Patents by Inventor Eric Robert White

Eric Robert White 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: 12412956
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2025
    Assignee: Celgard, LLC
    Inventors: Kang Karen Xiao, Allen M. Donn, Stefan Reinartz, Changqing Wang Adams, Masaaki Okada, Brian R. Stepp, Eric Robert White, Katharine Chemelewski
  • Publication number: 20250140898
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2025
    Publication date: May 1, 2025
    Inventors: Kang Karen Xiao, Eric Joseph Penegar, Takahiko Kondo, Robert Nark, Eric Robert White, Xiaomin Zhang, Kristoffer K. Stokes
  • Patent number: 12191441
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: Celgard, LLC
    Inventors: Kang Karen Xiao, Eric Joseph Penegar, Takahiko Kondo, Robert Nark, Eric Robert White, Xiaomin Zhang, Kristoffer K. Stokes
  • Patent number: 12134259
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2024
    Assignee: Celgard, LLC
    Inventors: Xiaomin Zhang, Eric Robert White, Kang Karen Xiao, Robert A Nark, Insik Jeon, Kristoffer K. Stokes, Paul Vido, Zhengming Zhang
  • Publication number: 20240253287
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2024
    Publication date: August 1, 2024
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20240234793
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2024
    Publication date: July 11, 2024
    Inventors: Changqing Wang Adams, Kang Karen Xiao, Stefan Reinartz, Masaaki Okada, Brian R. Stepp, Yao Lu, Eric Robert White, Katharine Chemelewski
  • Patent number: 11969929
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Celgard, LLC
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 11923497
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Celgard, LLC
    Inventors: Changqing Wang Adams, Kang Karen Xiao, Stefan Reinartz, Masaaki Okada, Brian R. Stepp, Yao Lu, Eric Robert White, Katharine Chemelewski
  • Publication number: 20230411674
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: Kang Karen Xiao, Eric Joseph Penegar, Takahiko Kondo, Robert Nark, Eric Robert White, Xiaomin Zhang, Kristoffer K. Stokes
  • Patent number: 11784344
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Celgard, LLC
    Inventors: Kang Karen Xiao, Eric Joseph Penegar, Takahiko Kondo, Robert Nark, Eric Robert White, Xiaomin Zhang, Kristoffer K. Stokes
  • Publication number: 20220115740
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Inventors: Changqing Wang Adams, Kang Karen Xiao, Stefan Reinartz, Masaaki Okada, Brian R. Stepp, Yao Lu, Eric Robert White, Katharine Chemelewski
  • Publication number: 20210384587
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Inventors: Xiaomin Zhang, Eric Robert White, Kang Karen Xiao, Robert A. Nark, Insik Jeon, Kristoffer K. Stokes, Paul Vido, Zhengming Zhang
  • Publication number: 20210376425
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Inventors: Kang Karen Xiao, Eric Joseph Penegar, Takahiko Kondo, Robert Nark, Eric Robert White, Xiaomin Zhang, Kristoffer K. Stokes
  • Patent number: 11165121
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Celgard, LLC
    Inventors: Changqing Wang Adams, Kang Karen Xiao, Stefan Reinartz, Masaaki Okada, Brian R. Stepp, Yao Lu, Eric Robert White, Katharine Chemelewski
  • Patent number: 11101525
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Celgard, LLC
    Inventors: Xiaomin Zhang, Eric Robert White, Kang Karen Xiao, Robert A. Nark, Insik Jeon, Kristoffer K. Stokes, Paul Vido, Zhengming Zhang
  • Publication number: 20210257701
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Inventors: Kang Karen Xiao, Allen M. Donn, Stefan Reinartz, Changqing Wang Adams, Masaaki Okada, Brian R. Stepp, Eric Robert White, Katharine Chemelewski
  • Patent number: 11056750
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Celgard, LLC
    Inventors: Kang Karen Xiao, Eric Joseph Penegar, Takahiko Kondo, Robert Nark, Eric Robert White, Xiaomin Zhang, Kristoffer K. Stokes
  • Publication number: 20210194095
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20200161618
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Inventors: Changqing Wang Adams, Kang Karen Xiao, Stefan Reinartz, Masaaki Okada, Brian R. Stepp, Yao Lu, Eric Robert White, Katharine Chemelewski
  • Publication number: 20190334151
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Inventors: Xiaomin Zhang, Eric Robert White, Kang Karen Xiao, Robert A. Nark, Insik Jeon, Kristoffer K. Stokes, Paul Vido, Zhengming Zhang