Patents by Inventor Thomas H. Winter

Thomas H. Winter 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).

  • Method for startup of production in an oil well
    Patent number: 5014789
    Abstract: A method of startup of oil production in a gas-lift well in which inlet flow (22) of gas is controlled (46, 42) while means (34, 28) controlling fluid flow from the well is progressively opened. Preferably, fluid flow rate from the well is monitored and valve means (28) opening rate reduced on detection of a greater than predetermined increase in flow rate. A method of controlling the oil production is also provided wherein flow rate from the well is monitored and a flow regulating device (28) in the flow path from the well controlled in accordance with that monitored flow rate which is indicative of the onset of slugging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Inventors: Neville Clarke, Thomas H. Winter