Patents by Inventor Ronald G. Peterson
Ronald G. Peterson 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).
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Publication number: 20140129037Abstract: There is provided a method and system to determine the position of a sucker rod pumping system without a position sensing device during production pumping. A pump control system of the sucker rod pumping system includes a controller coupled to a database, with the controller configured to access an rxless torque value in the database. With the stored rxless torque value representative of toggle points of the crank arm during an initial calibration pumping cycle, the controller further is configured to continuously sample the rxless torque value of the system and determine the crank arm position in relation to the sample rxless torque value. The controller adjusts the pumping system for optimal operations, without a crank arm position sensor during production pumping by identifying a toggle point and setting the crank arm position estimate equal to the value corresponding to the crank position at the identified toggle point.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2013Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: Unico, Inc.Inventor: Ronald G. Peterson
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Patent number: 8708671Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 8, 2011Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Unico, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin J. Gregory, Thomas L. Beck, Ronald G. Peterson, Michael A. MacDonald, Michael D. Dry
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Patent number: 8668475Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 9, 2012Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Unico, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin J. Gregory, Ronald G. Peterson
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Patent number: 8641390Abstract: 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, and movement with, 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: GrantFiled: March 19, 2012Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Unico, Inc.Inventors: Thomas L. Beck, Robb G. Anderson, Ronald G. Peterson, Michael A. MacDonald
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Publication number: 20130302183Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2013Publication date: November 14, 2013Inventors: Benjamin J. Gregory, Thomas L. Beck, Ronald G. Peterson, Michael A. MacDonald, Michael D. Dry
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Patent number: 8555984Abstract: A method for operating a linear rod pump to pump 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, and movement with, 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: GrantFiled: March 19, 2012Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Unico, Inc.Inventors: Thomas L. Beck, Robb G. Anderson, Ronald G. Peterson, Michael A. MacDonald
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Patent number: 8444393Abstract: A rod pump control system includes a parameter estimator that determines from motor data parameters relating to operation of the rod pump and/or downhole dynamometer card without the need for external instrumentation, such as down hole sensors, echo meters, flow sensors, etc. In one embodiment, instantaneous motor current and voltage together with pump parameters are used in determining rod position and load. The rod position and load are used to control the operation of the rod pump to optimize the operation of the pump. Also disclosed in a pump stroke amplifier that is capable of increasing pump stroke without changing the overall pumping speed, or in the alternative, maintaining the well output with decreased overall pumping speed.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2006Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Unico, Inc.Inventors: Thomas L. Beck, Ronald G. Peterson, Mark E. Garlow, Theresa Smigura
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Patent number: 8384318Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling the speed of a motor driving a load that is electrically connected to a generator driven by an engine, through use of a first control feedback loop configured to control the rotor flux of the motor by controlling the field excitation of the generator, and a second control feedback loop configured to control the speed of the motor by controlling the throttle position of the engine.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2011Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Unico, Inc.Inventors: Thomas L. Beck, Michael D. Dry, Mark E. Garlow, Michael O. Lucas, Michael A. MacDonald, Ronald G. Peterson
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Publication number: 20130018605Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a pumping system includes the following: determining a motor operating parameter of a motor configured to drive a pump in a well; determining a pump operating parameter of the pump based on the motor operating parameter; operating the pump in a first mode to determine pump characteristics at a desired fluid level; generating first mode output data based on operation of the pump in the first mode; operating the pump in a second mode based on the first mode output data; determining an estimated fluid level in the well based on the motor operating parameter, the pump operating parameter and the first mode output data; and adjusting the pump speed based on the estimated fluid level in order to maintain a desired fluid level.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2011Publication date: January 17, 2013Inventor: Ronald G. Peterson
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Patent number: 8328536Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 15, 2008Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Unico, Inc.Inventors: Thomas L. Beck, Ronald G. Peterson, Michael A. MacDonald, Michael D. Dry
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Publication number: 20120267120Abstract: An improved method is 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: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2012Publication date: October 25, 2012Inventors: Thomas L. Beck, Ronald G. Peterson, Michael A. MacDonald, Michael D. Dry
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Publication number: 20120230841Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2012Publication date: September 13, 2012Inventors: Benjamin J. Gregory, Ronald G. Peterson
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Publication number: 20120174365Abstract: A method for operating a linear rod pump to pump 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, and movement with, 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: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2012Publication date: July 12, 2012Inventors: Thomas L. Beck, Robb G. Anderson, Ronald G. Peterson, Michael A. MacDonald
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Publication number: 20120177504Abstract: 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, and movement with, 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: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2012Publication date: July 12, 2012Inventors: Thomas L. Beck, Robb G. Anderson, Ronald G. Peterson, Michael A. MacDonald
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Publication number: 20120091931Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling the speed of a motor driving a load that is electrically connected to a generator driven by an engine, through use of a first control feedback loop configured to control the rotor flux of the motor by controlling the field excitation of the generator, and a second control feedback loop configured to control the speed of the motor by controlling the throttle position of the engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: UNICO, INC.Inventors: Thomas L. Beck, Michael D. Dry, Mark E. Garlow, Michael O. Lucas, Michael A. MacDonald, Ronald G. Peterson
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Patent number: 8152492Abstract: 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, and movement with, 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: GrantFiled: June 12, 2007Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Unico, Inc.Inventors: Thomas L. Beck, Robb G. Anderson, Ronald G. Peterson, Michael A. MacDonald
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Patent number: 8080950Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling the speed of a motor driving a load that is electrically connected to a generator driven by an engine, through use of a first control feedback loop configured to control the rotor flux of the motor by controlling the field excitation of the generator, and a second control feedback loop configured to control the speed of the motor by controlling the throttle position of the engine.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2010Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Unico, Inc.Inventors: Thomas L. Beck, Michael D. Dry, Mark E. Garlow, Michael O. Lucas, Michael A. MacDonald, Ronald G. Peterson
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Publication number: 20110232283Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2011Publication date: September 29, 2011Applicant: UNICO, INC.Inventors: Benjamin J. Gregory, Thomas L. Beck, Ronald G. Peterson, Michael A. MacDonald, Michael D. Dry
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Publication number: 20100231146Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling the speed of a motor driving a load that is electrically connected to a generator driven by an engine, through use of a first control feedback loop configured to control the rotor flux of the motor by controlling the field excitation of the generator, and a second control feedback loop configured to control the speed of the motor by controlling the throttle position of the engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2010Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: UNICO, INC.Inventors: Thomas L. Beck, Michael D. Dry, Mark E. Garlow, Michael O. Lucas, Michael A. MacDonald, Ronald G. Peterson
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Publication number: 20090097994Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2008Publication date: April 16, 2009Applicant: UNICO, INC.Inventors: Thomas L. Beck, Ronald G. Peterson, Michael A. MacDonald, Michael D. Dry