METHOD FOR INCREMENTAL ACTUATION OF A MECHANICAL STEPPER MOTOR AND MECHANICAL STEPPER MOTOR

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mechanical stepper motor and a method for incrementally actuating a device. An insertable element is placed inside a housing. The housing has a cavity and a stepper motor sleeve situated in the cavity. The stepper motor sleeve includes a first stop element that has a balance position defined by a first balance diameter and a second stop element that has a balance position defined by a second balance diameter smaller than the first balance diameter. The insertable element includes a first protrusion. The insertable element moves through the housing, and the movement of the insertable element through the housing is incrementally restricted by changing a diameter of the first stop element and a diameter of the second stop element across the first protrusion.

Description

1 / 23 METHOD FOR INCREMENTAL ACTUATION OF A MECHANICAL STEPPER MOTOR AND MECHANICAL STEPPER MOTOR BACKGROUND

[001] In the resource recovery industry, production involves the flow of fluids from a formation into a pipeline in order to transport them to a surface location. However, there is a need to be able to control the amount of fluid flowing through the pipeline and therefore regulate the fluid flow into the pipeline. SUMMARY

[002] The present invention discloses a method for incrementally actuating a device. An insertable element is placed in a housing, the housing having a cavity and a stepper motor sleeve situated within the cavity, the stepper motor sleeve including a first stop element having an equilibrium position defined by a first equilibrium diameter and a second stop element having an equilibrium position defined by a second equilibrium diameter smaller than the first equilibrium diameter. The insertable element includes a first protrusion. The insertable element is moved through the housing. The movement of the insertable element through the housing is incrementally restricted by changing a diameter of the first stop element and a diameter of the second stop element by means of the first protrusion.

[003] A mechanical stepper motor is also disclosed herein. The mechanical stepper motor includes a housing having a cavity in an inner diameter surface, a stepper motor sleeve within the cavity, wherein the stepper motor sleeve includes a first stop element having a balance position defined by a first balance diameter and a second stop element having a balance position defined by a second diameter. Petition 870260052721, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 6 / 69 2 / 23 equilibrium smaller than the first equilibrium diameter, and an insertable element inside the enclosure that is movable relative to the enclosure, wherein the insertable element includes a protrusion. The insertable element moves incrementally through the enclosure by means of the interaction between the protrusion on the insertable element and the first stop element and the second stop element.

[004] A mechanical stepper motor is also disclosed herein. The mechanical stepper motor includes a housing having a protrusion on an inner diameter surface, an insertable element in the housing and movable relative to the housing, wherein the insertable element includes a cavity on its outer surface and a stepper motor sleeve in the cavity, wherein the stepper motor sleeve includes a first stop element having an equilibrium position defined by a first equilibrium diameter and a second stop element having an equilibrium position defined by a second equilibrium diameter larger than the first equilibrium diameter. The insertable element moves incrementally through the housing by means of the interaction between the protrusion in the housing and the first stop element and the second stop element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[005] The following descriptions should not be considered limiting in any respect. With reference to the attached drawings, similar elements are numbered similarly:

[006] Figure 1 shows a mechanical stepper motor in one embodiment;

[007] Figure 2 shows a side view of a cross-section of a mechanical stepper motor housing;

[008] Figure 3 shows an insertable element of the mechanical stepper motor;

[009] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a Petition 870260052721, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 7 / 69 3 / 23 mechanical stepper motor sleeve;

[0010] Figure 5 shows a close-up view of the support, representing details of a first stop element and a second stop element;

[0011] Figure 6 illustrates a first stage of the insertable element within the enclosure to produce a step movement;

[0012] Figure 7 illustrates a second step to produce the step motion;

[0013] Figure 8 illustrates a third step to produce the step motion;

[0014] Figure 9 illustrates a fourth step in producing the step motion;

[0015] Figure 10 illustrates a fifth step to produce the step motion;

[0016] Figure 11 shows a sixth action to produce the step motion;

[0017] Figure 12 shows a seventh action to produce the step motion;

[0018] Figure 13 shows the insertable element of the mechanical stepper motor with its protrusions to the left of the stepper motor sleeve;

[0019] Figure 14 illustrates a movement to rotate the support out of alignment with the insertable element;

[0020] Figure 15 illustrates the insertable element in free axial motion relative to the stepper motor sleeve;

[0021] Figure 16 illustrates that the insertable element was moved to the right of the stepper motor sleeve after the movement in Figure 15;

[0022] Figure 17 illustrates a movement to rotate the insertable element for alignment with the support to produce a step movement; Petition 870260052721, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 8 / 69 4 / 23

[0023] Figure 18 illustrates an operation of the mechanical stepper motor to control a fluid flow through the enclosure; and

[0024] Figure 19 shows a mechanical stepper motor in another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] This document presents a detailed description of one or more embodiments of the apparatus and method disclosed herein by means of unlimited exemplification with reference to the figures.

[0026] With reference to Figure 1, a mechanical stepper motor 100 is shown in one embodiment. The mechanical stepper motor 100 includes a housing 102, an insertable element 104 moving through the housing 102, and a stepper motor sleeve 106 residing within the housing 102. The stepper motor sleeve 106 extends circumferentially around a section of the insertable element 104 and slides along an outer surface of the insertable element 104. The mechanical stepper motor 100 extends longitudinally between a first end 110 and a second end 112 opposite the first end 110, as shown in Figure 1.

[0027] The terms left and right are used in the present invention to describe the relative positions and / or orientations of various elements, as well as the relative directions of movement of these elements, as seen in the figures. It should be understood that the use of the terms left and right is for ease of explanation only and is not intended to be a limitation of the invention. A first element being to the left of a second element indicates that the first element is closer to the first end 110 than the second element. Similarly, a first element being to the right of a second element indicates that the first element is closer to the second end 112 than the second element. Additionally, an element moving to the left is... Petition 870260052721, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, p. 9 / 69 5 / 23 moving from the second end to the first end, and an element moving to the right is moving from the first end to the second end.

[0028] Figure 2 shows a side view of a cross-section of the housing 102 of the mechanical stepper motor 100. The housing 102 is a member having a longitudinal hole through it. The housing 102 includes a first housing section 202 and a second housing section 204 which, when combined, form a cavity 206 on an inner diameter surface 205 of the housing 102. In alternative embodiments, the housing 102 may be a single component having a cavity 206. The cavity 206 extends from a first end wall 208 to a second end wall 210. The cavity 206 includes a first restricted region 212, a second restricted region 214, and an expanded region 216 which lies axially between the first restricted region 212 and the second restricted region 214.The first restricted region 212 lies to the left of the expanded region 216 and has a first restricted external surface 220 that is radially separated from the internal diameter surface 205 of the enclosure 102 by a radial depth h. The second restricted region 214 lies to the right of the expanded region 216 and has a second restricted external surface 222 that is radially separated from the internal diameter surface 205 of the enclosure 102 by a radial depth h. The expanded region 216 has an expanded external surface 224 that is radially separated from the internal diameter surface 205 of the enclosure 102 by a radial depth H, where H > h. Although the radial depths of the first restricted region 212 and the second restricted region 214 are both less than the radial depth of the expanded region 216, in several embodiments, the radial depth of the first restricted region 212 may be different from the radial depth of the second restricted region 214.A first inclined surface 226 connects a. Petition 870260052721, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 10 / 69 6 / 23 expanded outer surface 224 to the first restricted outer surface 220. Similarly, a second inclined surface 228 connects the expanded outer surface 224 to the second restricted outer surface 222. Although shown in cross-section, it is understood that the cavity 206 extends circumferentially around the interior of the housing 102.

[0029] Figure 3 shows an insertable element 104 of the mechanical stepper motor 100. In one embodiment, the insertable element 104 includes a body 302 that extends from the first end 110 to the second end 112 and defines an orifice through it. The insertable element 104 includes one or more groups of protrusions. In the illustrative embodiment of Figure 3, the insertable element shows a first group of protrusions 304, a second group of protrusions 310, and a third group of protrusions 312. Each group of protrusions is at a selected azimuthal location on the outer surface of the insertable element 104.Each group of protrusions also includes a plurality of protrusions 306a, 306b, ..., 306n axially separated from each other in the longitudinal direction by a selected protrusion spacing 308. Each protrusion 306a, 306b, ..., 306n has a circumferential length selected to cover only a portion of a circumference of the insertable element 104. Each protrusion 306a, 306b, ..., 306n has a non-perpendicular angled surface facing the first end 110 and a surface that is angled relative to the outer surface of the insertable element 104 facing the second end 112. The angle may be perpendicular plus or minus 15 degrees, in various embodiments.

[0030] The insertable element 104 additionally includes a grooved track 320 formed on its outer surface. The grooved track 320 includes a first axial slot 322 and a second axial slot 324 circumferentially offset from the first axial slot. A Petition 870260052721, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 11 / 69 7 / 23 The first angled transverse slot 326 connects the first axial slot 322 to the second axial slot 324 at one axial end of the grooved track 320. A second angled transverse slot 328 connects the first axial slot 322 to the second axial slot 324 at the opposite axial end of the grooved track 320.

[0031] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view 400 of the stepper motor sleeve 106 of the mechanical stepper motor 100. The cross-sectional view 400 shows an inner surface of the stepper motor sleeve 106. The stepper motor sleeve 106 includes a support 402, a first stop element 404, and a second stop element 406. In various embodiments, the first stop element 404 is a first C-ring and the second stop element 406 is a second C-ring. The first C-ring and the second C-ring extend partially around the circumference of the support 402. The first stop element 404 has a first equilibrium diameter when in a natural state in which no force is applied. The second stop element 406 has a second equilibrium diameter when in a natural state in which no force is applied.In other words, an equilibrium position of the first stop element 404 is defined by the first stop element 404 having the first equilibrium diameter, and an equilibrium position of the second stop element 406 is defined by the second stop element 406 having the second equilibrium diameter. The first equilibrium diameter is larger than the second equilibrium diameter. The first stop element 404 and the second stop element 406 are each flexible enough to expand or contract radially.

[0032] The first 404 stop element and the second 406 stop element can each be independently or separately moved between an expanded state and a retracted state. For the first 404 stop element, the expanded state is when the Petition 870260052721, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 12 / 69 8 / 23 The first stop element 404 is in its equilibrium position (i.e., at the first equilibrium diameter). In the retracted state, the first stop element 404 has a diameter that is smaller than the first equilibrium diameter. In a non-limiting embodiment, the diameter of the first stop element 404 in the retracted state is the second equilibrium diameter.

[0033] For the second stop element 406, the retracted state is when the second stop element 406 is in its equilibrium position (i.e., at the second equilibrium diameter). In the expanded state, the second stop element 406 has a diameter that is larger than the second equilibrium diameter. In a non-limiting embodiment, the diameter of the second stop element 406 in the expanded state is the first equilibrium diameter.

[0034] In several embodiments, in an expanded state, the stop element is in a radially outward position in the opposite direction to the support 402 and, in the retracted state, the outer surface of the stop element is flush with or below an outer surface of the support 402.

[0035] The first stop element 404 resides at a first axial location 408 of the support 402. The support 402 may include a first circumferential track at the first axial location 408 to guide or contain the first stop element 404. Similarly, the second stop element 406 resides at a second axial location 410 of the support 402, and the support 402 may include a second circumferential track at the second axial location 410 to guide or contain the second stop element 406. The first axial location 408 is closer to the first end 110, and the second axial location 410 is closer to the second end 112.

[0036] Support 402 additionally includes circumferentially spaced groups of openings. Illustrative support 402 of Figure 3 Petition 870260052721, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 13 / 69 Figure 9 / 23 shows a first group of apertures 418, a second group of apertures 420, and a third group of apertures 422. Each group of apertures includes a first aperture 412 and a second aperture 414 axially separated from each other. These apertures are discussed further in relation to the first group of apertures 418, for ease of explanation.

[0037] The first group of openings 418 includes a first opening 412 at the first axial location 408 and a second opening 414 at the second axial location 410. The first opening 412 may retain at least a portion of the first stop element 404, and the second opening 414 may retain at least a portion of the second stop element 406. The first opening 412 and the second opening 414 are separated by an internal track region 416 that has a selected axial length.

[0038] The support 402 further includes a tab 430 on its inner diameter surface that extends radially inward from the inner diameter surface. The tab 430 interacts with the grooved track 320 of the insertable element 104 to rotate the stepper motor sleeve 106 relative to the insertable element 104, as discussed below in more detail with reference to Figures 13 to 18.

[0039] Figure 5 shows a close-up view of support 402, representing details of the first stop element 404 and the second stop element 406 in one embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the first stop element 404 is located to the left of the second stop element 406.

[0040] The first stop element 404 includes a stop portion 502 and an inner flange 504. The stop portion 502 includes an outer stop surface 506. A left-sloping surface 508 is on a left side of the outer stop surface 506 and a right-sloping surface 510 is on a right side of the surface. Petition 870260052721, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 14 / 69 10 / 23 external stop 506. The left inclined surface 508 is at an angle that corresponds to the angle of the first inclined surface 226 of the enclosure 102. The inner flange 504 extends radially inward from the stop portion 502. The stop portion 502 defines an inner stop surface 512 and the inner flange defines an inner flange surface 514. A pitch surface 516 extends from the inner stop surface 512 to the inner flange surface 514 in a perpendicular manner. The pitch surface 516 may form any suitable angle including, but not limited to, a perpendicular angle. The angle of the pitch surface 516 may correspond to the angle of the protrusions 306a, 306b, ..., 306n. However, this is not a necessary limitation. The pitch surface 516 is exposed to the first end 110. The right side of the inner flange 504 includes an angled surface 518.

[0041] The angled surface 518 may correspond to the respective surface of the protrusions 306a, 306b, ..., 306n. However, this is not a necessary limitation. In a second radial state, the outer stop surface 506 is flush with an outer surface 540 of the support 402, and the inner flange 504 extends through the first opening 412 to a position that lies radially within the support.

[0042] The second stop element 406 includes a stop portion 522 and an inner flange 524. The stop portion 522 includes an outer stop surface 526. A left-angled surface 528 is on a left side of the outer stop surface 526 and a right-angled surface 530 is on a right side of the outer stop surface 526. The right-angled surface 530 is at an angle that corresponds to the angle of the second inclined surface 228 of the enclosure 102.The inner flange 524 extends radially inward from the stop portion 522. The stop portion 522 defines an inner stop surface 532, and the inner flange defines a surface. Petition 870260052721, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 15 / 69 11 / 23 of inner flange 534. An angled pitch surface 536 extends from the inner stop surface 532 to the inner flange surface 534. The angled pitch surface 536 is exposed to the right of the second stop element 406. The left side of the inner flange 524 includes a perpendicular surface 538. The angles of the perpendicular surface 538 and the angled pitch surface 536 may correspond to the respective surfaces of the protrusions 306a, 306b, ..., 306n that interact with these surfaces. However, this is not a necessary limitation. In the expanded state, the inner stop surface 534 is flush with an inner surface 542 of the support 402, and the inner flange 524 extends through the second opening 414 to a position that lies radially within the support 402.

[0043] Figures 6 to 12 illustrate an operation of the mechanical stepper motor 100 to perform a step movement of the insertable element 104 relative to the housing 102. The insertable element 104 moves within the housing 102 along a shared longitudinal geometric axis. In various embodiments, the step movement of the insertable element 104 can be used to incrementally actuate a device.

[0044] Figure 6 illustrates a first stage of the insertable element. 104 inside the housing 102 to produce a stepping motion. The stepper motor sleeve 106 is in a first position or a more right-handed position with the support 402 contiguous with the second end wall 210 of the cavity 206. In this position of the support 402, the first stop element 404 is located within the expanded region 216. Since the first stop element 404 is in an expanded state (i.e., in its equilibrium position), it extends to the expanded outer surface 224 of the cavity. The second stop element 406 is confined in the second restricted region 214 and Petition 870260052721, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 16 / 69 12 / 23 is in a retracted state (i.e., in its equilibrium position). The insertable element 104 is situated with its protrusions 306a, 306b, ..., 306n located to the right of the housing 102 and moves in a first direction from right to left within the stepper motor sleeve 106, thus causing a first protrusion 306a (i.e., the leftmost protrusion) to form a first contact with the inner flange 524 of the second stop element 406.

[0045] Figure 7 illustrates a second step to produce the pitch motion. The insertable element 104 continues to move to the left, thus exerting a force on the support 402 to move to the left from the first position to a second position. The first protrusion 306a pushes the pitch surface at an angle 536 to push the support 402 to the left. As the support 402 moves to the left, the first stop element 404 is forced into a retracted state through the interaction between the left inclined surface 508 of the first stop element 404 and the first inclined surface 226 of the housing 102.

[0046] Figure 8 illustrates a third step to produce the pitch motion. Moving the insertable element 104 to the left now places the support 402 in the second position in which the support 402 is contiguous with the first end wall 208 of the cavity 206. The first stop element 404 is confined in the first restricted region 212 and is therefore in a retracted state. The second stop element 406 enters the expanded region 216. Although the equilibrium position for the second stop element 406 is the retracted state, the first protrusion 306a pushes the pitch surface at an angle 536 of the second stop element 406 to force it into an expanded state. With the second stop element 406 in the expanded state, the first protrusion 306a now has access to additional motion in the first direction. A Petition 870260052721, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 17 / 69 13 / 23 The first protrusion 306a moves under the second stop element 406 and into the inner track region 416 of the support 402. Once the first protrusion 306a is in the inner track region 416 and is no longer under the second stop element 406, the second stop element 406 retracts back to the retracted state.

[0047] Figure 9 illustrates a fourth step to produce the step movement. With the support 402 in the second position and prevented from moving further to the left, the insertable element 104 continues to move to the left to bring the first protrusion 306a against the first stop element 404, thus preventing any further movement of the insertable element 104 to the left.

[0048] Figure 10 illustrates a fifth step to produce the step movement. With the support 402 in a second position, the insertable element 104 is now moved in a second direction (to the right), thus placing the first protrusion 306a in a second contact with the second stop element 406 on the perpendicular surface 538, which corresponds to the perpendicular surface of the first protrusion 306a.

[0049] Figure 11 shows a sixth action to produce the step motion. The insertable element 104 continues moving in the second direction, causing the first protrusion 306a to push the perpendicular surface 538 of the inner flange 524 of the second stop element 406, thus moving the support 402 back to the first position in which it is contiguous with the second end wall 210 of the cavity 206, thus preventing any further movement of the insertable element 104 to the right. The second stop element 406 therefore moves within the second restricted region 214 of the cavity 206. The first stop element 404 enters Petition 870260052721, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 18 / 69 14 / 23 in the expanded region 216 and expands radially outward against the expanded outer surface 224 of the expanded region 216, thereby relaxing back to the expanded state.

[0050] Figure 12 shows a seventh action to produce the step motion. The insertable element 104 is once again moved in the first direction. Since the first stop element 404 is in the expanded state, the first protrusion 306a moves to the left without hindrance. In fact, there is no substantial contact between the insertable element 104 and the support 402 until a second protrusion 306b comes into contact with the pitch surface at angle 536 of the second stop element 406. At this point, the support 402 is in the same position as in Figure 6. The only difference is that the first protrusion 306a has moved through the support 402, and a second protrusion 306b is in the same position in Figure 12 as the first protrusion 306a was in Figure 6. The second protrusion is therefore now in position to repeat the pitch movements described in Figures 6 to 12.These steps can therefore be repeated until the final or rightmost protrusion 306n passes to the left of the support 402. The insertable element can be returned to its rightmost position when the last protrusion 306n has passed the support, using the methods described below with reference to Figures 13 to 18.

[0051] Figures 13 to 18 illustrate methods for moving the insertable element 104 to the right relative to the housing 102. The method uses the grooved track 320 of the insertable element to align or misalign the protrusions 306a, 306b, ... 306n relative to the first stop element 404 and the second stop element 406 of the support 402.

[0052] Figure 13 shows the insertable element 104 of the mechanical stepper motor 100 with its protrusions 306a, 306b, ..., 306n to the left of the stepper motor sleeve 106. The first group of Petition 870260052721, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 19 / 69 15 / 23 protrusions 304 are shown in the same circumferential location 1302 as the first group of openings 418. Similarly, the second group of protrusions 310 is circumferentially aligned with the second group of openings 420, and the third group of protrusions 312 is aligned with the third group of openings 422. In this configuration, the insertable element 104 and the stepper motor sleeve 106 are aligned to produce a stepping motion as previously shown in Figures 6 to 12.

[0053] Since the protrusions 306a, 306b, ..., 306n have all moved to the left of the support 402, the tab 430 of the support 402 is at a more right-hand end of the first axial slot 322.

[0054] Figure 14 illustrates a movement to rotate the insertable element 104 out of alignment with the support 402. Due to the diagonal trajectory of the second transverse slot at an angle 328, moving the insertable element 104 further to the left (in the first direction) causes the support 402 to rotate relative to the insertable element 104, thus aligning the tab 430 with the second axial slot 324. As a result, the first group of protrusions 304 is no longer at the same circumferential location 1302 as a first group of openings 418, but instead Furthermore, it is at circumferential location 1402.Similarly, the second group of protrusions 310 is out of alignment with the second group of openings 420, and the third group of protrusions 312 is out of alignment with the third group of openings 422.

[0055] Figure 15 illustrates the insertable element 104 in free axial motion in the second direction relative to the stepper motor sleeve 106 with the protrusion groups circumferentially displaced from their respective opening groups. The tab 430 now moves along the second axial slot 324.

[0056] Figure 16 illustrates that the insertable element has been moved to the Petition 870260052721, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 20 / 69 16 / 23 right of the stepper motor sleeve 106 after the movement of Figure 15. The tab 430 is now in the leftmost position in the second axial slot 324.

[0057] Figure 17 illustrates a movement to rotate the insertable element 104 to align with the support 402 in order to produce a step motion. Due to the diagonal trajectory of the first transverse slot at angle 326, moving the insertable element 104 further to the right (in the second direction) causes the support 402 to rotate relative to the insertable element 104, thus aligning the tab 430 with the first axial slot 322. As a result, the first group of protrusions 304 is placed in the same circumferential location 1302 as a first group of openings 418. In this alignment, the protrusions 306a, 3062b, ..., 306n can interact with the first and second stop elements when the insertable element is moved once more in the first direction, thus producing the step motion described in Figures 6 to 12.

[0058] Figure 18 illustrates an operation of the mechanical stepper motor 100 to control a fluid flow through the enclosure 102. The insertable element 104 includes a flow passage for fluid flow through it. The second section of cabinet 204 extends axially and includes a plurality of ports 1802. The relative position of the insertable element 104 within the second section of cabinet 204 determines how many ports 1802 are covered by the insertable element and, consequently, determines the amount of fluid entering the second section of cabinet 204 through the ports 1802. When the insertable element 104 is furthest to the right, the insertable element can cover all ports 1802. As the insertable element 104 moves to the left, another port 1802 is uncovered by the insertable element 104. The spacing between the ports 1802 can be equal to the spacing between the protrusions 306a, 3062b, ..., 306n. The element Petition 870260052721, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 21 / 69 The insertable element 104 can be moved through the housing 102 due to an applied force. In various embodiments, the applied force can be a hydraulic force, a mechanical force, an electrical force, a magnetic force, an electromagnetic force, etc. The force can be applied by a mechanically operated actuator, an electrically operated actuator, etc. The mechanical stepper motor 100 can regulate a fluid flow through the insertable element 104 and through the housing 102.

[0059] Figure 19 shows a mechanical stepper motor 1900 in another embodiment. The mechanical stepper motor 1900 includes a housing 1902, an insertable element 1904, and a stepper motor sleeve 1906. A cavity or recess 1908 is formed on the outer surface of the insertable element, and the stepper motor sleeve 1906 resides within the recess 1908. The housing 1902 includes protrusions 1910a, ..., 1910n interacting with the first stop element 1912 and the second stop element 1914 of the stepper motor sleeve to cause the insertable element to move through the housing incrementally. The radial orientation of the first stop element 1912 and the second stop element 1914 is reversed from that of the first stop element 404 and the second stop element 406, thus enabling interaction with the protrusions 1910a, ..., 1910n to change their radial states. For stop elements 1912 and 1914, the equilibrium position of the first stop element 1912 is radially inward and the equilibrium position of the second stop element 1914 is radially outward.

[0060] In another embodiment, the mechanical stepper motor can be used as a counter, for example, by tracking a number of protrusions that have passed through the stepper motor sleeve or by tracking a number of gates discovered by the insertable element. Petition 870260052721, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, p. 22 / 69 18 / 23

[0061] Some modalities relating to the aforementioned disclosure will be presented below:

[0062] Embodiment 1: A method for incremental actuation of a device which includes placing an insertable element in a housing, wherein the housing has a cavity and a stepper motor sleeve situated in the cavity, wherein the stepper motor sleeve includes a first stop element which has an equilibrium position defined by a first equilibrium diameter and a second stop element which has an equilibrium position defined by a second equilibrium diameter smaller than the first equilibrium diameter, wherein the insertable element includes a first protrusion, moving the insertable element through the housing and incrementally restricting a movement of the insertable element through the housing by changing a diameter of the first stop element and a diameter of the second stop element through the first protrusion.

[0063] Embodiment 2: The method of any previous embodiment, in which the incremental movement of the insertable element through the housing still forms a first contact between the first protrusion and the second stop element with the stepper motor sleeve in a first position within the cavity, moves the insertable element in a first direction to move the stepper motor sleeve from a first position to a second position within the cavity by means of the first contact, moves the insertable element in the first direction to move the first protrusion past the second stop element, moves the insertable element in the first direction to move the first protrusion to make contact with the first stop element,Move the insertable element in a second direction to move the stepper motor sleeve back to the first position by means of a second contact between the first protrusion and the second stop element, and move the insertable element in the first direction to... Petition 870260052721, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 23 / 69 19 / 23 move the first protrusion beyond the first stop element.

[0064] Modality 3: The method of any previous embodiment, in which moving the stepper motor sleeve to the second position retracts the first stop element from its equilibrium position and moving the stepper motor sleeve to the first position enables the first stop element to expand back to its equilibrium position.

[0065] Modality 4: The method of any previous embodiment, wherein the cavity additionally comprises an expanded region and a restricted region, wherein the first stop element is in the expanded region when the stepper motor sleeve is in the first position and is in the restricted region when the stepper motor sleeve is in the second position.

[0066] Modality 5: The method of any previous modality, in which the movement of the first protrusion beyond the first stopping element places a second protrusion in contact with the second stopping element.

[0067] Modality 6: The method of any previous embodiment which additionally comprises rotating the first stop element and the second stop element out of alignment with the first protrusion to move the insertable element without moving the stepper motor sleeve.

[0068] Embodiment 7: The method according to claim 1, which further comprises the movement of the insertable element due to a force applied to the insertable element.

[0069] Modality 8: The method of any previous modality, in which the movement of the insertable element in relation to the enclosure opens a door for a flow passage.

[0070] Modality 9: The method of any previous modality, in which the movement of the stepper motor sleeve and the first element of Petition 870260052721, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 24 / 69 20 / 23 stop and the second stop element causes a movement of the insertable element.

[0071] Embodiment 10: A mechanical stepper motor comprising a housing having a cavity in a surface of inner diameter, a stepper motor sleeve within the cavity, wherein the stepper motor sleeve includes a first stop element having an equilibrium position defined by a first equilibrium diameter and a second stop element having an equilibrium position defined by a second equilibrium diameter smaller than the first equilibrium diameter, and an insertable element within the housing and movable relative to the housing, wherein the insertable element includes a protrusion, wherein the insertable element moves incrementally through the housing by means of the interaction between the protrusion on the insertable element and the first stop element and the second stop element.

[0072] Embodiment 11: The mechanical stepper motor of any previous embodiment, in which at least one of the first stop element and the second stop element is a C-ring.

[0073] Embodiment 12: The mechanical stepper motor of any previous embodiment, wherein the first stop element is in its equilibrium position when the stepper motor sleeve is in a first position within the cavity and is in a retracted position when the stepper motor sleeve is in a second position within the cavity.

[0074] Embodiment 13: The mechanical stepper motor of any previous embodiment, wherein the cavity additionally comprises an expanded region and a first restricted region, wherein the first stop element is in the expanded region when the stepper motor sleeve is in the first position and is in the first restricted region when the stepper motor sleeve is in the second position. Petition 870260052721, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 25 / 69 21 / 23

[0075] Embodiment 14: The mechanical stepper motor of any previous embodiment, wherein the cavity additionally comprises a second restricted region, wherein the second stop element is in the second restricted region when the stepper motor sleeve is in the first position and is in the expanded region when the stepper motor sleeve is in the second position.

[0076] Embodiment 15: The mechanical stepper motor of any previous embodiment, wherein the insertable element additionally comprises a grooved track for rotating the first stop element and the second stop element out of alignment with the protrusion.

[0077] Modality 16: The mechanical stepper motor of any previous embodiment, in which the housing includes a door, wherein a force applied to the insertable element moves the insertable element relative to the housing to uncover the door.

[0078] Embodiment 17: A mechanical stepper motor comprising a housing having a protrusion on an inner diameter surface, an insertable element within the housing and movable relative to the housing, wherein the insertable element includes a cavity on its outer surface and a stepper motor sleeve in the cavity, wherein the stepper motor sleeve includes a first stop element having an equilibrium position defined by a first equilibrium diameter and a second stop element having an equilibrium position defined by a second equilibrium diameter larger than the first equilibrium diameter, wherein the insertable element moves incrementally through the housing by means of the interaction between the protrusion on the housing and the first stop element and the second stop element.

[0079] The use of the terms a, an, or similar references in the context of describing the invention (especially in Petition 870260052721, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 26 / 69 22 / 23 (in the context of the following claims) should be interpreted as encompassing both the singular and the plural, except where otherwise indicated in the present invention or clearly contradicted by the context. Additionally, it should be considered that the terms first, second, and similar terms in the present invention do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but are instead used to distinguish one element from another. The modifier about used in connection with a quantity is inclusive of the stated value and has the meaning dictated by the context (for example, it includes the degree of error associated with measuring the specific quantity).

[0080] The teachings of this present disclosure can be used in a variety of well operations. These operations may involve the use of one or more treatment agents to treat a formation, the fluids residing in a formation, a wellbore, and / or well equipment such as a production line. Treatment agents may be in the form of liquids, gases, solids, semi-solids, and mixtures thereof. Illustrative treatment agents include, but are not limited to, fracturing fluids, acids, steam, water, brine, anti-corrosion agents, cement, permeability modifiers, drilling muds, emulsifiers, demulsifiers, signalers, flow improvers, etc. Illustrative well operations include, but are not limited to, hydraulic fracturing, stimulation, signaler injection, cleaning, acidification, steam injection, water injection, cementing, etc.

[0081] Although the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various alterations may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Additionally, many modifications may be made to adapt a situation or a material. Petition 870260052721, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, p. 27 / 69 23 / 23 specific to the teachings of the invention without departing from its essential scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiment presented as the best contemplated way to carry out the present invention, but that the invention includes all embodiments that fall within the scope of the claims. Furthermore, in the drawings and description, exemplary embodiments of the invention have been disclosed and, although specific terms may have been employed, they are used, unless otherwise stated, in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation, therefore the scope of the invention is not thus limited. Petition 870260052721, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, p. 28 / 69

Claims

1 / 5 CLAIMS 1. Method for incremental actuation of a mechanical stepper motor (100), characterized in that it comprises: placing an insertable element in a housing (102), wherein the housing (102) has a cavity (206) and a stepper motor sleeve (106) situated in the cavity (206), wherein the stepper motor sleeve (106) includes a first stop member (404) having an equilibrium position defined by a first diameter and a second stop member (406) having an equilibrium position defined by a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, wherein the insertable element (104) includes a first protrusion (306a); moving the insertable element (104) to form a contact between the first protrusion (306a) and the second stop member (406) with the stepper motor sleeve (106) in a first position;move the insertable element (104) through the housing (102) to push, through the contact between the first protrusion (306a) and the second stop member (406), the stepper motor sleeve (106) from the first position to a second position to collapse the first stop member (404) from the first diameter to the second diameter; and move the insertable element (104) through the housing (102) to move the first protrusion (306a) to expand the second stop member (406) from the second diameter to the first diameter.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the incremental movement of the insertable element (104) through the housing (102) further comprises: moving the insertable element (104) in the first direction beyond the second stop member (406) to move the first protrusion (306a) to contact the first stop member (404); moving the insertable element (104) in a second direction to move the stepper motor sleeve (106) back to the first position through a second contact between the first protrusion (306a) and the second stop member (406), thus allowing the first stop member (404) to expand to the first diameter; and move the insertable element (104) in the first direction to move the first protrusion (306a) beyond the first stop member (404).

3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the movement of the stepper motor sleeve (106) to the first position enables the first stop member (404) to expand back to the first equilibrium position.

4. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the cavity (206) further comprises an expanded region (216) and a restricted region (212), wherein the first stop member (404) is in the expanded region (216) when the stepper motor sleeve (106) is in the first position and is in the restricted region (212) when the stepper motor sleeve (106) is in the second position.

5. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the movement of the first protrusion (306a) beyond the first stop member (404) places a second protrusion (306b) in contact with the second stop member (406).

6. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises rotating the first stop member (404) and the second stop member (406) out of alignment with the first protrusion (306a) to move the insertable element (104) without moving the stepper motor sleeve (106).

7. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises the movement of the insertable element (104) due to a force applied to the insertable element (104). Petition 870260052721, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 30 / 69 3 / 5 8. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the movement of the insertable element (104) relative to the housing (102) opens a door (1802) for a flow passage.

9. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the movement of the stepper motor sleeve (106) and of the first stop member (404) and of the second stop member (406) causes a movement of the insertable element (104).

10. Mechanical stepper motor (100) actuated by the method as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises: a housing (102) having a cavity (206) in a surface of inner diameter (205); a stepper motor sleeve (106) in the cavity (206), wherein the stepper motor sleeve (106) includes a first stop member (404) having an equilibrium position defined by a first diameter and a second stop member (406) having an equilibrium position defined by a second diameter smaller than the first diameter; and an insertable element (104) in the housing (102) and movable relative to the housing (102), wherein the insertable element (104) includes a protrusion (306a);wherein the stepper motor sleeve (106) is configured to move from a first position to a second position within the cavity (206) by means of a movement of the insertable element (104) within the housing (102) by means of a contact between the protrusion (306a) and the second stop member (406), thus collapsing the first stop member (404) from the first diameter to the second diameter; and wherein the movement of the insertable element (104) through the housing (102) with the stepper motor sleeve (106) in the second position Petition 870260052721, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 31 / 69 4 / 5 moves the first protrusion (306a) to expand the second stop member (406) from the second diameter to the first diameter.

11. Mechanical stepper motor (100), according to claim 10, characterized in that at least one of the first stop member (404) and the second stop member (406) is a C-ring.

12. Mechanical stepper motor (100), according to claim 10, characterized in that the first stop member (404) is in the first diameter when the stepper motor sleeve (106) is in the first position in the cavity (206) and is in a retracted position when the stepper motor sleeve (106) is in a second position in the cavity (206).

13. Mechanical stepper motor (100), according to claim 12, characterized in that the cavity (206) further comprises an expanded region (216) and a first restricted region (212), wherein the first stop member (404) is in the expanded region (216) when the stepper motor sleeve (106) is in the first position and is in the first restricted region (212) when the stepper motor sleeve (106) is in the second position.

14. Mechanical stepper motor (100), according to claim 13, characterized in that the cavity (206) further comprises a second restricted region (214), wherein the second stop member (406) is in the second restricted region (214) when the stepper motor sleeve (106) is in the first position and is in the expanded region (216) when the stepper motor sleeve (106) is in the second position.

15. Mechanical stepper motor (100), according to claim 10, characterized in that the insertable element (104) additionally comprises a grooved track (320) for rotating Petition 870260052721, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 32 / 69 5 / 5 the first stop member (404) and the second stop member (406) out of alignment with the protrusion (306a).

16. Mechanical stepper motor (100), according to claim 10, characterized in that the housing (102) includes a door (1802), wherein a force applied to the insertable element (104) moves the insertable element (104) relative to the housing (102) to uncover the door (1802). Petition 870260052721, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, p. 33 / 69

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