Patents by Inventor Weston Arthur Hermann

Weston Arthur Hermann 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).

  • Heat dissipation for large battery packs
    Patent number: 8153290
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: 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
  • Condensation-induced corrosion resistant cell mounting well
    Patent number: 8137833
    Abstract: A battery mounting structure for use within a battery pack housing is provided that prevents condensation-induced corrosion from occurring between the terminals of a battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventor: Weston Arthur Hermann
  • Method of controlled cell-level fusing within a battery pack
    Patent number: 8133287
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Scott Ira Kohn, Paul Bryan Kreiner, Christopher David Gadda
  • Battery pack with cell-level fusing
    Patent number: 8133608
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Scott Ira Kohn, Paul Bryan Kreiner, Christopher David Gadda
  • Corrosion resistant cell mounting well
    Patent number: 8124263
    Abstract: A battery mounting structure, preferably for use within a battery pack housing, is provided that prevents condensation-induced corrosion from occurring between the terminals of a battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventor: Weston Arthur Hermann
  • Method for Optimizing Battery Pack Temperature
    Publication number: 20120046815
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.
    Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Scott Ira Kohn, Kurt Russell Kelty, Vineet Haresh Mehta, Jeffrey Brian Straubel
  • Intelligent temperature control system for extending battery pack life
    Patent number: 8117857
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Russell Kelty, Scott Ira Kohn, Weston Arthur Hermann, Clay Hajime Kishiyama
  • Charge Rate Modulation of Metal-Air Cells as a Function of Ambient Oxygen Concentration
    Publication number: 20120041622
    Abstract: A system and method for charging a metal-air battery pack at the maximum possible rate while maintaining an ambient oxygen concentration below a preset concentration is provided, thereby minimizing the risks associated with generating oxygen during the charging cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.
    Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Jeffrey Brian Straubel, David G. Beck
  • Hazard Mitigation Through Gas Flow Communication Between Battery Packs
    Publication number: 20120040255
    Abstract: A system and method for mitigating the effects of a thermal event within a non-metal-air battery pack is provided in which the hot gas and material generated during the event is directed into the metal-air cells of a metal-air battery pack. The metal-air cells provide a large thermal mass for absorbing at least a portion of the thermal energy generated during the event before it is released to the ambient environment. As a result, the risks to vehicle passengers, bystanders, first responders and property are limited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.
    Inventor: Weston Arthur Hermann
  • Collection, Storage and Use of Metal-Air Battery Pack Effluent
    Publication number: 20120040253
    Abstract: A system and method for collecting, storing and using the oxygen-rich effluent generated when charging a metal-air battery pack is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventor: Weston Arthur Hermann
  • Hazard Mitigation Within a Battery Pack Using Metal-Air Cells
    Publication number: 20120040212
    Abstract: A system and method for mitigating the effects of a thermal event within a battery pack is provided in which the hot gas and material generated during the thermal runaway of at least one non-metal-air cell of a plurality of non-metal-air cells is directed through one or more metal-air cells, the metal-air cells absorbing at least a portion of the thermal energy generated during the event before it is released to the ambient environment. As a result, the risks to vehicle passengers, bystanders, first responders and property are limited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.
    Inventor: Weston Arthur Hermann
  • Thermal Energy Transfer System for a Power Source Utilizing Both Metal-Air and Non-Metal-Air Battery Packs
    Publication number: 20120040210
    Abstract: A power source comprised of a metal-air battery pack and a non-metal-air battery pack is provided, wherein thermal energy from the metal-air battery pack is used to heat the non-metal-air battery pack. In one aspect, a thermal energy transfer system is provided that controls the flow of thermal energy from the metal-air battery pack to the non-metal-air battery pack. In another aspect, the flow of thermal energy from the metal-air battery pack to the non-metal-air battery pack is controlled and used to heat the non-metal-air battery pack prior to charging the non-metal-air battery pack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.
    Inventor: Weston Arthur Hermann
  • Charge Rate Modulation of Metal-Air Cells as a Function of Ambient Oxygen Concentration
    Publication number: 20120041623
    Abstract: A system and method for charging a metal-air battery pack at the maximum possible rate while maintaining an ambient oxygen concentration below a preset concentration is provided, thereby minimizing the risks associated with generating oxygen during the charging cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.
    Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Jeffrey Brian Straubel, David G. Beck
  • Control, Collection and Use of Metal-Air Battery Pack Effluent
    Publication number: 20120041628
    Abstract: A system and method for maintaining an ambient oxygen concentration below a preset concentration while charging a metal-air battery pack is provided, the system utilizing an on-board means for collecting and storing the oxygen-rich effluent generated during the charge cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.
    Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Jeffrey Brian Straubel
  • Battery Pack Configuration to Reduce Hazards Associated with Internal Short Circuits
    Publication number: 20120034501
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.
    Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Scott Ira Kohn, David G. Beck
  • Battery Pack with Cell-Level Fusing
    Publication number: 20120034497
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.
    Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Scott Ira Kohn, Paul Bryan Kreiner, Christopher David Gadda
  • Method of Controlled Cell-Level Fusing Within a Battery Pack
    Publication number: 20120030932
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.
    Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Scott Ira Kohn, Paul Bryan Kreiner, Christopher David Gadda
  • Method of Controlling System Temperature to Extend Battery Pack Life
    Publication number: 20120021258
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.
    Inventors: Kurt Russell Kelty, Scott Ira Kohn, Weston Arthur Hermann, Clay Hajime Kishiyama
  • Method and Apparatus for Electrically Cycling a Battery Cell to Simulate an Internal Short
    Publication number: 20120013341
    Abstract: A test apparatus and corresponding method for simulating an internal cell short and initiating thermal runaway in a battery cell is disclosed whereby the cell is internally heated through rapid charge and discharge cycles at high currents. The magnitude of the selected current may be modulated to simulate a cell short with the desired power profile without unrealistically heating neighboring cells or interfering with the thermal environment of the cell within the module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.
    Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Nicholas Paul Manov, Paul Karplus, Alex Prilutsky
  • Battery thermal event detection system using an optical fiber
    Patent number: 8092081
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Paul Bryan Kreiner, Scott Ira Kohn, Dorian West, Jonathan Louis Hall