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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Patent number: 8154256Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for determining when a battery, or one or more batteries within a battery pack, undergoes an undesired thermal event such as thermal runaway. The system uses an insulated conductive member mounted in close proximity to, or in contact with, an external surface of the battery or batteries to be monitored. A voltage measuring system is coupled to the conductive core of the insulated conductive member, the voltage measuring system outputting a first signal when the temperature corresponding to the battery or batteries is within a prescribed temperature range and a second signal when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature that falls outside of the prescribed temperature range.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2009Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Paul Bryan Kreiner, Weston Arthur Hermann, Scott Ira Kohn, Andrew David Baglino
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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
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Patent number: 8133287Abstract: A method is provided that achieves improved battery pack performance, system reliability and system safety while impacting only a small region of the battery pack/battery module, and thus having only a minor impact on battery pack cost, complexity, weight and size. The battery pack/battery module is designed such that the fusible interconnects associated with a single battery, or a specific fusible interconnect associated with a single battery, will be the last interconnect(s) to fuse during a short circuit event. The risk of sustained arcing for the predetermined interconnect(s) is minimized through the use of rapid clearing interconnects. As a result, the risk of damage and excessive heating is also minimized.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2010Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Scott Ira Kohn, Paul Bryan Kreiner, Christopher David Gadda
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Patent number: 8133608Abstract: A battery pack, or battery pack module, is provided that achieves improved battery pack performance, system reliability and system safety while impacting only a small region of the battery pack/battery module, and thus having only a minor impact on battery pack cost, complexity, weight and size. The battery pack/battery module is designed such that the fusible interconnects associated with a single battery, or a specific fusible interconnect associated with a single battery, will be the last interconnect(s) to fuse during a short circuit event. The risk of sustained arcing for the predetermined interconnect(s) is minimized through the use of rapid clearing interconnects. As a result, the risk of damage and excessive heating is also minimized.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2010Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Scott Ira Kohn, Paul Bryan Kreiner, Christopher David Gadda
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Patent number: 8125324Abstract: One embodiment of the present subject matter includes a battery mounted to a vehicle, with a charge state circuit located in the electric vehicle and coupled to the battery, the charge state circuit configured to provide a charge state signal indicative of the charge state of the battery. The embodiment includes a charging coupler port located proximate to a user accessible exterior of the electrical vehicle and coupled to the battery, the charging coupler port to conduct charging energy to the battery and to provide a charger connection signal indicative of a connection to an external power source. The embodiment also includes a lighting circuit coupled to the charging coupler port and the charge state circuit to control the brightness and color of an illuminated indicator responsive to the charge state signal and the charger connection signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2011Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Paul DeWitt Frey, Martin Forest Eberhard, Scott Ira Kohn, Malcolm Sloan Smith, David Frederick Lyons
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Publication number: 20120034497Abstract: A battery pack, or battery pack module, is provided that achieves improved battery pack performance, system reliability and system safety while impacting only a small region of the battery pack/battery module, and thus having only a minor impact on battery pack cost, complexity, weight and size. The battery pack/battery module is designed such that the fusible interconnects associated with a single battery, or a specific fusible interconnect associated with a single battery, will be the last interconnect(s) to fuse during a short circuit event. The risk of sustained arcing for the predetermined interconnect(s) is minimized through the use of rapid clearing interconnects. As a result, the risk of damage and excessive heating is also minimized.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2010Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Scott Ira Kohn, Paul Bryan Kreiner, Christopher David Gadda
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Publication number: 20120034501Abstract: A battery pack, or battery pack module, is provided that is configured to respond to a short circuit of moderate current in a manner that minimizes the risk of an initial thermal runaway event propagating throughout the battery pack/battery pack module. In general, the battery pack/battery module allows pre-selection of which cell of the cells comprising the battery pack/battery pack module will be the last cell to respond to the short circuit. As a result, a thermal isolation barrier may be used to separate the preselected cell from the other cells of the battery pack/battery pack module, thereby minimizing the risk of excessive heating and extensive collateral damage.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2011Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Scott Ira Kohn, David G. Beck
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Publication number: 20120030932Abstract: A method is provided that achieves improved battery pack performance, system reliability and system safety while impacting only a small region of the battery pack/battery module, and thus having only a minor impact on battery pack cost, complexity, weight and size. The battery pack/battery module is designed such that the fusible interconnects associated with a single battery, or a specific fusible interconnect associated with a single battery, will be the last interconnect(s) to fuse during a short circuit event. The risk of sustained arcing for the predetermined interconnect(s) is minimized through the use of rapid clearing interconnects. As a result, the risk of damage and excessive heating is also minimized.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2010Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Scott Ira Kohn, Paul Bryan Kreiner, Christopher David Gadda
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Publication number: 20120025765Abstract: One embodiment of the present subject matter includes a battery mounted to a vehicle, with a charge state circuit located in the electric vehicle and coupled to the battery, the charge state circuit configured to provide a charge state signal indicative of the charge state of the battery. The embodiment includes a charging coupler port located proximate to a user accessible exterior of the electrical vehicle and coupled to the battery, the charging coupler port to conduct charging energy to the battery and to provide a charger connection signal indicative of a connection to an external power source. The embodiment also includes a lighting circuit coupled to the charging coupler port and the charge state circuit to control the brightness and color of an illuminated indicator responsive to the charge state signal and the charger connection signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Paul DeWitt Frey, Martin Forest Eberhard, Scott Ira Kohn, Malcolm Sloan Smith, David Frederick Lyons
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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
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Patent number: 8092081Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for determining when a battery, or one or more batteries within a battery pack, undergoes an undesired thermal event such as thermal runaway. The system uses an optical fiber mounted in close proximity to, or in contact with, an external surface of the battery or batteries to be monitored. A source of light is optically coupled to the input facet of the optical fiber and a detector optically coupled to the output facet of the optical fiber. Battery health is determined by monitoring the light transmitted through the optical fiber.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2009Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Paul Bryan Kreiner, Scott Ira Kohn, Dorian West, Jonathan Louis Hall
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Patent number: 8088511Abstract: A simplified cell design is provided for a battery utilizing the 18650 form-factor in which the CID and PTC elements are eliminated, thereby reducing manufacturing cost and battery weight. To reduce the risk of shorting between the battery case and the battery terminal, the battery terminal is recessed relative to the top of the cell case and the insulating gasket positioned between the cell case and the cap assembly is designed to cover a large portion of the outer surface of the terminal element.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2009Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Scott Ira Kohn
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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
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Publication number: 20110296855Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2010Publication date: December 8, 2011Applicant: 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: 8063757Abstract: One embodiment of the present subject matter includes a battery mounted to a vehicle, with a charge state circuit located in the electric vehicle and coupled to the battery, the charge state circuit configured to provide a charge state signal indicative of the charge state of the battery. The embodiment includes a charging coupler port located proximate to a user accessible exterior of the electrical vehicle and coupled to the battery, the charging coupler port to conduct charging energy to the battery and to provide a charger connection signal indicative of a connection to an external power source. The embodiment also includes a lighting circuit coupled to the charging coupler port and the charge state circuit to control the brightness and color of an illuminated indicator responsive to the charge state signal and the charger connection signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2007Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Paul DeWitt Frey, Martin Forest Eberhard, Scott Ira Kohn, Malcolm Sloan Smith, David Frederick Lyons
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Patent number: 8057928Abstract: A simplified cell design is provided for a battery utilizing the 18650 form-factor, the simplified cell design reducing manufacturing cost, battery weight and the risk of shorting between the battery case and the battery terminal. In the cap assembly of the disclosed battery, the safety vent element, which is recessed relative to the top of the cell case, also serves as the battery terminal. Additionally, the insulating gasket positioned between the cell case and the cap assembly is designed to cover a large portion of the outer surface of the safety vent/battery terminal.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2009Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Scott Ira Kohn, Weston Arthur Hermann