US3758731A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Switch means for actuating downhole devices
Assignee: Halliburton Co
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Filing: 1971-02-19
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Granted: 1973-09-11
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Expires: 1991-02-19
Abstract
Abstract A switch means for electrically actuating a downhole device wherein the switch means and downhole device are connected into a tool string and run into the borehole on a slick line to provide a source of electrical power at any given time. The switch means is actuated by positively reciprocating the slick line to which the tool string is attached a predetermined number of times. Provision is made for resetting the apparatus at any time prior to closure of the switch means.
Inventors
- 👤 R Vann
- 👤 C Vann
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 08:14
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H3/00; H01H3/32; H01H3/34; E; E21; E21B; E21B41/00; E21B43/00; E21B43/11; E21B43/116; E21B43/1185; E21B43/11855
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
299 words
In combination with an electrically actuated downhole tool, a switch assembly for providing a source of current to the tool, comprising: an elongated hollow body within which said switch assembly is housed, said hollow body adapted to be suspended within a borehole by a slick line; spaced stop members formed on said hollow body; an actuator member, said actuator member being slidably received on the exterior of said hollow body and adapted to reciprocate between said stop members; said actuator member having borehole wall engaging means affixeD thereto for causing said actuator member to be reciprocated between said stop means in response to relative movement between said body and a borehole wall; a rack, means by which said rack is slidably journaled within said hollow body and movable from a first to a second position; means including a lever positioned to be engaged and moved by said actuator member, to successively engage and move said rack towards said second position when said lever is engaged and moved by said actuator member; means forming a ratchet positioned to releasably engage and hold said rack against movement towards said first position; means including a lower lever member connected for movement by said actuator member for disengaging said ratchet from said rack so that said actuator member, when moved against said lower lever member, causes said ratchet to be released from said rack thereby enabling said rack to return to the first position; a source of electrical power, a switch arranged to be actuated into a current flowing position, circuit means connecting said switch to said source of power and adapted to energize an electrically actuated downhole tool upon said switch being actuated; and means connected to said rack for actuating said switch when said rack is moved to said second position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
299 words
In combination with an electrically actuated downhole tool, a switch assembly for providing a source of current to the tool, comprising: an elongated hollow body within which said switch assembly is housed, said hollow body adapted to be suspended within a borehole by a slick line; spaced stop members formed on said hollow body; an actuator member, said actuator member being slidably received on the exterior of said hollow body and adapted to reciprocate between said stop members; said actuator member having borehole wall engaging means affixeD thereto for causing said actuator member to be reciprocated between said stop means in response to relative movement between said body and a borehole wall; a rack, means by which said rack is slidably journaled within said hollow body and movable from a first to a second position; means including a lever positioned to be engaged and moved by said actuator member, to successively engage and move said rack towards said second position when said lever is engaged and moved by said actuator member; means forming a ratchet positioned to releasably engage and hold said rack against movement towards said first position; means including a lower lever member connected for movement by said actuator member for disengaging said ratchet from said rack so that said actuator member, when moved against said lower lever member, causes said ratchet to be released from said rack thereby enabling said rack to return to the first position; a source of electrical power, a switch arranged to be actuated into a current flowing position, circuit means connecting said switch to said source of power and adapted to energize an electrically actuated downhole tool upon said switch being actuated; and means connected to said rack for actuating said switch when said rack is moved to said second position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
69 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein said switch includes spaced apart electrical contacts; said means connected to said rack for actuating said switch means including a metallic plate member connected to a depending end of said rack; means insulating said plate member from said rack, said plate member adapted to form a current flow path across said spaced apart contacts when said rack is moved to said second position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
83 words
The combination of claim 1, wherein said ratchet is in the form of an arm, means by which said arm is pivotally mounted to said body, means by which said arm is normally biased into a rack engaging position; said lower lever member being disposed between one said stop member and said lever means; linkage connecting said lower lever member to said ratchet for moving said ratchet when said actuator engages said lower member, to thereby cause said ratchet to release said rack.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
62 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein said actuator includes spaced apart ring members circumferentially disposed about said body and further including bow members radially spaced apart from one another and connected to said ring members, with one depending end of each bow being connected to one ring member; said bow having an outwardly disposed marginal portion thereof for engaging the borehole wall.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
117 words
The combination of claim 1, wherein said circuit means includes a heating element, a bimetal switch having normally open contacts thereon, where said bimetal switch is moved to the closed position when said heating element is electrically energized; said power source having two electrical conductors with one conductor being connected to one contact of said bimetal switch and to said heating element; said heating element and the first recited switch being series connected with the remaining terminal of the last said switch being connected to the remaining terminal of said power source; and the remaining contact of said bimetal switch and the remaining electrical conductor of said power source adapted to be connected to the downhole tool.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
69 words
The combination of claim 3 wherein said switch includes spaced apart electrical contacts; said means connected to said rack for actuating said switch means including a metallic plate member connected to a depending end of said rack; means insulating said plate member from said rack, said plate member adapted to form a current flow path across said spaced apart contacts when said rack is moved to said second position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
83 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein said rack has a marginal longitudinally extending portion thereof formed into spaced apart circumferentially extending teeth, each of said teeth adapted To be individually engaged by a portion of said ratchet and a portion of said lever so that said lever can engage one of said teeth and move said rack towards said second position while said ratchet engages another of said teeth and holds said rack while said lever is being actuated by said actuator member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
47 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein said circuit means includes a normally open switch for connecting said power source to a downhole tool; a time delay means for moving said normally open switch to the closed position upon the first switch being moved to the closed position.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
225 words
Apparatus for electrically actuating downhole tools, said apparatus including a housing in the form of an elongated hollow body; spaced stop members formed on said hollow body; an actuator member, said actuator member being slidably received on the exterior of said hollow body and adapted to reciprocate between said stop members; said actuator member having borehole wall engaging means affixed thereto for causing said actuator member to be reciprocated between said stop members in response to relative movement between said body and a borehole wall; a rack, a lever, a ratchet; said rack being slidably received within said hollow body and movable between a first and second position; said lever positioned to successively engage and move said rack towards said second position; said actuator member being arranged relative to said lever so as to engage and move said lever to thereby cause the before recited movement of said rack; said ratchet positioned to releasably engage and hold said rack against movement towards said first position; a source of electrical power, a switch arranged to be actuated into a current flowing position, circuit means connecting said switch means to said source of power and adapted to energize an electrically actuated downhole tool upon said switch being actuated; and means connected to said rack for actuating said switch when said rack is moved to said second position.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
225 words
Apparatus for electrically actuating downhole tools, said apparatus including a housing in the form of an elongated hollow body; spaced stop members formed on said hollow body; an actuator member, said actuator member being slidably received on the exterior of said hollow body and adapted to reciprocate between said stop members; said actuator member having borehole wall engaging means affixed thereto for causing said actuator member to be reciprocated between said stop members in response to relative movement between said body and a borehole wall; a rack, a lever, a ratchet; said rack being slidably received within said hollow body and movable between a first and second position; said lever positioned to successively engage and move said rack towards said second position; said actuator member being arranged relative to said lever so as to engage and move said lever to thereby cause the before recited movement of said rack; said ratchet positioned to releasably engage and hold said rack against movement towards said first position; a source of electrical power, a switch arranged to be actuated into a current flowing position, circuit means connecting said switch means to said source of power and adapted to energize an electrically actuated downhole tool upon said switch being actuated; and means connected to said rack for actuating said switch when said rack is moved to said second position.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
82 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said ratchet is in the form of an arm, means by which said arm is pivotally mounted to said body, means by which said arm is normally biased into a rack engaging position; a lower lever member being disposed between one said stop member and said lever; linkage connecting said lower lever member to said ratchet for moving said ratchet when said actuator engages said lower member, to thereby cause said ratchet to release said rack.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
116 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said circuit means includes a heating element, a bimetal switch having normally open contacts thereon, where said bimetal switch is moved to the closed position when said heating element is electrically energized; said power source having two electrical conductors with one conductor being connected to one contact of said bimetal switch and to said heating element; said heating element and the first recited switch being series connected with the remaining terminal of the bi-mettalic switch being connected to the remaining terminal of said power source; and the remaining contact of said bimetal switch and the remaining electrical conductor of said power source adapted to be connected to the downhole tool.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
82 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said rack has a marginal longitudinally extending portion thereof formed into spaced apart circumferentially extending teeth, each of said teeth adapted to be individually engaged by a portion of said ratchet and a portion of said lever so that lever can engage one of said teeth and move said rack towards said second position while said ratchet engages another of said teeth and holds said rack while said lever is being actuated by said actuator member.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-09-10 | 1977-03-12 | 1977-09-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-09-10 | 1981-03-12 | 1981-09-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-09-10 | 1985-03-12 | 1985-09-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |