Patents by Inventor Dennis M. Snow

Dennis M. Snow 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).

  • Apparatus for enhanced recovery of viscous oil deposits
    Patent number: 6056050
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enhanced and improved viscous oil recovery are disclosed. A horizontal well is drilled through the viscous oil formation. A specially designed steam stinger is used to inject steam substantially uniformly into the entire horizontal extent of the well borehole without direct steam impingement on the production liner in the viscous oil formation. Heat from the steam mobilizes and lowers the viscosity of the heavy crude wherein the crude is then produced to the surface via conventional lift arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis M. Snow, Tim A. O'Connell
  • Method for enhanced recovery of viscous oil deposits
    Patent number: 5826655
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enhanced and improved viscous oil recovery are disclosed. A horizontal well is drilled through the viscous oil formation. A specially designed steam stinger is used to inject steam substantially uniformly into the entire horizontal extent of the well borehole without direct steam impingement on the production liner in the viscous oil formation. Heat from the steam mobilizes and lowers the viscosity of the heavy crude wherein the crude is then produced to the surface via conventional lift arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Texaco Inc
    Inventors: Dennis M. Snow, Tim A. O'Connell