Patents by Inventor Michael A. Wilkes

Michael A. Wilkes 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: 9377239
    Abstract: A liquefied natural gas facility employing a heavies removal column having multiple reflux streams. The reflux streams can have different compositions and can be operable to reduce the critical pressure of the fluids within the heavies removal column in order to permit the column to operate at higher pressures without adversely affecting the horsepower requirements of plant compressor/driver systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Jon M. Mock, Michael A. Wilkes
  • Patent number: 8727159
    Abstract: The present invention relates to cryogenic fluids. In another aspect, the present invention relates to additional protection of an apparatus containing equipment capable of operating at cryogenic temperatures and containing cryogenic materials. In one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus includes a primary enclosure defining an internal volume. The primary enclosure includes primary walls, a primary ceiling, a primary floor, and a vapor venting system. The primary enclosure is fabricated from a low temperature alloy. At least of a portion of the primary floor forms a slope to a hydrocarbon outlet. A perforated plate is located on top of the hydrocarbon outlet. The perforated plate is fabricated from a low temperature alloy. A fire retardant agent applied to the exterior surface of the primary enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Michael A. Wilkes, Jon M. Mock
  • Publication number: 20120261415
    Abstract: The present invention relates to cryogenic fluids. In another aspect, the present invention relates to additional protection of an apparatus containing equipment capable of operating at cryogenic temperatures and containing cryogenic materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael A. Wilkes, Jon M. Mock
  • Publication number: 20090126401
    Abstract: A liquefied natural gas facility employing a heavies removal column having multiple reflux streams. The reflux streams can have different compositions and can be operable to reduce the critical pressure of the fluids within the heavies removal column in order to permit the column to operate at higher pressures without adversely affecting the horsepower requirements of plant compressor/driver systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: Jon M. Mock, Michael A. Wilkes