Patents by Inventor Brian R. Stepp
Brian R. Stepp 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: 11969929Abstract: 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 interfaces or 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: May 10, 2019Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: Celgard, LLCInventors: Kang Karen Xiao, Stefan Reinartz, Takahiko Kondo, Hisaki Ikebata, Eric J. Penegar, Robert Nark, Changqing Wang Adams, Masaaki Okada, Brian R. Stepp, Eric Robert White, Allen M. Donn, Katharine Chemelewski
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Patent number: 11923497Abstract: 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 1, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: 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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Publication number: 20230238587Abstract: 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 calendaring 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: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2023Publication date: July 27, 2023Inventors: 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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Publication number: 20230102962Abstract: This application is directed to new and/or improved MD and/or TD stretched and optionally calendered membranes, separators, base films, microporous membranes, battery separators including said separator, base film or membrane, batteries including said separator, and/or methods for making and/or using such membranes, separators, base films, microporous membranes, battery separators and/or batteries. For example, new and/or improved methods for making microporous membranes, and battery separators including the same, that have a better balance of desirable properties than prior microporous membranes and battery separators. The methods disclosed herein comprise the following steps: 1.) obtaining a non-porous membrane precursor; 2.) forming a porous biaxially-stretched membrane precursor from the non-porous membrane precursor; 3.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2022Publication date: March 30, 2023Inventors: Barry J. Summey, Takahiko Kondo, William John Mason, Kang Karen Xiao, Robert Moran, Jeffrey G. Poley, Brian R. Stepp, Kristoffer K. Stokes, Xiaomin Zhang
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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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Publication number: 20220115740Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2021Publication date: April 14, 2022Inventors: Changqing Wang Adams, Kang Karen Xiao, Stefan Reinartz, Masaaki Okada, Brian R. Stepp, Yao Lu, Eric Robert White, Katharine Chemelewski
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Publication number: 20220059904Abstract: In accordance with at least selected embodiments, the application, disclosure or invention relates to improved membranes, separator membranes, separators, battery separators, secondary lithium battery separators, multilayer membranes, multilayer separator membranes, multilayer separators, multilayer battery separators, multilayer secondary lithium battery separators, multilayer battery separators, electrochemical cells, batteries, capacitors, super capacitors, double layer super capacitors, fuel cells, lithium batteries, lithium ion batteries, secondary lithium batteries, and/or secondary lithium ion batteries, and/or methods for making and/or using such membranes, separator membranes, separators, battery separators, secondary lithium battery separators, electrochemical cells, batteries, capacitors, fuel cells, lithium batteries, lithium ion batteries, secondary lithium batteries, and/or secondary lithium ion batteries, and/or devices, vehicles or products including the same, and/or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2019Publication date: February 24, 2022Inventors: Eric R. White, Brian R. Stepp, Geoffrey A. Tice
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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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Publication number: 20210257701Abstract: A new or improved microporous monolayer, bilayer, trilayer, or multilayer membrane, separator membrane, separator, or coated separator is disclosed. The membrane is preferably made up of at least one resin or polymer and at least one additive. The additive may comprise at least one material that improves adhesion of the microporous membrane to a coating, including a polyaramid-containing coating and a PCS coating, or to a different material such as a metallic surface, including an electrode surface. Improvements in adhesion are based on comparisons to similar microporous membranes without the at least one additive. In some preferred embodiments, the at least one additive may comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of a functionalized polymer or the combination of a functionalized polymer and an elastomer. In some embodiments, the functional group of the functionalized polymer may be maleic anhydride (MAH).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2019Publication date: August 19, 2021Inventors: Kang Karen Xiao, Allen M. Donn, Stefan Reinartz, Changqing Wang Adams, Masaaki Okada, Brian R. Stepp, Eric Robert White, Katharine Chemelewski
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Publication number: 20210194095Abstract: 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 interfaces or 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: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2019Publication date: June 24, 2021Inventors: Karen Kang Xiao, Stefan Reinartz, Takahiko Kondo, Hisaki lkebata, Eric J. Penegar, Robert Nark, Changqing Wang Adams, Masaaki Okada, Brian R. Stepp, Eric Robert White, Allen M. Donn, Katharine Chemeiewski
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Publication number: 20210126319Abstract: This application is directed to new and/or improved MD and/or TD stretched and optionally calendered membranes, separators, base films, microporous membranes, battery separators including said separator, base film or membrane, batteries including said separator, and/or methods for making and/or using such membranes, separators, base films, microporous membranes, battery separators and/or batteries. For example, new and/or improved methods for making microporous membranes, and battery separators including the same, that have a better balance of desirable properties than prior microporous membranes and battery separators. The methods disclosed herein comprise the following steps: 1.) obtaining a non-porous membrane precursor; 2.) forming a porous biaxially-stretched membrane precursor from the non-porous membrane precursor; 3.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2018Publication date: April 29, 2021Inventors: Barry J. Summey, Takahiko Kondo, William John Mason, Kang Karen Xiao, Robert Moran, Jeffrey G. Poley, Brian R. Stepp, Kristoffer K. Stokes, Xiaomin Zhang
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Publication number: 20210036293Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2020Publication date: February 4, 2021Inventors: 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: 10777800Abstract: 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 16, 2016Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: 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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Publication number: 20200161618Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2017Publication date: May 21, 2020Inventors: 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: 10501477Abstract: The present invention relates to photochromic compounds, such as thienochromene compounds represented by the following Formulas (1a) and/or (1b). The present invention also relates to photochromic compositions and articles containing one or more such photochromic thienochromene compounds.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2015Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: Transitions Optical, Inc.Inventors: Jun Deng, Brian R. Stepp, Eric Spitler, Wenjing Xiao, Massimiliano Tomasulo, Robert W. Walters
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Publication number: 20180051037Abstract: The present invention relates to photochromic compounds, such as thienochromene compounds represented by the following Formulas (1a) and/or (1b). The present invention also relates to photochromic compositions and articles containing one or more such photochromic thienochromene compounds.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2015Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventors: Jun Deng, Brian R. Stepp, Eric Spitler, Wenjing Xiao, Massimiliano Tamasulo, Robert W. Walters
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Publication number: 20170084898Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2016Publication date: March 23, 2017Inventors: 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