Patents by Inventor Wendell E. Rhine

Wendell E. Rhine 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: 11870084
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fiber-reinforced aerogel material which can be used as insulation in thermal battery applications. The fiber-reinforced aerogel material is highly durable, flexible, and has a thermal performance that exceeds the insulation materials currently used in thermal battery applications. The fiber-reinforced aerogel insulation material can be as thin as 1 mm less, and can have a thickness variation as low as 2% or less. Also provided is a method for improving the performance of a thermal battery by incorporating a reinforced aerogel material into the thermal battery. Further provided is a casting method for producing thin fiber-reinforced aerogel materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.
    Inventors: Owen Richard Evans, Nicholas Anthony Zafiropoulos, Shannon Olga White, Wenting Dong, Wendell E. Rhine
  • Publication number: 20230294061
    Abstract: Nanoporous carbon-based scaffolds or structures, and specifically carbon aerogels and their manufacture and use thereof are provided. Embodiments include a silicon-doped anode material for a lithium-ion battery, where the anode material includes beads of polyimide-derived carbon aerogel. The carbon aerogel includes silicon particles and accommodates expansion of the silicon particles during lithiation. The anode material provides optimal properties for use within the lithium-ion battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2023
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Applicant: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Anthony Zafiropoulos, Roxana Trifu, Redouane Begag, Wendell E. Rhine, George L. Gould, Alexei A. Erchak, Harris R. Miller, Nicholas Leventis
  • Publication number: 20230170556
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fiber-reinforced aerogel material which can be used as insulation in thermal battery applications. The fiber-reinforced aerogel material is highly durable, flexible, and has a thermal performance that exceeds the insulation materials currently used in thermal battery applications. The fiber-reinforced aerogel insulation material can be as thin as 1 mm less, and can have a thickness variation as low as 2% or less. Also provided is a method for improving the performance of a thermal battery by incorporating a reinforced aerogel material into the thermal battery. Further provided is a casting method for producing thin fiber-reinforced aerogel materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2023
    Publication date: June 1, 2023
    Applicant: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.
    Inventors: Owen Richard Evans, Nicholas Anthony Zafiropoulos, Shannon Olga White, Wenting Dong, Wendell E. Rhine
  • Patent number: 11658361
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fiber-reinforced aerogel material which can be used as insulation in thermal battery applications. The fiber-reinforced aerogel material is highly durable, flexible, and has a thermal performance that exceeds the insulation materials currently used in thermal battery applications. The fiber-reinforced aerogel insulation material can be as thin as 1 mm less, and can have a thickness variation as low as 2% or less. Also provided is a method for improving the performance of a thermal battery by incorporating a reinforced aerogel material into the thermal battery. Further provided is a casting method for producing thin fiber-reinforced aerogel materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.
    Inventors: Owen Richard Evans, Nicholas Anthony Zafiropoulos, Shannon Olga White, Wenting Dong, Wendell E. Rhine
  • Patent number: 11648521
    Abstract: Nanoporous carbon-based scaffolds or structures, and specifically carbon aerogels and their manufacture and use thereof are provided. Embodiments include a silicon-doped anode material for a lithium-ion battery, where the anode material includes beads of polyimide-derived carbon aerogel. The carbon aerogel includes silicon particles and accommodates expansion of the silicon particles during lithiation. The anode material provides optimal properties for use within the lithium-ion battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Zafiropoulos, Roxana Trifu, Redouane Begag, Wendell E. Rhine, George L. Gould, Alexei A. Erchak, Harris R. Miller, Nicholas Leventis
  • Patent number: 11634641
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.
    Inventors: Owen R. Evans, Wendell E. Rhine, Jon F. Nebo, Jon C. Abeles, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11588196
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fiber-reinforced aerogel material which can be used as insulation in thermal battery applications. The fiber-reinforced aerogel material is highly durable, flexible, and has a thermal performance that exceeds the insulation materials currently used in thermal battery applications. The fiber-reinforced aerogel insulation material can be as thin as 1 mm less, and can have a thickness variation as low as 2% or less. Also provided is a method for improving the performance of a thermal battery by incorporating a reinforced aerogel material into the thermal battery. Further provided is a casting method for producing thin fiber-reinforced aerogel materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.
    Inventors: Owen Richard Evans, Nicholas Anthony Zafiropoulos, Shannon Olga White, Wenting Dong, Wendell E. Rhine
  • Publication number: 20230017608
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fiber-reinforced aerogel material which can be used as insulation in thermal battery applications. The fiber-reinforced aerogel material is highly durable, flexible, and has a thermal performance that exceeds the insulation materials currently used in thermal battery applications. The fiber-reinforced aerogel insulation material can be as thin as 1 mm less, and can have a thickness variation as low as 2% or less. Also provided is a method for improving the performance of a thermal battery by incorporating a reinforced aerogel material into the thermal battery. Further provided is a casting method for producing thin fiber-reinforced aerogel materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: Owen Richard Evans, Nicholas Anthony Zafiropoulos, Shannon Olga White, Wenting Dong, Wendell E. Rhine
  • Patent number: 11549059
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Inventors: Owen R. Evans, Wendell E. Rhine, Jon F. Nebo, Jon C. Abeles, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20220271375
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fiber-reinforced aerogel material which can be used as insulation in thermal battery applications. The fiber-reinforced aerogel material is highly durable, flexible, and has a thermal performance that exceeds the insulation materials currently used in thermal battery applications. The fiber-reinforced aerogel insulation material can be as thin as 1 mm less, and can have a thickness variation as low as 2% or less. Also provided is a method for improving the performance of a thermal battery by incorporating a reinforced aerogel material into the thermal battery. Further provided is a casting method for producing thin fiber-reinforced aerogel materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventors: Owen Richard Evans, Nicholas Anthony Zafiropoulos, Shannon Olga White, Wenting Dong, Wendell E. Rhine
  • Patent number: 11380953
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fiber-reinforced aerogel material which can be used as insulation in thermal battery applications. The fiber-reinforced aerogel material is highly durable, flexible, and has a thermal performance that exceeds the insulation materials currently used in thermal battery applications. The fiber-reinforced aerogel insulation material can be as thin as 1 mm less, and can have a thickness variation as low as 2% or less. Also provided is a method for improving the performance of a thermal battery by incorporating a reinforced aerogel material into the thermal battery. Further provided is a casting method for producing thin fiber-reinforced aerogel materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: ASPEN AEROGELS, INC.
    Inventors: Owen Richard Evans, Nicholas Anthony Zafiropoulos, Shannon Olga White, Wenting Dong, Wendell E. Rhine
  • Publication number: 20220069290
    Abstract: Nanoporous carbon-based scaffolds or structures, and specifically carbon aerogels and their manufacture and use thereof are provided. Embodiments include a silicon-doped anode material for a lithium-ion battery, where the anode material includes beads of a polyimide-derived carbon aerogel. The carbon aerogel may further include silicon particles and accommodates expansion of the silicon particles during lithiation. The anode material provides optimal properties for use within the lithium-ion battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Applicant: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Zafiropoulos, Roxana Trifu, Redouane Begag, Harris R. Miller, Wendell E. Rhine, Nicholas Leventis, George L. Gould, Alexei A. Erchak
  • Patent number: 11261380
    Abstract: Aerogel materials, aerogel composites and the like may be improved by enhancing their smoke suppression, combustion reduction properties. It is additionally useful to provide aerogel based composites compatible with environments conducive to combustion. Such aerogel materials and methods of manufacturing the same are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventors: Owen R. Evans, Wendell E. Rhine, Jon F. Nebo, Jon C. Abeles, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20210207032
    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: February 25, 2021
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Applicant: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.
    Inventors: Owen R. Evans, Wendell E. Rhine, Jon F. Nebo, Jon C. Abeles, JR.
  • Publication number: 20210198578
    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: February 25, 2021
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Applicant: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.
    Inventors: Owen R. Evans, Wendell E. Rhine, Jon F. Nebo, Jon C. Abeles, JR.
  • Publication number: 20210079300
    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: October 9, 2020
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Applicant: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.
    Inventors: Owen R. Evans, Wendell E. Rhine, Jon F. Nebo, Jon C. Abeles, JR.
  • Publication number: 20200269207
    Abstract: Nanoporous carbon-based scaffolds or structures, and specifically carbon aerogels and their manufacture and use thereof are provided. Embodiments include a silicon-doped anode material for a lithium-ion battery, where the anode material includes beads of polyimide-derived carbon aerogel. The carbon aerogel includes silicon particles and accommodates expansion of the silicon particles during lithiation. The anode material provides optimal properties for use within the lithium-ion battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Publication date: August 27, 2020
    Applicant: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Zafiropoulos, Roxana Trifu, Redouane Begag, Wendell E. Rhine, George L. Gould, Alexei A. Erchak, Harris R. Miller, Nicholas Leventis
  • Publication number: 20200061569
    Abstract: Aerogel materials, aerogel composites and the like may be improved by enhancing their smoke suppression, combustion reduction properties. It is additionally useful to provide aerogel based composites compatible with environments conducive to combustion. Such aerogel materials and methods of manufacturing the same are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Applicant: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.
    Inventors: Owen R. Evans, Wendell E. Rhine, Jon F. Nebo, Jon C. Abeles, JR.
  • Patent number: 10487263
    Abstract: Aerogel materials, aerogel composites and the like may be improved by enhancing their smoke suppression, combustion reduction properties. It is additionally useful to provide aerogel based composites compatible with environments conducive to combustion. Such aerogel materials and methods of manufacturing the same are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.
    Inventors: Owen R Evans, Wendell E Rhine, Jon F Nebo, Jon C Abeles, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10295108
    Abstract: Disclosed and claimed herein are hybrid silica aerogels containing non-polymeric, functional organic materials covalently bonded at one or both ends to the silica network of the aerogels through a C—Si bond between a carbon atom of the organic material and a silicon atom of the aerogel network. Methods of their preparation are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.
    Inventors: Wendell E Rhine, Decio Coutinho, Kiranmayi Deshpande