Patents by Inventor C. Michael Miller

C. Michael Miller 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: 10751364
    Abstract: A topical application of nitric oxide may be provided by two separate containers, each containing an active component media to produce nitric oxide when combined. For example, a nitrite component media may be contained in one dispenser and an acidified component media may be contained in another dispenser. Each dispenser may dispense the respective component media as a foam. The resultant foams are combined to initiate the production of nitric oxide and the mixture of foams is applied topically to treat various skin disorders or wounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: SYK TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: C. Michael Miller, Gordon K. Hill, A. John Pate, David A. Bell
  • Publication number: 20200180981
    Abstract: An apparatus and method isolating ion generation from target metal precipitation and flocculation rely on an ion generator and a precipitation reactor distinct, separated, optimized, and otherwise independent, so no co-habitation of ion generation and precipitation, nor their flow regimes, is permitted. Plug flow is hyper turbulent in the ion generator. Flow is quiescent to laminar the precipitator. Coating sacrificial anodes is avoided by not over driving currents for ionization at the anode. Control of electrical resistance across flows of very high TDS (over 200 kppm, often over 225 kppm) is accomplished by selectively masking a portion of the anode, cathode, or both of such electrodes. Masks may be dielectric films or layers, such as plastic sheets or tubes, or curtains of bubbles injected into the flow near an electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Inventors: C. Michael Miller, David Bell, Mark Hubbard
  • Publication number: 20200171079
    Abstract: A topical application of nitric oxide may be provided by two separate containers, each containing an active component media to produce nitric oxide when combined. For example, a nitrite component media may be contained in one dispenser and an acidified component media may be contained in another dispenser. Each dispenser may dispense the respective component media as a foam. The resultant foams are combined to initiate the production of nitric oxide and the mixture of foams is applied topically to treat various skin disorders or wounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Inventors: C. Michael Miller, Gordon K. Hill, A. John Pate, David A. Bell
  • Patent number: 10583374
    Abstract: A system operating as a centrifugal, liquid-liquid separator may be controlled, and even optimized, by automatic control of back pressure to establish an optimum position of the dispersion band therein. Optimizing to minimize impurities (from each other) in each of two separated phases is possible, even simultaneously, by reliance on a processor setting the settling lengths of both heavy and light phases at the same value. Settling length, defined in accordance with the invention, reflects a settling velocity multiplied by a residence time. Equating these lengths, for droplets of each in the other liquid, provides superior results over conventional settling theory maximizing settling area. Equalization of residence times did not provide an improvement over conventional settling theory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: THOUGHT PRESERVE, LLC
    Inventors: C. Michael Miller, D. Andrew Bell, Ngai Keung Tam
  • Patent number: 10456792
    Abstract: A centrifugal, liquid-liquid separator is controlled, first by automatic control of back pressure to position of the dispersion band and equalize the settling lengths of both heavy and light phases. In line testing of a parameter reflecting the BS&W content of output oil controls withdrawal from a tank, and throughput rate through the separator. Output always meets a predetermined specification established on a daily basis by a market price and quality (contamination limit, maximum BS&W) for oil. Control provides assurance that all of a particular load in a tank will meet specification, and that it cannot change significantly before refining. Once the adjustment of the separator system reaches its lowest flow limit, processing halts, to assure that the oil quality is optimized. The controller may be used on any tank of separated oil to assure that no oil is withdrawn “out of spec.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventors: C. Michael Miller, D. Andrew Bell, Ngai Keung Tam
  • Patent number: 10407321
    Abstract: A centrifugal, liquid-liquid separator relies on a sweep flow in excess of the flow rate naturally occurring in the heavy constituent or species being separated out from a lighter species, in order to prevent access by the long-chain polymers of the lighter species to solids that may separate out and make a durable composition of polymers and particles that adheres and compacts against the shell wall of the centrifuge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: THOUGHT PRESERVE, LLC
    Inventors: C. Michael Miller, David A. Bell
  • Publication number: 20190134080
    Abstract: A topical application of nitric oxide may be provided by two separate containers, each containing an active component media to produce nitric oxide when combined. For example, a nitrite component media may be contained in one dispenser and an acidified component media may be contained in another dispenser. Each dispenser may dispense the respective component media as a foam. The resultant foams are combined to initiate the production of nitric oxide and the mixture of foams is applied topically to treat various skin disorders or wounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Inventors: C. Michael Miller, Gordon K. Hill, A. John Pate, David A. Bell
  • Publication number: 20190126168
    Abstract: A tank system may be conventional and fixed, or mobile, such as a fracking fluid or other tank trailer. A drain port thereof is fitted with an adapter connecting a snorkel system to drain liquids from near the top of the liquid level in the tank. A snorkel head at the extreme distal end of a tube near the longitudinal center of the tank is suspended by a system of buoys. A flow field controller plate resists formation of vortices near the snorkel head, so it can operate as near the surface as possible, withdrawing the highest grade oil efficiently. At its exit, the proximal end of the tube drains oil through an inner conduit of an adapter at a penetration in the wall of the tank. The adapter forms an annulus around the inner conduit draining tank bottoms directly from the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Publication date: May 2, 2019
    Inventors: David A. Bell, C. Michael Miller, Kristen Tucker, John Michael Higley
  • Patent number: 10159914
    Abstract: A tank system may be conventional and fixed, or mobile, such as a fracking fluid or other tank trailer. A drain port thereof is fitted with an adapter connecting a snorkel system to drain liquids from near the top of the liquid level in the tank. A snorkel head at the extreme distal end of a tube near the longitudinal center of the tank is suspended by a system of buoys. A flow field controller plate resists formation of vortices near the snorkel head, so it can operate as near the surface as possible, withdrawing the highest grade oil efficiently. At its exit, the proximal end of the tube drains oil through an inner conduit of an adapter at a penetration in the wall of the tank. The adapter forms an annulus around the inner conduit draining tank bottoms directly from the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: THOUGHT PRESERVE, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Bell, C. Michael Miller, Kristen Tucker, John Michael Higley
  • Patent number: 10052348
    Abstract: A topical application of nitric oxide may be provided by two separate containers, each containing an active component media to produce nitric oxide when combined. For example, a nitrite component media may be contained in one dispenser and an acidified component media may be contained in another dispenser. Each dispenser may dispense the respective component media as a foam. The resultant foams are combined to initiate the production of nitric oxide and the mixture of foams is applied topically to treat various skin disorders or wounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: SYK TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: C. Michael Miller, Gordon K. Hill, A. John Pate, David A. Bell
  • Publication number: 20180221788
    Abstract: A hybrid scavenger operates downstream of a separator such as a gunbarrel separator for petroleum production. The separator may be overdriven to maximize use of a permitted reinjection rate. The hybrid scavenger then extracts water from the oil and oil from the water without having to treat the entire stream of incoming production fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: C. Michael Miller, David A. Bell
  • Patent number: 10011505
    Abstract: An apparatus and method isolating ion generation from target metal precipitation and flocculation rely on an ion generator and a precipitation reactor distinct, separated, optimized, and otherwise independent from each other as to flow regime and contained fluid at all times. No co-habitation of ion generation and precipitation nor their flow regimes is permitted in a single unit. Plug flow at hyper turbulence in the ion generator contrasts with quiescent to laminar flows in the precipitation reactor. Coating sacrificial anodes is avoided by avoiding over driving currents for ionization at the anode. A precipitation reactor is optimized by a dwell time effective to precipitate and flocculate heavy target metal precipitants and sacrificial ions relying on weak forces not tolerated by inertial forces in the ion generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: THOUGHT PRESERVE, LLC
    Inventors: C. Michael Miller, David A. Bell, Mark William Hubbard, Richard Rosier
  • Publication number: 20180179088
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method isolate anodic ion generation from precipitation and flocculation with target metal ions. Hyper-turbulent flow conditions in an ion generator confine reaction and flocculation to a precipitator downstream. Shear forces in a laminar boundary layer at a cylindrical anode separate anodic (sacrificial) ions from target ions effectively eliminating agglomeration in the bulk flow traveling in a hyper-turbulent flow regime through the generator. A precipitator downstream provides a dwell time for reaction between ions and initial agglomeration of reaction products therefrom. A controller, limiting electrical current through the generator (of anodic ions), optimizes operation without overdriving current, while virtually eliminating fouling of the anode. The system resists co-habitation of ion generation and precipitation and their distinct, respective flow regimes of hyper-turbulent and laminar flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Publication date: June 28, 2018
    Inventors: C. Michael Miller, David A. Bell
  • Patent number: 9908065
    Abstract: A hybrid scavenger operates downstream of a separator such as a gunbarrel separator for petroleum production. The separator may be overdriven to maximize use of a permitted reinjection rate. The hybrid scavenger then extracts water from the oil and oil from the water without having to treat the entire stream of incoming production fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: THOUGHT PRESERVE, LLC
    Inventors: C. Michael Miller, David A. Bell
  • Publication number: 20170340990
    Abstract: A continuous centrifugal separator (CCS) system provides a laminar, annular, velocity distribution (LAVD) throughout, using axially staged and radially staged distribution of incoming flows. Diffuser plates help establish the LAVD at comparatively low (stably laminar) Reynolds numbers in axial flow through a trapezoidal (trapezoid of rotation) rotor shell. Dynamic cleaning (during uninterrupted operation) by feedback control of fluid and system conditions (e.g., turbidity, vibration) may be set and reset by feedback control. Static cleaning removes deposits not flushed by dynamic cleaning. A coalescence plate encourages collapse of the dispersion band to a thin boundary between separated species at a central radius optimized by operating parameters, such as mass flow rate and rotational velocity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: C. Michael Miller, David A. Bell
  • Publication number: 20170275188
    Abstract: A centrifugal, liquid-liquid separator relies on a sweep flow in excess of the flow rate naturally occurring in the heavy constituent or species being separated out from a lighter species, in order to prevent access by the long-chain polymers of the lighter species to solids that may separate out and make a durable composition of polymers and particles that adheres and compacts against the shell wall of the centrifuge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventors: C. Michael Miller, David A. Bell
  • Patent number: 9737831
    Abstract: A continuous centrifugal separator (CCS) system provides a laminar, annular, velocity distribution (LAVD) throughout, using axially staged and radially staged distribution of incoming flows. Diffuser plates help establish the LAVD at comparatively low (stably laminar) Reynolds numbers in axial flow through a trapezoidal (trapezoid of rotation) rotor shell. Dynamic cleaning (during uninterrupted operation) by feedback control of fluid and system conditions (e.g., turbidity, vibration) may be set and reset by feedback control. Static cleaning removes deposits not flushed by dynamic cleaning. A coalescence plate encourages collapse of the dispersion band to a thin boundary between separated species at a central radius optimized by operating parameters, such as mass flow rate and rotational velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: ECONOVA INC.
    Inventors: C. Michael Miller, David A. Bell
  • Publication number: 20170209485
    Abstract: A topical application of nitric oxide may be provided by two separate containers, each containing an active component media to produce nitric oxide when combined. For example, a nitrite component media may be contained in one dispenser and an acidified component media may be contained in another dispenser. Each dispenser may dispense the respective component media as a foam. The resultant foams are combined to initiate the production of nitric oxide and the mixture of foams is applied topically to treat various skin disorders or wounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Publication date: July 27, 2017
    Inventors: C. Michael Miller, Gordon K. Hill, A. John Pate, David A. Bell
  • Publication number: 20170136387
    Abstract: A system operating as a centrifugal, liquid-liquid separator may be controlled, and even optimized, by automatic control of back pressure to establish an optimum position of the dispersion band therein. Optimizing to minimize impurities (from each other) in each of two separated phases is possible, even simultaneously, by reliance on a processor setting the settling lengths of both heavy and light phases at the same value. Settling length, defined in accordance with the invention, reflects a settling velocity multiplied by a residence time. Equating these lengths, for droplets of each in the other liquid, provides superior results over conventional settling theory maximizing settling area. Equalization of residence times did not provide an improvement over conventional settling theory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: C. Michael Miller, D. Andrew Bell, Ngai Keung Tam
  • Publication number: 20170056787
    Abstract: A tank system may be conventional and fixed, or mobile, such as a fracking fluid or other tank trailer. A drain port thereof is fitted with an adapter connecting a snorkel system to drain liquids from near the top of the liquid level in the tank. A snorkel head at the extreme distal end of a tube near the longitudinal center of the tank is suspended by a system of buoys. A flow field controller plate resists formation of vortices near the snorkel head, so it can operate as near the surface as possible, withdrawing the highest grade oil efficiently. At its exit, the proximal end of the tube drains oil through an inner conduit of an adapter at a penetration in the wall of the tank. The adapter forms an annulus around the inner conduit draining tank bottoms directly from the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: David A. Bell, C. Michael Miller, Kristen Tucker, John Michael Higley