Patents by Inventor Owen Evans

Owen Evans 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: 20260097995
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of producing an aerogel composite, the method includes compressing an aerogel composite, the aerogel composite including a gel dispersed about a reinforcing component. The method further includes heating the aerogel composite. The method further results in producing a compressed and heated aerogel composite, the produced aerogel composite comprising a plurality of pores, a. majority of which having a diameter less than 50 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2023
    Publication date: April 9, 2026
    Inventors: Owen Evans, Kathryn Dekrafft, David Mihalcik, Sean Depner
  • Publication number: 20250293351
    Abstract: Battery thermal management materials, compositions and systems are provided. Exemplary embodiments include a battery thermal management member. The battery thermal management member can include a heat protection layer and a resilient layer. Also provided are methods of preparing or manufacturing such battery thermal management members. In certain embodiments, the heat protection layer can include mica, microporous silica, ceramic fiber, mineral wool, aerogel or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2025
    Publication date: September 18, 2025
    Inventors: Owen Evans, George Gould, Kathryn DeKrafft, David Mihalcik, David Baur
  • Publication number: 20250289941
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an aerogel composition which is durable and easy to handle, which has favorable performance in aqueous environments, and which also has favorable combustion and self-heating properties. Also provided is a method of preparing an aerogel composition which is durable and easy to handle, which has favorable performance in aqueous environments, and which has favorable combustion and self-heating properties. Further provided is a method of improving the hydrophobicity, the liquid water uptake, the heat of combustion, or the onset of thermal decomposition temperature of an aerogel composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2025
    Publication date: September 18, 2025
    Inventors: Owen Evans, Kathryn deKrafft, Nicholas Zafiropoulos, Wenting Dong, David Mihalcik, George Gould, Irene Melnikova
  • Patent number: 12409428
    Abstract: The current disclosure provides reinforced aerogel compositions that are durable and easy to handle, have favorable performance in aqueous environments, have favorable insulation properties, and have favorable, reaction to fire, combustion and flame-resistance properties. Also provided are methods of preparing or manufacturing such reinforced aerogel compositions. In certain embodiments, the composition has a silica-based aerogel framework, reinforced with an open-cell macroporous framework, and includes one or more fire-class additives, where the silica-based aerogel framework comprises at least one hydrophobic-bound silicon and the composition or each of its components has desired properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2024
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2025
    Assignee: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.
    Inventors: David Mihalcik, Kathryn deKrafft, Nicholas Anthony Zafiropoulos, Owen Evans, George Gould, Wibke Lolsberg
  • Patent number: 12401077
    Abstract: Battery thermal management materials, compositions and systems are provided. Exemplary embodiments include a battery thermal management member. The battery thermal management member can include a heat protection layer and a resilient layer. Also provided are methods of preparing or manufacturing such battery thermal management members. In certain embodiments, the heat protection layer can include mica, microporous silica, ceramic fiber, mineral wool, aerogel or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2025
    Assignee: Aspen Aerogels Inc.
    Inventors: Owen Evans, George Gould, Kathryn Dekrafft, David Mihalcik, David Baur
  • Publication number: 20250091884
    Abstract: Methods and compositions herein relate to producing an aluminosilicate aerogel. The method may include receiving a silica precursor in solvent, hydrolyzing the silica precursor to produce colloidal silica, introducing an aluminum compound to the colloidal silica to produce a colloidal aluminosilicate suspension, converting the aluminosilicate suspension to an aluminosilicate gel composition, and forming the aluminosilicate aerogel by extracting fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2023
    Publication date: March 20, 2025
    Inventors: Sean Depner, Owen Evans, lrene Melnikova, Roxana Trifu, Wendell Rhine, George Gould
  • Publication number: 20250079559
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems to manage thermal runaway issues in energy storage systems. Exemplary embodiments include methods and systems having a compressible thermal barrier. The compressible thermal barrier is tailored in size (e.g., thickness, volume, etc.) to prevent thermal propagation between adjacent cells, modules and/or packs when a portion of an energy source has experienced a thermal event. The methods and systems mitigate thermal propagation such that a cell adjacent to a compromised cell (e.g., actively combusting cell) does not experience thermal runaway as it is shielded from dissipating heat and does not surpass a critical temperature. The present disclosure further relates to a battery module or pack with one or more battery cells and the compressible thermal barrier placed between adjacent cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2024
    Publication date: March 6, 2025
    Inventors: John Williams, Younggyu Nam, Owen Evans, David Baur, George Gould, Kathryn deKrafft, David Mihalcik
  • Publication number: 20250059052
    Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to acrogel technology. The disclosure relates more particularly, in various embodiments, to improved methods for producing acrogels and improved acrogel composites having a low compression set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2024
    Publication date: February 20, 2025
    Inventors: Owen Evans, George Gould, John Williams, David Mihalcik, Kathryn deKrafft, Wenting Dong
  • Publication number: 20250055078
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to materials and systems to manage thermal runaway issues in battery modules. In exemplary embodiments, a battery module includes battery cells separated by spacer elements. To mitigate thermal runaway issues, spacer elements may be extended to the interior surface of the enclosure. A seal is formed between the spacer elements and the interior wall to form a thermal barrier between adjacent battery cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2024
    Publication date: February 13, 2025
    Inventors: John Williams, Owen Evans, David Baur, George Gould, Kathryn DeKrafft, David Mihalcik, Brian Cahill, Younggyu Nam
  • Patent number: 12199254
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems to manage thermal runaway issues in energy storage systems. Exemplary embodiments include methods and systems having a compressible thermal barrier. The compressible thermal barrier is tailored in size (e.g., thickness, volume, etc.) to prevent thermal propagation between adjacent cells, modules and/or packs when a portion of an energy source has experienced a thermal event. The methods and systems mitigate thermal propagation such that a cell adjacent to a compromised cell (e.g., actively combusting cell) does not experience thermal runaway as it is shielded from dissipating heat and does not surpass a critical temperature. The present disclosure further relates to a battery module or pack with one or more battery cells and the compressible thermal barrier placed between adjacent cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2025
    Assignee: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.
    Inventors: John Williams, Younggyu Nam, Owen Evans, David Baur, George Gould, Kathryn deKrafft, David Mihalcik
  • Patent number: 12199260
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to materials and systems to manage thermal runaway issues in battery modules. In exemplary embodiments, a battery module includes battery cells separated by spacer elements. To mitigate thermal runaway issues, spacer elements may be extended to the interior surface of the enclosure. A seal is formed between the spacer elements and the interior wall to form a thermal barrier between adjacent battery cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2025
    Assignee: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.
    Inventors: John Williams, Owen Evans, David Baur, George Gould, Kathryn deKrafft, David Mihalcik, Brian Cahill, Younggyu Nam
  • Patent number: 12172902
    Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to aerogel technology. The disclosure relates more particularly, in various embodiments, to improved methods for producing aerogels and improved aerogel composites having a low compression set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2024
    Assignee: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.
    Inventors: Owen Evans, George Gould, John Williams, David Mihalcik, Kathryn deKrafft, Wenting Dong
  • Publication number: 20240391210
    Abstract: The present disclosure can provide an aerogel composite. The aerogel composite comprises at least one base layer having a top surface and a bottom surface, the base layer comprising a reinforced aerogel composition which comprises a reinforcement material and a monolithic aerogel framework, a first facing layer comprising a first facing material attached to the top surface of the base layer, and a second facing layer comprising a second facing material attached to the bottom surface of the base layer. At least a portion of the monolithic aerogel framework of the base layer extends into at least a portion of both the first facing layer and the second facing layer. The first facing material and the second facing material can each comprise or consist essentially of a non-fluoropolymeric material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2024
    Publication date: November 28, 2024
    Inventors: David Mihalcik, Owen Evans, Nicholas Anthony Zafiropoulos, George Gould, Leslie Rikleen
  • Publication number: 20240372183
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fiber-reinforced aerogel material which can be used as insulation. The fiber-reinforced aerogel material is highly durable, flexible, and has a thermal performance that exceeds the insulation materials currently used. The fiber-reinforced aerogel insulation material can be as thin as 1 mm or less, and can have a thickness variation as low as 2% or less. Also provided is a method for improving the performance of a battery by incorporating a reinforced aerogel material into the battery. Further provided is a casting method for producing thin fiber-reinforced aerogel materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2024
    Publication date: November 7, 2024
    Inventors: Owen Evans, Nicholas Anthony Zafiropoulos, Shannon Olga White, Wenting Dong, Wendell Rhine
  • Publication number: 20240360363
    Abstract: Aerogel materials, aerogel composites, and the like may be improved by the addition of opacifiers to reduce the radiative component of heat transfer. Such aerogel materials, aerogel composites, and the like may also be treated to impart or improve hydrophobicity. Such aerogel materials and methods of manufacturing the same are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2024
    Publication date: October 31, 2024
    Inventors: Owen Evans, Wendell Rhine, Jon Nebo, Jon Abeles, JR.
  • Publication number: 20240350997
    Abstract: The current disclosure provides reinforced aerogel compositions that are durable and easy to handle, have favorable performance in aqueous environments, have favorable insulation properties, and have favorable, reaction to fire, combustion and flame-resistance properties. Also provided are methods of preparing or manufacturing such reinforced aerogel compositions. In certain embodiments, the composition has a silica-based aerogel framework, reinforced with an open-cell macroporous framework, and includes one or more fire-class additives, where the silica-based aerogel framework comprises at least one hydrophobic-bound silicon and the composition or each of its components has desired properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2024
    Publication date: October 24, 2024
    Inventors: David Mihalcik, Kathryn deKrafft, Nicholas Anthony Zafiropoulos, Owen Evans, George Gould, Wibke Lolsberg
  • Patent number: 12103291
    Abstract: The present disclosure can provide an aerogel composite. The aerogel composite comprises at least one base layer having a top surface and a bottom surface, the base layer comprising a reinforced aerogel composition which comprises a reinforcement material and a monolithic aerogel framework, a first facing layer comprising a first facing material attached to the top surface of the base layer, and a second facing layer comprising a second facing material attached to the bottom surface of the base layer. At least a portion of the monolithic aerogel framework of the base layer extends into at least a portion of both the first facing layer and the second facing layer. The first facing material and the second facing material can each comprise or consist essentially of a non-fluoropolymeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.
    Inventors: David Mihalcik, Owen Evans, Nicholas Zafiropoulos, George Gould, Leslie Rikleen
  • Patent number: 12100848
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fiber-reinforced aerogel material which can be used as insulation. The fiber-reinforced aerogel material is highly durable, flexible, and has a thermal performance that exceeds the insulation materials currently used. The fiber-reinforced aerogel insulation material can be as thin as 1 mm or less, and can have a thickness variation as low as 2% or less. Also provided is a method for improving the performance of a battery by incorporating a reinforced aerogel material into the battery. Further provided is a casting method for producing thin fiber-reinforced aerogel materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2024
    Assignee: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.
    Inventors: Owen Evans, Nicholas Zafiropoulos, Shannon White, Wenting Dong, Wendell Rhine
  • Publication number: 20240313291
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems to manage thermal runaway issues in energy storage systems. Exemplary embodiments include methods and systems having a compressible thermal barrier. The compressible thermal barrier is tailored in size (e.g., thickness, volume, etc.) to prevent thermal propagation between adjacent cells, modules and/or packs when a portion of an energy source has experienced a thermal event. The methods and systems mitigate thermal propagation such that a cell adjacent to a compromised cell (e.g., actively combusting cell) does not experience thermal runaway as it is shielded from dissipating heat and does not surpass a critical temperature. The present disclosure further relates to a battery module or pack with one or more battery cells and the compressible thermal barrier placed between adjacent cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2022
    Publication date: September 19, 2024
    Inventors: John Williams, Younggyu Nam, Owen Evans, David Baur, George Gould, Kathryn Dekrafft, David Mihalcik
  • Publication number: 20240308180
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to materials and systems to manage thermal runaway issues in energy storage systems. Exemplary embodiments include an insulation layer that is encapsulated to form an insulation barrier. A particle capture layer is included in the insulation barrier. The particle capture layer captures particles released from the insulation barrier during compression of the insulation barrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2022
    Publication date: September 19, 2024
    Inventors: John Williams, Owen Evans, David Mihalcik, George Gould, Kathryn deKrafft, David Baur