Patents by Inventor Benjamin J. Gregory

Benjamin J. Gregory 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).

  • Patent number: 11221002
    Abstract: A method for operating a tandem motor linear rod pumping apparatus that includes first and second linear mechanical actuator systems each having a motor, and also includes a rod for a sucker-rod pump. The method calls for constructing the first and second linear mechanical actuator systems to operate within a single housing, and simultaneously operating each of the two motors in a manner that imparts reciprocating vertical motion to respective-vertically movable members of the first and second linear mechanical actuator systems. Each motor has a reversibly rotatable element that is operatively connected to the vertically-movable member of its respective linear mechanical actuator system, thus establishing a fixed relationship between the rotational position of the rotatable element and the vertical position of its respective vertically-movable member. The simultaneous operation of the two motors imparts a reciprocating vertical motion to the pump rod of the sucker-rod pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Unico, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew J. Hilgers, Michael A. MacDonald, Benjamin J. Gregory, Ronald G. Peterson
  • Patent number: 10968904
    Abstract: An oil pumping system to carry oil from an oil sump in a pump housing to an internal oil reservoir in another portion of the pump housing. A top plate is attached to a pump rod and moves in accordance with a reciprocating motion of the pump rod. A bottom plate is below the top plate. A pump mechanism, disposed between the top plate and bottom plate, includes a valve seat that contacts the bottom plate, and an upper portion that contacts the top plate. A first biasing element is configured to urge the valve seat upward away from the bottom plate. A second biasing element is configured to urge the plunger upward away from the valve seat. Upward movement of the pump rod allows oil to flow into the pump mechanism. Downward movement of the pump rod causes the bottom of the valve seat to seal against the bottom plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Unico, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew J. Hilgers, Michael A. MacDonald, Benjamin J. Gregory, Ronald G. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20190120218
    Abstract: An oil pumping system to carry oil from an oil sump in a pump housing to an internal oil reservoir in another portion of the pump housing. A top plate is attached to a pump rod and moves in accordance with a reciprocating motion of the pump rod. A bottom plate is below the top plate. A pump mechanism, disposed between the top plate and bottom plate, includes a valve seat that contacts the bottom plate, and an upper portion that contacts the top plate. A first biasing element is configured to urge the valve seat upward away from the bottom plate. A second biasing element is configured to urge the plunger upward away from the valve seat. Upward movement of the pump rod allows oil to flow into the pump mechanism. Downward movement of the pump rod causes the bottom of the valve seat to seal against the bottom plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Applicant: Unico, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Hilgers, Michael A. MacDonald, Benjamin J. Gregory, Ronald G. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20190120217
    Abstract: A method for operating a tandem motor linear rod pumping apparatus that includes first and second linear mechanical actuator systems each having a motor, and also includes a rod for a sucker-rod pump. The method calls for constructing the first and second linear mechanical actuator systems to operate within a single housing, and simultaneously operating each of the two motors in a manner that imparts reciprocating vertical motion to respective-vertically movable members of the first and second linear mechanical actuator systems. Each motor has a reversibly rotatable element that is operatively connected to the vertically-movable member of its respective linear mechanical actuator system, thus establishing a fixed relationship between the rotational position of the rotatable element and the vertical position of its respective vertically-movable member. The simultaneous operation of the two motors imparts a reciprocating vertical motion to the pump rod of the sucker-rod pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Applicant: Unico, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Hilgers, Michael A. MacDonald, Benjamin J. Gregory, Ronald G. Peterson
  • Patent number: 10233919
    Abstract: A dual completion linear rod pumping apparatus for imparting reciprocating vertical motion to a pair of rods for respective sucker-rod pumps. The dual completion linear rod pumping apparatus includes first and second linear mechanical actuator systems disposed in a single housing. These linear mechanical actuator systems impart and control vertical motion of the pair of rods. Each linear mechanical actuator system includes a rack and pinion gearing arrangement. The rack is operatively connected in a gear-mesh relationship with the pinion. The pinion is operatively connected to a rotating output of a motor. Rotation of the motor in a first direction results in an upward motion of the rack and connected sucker rod pump. Rotation of the motor in a second direction opposite the first direction results in a downward motion of the rack and connected sucker rod pump. An electronic controller is operatively connected to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Unico, LLC
    Inventor: Benjamin J. Gregory
  • Patent number: 10197048
    Abstract: A tandem motor linear rod pumping apparatus for imparting reciprocating, substantially-vertical motion to a pump rod for a sucker-rod pump. The tandem motor linear rod pumping apparatus includes first and second linear mechanical actuator systems disposed in a single housing. These linear mechanical actuator systems impart and control vertical motion of the pump rod. Each linear mechanical actuator system includes a rack and pinion gearing arrangement. Each rack is operatively connected with two pinions. Each pinion is operatively connected to a motor. Rotation of the two motors in a first direction results in an upward motion of the rack and connected sucker rod pump. Rotation of the two motors in a second direction, opposite the first direction, results in a downward motion of the rack and sucker rod pump. The tandem motor linear rod pumping apparatus includes at least one electronic controller to control the operation of the two motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Unico, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew J. Hilgers, Michael A. Macdonald, Benjamin J. Gregory, Ronald G. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20170107979
    Abstract: A tandem motor linear rod pumping apparatus for imparting reciprocating, substantially-vertical motion to a pump rod for a sucker-rod pump. The tandem motor linear rod pumping apparatus includes first and second linear mechanical actuator systems disposed in a single housing. These linear mechanical actuator systems impart and control vertical motion of the pump rod. Each linear mechanical actuator system includes a rack and pinion gearing arrangement. Each rack is operatively connected with two pinions. Each pinion is operatively connected to a motor. Rotation of the two motors in a first direction results in an upward motion of the rack and connected sucker rod pump. Rotation of the two motors in a second direction, opposite the first direction, results in a downward motion of the rack and sucker rod pump. The tandem motor linear rod pumping apparatus includes at least one electronic controller to control the operation of the two motors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: Unico, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Hilgers, Michael A. Macdonald, Benjamin J. Gregory, Ronald G. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20160363116
    Abstract: A dual completion linear rod pumping apparatus for imparting reciprocating vertical motion to a pair of rods for respective sucker-rod pumps. The dual completion linear rod pumping apparatus includes first and second linear mechanical actuator systems disposed in a single housing. These linear mechanical actuator systems impart and control vertical motion of the pair of rods. Each linear mechanical actuator system includes a rack and pinion gearing arrangement. The rack is operatively connected in a gear-mesh relationship with the pinion. The pinion is operatively connected to a rotating output of a motor. Rotation of the motor in a first direction results in an upward motion of the rack and connected sucker rod pump. Rotation of the motor in a second direction opposite the first direction results in a downward motion of the rack and connected sucker rod pump. An electronic controller is operatively connected to the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Applicant: Unico, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin J. Gregory
  • Publication number: 20140271260
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for pumping fluids with a winched rod pumping apparatus for imparting reciprocating substantially vertical motion to a rod of a sucker-rod pump. A winched rod pumping apparatus, includes a motor driven winch drum and cable mechanical actuator arrangement. The winch drum and cable mechanical actuator arrangement includes a substantially vertically moveable member attached to the rod of the sucker-rod pump. The vertical moveable member is coupled to one end of the cable and the other end of the cable is coupled to the winch drum. The winch drum is configured to rotate in one direction to index the rod in a vertical up direction and to index the rod in a vertical down direction, with the winch drum completing at least one full rotation and the rod completing one cycle. The rod cycle is in relation to a pumping cycle for the down hole pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Unico, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Gregory, Thomas L. Beck, Ronald G. Peterson, Michael A. MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20140219827
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and method are disclosed, for pumping fluids, such as water and/or hydrocarbons, from a subterranean formation or reservoir, through use of a cranked rod pumping (CRP) apparatus for imparting reciprocating substantially vertical motion to a rod of a sucker-rod pump having a pump stroke. The CRP apparatus includes a motor driven cranked mechanical actuator arrangement. The cranked mechanical actuator arrangement includes a substantially vertically moveable member attached to the rod of the sucker-rod pump for imparting and controlling vertical motion of the rod of the sucker-rod pump. The actuator arrangement may include pneumatic counterbalancing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Unico, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Gregory, Thomas L. Beck, Ronald G. Peterson, Michael A. MacDonald, Michael D. Dry
  • Patent number: 8708671
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and method are provided, for pumping fluids, such as water and/or hydrocarbons, from a subterranean formation or reservoir, through use of a cranked rod pumping (CRP) apparatus for imparting reciprocating substantially vertical motion to a rod of a sucker-rod pump having a pump stroke. The CRP apparatus includes a motor driven cranked mechanical actuator arrangement. The cranked mechanical actuator arrangement includes a substantially vertically moveable member attached to the rod of the sucker-rod pump for imparting and controlling vertical motion of the rod of the sucker-rod pump. The actuator arrangement may include pneumatic counterbalancing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Unico, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Gregory, Thomas L. Beck, Ronald G. Peterson, Michael A. MacDonald, Michael D. Dry
  • Patent number: 8668475
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for pumping fluids, such as water and/or hydrocarbons, from a subterranean formation or reservoir, include a linear rod pump having a mechanical rack and pinion drive arrangement, adapted for attachment to a pumping mechanism, such as the polished rod at the top of a rod string in a hydrocarbon well. The rack gear, of the rack and pinion drive arrangement, is adapted for connection to a cable and pulley arrangement for imparting motion to the polished rod. The pinion gear does not translate with the rack gear, and is driven by a reversible motor for affecting up and down reciprocating motion of the rack gear and pumping mechanism. Some forms of the invention include a compressible gas counter-balance arrangement. Some forms of the invention include an electronic drive configured for dealing with electric power generated by the motor during a portion of the pumping cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Unico, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Gregory, Ronald G. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20130302183
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and method are provided, for pumping fluids, such as water and/or hydrocarbons, from a subterranean formation or reservoir, through use of a cranked rod pumping (cranked rod pumping) apparatus for imparting reciprocating substantially vertical motion to a rod of a sucker-rod pump having a pump stroke. The cranked rod pumping apparatus includes a motor driven cranked mechanical actuator arrangement. The cranked mechanical actuator arrangement includes a cable coupled to a substantially vertically moveable member which is attached to the rod of the sucker-rod pump for imparting and controlling vertical motion of the rod of the sucker-rod pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Gregory, Thomas L. Beck, Ronald G. Peterson, Michael A. MacDonald, Michael D. Dry
  • Publication number: 20120230841
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for pumping fluids, such as water and/or hydrocarbons, from a subterranean formation or reservoir, include a linear rod pump having a mechanical rack and pinion drive arrangement, adapted for attachment to a pumping mechanism, such as the polished rod at the top of a rod string in a hydrocarbon well. The rack gear, of the rack and pinion drive arrangement, is adapted for connection to a cable and pulley arrangement for imparting motion to the polished rod. The pinion gear does not translate with the rack gear, and is driven by a reversible motor for affecting up and down reciprocating motion of the rack gear and pumping mechanism. Some forms of the invention include a compressible gas counter-balance arrangement. Some forms of the invention include an electronic drive configured for dealing with electric power generated by the motor during a portion of the pumping cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Gregory, Ronald G. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20110232283
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and method are provided, for pumping fluids, such as water and/or hydrocarbons, from a subterranean formation or reservoir, through use of a cranked rod pumping (CRP) apparatus for imparting reciprocating substantially vertical motion to a rod of a sucker-rod pump having a pump stroke. The CRP apparatus includes a motor driven cranked mechanical actuator arrangement. The cranked mechanical actuator arrangement includes a substantially vertically moveable member attached to the rod of the sucker-rod pump for imparting and controlling vertical motion of the rod of the sucker-rod pump. The actuator arrangement may include pneumatic counterbalancing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: UNICO, INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Gregory, Thomas L. Beck, Ronald G. Peterson, Michael A. MacDonald, Michael D. Dry