Patents Assigned to Celgard LLC
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Patent number: 11607856Abstract: A microporous membrane wipe and a method of using such microporous membrane wipe are disclosed. The microporous membrane wipe may be uniaxially or biaxially oriented microporous membrane. The uniaxially or biaxially oriented microporous membrane may be made from one or more block and/or impact copolymers of polyethylene and/or polypropylene. A method of using such a microporous membrane wipe for skin oil blotting is also disclosed. Further disclosed is a method of using such a microporous membrane wipe for cleaning a surface for the removal of fingerprints, smudges and the like, where such surfaces may include, for example, eyeglasses, electronics, cell phones, displays, optical devices, camera lenses, microscope lenses and other precision optics, and/or the like.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2023Assignee: Celgard, LLCInventors: Kristoffer K. Stokes, Karl F. Humiston, Changqing Wang Adams, William John Mason
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Patent number: 11594765Abstract: In accordance with at least selected aspects, objects or embodiments, optimized, novel or improved membranes, battery separators, batteries, and/or systems and/or related methods of manufacture, use and/or optimization are provided. In accordance with at least selected embodiments, the present invention is related to novel or improved battery separators that prevent dendrite growth, prevent internal shorts due to dendrite growth, or both, batteries incorporating such separators, systems incorporating such batteries, and/or related methods of manufacture, use and/or optimization thereof. In accordance with at least certain embodiments, the present invention is related to novel or improved ultra thin or super thin membranes or battery separators, and/or lithium primary batteries, cells or packs incorporating such separators, and/or systems incorporating such batteries, cells or packs.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2021Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: Celgard, LLCInventors: Paul M. Halmo, Xiaomin Zhang, Paul D. Vido, Zhengming Zhang, Lie Shi, Daniel R. Alexander, Jill V. Watson
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Patent number: 11569549Abstract: Novel or improved microporous single or multilayer battery separator membranes, separators, batteries including such membranes or separators, methods of making such membranes, separators, and/or batteries, and/or methods of using such membranes, separators and/or batteries are provided. In accordance with at least certain embodiments, a multilayer dry process polyethylene/polypropylene/polyethylene microporous separator which is manufactured using the inventive process which includes machine direction stretching followed by transverse direction stretching and a subsequent calendering step as a means to reduce the thickness of the multilayer microporous membrane, to reduce the percent porosity of the multilayer microporous membrane in a controlled manner and/or to improve transverse direction tensile strength.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2020Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: Celgard, LLCInventors: Kristoffer K. Stokes, William John Mason, Kang Karen Xiao, Xiaomin Zhang, Barry J. Summey, Robert Moran, Jeffrey Gordon Poley, Brian R. Stepp, Changqing Wang Adams, Daniel R. Alexander, Shante P. Williams, Andrew Edward Voss, Douglas George Robertson
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Patent number: 11563256Abstract: A method for producing a microporous material comprising the steps of: providing an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE); providing a filler; providing a processing plasticizer; adding the filler to the UHMWPE in a mixture being in the range of from about 1:9 to about 15:1 filler to UHMWPE by weight; adding the processing plasticizer to the mixture; extruding the mixture to form a sheet from the mixture; calendering the sheet; extracting the processing plasticizer from the sheet to produce a matrix comprising UHMWPE and the filler distributed throughout the matrix; stretching the microporous material in at least one direction to a stretch ratio of at least about 1.5 to produce a stretched microporous matrix; and subsequently calendering the stretched microporous matrix to produce a microporous material which exhibits improved physical and dimensional stability properties over the stretched microporous matrix.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2017Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: Celgard, LLCInventors: Eric H. Miller, Joseph G. Yaritz, Mark T. Demeuse, J. Kevin Whear
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Patent number: 11557812Abstract: Improved battery separators, base films or membranes, batteries, cells, devices, systems, vehicles, and/or methods of making and/or using such separators, films or membranes, batteries, cells, devices, systems, vehicles, and/or methods of enhancing battery or cell charge rates, charge capacity, and/or discharge rates, and/or methods of improving batteries, systems including such batteries, vehicles including such batteries and/or systems, and/or the like; biaxially oriented porous membranes, composites including biaxially oriented porous membranes, biaxially oriented microporous membranes, biaxially oriented macroporous membranes, battery separators with improved charge capacities and the related methods and methods of manufacture, methods of use, and the like; flat sheet membranes, liquid retention media; dry process separators; biaxially stretched separators; dry process biaxially stretched separators having a thickness range between about 5 ?m and 50 ?m, preferably between about 10 ?m and 25 ?m, having impType: GrantFiled: March 9, 2021Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: Celgard, LLCInventors: Xiaomin Zhang, Gerald P. Rumierz, Karl F. Humiston, Charles E. Haire, Tyrone S. Fields, Michael A. Braswell, Ronald A. Proctor, Ronnie E. Smith
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Patent number: 11532854Abstract: A ceramic-coated battery separator having a microporous polyolefin membrane and a ceramic coating on at least one surface of the microporous polyolefin membrane, wherein the ceramic-coated separator exhibits a strain shrinkage of 0% at temperatures greater than or equal to 120 degrees Celsius is provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2020Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: Celgard, LLCInventors: Zhengming Zhang, Xuefa Li, Lie Shi, Premanand Ramadass, Paul M. Halmo, Xiaomin Zhang
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Patent number: 11495865Abstract: Described herein is a multilayer microporous film or membrane that may exhibit improved properties, including improved dielectric break down and strength, compared to prior monolayer or tri-layer microporous membranes of the same thickness. The preferred multilayer microporous membrane comprises microlayers and one or more lamination barriers. Also disclosed is a battery separator or battery comprising one or more of the multilayer microporous films or membranes. The inventive battery and battery separator is preferably safer and more robust than batteries and battery separators using prior monolayer and tri-layer microporous membranes. Also, described herein is a method for making the multilayer microporous separators, membranes or films described herein.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2017Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: Celgard, LLCInventors: Kang Karen Xiao, Eric J. Penegar, Takahiko Kondo, Robert Nark, Eric R. White, Xiaomin Zhang, Kristoffer K. Stokes, Stefan Reinartz, Masaaki Okada
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Patent number: 11482759Abstract: A lithium ion rechargeable battery comprises: a negative electrode adapted to give up electrons during discharge, a positive electrode adapted to gain electrons during discharge, a microporous separator sandwiched between said positive electrode and said negative electrode, an organic electrolyte being contained within said separator and being in electrochemical communication with said positive electrode and said negative electrode, and an oxidative barrier interposed between said separator and said positive electrode, and thereby preventing oxidation of said separator.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2019Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: Celgard, LLCInventors: Zhengming Zhang, Pankaj Arora
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Patent number: 11437684Abstract: New and/or improved coatings for porous substrates, including battery separators or separator membranes, and/or coated porous substrates, including coated battery separators, and/or batteries or cells including such coatings or coated separators, and/or related methods including methods of manufacture and/or of use thereof are disclosed. Also, new or improved coatings for porous substrates, including battery separators, which comprise at least a polymeric binder and heat-resistant particles with or without additional additives, materials or components, and/or to new or improved coated porous substrates, including battery separators, where the coating comprises at least a polymeric binder and heat-resistant particles with or without additional additives, materials or components are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2017Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: Celgard, LLCInventors: Michael B. Lane, Insik Jeon, Edward Kruger, Xiang Yu, Ronnie E. Smith, Stefan Reinartz, Junqing Ma
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Patent number: 11420416Abstract: A microporous membrane is made by a dry-stretch process and has substantially round shaped pores and a ratio of machine direction tensile strength to transverse direction tensile strength in the range of 0.5 to 5.0. The method of making the foregoing microporous membrane includes the steps of: extruding a polymer into a nonporous precursor, and biaxially stretching the nonporous precursor, the biaxial stretching including a machine direction stretching and a transverse direction stretching, the transverse direction stretching including a simultaneous controlled machine direction relax.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2014Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: Celgard, LLCInventors: Xiangyun Wei, Charles Haire
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Patent number: 11283135Abstract: A membrane includes a porous membrane or layer made of a polymeric material having a plurality of surface treated (or coated) particles (or ceramic particles) having an average particle size of less than about 1 micron dispersed therein. The polymeric material may be selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters, co-polymers thereof, and combinations thereof. The particles may be selected from the group consisting of boehmite (AlOOH), SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3, BaSO4, CaCO3, BN, and combinations thereof, or the particles may be boehmite. The surface treatment (or coating) may be a molecule having a reactive end and a non-polar end. The particles may be pre-mixed in a low molecular weight wax before mixing with the polymeric material. The membrane may be used as a battery separator.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2019Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: Celgard, LLCInventors: C. Glen Wensley, Lie Shi
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Patent number: 11239532Abstract: Battery separators and methods are disclosed. The battery separator may be used in a lithium battery. The separator may include a microporous membrane laminated to a coated nonwoven. The coating may contain a polymer and optionally, a filler or particles. The methods may include the steps of: unwinding the microporous membrane and the nonwoven, laminating the nonwoven and microporous membrane, and coating the nonwoven before or after lamination.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2016Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignee: Celgard, LLCInventors: Lie Shi, Christopher L. Cowger, Heba K. Botros
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Patent number: 11196126Abstract: In accordance with at least selected embodiments, novel or improved separator membranes, separators, batteries including such separators, methods of making such membranes and/or separators, and/or methods of using such membranes and/or separators are disclosed or provided. In accordance with at least certain embodiments, an ionized radiation treated microporous polyolefin, polyethylene (PE), copolymer, and/or polymer blend (e.g., a copolymer or blend comprising PE and another polymer, such as polypropylene (PP)) battery separator for a secondary or rechargeable lithium battery and/or a method of making an ionized radiation treated microporous battery separator is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2019Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: Celgard, LLCInventors: Changqing Wang Adams, Michael Bielmann, Zhengming Zhang
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Patent number: 11165121Abstract: Described herein, are battery separators, comprising the following: a microporous polymeric film; and an optional coating layer on at least one side of the microporous polymeric film, wherein at least one of the microporous polymeric film and the optional coating comprises an additive. The additive is selected from the group consisting of a lubricating agent, a plasticizing agent, a nucleating agent, a shrinkage reducing agent, a surfactant, an SEI improving agent, a cathode protection agent, a flame retardant additive, LiPF6 salt stabilizer, an overcharge protector, an aluminum corrosion inhibitor, a lithium deposition agent or improver, or a solvation enhancer, an aluminum corrosion inhibitor, a wetting agent, and a viscosity improver. Also, described herein are batteries, including lithium-ion batteries, comprising one or more of the described separators. Methods for making the battery separators are also described.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2017Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: Celgard, LLCInventors: Changqing Wang Adams, Kang Karen Xiao, Stefan Reinartz, Masaaki Okada, Brian R. Stepp, Yao Lu, Eric Robert White, Katharine Chemelewski
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Patent number: 11124622Abstract: A functionalized microporous, mesoporous, or nanoporous membrane, material, textile, composite, laminate, or the like, and/or a method of making or using such functionalized membranes. The functionalized porous membrane may be a functionalized microporous, mesoporous, or nanoporous membrane that has a functional molecule attached, such as a functional polymer, to the surface and/or internal fibrillar structure of the membrane.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2019Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: Celgard, LLCInventors: Kristoffer K. Stokes, Karl F. Humiston
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Patent number: 11114702Abstract: In accordance with at least selected aspects, objects or embodiments, optimized, novel or improved membranes, battery separators, batteries, and/or systems and/or related methods of manufacture, use and/or optimization are provided. In accordance with at least selected embodiments, the present invention is related to novel or improved battery separators that prevent dendrite growth, prevent internal shorts due to dendrite growth, or both, batteries incorporating such separators, systems incorporating such batteries, and/or related methods of manufacture, use and/or optimization thereof. In accordance with at least certain embodiments, the present invention is related to novel or improved ultra thin or super thin membranes or battery separators, and/or lithium primary batteries, cells or packs incorporating such separators, and/or systems incorporating such batteries, cells or packs.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2019Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: Celgard, LLCInventors: Paul M. Halmo, Xiaomin Zhang, Paul D. Vido, Zhengming Zhang, Lie Shi, Daniel R. Alexander, Jill V. Watson
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Patent number: 11101525Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel or improved microporous battery separator membranes, separators, batteries including such separators, methods of making such membranes, separators, and/or batteries, and/or methods of using such membranes, separators and/or batteries. Further disclosed are laminated multilayer polyolefin membranes with exterior layers comprising one or more polyethylenes, which exterior layers are designed to provide an exterior surface that has a low pin removal force. Further disclosed are battery separator membranes having increased electrolyte absorption capacity at the separator/electrode interface region, which may improve cycling. Further disclosed are battery separator membranes having improved adhesion to any number of coatings. Also described are battery separator membranes having a tunable thermal shutdown where the onset temperature of thermal shutdown may be raised or lowered and the rate of thermal shutdown may be changed or increased.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2019Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: Celgard, LLCInventors: Xiaomin Zhang, Eric Robert White, Kang Karen Xiao, Robert A. Nark, Insik Jeon, Kristoffer K. Stokes, Paul Vido, Zhengming Zhang
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Patent number: 11094995Abstract: In accordance with at least selected embodiments, novel or improved porous membranes or substrates, separator membranes, separators, composites, electrochemical devices, batteries, methods of making such membranes or substrates, separators, and/or batteries, and/or methods of using such membranes or substrates, separators and/or batteries are disclosed. In accordance with at least certain embodiments, novel or improved microporous membranes, battery separator membranes, separators, energy storage devices, batteries including such separators, methods of making such membranes, separators, and/or batteries, and/or methods of using such membranes, separators and/or batteries are disclosed. In accordance with at least certain selected embodiments, a separator for a battery which has an oxidation protective and binder-free deposition layer which is stable up to 5.2 volts or more, for example, up to 7 volts, in a battery is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2016Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: Celgard, LLCInventors: Lie Shi, C. Glen Wensley, Zhengming Zhang, Katharine Chemelewski, Junqing Ma, Ronnie E. Smith, Kwantai Cho, Weifeng Fang, Changqing Wang Adams, Ian McCallum, Jun Nada, Shante P. Williams, Jacob S. Mangum
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Patent number: 11075429Abstract: Improved microporous battery separator membranes, separators, cells, batteries including such membranes, separators, cells, and/or methods of making such membranes and/or separators, and/or methods of using such membranes and/or separators are provided. In accordance with at least certain embodiments, an improved battery separator for a secondary or rechargeable lithium battery may have low electrical resistance of less than 0.95 ohm-cm2, or less than 0.8 ohm-cm2. The inventive battery separator membrane may provide a means to achieve an improved level of battery performance in a rechargeable or secondary lithium battery based on a possibly synergistic combination of low electrical resistance, low Gurley, low tortuosity, and/or a unique trapezoid shaped pore.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2020Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: Celgard, LLCInventors: Xiaomin Zhang, Lie Shi
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Patent number: 11056750Abstract: In accordance with at least selected embodiments, a battery separator or separator membrane comprises one or more co-extruded multi-microlayer membranes optionally laminated or adhered to another polymer membrane. The separators described herein may provide improved strength, for example, improved puncture strength, particularly at a certain thickness, and may exhibit improved shutdown and/or a reduced propensity to split.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2016Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: Celgard, LLCInventors: Kang Karen Xiao, Eric Joseph Penegar, Takahiko Kondo, Robert Nark, Eric Robert White, Xiaomin Zhang, Kristoffer K. Stokes