Abstract: In at least select embodiments, the instant disclosure is directed to new or improved battery separators, components, materials, additives, surfactants, lead acid batteries, systems, vehicles, and/or related methods of production and/or use. In at least certain embodiments, the instant disclosure is directed to surfactants or other additives for use with a battery separator for use in a lead acid battery, to battery separators with a surfactant or other additive, and/or to batteries including such separators. In at least certain select embodiments, the instant disclosure relates to new or improved lead acid battery separators and/or systems including improved water loss technology and/or methods of manufacture and/or use thereof.

Abstract: A separator for a lead acid battery is a porous membrane having a positive electrode face and a negative electrode face. A plurality of longitudinally extending ribs, a plurality of protrusions or a nonwoven material may be disposed upon the positive electrode face. A plurality of transversely extending ribs are disposed upon the negative electrode face. The transverse ribs disposed upon the negative electrode face are preferably juxtaposed to a negative electrode of the lead acid battery, when the separator is placed within that battery.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An improved, new, modified, or more robust embossed battery separator for a storage battery, a method for its production, an envelope embossed separator, batteries including the embossed separators and/or envelopes, and/or related methods for the production and/or use of the embossed separators, embossed envelopes, and/or batteries including such embossed separators and/or envelopes.

Abstract: In accordance with at least certain embodiments of the present invention, a novel concept of utilizing PIMS minerals as a filler component within a microporous lead-acid battery separator is provided. In accordance with more particular embodiments or examples, the PIMS mineral (preferably fish meal, a bio-mineral) is provided as at least a partial substitution for the silica filler component in a silica filled lead acid battery separator (preferably a polyethylene/silica separator formulation). In accordance with at least selected embodiments, the present invention is directed to new or improved batteries, separators, components, and/or compositions having heavy metal removal capabilities and/or methods of manufacture and/or methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a separator material (6) for forming a separator for a lead-acid accumulator, especially in the form of unfinished rolled product, and a method for the production thereof. The inventive separator material (6) comprises a first layer in the form of a microporous film (1) and at least one second layer in the form of a planar fleece material (7). At least one face of the microporous film (1), which is made of a thermoplastic material, is provided with a number of protrusions (2, 2?) defining an area with an increased film thickness on a basic film sheet. The fleece material (7) is welded to the film (1) by means of ultrasonic welding in such a way that the planar fleece material (7) is located at least at the level of the surface of the basic film sheet without invading the same in the area of the welded joints (8).

Abstract: A battery separator for extending the cycle life of a battery has a separator and a conductive layer. The conductive layer is disposed upon the separator. The conductive layer is adapted to be in contact with the positive electrode of the battery thereby providing a new route of current to and from the positive electrode.

Abstract: An improved, new, modified, or more robust embossed battery separator for a storage battery, a method for its production, an envelope embossed separator, batteries including the embossed separators and/or envelopes, and/or related methods for the production and/or use of the embossed separators, embossed envelopes, and/or batteries including such embossed separators and/or envelopes.

Abstract: In one embodiment, battery separator for a lead acid battery includes a gel impregnated nonwoven. The nonwoven includes an acid dissolvable fiber and a non-acid dissolvable fiber. The gel may have a basis weight in a range of about 20-160% of the nonwoven's basis weight. In another embodiment, battery separator for a lead acid battery includes a microporous membrane with the gel impregnated nonwoven adhered thereto.

Abstract: A lead-acid battery separator comprised of a porous membrane substrate having a front surface and a back surface and said front surface having a plurality of ribs. To enhance the substrate's stiffness, one or more coatings of a stiffening material may be adhered to the ribs on the substrate's surface.

Abstract: A battery separator for a lead/acid battery is resistant to oxidation arising from the use of water or acid containing contaminants, for example chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), and the like. The separator is a microporous membrane including a rubber. The rubber is no more than about 12% by weight of the separator. The rubber may be rubber latex, tire crumb, and combinations thereof. The rubber may be impregnated into the microporous membrane. The microporous membrane may be a microporous sheet of polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride, phenol-formaldehyde resins, cross-linked rubber, or nonwoven fibers. A method for preventing the oxidation and/or extending battery life of the separator is also included.

Abstract: A battery separator for a lead acid battery addresses the issues of acid stratification and separator oxidation arising from contaminants. The separator includes a microporous membrane and a diffusive mat affixed thereto. The diffusive mat has a three hour wick of: at least about 2.5 cm. The diffusive mat may be made of synthetic fibers, glass fibers, natural fibers, and combinations thereof. The diffusive mat may include silica. The separator may include a rubber.

Abstract: A method for producing an ultracapacitor comprises the steps of: providing a negative porous electrode in contact with a negative conducting plate; providing a positive porous electrode in contact with a positive conducting plate; providing an ultracapacitor separator being a microporous material that separates the negative porous electrode from the positive porous electrode; providing an electrolytic solution that impregnates the negative porous electrode, the positive porous electrode, and the ultracapacitor separator; and curing the ultracapacitor at a temperature of at least 200° C.

Abstract: In one embodiment, battery separator for a lead acid battery includes a gel impregnated nonwoven. The nonwoven includes an acid dissolvable fiber and a non-acid dissolvable fiber. The gel may have a basis weight in a range of about 20-160% of the nonwoven's basis weight. In another embodiment, battery separator for a lead acid battery includes a microporous membrane with the gel impregnated nonwoven adhered thereto.

Abstract: An improved, new, modified, or more robust embossed battery separator for a storage battery, a method for its production, an envelope embossed separator, batteries including the embossed separators and/or envelopes, and/or related methods for the production and/or use of the embossed separators, embossed envelopes, and/or batteries including such embossed separators and/or envelopes.

Abstract: A battery separator for a lead acid (storage) battery is made from a thermoplastic sheet material. The sheet material has a central region flanked by peripheral regions. The central region includes a plurality of longitudinally extending ribs that are integrally formed from the sheet material. The peripheral regions are free of ribs and may include a densified structure. Also disclosed are a method of producing the foregoing separator, an envelope separator made from the sheet material, and a method of making the envelope separator.

Abstract: A battery separator for a lead acid (storage) battery is made from a thermoplastic sheet material. The sheet material has a central region flanked by peripheral regions. The central region includes a plurality of longitudinally extending ribs that are integrally formed from the sheet material. The peripheral regions are free of ribs and may include a densified structure. Also disclosed are a method of producing the foregoing separator, an envelope separator made from the sheet material, and a method of making the envelope separator.

Abstract: A method for producing an ultracapacitor includes the steps of: providing a negative porous electrode in contact with a negative conducting plate; providing a positive porous electrode in contact with a positive conducting plate; providing an ultracapacitor separator being a microporous material that separates the negative porous electrode from the positive porous electrode; providing an electrolytic solution that impregnates the negative porous electrode, the positive porous electrode, and the ultracapacitor separator; and curing the ultracapacitor at a temperature of at least 200° C.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A gas filtration media comprises a microporous membrane. The microporous membrane includes an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), an inorganic material, wherein the ratio of inorganic material to polymer is in the range of 4:1 to 1:4, and less than 30% by weight of the membrane being a processing oil.