The wellbore pump of the present invention comprises a plunger having passage
means which may be open or closed by a valve operated by a piston which is biased
in the open position by a spring of selected strength such that the wellbore pressure
may overcome the spring to close the valve when the accumulated hydrostatic pressure
reaches a certain value. When the valve closes the reservoir pressure forces the
plunger to the surface and causes the accumulated liquids to be pumped out of the
wellbore. A stem extending from the top of the piston engages a top plate and causes
the valve to open when the plunger reaches the top of the wellbore. Means is provided
whereby the valve opens when it reaches the top of the wellbore and a latch may
be provided to retain the plunger from returning to the bottom of the well.