US3989993A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Drive and control mechanism for electrically operated reciprocating apparatus
Assignee: OILWELL Inc A CORP OF
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Filing: 1974-12-06
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Granted: 1976-11-02
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Expires: 1994-12-06
Abstract
Abstract A drive and control mechanism for an electrically operated reciprocating apparatus, intended especially for a long-stroke well-pumping apparatus. The mechanism automatically controls the direction of travel of the apparatus and effects reversals at the ends of each stroke. On start-up the apparatus always travels in a direction toward its farther limit of travel. Control is effected without series of sequentially operating relays which can shut down the apparatus unnecessarily in the event any one relay drops out accidentally, as can result from a voltage drop. The circuit includes protective means for shutting down the apparatus immediately in the event certain malfunctions occur, for example, if the parts travel beyond proper limits, or if the apparatus commences to operate at excessive speed, or if a motor overheats.
Inventors
- 👤 Roy D. Ewing
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 19:51
CPC Classifications
F; F04; F04B; F04B47/00; F04B47/02; F04B1/00; F04B1/02; F04B49/00; F04B49/06; F04B2201/00; F04B2201/12; F04B2201/121; F04B2205/00; F04B2205/09
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 32
Claim 1
Independent Claim
240 words
In an electrically operated reciprocating apparatus which has a drive and control mechanism including a reversible drive motor, a drive circuit operatively connected with said motor, and a control circuit operatively connected with said drive circuit to energize said motor alternately in opposite directions, said control circuit including switch means operated near the ends of movement of the apparatus in each direction as it reciprocates, the improvement in which said control circuit comprises: a latch-type relay which includes contacts movable to a first position for completing a current path to said drive circuit to energize said motor in one direction and to a second position for completing a current path to said drive circuit to energize said motor in the opposite direction; said relay including an operating coil operatively connected with said switch means for moving said contacts to their first position following operation of said switch means near the end of movement of the apparatus in one direction, means for latching said contacts in their first position and a reversing coil operatively connected with said switch means for releasing said latching means and moving said contacts to their second position following operation of said switch means near the end of movement of the apparatus in the other direction; and directional control means operatively connected with said relay for starting said apparatus moving in a predetermined direction depending on the positon of the apparatus at the time it is started.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
240 words
In an electrically operated reciprocating apparatus which has a drive and control mechanism including a reversible drive motor, a drive circuit operatively connected with said motor, and a control circuit operatively connected with said drive circuit to energize said motor alternately in opposite directions, said control circuit including switch means operated near the ends of movement of the apparatus in each direction as it reciprocates, the improvement in which said control circuit comprises: a latch-type relay which includes contacts movable to a first position for completing a current path to said drive circuit to energize said motor in one direction and to a second position for completing a current path to said drive circuit to energize said motor in the opposite direction; said relay including an operating coil operatively connected with said switch means for moving said contacts to their first position following operation of said switch means near the end of movement of the apparatus in one direction, means for latching said contacts in their first position and a reversing coil operatively connected with said switch means for releasing said latching means and moving said contacts to their second position following operation of said switch means near the end of movement of the apparatus in the other direction; and directional control means operatively connected with said relay for starting said apparatus moving in a predetermined direction depending on the positon of the apparatus at the time it is started.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
An improvement as defined in claim 1 in which said apparatus is a long-stroke pumping apparatus which includes means for connection to a string of sucker rods and means for connection to a counterbalance to be driven in opposite directions.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
An improvement as defined in claim 1 in which the means for energizing said coils includes time delay means for interrupting both said current paths for an interval at each end of the movement of said apparatus.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
44 words
An improvement as defined in claim 1 in which said directional control means includes switch means operated by said apparatus at a central point of its movement in both directions, whereby the direction of movement at start-up is toward the farther limit of travel.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
An improvement as defined in claim 1 comprising in addition protective means operatively connected with said control circuit for shutting down the apparatus automatically in the event of a malfunction.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
105 words
In an electrically operated reciprocating apparatus which has a drive and control mechanism including a reversible drive motor, a drive circuit operatively connected with said motor and a control circuit operatively connected with said drive circuit for enabling said drive circuit to energize said motor alternately in opposite directions, said control circuit including switch means operated near the ends of movement of the apparatus in opposite directions as it reciprocates to effect reversals, the improvement in which said control circuit comprises: directional control means effective on start-up of the apparatus to start the apparatus traveling always in a direction toward its farther limit of travel.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
105 words
In an electrically operated reciprocating apparatus which has a drive and control mechanism including a reversible drive motor, a drive circuit operatively connected with said motor and a control circuit operatively connected with said drive circuit for enabling said drive circuit to energize said motor alternately in opposite directions, said control circuit including switch means operated near the ends of movement of the apparatus in opposite directions as it reciprocates to effect reversals, the improvement in which said control circuit comprises: directional control means effective on start-up of the apparatus to start the apparatus traveling always in a direction toward its farther limit of travel.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
52 words
An improvement as defined in claim 6 in which said directional control means includes switch means operated at approximately the midpoint of the travel of said apparatus, and means operatively connected with said last-named switch means for setting said control circuit to operate in the intended direction when started after a shut-down.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
101 words
An improvement as defined in claim 6 in which said directional control means includes switch means operated at approximately the midpoint of the travel of said apparatus, and in which said control circuit comprises in addition contacts movable to a first position for completing a current path to said drive circuit to energize said motor in one direction and to a second position for completing a current path to energize said motor in the opposite direction, and means connected with said second-named switch means and said contacts for positioning said contacts on start-up to energize said motor in the intended direction.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
97 words
An improvement as defined in claim 8 in which said control circuit comprises in addition means for latching said contacts in their first position when moved thereto, and means connected with said first-named switch means for moving said contacts to their first position and latching them therein following operation of said first-named switch means near the end of movement of the apparatus in one direction, and for releasing the latch and moving said contacts to their second position following operation of said first-named switch means near the end of movement of the apparatus in the other direction.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
29 words
An improvement as defined in claim 6 comprising in addition protective means operatively connected with said control circuit for shutting down the apparatus in the event of a malfunction.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
39 words
An improvement as defined in claim 10 in which the malfunctions effective for shutting down the apparatus include travel of the apparatus beyond its normal limits, travel of the apparatus at excessive speed, or overheating of said drive motor.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
144 words
In a long-stroke pumping apparatus which includes a drum, means rotatably supporting said drum, a reversible motor operatively connected with said drum for driving it alternately in opposite directions, a pair of cables connected to said drum, each of which winds thereon while the other unwinds therefrom, and a rod string and a counterbalance connected to the respective cables to reciprocate up and down in opposite directions, the combination therewith of an improved control mechanism comprising: means for stopping said motor as said rod string and counterbalance approach the limits of their travel in each direction and energizing said motor in the opposite direction as said rod string and counterbalance start their travel in the other direction; and directional control means effective on start up of the apparatus to start said rod string and said counterbalance always traveling toward their farther limits of travel.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
144 words
In a long-stroke pumping apparatus which includes a drum, means rotatably supporting said drum, a reversible motor operatively connected with said drum for driving it alternately in opposite directions, a pair of cables connected to said drum, each of which winds thereon while the other unwinds therefrom, and a rod string and a counterbalance connected to the respective cables to reciprocate up and down in opposite directions, the combination therewith of an improved control mechanism comprising: means for stopping said motor as said rod string and counterbalance approach the limits of their travel in each direction and energizing said motor in the opposite direction as said rod string and counterbalance start their travel in the other direction; and directional control means effective on start up of the apparatus to start said rod string and said counterbalance always traveling toward their farther limits of travel.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
33 words
A combination as defined in claim 12 in which said directional control means includes a switch operated by said apparatus at approximately the midpoint of travel of said rod string and said counterbalance.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
36 words
A combination as defined in claim 12 in which said control mechanism comprises in addition protective means effective to shut down the apparatus in the event said rod string and said counterbalance travel beyond proper limits.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
38 words
A combination as defined in claim 12 in which said control mechanism comprises in addition protective means effective to shut down the apparatus in the event said rod string and said counterbalance commence to operate at excessive speed.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
29 words
A combination as defined in claim 12 in which said control mechanism comprises in addition protective means effective to shut down the apparatus in the event said motor overheats.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
41 words
A combination as defined in claim 12 in which said control mechanism includes a latch-type relay for latching its contacts in a position to drive said motor in different directions to avoid dependence on series of relays which operate in sequence.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
239 words
In an electrically operated reciprocating apparatus which has a drive and control mechanism including a reversible drive motor, a drive circuit operatively connected with said motor, and a control circuit operatively connected with said drive circuit to energize said motor alternately in opposite directions, said control circuit comprising: switch means operated near the ends of movement of the apparatus in each direction as it reciprocates; contacts movable to a first position for completing a current path to said drive circuit to energize said motor in one direction and to a second position for completing a current path to said drive circuit to energize said motor in the opposite direction; means for latching said contacts in their first position when moved thereto; and means connected with said switch means for moving said contacts to their first position and latching them therein following operation of said switch means near the end of movement of the apparatus in one direction and for releasing said latching means and moving said contacts to their second position following operation of said switch means near the end of movement of the apparatus in the other direction; the combination therewith of: protective means including a brake operatively connected with said apparatus, a compressed air supply for operating said brake, and means operatively connected with said air supply for preventing operation of said apparatus in the event the pressure of said air supply is below a predetermined minimum.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
239 words
In an electrically operated reciprocating apparatus which has a drive and control mechanism including a reversible drive motor, a drive circuit operatively connected with said motor, and a control circuit operatively connected with said drive circuit to energize said motor alternately in opposite directions, said control circuit comprising: switch means operated near the ends of movement of the apparatus in each direction as it reciprocates; contacts movable to a first position for completing a current path to said drive circuit to energize said motor in one direction and to a second position for completing a current path to said drive circuit to energize said motor in the opposite direction; means for latching said contacts in their first position when moved thereto; and means connected with said switch means for moving said contacts to their first position and latching them therein following operation of said switch means near the end of movement of the apparatus in one direction and for releasing said latching means and moving said contacts to their second position following operation of said switch means near the end of movement of the apparatus in the other direction; the combination therewith of: protective means including a brake operatively connected with said apparatus, a compressed air supply for operating said brake, and means operatively connected with said air supply for preventing operation of said apparatus in the event the pressure of said air supply is below a predetermined minimum.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
231 words
In an electrically operated reciprocating apparatus which has a drive and control mechanism including a reversible drive motor, a drive circuit operatively connected with said motor, and a control circuit operatively connected with said drive circuit to energize said motor alternately in opposite directions, said control circuit comprising: switch means operated near the ends of movement of the apparatus in each direction as it reciprocates; contacts movable to a first position for completing a current path to said drive circuit to energize said motor in one direction and to a second position for completing a current path to said drive circuit to energize said motor in the opposite direction; means for latching said contacts in their first position when moved thereto; and means connected with said switch means for moving said contacts to their first position and latching them therein following operation of said switch means near the end of movement of the apparatus in one direction and for releasing said latching means and moving said contacts to their second position following operation of said switch means near the end of movement of the apparatus in the other direction; the combination therewith of: protective means including overtravel switch means operated by said apparatus on travel beyond its normal limits, and means operatively connected with said overtravel switch means for shutting down said apparatus in the event it travels beyond normal limits.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
231 words
In an electrically operated reciprocating apparatus which has a drive and control mechanism including a reversible drive motor, a drive circuit operatively connected with said motor, and a control circuit operatively connected with said drive circuit to energize said motor alternately in opposite directions, said control circuit comprising: switch means operated near the ends of movement of the apparatus in each direction as it reciprocates; contacts movable to a first position for completing a current path to said drive circuit to energize said motor in one direction and to a second position for completing a current path to said drive circuit to energize said motor in the opposite direction; means for latching said contacts in their first position when moved thereto; and means connected with said switch means for moving said contacts to their first position and latching them therein following operation of said switch means near the end of movement of the apparatus in one direction and for releasing said latching means and moving said contacts to their second position following operation of said switch means near the end of movement of the apparatus in the other direction; the combination therewith of: protective means including overtravel switch means operated by said apparatus on travel beyond its normal limits, and means operatively connected with said overtravel switch means for shutting down said apparatus in the event it travels beyond normal limits.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
228 words
In an electrically operated reciprocating apparatus which has a drive and control mechanism including a reversible drive motor, a drive circuit operatively connected with said motor, and a control circuit operatively connected with said drive circuit to energize said motor alternately in opposite directions, said control circuit comprising: switch means operated near the ends of movement of the apparatus in each direction as it reciprocates; contacts movable to a first position for completing a current path to said drive circuit to energize said motor in one direction and to a second position for completing a current path to said drive circuit to energize said motor in the opposite direction; means for latching said contacts in their first position when moved thereto; and means connected with said switch means for moving said contacts to their first position and latching them therein following operation of said switch means near the end of movement of the apparatus in one direction and for releasing said latching means and moving said contacts to their second position following operation of said switch means near the end of movement of the apparatus in the other direction; the combination therewith of: protective means including an alternator driven at a speed proportional to the speed of the apparatus and means operatively connected with said alternator for shutting down said apparatus in the event its speed becomes excessive.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
228 words
In an electrically operated reciprocating apparatus which has a drive and control mechanism including a reversible drive motor, a drive circuit operatively connected with said motor, and a control circuit operatively connected with said drive circuit to energize said motor alternately in opposite directions, said control circuit comprising: switch means operated near the ends of movement of the apparatus in each direction as it reciprocates; contacts movable to a first position for completing a current path to said drive circuit to energize said motor in one direction and to a second position for completing a current path to said drive circuit to energize said motor in the opposite direction; means for latching said contacts in their first position when moved thereto; and means connected with said switch means for moving said contacts to their first position and latching them therein following operation of said switch means near the end of movement of the apparatus in one direction and for releasing said latching means and moving said contacts to their second position following operation of said switch means near the end of movement of the apparatus in the other direction; the combination therewith of: protective means including an alternator driven at a speed proportional to the speed of the apparatus and means operatively connected with said alternator for shutting down said apparatus in the event its speed becomes excessive.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
222 words
In an electrically operated reciprocating apparatus which has a drive and control mechanism including a reversible drive motor, a drive circuit operatively connected with said motor, and a control circuit operatively connected with said drive circuit to energize said motor alternately in opposite directions, said control circuit comprising: switch means operated near the ends of movement of the apparatus in each direction as it reciprocates; contacts movable to a first position for completing a current path to said drive circuit to energize said motor in one direction and to a second position for completing a current path to said drive circuit to energize said motor in the opposite direction; means for latching said contacts in their first position when moved thereto; and means connected with said switch means for moving said contacts to their first position and latching them therein following operation of said switch means near the end of movement of the apparatus in one direction and for releasing said latching means and moving said contacts to their second position following operation of said switch means near the end of movement of the apparatus in the other direction; the combination therewith of: protective means including temperature sensing means in said motor, and means operatively connected with said temperature sensing means for shutting down said apparatus in the event said motor overheats.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
222 words
In an electrically operated reciprocating apparatus which has a drive and control mechanism including a reversible drive motor, a drive circuit operatively connected with said motor, and a control circuit operatively connected with said drive circuit to energize said motor alternately in opposite directions, said control circuit comprising: switch means operated near the ends of movement of the apparatus in each direction as it reciprocates; contacts movable to a first position for completing a current path to said drive circuit to energize said motor in one direction and to a second position for completing a current path to said drive circuit to energize said motor in the opposite direction; means for latching said contacts in their first position when moved thereto; and means connected with said switch means for moving said contacts to their first position and latching them therein following operation of said switch means near the end of movement of the apparatus in one direction and for releasing said latching means and moving said contacts to their second position following operation of said switch means near the end of movement of the apparatus in the other direction; the combination therewith of: protective means including temperature sensing means in said motor, and means operatively connected with said temperature sensing means for shutting down said apparatus in the event said motor overheats.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
175 words
In an electrically operated reciprocating apparatus which has a drive and control mechanism including a reversible drive motor, a drive circuit operatively connected with said motor, and a control circuit operatively connected with said drive circuit to energize said motor alternately in first and second opposite directions, said control circuit including switch means operated near the ends of movement of the apparatus in each direction as it reciprocates, the improvement in which said control circuit comprises: a first time delay means operatively connected with said switch means and with said drive circuit and being operable when said switch means operates near the end of movement of said apparatus in the first direction to delay energizing said motor in the second direction for a predetermined interval; and a second time delay means operatively connected with said switch means and with said drive circuit and being operable when said switch means operates near the end of movement of said apparatus in the second direction to delay energizing said motor in the first direction for a predetermined interval,
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
175 words
In an electrically operated reciprocating apparatus which has a drive and control mechanism including a reversible drive motor, a drive circuit operatively connected with said motor, and a control circuit operatively connected with said drive circuit to energize said motor alternately in first and second opposite directions, said control circuit including switch means operated near the ends of movement of the apparatus in each direction as it reciprocates, the improvement in which said control circuit comprises: a first time delay means operatively connected with said switch means and with said drive circuit and being operable when said switch means operates near the end of movement of said apparatus in the first direction to delay energizing said motor in the second direction for a predetermined interval; and a second time delay means operatively connected with said switch means and with said drive circuit and being operable when said switch means operates near the end of movement of said apparatus in the second direction to delay energizing said motor in the first direction for a predetermined interval,
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
225 words
In a long-stroke pumping apparatus which includes a rod string, and a counterbalance, means supporting said rod string and said counterbalance for movement up and down in opposite directions, a reversible electrically operated motor for driving said rod string and said counterbalance, a drive circuit operatively connected with said motor, and a control circuit operatively connected with said drive circuit to energize said motor alternately in opposite directions to raise said counterbalance and lower said rod string and vice versa, said control circuit including switch means operated near the ends of movement of said counterbalance in each direction, the improvement in which said control circuit comprises: a first time delay means operatively connected with said switch means and with said drive circuit and being operable when said switch means operates near the end of the movement of said counterbalance upwardly to delay energizing said motor to drive said rod string upwardly for a predetermined interval while said counterbalance commences to descend under its own weight; and a second time delay means operatively connected with said switch means and with said drive circuit and being operable when said switch means operates near the end of the movement of said counterbalance downwardly to delay energizing said motor to drive said counterbalance upwardly for a predetermined interval while said rod string commences to descend under its own weight.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
225 words
In a long-stroke pumping apparatus which includes a rod string, and a counterbalance, means supporting said rod string and said counterbalance for movement up and down in opposite directions, a reversible electrically operated motor for driving said rod string and said counterbalance, a drive circuit operatively connected with said motor, and a control circuit operatively connected with said drive circuit to energize said motor alternately in opposite directions to raise said counterbalance and lower said rod string and vice versa, said control circuit including switch means operated near the ends of movement of said counterbalance in each direction, the improvement in which said control circuit comprises: a first time delay means operatively connected with said switch means and with said drive circuit and being operable when said switch means operates near the end of the movement of said counterbalance upwardly to delay energizing said motor to drive said rod string upwardly for a predetermined interval while said counterbalance commences to descend under its own weight; and a second time delay means operatively connected with said switch means and with said drive circuit and being operable when said switch means operates near the end of the movement of said counterbalance downwardly to delay energizing said motor to drive said counterbalance upwardly for a predetermined interval while said rod string commences to descend under its own weight.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-11-02 | 1980-05-03 | 1980-11-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-11-02 | 1984-05-03 | 1984-11-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-11-02 | 1988-05-03 | 1988-11-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |