Patents by Inventor J. Kevin Whear

J. Kevin Whear 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: 20230020720
    Abstract: Disclosed in at least one embodiment herein is a battery separator comprising a substrate that may be polymeric and porous. The substrate may have ribs, protrusions, or ribs and protrusions on one or both faces or surfaces thereof. On at least one surface or face of the substrate, a material layer may be formed. The material layer may contain a material with an oil absorption value equal to or greater than 15 g oil/100 g of material. The battery separator disclosed herein is useful in a lead acid battery, particularly in a flooded lead acid battery or a valve-regulated lead acid (VRLA) battery. The battery separator described herein has many benefits including helping mitigate or prevent issues such as acid stratification and others that may deteriorate battery performance or battery life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: J. Kevin Whear, Eric H. Miller
  • Patent number: 11552370
    Abstract: In accordance with at least selected embodiments or aspects, the present invention is directed to improved, unique, and/or complex performance lead acid battery separators, such as improved flooded lead acid battery separators, batteries including such separators, methods of production, and/or methods of use. The preferred battery separator of the present invention addresses and optimizes multiple separator properties simultaneously. It is believed that the present invention is the first to recognize the need to address multiple separator properties simultaneously, the first to choose particular multiple separator property combinations, and the first to produce commercially viable multiple property battery separators, especially such a separator having negative cross ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Daramic, LLC
    Inventors: J. Kevin Whear, Eric H. Miller, Margaret R. Roberts
  • Patent number: 11502374
    Abstract: A battery separator has performance enhancing additives or coatings, fillers with increased friability, increased ionic diffusion, decreased tortuosity, increased wettability, reduced oil content, reduced thickness, decreased electrical resistance, and/or increased porosity. The separator in a battery reduces the water loss, lowers acid stratification, lowers the voltage drop, and/or increases the CCA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Daramic, LLC
    Inventors: Mohammed Naiha, Jörg Deiters, Ahila Krishnamoorthy, Eric H. Miller, J. Kevin Whear, Robert W. Saffel, Naoto Miyake, Kanak Kuwelkar
  • Publication number: 20220302556
    Abstract: An improved carbon for use in a lead acid battery is disclosed herein. Also disclosed, is a metal oxide or metal sulfate additive that may be used in conjunction with the improved carbon. Battery performance of lead acid batteries, particularly flooded lead acid batteries, is improved by the use of the improved carbon or the improved carbon and the metal oxide or metal sulfate additive. Improvements to one or more of cycle life, dynamic charge acceptance, and water loss are observed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2020
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Inventors: J. Kevin Whear, Susmitha Appikatla
  • Publication number: 20220238957
    Abstract: A separator is provided with a novel construction and/or a combination of improved properties. Batteries, methods, and systems associated therewith are also provided. In certain embodiments, novel or improved separators, battery separators, enhanced flooded battery separators, batteries, cells, and/or methods of manufacture and/or use of such separators, battery separators, enhanced flooded battery separators, cells, and/or batteries are provided. In addition, there is disclosed herein methods, systems, and battery separators having a reduced ER, improved puncture strength, improved separator CMD stiffness, improved oxidation resistance, reduced separator thickness, reduced basis weight, and any combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2022
    Publication date: July 28, 2022
    Inventors: J. Kevin Whear, Mohammed Naiha
  • Publication number: 20220186029
    Abstract: In accordance with at least selected embodiments or aspects, the present invention is directed to improved, unique, and/or high performance ISS lead acid battery separators, such as improved ISS flooded lead acid battery separators, ISS batteries including such separators, methods of production, and/or methods of use. The preferred ISS separator may include negative cross ribs and/or PIMS minerals. In accordance with more particular embodiments or examples, a PIMS mineral (preferably fish meal, a bio-mineral) is provided as at least a partial substitution for the silica filler component in a silica filled lead acid battery separator (preferably a polyethylene/silica separator formulation). In accordance with at least selected embodiments, the present invention is directed to new or improved batteries, separators, components, and/or compositions having heavy metal removal capabilities and/or methods of manufacture and/or methods of use thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2022
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Inventors: J. Kevin Whear, John R. Timmons, Jeffrey K. Chambers, Tejas R. Shah
  • Publication number: 20220190435
    Abstract: A battery separator for a lead/acid battery is resistant to oxidation arising from the use of water or acid containing contaminants, for example chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), and the like. The separator is a microporous membrane including a rubber. The rubber is no more than about 12% by weight of the separator. The rubber may be rubber latex, tire crumb, and combinations thereof. The rubber may be impregnated into the microporous membrane. The microporous membrane may be a microporous sheet of polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride, phenol-formaldehyde resins, cross-linked rubber, or nonwoven fibers. A method for preventing the oxidation and/or extending battery life of the separator is also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2022
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Inventors: Eric H. Miller, J. Kevin Whear, Jeffrey K. Chambers
  • Publication number: 20220158303
    Abstract: In accordance with at least selected embodiments, the present application or invention is directed to novel or improved porous membranes or substrates, separator membranes, separators, composites, electrochemical devices, batteries, methods of making such membranes or substrates, separators, and/or batteries, and/or methods of using such membranes or substrates, separators and/or batteries. In accordance with at least certain embodiments, the present application is directed to novel or improved porous membranes having a coating layer, battery separator membranes having a coating layer, separators, energy storage devices, batteries, including lead acid batteries including such separators, methods of making such membranes, separators, and/or batteries, and/or methods of using such membranes, separators and/or batteries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2022
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Inventors: J. Kevin Whear, Ahila Krishnamoorthy, Susmitha Appikatla
  • Patent number: 11335974
    Abstract: A separator is provided with a novel construction and/or a combination of improved properties. Batteries, methods, and systems associated therewith are also provided. In certain embodiments, novel or improved separators, battery separators, enhanced flooded battery separators, batteries, cells, and/or methods of manufacture and/or use of such separators, battery separators, enhanced flooded battery separators, cells, and/or batteries are provided. In addition, there is disclosed herein methods, systems, and battery separators having a reduced ER, improved puncture strength, improved separator CMD stiffness, improved oxidation resistance, reduced separator thickness, reduced basis weight, and any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Daramic, LLC
    Inventors: J. Kevin Whear, Mohammed Naiha
  • Patent number: 11302991
    Abstract: A battery separator for a lead/acid battery is resistant to oxidation arising from the use of water or acid containing contaminants, for example chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), and the like. The separator is a microporous membrane including a rubber. The rubber is no more than about 12% by weight of the separator. The rubber may be rubber latex, tire crumb, and combinations thereof. The rubber may be impregnated into the microporous membrane. The microporous membrane may be a microporous sheet of polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride, phenol-formaldehyde resins, cross-linked rubber, or nonwoven fibers. A method for preventing the oxidation and/or extending battery life of the separator is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Daramic, LLC
    Inventors: Eric H. Miller, J. Kevin Whear, Jeffrey K. Chambers
  • Publication number: 20220077505
    Abstract: New or improved battery separators for lead-acid batteries that include a carbon or mineral additive applied to the separator. In possibly preferred embodiments, the battery separator may include engineered carbon materials applied to the battery separator to modify sulfate crystal formation while decreasing the detrimental consequences of excessive gas evolution into the negative electrode itself. In one embodiment, a method of enhancing the lead-acid energy storage performance of a lead-acid battery may include delivering carbon to the negative active material surface of the battery separator where the carbon may effectively enhance charge acceptance and improve life cycle performance of a lead-acid battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2021
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Inventors: J. Kevin Whear, James P. Perry, Jeffrey K. Chambers, Larry A. Spickard, John R. Timmons
  • Patent number: 11271270
    Abstract: In accordance with at least selected embodiments, the present application or invention is directed to novel or improved porous membranes or substrates, separator membranes, separators, composites, electrochemical devices, batteries, methods of making such membranes or substrates, separators, and/or batteries, and/or methods of using such membranes or substrates, separators and/or batteries. In accordance with at least certain embodiments, the present application is directed to novel or improved porous membranes having a coating layer, battery separator membranes having a coating layer, separators, energy storage devices, batteries, including lead acid batteries including such separators, methods of making such membranes, separators, and/or batteries, and/or methods of using such membranes, separators and/or batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Daramic, LLC
    Inventors: J. Kevin Whear, Ahíla Krishnamoorthy, Susmitha Appikatla
  • Publication number: 20210395528
    Abstract: In accordance with at least selected embodiments or aspects, the present invention is directed to improved, unique, and/or high performance ISS lead acid battery separators, such as improved ISS flooded lead acid battery separators, ISS batteries including such separators, methods of production, and/or methods of use. The preferred ISS separator may include negative cross ribs and/or PIMS minerals. In accordance with more particular embodiments or examples, a PIMS mineral (preferably fish meal, a bio-mineral) is provided as at least a partial substitution for the silica filler component in a silica filled lead acid battery separator (preferably a polyethylene/silica separator formulation). In accordance with at least selected embodiments, the present invention is directed to new or improved batteries, separators, components, and/or compositions having heavy metal removal capabilities and/or methods of manufacture and/or methods of use thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Inventors: J. Kevin Whear, John R. Timmons, Jeffrey K. Chambers, Tejas R. Shah
  • Publication number: 20210399385
    Abstract: A battery separator for a lead acid battery addresses the issues of acid stratification and separator oxidation arising from contaminants. The separator includes a microporous membrane and a diffusive mat affixed thereto. The diffusive mat has a three hour wick of: at least about 2.5 cm. The diffusive mat may be made of synthetic fibers, glass fibers, natural fibers, and combinations thereof. The diffusive mat may include silica. The separator may include a rubber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Inventors: Eric H. Miller, J. Kevin Whear, John R. Timmons, Jeffrey K. Chambers, Pierre A. Hauswald
  • Patent number: 11183738
    Abstract: In accordance with at least selected embodiments or aspects, the present invention is directed to improved, unique, and/or complex performance lead acid battery separators, such as improved flooded lead acid battery separators, batteries including such separators, methods of production, and/or methods of use. The preferred battery separator of the present invention addresses and optimizes multiple separator properties simultaneously. It is believed that the present invention is the first to recognize the need to address multiple separator properties simultaneously, the first to choose particular multiple separator property combinations, and the first to produce commercially viable multiple property battery separators, especially such a separator having negative cross ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Daramic, LLC
    Inventors: J. Kevin Whear, Eric H. Miller, Margaret R. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20210336273
    Abstract: The present disclosure or invention is directed to novel or improved separators for a variety of lead acid batteries and/or systems. In addition, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are directed to novel or improved battery separators, separator profiles, separator and electrode assemblies incorporating the same, battery cells incorporating the same, batteries incorporating the same, systems incorporating the same, and/or methods of manufacturing and/or of using the same, and/or the like, and/or combinations thereof. For example, disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of improved electrode plate and separator assemblies (400) for lead acid batteries, improved lead acid cells or batteries incorporating the improved assemblies, systems or vehicles incorporating the improved assemblies (400) and/or batteries (100), and methods related thereto. The electrode plate (200, 201) may have a grid (202) of a stamped, cast, or expanded metal manufacturing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventor: J. Kevin Whear
  • Publication number: 20210336310
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a separator is provided with a fibrous mat for retaining the active material on an electrode of a lead-acid battery. New or improved mats, separators, batteries, methods, and/or systems are also disclosed, shown, claimed, and/or provided. For example, in at least one possibly preferred embodiment, a composite separator is provided with a fibrous mat for retaining the active material on an electrode of a lead-acid battery. In at least one possibly particularly preferred embodiment, a PE membrane separator is provided with at least one fibrous mat for retaining the active material on an electrode of a lead-acid battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2021
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: Eric H. Miller, Ahila Krishnamoorthy, James P. Perry, J. Kevin Whear
  • Patent number: 11152647
    Abstract: New or improved battery separators for lead-acid batteries that include a carbon or mineral additive applied to the separator. In possibly preferred embodiments, the battery separator may include engineered carbon materials applied to the battery separator to modify sulfate crystal formation while decreasing the detrimental consequences of excessive gas evolution into the negative electrode itself. In one embodiment, a method of enhancing the lead-acid energy storage performance of a lead-acid battery may include delivering carbon to the negative active material surface of the battery separator where the carbon may effectively enhance charge acceptance and improve life cycle performance of a lead-acid battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Daramic, LLC
    Inventors: J. Kevin Whear, James P. Perry, Jeffrey K. Chambers, Larry A. Spickard, John R. Timmons
  • Publication number: 20210296737
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of improved separators for batteries, particularly lead acid batteries, and more particularly enhanced flooded lead acid batteries, improved lead acid batteries incorporating the improved separators, systems incorporating the improved separators and/or batteries, and methods related thereto. The improved separators may contain a cross-linkable component and a surfactant, agent, or additive. Furthermore, the cross-linkable component may be at least partially cross-linked. In addition, the separator may further be composed of a polymer and a filler, and may be additionally paired with a fibrous mat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventors: James P. Perry, Neal M. Golovin, Daniel R. Alexander, Eric Killmeier, J. Kevin Whear
  • Patent number: 11128014
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a separator is provided with a fibrous mat for retaining the active material on an electrode of a lead-acid battery. New or improved mats, separators, batteries, methods, and/or systems are also disclosed, shown, claimed, and/or provided. For example, in at least one possibly preferred embodiment, a composite separator is provided with a fibrous mat for retaining the active material on an electrode of a lead-acid battery. In at least one possibly particularly preferred embodiment, a PE membrane separator is provided with at least one fibrous mat for retaining the active material on an electrode of a lead-acid battery. In accordance with at least certain embodiments, aspects and/or objects, the present invention, application, or disclosure may provide solutions, new products, improved products, new methods, and/or improved methods, and/or may address issues, needs, and/or problems of PAM shedding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Daramic, LLC
    Inventors: Eric H. Miller, Ahila Krishnamoorthy, James P. Perry, J. Kevin Whear