TRAVELING VALVE ASSEMBLY

CLAPET DE REFOULEMENT

English Abstract

TRAVELING VALVE ASSEMBLY
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A traveling valve assembly is provided for use in
subsurface gravity type pumping systems and is responsive to
reciprocating motion to manipulate a rotary valve head
relative to a valve seat between open and closed positions,
and to fluid pressure to manipulate a ball member and a
slidable seal member relative to seat members between open
and closed positions. Reciprocating motion is converted to
rotary motion by means of a journaled spiral groove portion
of the rotary valve member. The traveling valve assembly is
provided with multiple seals to prevent high pressure gas
from blowing through the pump when pumping oil.

Claims

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive
property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. A traveling valve assembly adapted for
connection in a pump housing, comprising
a tubular housing having a normal vertical
orientation with open top and bottom ends,
a longitudinally movable check valve assembly
positioned in the bottom end portion of said housing to
receive fluid entering therein, and opening on flow of fluid
upward and closing on cessation of upward flow of fluid,
said housing having a valve port in an upper
portion thereof,
a rotary valve member positioned in operative
engagement with said valve port and rotatable relative to
said housing between a first position closing said valve
port and a second position opening said valve port,
a longitudinally reciprocally movable member
extending from said valve member through said tubular
housing and out of the top end thereof,
means securing said reciprocally movable member
against rotation in relation to said housing while
permitting longitudinal movement,
mechanical linkage means interconnecting said
reciprocally movable member and said valve member operable
to convert longitudinal reciprocal movement of said movable
member to rotary movement of said valve member relative to
said housing,
whereby movement of said movable member a
predetermined distance in one direction rotates said rotary
valve member to said first position and thereafter movement
of said movable member a predetermined distance in the other
direction rotates said rotary valve member to said second
position.




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2. A traveling valve assembly according to claim 1
in which
said open bottom end of said housing is sized
and threaded for connection in a pump housing, and
said reciprocally movable member includes coup-
ling means for connection to a pump actuating rod.



3. A traveling valve assembly according to claim 1
in which
said check valve assembly comprises a ball check
valve.



4. A traveling valve assembly according to claim 3
in which
said check valve assembly includes a seal member
secured in said bottom open end of said housing,
a tubular valve seat member with valve seats at
opposite ends thereof,
one of said valve seats being engagable with
said seal member,
a ball valve engagable with the other valve seat
of said tubular valve seat member, and
spring means biasing said tubular valve seat
member toward engagement with said seal member,
whereby fluid entering said housing through said
bottom end moves said tubular valve seat member away from
said seal member and said ball valve to an open position.




- 16 -

5. A traveling valve assembly according to claim 4
in which
said housing includes an inwardly directed
flange portion spaced from said seal member,
said tubular valve seat member having an upper
end portion of reduced diameter defining a peripheral flange
and having said other valve seat at the end thereof,
sealing means on the peripheral surface of said
tubular valve seat member providing a sliding seal with the
wall of said housing, and
said spring means comprising a helical spring
surrounding said reduced diameter portion of said valve seat
member and compressively positioned between said peripheral
flange and said housing flange to bias said valve seat
member toward engagement with said seal member.



6. A traveling valve assembly according to claim 1
in which
said housing has a first inwardly directed
flange with said valve port extending therethrough,
a second inwardly directed flange spaced a
predetermined distance below said first flange, and
said rotary valve member being hollow and guided
between said first and second flanges for said rotary
movement, and having a port extending therethrough and
aligned with said valve port in said second position of
rotary movement.




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7. A traveling valve assembly according to claim 6
in which
said rotary valve member has a drive stem
portion extending upwardly therefrom,
said longitudinally reciprocally movable member
having a portion shaped to fit said drive stem in telesco-
ping relation, and
said drive stem portion and said movable member
telescoping portion having a helical drive thread on one
member and a fixed drive member on the other member compri-
sing said mechanical linkage means for converting longitudi-
nal reciprocal movement of said movable member to rotary
movement of said valve member.



8. A traveling valve assembly according to claim 7
in which
said rotary valve member drive stem portion has
a helical drive thread extending upwardly on the surface
thereof,
said longitudinally reciprocally movable member
having a hollow portion fitting over said drive stem
threaded portion in telescoping relation, and having an
internal race with a ball bearing positioned therein,
said helical drive thread having a semicircular
cross section fitting said ball bearing in driving relation,
and
longitudinal reciprocal movement of said movable
member effecting driving movement of said ball bearing
relative to said drive thread to produce said valve member
rotary movement.




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9. A traveling valve assembly according to claim 1
in which
said housing includes guide means for longitud-
inal movement of said movable member restraining the same
against rotary movement.



10. A traveling valve assembly according to claim 1
in which
said housing is formed in a plurality of
sections.



11. A traveling valve assembly according to claim 1
in which
said open bottom end of said housing is sized
and threaded for connection in a pump housing,
said reciprocally movable member includes coup-
ling means for connection to a pump actuating rod,
said check valve assembly comprises a ball check
valve,
said check valve assembly includes a seal member
secured in said bottom open end of said housing,
a tubular valve seat member with valve seats at
opposite ends thereof,
one of said valve seats being engagable with
said seal member,




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a ball valve engagable with the other valve seat
of said tubular valve seat member, and
spring means biasing said tubular valve seat
member toward engagement with said seal member,
whereby fluid entering said housing through said
bottom end moves said tubular valve seat member away from
said seal member and said ball valve to an open position.



12. A traveling valve assembly according to claim 11
in which
said housing includes an inwardly directed
flange portion spaced from said seal member,
said tubular valve seat member having an upper
end portion of reduced diameter defining a peripheral flange
and having said other valve seat at the end thereof,
sealing means on the peripheral surface of said
tubular valve seat member providing a sliding seal with the
wall of said housing, and
said spring means comprising a helical spring
surrounding said reduced diameter portion of said valve seat
member and compressively positioned between said peripheral
flange and said housing flange to bias said valve seat
member toward engagement with said seal member.




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13. A traveling valve assembly according to claim 1
in which
said housing has a first inwardly directed
flange with said valve port extending therethrough,
a second inwardly directed flange spaced a
predetermined distance below said first flange,
said rotary valve member being hollow and guided
between said first and second flanges for said rotary
movement, and having a port extending therethrough and
aligned with said valve port in said second position of
rotary movement,
said rotary valve member has a drive stem
portion extending upwardly therefrom and has a helical drive
thread extending upwardly on the surface thereof,
said longitudinally reciprocally movable member having a
portion shaped to fit said drive stem in telescoping
relation, and
said longitudinally reciprocally movable member
having a hollow portion fitting over said drive stem
threaded portion in telescoping relation, and having an
internal race with a ball bearing positioned therein,
said helical drive thread having a semicircular
cross section fitting said ball bearing in driving relation,
and said helical drive thread on one member and said ball
bearing member comprising said mechanical linkage means for
converting longitudinal reciprocal movement of said movable
member to rotary movement of said valve member.




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14. A traveling valve assembly according to claim 12
in which
said rotary valve member drive stem portion has
a helical drive thread extending upwardly on the surface
thereof,
said longitudinally reciprocally movable member
having a hollow portion fitting over said drive stem
threaded portion in telescoping relation, and having an
internal race with a ball bearing positioned therein,
said helical drive thread having a semicircular
cross section fitting said ball bearing in driving relation,
and
longitudinal reciprocal movement of said movable
member effecting driving movement of said ball bearing
relative to said drive thread to produce said valve member
rotary movement.



15. A traveling valve assembly according to claim 12
in which
said housing includes guide means for longitud-
inal movement of said movable member restraining the same
against rotary movement.



16. A traveling valve assembly according to claim 12
in which
said housing is formed in a plurality of
sections.




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17. A pump assembly comprising, in combination
a tubular pump housing providing a working
chamber,
a movable barrel positioned for longitudinal
reciprocal movement in said housing working chamber,
a standing valve at the bottom of said housing,
a sucker rod for moving said barrel,
a traveling valve assembly secured on said
barrel comprising
a tubular valve assembly housing having a normal
vertical orientation with open top and bottom ends,
a longitudinally movable check valve assembly
positioned in the bottom end portion of said valve assembly
housing to receive fluid entering therein, and opening on
flow of fluid upward and closing on cessation of upward flow
of fluid,
said valve assembly housing having a valve port
in an upper portion thereof,
a rotary valve member positioned in operative
engagement with said valve port and rotatable between a
first position closing said valve port and a second position
opening said valve port,
a longitudinally reciprocally movable member
extending from said valve member through said tubular valve
assembly housing out of the top end thereof and connected to
said sucker rod,
mechanical linkage means interconnecting said
reciprocally movable member and said valve member operable
to convert longitudinal reciprocal movement of said movable
member to rotary movement of said valve member,




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whereby movement of said barrel is effective to
move liquid in said working chamber and movement of said
movable member a predetermined distance in one direction
rotates said rotary valve member to said first position and
thereafter movement of said movable member a predetermined
distance in the other direction rotates said rotary valve
member to said second position.



18. A pump assembly according to claim 17 in which
said check valve assembly comprises a ball check
valve,
said check valve assembly includes a seal member
secured in said bottom open end of said valve assembly
housing,
a tubular valve seat member with valve seats at
opposite ends thereof,
one of said valve seats being engagable with
said seal member,
a ball valve engagable with the other valve seat
of said tubular valve seat member, and
spring means biasing said tubular valve seat
member toward engagement with said seal member,
whereby fluid entering said housing through said
bottom end moves said tubular valve seat member away from
said seal member and said ball valve to an open position.
- 24 -

19. A pump assembly according to claim 18 in which
said valve assembly housing includes an inwardly
directed flange portion spaced from said seal member,
said tubular valve seat member having an upper
end portion of reduced diameter defining a peripheral flange
and having said other valve seat at the end thereof,
sealing means on the peripheral surface of said
tubular valve seat member providing a sliding seal with the
wall of said valve assembly housing, and
said spring means comprising a helical spring
surrounding said reduced diameter portion of said valve seat
member and compressively positioned between said peripheral
flange and said housing flange to bias said valve seat
member toward engagement with said seal member.

20. A pump assembly according to claim 17 in which
said valve assembly housing has a first inwardly
directed flange with said valve port extending therethrough,
a second inwardly directed flange spaced a
predetermined distance below said first flange, and
said rotary valve member being hollow and guided
between said first and second flanges for said rotary
movement, and having a port extending therethrough and
aligned with said valve port in said second position of
rotary movement.

- 25 -

21. A pump assembly according to claim 20 in which
said rotary valve member has a drive stem
portion extending upwardly therefrom,
said longitudinally reciprocally movable member
having a portion shaped to fit said drive stem in telesco-
ping relation, and
said drive stem portion and said movable member
telescoping portion having a helical drive thread on one
member and a fixed drive member on the other member compri-
sing said mechanical linkage means for converting longitudi-
nal reciprocal movement of said movable member to rotary
movement of said valve member.



22. A pump assembly according to claim 21 in which
said rotary valve member drive stem portion has
a helical drive thread extending upwardly on the surface
thereof,
said longitudinally reciprocally movable member
having a hollow portion fitting over said drive stem
threaded portion in telescoping relation, and having an
internal race with a ball bearing positioned therein,
said helical drive thread having a semicircular
cross section fitting said ball bearing in driving relation,
and
longitudinal reciprocal movement of said movable
member effecting driving movement of said ball bearing
relative to said drive thread to produce said valve member
rotary movement.
- 26 -



23. A pump assembly according to claim 17 in which
said valve assembly housing includes guide means
for longitudinal movement of said movable member restraining
the same against rotary movement.

24. A pump assembly according to claim 17 in which
said valve assembly housing is formed in a
plurality of sections.
- 27 -

Description

3594~

TRAVELING VALVE ASSEMBLY

sACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
-
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
-
This invention relates to improvements in subsurface
pumps and more particularly to a traveling valve assembly
providing a positive shut off and seal for preventing fluid
loss and controlling gas or air pressure which might
otherwise damage the pumping system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
In producing oil wells it is common practice to
provide a pump at the bottom of the well bore or at least
down the well in the producing formation. The pump is nor-
mally actuated by reciprocation of the pump plunger by
sucker rods which extend through the well bore from a
reciprocating device at the surface of the ground and into
connection with the pump. The reciprocating device at the
surface is usually a horsehead type pump and alternately
raises and lowers the string of sucker rods in the well
bore.
It is frequently necessary during the pumping oper-
ation to pull the pipe or casing from the well to repair or
replace the parts of the pump which is very costly and time
consuming. Failure of the pump and resulting ~luid loss may
be caused by wear, sand packing in the ports and moving
parts, and excessive gas pressures. Pump systems are known
in the prior art. There are several patents which
illustrate various pump assemblies.




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~ aGee, U.S. Patent 1,698,163 discloses a valve cage
for use in the working barrels of oil wells. The device is
interposed in the pump rod of the well normally preventing
the downward flow of fluid therein while the pump rod is
being operated, but which may be opened to prevent the
return of the oil in the upper portion of the casing when-
ever it is desired to withdraw the pump rod or casing.
Vickers, U.S. Patent 2,669,939 discloses a deep well
pump comprising a lower standing valve, an outlet valve, and
a relief valve which cooperate to provide a straight
unobstructed course for the upward flow of the liquid being
pumped. The pump may be pulled from the well without
pulling the well tubing.
Stevenson, U.S. Patent 2,787,964 discloses a
sectional liner pump comprising a seating shoe, a stationary
barrel, and an outer shell. The lower end of the shell
carries a standing valve. A rod guide is fixed to the top
of the seating body and a the lower end of a reciprocating
rod string is fixed to a plunger which carries a traveling
valve.
Wells, U.S. Patent 3,212,444 discloses a pump adap-
ted to pump liquid from multiple zones. The pump comprises
an upper and lower pump barrel. A standing valve controls
flow through the lower barrel and a second standing valve
controls flow through the upper barrel. Reciprocating upper
and lower plunger disposed in the barrels are connected by a
connecting rod having a main passageway. A lower traveling
valve controls the flow through the main passageway.




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Tolbert, U.S. Patent 3,592,567 discloses a sub-
surface pump wherein a passageway is provided for directing
a lubricant into the annulus between the working barrel and
the pump plunger for~facilitating the reciprocation of the
plunger. The pump comprises a lower traveling valve and an
upper back pressure valve.
Other patents of interest are; Le Bus, U.S. Patent
1,694,329 disclosing a rotary pump, Fisher, U.S. Patent
2,815,925 disclosing valves for controlling fluids in well
bores, and Redpath, U.S. Patent 2,572,388 disclosing a
safety joint for well swabs.
The prior art in general, and none of these patents
in particular, disclose a traveling valve assembly for use
in subsurface gravity type pumping systems having the advan-
tages of the present invention. The prior art does not
suggest a traveling valve assembly which is responsive to
reciprocating ~otion to manipulate a rotary valve member
relative to a valve seat between open and closed positions,
and to fluid pressure to manipulate a ball member and a
slidable seal member relative to seat members between open
and closed positions.
SUMM~RY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention
to provide a traveling valve assembly having multiple seàls
for preventing high pressure gas from blowing through a pump
when pumping oil.
Another object of this invention is to provide a
traveling valve assembly which when installed in a pumping
system will extend the service life of the pumping units.




-- 3

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Another object of this invention is to provide a
traveling valve assembly which when installed in a pumping
unit will aid in increasing production by reducing fluid loss.
Another object of this invention is to provide a
traveling valve assembly which will be reciprocally and
rotationally responsive.
Another ob~ect of this invention is to provide a
traveling valve assembly which may be installed in different
positions within a pumping system.
Other objects of the invention will become apparent
from time to time throughout the specification and claims as
hereinafter related.
The above noted objects and other objects of the
invention are acc,omplished by a traveling valve assembly for
use in subsurface gravity type pumping systems which is
responsive to reciprocating motion to manipulate a rotary valve
head relative to a valve seat between open and closed positions,
and to fluid pressure to manipulate a ball member and a slid-
able seal member relative to seat members between open and
closed positions. The reciprocating motion is converted to
rotary motion by means of a journaled spiral groove portion
of the rotary valve member. The traveling valve assembly is
provided with multiple seals to prevent high pressure gas
from blowing through the pump when pumping oil.
Thus broadly, the invention contemplates a traveling
valve assembly adapted for connection in a pump housing
which comprises a tubular housing having a normal vertical
orientation with open top and bottom ends, a longitudinally
movable check valve assembly positioned in the bottom end
portion of the housing to receive fluid entering therein,

and opening on flow of fluid upward and closing on cessation

123594'9

of upward flow of fluid with the housing having a valve port
in an upper portion thereof, a rotary valve member positioned
in operative engagement with the valve port and rotatable
relative to the ho~lsing between a first position closing
the valve port and a second position opening the valve por-t,
and a longitudinally reciprocally movable member extending
from the valve member through the tubular housing and out of
the top end -thereof. A means secures the reciprocally movable
member against rotation in relation to the housing while
permitting longitudinal movement, and a mechanical linkage
means interconnects the reciprocally movable member and the
valve member operable to convert longitudinal reciprocal
movement of the movable member to rotary movement of the
valve member relative to the housing, whereby movement of the
movable member a predetermined distance in one direction
rotates the rotary valve member to the first position and
thereafter movement of the movable member a predetermined
distance in the other direction rotates the rotary valve
member to the second position.


BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF T~E DRAWINGS


Fig. 1 is a schematic view in vertical cross section
through a well pipe and pump with a traveling valve assembly
installed in the top sealing position.


lZ35949

Fig. 2 is a schematic view in vertical cross section
through a well pipe and pump with an alternate traveling
valve assembly installed in the intermediate sealing
position.
-Fig. 3 is a schematic view in vertical cross section
through a well pipe and pump with another alternate
traveling valve assembly installed in the bottom sealing
position.
Figs. 4A and 4B are continuation views in vertical
10cross section illustrating a traveling valve assembly con-
structed in accordance with this invention.
Fig. 5 is a horizontal cross sectional view taken
along the line 5 - 5 of Fig. 4B.
Fig. 6 is a horizontal cross sectional view taken
along the line 6 - 6 of Fig. 4B.
Fig. 7 is a horizontal cross sectional view taken
along the line 7 - 7 of Fig. 4B.
Figs. 8A and 8B are continuation views in vertical
cross section illustrating the fluid flow path through the
20traveling valve assembly constructed in accordance with this
invention.
Fig. 9 is vertical cross section of a portion of the
traveling valve assembly in a closed position.
DESCRIPTION OF ~ PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Conventional pumping systems are well known and the
following description is merely general in nature so that
those skilled in the art may understand the placement of the
present invention within the system.




-- 6 --

~2359~9
Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference
and more particularly to Figs. 1, 2, and 3, there is shown
schematically a preferred traveling valve assembly inter-
posed at various loc3tions within a conventional pumping
system.
A conventional gravity pumping system generally
comprises a packer member 10 anchored inside the well bore
pipe or casing 11 near the bottom of the formation. A

section of casing or pipe extends upwardly from the packer
10 forming an outer barrel 12. At the upper end of outer

barrel 12, a top member 13 fits around a sucker rod 14. A
tubular plunger member 15 is reciprocally mounted inside the
outer barrel 12 and actuated by reciprocation of the sucker
rod 14. Sucker rod 14 extends through the well bore to a
reciprocating device at the surface of the ground (not
shown) such as a horsehead type pump which alternately
raises and lowers the sucker rod 14 and plunger 15 inside
the outer barrel 12.
The packer 10 is provided with a lower inlet port 16
and a standing valve 17 to control fluid communication
between the exterior of the packer 10 and the plunger 15.
The plunger 15 is provided with a lower traveling valve 18
and an inlet port 19 in its lower end. A second traveling
valve 20 and outlet port 21 may be provided at the upper end
of the plunger 15.
In Figs~ 1 - 3, the traveling valve is shown in
different positions in the pump system where it may be used.
In Fig. 1, a preferred traveling valve assembly 22 is
interposed between the sucker rod 14 and the upper portion
3 of the plunger 15. In this instancer the present traveling

valve assembly 22 replaces the existing second traveling



-- 7 --

~Z3S9~9
valve 20 at the upper end of the plunger 15. In Fig. 2, an
alternate traveling valve assembly 23 is positioned within
the tubular members oE the plunger 15 below the existing
second traveling valve 20. In Fig. 3, another traveling
valve assembly 24 is positioned at the lower end of the
plunger 15, replacing the existing lower traveling valve 18.
Referring now to Figs. 4A and 4B, and to ~igs. 5, 6,
and 7, the traveling valve assembly 22 is shown to comprise
several threadably attached tubular housings. An elongated
tubular guide housiny 25 has an internally threaded top end
portion 26 (box thread) and an externally threaded bottom
end portion 27. The upper end portion of guide housing 25
just below the threaded portion 26 has a plurality of
circumferentially spaced fluid outlet ports 28 communicating
between the interior and exterior of the housing.
Guide housing 25 has a smooth cylindrical bore 30
which ends at a reduced bore 29 defining a flat annular end
wall 31. A centrally located conical seat 32 is provided
just below the bore 29 in the bottom of the guide housing
25. A longitudinal port 33 extends through the flat annular
end wall 31 to provide communication between the interior of
the guide housing 25 and the conical seat 32.
A cylindrical guide cap 34 having an externally
threaded pin portion 35 and a central bore 36 extending
longitudinally therethrough is threadably attached to the
box thread 26 of the guide housing 25. Guide pins 37 are
adjustably and threadably secured in the guide cap 34 at
diametrically opposed positions.

~235949
A cylindrical rotary guide housing 38 having inter-
nally threaded top and bottom portions 39 and 40
respectively is threadably secured to the threaded lower
portion 27 o~ the guide housing 25. A cylindrical bore 41
extends between the box threads 39 and 40. A central bore
42 of reduced diameter defines an internal wall having two
opposing conical surfaces 43. An annular groove 44 and seal
45 is provided in the bore 42 intermediate the conical
surfaces 43.
A tubular upper seal housing 46 having an externally

threaded top end portion 47 (pin thread) and an internally
threaded bottom portion 48 (box thread) is threadedly
attached to the threaded lower portion 40 of the rotary
guide housing 38. A first bore 49 extends upwardly from the
threaded lower portion 48 and terminates below the top end
of the housing 46. A second bore 50 smaller than the first
defines an annular flat shoulder 51 therebetween. An annular
beveled seat 52 is provide between the second bore 50 and a
central bore 53. Passageways 54 are provided in the seat 52
to establish communication between the upper and lower
portions of the seal housing 46. The passageways 54
comprise a series of longitudinal slots spaced laterally
from from the bore 53 and in communication therewith (Fig.
S) .
A cylindrical lower seal housing 55 having external
threads 56 (pin thread) on its outer periphery is threadedly
attached to the threaded lower portion 48 (box thread) of
the the upper seal housing 46. Lower seal housing 55 is
provided with an internally threaded connection 57 (box
thread) at its lower end for suitable connection with the
appropriate section of a pump plunger 15. A truncated

~Z35949
conical top portion 58 extends upwardly from the housing 55
to provide a conical sealing surface 59. The base of the
conical portion 58 is of smaller diameter than the threads
56 defining an annular end wall or shoulder 60 therebetween.
A series of passages 61 extend angularly upward and outwar~
from the lower portion of the housing through the shoulder
60 providing communication between the upper and lower
portions of the housing 55 (Fig. 6).
A ball valve assembly 62 is positioned within the
upper seal housing 46 between the seat 52 and the conical

top surface 59 of the lower seal housing 55. The ball valve
assembly 62 comprises a ball member 63 having a diameter
larger than the bore 53, a compression spring 64, and a
cylindrical sliding seal member 65. The sliding seal member
65 has a central bore 66 smaller than the diameter of the
ball 63 for suitable seating therewith and smaller than the
base of the conical top portion 58. A beveled counter bore
67 is provided in the bottom of the sliding seal 65.
The outer diameter 68 of the seal member 65 is
smaller than first bore 49 of the upper seal housing 46 and

provided with a pair of spaced annular grooves 69 containing
seals 70 for sliding and sealing engagement with the bore
49. A reduced neck portion 71 smaller in diameter than the
outer diameter 68 provides an annular shoulder 72
therebetween. The compression spring 64 is retained between
the shoulder 51 and the shoulder 72. The spring 64 is of
sufficient strength to bias the sliding seal 65 downward and
effect a metal-to-metal seal on the angular sealing surface
59.




-- 10 --

~L;Z3S949
A cylindrical rotary guide member 73 is positioned
for reciprocal movement within the guide housing 25 and has
a cylindrical lower portion 74 and an upper stem portion 75.
The stem portion 75 extends slidably through the central
bore 36 of the cap member 34 and is provided with longitudi-
nally extending surface grooves 76 receiving the guide pins
37. The top end of the stem 75 has an externally threaded
portion 76a. A central longitudinal bore 77 extends from the

bottom of the rotary guide 73 and terminates just below the
stem portion 75. An inner groove 78 is provided near the
bottom of the lower portion 74 to receive ball bearings 79.
A bevel 80 is provided on the bottom of the rotary guide 73.
A series of circumferentially spaced longitudinal slots 81
on the periphery of the lower portion 74 of the rotary guide
73 provide a fluid passageway between the sidewall of the
guide housing 25 and the rotary guide 73. A relief port 82
allows communication between the slots 81 and the bore 77.
A rotary valve member 83 is positioned for rotation

within the rotary housing 38 and has a stem portion 84
extending through the bore 29 and into the bore 77 of the
rotary guide 73. The bottom portion of the rotary valve 73
is provided with a longitudinal bore 85 terminating below
the reduced stem portion 84. The outer diameter 86 of the
rotary valve 83 .is smaller than the bore 41 of the rotary
housing 38 and has an annular groove 87 containing a seal 88
for rotational and sealing contact therewith. Spaced from
the groove 87 are opposite].y extending conically beveled
surfaces 89 and 90. Lower beveled surface 90 terminates in a
portion 91 which is sufficiently smaller than the bore 42
3 and the seal 45 to provide rotational and sealing contact
therewith.


-- 11 --

~Z35949
The upper beveled surface 89 terminates at the
reduced stem portion 84 and is positioned for sliding
contact with conical surface 32 below shoulder 30. An
angular valve port 92 extends upwardly and outwardly from
the bore 85 terminating in axial alignment with the longi-
tudinal port 33 to establish communication therebetween.
The reduced stem portion 84 is provided with an annular
groove 93 containing a seal 94 to provide rotational and
sealing contact with the bore 29. A triple start spiral
groove 95 is provided at the upper portion of the stem 84.

The groove 95 is journaled in the bore 77 of the rotary
guide 73 by means of the ball bearings 79 to reduce friction
and to rotate the valve 83.
A coupling member 96 having a cylindrical bottom
portion 97 is provided with internal threads 98 and thread-
edly attached thereby to the top end of the stem 75 of the
rotary guide 73. The coupling member 96 has a reduced upper
neck portion 99 provided with a threaded connection 100 for

suitable connection with a sucker rod 14.
The traveling valve assembly 22 is designed so that

it may be used in either an up stoke or a down stroke pum-
ping application. Reciprocating motion of the existing
sucker rod or pump plunger is transmitted to the rotary
guide 73 where it is converted to rotary motion by means of
the journaled spiral groove 95 of the rotary valve member
83. The rotary valve member 83 rotates 180 to place the
angular fluid port 92 in alignment with the longitudinal
port 33 and establish communication therethrough or to seal
it off, depending upon the application.




- 12 -

~2359~9
OPER~TION
The rotary valve member 83 is placed in the desired
position with the ports 92 and 33 ln alignment or 180 out
of alignment. The correct amount of travel distance is
determined, and the rotary guide 73 is set by turning it on
the rotary stem 84 until its lower portion 74 bottoms out on
the flat sueface 31 or until it resides at the proper height
above the surface 31. After the adjustments are made, the
guide pins 37 are installed in position in the grooves 76.
The traveling valve assembly 22 is now placed in the desired
location of the pumping system.
Referring now to Figs. 8A and 8B, the traveling
valve assembly 22 is placed between the sucker rod 14 and
the top section of of the pump plunger 15. When the pump is
in action, the fluid (indicated by arrows) passes through
bores 61 in the lower seal housing 55, lifting the sliding
seal 65 and compressing the spring 64. Trapped by the
annular seals 70, the fluid travels around the conical top
portion 58, and through the bore 66 to force the ball 63
against the seat 52. The fluid passes around the ball 63
through the passageways 52 to enter the bore 85 in the lower
portion of rotary valve 83.
Seals 45 and 88 prevent fluid and gasses from esca-
ping around the lower portion of the rotary 83. If the
rotary port 92 is in alignment with the port 33, the fluid
passes through entering the guide housing 25. The seals 88
and 94 seal around the ports 92 and 33. The fluid passes
around the rotary guide 73 through slots 81 and out through
the top fluid ports 28.




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1 z35949

Referring now to Fig. 9, the traveling valve assem-
bly 22 is shown in the closed position. The lower portion
of the rotary guide 73 is bottomed out on the flat surface
31 of the guide housing 25, and the rotary port 92 is rota-
ted 180 from the port 33 to shut off circulation between
the rotary housing 38 and the guide housing 25, fluid and
gas pressure being contained by the seals 94, 88, and 45.
The ball valve assembly 62 acts as a back up sealing
unit for the rotary valve. The ball 63 drops down to rest
on the neck 71 of the sliding seal 65. The weight of the
ball 63 and the force of spring 64 pushes the sliding seal
65 down to effect a metal-to-metal seal between it and the
sealing surface 59 of the conical top portion 58, closing
off the bores 61 in the lower seal housing 55 and the bore
66 in the sliding seal 65. The annular seals 70 further
contain fluid and gas pressures. If for any reason the
rotary 83 should begin to wear, the sliding seal 65 at the
bottom remains operational to provide sealing action.
While this invention has been described with special
emphasis on a preferred embodiment, it should be understood
that within the scope of the appended claims the invention
may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described
herein.




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