Patent ID: 6644399
Filing Date: 2003-11-11
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
An auto-cycling plunger for use in lifting a fluid out of a well bore, the auto-cycling plunger comprising:a hollow, longitudinally extending body comprising a first end and a second end and a tubular middle portion extending therebetween; at least one first directional outer seal disposed on an exterior surface of said body for creating a seal between said body and a well bore and at least a portion of said at least one first directional outer seal extending in a direction substantially parallel to a legth of said longitudinally extending body such that said portion of said first directional outer seal is spread resiliently outwardly from said body with an applied pressure, thereby increasing the degree of sealing; and a valve stem including a valve member, said valve stem extending through said longitudinally extending body and having actuable ends extending from said body, said valve stem operable to be shuttled between an open position and a closed position, the valve stem including an actuating head external to said body and proximal said first end, said actuating head being of larger size than an interior diameter of said first end of said body for abutment therewith to prevent said stem from sliding out of said body; whereby when said valve stem is in said open position, said valve member is longitudinally spaced from a valve seat on said body to allow fluid flow through the length of said body and when said valve stem is in said closed position, said valve member is seated on said valve seat, thereby sealing said body and preventing fluid flow therethrough.