US2273349A

US2273349A - Pumping apparatus

Info

Publication number: US2273349A
Application number: US225504A
Authority: US
Inventors: Ralph C Farley; J W Gillespie
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1938-08-18
Filing date: 1938-08-18
Publication date: 1942-02-17
Anticipated expiration: 1959-02-17

Description

Feb. 17, 1942. R. c. FARLEYQ ET AL PUMPING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 18, 1938 9 Sheets-Sheet -1 C. Frlg d. Gillespie Feb. 17, 1942 v R. g. FARLEY ET AL PUMP ING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 18, 1938 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 0 I Q HE a W 0 0% O 6 0C Qd Feb. 17, 1942. R. c. FARLEY Ei-AL PUMP ING APPARATUS 9 Sheets-Shae? 5 Filed Aug. 18, 1938 C. far/g G/Wes o Feb. 17, 1942. R, c, FARLE'Y TAL 2,273,349

PUMPING APPARATUS Qa/p/i C. Far/e d. W G/Wes J/z Feb. 17, 1 942, R, c, FAR EY E 2,273,349

PUMPING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 18,1958 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 Feb. 17, 1942.

R. c. FARL'EY' ET AL PUMPING APPARATUS Feb 17, 1942. R. c. FARLEY ETAL %;33

PUMPING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 18, 1938 9 Sheets-Sheet ,8

Ea/ 0h C. Far/e5 cl. W Gilles vie 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 2a! h C. Far/e cl. Cvfl/es ofe R. c; FARLEY ETAL PUMPING APPARATUS Fi led Aug. 18,1958

Feb. 17, 1942.

, part:an upstroke to th V Patented-Feb, 17,1942

,. pair-13o STAT PATENT OFFICE PUMPlNGAPPRATUS Farley Gillespie, Henderson, 'l'cx l Application August 1s,19ss',ser 1aina.2 25,5o4

', 31Claims. ((110346) vThe invention relates to new and useful improvementsin pumping apparatus;

One object of the invention is to provide an fi'mprove'd apparatus for operating the usual reciprocating, wellpump', which apparatus is actuatedby a pressure fluid, whereby the use of a pump jack, or other mechanical pumping unit,

together with the cost of operation and maintenance thereof, is eliminated An important object of the invention is to provide an improved pumping apparatus which is arranged to be lowered into a well in close proximity to the well pump and which is adapted to pump within K paratus adaptable to various types oi! wells.

be operated from the surface by a pressure fluid,

. whereby the usual elongate pump' rods and pumping units at the surface, are eliminated.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved pumping apparatus, wherein a reciprocating' piston is attached to the usual well pump, with means for applying a fluid pressure to A construction designed to carry out the invention will be hereinafter described, together with other features of the invention. I

The invention will be more readily understoodfrom a reading of\ the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings, in

which an example of the invention is shown, and

wherein: Y

- Figure 1 is a view, partly in elevation and partly in section, and showing the upper portion of an apparatus, constructed-in accordance with the invention, and mounted within a well tubing, Figure 2 is a continuation of Figure l showing the lower portion of the device,

- the piston to raise the same and thereby imwell pump; the downstroke of said pump occurring by gravity, when the pressure below said piston is released, whereby operating costs are minimized and eflicient pumping is accomplished.

A particular object of the invention is'to provide an improved apparatus, of the character described, wherein the admittance. and release of pressure to the operating piston is controlled by a single sliding valve, which is actuated with a snap action, whereby the direction of movement or stroke or thepiston and the well pump connected thereto is positively and abruptly, changed to eliminate inertia interfering with 'the operation of the apparatus.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved pumping apparatus, wherein the stroke oi the well pump is fixed and also wherein means for absorbing the shock on the'downstroke of the pump plunger is provided so a to insure smooth operation with minimum wear.

Still. another object of th invention is to'proideanimproved pumping apparatus which is so constructed that it may be run into or reshowing a modified form of control valve; with I Figure 19 is a partial isometric view of the Figure 3 is a transverse, vertical, sectional'view on an enlarged scale of the; upper portion device,

Figure 4 is a continuationof Figure 3 showing the'central portion of said device,

Figure 5 is a continuation of Figure 4 and showing the lower portion of the device,

Figures 6, 7 and 8 are views similar. to Figures 3, 4 and 5 and showing the valve in its other position,

- Figure!) is a horizontal, cross-sectional view taken-on the line 9 -9 of Figure-6,

Figure 10 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view taken on the line Ill- 0 of Figure 5,

Figure 11 is an enlarged, transverse, vertical, sectional view of the control valve and showing 7 the same in a lowered position durin' g the up-- stroke oi. the piston,

Figure 12 is a similar view with the valve member raised during the downstroke of the piston,

Figure 13 is a partial isometriclview of the valve member,

. Figure l4is a taken on the line llil'of Figure 11,

Figure 15 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view taken on the line ii-IS of Figure 12, I

Figure 16 is a view, partly in elevation and partly in section, and showing the apparatus as connected directly in the tubing string,

Figure 17 is a view similar to Figure 11 and the valve member in a lowered position,

Figure 1a is :a view similar to Figure-17 with the valve member in a raised position.

. valve member shown in Figures 1'1 and 18,-

Figure 20 is a horizontal, cross sectional view taken on the line 20-20 of Figure 17,

the bore, thereby making the ap-- horizontal, cross-sectional view lower the apparatus in the tubing.

Figure 26 is a view, partly in elevation and I partly in section, and showing a modified form of apparatus particularly adapted for use at the surface of the well,

Figure 27 is a transverse, vertical, sectional view of a modified form of valve for use in the form shown in Figure 26.

Figure 28 is a view, partly in elevation and partly in section, showing an apparatus, constructed in accordance with the invention, and mounted within a well tubing,

Figure 29 is a view, partly in elevation and partly in section, showing the apparatus as connected directly in the tubing string, and mounted within a well casing;

Figure 30 is a schematic, transverse, vertical, sectional view of the apparatus with certain details of construction omitted and showing the position of the valve on the upward travel of the piston, and

Figure 31 is a view similar to Figure 30, showing the position of the valve on the downward travel of the piston.

In the drawings (Figures 1 and 2), the numeral N! designates the usual well casing which-extends substantially throughout the well bpre. The lower end of the casing is open, whereby the well fluids may enter said casing and flow upwardly therein. The well tubing it extends axially through the well casing, being suspended from a tubing hanger, or other support (not shown) at the surface and the lower end of said tubing terminates at a point above the lower end of the casing. A-suitable packer l2 surrounds the lower end of the tubing (Figure 2) and engages the wall of the well casing so as to pack off the annular spacebetween the tubing and casing. Above the packer, a seating collar I3 is connected in the tubing II and is provided with an internal, annular, beveled seat M.

The improved pumping apparatus A is arranged to be lowered into the well tubing, as willbe hereinafter explained, and includes a seating nipple l5. This nipple has its outer surface beveled complementary to the inclination of the tubing.

collar and a nut 22 screwed onto the lower portion of the shank. Three cups have been shown but any desired number may be employed and, as illustrated, the lowermost cup isinverted,

whereby a seal in both directions between the whereby an annular space 28 is formed therebeper end of said sleeve.

The apparatus includes an elongate perforated pipe section l6 which is located at the upper portion of the same (Figure 3) and this pipe sectool (not shown) -niay be utilized to raise and 1 packing cups 20 surround theshank and engage Y the wall of the-tubing, being confined on said shank between an external shoulder 2| on the The lower tween. The bottom of the head has a reduced collar 29 depending therefrom and preferably made integral therewith and, as clearly shown in Figure 3, the collar is of a smaller diameter than the sleeve 27 and is disposed within the up- The collar 29 has external screw threads thereon whereby the upper end of a cylinder 35 may be connected thereto. The cylinder extends axially substantially throughout the length of the sleeve-and is of a smaller diameter to provide an annular space M therebetween. An axial bore ,32 extends upwardly through the collar 29 and also partially through the head or block 241' and the lower end'of said bore communicates with the interior of the cylinder 3d. Radial ports 33 extend through the head, being located between the vertical passages 25 and establish a communication between the upper end of the bore 32 and the annular space 28 between the sleeve 2'! and well tubing M, whereby fluid may flow from the cylinder 38 through the bore 32 and ports 33 and into the well tubing.

When the apparatus is in position within the well tubing H, it is manifest that fluid introduced under pressure from the surface may flow downwardly through said tubing and will enter the perforated section of pipe IS. The fluid cannot by-pass the pipe because of the packing cups 2& immediately therebelow and, thus, the pressure fluid is directed into the pipe and flows downwardly through the collar 18 and bore of the shank 89, after which it passes into the coupling 23 above the head 24. The fluid then fiows through the vertical passages 25 in said head and enters the upper end of the sleeve,21, flowing downwardly through said sleeve in the annular space 3| between said sleeve and the cylinder30. In this manner, a pressure fluid introduced into the upper end of the tubing is conducted to the sleeve .21 so as to flow downwardly therethrough.

The lower end of the sleeve 21 is connected by a coupling 34 with the upper end of an annular valve body 35, which bodyhas its lowerend connected to the upper end of an elongate tubular sleeve 21'. The sleeve 21' extends axially through the well tubing and has its lower end connected to a stufling box B, as will be exintegral with the valve body and the diameter of collar is less than theinternal diameter 0! The outer diameter of the sleeve face through the well tubing the well pump, as will'be explained.

ed, whereby said collar'projects upwardly into The bore of the V collar 39 receives the lower end of a complemen the lower end of the sleeve.

tary collar 40 which is'threaded onto the lower the sleeve 21 to which the valve body is connecty when the valve. member 38 is in a lowered position, the pressure fluid in the annular space end of the cylinder 30 and, with this arrange -ment, the cylinder is suspended from its-upper end through attachment with the collar. 2 9 on the head 24, its lower end being held in axialalineinent with the sleeve by the collar- 41: engaging within the upstanding collar 3,9'on the valvebody 35. I

The upstanding collar 33 is provided with a munication between the interior of the sleeve 21 and the interior of the collar. Since the collar communicates withthe bore of the cylinder 30,

it is manifest that fluid from the annular space I 3| betweenthe exterior of the cylinder and the sleeve, may flow through the ports 4| and there 'by enter the interior of the cylinder. 1

The lower edge of the collar 40 which is at- 3|, between the.sleeve 21 and cylinder 30 may enter the lower end of the cylinder through the ports 4| so as to actagainst the'underside of the 7 piston 45. Such pressure acts to'raise the piston in the cylinder and thus lift the piston rod therewith. Anyfluid above the piston is forced upwardly through the bore 32 'in the collar 29 and then outwardly through the radial ports 33 and into the annular space 28 between the sleeve plurality of inlet ports 4| whichestablish a com- 21 and well tubing H. This fluid passes downwardly through the space 28 and escapes therefrom into the well casing l0 through the perm-- .rations 44 in said tubing.

When the piston 45 has reached the top of its stroke, the valve member 33 is raised so as to engage the seat 42 and thereby cut off the communication between the space 3| and the interior'of the cylinder. -As the valve member is raised to engage the seat 42, its lower end disengages the seat 31 within the bore of the valve body 35 and raised from the seat 31 formed within the bore of the valve body '35. In such position, a how of fluid from the annular space 3| between the cylinder and sleeve 21 to the interior of the cylthe radial bleeder ports 43'. are uncovered." The fluid below the piston 45 may then-drain from the cylinder 33 through these ports and into the 1 annular space 28, from where it may flow into the casing l3 throughthe perforations 44. As"

the fluid flows from the cylinder 30, the piston 45*fa1ls by gravity until it has completed its downstroke. During such downstroke, fluid may be drawn into the'upper end of the cylinder 30 through the radial ports 33 and bore 32. Upon completion of the downstroke, the valvemember 38 is again lowered to engage the seat 31 to again 42, whereby the pressure fluid from the, annular above the seat 31 and when uncovered, establish 7 a communication between the bore of the valve body and the exterior of said body.' As clearly shown in Figure "7, the well tubing llIextends downwardly past the valve body and thus fluid;

from within the bore of said valve body may flow through the ports 43 and intothe annular space.

28 between the tubing and body. Fromthe tubing, this fluid may escape into the casing through perforations 44 provided for the purpose in the well tubing. When the valve member 38 is in its lowered position engaging the seat 31, the ports 43- are closed to prevent a flow there-e through (Figure 3). .Such. lowering of the valve,

however, disengages its upper end fromtthe upper seat 42, whereby flowfrom the sleeve 21 to the cylinder 30 is permitted through the'ports 4| From the foregoing, it will he manifest that thevalve member 38 controls the admittance to' and escape of fluid fromthe interior of the cylinder 30 and, as explained, this fluid is under pressure, having -,been introduced from the sur- A piston 45 mounted to reciprocate within the'cylinder 33 and the pressure fluid introduced from the surton rod 45 has itsupper end connected'to the piston and extends axially through. the cylinder 33, tubular valve member 38, sleeve 21' and studing box B, and has its lower end-connected with For guiding the piston rod axially through the valve member 33, said member has a transverse web or pathtion 41 therein, whichweb has a central opencover the ports 43 and also'to disengage the seat space 3| is again admitted to the cylinder to raise the piston and repeat the operation.

For sliding the valve member 38 from one position to another to reciprocate the piston 45, as

' upper end of the piston rod 46 below the piston.

The upper end of the sleeve is spaced from the 'piston by a coiled spring 50 which surrounds the rod and which is confined between the flanged upper -end of the sleeve and the underside of the I piston. A second elongate sleeve 5| surrounds the the. rod and, manifestly, the'spring 52 normally holds the lower sleeve 5| in engagement with the face is utilized to reciprocate this piston. A'pis lower edge oithe upper sleeve 49. The lower end,

of the spring 52 rests on an internal shoulder 53- formed at the lower end of the lower sleeve and exerts'its pressure to constantly urge the telescoping sleeves apart. Separation-of the sleeves 49 and5| is preventedby a collar 54 secured on collar 54, as shown in Figure 7. The extreme lower end of the sleeve 5| is formed with radial lugs or projections 5|; The

telescoping sleeves

49 and 5| are utilized to lower the valve member 38 at the completion of the downstroke of'the piston 4;5.

For raising the valve member 38 at thecompletion of the upstroke of the piston, an elongate sleeve 55, similar to the sleeve 49, is slid'able' on telescopes the lower-end of a second elongate sleeve- 51, which is similar to the sleeve 5|, and a coiled spring 58 isiconflned with the bore of this sleeve. The spring urges the upper end of the sleeve 51 into engagement with a collar 59 on the piston rod. The upper end of said sleeve is formed with radial lugs 60.

With the piston 45 at the lower end of its downstroke, the parts are in the position shown in Figures 3 to 5 and, in such position, the lugs 5! u on the sleeve 5| are engaging the top of the web 41 within the valve member. The collar 54 is within the axial opening in said web and is spaced from the sleeve, having been moved to this position on the lowering of the valve member 38, which lowering has just previously occurred. The pressure fluid which is introduced into the tubing at the surface is within the annular space 3! and may flow into the cylinder 30 to rais the piston 45, as has been explained. As the piston moves upwardly, the piston rod t6 travels therewith, thereby raising the sleeve 5i from the web of the valve member 38. As the sleeve 50 moves away from the web, the spring 52 immediately moves the sleeve into contact with the collar 5 and th sleeve remains in this position until the completion of the downstroke.

As the upstroke continues, the sleeve 5i is moved upwardly away from the valve member 38,

while the sleeves 5i and 55 below said member are moved toward the same. During the upstroke, the pressure of the fluid is acting against the effective cross-sectional area of the valve member, this area being the upper edge thereof, and 'thus, the member is held in its lowered position engaging the seat Ill. As the piston nears the upper end of its upstroke, the collar 59 above the sleeve 5t enters the axial opening in the web ill of the valve member and the lugs ti! on the upper end of said sleeve contact the web. When this occurs, further movement of the sleeve 5? is resisted by the pressure holding the valve member 38 lowered, and continued upward movement of the piston 65 and rod 46 causes upward-movement or telescoping of the lower sleeve 55 relative to the upper sleeve 5'11, thereby resulting in a compression of the coiled spring 58 confined between the sleeves This spring is acting to urge the sleeve 5? upwardly and as soon as the spring has been compressed suificiently to overcome the downstroke, the valve member is held in, a raised position by the pressure therebelow, as well as by the pressure within the annular space 28 outside the cylinder, which latter pressure acts against the underside of an external, overhanging flange 38d which is formed on the upper end of the valve member 38.

The downstroke of the piston 45 and rod continues until the lower end of the sleeve 5!. strikes the web and the coiled spring 521s compressed sufliciently to overcome the pressure holding the valve member raised. When this occurs, the member is returned to a lowered position to again side of the piston.

ment of the-piston 45. By varying the position of the sleeves on the piston rod and also by varying the tension of the

springs

52 and 58, the length of the piston stroke may be changed.

For absorbing the shock and for assuring a smooth downstroke of the piston 45 and rod 46, a shock absorber is connected to the lower end of the piston rod. This shock absorber -(Figure 5) includes a piston M which has the lower end of the rod 46 threaded axially therein. The piston is movable in a cylinder 62 which extends axially through the sleeve 2l' depending from the valve body 35. The lower end of the cylinder 62 is threaded onto an upstanding collar I33 which ispreferably formed integral with the upper end of the body 6 2 of the stufflng box. The cylinder has perforations t5 inits lower portion and has a length greater than the stroke of the piston 55 and rod 46, the open upper end of said cylinder terminating short of the valve body (Figure 4). Vertical passages .66 extend through the piston 63 and their lower ends are normally closed by a slidable valve disk bl which seats on the under- The valve disk is mounted on a stem which has an enlarged head 69 at its lower end and a coiled spring surrounding the stem is confined between the head and disk and constantly urges the disk to a seated position.

Upon the upstroke of the piston 1-5 and rod 15, the shock absorber piston Bl moves upwardly in its cylinder and fluid from within the sleeve cylinder E32 below the piston 5 I.

As the downstroke begins, the piston 65 moves downwardly in its cylinder and forces the fluid therebelow from the cylinder through th perforations 65. At the start of the downstroke,

. all of the perforations are below the piston 6! but as said piston moves downwardly some of the openings are closed as fluid outlet. Manifestly, the piston BI and rod 46 cannot fall any faster than the fluid can escapefrom th cylinder and, therefore, the rod 46 is lowered gradually. Since the outlets '65 are restricted as the piston 6| moves through the cylinder, the lowering of'the rod 46 and operating piston 45 attached thereto is gradually slowed until said rod and piston finally stop at the end of the downstroke. In this manner, smooth operation is assured.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that the piston 45 is reciprocated in the cylinder 30 by the auxiliary pressure fluid which is 'introduced into the tubing H atthe surface, the .valve member 38 controlling the admittance of' the pressure close the relief ports 43 and to again admit the fluid to the cylinder. For connecting the piston rod 46 to a well pump C (Figure 2) so as to'operate the same as said rod reciprocates, a connecting' rod 1| (Fi'gures'5 and 8) has its upper end threaded into the head 69 which is secured to the shock absorbing piston 6|. Since the lower end of the piston rod 46 is fastened to the piston, said piston forms a coupling between the rod 46 and connectingrod H. The connecting rod extends downwardly through the axial bore. 12 of the body '54 of the stuffing-box B the tubing and that portion of said tubing sur- =l3 connected therein and is run intothe well lowering tool (not shown) is then connected to said apparatus may be lowered through the well tin'ues until the seatingtnipple l6 engages the beveled seat I4 within the collar ii, at which 66 which'depeniis from the piston 6|; is resting upper end of the packing gland or nut 16 '(Fig-' ure ,With this arrangement, the weight of (the piston '45 andiits associate'partsis carried bythe head 69. Itflis noted that thehead 69 "coiled spring 1-8 engages the packing I1 and is held-within the packing chamber by a gland or nut which is threaded into the upper end of saidchamber. p

The lower end of the perforated pipe section 13 (Figure 2) is threaded intotheseating nip- 1" pie I! which, as has been explained, is supported P on the seat I4 of the collar I! connected in the tubing H. The pipe 13 extends axially through l5 rounding said pipe is provided with perforations 80, whereby communication between the well tubing H and casing lllis established at this point, v A tubular working barrel 8| oi. the usual construction has itsgupper end threaded into the seating nipple l5 and extends downwardly from the lower end of the well tubing and axially \loweled "9651171011 o e, t e fluid the space Il may pass through the ports 4| and through the lower portion of'the well casing. The usual pump plunger 82 having a traveling valve :5 63 mounted thereon is connected to the lower 'l end or the connecting rod TI and, maniiestly; y

when the operating-piston 45 and piston rod 46 are reciprocated, as has been explained, to reciprocate the rod ll, the' pump plunger is reciprocated therewith. A standing valve 64 is mounted in the lower end of theiworking barrel 8| and the usual well screen 85 extendsjdownwardly from said working barrel, said screen terminating near the bottom of the well bore. When the pump plunger 82 isieciprocated,

the well fluid 'is drawn into the working barrel from the well through the screen 85 and stand-' ing valve 84 and is lifted upwardly through the working barrel and nipple l5 into the perforated the well tubing H, from whereit flows through the perforations 80 into the well casing l0 above wardly in the casing throughthe annular space surface. The pump plunger 82 and working bar,-

rel 8| may be'of anysta'ndard type and their particular constructionis subject to variation,

In operation, the well tubing has the collar casing III in the usualmanner. The well packer I2 is set so as to seal of! between the lower end of the. tubing and the .well casing. Asuitable the fishing neck "of the apparatus, whereby tubingxy The loweringof the apparatus con-- time further lowering of said apparatus is prevented. As thedevice. is. being lowered thro h the tubing, the pistonis in its lowermost position, whereby'the rod. 46 attached to said pistonhas moved' the shock absorber piston 8| r downwardly-touts lowermost en nt In such lowermost ion; the head 66 on the stem onaresilient-ring' 19' --whichis mounted in the vis moving through its upstroke.

engages the ring 19' and nut I9 only when the device is being lowered through the tubing or is being raised therefrom. During normal operation, the stroke of ther pistofn 4 5 is such that the head '69" stops short of the nut 19, as indicated ing cups 26 which are mounted below th perforated section of pipe-I6. v The provision of the cups force the fluid-to pass through the perforations in the section l6, whereby said fluid flows downwardly through the collar l8 and the shank l9, From this point, the fluid passes downwardly through the passages '26 in the head or block 24 and enters the annular space 3| between the sleeve 21 and the cylinder 88. With the parts in the position shown in Figures 3-to-5, it will be seen that the control valve member 36 is inits as the connecting rod ll securedto the rod 46,-

are raised. The raising or. lifting of the connecting rod 1| causes the pump plunger 82 of the well pump C, which plunger is secured to the rod- II; to be movedupwardly'in the working I barrel 8l.- Thus, so long as the piston 45 con tinues. its upward movement, the pump plunger Upward movement of the piston 4 5 continues until the sleeve 51 which is carried by the rod 46 strikes the underside'of the web 41 within the valve "member 38. As has been explained, the engagement of the sleeve 51 with the web 41,

v with continued upward movement of the piston 45 androd 46, causes the spring 58' to be. compressed. when this spring hasbeencompressed sufilciently to overcome the pressure acting downwardly on the upper end of the valve member 38, said valve member is moved to its upper or raised position, as shown in Figure 7. When.

this occurs,.the admittance of the pressure fluid from the space 3| through the ports 41' and to the cylinder 36, is shut ofl. "At-the same time,

the upward movement of the valve member 38 uncovers the reliefports 43, whereby the fluid within the cylinder may drain'outwardly through j these'ports and into the. well tubing, II. From the well tubing,- this fluid may escape into the well casing through the perforations 44 in said As thenu d. drains "nth-Jae cylinder at, the weight of the piston 46" and its-associate parts,

causes said piston to move downwardly by gravity. It is pointed outthat. sincethe' upper end of. the cylinder is 'at all-times'in communication 1 with-the casing through the bore I2 and ports {63, the establishment of communication between the lower'end, of the'cyli'nder and said casing through the perforations 44, causes an edualiza'- tion velf-pressures across piston-to permit 1 downward movement thereof by gravity. This downward movement is due-to the provision offthe shock absorber piston 6| moving through its cylinder 61. As h piston '46 moves i downwardly in its cylinder 64, it is manifest'that through the well casing l0.

a downward movement will be imparted to the pump plunger 82 of the well pump C, due to the connection between the piston rod 46, connecting rod H and said plunger. Thus, the'downstroke of the pump plunger 82 is accomplished by means of gravity.

The valve member 38 remains in its raised or upper position (Figure '7) until such time as the sleeve on said piston rod 46 strikes the upper' end of the web 41 within saidv valve member. When this sleeve strikes the web and the piston rod continues its downward movement, the spring52 confined within the sleeve 5| is compressed. When this spring is compressed sufflciently, the spring tension is sufficient to overcome the pressure holding the valve member in its raised position and as soon as this occurs the valve member is again lowered to re-engage the seat 31 and close the relief ports 53. At the same time, the downward movement of the valve member 33 opens the ports M to the interior of the cylinder 30, whereby the pressure fluid from the space 3i may again enter the lower end of the cylinder 30. This results in the piston 35 again moving upwardly and the operation is thus repeated.

When it is desired to remove the device from the well tubing, it is only necessary to relieve the pressure from the well tubing i i above the apparatus. After this is done, a suitable lowering tool (not shown) may be engaged with the fishis formed with a bore 36' which extends vertically therethrough. The upper end of the valve body is formed with an upstanding collar 39' which is externally screw-threaded, whereby the lower end of the cylinder may be screwed thereon. It is noted that in the first .form where the valve body is employed, the lower end of the. cylinder 30 is connected to the body 35 by means of the

coacting collars

39 and 40, whereas in the present form the cylinder is screw-threaded to the body 35'. Angular ports ill extend from the top of the body 35 and communicate with the upper end of -the bore 36 thereof, whereby a pressure fluid in the sleeve 27 may flow downwardly into said bore.

Above the ports Ali, an internal, annular seat 52 is provided and this seat is adapted to be engaged by the upper end of a sliding valve member 3&3. When the upper end of said valve member is engaging the seat, as shown in Figure 18, the ports M are closed and the fluid presing neck ill and the entire device removed as a unit. It is noted that the provision of the fishing neck makes it possible to run the apparatus into the well tubing or remove the same there' from by means of a wire line or cable.

In some instances, it might be desirable to connect the apparatus directly in the tubing string instead of makingthe same removable as described. In such case, the well tubing is connected to the head or block 2 3 by means of a swaged coupling 90, as is clearly shown in Figure 16. A perforated section or length of tubing 92 is substituted for the perforated pipe '13 shown in Figure 5 and the working barrel 8B is connected to the lower end of this tubing section. The well packer i2 is mounted between the working barrel and the perforated section of tubing 92 and serves to pack off the annular space between the tubing and the well casing iii. In this construction, the packing cups 26 are eliminated I and the pressure fluid which actuates the device is introduced through the tubing M. It passes downwardly through the swaged nipple 9d and through the head 24, from where it flows to the cylinder 3ll, as has been described. As the piston is reciprocated, the pump plunger 82 of the well pump C is also reciprocated. Reciprocation of the pump plunger draws the well fluid through the working barrel and lifts the same into the perforated section 92 of the tubing. From the section, the fluid fiows outwardly through the perforations and then upwardly The operation of this form is substantially the same as the first .form with the exception that the apparatus is sure from within the sleeve 2? cannot flow into the bore of the valve body 35. When the valve member is lowered, the ports are opened and the fluid pressure may enter the lower end of the cylinder 355 and act on the piston 15 movable therein. v

The lower end of the valve member 38' is reduced at 3811 and is slidable within a flanged sleeve 381) which is inserted within the lower portion of the bore of the body 35. The upper end of the sleeve 38b is beveled and is adapted to be engaged by an external beveled shoulder 380 which is formed on the member 38. When the valve member 38' is in its lowermost position (Figure 17), the ports M in'the upper end of the body 35 are open. At this time, radial ports 13 which are provided in the valve body below the ports ii, are closed by the member 38'. A frictional resistance to the upward movement of the member 38 is set up by a spring-pressed ball 93 which is mounted in an opening 96 formed in the lower end of the body 35. The ball is arranged to engage an annular groove 95 formed in the exterior surface of the member 38 near the lower end thereof. Obviously, before the valve member 36' may move upwardly, the frictional resistance occasioned by the engagement of the ball 93 in the groove ilh'must be overcome and, thus, this frictional resistance is added to the pressure acting downwardly on the member 38', before said member can be moved to a raised position.

When the member is moved to a raised position, the ports fill are closed, as has been explained, and the ports 33' are open. The opening of the ports 53 is accomplished by theregistration of radial openings 43a which are provided in the valve member 33' below the external shoulder 380 with the ports 43. Such registration of the openings 43a and the ports 43' permits the fluid from the cylinder to escape outwardly into the well tubing l l which surrounds the sleeves 21 and 27', as well as the valve body 35'. The movement of the valve member 38 and its operation is exactly the same as the of the cylinder be connected to the head 24 by means other than [screw threads. Such a means is clearly shown in Figure 23 and includes a depending sleeve 96 which is provided with an elongate bolt screw-threaded collar 29.

is connected to the lower end of the alve body device maybe supported on suitable brackets I means of the usual pump' rods.

2,273,349 g v an external flange 91. This sleeve and flange What we claim and desire to secure by Letters are substituted for the screw-threaded collar 29 Patent is:

shown in Figure 3. The external diameter'of the flange 91 is substantially equal to the internal diameter of the cylinder 30, whereby the 5 upper end of said cylinder may receive said flange. A plurality of packing rings' 90 surround the lower end of the sleeve or shank 96 and are confined between the flange 91 and a spider 99. The spider is secured by means of I00 to the head 24. Manifestly, when the spider is tightened against the packing rings .98, said rings pack ofi between the cylinder 30 and the sleeve 86 so as to prevent a leakage of pressure at this point. The connection shown in Figure 23, in no wayafiects the operation of the apparatus, as has been described, such connection merely being a substitute for the Although it is desirable that the apparatus be lowered into the well bore in close proximity to the well pump-, whereby the usual pump rods may be eliminated, itis not essential that this be done The apparatus could be'mounted at the surface of the well and could be connected J to the well pump within the well bore by means on the usual connecting rod, in which event the apparatus would take the place of the usual mechanical pumping unit". This application ofthe invention is shown in Figures '26 and 27, wherein a cylinder 30b hasits upper end closed w by a suitable cap. The piston 45 operates in this cylinder. A valve b, similar in construction to the valve 35', is connected to the lower end of the cylinder and controls the application and release of pressure below the pistqneo perating inthe cylinder 30b. As'clearly shown in Figure 27, this valve includes an inlet port llb which has an inlet pipe V IN connected thereto. The port 4lb takes the place ofthe inlet ports) 4| in the valve 35'. An outlet port 43b which isadapted to register with the openings 43a in the valve member 38 is mounted in. the opposite side of the valve body 356- and has an outlet pipe I02 connected therein. The pis- 45 ton rod 46 which is secured to the piston 45 operating in the cylinder 30b is provided with F the telescoping sleeve, whereby the valve member 38 is operated in the same manner as has been hereinbefore described. Thus, the 'reoip- 5U .rocation of the piston within the cylinder 30b is controlled. An elongate section of pipe 2'Ib SSb'a-nd has-a stufling -box l03-at its ower end.

The connecting rod 1| may'connect the piston rod 46 with the usual pump mes which extend axially throughthe'well casing Ill. It-is pointed out that the shock absorber may be eliminated in,t his form and the release-or escape of pressure from the cylinder 30b controlled by a hand valve I04 connected in the outlet line I021 The entire secured to the derri ck floor.

The operation of this form is exactly the same i as theoperation of the other forms and, manifestly, the valve 30' slidably mounted within the body 35b controls the reciprocation-of the piston "45 within the cylinder 30b. As the piston-re l. The combination with a well tubing and a well casing of a pumping apparatus arranged to be lowered into and removed from the well having a pressure actuated member movable therein, a well pump having its plunger connected with said pressure actuated plunger so ducting .the pressure fluid tothe cylinder to actuate the pressure actuated plunger.

2. In a well pumping apparatus, the combina- I tion with a well casing having a tubing extending therethrough of. a pumping device adapted to be lowered into the tubing including, a cylinder having a pressure fluid inlet at its lower end, a piston reciproc'able in the cylinder, means for conducting a pressure fluid to the lower end of the cylinder, a vertically-movable valve controlling the inlet to and exhaust from the lower end of .said cylinder, a working barrel below'said device having a well fluid inlet at its lower end,

and a well fluid outlet at its upper end, a pump plunger reciprocable in the barrel, a 'vertieallymovable actuating member extending from the piston to the pump plunger, and means for equalizing the pressures across said piston when the valve is in exhausting position so that the piston may move downwardly by gravity. I

3..In a well pumping apparatus, the combination with a well casing having a tubing extend-- ing therethrough of a pumping device adapted to be lowered into the tubing including a cylinder having-a pressure fluid inlet at its lower end,

a piston reciprocablein the cylinder, means for conducting a pressure fluid to the lower end of the cylinder, vertically-movable valve means for controlling the admittance of a-pressure fluid ,to the lower end of said cyl' der below the piston and {or releasing the fl d from the, cylinder when said piston has completed its upstroke to permit downward movement of the same by gravity, 9. working barrel below .said device, a

pumpi plunger reciprocable in the barrel, and a "vertically-movable actuating member extending from the piston to the pump plunger through the va vemeans so as .to actuate the same.

havi-n a pressure fluid inlet at its lower end, a piston reciprocable in the cylinder, means for conducting-a pressure fluid to the lower end of the cylinder, annular'valve means mounted at the lower end of said cylinder forcontrolling the e fluid to' and from the cylinder,

- barrel below said device, a pump plunger reciprocable in the barrel, and'a vertically-movable actuating member extending, from the piston to the pump. plungen and having means for actuat ing the annular valve means.

- 5. me well pumping apparatus, the combinetion with a well casing having a tubing extendconducting 'a pressure fluid,to the lower end of tubing on a flexible line and including, a cylinder I 4.. Infa well pumping apparatus, the combina-. tion with a well casing havingqa tubing extending therethrough of a pumping device adapted to v be lowered into the tubing including, a cylinder The shock absorber, disclosed in Figure 5, may 55 be mounted'above the stuflin'g box I03 if desired.

in: t er through or a. numpins' e a pte [to be lowered into the-tubing includin a c ylindef-having apressure fluid'inlet at its-lowerend, I av piston reciprocable in the cylinder, means for.

trolling the admittance and release .of pressure fluid from the lower end of said cylinder to raise and lower the piston, a working barrel below the device, a pump plunger reciprocable in the barrel, a vertically-movable actuating member extending from the piston to the plunger, and means carried by the member for actuating the valve to control the movement of said piston.

6. In a well pumping apparatus, the combination with a well casing having a'tubing extending therethrough of a pumping. device adapted to be lowered into the tubing including, a cylinder having a pressure fluid inlet at its lower end, a piston reciprocable in the cylinder, means for conducting a pressure fluid to the lower end of the cylinder, a vertically-movable valve for con trolling the admittanceand release of. pressure fluid from the lower end of said cylinder to raise and lower the piston, a working barrel below the device, a pump plunger reciprocable in the barrel, a vertically-movable actuating member extending from the piston to the plunger, and means mounted on the member for engaging and actuating the valve to control the movement of said piston.

7. In a well pumping apparatus, the combination with a, well casing having a tubing extending therethrough of a pumping device adapted to be lowered into the tubing including, a cylinder having a pressure fluid inlet at its lower end,

a piston reciprocable in the cylinder, means for conducting a pressure fluid to the lower end of the cylinder, a single valve means for controlling the admittance to and release of pressure fluid from the lower end of said cylinder, whereby the valve means controls the reciprocation of 10. In a well pumping apparatus, the combination with a well casing having a tubing extending therethrougli of a pumping device adapted to be lowered into the tubing including, a cylinder having a pressure fluid inlet at its lower end,

a piston reciprocable in the cylinder, means for conducting a pressure fluid to the lower end of the cylinder, a single valve means for controlling the admittance-to and release of pressure fluid from the lower end of said cylinder, whereby the valve means controls the reciprocation of the piston, a workingbarrel below the device, a pump plunger reciprocable in the barrel, a rod extending from the piston to the plunger, the rod being movable through the valve means and I having means mounted thereon for actuating said valve means, and means associated with said rod intermediate said piston and cushioning the downstroke thereof. 11. In a well pumping apparatus, the combinaplunger for tion with a well casing having a tubing extending therethrough of a pumping device adapted to be lowered into the tubing including, a cylinder having a pressure fluid inlet at its lower end, a piston reciprocable in the cylinder, means for conducting a pressure fluid to the lower'end of the cylinder, a valve body at the lower end of said cylinder having a pressure fluid inlet port the piston, a working barrel below the device, a

pump plunger reciprocable in the barrel, and a rod extending from the piston to the plunger and movable through said valve means so as to actuate the same.

-8. In a well pumping apparatus, the combination with a well casing having a tubing extending therethrough of a pumping device adapted to be lowered into the tubing including, a cylinder having a pressure fluid inlet at its lower end, a piston reciprocable in the cylinder, means for conducting a pressure fluid to the lower end of the cylinder, a single valve means for controlling the admittance to and release of pressure fluid plunger reciprocable in the barrel, and a rod extending from the piston to the plunger, the rod being movable through the valve means and having means mounted thereon for actuating said valve means.

9. In a well pumping apparatus, the combination with a well; casing having a tubing extending therethrough of a pumping device adapted to be lowered into the tubing including, a cylinder having a pressure fluid inlet at its lower end, a piston reciprocable in the cylinder, means for conducting a pressure fluid to the lower end of the cylinder, a single valve'means for controlling the admittance to and release of pressure fluid from the lower end of said cylinder, whereby the valve means controls the reciprocation of the piston, a working barrel below the device, a pump plunger'reciprocable"in the barrel; 'a rod extendand an outlet port, an annularslidable valve within the body for closing the outlet port when the inlet port is open to admit pressure fluid to the lower end of the cylinder to raise the piston, the valve being movable when said piston completes its upstroke to a position closing the inlet port and opening the outlet port to permit escape of pressure fluid from the cylinder and to prevent the admittance of pressure fluid thereto, thereby allowing the piston to' move downwardly by gravity, a working barrel below-said device, a pump plunger reciprocable in the barrel, and a vertically-movable actuating member extending from the piston to the pump plunger through the valve and having means mounted thereon for actuating said valve.

12. In a well pumping apparatus, the combination with a well casing having a tubing extending therethrcugh of a pumping device adapted to be lowered into the tubing including, a cylinder having a pressure fluid inlet at its lower end, a piston reciprocable in the cylinder, means for conducting a pressure fluid to the lower end or the cylinder, a valve body at the lower end of said cylinder having av pressure fluid inlet port and an-outlet port, an annular slidable valve within the body for closing the outlet port when the inlet port is open to admit pressure fluid to the lower end of the cylinder to raise the piston, the valve being movable when said piston coinpletes its upstroke to a position closing the inlet port and opening the outlet port to permit escape of pressure fluid from the cylinder and to pre-- by gravity, a working barrel below said device,

apump plunger reciprocable in the barrel, a

vertically-movable actuating member extending from the piston to the pump plunger through the valve andihavingmeans mounted thereon for ing from the piston to the plunger and movable actuating said valve, and means associated with the member intermediate said piston and plunger for,cushioningl the downstroke thereof.

'13. In a well pumping apparatus, the combination with a well casinghaving a tubing extending therethrough of a pumping device adapted to be lowered intothe tubing including, a cylinmal- derhaving a pressure fluid inlet at its lower end, a piston reciprocable in the (:ylinden'means for conducting a pressure. fluid tothe lowerend of the-cylinder, a valve bodyat the lower end of said cylinder having apressure fluid inlet port and an outlet port,'a valve within the body for closing the outlet port when the inlet portis open to admit pressure fluid to the lower end of .the cylinder to raise thejpiston, the valve being movable when said piston completes its upstroke to a position closing the inlet port and opening the outlet port to permit escape of pressure fluid from the cylinder and to prevent the admittance of pressure fluid thereto, thereby allowing the piston to move, downwardly by gravity, a working barrel below said device, a pump plunger reciprocable in the barrel, a piston rod extending from the piston to the pump plunger, and means mounted on'the piston rod and disposed within the cylinder for engaging the valve at the'termination of each strokepf the piston, whereby said valve is shifted from one position to the other to change the direction of travel ofthe piston. i i v 14. In a well pumping apparatus, the combination with a well tubing and a well casing, of

a pumping device adapted to be lowered into the tubing including, a .cylinder disposed in the tubing, a piston movable in the cylinder, said cylin-' der having an inlet port for establishing a .communication between the tubing and the lower end of the cylinder whereby a pressure fluid may be introduced into the tubing and conducted downwardly therethrough to the cylinder to raise the piston, the cylinder also having an outlet port for draining the fluid from said cylinder to permit the piston to move downwardly inthe cylinder, a single annular valve member coacting with 'the'ports and movable to two positions each position of said valve opening onegf the ports and closing the other to allow eithe'r raising or lowering of the piston, a working barrel below said device, a pump plunger reciprocable' in the barrel, and a piston rod extending from said piston to the pump plunger through the valve so as to actuate the same. I

15. In a well pumping apparatus, the combination with a well tubing and a well casing of,

a pumping device adapted to be lowered into the tubing including, a cylinder disposed in the tubing, a' piston movable in the cylinder, the cylin- ;der having an inlet port for establishing a communication between the tubing and the lowerend of the cylinder whereby a pressure fluid may i be introduced into the tubing and conducted downwardly therethrough to the cylinder "to raise the'piston, the cylinder also having an outlet port for drainingthe fluid from said cylinder to-permit the piston to move downwardlyin the cylinder, a single annular valve, a member coacting with the ports and movabl totwo positions, each position of said valve opening one ofthe portsand closing the other to allow either raising or lowering of the piston, a working barrel below said device, a pump plunger reciprocable in the barrel, and a piston rod extending from said piston to the pump plunger through the valve so as v to actuate the same.

16. 'In a well pumping apparatus, the co mbiv nation with a well tubing and'a well casing, of

a, pumping device adapted to' be lowered into the tubing including, a cylinder disposed-in thetubingi'a piston movable in the'cylinder, the cylinr der having an inlet portfor establishing acommunication between the tubing and-the lower was ' end of the cylinderwhereby a pressure fluid may be introduced into the tubing and conducted downwardly therethrough to the cylinder to raise the piston, the cylinder also having an outlet port for draining. the fluid from said cylinder to permit the piston to move downwardly in the cylinder, a single annular valve member, coacting with the ports and movable to two positions, each position of said valve opening one of the ports and closing the other to allow either raising or I lowering of the piston, means carried byv the piston for moving the valire memberuponcompletion of each stroke of the piston, a working barrel below said device, a pump plunger reciprocable in the barrel, and a piston rod extending from said piston to the pump plunger through the valve so as to actuate the same.

17. In a well pumping apparatus, the combination with a well tubing and a well casing of a pumping device adapted to be lowered into the tubing including, a cylinder disposed in the tubing and having a pressure fluid-inlet at its lower end, a piston movable in the cylinder, means for conducting a pressure fluid to the lower end of 5 the cylinder, means for moving the piston up- ,wardly in the cylinder by pressure and for moving the same downwardly by gravity, avalve means wholly within the cylinder and actuated by the piston ior controlling the admittance and release of pressure to and from the lower tubing and having a pressure fluidinlet at its lower end, a piston movable in the cylinder, means for conducting a pressure fluid tothe piston upwardly in the cylinder by pressure and ior moving the same downwardly by gravity, an-

nular valve means actuated by the piston and connected to the lower end of the cylinder and having a diameter substantially equal tothe diameter of the cylinder for controlling the admittance and release of pressure to and from the lower end of said cylinder, a working barrel below said device, a pump plunger reciprocable in the barrel; and a piston rod extending from said piston to the pump plunger througlr the valve so as to actuate the same. j

19, In a'well pumping apparatus, the combination; with a well tubing and a well casing of a pumping device adapted to be lowered into the tubing including, a cylinder disposed the tubing and having a pressure fluid inlet at its lower end, a piston movable said cylinder, means for conducting a-pressure fluid to the lower end'of the cylinder, means for moving'the pisto'n'up- 'wardly in the cylinder by'pressure and formoving the same downwardly bygravity, a valve means whollywithinthe cylinder for controlling 'the admittance and release of pressure to and from the lower end of said cylinder, means carried by said piston and disposed within the cylin- 7 der so as to co-act with the valve means so as to'actuate the same, a working barrel below'said device, a pump plunger reciprocable in the bar to the pump plunger throughthevalve so as to .5 actuate the same. L

end of saidcylinder, a working barrel below said device,

lower end of the cylinder, neans for moving the rel) and a piston rod extending from saidpistona pumping device adapted to be lowered into the tubing including, a cylinder disposed in the tubing and having apressure fluid inlet at its lower end, a piston movable in said cylinder, means for conducting a pressure fluid to the lower end of the cylinder to raise the piston, means for permitting the escape of said pressure fluid from said cylinder to allow the piston to move downwardly by gravity, a single valve for controlling the admittance to and release of the fluid from the cylinder, whereby the valve controls the reciprocation of the piston, means mounted on said piston and disposed within the cylinder for .ac-

tuating the valve, means for actuating thevalve with a snap action to provide a change,

in the movement of the piston, a working barrel below said device, a pump plunger reciprocable in the barrel, and a pistonrod extending from said piston to the pump plunger through the valve so as to actuate the same.

21. In a well pumping apparatus, the combination with a well casing having a tubing extending therethrough of a pumping device adapted to be lowered into the tubing including, a

ing, a cylinder having its lower end communicylinder, a piston movabl in the cylinder, a 4

valve body at the lower end of the cylinder having a pressure fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port, means for conducting a pressure fluid to the lower end of 'the cylinder, a valve member within the body arranged to close the outlet port when the inlet port is open to admit pressure cating with the fluid oonduitand'also communicating with the casing, a valve member at the to permit an exhaust or fluid from the cylinder into the casing, means carried by the pressure responsive element for engaging and actuating the valve to move it from one position to the other upon the completion of each stroke, a working barrel disposed within said casing below said cylinder, and a pump plunger reciprocable in the barrel and being connected to said element, whereby the plunger is actuated by the element,

24. A well pumping apparatus including, a pressure fluid conduit, a well casing, a nipple connected in the fluid conduit and having vertical passages therein for permitting a flow of ing' from the nipple and disposed within the fluid fluid to the cylinder to raise the piston, said member. being movable when the piston completes its upstroke to a position closing the inlet and opening the outlet to permit escape of pressure fluid from the cylinder, thereby allowing the piston to movedownwardly by gravity, a working barrel below said device, a pump plunger reciprocable in the barrel, a piston rod extending from said piston to the pump plunger, means on the piston rod and disposed within the cylinder adapted to engage the valve member at the termination of each stroke of the piston, whereby the valve is shifted from one position to the other to shift the direction of travel of the piston, and means for actuating the valve with a snap action to provide a change in the movement of the piston.

22. ,A well pumping apparatus including, a convduit for conducting a pressure fluid, a well casing, a cylinder having its lower end communieating with the fluid conduit and also communicating with the casing, a valve member atthe tion admitting pressure fluid to the interior of' the cylinder, said element moving downwardly by gravity when the valveis in its other position to permit an exhaust of fluid from the cylinder into the casing, a working barrel. disposed within said casing below said cylinder, a pump plunger conduit, whereby the pressure fluid may flow downwardly around thecylinder, the nipple having a passage establishing communication between the upper end of the cylinder and the well casing, the lower-end of the cylinder having communication with both the fluid conduit and the casing, a piston movable in the cylinder, valve means at the lower end of the cylinder and movable to two positions to control the communica-- tion of the cylinder with either the fluid conduit or the casing, whereby when the valve is in a position establishing communication between the fluid conduit and the cylinder the. pistorris raised by the pressure .fluid and when the 'valve is in its other position establishing comdownwardly around the cylinder, the nipple having a passage establishing communication between the upper end of the cylinder and the well casing, the lower end of the cylinder having a communication with both the fluid conduit and reciprocable in the barrel, and means depending from theelement for connecting the same to the plunger.

23. A well pumping-apparatus inc1uding, a conduit for conducting a pressure fluid, a well casthe liquid casing, a'piston movable in the cylinder, valve means at the lower end of the cylinder and movable to two positions to control thecom-- munication of the cylinder'with either the fluid conduit or the casing, whereby when the valve is in a position establishingcommunication between the fluid conduit and the cylinder the pis-.

the pressures across the piston are equalized and said piston may move; downwardly by gravity, and means carried by the pressure responsive element for actuating the valve to move it Irom one position to the other upon the completion of each stroke, a working barrel disposed within said casing below said cylinder, and a pump plunger reciprocable in the barrel and being connected to said element, wherebythe plunger is actuated by the element. v

26. A well pumping apparatus including, a pressure fluid conduit, a well casing, a nipple 7 connected in the fluid, conduit and having vertical passages therein for permitting a flow of pressure fluid therethrough, a' cylinder depending from the nipple and disposed within the fluid conduit, whereby the pressure fluid may flow downwardly around the cylinder, the nipple having a passage establishing communication between the upper end of the cylinder and the well casing, the lower end of the cylinder having communication with both the fluid conduit and the casing, a piston movable in the cylinder, valve means at the lower end of the cylinder and movable to two positions to control the communication of the cylinder with either the fluid conduit or the casing, whereby when the valve is in a position establishing communication between tially abrupt change in the movement of the piston, a working barrel disposed within said casing below said cylinder, and a pump plunger reciprocable in the barrel and beingconnected to said element, whereby the plunger is actuated by the element.

28. In a well pumping apparatus, the combination with a well casing having a tubing extending therethrough, of a pumping ,device adapted to be lowered into the tubing including, a

vertically-movable actuating member extending from the piston to the pump plunger and having resilient means for shifting said valve.

the fluid conduit and the cylinder the piston is raised by the pressure fluid, and when the valve is in its other position establishing communicacation between the cylinder and the casing the pressures across the piston are equalized and said piston may move downwardly by gravity, a pis-' ton rod secured to the piston and extending 29. In a well pumping apparatus, the combination with a well casing having a tubing extending therethrough, of a pumping device adapted to be lowered into the tubing including, a cylinder, a piston having a piston rod arranged to reciprocate within said cylinder, means for conducting a pressure fluid to the lower end of the cylinder, valve means through which the rod is through the valve means, means on the piston rod disposed within the cylinder and adapted to engage the valve means at the termination of each stroke of the piston, whereby the valve is shifted from one position to the other to change the direction of travel of the piston, a working barrel disposed within the casing beneath said valve means, and a plunger reciprocable in the barrel and connected to said piston by the piston rod, whereby the plunger is actuated by the piston.

27. A well pumping apparatus including, a,

pressure fluid conduit, a well casing, a nipple connected in'the fluid conduit and having ver: tical passages therein for permitting a flow of pressure fluid therethrough, a cylinder depending from the nipple and disposed within the fluid conduit, whereby the pressure fluid may flow downwardly around the cylinder, the nipple having a passage establishing communication between the upper end of the cylinder and the well casing, the lower end of the cylinder having communication with both the fluid conduit and the casing, a piston movable in the cylinder, valve means at the lower end of the cylinder. and movable to two positions to control the communication of the cylinder with either the fluid conduit or the casing, whereby when the valve is.in a position establishing communication between the by the pressure fluid, and when the valve is in its other position establishing communication between the cylinder and the casing the pressures across the piston are equalized and said piston may move downwardly bygravity, a piston rod secured to the piston and extending through the .valve member, means on the piston rod disposed within the cylinder and adapted to engage-the valve member at the termination of each stroke of the piston, whereby the valve is shifted from one position to the other to change the direction of travel of the piston, means for actuating the valve with a snap action to provide a substan- I ing with the casing. a valve member at the lower movable for admitting a pressure fluid to the cylinder below the piston to raise the same, means for releasing the fluid from the cylinder when the piston has completed its upstroke to permit said piston to move downwardly by gravity, and means for equalizing the pressures across said piston when the valve has been shifted to exhausting position so that the piston may move downwardly by gravity.

30. A well pumping apparatus including, a conduit for conducting a pressure fluid, a well casing, a cylinder having its lower end communicating with the fluid conduit and also communicatend of said cylinder movable to control the communication of the interior of the cylinder with either the fluid conduit or the casing, whereby the position of the valve controls the admission and exhaustof pressure fluid to and from the lower end of the cylinder, means for actuating member moves to a position establishing com- M munication between the lower end of the cylinfluid conduit and the cylinder the piston is raised der and the casing the pressure fluid within said cylinder is permitted to escape into said casing,

whereby the pressures across the pressure re-' sponsive element are equalized and said element may move downwardly by gravity,.a working barrel disposed within said casing below said cylinder, and a pump plunger reciprocable in the barrel and being-connected to Said element, whereby the pump plunger is actuated by the element.

31. A well pumping apparatus including, a con-