The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has granted patent US12584869B2 to Honeywell Limited for an invention related to a boehmite detection and warning system. This system is designed for the manufacturing of separator sheets used in Lithium-ion Batteries (LiBs). The patented method involves analyzing X-ray and infrared signals transmitted through a coated separator membrane to detect the presence of contaminants or additives within the coating and to calculate their concentration and the coating's weight, density, or thickness.

This patent represents a new technological advancement in the quality control processes for LiB separator manufacturing. While not a regulatory rule imposing direct compliance obligations, it signifies a patented method that could become a standard or best practice in the industry. Companies involved in manufacturing LiB separators or battery components may need to be aware of this patent to ensure they are not infringing on its claims, particularly if they employ similar detection or analysis methods in their production lines. The filing date was February 17, 2022, and the patent is set to grant on March 24, 2026.