Cypress man gets patent for valve invention

A Cypress man has received a U.S. patent for his invention of a new injection valve to be used the oil and gas industry.

According to the patent, the valve enhances the ability to control the flow of fluid and gas in a well. The patent suggests the device would be particularly useful in situations where engineers must install a gas lift, a device that helps move oil out of the ground when the natural pressure of the reservoir is insufficient.

The official patent number is 7,861,790 and it was originally filed on Sept. 19, 2008. The inventors listed by the patent are Robert J. Coon of Missouri City and Jeffrey John Lembcke of Cypress. Intellectual property firm Patterson & Sheridan LLP represented the inventors. The patent is owned by Weatherford International.

Weatherford International is one of the world's largest oil and natural gas services companies. Originally founded in Texas, they now are based in Geneva.