Patents by Inventor Stefan Reinartz

Stefan Reinartz 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: 11969929
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Celgard, LLC
    Inventors: 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: 20240136659
    Abstract: A heat-resistant sticky coating for use on a membrane or lithium ion battery separator is disclosed. The coating has at least improved dry adhesion to an electrode for a lithium ion battery. The coating includes heat-resistant particles with a water-soluble sticky polymer on their surface. The water-soluble sticky polymer may be a polyethylene oxide (PEO). The coating may also include particles of water-insoluble sticky polymer. The water-insoluble sticky polymer may be a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) homopolymer, copolymer, or terpolymer. The water-insoluble sticky polymer may be in the same layer of the coating as the heat-resistant particles with the water-soluble sticky polymer on their surface, or it may be in a different layer. A method for forming the heat-resistant sticky coating is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2022
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventors: Wenbin Yin, Zhengming Zhang, Stefan Reinartz, Takeda Hisashi, Xiang Yu
  • Patent number: 11952475
    Abstract: A novel or improved base film for impregnation, impregnated base film, product incorporating the impregnated base film, and/or related methods as shown, claimed or described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Celgard, LLC
    Inventors: Takahiko Kondo, Masaaki Okada, Stefan Reinartz, Daniel R. Alexander
  • Patent number: 11949124
    Abstract: New and/or improved coatings, layers or treatments for porous substrates, including battery separators or separator membranes, and/or coated or treated porous substrates, including coated battery separators, and/or batteries or cells including such coatings or coated separators, and/or related methods including methods of manufacture and/or of use thereof are disclosed. Also, new or improved coatings for porous substrates, including battery separators, which comprise at least a matrix material or a polymeric binder, and heat-resistant particles with additional additives, materials or components, and/or to new or improved coated or treated porous substrates, including battery separators, where the coating comprises at least a matrix material or a polymeric binder, and heat-resistant particles with additional additives, materials or components are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Celgard, LLC
    Inventors: Zhengming Zhang, Michael B. Lane, Insik Jeon, Edward Kruger, Xiang Yu, Ronnie E. Smith, Stefan Reinartz, Junqing Ma, Daniel R. Alexander
  • Patent number: 11923497
    Abstract: Described herein, are battery separators, comprising the following: a microporous polymeric film; and an optional coating layer on at least one side of the microporous polymeric film, wherein at least one of the microporous polymeric film and the optional coating comprises an additive. The additive is selected from the group consisting of a lubricating agent, a plasticizing agent, a nucleating agent, a shrinkage reducing agent, a surfactant, an SEI improving agent, a cathode protection agent, a flame retardant additive, LiPF6 salt stabilizer, an overcharge protector, an aluminum corrosion inhibitor, a lithium deposition agent or improver, or a solvation enhancer, an aluminum corrosion inhibitor, a wetting agent, and a viscosity improver. Also, described herein are batteries, including lithium-ion batteries, comprising one or more of the described separators. Methods for making the battery separators are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Celgard, LLC
    Inventors: Changqing Wang Adams, Kang Karen Xiao, Stefan Reinartz, Masaaki Okada, Brian R. Stepp, Yao Lu, Eric Robert White, Katharine Chemelewski
  • Publication number: 20240055726
    Abstract: This application is directed to dry-process porous membranes comprising polyethylene and to methods for forming such membranes. Some of the dry-process porous membranes may comprise polyethylene that has been irradiated with electron-beam irradiation. The dry-process porous membranes disclosed herein may be used in the following: lithium ion batteries, including those utilizing nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), lithium metal, or lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistries, and/or large format lithium ion batteries, textiles, garments, PPE, filters, medical products, house products, fragrance devices, and/or disposable lighters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2021
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Inventors: Changqing Wang Adams, Zhengming Zhang, Stefan Reinartz
  • Patent number: 11879070
    Abstract: Coating compositions for porous substrates, and/or related methods including methods of manufacture and/or of use thereof are disclosed. Also, coating compositions for porous substrates, where the coating comprises at least a polymeric binder and heat-resistant particles with or without additional additives, materials or components are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Celgard, LLC
    Inventors: Michael B. Lane, Insik Jeon, Edward Kruger, Xiang Yu, Ronnie E. Smith, Stefan Reinartz, Junqing Ma
  • Publication number: 20230344081
    Abstract: A porous membrane having a cross-linked ceramic coating on at least one side thereof is disclosed. The coated porous membrane may be used as a battery separator, particularly a battery separator for a lithium ion battery. The coating includes at least a cross-linker and a ceramic. The cross-linker may be a particulate polymeric binder cross-linker, a PEO (PEG) cross-linker, or a POSS cross-linker. The coated membrane exhibits improved properties that may be favorable for its use as a battery separator. For example, the coated porous membrane may exhibit improved shrinkage properties and high temperature resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Wenbin Yin, James Rapley, Xiang Yu, Stefan Reinartz, Yuji Masui, Daisuke Narushima, Yuya Iwasaki
  • Publication number: 20230234273
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2022
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventors: Kang Karen Xiao, Eric J. Penegar, Takahiko Kondo, Robert Nark, Eric R. White, Xiaomin Zhang, Kristoffer K. Stokes, Stefan Reinartz, Masaaki Okada
  • Publication number: 20230231231
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a battery separator comprising two porous or microporous layers and a heat-resistant layer between the two porous or microporous layers. The heat-resistant layer may be a ceramic layer or a layer containing a high melt integrity polymer. In some embodiments, the battery separator may further comprise one or more adhesive layers between the two porous or microporous layers. The resulting battery separator may be safer, have more integrity, and/or have shutdown function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Publication date: July 20, 2023
    Inventors: Stefan Reinartz, James Rapley, Daniel R. Alexander
  • Publication number: 20230183531
    Abstract: A polyolefin-containing seam tape is described herein. The polyolefin may be at least one of a homopolymer, copolymer, terpolymer, or a polymer blend of polyethylene, polypropylene, or a combination of the two. The seam tape may be used to form a bonded, reinforced, or waterproofed seam. The seam tape may be used in equipment or apparel that may or may not be recyclable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2021
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventors: Barry J. Summey, Insik Jeon, Kang Karen Xiao, Eric R. White, Stefan Reinartz
  • Patent number: 11658333
    Abstract: In accordance with at least certain embodiments, the present invention is directed to novel, improved, coated, or treated separator membranes, separators or membrane based separators for lithium batteries. The membranes or separators may include non-woven layers, improved surfactant treatments, or combinations thereof. The separators or membranes are useful for solvent electrolyte lithium batteries, especially rechargeable lithium ion batteries, and provide improved performance, wettability, cycling ability, and/or recharging efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Celgard, LLC
    Inventors: Changqing Wang Adams, C. Glen Wensley, Stefan Reinartz
  • Publication number: 20230155253
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an asymmetric porous membrane having two outer layers and at least one inner layers. The outer layers may be asymmetric in thickness, pore size, porosity, tortuosity, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the asymmetric porous membrane has two outer layers and no inner layers. The thickness of one of the outer layers to the other of the outer layers is from 1.1 to 25:1, preferably from 1.1:1 to 10:1, 1.1:1 to 5:1 or 4:1 to 10:1. In some embodiments, both outer layers are PP-containing layers and in some embodiments, one outermost layer may be a PE-containing layer and the other may be a PP-containing layer. The asymmetric porous membrane may be used as or to make a battery separator. In some embodiments, the battery separator may include an asymmetric porous membrane having the thinner of the two outer layers or the layer facing the anode coated with a coating such as a ceramic coating. The battery separator may be used in a liquid electrolyte secondary battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2021
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Inventors: Wenbin Yin, Daniel R. Alexander, Stefan Reinartz, Kang Karen Xiao, Hisashi Takeda, Allen M. Donn
  • Publication number: 20230038385
    Abstract: New and/or improved coatings for porous substrates, including battery separators or separator membranes, and/or coated porous substrates, including coated battery separators, and/or batteries or cells including such coatings or coated separators, and/or related methods including methods of manufacture and/or of use thereof are disclosed. Also, new or improved coatings for porous substrates, including battery separators, which comprise at least a polymeric binder and heat-resistant particles with or without additional additives, materials or components, and/or to new or improved coated porous substrates, including battery separators, where the coating comprises at least a polymeric binder and heat-resistant particles with or without additional additives, materials or components are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2022
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Inventors: Michael B. Lane, Insik Jeon, Edward Kruger, Xiang Yu, Ronnie E. Smith, Stefan Reinartz, Junqing Ma
  • Patent number: 11495865
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Celgard, LLC
    Inventors: Kang Karen Xiao, Eric J. Penegar, Takahiko Kondo, Robert Nark, Eric R. White, Xiaomin Zhang, Kristoffer K. Stokes, Stefan Reinartz, Masaaki Okada
  • Patent number: 11437684
    Abstract: New and/or improved coatings for porous substrates, including battery separators or separator membranes, and/or coated porous substrates, including coated battery separators, and/or batteries or cells including such coatings or coated separators, and/or related methods including methods of manufacture and/or of use thereof are disclosed. Also, new or improved coatings for porous substrates, including battery separators, which comprise at least a polymeric binder and heat-resistant particles with or without additional additives, materials or components, and/or to new or improved coated porous substrates, including battery separators, where the coating comprises at least a polymeric binder and heat-resistant particles with or without additional additives, materials or components are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Celgard, LLC
    Inventors: Michael B. Lane, Insik Jeon, Edward Kruger, Xiang Yu, Ronnie E. Smith, Stefan Reinartz, Junqing Ma
  • Publication number: 20220216568
    Abstract: A coated battery separator is described herein. The coated battery separator includes a porous membrane with a coating on at least one side thereof, wherein the coated separator exhibits at least one of improved thickness uniformity of the coating and improved adhesion of the coating to the porous membrane. In some embodiments, the coated battery separator is thin or ultrathin. A method for forming a coated battery separator that exhibits the aforementioned properties is also described. The method may include steps of forming a coating and calendering the coating. In some embodiments, calendering is performed on a dried coating. In some embodiments, the coating is or includes a ceramic coating, a polymer coating, a sticky coating, a shutdown coating, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Publication date: July 7, 2022
    Inventors: Stefan Reinartz, Katharine Chemelewski, Barry j. Summey, Robert Moran
  • Publication number: 20220181745
    Abstract: The instant disclosure or invention is preferably directed to a polyamide-imide coated membrane, separator membrane, or separator for a lithium battery such as a high energy or high voltage rechargeable lithium battery and the corresponding battery. The separator preferably includes a porous or microporous polyamide-imide coating or layer on at least one side of a polymeric microporous layer, membrane or film. The polyamide-imide coating or layer may include other polymers, additives, fillers, or the like. The polyamide-imide coating may be adapted, for example, to provide oxidation resistance, to block dendrite growth, to add dimensional and/or mechanical stability, to reduce shrinkage, to add high temperature performance (HTMI function), to prevent electronic shorting at temperatures above 200 deg C., and/or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2020
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Inventors: Zhengming Zhang, Changqing Wang Adams, Stefan Reinartz
  • Publication number: 20220115740
    Abstract: Described herein, are battery separators, comprising the following: a microporous polymeric film; and an optional coating layer on at least one side of the microporous polymeric film, wherein at least one of the microporous polymeric film and the optional coating comprises an additive. The additive is selected from the group consisting of a lubricating agent, a plasticizing agent, a nucleating agent, a shrinkage reducing agent, a surfactant, an SEI improving agent, a cathode protection agent, a flame retardant additive, LiPF6 salt stabilizer, an overcharge protector, an aluminum corrosion inhibitor, a lithium deposition agent or improver, or a solvation enhancer, an aluminum corrosion inhibitor, a wetting agent, and a viscosity improver. Also, described herein are batteries, including lithium-ion batteries, comprising one or more of the described separators. Methods for making the battery separators are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Inventors: Changqing Wang Adams, Kang Karen Xiao, Stefan Reinartz, Masaaki Okada, Brian R. Stepp, Yao Lu, Eric Robert White, Katharine Chemelewski
  • Publication number: 20220094019
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are battery separators that include a microporous membrane and a coating. The coating may comprise, consist, or consist essentially of polymeric components, inorganic components, or combinations thereof. The battery separators described herein are, among other things, thinner, stronger, and more wettable with electrolyte than some prior battery separators. The battery separators may be used in secondary or rechargeable batteries, including lithium ion batteries. The batteries may be used in vehicles or devices such as cell phones, tablets, laptops, and e-vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2020
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Inventors: Insik Jeon, James Rapley, Xiang Yu, Fru Azeh, Stefan Reinartz, Zhengming Zhang