Abstract: An adjustable book holder 10 includes a support plate 12 for supporting an open book, and one or more rails 30, 31 each extendable from a side of the support plate for engaging an open book having a width greater than the width of the support plate. An elastic band 32 extends from one of the rails, across the open book, and is removably engaged with the opposing rail or with an opposing side of the support plate. Suction cups 16, 28, may be used for supporting the book holder, and a flexible chain 43 may be adjusted to alter the inclination of the support plate with respect to a rear brace.

Abstract: A control system governs fluid level in a well system including a pump positioned downhole for pumping fluid upward through a tubular, a rod positioned within the tubular for driving the pump, a prime mover, and a pumpjack to transmit power from the prime mover to the rod to reciprocate the rod. A sensor senses a position of the rod or a member of the pumpjack and outputting signals in response thereto. A controller receives the signals and computes a plurality of time intervals, each time interval being between signals and occurring during at least a portion of an upstroke of the rod. The controller selectively decreases power output from the prime mover in response to an increase in the computed time interval.

Abstract: A control system controls a progressive cavity pump driven by a rod. The rod is powered by a prime mover, such as a variable speed drive. A proximity sensor outputs signals responsive to rotational positioning of the rod. A controller receives the signals and computes a time interval between selected signals corresponding to a selected number of rod rotations. The controller references a data set, compares the computed time interval with the data set, and selectively increases, decreases, or cycles power to the prime mover in response thereto, thereby controlling the fluid level within the well.

Abstract: A dynamometer readout (42, 46) and method is disclosed for obtaining dynamometer information (110) related to pumpjacks (10). For this purpose, a change of pivotal direction of the walking beam (18) may be detected by processor (82) utilizing an encoder component (60) with spaced slots (64) therein and light signal devices (68, 70, 72, 74) positioned to have a spacing different from that of the spacing of the slots (64). Software techniques filter out effects of stray mechanical vibrations. An infrared transceiver (46, 50, 100) of a preferred embodiment includes a radio frequency carrier generator (90) and modulator (88) that produces an infrared signal receivable by a low cost consumer radio receiver. The radio frequency modulation technique for infrared signals (96) and related filtering (98, 102, 104) condition formatted infrared signals for utilization in daylight and through a car window for drive-by downloading of data to second computer (108). A sensor (163) may be substituted for the encoder.

Abstract: Electrical isolation method and assembly that protects a pump-off controller 31 as used for controlling the pumping of a subterranean well, from lightning and transient electrical power surges by electrically isolating the pump-off controller 31, the isolation assembly including fiber optic cables 17, 18, signal converters to convert electrical signals to optical signals 25, 33, signal converters to convert optical signals to electrical signals 32, 19 and a solar panel 35 to power the pump-off controller 31. Components of the fiber optic and control assembly may also be electrically protected from lightning and electrical power transients by including an isolation transformer 53, components to drive the isolation transformer 53, metal oxide varisters, fuses and other protection devices. Signals from the pump-off controller 31 may be used to stop/start a prime mover 45 for a pumping unit 46, or regulate the speed of the prime mover 45.

Abstract: A dynamometer readout (42, 46) and method is disclosed for obtaining dynamometer information (110) related to pumpjacks (10). For this purpose, a change of pivotal direction of the walking beam (18) may be detected by processor (82) utilizing an encoder component (60) with spaced slots (64) therein and light signal devices (68, 70, 72, 74) positioned to have a spacing different from that of the spacing of the slots (64). Software techniques filter out effects of stray mechanical vibrations. An infrared transceiver (46, 50, 100) of a preferred embodiment includes a radio frequency carrier generator (90) and modulator (88) that produces an infrared signal receivable by a low cost consumer radio receiver. The radio frequency modulation technique for infrared signals (96) and related filtering (98, 102, 104) condition formatted infrared signals for utilization in daylight and through a car window for drive-by downloading of data to second computer (108). A sensor (163) may be substituted for the encoder.

Abstract: A dynamometer readout (42, 46) and method is disclosed for obtaining dynamometer information (110) related to pumpjacks (10). For this purpose, a change of pivotal direction of the walking beam (18) may be detected by processor (82) utilizing an encoder component (60) with spaced slots (64) therein and light signal devices (68, 70, 72, 74) positioned to have a spacing different from that of the spacing of the slots (64). Software techniques filter out effects of stray mechanical vibrations. An infrared transceiver (46, 50, 100) of a preferred embodiment includes a radio frequency carrier generator (90) and modulator (88) that produces an infrared signal receivable by a low cost consumer radio receiver. The radio frequency modulation technique for infrared signals (96) and related filtering (98, 102, 104) condition formatted infrared signals for utilization in daylight and through a car window for drive-by downloading of data to second computer (108).

Abstract: Fluid pounding in a pumpjack is minimized by dictating the length of the run cycles of the pumpjack. The pumpjack is first allowed to pump down until a fluid pounding state is reached, at which time it is shut down. The time it takes to reach this state is monitored. Using the length of time it took to reach the fluid pounding state, the pumpjack is set to run a predetermined number of dictated cycles for a length of time which is 70-99% of the time it took to reach the fluid pounding state. During these predetermined number of cycles if the pumpjack again reaches a fluid pounding state the time is reset based on this new information, and the number of predetermined number of dictated cycles left is finished. After the predetermined number of cycles has finished, the process is repeated by allowing the pumpjack to run to a fluid pounding state.

Abstract: An improved pump control having a device for measuring relative movement between structural components of a pumpjack unit, and converting the movement into a signal which varies according to the magnitude of the movement. The signal is divided into an upstroke and downstroke component so that during one cycle of the pumping operation, the downstroke part of the signal can be analyzed. A selected part of the downstroke signal can be used to indicate a pump-off condition. The entire signal can also be treated to provide a plot having characteristics similar to a dynamometer card. The disclosure further sets forth a motion sensor which measures the characteristics of the motion induced into the pumpjack structure and provides a signal which can be used to shut-in the well each time a pump-off condition is reached by the bottom hole pump.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating an electrical signal which is proportional to the tension in a bridle which supports a string of sucker rod associated with a pumpjack unit. The apparatus includes a main frame having a load cell mounted thereto, and opposed cable engaging arms, one of which extends from the load cell to a cable of the bridle. The two arms place the load cell in compression thereby generating an electrical signal in proportion to the magnitude of the force exerted to spring the spaced parallel cables apart from one another. The signal is utilized to obtain an indirect measurement which is proportional to the tension in the sucker rod. This signal can be combined with another signal related to the position of the walking beam of the pumpjack unit to thereby provide a dynamometer card. The signal is also used as a pump off control which discontinues current flow to the pumpjack motor when the signal assumes a predetermined electrical configuration.

Abstract: A dynamometer for monitoring the tension in a pair of spaced, elongated members. A pen, actuated by a sensor means, measures the tension in the pair of spaced, elongated members, and places indicia upon a continuously moving chart. The indicia is related to the magnitude of the measured tension and is in the form of spaced-apart, individual curves or plots. Hence the pen contacts the chart for a first time interval; and thereafter, the pen is lifted from the chart for a second time interval so as to cyclically place the indicia upon the chart at successive intervals of time. More specifically, the dynamometer measures the tension in a rod string. The rod string is reciprocated by a pumpjack unit located above the ground and drives a downhole pump.