Patents by Inventor Don Spitz

Don Spitz 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).

  • Patent number: 12172137
    Abstract: Halogen-free, microporous polyolefin membranes are disclosed herein. The halogen-free, microporous polyolefin membranes can be manufactured using an environmentally friendly manufacturing process that includes extrusion of polymer-plasticizer mixtures followed by sheet formation and extraction of the plasticizer with a halogen-free solvent. The halogen-free solvent has a flashpoint greater than about 23° C. and an initial boiling point at least about 50° C. lower than the flashpoint of the plasticizer. The process can further be a closed loop process in which the halogen-free solvent can be reused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2024
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2024
    Assignee: Amtek Research International LLC
    Inventors: Weston J. Wood, Don Spitz, Matthew Alan Warren, Cory S. Rogers, Richard W. Pekala
  • Publication number: 20240215666
    Abstract: Infection control or protective clothing articles, such as gowns, to be worn by healthcare workers in a medical environment, for example a hospital or assisted living facility are disclosed. The articles are formed of a hydrophobic, breathable, poly-olefin-based web with a controlled pore size less than or about equal to the size of most bacterial or viral particles. The articles can also be made from composites including the polyolefin-based web. Methods of manufacturing the articles are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2022
    Publication date: July 4, 2024
    Inventors: Don Spitz, John Norris, Weston J. Wood, Richard W. Pekala
  • Publication number: 20240139689
    Abstract: Halogen-free, microporous polyolefin membranes are disclosed herein. The halogen-free, microporous polyolefin membranes can be manufactured using an environmentally friendly manufacturing process that includes extrusion of polymer-plasticizer mixtures followed by sheet formation and extraction of the plasticizer with a halogen-free solvent. The halogen-free solvent has a flashpoint greater than about 23° C. and an initial boiling point at least about 50° C. lower than the flashpoint of the plasticizer. The process can further be a closed loop process in which the halogen-free solvent can be reused.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2024
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Weston J. Wood, Don Spitz, Matthew Alan Warren, Cory S. Rogers, Richard W. Pekala
  • Publication number: 20240042394
    Abstract: Halogen-free, microporous polyolefin membranes are disclosed herein. The halogen-free, microporous polyolefin membranes can be manufactured using an environmentally friendly manufacturing process that includes extrusion of polymer-plasticizer mixtures followed by sheet formation and extraction of the plasticizer with a halogen-free solvent. The halogen-free solvent has a flashpoint greater than about 23° C. and an initial boiling point at least about 50° C. lower than the flashpoint of the plasticizer. The process can further be a closed loop process in which the halogen-free solvent can be reused.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2023
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Inventors: Weston J. Wood, Don Spitz, Matthew Alan Warren, Cory S. Rogers, Richard W. Pekala
  • Publication number: 20230395937
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to battery separators for use in lead acid batteries. In particular, the disclosure relates to nonporous polymer sheets in which the porosity manifests itself after cavitation and/or biaxial stretching to form a microporous membrane. The disclosure also relates to nonporous polymer sheets in which the porosity manifests itself after dissolution of an acid soluble filler to form a microporous membrane. In addition to meeting all battery performance requirements, these microporous membranes eliminate environmental and health concerns because they do not require the use of an organic solvent during their production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2021
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: Chi Thuong-Le La, Jeff M. Frenzel, Don Spitz, Kaylee Duchateau, Richard W. Pekala, Matthew Alan Warren