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: 20130059181Abstract: A battery cell design is disclosed that provides a predictable pathway through a portion of the cell (e.g., the cell cap assembly) for the efficient release of the thermal energy that occurs during thermal runaway, thereby reducing the chances of a rupture in an undesirable location. Furthermore the disclosed design maintains the functionality of the cell cap as the positive terminal of the cell, thereby having minimal impact on the manufacturability of the cell as well as its use in a variety of applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2012Publication date: March 7, 2013Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.Inventors: Francisco LePort, Scott Ira Kohn, Orion Andrew King, Alex Prilutsky
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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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Patent number: 8361649Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided in which a pre-formed secondary can comprised of one or more layers of a high yield strength material is positioned around the pre-formed battery case, the pre-formed secondary can inhibiting the flow of hot, pressurized gas from within the battery through perforations formed in the battery casing during a thermal runaway event.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2012Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Vineet Haresh Mehta, Alex Prilutsky, Scott Ira Kohn
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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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Patent number: 8336319Abstract: 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), and 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2010Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Vincent George Johnston, Andrew David Baglino, Scott Ira Kohn, Vineet Haresh Mehta, Christopher David Gadda, Curt Raymond O'Donnell, Wulfer Adrijn de Bruijn
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Publication number: 20120308857Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided in which a pre-formed secondary can comprised of one or more layers of a high yield strength material is positioned around the pre-formed battery case, the pre-formed secondary can inhibiting the flow of hot, pressurized gas from within the battery through perforations formed in the battery casing during a thermal runaway event.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2012Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Vineet Haresh Mehta, Alex Prilutsky, Scott Ira Kohn
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Patent number: 8322393Abstract: The system includes a module fixture supporting a plurality of elements, the module fixture defining a plurality of bonding wells with each bonding well accepting a first portion of one or more of the elements with the module fixture including one or more apertures communicated with one or more of the bonding wells with the bonding wells having a nominal depth; and a dispensing system, coupled to the module fixture, for dispensing a high-wettability adhesive into each the bonding well and surrounding each the element substantially filling the bonding well up to the nominal depth without significant overfill, the adhesive being selectively curable upon application of a curing modality; and a curing structure for selectively exposing the adhesive to the curing modality as the adhesive emerges from the apertures during dispensation of the adhesive.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2011Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Scott Ira Kohn
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Patent number: 8304108Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided in which a pre-formed sleeve or pre-formed secondary can comprised of one or more layers of a high yield strength material is positioned around the pre-formed battery case, the pre-formed sleeve/secondary can inhibiting the flow of hot, pressurized gas from within the battery through perforations formed in the battery casing during a thermal runaway event.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2010Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Vineet Haresh Mehta, Alex Prilutsky, Scott Ira Kohn
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Publication number: 20120266914Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2011Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Hugo Van Dyke, Scott Ira Kohn, Vineet Haresh Mehta, Troy A. Nergaard
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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: 8293393Abstract: An apparatus for simplifying battery pack encapsulation is provided. The battery pack includes a pair of complementary housing members with each housing member including a plurality of cell constraints into which the ends of corresponding battery cells are inserted during assembly. One or both housing members also include at least one, and preferably a plurality, of raised encapsulant injection ports. The raised encapsulant injection ports are designed to extend above the surface of the respective housing members and beyond the injected encapsulation material, thus ensuring that the ports remain open after encapsulation material injection.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2012Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Scott Ira Kohn, Noel Jason Mendez, Ernest Matthew Villanueva, Alexander Thomas Jacobs, Peng Zhou
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Publication number: 20120231306Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2012Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: 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: 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: 20120183826Abstract: An apparatus for simplifying battery pack encapsulation is provided. The battery pack includes a pair of complementary housing members with each housing member including a plurality of cell constraints into which the ends of corresponding battery cells are inserted during assembly. One or both housing members also include at least one, and preferably a plurality, of raised encapsulant injection ports. The raised encapsulant injection ports are designed to extend above the surface of the respective housing members and beyond the injected encapsulation material, thus ensuring that the ports remain open after encapsulation material injection.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2012Publication date: July 19, 2012Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Scott Ira Kohn, Noel Jason Mendez, Ernest Matthew Villanueva, Alexander Thomas Jacobs, Peng Zhou
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Publication number: 20120183815Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2012Publication date: July 19, 2012Applicant: 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
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Patent number: 8216502Abstract: A method and apparatus for simplifying battery pack encapsulation is provided. The battery pack includes a pair of complementary housing members with each housing member including a plurality of cell constraints into which the ends of corresponding battery cells are inserted during assembly. One or both housing members also include at least one, and preferably a plurality, of raised encapsulant injection ports. The raised encapsulant injection ports are designed to extend above the surface of the respective housing members and beyond the injected encapsulation material, thus ensuring that the ports remain open after encapsulation material injection.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2008Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Scott Ira Kohn, Noel Jason Mendez, Ernest Matthew Villanueva, Alexander Thomas Jacobs, Peng Zhou
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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: 8173295Abstract: One embodiment includes a bottom clamshell and a top clamshell sandwiching a first battery and a second battery, with a fill port extending from a top surface of the top clamshell through to the bottom surface of the top clamshell and to a space between the first and second batteries. The embodiment includes a protrusion coupled to the top clamshell proximate to the fill port and extending into the space, wherein the protrusion at least partially occludes a direct path through the fill port to the space.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2007Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Ernest Matthew Villanueva, Brian Charles Hewett, William Vucich Beecher, Dorian Watkins West, Scott Ira Kohn, Eugene Michael Berdichevsky
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Publication number: 20120105015Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Scott Ira Kohn, Philip David Cole, Nicholas Robert Kalayjian