Patents by Inventor Robert J. Spring

Robert J. Spring 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).

  • Apparatus and methods for pumping solids and undesirable liquids from a well bore
    Patent number: 4711299
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for removing sand and debris from a well bore utilizes an elongated string which includes a pump functioning to pump debris into the string interior from the lower end of the well bore. The pump includes a stationary hollow piston with a hollow piston rod which is connected to the lower portion of the string, and a cylinder which is connected to the upper portion of the string. The cylinder is keyed to the piston rod to transmit rotary motion from the upper portion of the string via the pump to a lower portion of the string in which the debris is trapped. Check valves are provided below and above the pump in the string to prevent retrograde flow of liquid downwardly in the string. By reciprocating the upper portion of the string, debris is pumped into the lower portion of the string, along with well liquids. The liquid pumped into the string from the well continues upwardly in the string, passing through the interior of the piston rod and piston and into the pump cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1987
    Assignee: The Adaptable Tool Company
    Inventors: Donald B. Caldwell, Robert J. Spring
  • Apparatus and methods for pumping solids and undesirable liquids from a well bore
    Patent number: 4621693
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for removing sand and debris from a well bore utilizes an elongated string which includes a pump functioning to pump debris into the string interior from the lower end of the well bore. The pump includes a stationary hollow piston with a hollow piston rod which is connected to the lower portion of the string, and a cylinder which is connected to the upper portion of the string. The cylinder is keyed to the piston rod to transmit rotary motion from the upper portion of the string via the pump to a lower portion of the string in which the debris is trapped. Check valves are provided below and above the pump in the string to prevent retrograde flow of liquid downwardly in the string. By reciprocating the upper portion of the string, debris is pumped into the lower portion of the string, along with well liquids. The liquid pumped into the string from the well continues upwardly in the string, passing through the interior of the piston rod and piston and into the pump cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1986
    Assignee: The Adaptable Tool Company
    Inventors: Donald B. Caldwell, Robert J. Spring