New technique for plugging well section gets patent for Cypress inventor

A Cypress inventor has received a U.S. patent for a new method of plugging a section of a well for oil or natural gas, which he developed for Baker Hughes Inc.

In the patent, Gordon R. Mackenzie of Cypress claims that his method, which includes an anchor and swellable seal, is less complex and costly than existing methods for closing a well.

The official patent number for the new device is 7,866,406. It was originally filed on Sept. 22, 2008, and the filers were represented by Cantor Coburn LLP of Connecticut. The patent is owned by Baker Hughes.

Baker Hughes specializes in technologies designed to help petroleum companies get the greatest value from their wells, and it offers integrated operations and reservoir consulting. Its global headquarters is located in the River Oaks area at 2929 Allen Pkwy., Ste. 2100. The company's U.S. division also has offices in the Aldine area at 17015 Aldine Westfield Road.