Patents by Inventor Billy G. Ballard

Billy G. Ballard 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).

  • Automatic liquid level monitor
    Patent number: 4391135
    Abstract: Apparatus for determining the location of the liquid level in a well or borehole. A source of acoustic pressure pulses is coupled to the surface casing so that they are transmitted down the well and reflected by the gas-liquid interface. A transducer is also coupled to the well to produce an electrical signal in response to direct and reflected acoustic pulses occurring in the well. Gating circuitry responds to the transducer for starting and stopping the counting of clock pulses by a digital counter. A digital readout device is used to indicate the depth to the liquid level in the well. The acoustic pulse source is automatically actuated at predetermined times, and the depth to the liquid level and the time are automatically recorded. This produces a record of time and liquid depth which can extend over a period of several days.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1983
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: John K. Godbey, Billy G. Ballard
  • Automatic liquid level controller
    Patent number: 4389164
    Abstract: A source of acoustic pressure pulses is coupled to the surface casing of a well so that they are transmitted down the well and reflected by the gas-liquid interface. A transducer is also coupled to the well to produce an electrical signal in response to direct and reflected acoustic pulses occurring in the well. Gating circuitry responds to the transducer for starting and stopping the counting of clock pulses by a digital counter. The digital count controls a pump so that the liquid level in the well is precisely controlled between desired levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1983
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: John K. Godbey, Billy G. Ballard
  • Automatic liquid level controller
    Patent number: 4318674
    Abstract: A source of acoustic pressure pulses is coupled to the surface casing of a well so that they are transmitted down the well and reflected by the gas-liquid interface. A transducer is also coupled to the well to produce an electrical signal in response to direct and reflected acoustic pulses occurring in the well. Gating circuitry responds to the transducer for starting and stopping the counting of clock pulses by a digital counter. The digital count controls a pump so that the liquid level in the well is precisely controlled between desired levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1982
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: John K. Godbey, Billy G. Ballard
  • Automatic liquid level monitor
    Patent number: 4318298
    Abstract: Apparatus for determining the location of the liquid level in a well or borehole. A source of acoustic pressure pulses is coupled to the surface casing so that they are transmitted down the well and reflected by the gas-liquid interface. A transducer is also coupled to the well to produce an electrical signal in response to direct and reflected acoustic pulses occurring in the well. Gating circuitry responds to the transducer for starting and stopping the counting of clock pulses by a digital counter. A digital readout device is used to indicate the depth to the liquid level in the well. The acoustic pulse source is automatically actuated at predetermined times, and the depth to the liquid level and the time are automatically recorded. This produces a record of time and liquid depth which can extend over a period of several days.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1982
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: John K. Godbey, Billy G. Ballard