultant magnetic field. The resultant magnetic field is sensed. The state of charge of the battery is determined based on the resultant magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Brian J. Koch, Robert S. Conell, Mark W. Verbrugge, Gregory P. Meisner
  • Publication number: 20120315531
    Abstract: A battery component includes electrochemical cells with positive and negative terminals of different metals within a sealed enclosure. A positive terminal and a negative terminal of substantially the same material extend outside the sealed enclosure. The battery component provided enables battery construction which reduces or eliminates exposed welds of different metals. A battery assembly with exposed interconnecting members of the same metal is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Leonid C. Lev, Robert S. Conell, David E. Delaat
  • Publication number: 20120215471
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining a state of charge of a battery. A magnetic force between the battery and a magnet is detected. The state of charge of the battery is determined based on the detected magnetic force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Brian J. Koch, Robert S. Conell
  • Patent number: 8212519
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining a state of charge of a battery. The battery is subjected to a predetermined magnetic field such that the battery and the predetermined magnetic field jointly create a resultant magnetic field. The resultant magnetic field is sensed. The state of charge of the battery is determined based on the resultant magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Brian J. Koch, Robert S. Conell, Mark W. Verbrugge, Gregory P. Meisner
  • Publication number: 20120161757
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining a state of charge of a battery. The battery is subjected to a predetermined magnetic field such that the battery and the predetermined magnetic field jointly create a resultant magnetic field. The resultant magnetic field is sensed. The state of charge of the battery is determined based on the resultant magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Brian J. KOCH, Robert S. CONELL, Mark W. VERBRUGGE, Gregory P. MEISNER
  • Publication number: 20120161776
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining a state of charge of a battery. The battery is subjected to a predetermined magnetic field such that the battery and the predetermined magnetic field jointly create a resultant magnetic field. The resultant magnetic field is sensed. The state of charge of the battery is determined based on the resultant magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Brian J. Koch, Robert S. Conell, Mark W. Verbrugge, Gregory P. Meisner
  • Patent number: 8198864
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining a state of charge of a battery. A magnetic force between the battery and a magnet is detected. The state of charge of the battery is determined based on the detected magnetic force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Brian J. Koch, Robert S. Conell
  • Publication number: 20110166811
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining a state of charge of a battery. The battery is subjected to a predetermined magnetic field such that the battery and the predetermined magnetic field jointly create a resultant magnetic field. The resultant magnetic field is sensed. The state of charge of the battery is determined based on the resultant magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Brian J. KOCH, Robert S. CONELL, Mark W. VERBRUGGE, Gregory P. MEISNER
  • Patent number: 7928690
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining a state of charge of a battery. The battery is subjected to a predetermined magnetic field such that the battery and the predetermined magnetic field jointly create a resultant magnetic field. The resultant magnetic field is sensed. The state of charge of the battery is determined based on the resultant magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Brian J. Koch, Robert S. Conell, Mark W. Verbrugge, Gregory P. Meisner
  • Patent number: 7646166
    Abstract: A method for determining a diffusion voltage in an electrochemical cell (e.g., a battery used in connection with an automotive vehicle) includes estimating a previous diffusion voltage, calculating a new diffusion voltage using an equation based on a diffusion circuit model and the previous diffusion voltage, and setting the previous diffusion voltage equal to the new diffusion voltage. The step of calculating the new diffusion voltage may then be repeated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Koch, Damon R. Frisch, Robert S. Conell
  • Publication number: 20090140742
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining a state of charge of a battery. The battery is subjected to a predetermined magnetic field such that the battery and the predetermined magnetic field jointly create a resultant magnetic field. The resultant magnetic field is sensed. The state of charge of the battery is determined based on the resultant magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: BRIAN J. KOCH, ROBERT S. CONELL, MARK W. VERBRUGGE, GREGORY P. MEISNER
  • Publication number: 20090115420
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining a state of charge of a battery. A magnetic force between the battery and a magnet is detected. The state of charge of the battery is determined based on the detected magnetic force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: BRIAN J. KOCH, ROBERT S. CONELL
  • Publication number: 20080135316
    Abstract: A method for determining a diffusion voltage in an electrochemical cell (e.g., a battery used in connection with an automotive vehicle) includes estimating a previous diffusion voltage, calculating a new diffusion voltage using an equation based on a diffusion circuit model and the previous diffusion voltage, and setting the previous diffusion voltage equal to the new diffusion voltage. The step of calculating the new diffusion voltage may then be repeated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Brian J. Koch, Damon R. Frisch, Robert S. Conell