Patents by Inventor Gerhard Hörpel

Gerhard Hörpel 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: 7858222
    Abstract: The present invention relates to separator-electrode units for lithium batteries and also to a process for their production. The separator-electrode units comprise a porous electrode which is useful as a positive electrode (cathode) or negative electrode (anode) in a lithium battery and a separator layer applied to this electrode and are characterized in that the separator-electrode units comprise a purely inorganic separator layer which comprises at least two fractions of metal oxide particles which differ from each other in their average particle size and/or in the metal. More particularly, the separator layer comprises metal oxide particles having an average particle size (Dg) which is greater than the average pore size (d) of the pores of the porous positive electrode that are bonded together by metal oxide particles having a particle size (Dk) which is smaller than the pores of the porous electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: EVONIK DEGUSSA GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Hennige, Christian Hying, Gerhard Hoerpel, Sven Augustin
  • Publication number: 20100323233
    Abstract: The present invention relates to electrical separators and to a process for making them. An electrical separator is a separator used in batteries and other arrangements in which electrodes have to be separated from each other while maintaining ion conductivity for example. The separator is preferably a thin porous insulating material possessing high ion permeability, good mechanical strength and long-term stability to the chemicals and solvents used in the system, for example in the electrolyte of the battery. In batteries, the separator should fully electrically insulate the cathode from the anode. Moreover, the separator has to be permanently elastic and to follow movements in the system, for example in the electrode pack in the course of charging and discharging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: EVONIK DEGUSSA GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Hennige, Christian Hying, Gerhard Hörpel
  • Patent number: 7842624
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vapor-pervious water-impervious substrate, preferably a fibrous nonwoven web, which can be used in particular as a textile continuous sheet material, for example as an awning or as an inlet in apparel. The substrate according to the present invention may have self-cleaning properties. The substrate according to the present invention is simple to produce in an at least two-step process wherein a coating on the fibers of the substrate is produced in the first step and then hydrophobic particles are applied to the coated fibers by means of an adhesion promoter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Evonik Degussa GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Hennige, Christian Hying, Gerhard Hörpel, Markus Oles, Edwin Nun, Bernhard Schleich
  • Publication number: 20100291292
    Abstract: The present invention relates to electrical separators and to a process for producing them. An electrical separator is a separator used in batteries and other arrangements in which electrodes have to be separated from each other while maintaining ion conductivity for example. The separator is preferably a thin porous insulating material processing high ion perviousness, good mechanical strength and long-term stability to the chemicals and solvents used in the system, for example in the electrolyte of the battery. In batteries, the separator shall fully electrically insulate the cathode from the anode. Moveover, the separator shall be permanently elastic and follow movements in the system, for example in the electrode pack in the course of charging and discharging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: EVONIK DEGUSSA GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Hennige, Christian Hying, Gerhard Hörpel
  • Publication number: 20100291293
    Abstract: The present invention relates to separator-electrode units for lithium batteries and also to a process for their production. The separator-electrode units comprise a porous electrode which is useful as a positive electrode (cathode) or negative electrode (anode) in a lithium battery and a separator layer applied to this electrode and are characterized in that the separator-electrode units comprise a purely inorganic separator layer which comprises at least two fractions of metal oxide particles which differ from each other in their average particle size and/or in the metal. More particularly, the separator layer comprises metal oxide particles having an average particle size (Dg) which is greater than the average pore size (d) of the pores of the porous positive electrode that are bonded together by metal oxide particles having a particle size (DO which is smaller than the pores of the porous electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: EVONIK DEGUSSA GmbH
    Inventors: Volker HENNIGE, Christian Hying, Gerhard Hörpel, Sven Augustin
  • Patent number: 7829242
    Abstract: Separator-electrode assemblies (SEAs) comprising a porous electrode useful as a positive or negative electrode in a lithium battery and a separator layer applied to this electrode, the separator layer being an inorganic separator layer comprising at least two fractions of metal oxide particles different from each other in their average particle size and/or in the metal, and the electrode having active mass particles that are bonded together and to a current collector by an inorganic adhesive; and a process for their production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Evonik Degussa GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Hörpel, Volker Hennige, Christian Hying, Sven Augustin
  • Publication number: 20100279173
    Abstract: Robust separator, which has on a substrate and in the intermediate spaces of the substrate, which comprises fibres of an electrically nonconducting material, an electrically nonconductive coating of oxide particles which are adhesively bonded to one another and to the substrate by an inorganic adhesive and comprise at least one oxide, selected from Al2O3, ZrO2 and SiO2, wherein polymer particles are also present in the ceramic coating in addition to the oxide particles of Al2O3, ZrO2 and/or SiO2. These separators are particularly easy to handle, since they are mechanically very stable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: EVONIK DEGUSSA GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Hying, Volker Hennige, Gerhard Hoerpel
  • Patent number: 7811700
    Abstract: The separator-electrode units comprise a porous electrode which is useful as a positive electrode (cathode) or negative electrode (anode) in a lithium battery and a separator layer applied to this electrode and are characterized in that the separator-electrode units comprise a purely inorganic separator layer which comprises at least two fractions of metal oxide particles which differ from each other in their average particle size and/or in the metal. More particularly, the separator layer comprises metal oxide particles having an average particle size (Dg) which is greater than the average pore size (d) of the pores of the porous positive electrode that are bonded together by metal oxide particles having a particle size (Dk) which is smaller than the pores of the porous electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Evonik Degussa GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Hennige, Christian Hying, Gerhard Hoerpel, Sven Augustin
  • Patent number: 7807286
    Abstract: This object is achieved by an electrical separator according to the invention, comprising a sheetlike flexible substrate having a multiplicity of openings and having a coating on and in said substrate, said substrate being a polymeric nonwoven and said coating being a porous electrically insulating ceramic coating, said separator being characterized by said nonwoven having a thickness of less than 30 ?m, a porosity of more than 50% and a pore radius distribution in which at least 50% of the pores have a pore radius from 75 to 150 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Evonik Degussa GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Hennige, Christian Hying, Gerhard Hoerpel
  • Patent number: 7790321
    Abstract: The present invention relates to electrical separators, especially for use in lithium high energy batteries, and to a process for making them. Separators for use in lithium high energy batteries have to have a very low weight and a very low thickness. It has been found that, surprisingly, such separators having a weight of less than 50 g/m2 and a thickness of less than 35 ?m are preparable by applying a ceramic coating to a polymeric web less than 30 ?m in thickness, these separators being very useful in lithium high energy batteries when pyrogenic oxides of the elements Al, Si and/or Zr are used as a particulate pore-forming component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Evonik Degussa GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Hennige, Christian Hying, Gerhard Hoerpel
  • Patent number: 7759009
    Abstract: A pyrogenic oxidic powder composed of particles, comprising (i) atoms of an element of groups 3A, 4A, 3B or 4B of the periodic table of the elements, and (ii) oxygen atoms, said particles being characterized by lithium atoms attached to said atoms via an oxygen bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Evonik Degussa GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Hennige, Christian Hying, Gerhard Hörpel
  • Patent number: 7709140
    Abstract: A separator for an electrochemical cell, comprising (A) a flexible perforate support, and (B) a porous ceramic material which fills the perforations in the support and is suitable for receiving an ion-conducting electrolyte, wherein the porous ceramic material comprises a first porous layer which is characterized by an average pore size and also at least one second porous layer for contacting with an electrode, the second porous layer having an average pore size which is smaller than the average pore size of the first porous layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Evonik Degussa GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Hennige, Christian Hying, Gerhard Hoerpel, Petr Novak, Jens Vetter
  • Patent number: 7691528
    Abstract: Electrical separators for batteries, especially lithium batteries, having a shutdown mechanism. A process for their production. An electrical separator is used in batteries and other systems in which electrodes have to be separated from each other while maintaining ion conductivity. Safety is very important in lithium batteries, since in contrast to other types of battery(Pb, NiCd, NiMeH) the solvent for the electrolyte is not water but a combustible solvent. A separator for lithium cells must possess a shutdown mechanism while not to be able to melt down. This is achieved by an electrical separator having a shutdown layer which consists of particles which melt at a desired temperature, close the pores of the separator, and so stop ion flow. Since the separator also comprises a porous inorganic (ceramic) layer on a carrier, the cells cannot melt down as a result of a completely melted separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Degussa AG
    Inventors: Volker Hennige, Christian Hying, Gerhard Hoerpel
  • Patent number: 7691529
    Abstract: Electrical separators for batteries, especially lithium batteries, having a shutdown mechanism. A process for their production. An electrical separator is used in batteries and other systems in which electrodes have to be separated from each other while maintaining ion conductivity. Safety is very important in lithium batteries, since in contrast to other types of battery (Pb, NiCd, NiMeH) the solvent for the electrolyte is not water but a combustible solvent. A separator for lithium cells must possess a shutdown mechanism while not being able to melt down. This is achieved by an electrical separator having a shutdown layer which comprises particles which melt at a desired temperature, close the pores of the separator, and so stop ion flow. Since the separator also comprises a porous inorganic (ceramic) layer on a carrier, the cells cannot melt down as a result of a completely melted separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Degussa AG
    Inventors: Volker Hennige, Christian Hying, Gerhard Hoerpel
  • Patent number: 7682731
    Abstract: A separator for an electrochemical cell, comprising (A) a flexible perforate support, (B) a porous first ceramic material which fills the perforations in the support and which (i) has a pore structure which is characterized by an average pore size, and (ii) is suitable for receiving an ion-conducting electrolyte, wherein (C) the electrolyte-contactable pore surface of the first porous ceramic material is covered with fine particles of a further material to extend the use life, the average size of the fine particles being in the range from 0.5 to 30% and preferably in the range from 1 to 15% of the average pore size of the ceramic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Degussa AG
    Inventors: Volker Hennige, Christian Hying, Gerhard Hoerpel, Petr Novak, Jens Vetter
  • Publication number: 20100028778
    Abstract: Sheet stock that is useful as a separator in batteries can be obtained by a method in which (a) the sheet stock is provided, (b) the sheet stock is cut to the required width, and, subsequently, (c) the sheet stock obtained according to step (b) is wound onto a core or tube, and, subsequently, (d) the sheet stock is cut to length on the core or tube along the axis of the core or of the tube. The sheet stock has a carrier and abrasive particles, the abrasive particles being located inside and/or on at least part of the surface of the carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: EVONIK DEGUSSA GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Schuch, Christian Hying, Volker Hennige, Andreas Schormann, Gerhard Hoerpel, Matthias Pascaly
  • Patent number: 7655360
    Abstract: An electrical separator for a lithium battery is composed of a porous carrier coated with a porous inorganic nonelectroconductive material and a porous shutdown layer on the porous inorganic nonelectroconductive coating. The shutdown layer melts at a selected temperature defined by layer composition. Upon melting, the pores of the inorganic layer are closed. Such an electrical separator provides a lithium battery of improved safety. A method to produce the electrical separator is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Degussa AG
    Inventors: Volker Hennige, Christian Hying, Gerhard Hoerpel
  • Publication number: 20100003401
    Abstract: The present invention concerns separator-electrode assemblies for lithium batteries and also a process for their production. The separator-electrode assemblies (SEAs) comprise a porous electrode useful as an electrode, ie. Positive (cathode) or negative (anode) electrode, in a lithium battery and a separator layer applied to this electrode. The separator electrode assembly (SEA) is characterized in that it has an inorganic separator layer comprising at least two fractions of metal oxide particles different from each other in their average particle size and/or in the metal, and an electrode whose active mass particles are bonded together and to the current collector by inorganic adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: EVONIK DEGUSSA GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Hörpel, Volker Hennige, Christian Hying, Sven Augustin
  • Publication number: 20100000079
    Abstract: The present invention concerns separator-electrode assemblies for lithium batteries and also a process for their production. The separator-electrode assemblies (SEAS) comprise a porous electrode useful as an electrode, ie. Positive (cathode) or negative (anode) electrode, in a lithium battery and a separator layer applied to this electrode. The separator electrode assembly (SEA) is characterized in that it has an inorganic separator layer comprising at least two fractions of metal oxide particles different from each other in their average particle size and/or in the metal, and an electrode whose active mass particles are bonded together and to the current collector by inorganic adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: EVONIK DEGUSSA GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Hörpel, Volker Hennige, Christian Hying, Sven Augustin
  • Publication number: 20090311418
    Abstract: Electrical separators for batteries, especially lithium batteries, having a shutdown mechanism. A process for their production. An electrical separator is used in batteries and other systems in which electrodes have to be separated from each other while maintaining ion conductivity. Safety is very important in lithium batteries, since in contrast to other types of battery (Pb, NiCd, NiMeH) the solvent for the electrolyte is not water but a combustible solvent. A separator for lithium cells must possess a shutdown mechanism while not being able to melt down. This is achieved by an electrical separator having a shutdown layer which comprises particles which melt at a desired temperature, close the pores of the separator, and so stop ion flow. Since the separator also comprises a porous inorganic (ceramic) layer on a carrier, the cells cannot melt down as a result of a completely melted separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: EVONIK DEGUSSA GmbH
    Inventors: Volker HENNIGE, Christian HYING, Gerhard HÖRPEL