Patents by Inventor Scott Ira Kohn
Scott Ira Kohn 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: 20140152259Abstract: A system and method for identifying and responding to exceptional charge events of series-connected energy storage elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2012Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Francisco LePort, Scott Ira Kohn
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Patent number: 8659270Abstract: An overcharge protection device (OPD) is provided that may be used alone, or in combination with conventional charging protection systems, to protect a battery pack from the occurrence of a potentially damaging overcharging event. The OPD is designed to be coupled to, and interposed between, the terminals of the battery pack. During normal system operation, the OPD has no effect on the operation of the charging system or the battery pack. During an overcharging event, if overcharging is not prevented by another conventional system, the OPD of the invention creates a short across the terminals of the battery pack causing a battery pack fuse designed to provide battery pack short circuit protection to blow, thereby interrupting the current path from the charger to the battery pack and preventing the battery pack from being overcharged.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2010Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Scott Ira Kohn, Philip David Cole, Nicholas Robert Kalayjian
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Patent number: 8627860Abstract: A fuel delivery system and method of use are provided that may be used to open the door covering the charge port of an electric vehicle, or the door covering the fuel filler port of a conventional vehicle. The system includes a fuel coupler (e.g., a charging connector or a gas nozzle) designed to transfer fuel from the source to the vehicle via the vehicle's fuel port. The fuel coupler includes a switch that when toggled, causes a control signal to be wirelessly transmitted over a short distance. Upon receipt of the control signal by a receiver integrated into a vehicle that is in close proximity to the fuel port, an unlatching actuator within the vehicle unlatches the port door, thereby allowing it to open and provide port access.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2012Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Joshua Willard Ferguson, Daryl Zalan, Andrew Dai, Troy Adam Nergaard, Nicholas Robert Kalayjian, Scott Ira Kohn
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Patent number: 8627534Abstract: A contamination cleaner for a socket of a charging connector used with a charging station for an electric vehicle wherein the charging connector mates to a charging coupler of the electric vehicle during charging includes a housing mechanically configured generally similarly to the charging coupler enabling the housing to mechanically mate to the charging connector; and a cleaning contact, coupled to the housing and complementary to the socket, for engaging the socket and removing surface contaminants from the socket whenever the housing mechanically mates to the charging connector.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2011Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Hugo Van Dyke, Scott Ira Kohn, Vineet Haresh Mehta, Troy A. Nergaard
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Patent number: 8618775Abstract: A controller identifies a condition of a hazardous internal short by comparing patterns of series element voltages to the last known balance condition of the series elements. If the loaded or resting voltage of one or more contiguous series elements uniformly drop from the previously known condition by an amount consistent with an over-current condition, an over-current internal short circuit fault is registered. The desired response is to prevent the affected series elements from heating to a hazardous temperature by summoning the maximum heat rejection capability of the system until the short ceases and the affected elements cool, the cooling function is no longer able to operate due to low voltage, or the affected series string has drained all of its energy through the short. Also includes are responses that allow the battery pack to continue to power the cooling system even though it may enter an over-discharged state.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2012Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Scott Ira Kohn
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Patent number: 8555659Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 1, 2011Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: 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: 8557415Abstract: A thermal management system is provided that minimizes the effects of thermal runaway within a battery pack. The system is comprised of a sealed battery pack enclosure configured to hold a plurality of batteries, where the battery pack enclosure is divided into a plurality of sealed battery pack compartments. The system also includes a plurality of battery venting assemblies, where at least one battery venting assembly is integrated into each of the sealed battery pack compartments, and where each of the battery venting assemblies includes an exhaust port integrated into an outer wall of the battery pack compartment and a valve, the valve being configured to seal the exhaust port under normal operating conditions and to unseal the exhaust port when at least one of the batteries within the battery pack compartment enters into thermal runaway.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2012Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas Hayden Herron, Scott Ira Kohn, Weston Arthur Hermann, Andrew Hill Leutheuser, Jeffrey C. Weintraub, Dustin Grace, Bruce Philip Edwards, Nicolas Verzeni, Joseph Mardall
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Patent number: 8541126Abstract: A battery pack is provided that includes one or more thermal barrier elements, the thermal barrier elements dividing the cells within the battery pack into groups of cells. The thermal barrier elements that separate the cells into groups prevent a thermal runaway event initiated in one group of cells from propagating to the cells within a neighboring group of cells.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2009Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Scott Ira Kohn, Vineet Haresh Mehta, David G. Beck
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Patent number: 8539990Abstract: A port door unlatching system is provided that may be used to open the door covering the charge port of an electric vehicle, or the door covering the fuel filler port of a conventional vehicle. The system includes a fuel delivery subsystem with a fuel coupler (e.g., a charging connector or a gas nozzle) designed to transfer fuel from the source to the vehicle via the vehicle's fuel port. The fuel coupler includes a switch that when toggled, causes a control signal to be wirelessly transmitted over a short distance. Upon receipt of the control signal by a receiver integrated into a vehicle that is in close proximity to the fuel port, an unlatching actuator within the vehicle unlatches the port door, thereby allowing it to open and provide port access.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2012Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Joshua Willard Ferguson, Daryl Zalan, Andrew Dai, Troy Adam Nergaard, Nicholas Robert Kalayjian, Scott Ira Kohn
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Publication number: 20130221928Abstract: A method of setting the operational mode of an electric vehicle is provided, where the operational mode is selected from a plurality of operational modes that include at least a Battery Life mode and a Standard mode, wherein the Battery Life mode is configured to select operating and charging parameters that emphasize battery health and battery life over vehicle range and/or vehicle performance. The system includes a thermal management system for maintaining the vehicle's battery pack to within any of a plurality of temperature ranges, and a charging system for charging the vehicle's battery pack to any of a plurality of minimum and maximum SOC levels and at any of a plurality of charging rates.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2012Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.Inventors: Kurt Russell Kelty, Weston Arthur Hermann, Scott Ira Kohn, Clay Hajime Kishiyama, Vineet Haresh Mehta, Sarah G. Stewart
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Publication number: 20130221916Abstract: A multi-mode operating system for an electric vehicle is provided, the system including means for a user to select a preferred mode of operation from a plurality of operational modes that include at least a Battery Life mode and a Standard mode, wherein the Battery Life mode is configured to select operating and charging parameters that emphasize battery health and battery life over vehicle range and/or vehicle performance. The system includes a thermal management system for maintaining the vehicle's battery pack to within any of a plurality of temperature ranges, and a charging system for charging the vehicle's battery pack to any of a plurality of minimum and maximum SOC levels and at any of a plurality of charging rates.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2012Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.Inventors: Kurt Russell Kelty, Weston Arthur Hermann, Scott Ira Kohn, Clay Hajime Kishiyama, Vineet Haresh Mehta, Sarah G. Stewart
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Publication number: 20130179012Abstract: A controller identifies a condition of a hazardous internal short by comparing patterns of series element voltages to the last known balance condition of the series elements. If the loaded or resting voltage of one or more contiguous series elements uniformly drop from the previously known condition by an amount consistent with an over-current condition, an over-current internal short circuit fault is registered. The desired response is to prevent the affected series elements from heating to a hazardous temperature by summoning the maximum heat rejection capability of the system until the short ceases and the affected elements cool, the cooling function is no longer able to operate due to low voltage, or the affected series string has drained all of its energy through the short. Also includes are responses that allow the battery pack to continue to power the cooling system even though it may enter an over-discharged state.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2012Publication date: July 11, 2013Applicant: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Scott Ira Kohn
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Patent number: 8471521Abstract: 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: June 25, 2013Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Sarah G. Stewart, Scott Ira Kohn, Kurt Russell Kelty, Jeffrey Brian Straubel
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Patent number: 8463480Abstract: 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 cycles an engine/generator system on/off between a first level and a second level, where the second level is higher than the first level. In a second operational mode, the state of charge circuit cycles the engine/generator system on/off between a third level and a fourth level. After the fourth state of charge has been reached once, the state of charge circuit cycles the engine/generator system on/off between a fifth level and the fourth level, where the fifth level is higher than the third level and lower than the fourth level, and where the fourth level is lower than both the first and second levels.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2012Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Russell Kelty, Scott Ira Kohn, Weston Arthur Hermann, Jeffrey Brian Straubel
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Patent number: 8463481Abstract: 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 the second level, where the third level is lower than both the first and second levels.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2012Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Russell Kelty, Scott Ira Kohn, Weston Arthur Hermann, Jeffrey Brian Straubel
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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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Publication number: 20130074411Abstract: A fuel delivery system and method of use are provided that may be used to open the door covering the charge port of an electric vehicle, or the door covering the fuel filler port of a conventional vehicle. The system includes a fuel coupler (e.g., a charging connector or a gas nozzle) designed to transfer fuel from the source to the vehicle via the vehicle's fuel port. The fuel coupler includes a switch that when toggled, causes a control signal to be wirelessly transmitted over a short distance. Upon receipt of the control signal by a receiver integrated into a vehicle that is in close proximity to the fuel port, an unlatching actuator within the vehicle unlatches the port door, thereby allowing it to open and provide port access.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2012Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.Inventors: Joshua Willard Ferguson, Daryl Zalan, Andrew Dai, Troy Adam Nergaard, Nicholas Robert Kalayjian, Scott Ira Kohn
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Publication number: 20130074985Abstract: A port door unlatching system is provided that may be used to open the door covering the charge port of an electric vehicle, or the door covering the fuel filler port of a conventional vehicle. The system includes a fuel delivery subsystem with a fuel coupler (e.g., a charging connector or a gas nozzle) designed to transfer fuel from the source to the vehicle via the vehicle's fuel port. The fuel coupler includes a switch that when toggled, causes a control signal to be wirelessly transmitted over a short distance. Upon receipt of the control signal by a receiver integrated into a vehicle that is in close proximity to the fuel port, an unlatching actuator within the vehicle unlatches the port door, thereby allowing it to open and provide port access.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2012Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.Inventors: Joshua Willard Ferguson, Daryl Zalan, Andrew Dai, Troy Adam Nergaard, Nicholas Robert Kalayjian, Scott Ira Kohn
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Patent number: 8402776Abstract: A dual mode, thermal management system for use in a vehicle is provided. At a minimum, the system includes a first coolant loop in thermal communication with a battery system, a second coolant loop in thermal communication with at least one drive train component (e.g., electric motor, power electronics, inverter), a dual mode valve system that provides means for selecting between a first mode where the two coolant loops operate in parallel and a second mode where the two coolant loops operate in series, and a coolant reservoir that is coupled to both coolant loops when the two coolant loops are operating in series and only coupled to the drive train coolant loop when the two coolant loops are operating in parallel.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2012Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Vincent George Johnston, Andrew David Baglino, Scott Ira Kohn, Vineet Haresh Mehta, Christopher David Gadda, Curt Raymond O'Donnell, Wulfer Adrijan de Bruijn