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).
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Patent number: 12029689Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 2, 2023Date of Patent: July 9, 2024Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 11906244Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 16, 2021Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Michael C. Pierce, Stephen N. Peterson, J. Ascencion Anguiano, Hank M. Hudson, John D. Wilkinson
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Publication number: 20230372175Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2023Publication date: November 23, 2023Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 11643604Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 16, 2020Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: J. Ascencion Anguiano, John D. Wilkinson, Scott A. Miller, Stephen N. Peterson, Daryl R. Jensen, Michael C. Pierce, Hank M. Hudson
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Publication number: 20230021328Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2022Publication date: January 26, 2023Inventors: Thai Pham, J Ascencion Anguiano, Hank M. Hudson, Kyle T. Cuellar, Adam Brostow, Stephen N Peterson, Michael C. Pierce
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Patent number: 11554068Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 30, 2021Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 11543180Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 24, 2018Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Kyle T. Cuellar, Michael C. Pierce, Scott A. Miller, John D. Wilkinson, Joe T. Lynch, Hank M. Hudson, Andrew F. Johnke, W. Larry Lewis
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Patent number: 11448461Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 30, 2020Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Thai Pham, J Ascencion Anguiano, Hank M. Hudson, Kyle T. Cuellar, Adam Brostow, Stephen N Peterson, Michael C. Pierce
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Patent number: 11439557Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 14, 2019Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: Allen Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Vincent Lehman, Alexander E. Rojas, Michael C. Pierce
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Patent number: 11428465Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 24, 2018Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Inventors: Michael C. Pierce, Kyle T. Cuellar, Scott A. Miller, John D. Wilkinson, Joe T. Lynch, Hank M. Hudson, Andrew F. Johnke, W. Larry Lewis
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Publication number: 20220163257Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2021Publication date: May 26, 2022Inventors: Michael C. Pierce, Stephen N. Peterson, J. Ascencion Anguiano, Hank M. Hudson, John D. Wilkinson
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Publication number: 20220079826Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2021Publication date: March 17, 2022Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 11213448Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 18, 2018Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20210289032Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2021Publication date: September 16, 2021Inventors: Jason S. BERNOTSKY, Michael C. PIERCE, Phillip B. DOLLIVER
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Publication number: 20210131729Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2020Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: Thai Pham, J Ascencion Anguiano, Hank M. Hudson, Kyle T. Cuellar, Adam Brostow, Stephen N Peterson, Michael C. Pierce
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Publication number: 20210115338Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2020Publication date: April 22, 2021Inventors: J. Ascencion Anguiano, John D. Wilkinson, Scott A. Miller, Stephen N. Peterson, Daryl R. Jensen, Michael C. Pierce, Hank M. Hudson
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Patent number: 10849808Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 9, 2017Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20190374420Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2019Publication date: December 12, 2019Inventors: Vincent Lehman, Alexander E. Rojas, Michael C. Pierce
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Publication number: 20190029906Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2018Publication date: January 31, 2019Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20180347899Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2018Publication date: December 6, 2018Inventors: Kyle T. Cuellar, Michael C. Pierce, Scott A. Miller, John D. Wilkinson, Joe t. Lynch, Hank M. Hudson, Andrew F. Johnke, W. Larry Lewis