Patents by Inventor Robert A. Nark
Robert A. Nark 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: 12191441Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 29, 2023Date of Patent: January 7, 2025Assignee: Celgard, LLCInventors: Kang Karen Xiao, Eric Joseph Penegar, Takahiko Kondo, Robert Nark, Eric Robert White, Xiaomin Zhang, Kristoffer K. Stokes
-
Patent number: 12134259Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 23, 2021Date of Patent: November 5, 2024Assignee: Celgard, LLCInventors: Xiaomin Zhang, Eric Robert White, Kang Karen Xiao, Robert A Nark, Insik Jeon, Kristoffer K. Stokes, Paul Vido, Zhengming Zhang
-
Publication number: 20240253287Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2024Publication date: August 1, 2024Inventors: 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: 11969929Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 10, 2019Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: Celgard, LLCInventors: 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: 20240006719Abstract: The present invention relates in at least selected embodiments to novel or improved microporous battery separators for lithium rechargeable batteries and/or related methods of making and/or using such separators. A particular inventive dry process battery separator or membrane separator exhibits a thickness that is less than about 14 ?m and has increased strength performance as defined by reduced splittiness. The mode of splitting failure has been investigated, and the improvement in splittiness quantified by a novel test method known as the Composite Splittiness Index (CSI).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2023Publication date: January 4, 2024Inventors: Xiaomin Zhang, Kang Karen Xiao, Robert A. Nark, Ron E. Smith
-
Publication number: 20230411674Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2023Publication date: December 21, 2023Inventors: Kang Karen Xiao, Eric Joseph Penegar, Takahiko Kondo, Robert Nark, Eric Robert White, Xiaomin Zhang, Kristoffer K. Stokes
-
Patent number: 11784344Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 1, 2021Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: Celgard, LLCInventors: Kang Karen Xiao, Eric Joseph Penegar, Takahiko Kondo, Robert Nark, Eric Robert White, Xiaomin Zhang, Kristoffer K. Stokes
-
Patent number: 11728546Abstract: Several embodiments of a microporous battery separator for lithium rechargeable batteries and/or related methods of making and/or using such separators are disclosed. A dry process battery separator or membrane separator exhibits a thickness that is less than about 14 ?m and has increased strength performance as defined by reduced splittiness. The mode of splitting failure has been investigated, and the improvement in splittiness quantified by a test method known as the Composite Splittiness Index (CSI).Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2015Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: Celgard, LLCInventors: Xiaomin Zhang, Kang Karen Xiao, Robert A. Nark, Ron E. Smith
-
Publication number: 20230234273Abstract: 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 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: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2022Publication date: July 27, 2023Inventors: Kang Karen Xiao, Eric J. Penegar, Takahiko Kondo, Robert Nark, Eric R. White, Xiaomin Zhang, Kristoffer K. Stokes, Stefan Reinartz, Masaaki Okada
-
Patent number: 11495865Abstract: 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 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: GrantFiled: November 10, 2017Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: Celgard, LLCInventors: Kang Karen Xiao, Eric J. Penegar, Takahiko Kondo, Robert Nark, Eric R. White, Xiaomin Zhang, Kristoffer K. Stokes, Stefan Reinartz, Masaaki Okada
-
Publication number: 20210384587Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2021Publication date: December 9, 2021Inventors: Xiaomin Zhang, Eric Robert White, Kang Karen Xiao, Robert A. Nark, Insik Jeon, Kristoffer K. Stokes, Paul Vido, Zhengming Zhang
-
Publication number: 20210376425Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2021Publication date: December 2, 2021Inventors: Kang Karen Xiao, Eric Joseph Penegar, Takahiko Kondo, Robert Nark, Eric Robert White, Xiaomin Zhang, Kristoffer K. Stokes
-
Patent number: 11101525Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 8, 2019Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: Celgard, LLCInventors: Xiaomin Zhang, Eric Robert White, Kang Karen Xiao, Robert A. Nark, Insik Jeon, Kristoffer K. Stokes, Paul Vido, Zhengming Zhang
-
Patent number: 11056750Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 11, 2016Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: Celgard, LLCInventors: Kang Karen Xiao, Eric Joseph Penegar, Takahiko Kondo, Robert Nark, Eric Robert White, Xiaomin Zhang, Kristoffer K. Stokes
-
Publication number: 20210194095Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2019Publication date: June 24, 2021Inventors: 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: 20200028139Abstract: 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 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: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2017Publication date: January 23, 2020Inventors: Kang Karen Xiao, Eric J. Penegar, Takahiko Kondo, Robert Nark, Eric R. White, Xiaomin Zhang, Kristoffer K. Stokes, Stefan Reinartz, Masaaki Okada
-
Publication number: 20190334151Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2019Publication date: October 31, 2019Inventors: Xiaomin Zhang, Eric Robert White, Kang Karen Xiao, Robert A. Nark, Insik Jeon, Kristoffer K. Stokes, Paul Vido, Zhengming Zhang
-
Publication number: 20190267599Abstract: 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 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: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2017Publication date: August 29, 2019Inventors: Kang Karen Xiao, Eric J. Penegar, Takahiko Kondo, Robert Nark, Eric R. White, Xiaomin Zhang, Kristoffer K. Stokes, Stefan Reinartz, Masaaki Okada
-
Patent number: 10347890Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 29, 2016Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: Celgard, LLCInventors: Xiaomin Zhang, Eric Robert White, Kang Karen Xiao, Robert A. Nark, Insik Jeon, Kristoffer K. Stokes, Paul Vido, Zhengming Zhang
-
Publication number: 20180323417Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2016Publication date: November 8, 2018Inventors: Kang Karen XIAO, Eric Joseph PENEGAR, Takahiko KONDO, Robert NARK, Eric Robert WHITE, Xiaomin ZHANG, Kristoffer K. STOKES