Patents by Inventor Bryant J. Polzin

Bryant J. Polzin 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).

  • Publication number: 20250087777
    Abstract: A shredder for minimizing aggregation of whole batteries can include a shaft defining a longitudinal axis and a latitudinal axis. The shredder can include a plurality of teeth disposed on knives which fit on said shaft at an angle to the latitudinal axis selected from 0 degrees and 45 degrees. The teeth can have a first proximal end integrally molded to the shaft and a second free distal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2024
    Publication date: March 13, 2025
    Applicant: UCHICAGO ARGONNE, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Spangenberger, Bryant J. Polzin, Jessica L. Durham
  • Patent number: 12155048
    Abstract: A method for producing clean black mass, anode or cathode for subsequent recycling is provided, the method comprising subjecting an intact battery to a shredding process to produce an aggregate, wherein the smallest particle generated is between 2.5 percent and 40 percent of original battery size. Also provided is a shredder for minimizing aggregation of whole batteries, the shredder comprising a shaft defining a longitudinal axis and a latitudinal axis; and a plurality of teeth disposed on said knives which fit on said shaft at an angle to the latitudinal axis selected from 15 degrees and 45 degrees, wherein the teeth have a first proximal end integrally molded to the shaft and a second free distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Spangenberger, Bryant J. Polzin, Jessica L. Durham
  • Patent number: 12002936
    Abstract: Method of separating individual cathode active materials from a mixture of cathode active materials by froth flotation has been developed. They are based on using appropriate chemical reagents that selectively hydrophobize individual cathode active materials to be recovered, so that they can be collected by air bubbles used in flotation and separated from other mixtures. The chemical reagents are amphiphilic molecules with specialized head groups have a strong affinity to metal elements on surfaces of cathode materials. This method enables a separation of individual cathode active material from a mixture of cathode active materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignees: UChicago Argonne, LLC, Michigan Technological University
    Inventors: Lei Pan, Tinuade Ololade Folayan, Jeffrey S. Spangenberger, Bryant J. Polzin
  • Publication number: 20220271355
    Abstract: A method for producing clean black mass, anode or cathode for subsequent recycling is provided, the method comprising subjecting an intact battery to a shredding process to produce an aggregate, wherein the smallest particle generated is between 2.5 percent and 40 percent of original battery size. Also provided is a shredder for minimizing aggregation of whole batteries, the shredder comprising a shaft defining a longitudinal axis and a latitudinal axis; and a plurality of teeth disposed on said knives which fit on said shaft at an angle to the latitudinal axis selected from 15 degrees and 45 degrees, wherein the teeth have a first proximal end integrally molded to the shaft and a second free distal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Applicant: UCHICAGO ARGONNE, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Spangenberger, Bryant J. Polzin, Jessica L. Durham
  • Publication number: 20220045374
    Abstract: Method of separating individual cathode active materials from a mixture of cathode active materials by froth flotation has been developed. They are based on using appropriate chemical reagents that selectively hydrophobize individual cathode active materials to be recovered, so that they can be collected by air bubbles used in flotation and separated from other mixtures. The chemical reagents are amphiphilic molecules with specialized head groups have a strong affinity to metal elements on surfaces of cathode materials. This method enables a separation of individual cathode active material from a mixture of cathode active materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Applicant: UCHICAGO ARGONNE, LLC
    Inventors: Lei Pan, Tinuade Ololade Folayan, Jeffrey S. Spangenberger, Bryant J. Polzin
  • Patent number: 7452837
    Abstract: A method for producing composite ceramic material is provided wherein a core ceramic structure is produced and simultaneously enveloped with a sleeve of similar material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: UChicago Argonne, LLC.
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Goretta, Dileep Singh, Bryant J. Polzin, Terry Cruse, John J. Picciolo
  • Publication number: 20040053030
    Abstract: A method for producing composite ceramic material is provided wherein a core ceramic structure is produced and simultaneously enveloped with a sleeve of similar material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Goretta, Dileep Singh, Bryant J. Polzin, Terry Cruse, John J. Picciolo
  • Patent number: 6403018
    Abstract: A method for producing composite ceramic material is provided wherein a core ceramic structure is produced and simultaneously enveloped with a sleeve of similar material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: The University of Chicago
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Goretta, Dileep Singh, Bryant J. Polzin, Terry Cruse, John J. Picciolo