Patents by Inventor Kevin Whear

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).

  • Patent number: 12237534
    Abstract: A separator for a lead acid battery is a porous membrane having a positive electrode face and a negative electrode face. A plurality of longitudinally extending ribs, a plurality of protrusions or a nonwoven material may be disposed upon the positive electrode face. A plurality of transversely extending ribs are disposed upon the negative electrode face. The transverse ribs disposed upon the negative electrode face are preferably juxtaposed to a negative electrode of the lead acid battery, when the separator is placed within that battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2024
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2025
    Assignee: Daramic, LLC
    Inventors: Eric H. Miller, J. Kevin Whear
  • Patent number: 12230769
    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: January 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2025
    Assignee: Daramic, LLC
    Inventors: J. Kevin Whear, Ahila Krishnamoorthy, Susmitha Appikatla
  • Publication number: 20250046881
    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: October 25, 2024
    Publication date: February 6, 2025
    Inventors: Eric H. Miller, J. Kevin Whear, Jeffrey K. Chambers
  • Patent number: 12215228
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2025
    Assignee: Daramic, LLC
    Inventors: J. Kevin Whear, John R. Timmons, Jeffrey K. Chambers, Tejas R. Shah
  • Publication number: 20250038356
    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: October 13, 2024
    Publication date: January 30, 2025
    Inventors: J. Kevin Whear, Mohammed Naiha
  • Publication number: 20240421322
    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 2, 2024
    Publication date: December 19, 2024
    Inventor: J. Kevin Whear
  • Publication number: 20240405374
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of improved separators for lead acid batteries, improved lead acid batteries incorporating the improved separators, and vehicles, devices, or systems incorporating the same. A lead acid battery separator is provided with a porous membrane with a plurality of ribs extending from a surface thereon. The plurality of ribs preferably includes both positive ribs and negative ribs having similar heights. The ribs are provided with a plurality of discontinuous peaks arranged such as to provide resilient support for the porous membrane in order to resist forces exerted by active material swelling and thus mitigate the effects of acid starvation associated with such swelling, and increasing the acid availability at the electrodes. A lead acid battery is further provided that incorporates the provided separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2024
    Publication date: December 5, 2024
    Inventor: J. Kevin Whear
  • Patent number: 12159976
    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: March 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2024
    Assignee: Daramic, LLC
    Inventors: Eric H. Miller, J. Kevin Whear, Jeffrey K. Chambers
  • Patent number: 12148951
    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: April 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: Daramic, LLC
    Inventors: J. Kevin Whear, Mohammed Naiha
  • Publication number: 20240356157
    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 6, 2024
    Publication date: October 24, 2024
    Inventors: Eric H. Miller, Ahila Krishnamoorthy, James P. Perry, J. Kevin Whear
  • Publication number: 20240339669
    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: June 20, 2024
    Publication date: October 10, 2024
    Inventors: J. Kevin Whear, James P. Perry, Jeffrey K. Chambers, Larry A. Spickard, John R. Timmons
  • Patent number: 12113237
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: Daramic, LLC
    Inventors: Eric H. Miller, Ahila Krishnamoorthy, James P. Perry, J. Kevin Whear
  • Patent number: 12107275
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: Daramic, LLC
    Inventor: J. Kevin Whear
  • Patent number: 12087969
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of improved separators for lead acid batteries, improved lead acid batteries incorporating the improved separators, and vehicles, devices, or systems incorporating the same. A lead acid battery separator is provided with a porous membrane with a plurality of ribs extending from a surface thereon. The plurality of ribs preferably includes both positive ribs and negative ribs having similar heights. The ribs are provided with a plurality of discontinuous peaks arranged such as to provide resilient support for the porous membrane in order to resist forces exerted by active material swelling and thus mitigate the effects of acid starvation associated with such swelling, and increasing the acid availability at the electrodes. A lead acid battery is further provided that incorporates the provided separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: Daramic LLC
    Inventor: J. Kevin Whear
  • Patent number: 12051783
    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 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2024
    Assignee: Daramic, LLC
    Inventors: J. Kevin Whear, James P. Perry, Jeffrey K. Chambers, Larry A Spickard, John R. Timmons
  • Publication number: 20240234948
    Abstract: A separator for a lead acid battery is a porous membrane having a positive electrode face and a negative electrode face. A plurality of longitudinally extending ribs, a plurality of protrusions or a nonwoven material may be disposed upon the positive electrode face. A plurality of transversely extending ribs are disposed upon the negative electrode face. The transverse ribs disposed upon the negative electrode face are preferably juxtaposed to a negative electrode of the lead acid battery, when the separator is placed within that battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2024
    Publication date: July 11, 2024
    Inventors: Eric H. Miller, J. Kevin Whear
  • Patent number: 12034181
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: Daramic, LLC
    Inventors: Eric H. Miller, Ahila Krishnamoorthy, James P. Perry, J. Kevin Whear
  • Patent number: 11976197
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Daramic, LLC
    Inventors: J. Kevin Whear, John R. Timmons, Jeffrey K. Chambers, Tejas R. Shah
  • Publication number: 20240145860
    Abstract: New or improved lead acid batteries with vapor pressure barriers and/or improved battery separators, as well as systems, vehicles, and/or methods of manufacture and/or use thereof are disclosed herein. In at least select embodiments, the instant disclosure provides new or improved lead acid batteries with a vapor pressure barrier. In at least select embodiments, the instant disclosure provides new or improved lead acid battery vapor pressure barriers along with new or improved battery separators, and/or methods of manufacture and/or use thereof. In at least select embodiments, the instant disclosure provides a new or improved lead acid battery with a vapor pressure barrier that reduces the water loss from the battery. In at least select embodiments, a method of reducing the water loss of a lead acid battery may include providing a vapor pressure barrier, such as a layer of oil, inside the lead acid battery along with an improved battery separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2024
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Margaret R. Roberts, Jeffrey K. Chambers, James Perry, J. Kevin Whear
  • Patent number: 11942655
    Abstract: A separator for a lead acid battery is a porous membrane having a positive electrode face and a negative electrode face. A plurality of longitudinally extending ribs, a plurality of protrusions or a nonwoven material may be disposed upon the positive electrode face. A plurality of transversely extending ribs are disposed upon the negative electrode face. The transverse ribs disposed upon the negative electrode face are preferably juxtaposed to a negative electrode of the lead acid battery, when the separator is placed within that battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Daramic, LLC
    Inventors: Eric H. Miller, J. Kevin Whear