A wireline cable length measuring apparatus tracks the length and other parameters of a wireline cable in a well bore. The apparatus has three major components: a rotational distance measuring assembly; a rotation-to-length (rotation:length) calibration assembly; and a processor unit. The rotational distance measuring assembly engages the wireline cable in a manner similar to a standard wireline count wheel, typically receiving the cable from a draw works or a wireline service truck. The rotational distance measuring assembly has a rotation sensor which generates a rotation signal in response to the paying-out and reeling-in of the cable over the count wheel. The rotation:length calibration assembly also engages the wireline cable. However, the rotation:length calibration assembly only intermittently engages the wireline cable, and therefore is subject to substantially less wear than the counter wheel. The rotation:length calibration assembly has a length sensor which generates a length calibration signal in response to the length of the cable in passing through the rotation:length calibration assembly. The length calibration signal is used by the processor to convert rotations of the counter wheel into calibrated length measurements. The processor component receives and processes the sensor signals generated by the other components of the apparatus and provides processor output signals relating to the length and other parameters of the cable passing through the apparatus and into the well bore. The processor unit includes a CPU which accomplishes the processing function of the present apparatus.
The present application claims the benefit of prior filed provisional patent application, Ser. No. 60/448,655, filed Feb. 12, 2003 to which the present application is a regular U.S. national application.
My invention described is an electronic and mechanical tool used to measure jet line or string for the purpose of measuring electrical conduit lengths. This new process eliminates the manual labor required before calculating how long the conduit is and how much feeder lengths are required. With the use of a permanent magnet and magnetic switch applied with a sheave that works together and timing to give input to a four decade up counter, the system senses the total number of feet measured by the jet line or string passing around the sheave and displays the total count on the foot meter.
An apparatus that accurately measures rope, wire, tubing and other materials is herein disclosed. A variety of different-sized models would possess different sized openings. One model with a one-inch opening would be used to measure small wire and cable. Another model with approximately a 3-inch opening would be used for larger electrical cables, rope, tubing and the like. An even large model would be available for measuring ductwork, hoses, and other large diameter material. As the material is pulled through the opening, an optical sensor, similar to that used on an optical computer mouse, accurately measures the material to the fraction of an inch. A mechanical sensor, utilizing a guide wheel is also envisioned. The length is displayed on a digital readout on the perimeter of the invention that is provided with a power button, reset button and the like. It is envisioned that various attachments such as a belt loop, a spool attachment and other items to increase the versatility of the invention would also be provided.
