Patents by Inventor Randy Sommerfeldt

Randy Sommerfeldt 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).

  • Combined liquid collector and mixer for mass transfer column and method employing same
    Patent number: 7114709
    Abstract: A collector is used to collect and mix liquid from an overlying zone in a mass transfer column in which fluid streams are processed, such as to obtain fractionation products. The collector has two or more liquid collection regions and two or more sumps positioned about the perimeter of the liquid collection regions. A plurality of channels and deflectors are spaced apart within each liquid collection region and vapor passages are formed in the spacings between adjacent channels. The deflectors direct descending liquid into the channels and shield the vapor passages from the descending liquid. The channels within each liquid collection region are arranged into interspersed sets, with one set of channels preferentially directing collected liquid into one sump and another set of channels preferentially directing collected liquid into another sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Koch-Glitsch, LP
    Inventors: Christoph Ender, Darran Headley, Rebecca Hooper, Randy Sommerfeldt
  • Combined liquid collector and mixer for mass transfer column and method employing same
    Publication number: 20040195707
    Abstract: A collector is used to collect and mix liquid from an overlying zone in a mass transfer column in which fluid streams are processed, such as to obtain fractionation products. The collector has two or more liquid collection regions and two or more sumps positioned about the perimeter of the liquid collection regions. A plurality of channels and deflectors are spaced apart within each liquid collection region and vapor passages are formed in the spacings between adjacent channels. The deflectors direct descending liquid into the channels and shield the vapor passages from the descending liquid. The channels within each liquid collection region are arranged into interspersed sets, with one set of channels preferentially directing collected liquid into one sump and another set of channels preferentially directing collected liquid into another sump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Applicant: Koch-Glitsch, LP
    Inventors: Christoph Ender, Darran Headley, Rebecca Hooper, Randy Sommerfeldt