The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 13, 1998
Filed:
Nov. 30, 1994
Kenneth G Booth, Houston, TX (US);
Thermo Instrument Controls, Inc., Austin, TX (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus for controlling an artificial lift system is described and claimed. Preferably, the control system includes at least one sensor for detecting at least one mechanical attribute during pumping operations, and a controller for receiving the electrical signal as an input, and analyzing it to determine if a pumped-off condition is occurring. Additionally, the controller member provides command signals to control the prime mover and to suspend operation of the prime mover if it is determined that a pumped-off condition is occurring. The controller maintains the suspension of the prime mover for an idle interval having a duration which is calculated by the controller from (1) at least one preceding pumping interval, and (2) a predefined pump cycle duration. Preferably, the controller operates to maintain a substantially constant and predetermined pumping cycle duration by continuously adjusting the idle interval duration.