Abstract: A ball valve cage assembly and a method for assembling a ball valve cage for use in a downhole pump are provided. The cage assembly includes a cylindrical tubular shell, a cylindrical tubular insert, and an annular retainer. The shell includes an internal shoulder, and an internal threaded portion. The insert includes an internal ball stop. The retainer defines an external thread complementary to the internal threaded portion of the shell. The internal threaded portion, the insert, and the retainer are sized such that the retainer is disposed entirely within the shell when the insert is received in the shell, with a first end of the insert abutting the internal shoulder of the shell, an opposite second end of the insert abutting a first end of the retainer, and the external thread of the retainer and internal threaded portion of the shell in mating relationship.

Abstract: A rod rotator has a crankshaft with non-aligned crank journals, a first actuating pawl attached to the first crank journal and a second actuating pawl attached to the second crank journal, and a ratchet wheel connected to a polished rod. The first actuating pawl pushes on the ratchet wheel to rotate the ratchet wheel while the second actuating pawl pulls on the ratchet wheel to rotate the ratchet wheel at the same time.

Abstract: A rod rotator has a crankshaft with non-aligned crank journals, a first actuating pawl attached to the first crank journal and a second actuating pawl attached to the second crank journal, and a ratchet wheel connected to a polished rod. The first actuating pawl pushes on the ratchet wheel to rotate the ratchet wheel while the second actuating pawl pulls on the ratchet wheel to rotate the ratchet wheel at the same time.

Abstract: A backflush valve may open a traveling valve and a standing valve both at the same time so production tubing and a rod pump can be backflushed. The backflush valve may be adapted to connect to a pump barrel between the traveling valve and the standing valve and may be actuated by collapsing the pump.

Abstract: A downhole tool for opening a travelling valve assembly of a downhole pump is disposed with the travelling valve assembly within a pump barrel, and includes a substantially cylindrical housing and a piston. The housing defines an axial bore extending from a bottom opening for fluid communication with the pump barrel, a radial port for fluid communication between the axial bore and the pump barrel, and a channel formed in the outer surface of the housing for fluid communication between the radial port and the travelling valve assembly. The piston occludes the axial bore above the radial port, and in response to an upward pressure exerted by a production fluid below the piston, slides upwardly within the axial bore to engage and open a valve member of the travelling valve assembly.

Abstract: A pump seating nipple for retaining a downhole pump assembly in a fixed position within a production tubing string has a generally cylindrical body defining a nipple bore for receiving the downhole pump assembly. The pump seating nipple attaches to the production tubing string. At the bottom end of the body, the nipple bore is open to the bore of the production tubing string. An upper portion of the body surface engages a pump assembly seating cup. The body has a lower skirt which defines openings which allow gas flow from the nipple bore into the casing annulus.

Abstract: A downhole tool for opening a travelling valve assembly of a downhole pump is disposed with the travelling valve assembly within a pump barrel, and includes a substantially cylindrical housing and a piston. The housing defines an axial bore extending from a bottom opening for fluid communication with the pump barrel, a radial port for fluid communication between the axial bore and the pump barrel, and a channel formed in the outer surface of the housing for fluid communication between the radial port and the travelling valve assembly. The piston occludes the axial bore above the radial port, and in response to an upward pressure exerted by a production fluid below the piston, slides upwardly within the axial bore to engage and open a valve member of the travelling valve assembly.

Abstract: A traveling valve for use with a downhole pump includes a cage shell, which at its lower end, has an integral internal shoulder that defines an axial opening. A retaining ring within the cage shell abuts the internal shoulder. An upper end of a bushing is attachable to a plunger while the lower end of the bushing is attached to the cage shell. The bushing and cage shell define a bore in fluid communication with the axial opening. An insert within the bore allows fluid to flow in the bore from below the insert to above the insert. A ball reciprocates in the bore so as to seat on the retaining ring when the fluid pressure within the bore above the ball exceeds the fluid pressure within below the ball, and to be restrained by the insert when the fluid pressure differential within the bore is reversed.