Francisco Richard Leport

US Patent:

8313850, Nov 20, 2012

Filed:

Mar 29, 2012

Appl. No.:

13/434664

Inventors:

Francisco Richard LePort - San Francisco CA, US

Assignee:

Tesla Motors, Inc. - Palo Alto CA

International Classification:

H01M 10/44

US Classification:

429 50, 429 61

Abstract:

A method for detecting and responding to a battery thermal event within a sealed battery pack is provided. The method includes the steps of monitoring and characterizing the pressure within the battery pack over time, where identifying a battery thermal event is based on the pressure data fitting a specific curve shape, and performing a preset response when a battery thermal event is identified. The method may additionally monitor for a secondary effect associated with the battery thermal event.

US Patent:

20130059181, Mar 7, 2013

Filed:

Aug 6, 2012

Appl. No.:

13/567876

Inventors:

Francisco LePort - San Francisco CA, US
Scott Ira Kohn - Redwood City CA, US
Orion Andrew King - Menlo Park CA, US
Alex Prilutsky - San Mateo CA, US

Assignee:

TESLA MOTORS, INC. - Palo Alto CA

International Classification:

H01M 2/12
H01M 10/04

US Classification:

429 89, 429 82, 296232

Abstract:

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.

US Patent:

20130071701, Mar 21, 2013

Filed:

Sep 21, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/239272

Inventors:

Francisco LePort - San Francisco CA, US
Weston Arthur Hermann - Palo Alto CA, US
Michael Bell - Pacific Palisades CA, US

Assignee:

TESLA MOTORS, INC. - Palo Alto CA

International Classification:

H01M 10/50
H01M 10/44

US Classification:

429 50, 429 62

Abstract:

An apparatus and method providing for detecting and responding to high voltage electrolysis within an electric vehicle battery enclosure to limit possible excessive thermal condition of the individual battery cells and modules. A microprocessor-implemented response system for high voltage electrolysis in a battery pack an evaluator to monitor, using the microprocessor, a high voltage electrolysis flag indicative of a possible high voltage electrolysis within an enclosure including a plurality of electrically-coupled battery modules storing energy for the battery pack and a coolant distribution system disposed among and electrically isolated from the plurality of battery modules; and a remediation system, coupled to the enclosure and responsive to the possible high voltage electrolysis when the evaluator detects a likelihood of the possible high voltage electrolysis, to decrease risks associated with the possible high voltage electrolysis when operated.

US Patent:

20130073229, Mar 21, 2013

Filed:

Sep 21, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/239247

Inventors:

Francisco LePort - San Francisco CA, US
Weston Arthur Hermann - Palo Alto CA, US
Michael Bell - Pacific Palisades CA, US

Assignee:

TESLA MOTORS, INC. - Palo Alto CA

International Classification:

G01R 31/36
G06F 19/00

US Classification:

702 58, 702 63

Abstract:

An apparatus and method providing for detecting and responding to high voltage electrolysis within an electric vehicle battery enclosure to limit possible excessive thermal condition of the individual battery cells and modules. The present invention includes embodiments directed towards detection algorithms and apparatus for promoting the use of voltage, current, humidity, temperature, and pressure sensors for the purpose of detecting high voltage electrolysis. Additionally, the present invention includes response processes and structures to address high-voltage electrolysis.

US Patent:

20130073233, Mar 21, 2013

Filed:

Sep 21, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/239235

Inventors:

Francisco LePort - San Francisco CA, US
Weston Arthur Hermann - Palo Alto CA, US

Assignee:

TESLA MOTORS, INC. - Palo Alto CA

International Classification:

G06F 19/00

US Classification:

702 63

Abstract:

An apparatus and method providing for detecting and responding to low voltage electrolysis within an electric vehicle battery detecting and responding to low voltage electrolysis within an electric vehicle battery enclosure to limit a possible hazard condition of battery enclosure. The present invention includes embodiments directed towards detection algorithms and apparatus for promoting the use of sensors (e.g., hydrogen, voltage, current, and immersion sensors) for the purpose of detecting low voltage electrolysis. Additionally, the present invention includes response processes and structures to address low voltage electrolysis.

US Patent:

20130073234, Mar 21, 2013

Filed:

Sep 21, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/239262

Inventors:

Francisco LePort - San Francisco CA, US
Weston Arthur Hermann - Palo Alto CA, US

Assignee:

TESLA MOTORS, INC. - Palo Alto CA

International Classification:

G06F 19/00

US Classification:

702 63

Abstract:

An apparatus and method providing for detecting and responding to low voltage electrolysis within an electric vehicle battery detecting and responding to low voltage electrolysis within an electric vehicle battery enclosure to limit a possible hazard condition of battery enclosure. A microprocessor-implemented response system for low voltage electrolysis in a battery pack, includes an evaluator to monitor, using the microprocessor, a low voltage electrolysis flag indicative of a possible low voltage electrolysis of fluid within an enclosure that generates a flammable gas including a plurality of electrically-coupled battery modules storing energy for the battery pack; and a remediation system, coupled to the enclosure and responsive to the possible low voltage electrolysis when the evaluator detects a likelihood of the possible low voltage electrolysis, to decrease risks associated with the possible low voltage electrolysis when the remediation system is active.

US Patent:

20130260192, Oct 3, 2013

Filed:

Mar 29, 2012

Appl. No.:

13/434441

Inventors:

Francisco Richard LePort - San Francisco CA, US

Assignee:

TESLA MOTORS, INC. - Palo Alto CA

International Classification:

H01M 10/50

US Classification:

429 62

Abstract:

A system for detecting thermal events, e.g., thermal runaway, within a sealed battery pack based on a characterization of monitored pressure variations within the pack is provided. The system includes at least one pressure sensor coupled to the battery pack and to a pressure monitoring system that outputs pressure data representative of the battery pack pressure over time; a system controller that analyzes the pressure data and outputs a control signal when the pressure data fits a specific curve shape; and a thermal event response subsystem that performs a preset response upon receipt of the control signal from the system controller. The system may include a secondary effect monitoring system, wherein the thermal event response subsystem performs the preset response when the pressure data fits a specific curve shape and the secondary effect is detected by the secondary effect monitoring system.

US Patent:

20150377780, Dec 31, 2015

Filed:

Dec 3, 2013

Appl. No.:

14/766551

Inventors:

- San Francisco CA, US
Francisco Richard LePort - San Francisco CA, US

Assignee:

Integrated Plasmonics Corporation - San Francisco CA

International Classification:

G01N 21/552
G01N 21/47

Abstract:

A device for detecting an analyte includes a light source emitting substantially monochromatic light; a two-dimensional diffraction element that interacts with the light from the light source, the diffraction element having one or more features that can generate plasmon waves upon receipt of the light from the light source, at least some of the features being configured to interact with the analyte; and a two-dimensional image sensor facing the diffraction element to receive diffracted light from the diffraction element so as to detect a diffraction pattern projected thereto and to measure a two-dimensional spatial change in the diffraction pattern that occurs as a result of the analyte interacting with the feature of the diffraction element.