Patents by Inventor Melissa G. Lenhart

Melissa G. Lenhart 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).

  • Process for recovering hydrocarbons from inert gas-hydrocarbon vapor mixtures
    Patent number: 6486375
    Abstract: An improved process for recovering hydrocarbons from an inlet inert gas-hydrocarbon vapor mixture is provided. The inlet mixture is caused to flow through a first bed of solid adsorbent whereby hydrocarbon vapors are adsorbed on the bed and a residue gas stream comprised of substantially hydrocarbon-free inert gas is produced. The hydrocarbon-free inert gas is vented and a second bed of solid adsorbent having hydrocarbon vapors adsorbed thereon is evacuated with an ejector operated by a motive liquid. A major portion of the hydrocarbon vapors is desorbed from the bed and an inert gas and hydrocarbon-rich vapor mixture commingled with the motive liquid is produced. The inert gas and hydrocarbon-rich vapor mixture is separated from the motive liquid and conducted to a point of additional processing or disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: John Zink Company, LLC
    Inventors: Melissa G. Lenhart, Harold L. Dinsmore, Scott J. Fox
  • Process for recovering hydrocarbons from inert gas-hydrocarbon vapor mixtures
    Publication number: 20020165419
    Abstract: An improved process for recovering hydrocarbons from an inlet inert gas-hydrocarbon vapor mixture is provided. The inlet mixture is caused to flow through a first bed of solid adsorbent whereby hydrocarbon vapors are adsorbed on the bed and a residue gas stream comprised of substantially hydrocarbon-free inert gas is produced. The hydrocarbon-free inert gas is vented and a second bed of solid adsorbent having hydrocarbon vapors adsorbed thereon is evacuated with an ejector operated by a motive liquid. A major portion of the hydrocarbon vapors is desorbed from the bed and an inert gas and hydrocarbon-rich vapor mixture commingled with the motive liquid is produced. The inert gas and hydrocarbon-rich vapor mixture is separated from the motive liquid and conducted to a point of additional processing or disposal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventors: Melissa G. Lenhart, Harold L. Dinsmore, Scott J. Fox