Patents by Inventor Michael C. Pierce

Michael C. Pierce 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: 12029689
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for patient support include arrangement of a patient support top for rotation and a rotation lockout assembly for selectively blocking against rotation of the patient support top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: Allen Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary B. Konsin, Michael C. Pierce, Alexander E. Rojas, Christopher B. Dubois, Phillip B. Dolliver, Jason S. Bernotsky, Andrew L. Thompson, David C. Newkirk, Todd P. O'Neal
  • Patent number: 11906244
    Abstract: A process is provided for treating a hydrocarbon gas stream by condensing a portion of the gas stream to produce a liquid stream, then through several steps subcooling a portion of the liquid stream to be introduced into a midpoint into a fractionation column. Unexpectedly, it has been found that the recompression and refrigeration power requirements are substantially reduced and the minimum approach to carbon dioxide freezing are increased when the liquid stream is introduced to a midpoint in the column when compared to introducing the liquid stream to a top position or a lower position in the fractionation column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Michael C. Pierce, Stephen N. Peterson, J. Ascencion Anguiano, Hank M. Hudson, John D. Wilkinson
  • Publication number: 20230372175
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for patient support include arrangement of a patient support top for rotation and a rotation lockout assembly for selectively blocking against rotation of the patient support top.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventors: Zachary B. Konsin, Michael C. Pierce, Alexander E. Rojas, Christopher B. Dubois, Phillip B. Dolliver, Jason S. Bernotsky, Andrew L. Thompson, David C. Newkirk, Todd P. O'Neal
  • Patent number: 11643604
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus are disclosed for the recovery of components from a hydrocarbon gas stream containing significant quantities of components more volatile than methane (hydrogen, nitrogen, etc.). The gas stream is partially condensed, then the remaining vapor is expanded to lower pressure and supplied to a fractionation tower at a mid-column feed position. The condensed liquid is cooled and divided into two portions. The first portion is expanded to tower pressure, heated by cooling the liquid, and supplied to the tower at a lower column feed position. The second portion is further cooled, expanded to tower pressure, and supplied to the tower at a top feed position. The tower overhead vapor is heated by cooling the second portion. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the tower maintain the overhead temperature of the tower whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: J. Ascencion Anguiano, John D. Wilkinson, Scott A. Miller, Stephen N. Peterson, Daryl R. Jensen, Michael C. Pierce, Hank M. Hudson
  • Publication number: 20230021328
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus are disclosed for separation of a hydrocarbon gas stream containing methane and heavier hydrocarbons and significant quantities of nitrogen and carbon dioxide. The gas stream is cooled and expanded, then fractionated in a first distillation column into a first overhead vapor and a hydrocarbon liquid stream containing the majority of the carbon dioxide. The hydrocarbon liquid stream is fractionated into a hydrocarbon vapor stream and a less volatile fraction comprised of heavier hydrocarbons. The first overhead vapor is cooled, expanded, and separated into vapor and liquid streams. Both streams are cooled and expanded before feeding a second distillation column that produces a second overhead vapor that is predominantly nitrogen and a bottom liquid that is predominantly methane. The bottom liquid is vaporized and combined with the hydrocarbon vapor stream to form a volatile residue gas fraction containing the majority of the methane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2022
    Publication date: January 26, 2023
    Inventors: Thai Pham, J Ascencion Anguiano, Hank M. Hudson, Kyle T. Cuellar, Adam Brostow, Stephen N Peterson, Michael C. Pierce
  • Patent number: 11554068
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for patient support include arrangement of a patient support top for rotation and a rotation lockout assembly for selectively blocking against rotation of the patient support top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Allen Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary B. Konsin, Michael C. Pierce, Alexander E. Rojas, Christopher B. Dubois, Phillip B. Dolliver, Jason S. Bernotsky, Andrew L. Thompson, David C. Newkirk, Todd P. O'Neal
  • Patent number: 11543180
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to improve the recovery of C2 (or C3) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes producing at least a substantially condensed first stream and a cooled second stream, expanding both streams to lower pressure, and supplying the streams to a fractionation tower. In the process and apparatus disclosed, the tower overhead vapor is directed to an absorbing means and a heat and mass transfer means inside a processing assembly. A portion of the outlet vapor from the processing assembly is compressed to higher pressure, cooled and substantially condensed in a heat exchange means inside the processing assembly, then expanded to lower pressure and supplied to the heat and mass transfer means to provide cooling. Condensed liquid from the absorbing means is fed to the tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Kyle T. Cuellar, Michael C. Pierce, Scott A. Miller, John D. Wilkinson, Joe T. Lynch, Hank M. Hudson, Andrew F. Johnke, W. Larry Lewis
  • Patent number: 11448461
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus are disclosed for separation of a hydrocarbon gas stream containing methane and heavier hydrocarbons and significant quantities of nitrogen and carbon dioxide. The gas stream is cooled and expanded, then fractionated in a first distillation column into a first overhead vapor and a hydrocarbon liquid stream containing the majority of the carbon dioxide. The hydrocarbon liquid stream is fractionated into a hydrocarbon vapor stream and a less volatile fraction comprised of heavier hydrocarbons. The first overhead vapor is cooled, expanded, and separated into vapor and liquid streams. Both streams are cooled and expanded before feeding a second distillation column that produces a second overhead vapor that is predominantly nitrogen and a bottom liquid that is predominantly methane. The bottom liquid is vaporized and combined with the hydrocarbon vapor stream to form a volatile residue gas fraction containing the majority of the methane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Thai Pham, J Ascencion Anguiano, Hank M. Hudson, Kyle T. Cuellar, Adam Brostow, Stephen N Peterson, Michael C. Pierce
  • Patent number: 11439557
    Abstract: A modular surgical system includes a base and a column extending from the base. An adaptor is positioned at a top of the column. An elevation assembly is provided to adjust a height of the adaptor. A control system is positioned in at least one of the base or the column. The control system is configured to communicate with remote devices. The control system is further configured to control the elevation assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Allen Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent Lehman, Alexander E. Rojas, Michael C. Pierce
  • Patent number: 11428465
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to improve the recovery of C2 (or C3) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes producing at least a substantially condensed first stream and a cooled second stream, expanding both streams to lower pressure, and supplying the streams to a fractionation tower. In the process and apparatus disclosed, the tower overhead vapor is directed to an absorbing means and a heat and mass transfer means inside a processing assembly. The outlet vapor from the processing assembly is compressed to higher pressure and cooled, then a portion is substantially condensed in a heat exchange means inside the processing assembly, expanded to lower pressure, and supplied to the heat and mass transfer means to provide cooling. Condensed liquid from the absorbing means is fed to the tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Inventors: Michael C. Pierce, Kyle T. Cuellar, Scott A. Miller, John D. Wilkinson, Joe T. Lynch, Hank M. Hudson, Andrew F. Johnke, W. Larry Lewis
  • Publication number: 20220163257
    Abstract: A process is provided for treating a hydrocarbon gas stream by condensing a portion of the gas stream to produce a liquid stream, then through several steps subcooling a portion of the liquid stream to be introduced into a midpoint into a fractionation column. Unexpectedly, it has been found that the recompression and refrigeration power requirements are substantially reduced and the minimum approach to carbon dioxide freezing are increased when the liquid stream is introduced to a midpoint in the column when compared to introducing the liquid stream to a top position or a lower position in the fractionation column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2021
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Inventors: Michael C. Pierce, Stephen N. Peterson, J. Ascencion Anguiano, Hank M. Hudson, John D. Wilkinson
  • Publication number: 20220079826
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for patient support include arrangement of a patient support top for rotation and a rotation lockout assembly for selectively blocking against rotation of the patient support top.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventors: Zachary B. Konsin, Michael C. Pierce, Alexander E. Rojas, Christopher B. Dubois, Phillip B. Dolliver, Jason S. Bernotsky, Andrew L. Thompson, David C. Newkirk, Todd P. O'Neal
  • Patent number: 11213448
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for patient support include arrangement of a patient support top for rotation and a rotation lockout assembly for selectively blocking against rotation of the patient support top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Allen Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary B. Konsin, Michael C. Pierce, Alexander E. Rojas, Christopher B. Dubois, Phillip B. Dolliver, Jason S. Bernotsky, Andrew L. Thompson, David C. Newkirk, Todd P. O'Neal
  • Publication number: 20210289032
    Abstract: A surgical table data transmission system is provided. The system comprises a data aggregation node, and at least one remote node attachable to a component or an accessory of a surgical table, wherein the data aggregation node and the remote node are configured to exchange data by a first wired or wireless communication, the data aggregation node is configured to exchange the data with at least one of a controller of the surgical table and a hospital network gateway by a second wired or wireless communication, and the remote node is configured to transmit identification data of the component or accessory or to transmit received sensor data to the data aggregation node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Jason S. BERNOTSKY, Michael C. PIERCE, Phillip B. DOLLIVER
  • Publication number: 20210131729
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus are disclosed for separation of a hydrocarbon gas stream containing methane and heavier hydrocarbons and significant quantities of nitrogen and carbon dioxide. The gas stream is cooled and expanded, then fractionated in a first distillation column into a first overhead vapor and a hydrocarbon liquid stream containing the majority of the carbon dioxide. The hydrocarbon liquid stream is fractionated into a hydrocarbon vapor stream and a less volatile fraction comprised of heavier hydrocarbons. The first overhead vapor is cooled, expanded, and separated into vapor and liquid streams. Both streams are cooled and expanded before feeding a second distillation column that produces a second overhead vapor that is predominantly nitrogen and a bottom liquid that is predominantly methane. The bottom liquid is vaporized and combined with the hydrocarbon vapor stream to form a volatile residue gas fraction containing the majority of the methane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Thai Pham, J Ascencion Anguiano, Hank M. Hudson, Kyle T. Cuellar, Adam Brostow, Stephen N Peterson, Michael C. Pierce
  • Publication number: 20210115338
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus are disclosed for the recovery of components from a hydrocarbon gas stream containing significant quantities of components more volatile than methane (hydrogen, nitrogen, etc.). The gas stream is partially condensed, then the remaining vapor is expanded to lower pressure and supplied to a fractionation tower at a mid-column feed position. The condensed liquid is cooled and divided into two portions. The first portion is expanded to tower pressure, heated by cooling the liquid, and supplied to the tower at a lower column feed position. The second portion is further cooled, expanded to tower pressure, and supplied to the tower at a top feed position. The tower overhead vapor is heated by cooling the second portion. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the tower maintain the overhead temperature of the tower whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Publication date: April 22, 2021
    Inventors: J. Ascencion Anguiano, John D. Wilkinson, Scott A. Miller, Stephen N. Peterson, Daryl R. Jensen, Michael C. Pierce, Hank M. Hudson
  • Patent number: 10849808
    Abstract: A patient support device includes an alternate support top, a head support unit partially supporting the alternate support top, a foot support unit longitudinally spaced from the head support unit and an adaptor associated with the foot support unit. The adaptor is securable to the foot support unit so that the adaptor and foot support unit cooperate to partially support the alternate support top so that the alternate support top extends footwardly beyond the foot support unit. The roles of the head and foot support units may be reversed. A related patient support system includes a baseline set of support tops and a set of alternate support tops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Allen Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony V. Catacchio, Andrew D. Clark, Phillip B. Dolliver, Jesse S. Drake, Christopher B. Dubois, Zachary B. Konsin, Michael C. Pierce
  • Publication number: 20190374420
    Abstract: A modular surgical system may include a base and a column extending from the base. An adaptor may be positioned at a top of the column. An elevation assembly may be provided to adjust a height of the adaptor. A control system may be positioned in at least one of the base or the column. The control system may be configured to communicate with remote devices. The control system may be further configured to control the elevation assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Publication date: December 12, 2019
    Inventors: Vincent Lehman, Alexander E. Rojas, Michael C. Pierce
  • Publication number: 20190029906
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for patient support include arrangement of a patient support top for rotation and a rotation lockout assembly for selectively blocking against rotation of the patient support top.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Zachary B. Konsin, Michael C. Pierce, Alexander E. Rojas, Christopher B. Dubois, Phillip B. Dolliver, Jason S. Bernotsky, Andrew L. Thompson, David C. Newkirk, Todd P. O'Neal
  • Publication number: 20180347899
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to improve the recovery of C2 (or C3) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes producing at least a substantially condensed first stream and a cooled second stream, expanding both streams to lower pressure, and supplying the streams to a fractionation tower. In the process and apparatus disclosed, the tower overhead vapor is directed to an absorbing means and a heat and mass transfer means inside a processing assembly. A portion of the outlet vapor from the processing assembly is compressed to higher pressure, cooled and substantially condensed in a heat exchange means inside the processing assembly, then expanded to lower pressure and supplied to the heat and mass transfer means to provide cooling. Condensed liquid from the absorbing means is fed to the tower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Kyle T. Cuellar, Michael C. Pierce, Scott A. Miller, John D. Wilkinson, Joe t. Lynch, Hank M. Hudson, Andrew F. Johnke, W. Larry Lewis