Importance

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Abstract

A subterranean rotation-inducing device and method for translating axial motion into rotational motion at a remote location. A barrel slidably and rotatably maintains a sleeve within its axial bore. The sleeve's axial range of motion is limited by a shoulder within the barrel bore and a retainer ring removably attached to the lower end of the barrel. A rotation member having threading, or worm-type gearing, thereon mates with cooperative threading in the sleeve bore. A lower seal connected to the upper end of the rotation member and above the sleeve maintains the rotation member at least partially within the barrel at all times. Detents on the outer surface of the sleeve selectively interact with a clutch plate that extends partially through a receiving slot and into the barrel bore. When the barrel moves downward relative to the rotation member, the sleeve is forced upward causing engagement of the detents and the clutch plate. In this position, the sleeve cannot rotate. When the barrel moves upward relative to the rotation member, the sleeve is forced downward and the detents do not engage the clutch plate. In this position, the sleeve does rotate. In this way, the rotation member rotates in response to downward relative motion of the barrel but does not rotate in response to upward relative motion of the barrel. A housing protects the device's components and facilitates creation of an inner seal. The method includes functionally applying the above-described device.

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First Claim