US2849207A - Subsurface well bore valve apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Aug. 26, 1958 M. B. CONRAD suBsuRFAcE WELL BoRE VALVE iAPmRATus BYl info/@A454452 Aug. 26, 1958 M. B. CONRAD 2,849,207

sUBsURFAcE WELL Bom: VALVE APPARATUS Filed Jan. so. 1956 s sheets-sheet 2 N V EN TOR. Maer//v CoA/Q40 BY I . M )v/Md Aug. 26, 1958 M. B. coNRAD 2,849,207

sUBsURFAcE WELL BoRE VALVE APPARATUS n s sheets-sheet s Filed Jan. 30. 1956 IN VEN TOR.

Mair/N E. CoA/,ewa BY United States Patent O SUBSURFACE WELL Bonn VALVE APPARATUS Martin B. Conrad, Downey, Calif., assignor to Baker Oil Tools, Inc., Los Angeles, Calif., a corporation of California Application January 30, 1956, Serial No. 562,235 1s Claims. (01.251-149) The present invention' relates to valve apparatus, and more particularly to valve apparatus adapted to be disposed in well bores to control the iiow of fluids therein.

Valve apparatus may be incorporated in a tubular string disposed in a well bore to control the How of uid in the tubular string. For many applications, it is desirable for the passage or bore through the valve apparatus to be of relatively large size and free from restrictions, to avoid the retarding of iluid flow through the apparatus when open, and to minimize erosive wear on its parts. In fact, it is preferred to have the passage through the valve apparatus at least as large in diameter as the bore through the tubular string extending to the top of the hole, Despite the presence of a large diameter passage through the valve apparatus, certain of its portions, such as a valve head movable into and out of engagement with a companion valve seat, may be subject to erosive wear by fluid passing thereby.V

Di'iculties are encountered in attempting to provide a full opening through a valve apparatus of the character described, and in protecting its valve head against erosive wear. Part of the difliculty involves the limited maximum outside diameter of the valve apparatus that can be used, in view of the restrictions presented by well holes of relatively small size, or of small diameter casing, or similar pipe, therein.

An object of the present invention is to provide a valve apparatus adapted to be incorporated in a tubular string disposed in a well bore and extending to the top of the latter, in which the valve apparatus can be placed selectively in an open or closed position, the passage through the apparatus being of large diameter as compared to its outside diameter, the valve head being substantially fully protected from the uent material liowing through the passage when open. In a more limited sense, the open passage through the valve apparatus can be at least as large in diameter as the inside diameter of the tubular string, the passage being unrestricted throughout its length.

Another object of the invention is to provide a valve apparatus adapted to be incorporated in a tubular string to be located in a well bore, the valve apparatus embodying a valve head movable into and out of engagement with a companion seat, in which the valve head can be positively cammed to an open position in response to rotation of the tubular string, and held positively in such open position protected from the uent material owing through the lopen valve apparatus.

A further object of the invention is to provide a valve apparatus for incorporation in a tubular string to be disposed in a well bore, the valve apparatus being readily shifted between open and closed positions in response to longitudinal movement of the tubular string, and in which the valve apparatus can be positively shifted to an open position in response to rotation of the tubular string, in the event fluid pressure tends to maintain the valve apparatus in closed condition.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a ice ' valve apparatus for incorporation in a tubular string to be disposed in a well bore, which has a full, unobstructed passage therethrough when in open position, to insure unimpeded iiow of fluid through the passage, the valve apparatus parts being strong and sturdy, despite the fact that the passage diameter is comparatively large compared to the over-all diameter of the valve apparatus, and the space for locating'certain valve parts in the valve apparatus is comparatively small.

This invention possesses many other advantages, and has other objects which may bemade more clearly apparent from a consideration of a form in which it may be embodied. This form is shown in the drawings accompanying and forming part of the present specification. It will now be described in detail, for the purposeof illustrating the general principles of the invention; but

it is to be understood that such detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, since the scope of the invention is best dened by the appended claims.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a longitudinal section showing an embodiment of the invention with the valve in fully open position;

Fig. 2 is a view si'milar to Fig. l disclosing the valve in closed position;

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 1 with the valve parts in an open position preparatory to being shifted to the position disclosed in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a cross-section taken along theline 4 4` on Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a cross-section taken along the line 5-5 in Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged cross-section taken along the line l 6-6 on Fig. 2;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged cross-section taken along the line 7-7 on Fig. l;

Fig 8 is a fragmentary section taken generally alongA theline V8 8 on Fig. 2. v

The apparatus A disclosed in the drawings is adapted to be incorporated in a tubular string B, such as a string of drill pipe or tubing, extending to the top of the well" bore. The apparatus may be attached to the lower end of such a tubular string, the lower portion of the apparatus, in turn, being adapted to be secured to a lower tool C, which may be a well-packer that is to be anchored in packed-o condition against a well casing (not shown).

The valve apparatus includes an uppertubular mandrel 10, movable longitudinally with a housing structure,

adjacent thelower end 12 of the upper mandrel. When in this. position, the twomandrels 10, 13 form, in elfect, acontinuous passage 15 therethrough that has a relatively large diameter. The diameter of the passage may be at least equal to the internal diameter of the tubular string B itself.

Theupper mandrel 10 is attached to the housing 11 l and can rotate with respect thereto to a limited extent. Thus, themandrel 10 has anexternal flange 16 adapted to' engage aninner ange 17 on anupper housing member 18, the upper end of themandrel flange 16 being engageable with the lower end of anut 19 threaded into the upper end of theupper housing member 18,thehead 20 of the nut engaging the end of the latter. The lower end of thenut 19 and theinner flange 17 of the housing form aninternal groove 21 rotatably receiving themani drel flange 16. Themandrel 10 can be turned with respect to thehousing 18 to a limited extent. Thus, theange portion 16 is cut away or is provided with arecess 22 to receive atransverse pin 23 welded to thehousing 18, the pin being engageable with theopposite ends 24, 25 of the recess, to locate the valve parts in particular positions, in the manner described hereinbelow.

The upper housing member .18 extends downwardly, its lower end being threadedly secured to alower housing member 26 having an inwardly directedllange 27 slidably engaging the periphery of thelower mandrel 13 above aflange 28 on the latter. Thisilange 28 is movable relatively downward with thelower mandrel 13, such downward movement being limited by engagement with an inwardly directedflange 29 o n thelower nut 30 threaded onto the lower end of thelower housing member 26; Thehousing 11 andlower mandrel 13 can move longitudinally with respect to each other, as limited by engagement of themandrel ange 28 with thelower nut flange 29 and the inwardly directediinage 27 of the lower housing member. However, the parts are prevented from rotating with respect to each other, by virtue of a longitudinally extendedkey 31 welded, or otherwise suitably secured, to the inner wall of thelower housing member 26 and relatively slidable in akeyway 32 provided in the lower mandrel ilange 28 (Fig. 5).

The inside diameter of the vuppertubular member 18 between its upper inwardly directedflange 17 and the upper end of thelower housing member 26 is substantially greater than the external diameter of the upper andlower mandrels 10, 13, to provide anannular space 33 therebetween in which avalve head 34 can be confined. This valve head is of a flapper valve type and is adapted to move upwardly into engagement with thecompanion seat 12 provided by the lower end of theupper mandrel 10, in order to close thepassage 15 through the upper mandrel. This valve head is also engageable with theupper end 14 of thelower mandrel 13, to close the passage through the latter member, all as described hereinbelow.

Thevalve head 34 is disposed in a pendant position within theannular space 33, when the valve is in fully open position, the upper end of the valve head having a transversely extending arrn orpivot 35 received withinthebore 36 provided in thelower projection 37 of avalve supporting ring 38 that bears against theinner ange 17 of thehousing 11. Thering 38 is held in its upper position against thellange 17 by a relatively thin spacer sleeve 39engaging the inner wall of theupper housing portion 18, the lower end of the sleeve bearing against the upper end of thelower housing member 26, and its upper end bearing against thering 38. The ring, itself, is prevented from rotating by apin 40 extending into the ring and the inner housing ilange 17. A leaf-spring arm 41 is struck inwardly from thesleeve 39, and bears against the outer surface of thevalve head 34, tending to shift it inwardly of themandrels 10, 13.

Leakage of fluid between the exterior of theupper mandrel 10 and theupper housing member 18 is prevented by asuitable seal ring 42, such as a rubber or rubber-like ring, disposed in aninternal groove 43 in thehousing ilange 17 and bearing against the periphery of theupper mandrel 10. Similarly, leakage of fluid between thelower mandrel 13 and thelower housing member 26 is prevented by asuitable seal ring 44, such as a rubber or rubber-like O ring, disposed in aninternal groove 45 in thehousing flange 27 and slidably sealing against the periphery of thelower mandrel 13 above itsllange 28. Leakage of fluid through the threaded connection between thehousing members 18, 26 may be prevented by a suitableside seal ring 46 provided in agroove 47 in thelower housing member 26 and engaging the inner wall of theupper housing member 18,

It is to be noted that thevalve seat 12 at the lower end of the upper mandrel is inclined to the axis of the apparatus by a substantial extent. Thevalve head 34 may be retained completely within theannular spaces 33 between themandrels 10, 13 and thehousing 11, and

when permitted to do so it can be shifted upwardly into engagement with theinclined valve seat 12, beingpositively held thereagainst by the bearing of the companion inclinedupper end 14 of thelower mandrel 13 against theback surface 48 of the valve head. As disclosed in Fig. l, theupper mandrel 10 andhousing 11 have been moved in a downward direction relative to thelower mandrel 13, in which position thelower mandrel 13 is disposed completely across thevalve head 34 to conne it entirely within theannular housing space 33. When the valve parts are in the positions described, theinclined ends 12, 14 of the upper andlower mandrels 10, 13 are closely adjacent to one another, and Iluids can then pass freely through thefull opening 15 in the mandrels in both longitudinal directions.

When the valve apparatus is to be closed, it is only necessary to elevate the tubular string B, which will lift theupper mandrel 10 andhousing 11 with respect to thelower mandrel 13, the housing being elevated to the extent determined by engagement of thelower nut ilange 29 with thelower mandrel ange 28, such as disclosed in Fig. 3. When the parts are in this position, theupper end 14 of the lower mandrel is disposed below the dependingvalve head 34, allowing theleaf spring 41 to shift the valve head inwardly, in which it will be disposed in an inclined state across the upper end of thelower mandrel member 13. At this time theupper mandrel member 10 still occupies the rotational position with respect to thelower member 13 disclosed in Fig. l. With thevalve head 34 extending in an inclined position partly across theupper end 14 of the lower mandrel, the tubular B string,upper mandrel 10, andhousing 11 need merely be lowered once again with respect to thelower mandrel 13, such lowering movement carrying thevalve head 34 downwardly into engagement with theupper end 14 of the lower mandrel, causing the latter to swing the valve head upwardly about itspivot 35 into engagement with thevalve seat 12 at the lower end of theupper mandrel 19. Downward movement of theupper mandrel 19 andhousing 11 with respect to thelower housing 13 is limited by such engagement of thevalve head 34 against thevalve seat 12 and by the engagement of theback side 48 of the valve head against theupper end 14 of thelower mandrel 13. The parts then occupy the position disclosed in Fig. 2, in which the valve is in closed position, thevalve head 34 being securely clamped between the upper andlower mandrels 10, 13. To prevent leakage of fluid between thevalve seat 12 and thevalve head 34, the latter may be provided with a marginal orcircumferential groove 50 in itsvalve seating face 51, in which is positioned aseal ring 52, of rubber or rubber-like material, adapted to bear against thevalve seat 12.

Assuming that the valve is to be reopened, it is merely necessary to elevate the tubular string B, which will carrytheupper mandrel 10 andhousing 11 upwardly with it relative to thelower mandrel 13, or again to the position disclosed in Fig. 3, the upper mandrel, however, still occupying the rotary position disclosed in Fig. l. Thevalve head 34 may still be in sealing engagement with thevalve seat 12. The tubular string B andupper mandrel 10 are then rotated inthe proper direction to cause the lower portion 10a of the Lipper mandrel to engage thevalve head 34 and cam it completely to one side and back into theannular space 33 within thehousing memt ber 11, the parts then occupying the positions disclosed in Fig. 3. At this time, the lower end of the dependingvalve head 34 is disposed above the upper end of thelower mandrel 13, whereupon the tubular string B,upper mandrel 10 andhousing 11 can be lowered once again relative to the lower mandrel, the periphery of thelower mandrel 13 then sliding over theface 51 of the valve head and its end14 engaging the end orvalve seat 12 on the upper mandrel. Such engagement will cause themandrels 10, 13 to rotate relative to each other, because of the inclination ofthe confronting ends 12, 14 of the upper and lower mandrel, or, if desired, the upper mandrel can be rotated with respect to thehousing 11 back to the position shown in Fig. 1, which will then allow themandrel 10 andhousing 11 to be lowered to the fullest extent determined by engagement of thelower mandrel ange 28 with thelower housing flange 27, in which thelower mandrel 13 completely covers thevalve head 34, and the confrontinginclined edges 12, 14 of the mandrel are closely adjacent one another, all as disclosed in Fig. 1.

Thelower mandrel 13 cannot shift rotationally with respect to thehousing 11 and thevalve head 34. However, theupper mandrel 10 can turn to a limited extent with respect to thehousing 11 to secure the camming action of thevalve head 34 back completely into theannular space 33 in the housing. The extent of rotation of theupper mandrel 10 with respect to thehousing 11 is determined by engagement of thetransverse housing pin 23 with theends 24, 25 of therecess 22 in themandrel flange 16. In the specific design disclosed in the drawings, rotation of theupper mandrel 10 to the right will place it in the position shown in Figs. 3 and 4, in which thevalve head 34 is cammed completely out of the path yof travel of thelower mandrel 13, and is coniined within theannular space 33. Such position of theupper mandrel 10 is delinitely determined by engagement of theend 24 of the ange recess with thetransverse pin 23. On the other hand, rotation of theupper mandrel 10 to the left is limited by engagement of theother end 25 of the recess with thetransverse pin 23, which will insure the location of theupper mandrel 10 with respect to thehousing 11 in the position shown in Fig. l, in which the upper and lower mandrels10, 13 are closely adjacent one another, or in which position thevalve head 34 can move upwardly into engagement with thevalve seat 12 to close thepassage 15 through the mandrels (Fig. 2).

In order to secure a large diameter passage through themandrels 10, 13, as compared to the outside diameter of thehousing 11, thevalve head 34 is curved to lit closely around the peripheral portions of themandrels 10, 13 when disposed in a pendant position within theannular housing space 33, as shown most clearly in Fig. 7. In view of this curved form of theValve head 34, thevalve seat 12 at the lower end iof theupper mandrel 10, and theupper end 14 of thelower mandrel 13, must be curved to conform therewith, rather than such ends lying in straight diagonal planes. Theseal ring 52 and itsgroove 50, of course, will also conform in curvature to the marginal portion of the valveseat engaging face 51 of the valve head.

If thevalve head 34 were formed as a at disk, it is evident that it could only be disposed completely to one side of themandrels 10, 13, when the valve is in a completely open position, if thehousing 11 were made sub stantially greater in diameter than indicated on the drawings, to provide a sufficient chordal space across theannular space 33 in the housing. In the present instance, the curving of theValve head 34 allows a smaller radial width ofannular space 33 to be used, which can be provided by a muchsmaller diameter housing 11 than would be required by the use of a flatvalve head.

In addition to enabling the passage diameter through the apparatus to be made relatively great in proportion to the outside diameter of the housing, the curving of the valve head 34 (so that it in effect constitutes a portion of a cylinder) greatly increases the strength of thevalve head 34 and permits it to resist much greater pressures when in its closed position clamped between thevalve seat 12 and theupper end 14 of thelower mandrel 13. As a result, it is even possible to make the valve head somewhat thinner than would be required if it were a llat disk, which contributes to the production of a valve apparatus with a much larger diameter through the mandrel passage` 15 as compared to the over-all diameter of the equipment, than could be provided in the event a at disk were used.

In the use of the apparatus A, it is secured to the lower end of the tubular string B, with its lower end attached to the lower tool C, such as a well packer, and is run in the well bore with the parts all in the relative positions shown in Fig. l. Thevalve head 34 is fully protected from the action of fluent materials passing through themandrel passage 15, which is in a fully open condition. At any time that it is desirous to close the valve, it is merely necessary to elevate the tubular string B, which will raise theupper mandrel 10 andhousing 11, thelower mandrel 13 being prevented from moving upwardly by the lower tool C. Upward movement of theupper mandrel 10 andhousing 11 will occur until thevalve head 34 is disposed above theupper end 14 of thelower mandrel 13, thespring arm 41 then projecting thevalve head 34 inwardly until it extends partly across thelower mandrel 13. The apparatus is then lowered, thelower mandrel 13 swinging thehead 34 upwardly until it engages thevalve seat 12 and is backed up fully by thelower mandrel 13 itself (Fig. 2). Fluid-is now prevented from passing in both longitudinal directions through the upper and thelower mandrels 10, 13.

When it is desired to reopen the valve, it is merely necessary to elevate the tubular string B, to raise theupper mandrel 10 andhousing 11 with respect to thelower mandrel 13, the lower mandrel then being disposed at a substantial distance below theValve head 34. rI'he valve head may drop away from thevalve seat 12, or it may be held thereagainst by pressure below the apparatus. In any event, when thehousing 11 has been shifted 4upwardly to its fullest extent with respect to thelower mandrel 13, theupper mandrel 10 need merely be rotated to the right and to the extent determined by engagement of theend 24 of therecess 22 with thelimit pin 23. During such turning action, the lower portion 10a of the mandrel will engage theface 51 of the valve head and cam it in a lateral outward direction, swinging it downwardly and outwardly about itspivot 35 until thevalve head 34 again occupies a position completely within theannular space 33.

The tubular string B,upper mandrel 10 and housing 1l may again be relowered, thevalve head 34 merely sliding lover the periphery of thelower mandrel 13, which then holds it in its outward position. The tubular string B andupper mandrel 10 are then turned to the left, to the extent limited by engagement of theother end 25 of therecess 22 with thelimit pin 23, which will rotate theupper mandrel 10 out of the engagement with thevalve head 34, and then permit theupper mandrel 10 and thehousing 11 to be lowered to the fullest extent, determined by engagement of thelower housing flange 27 with thelower mandrel ange 28, in which the tapered curved ends 12, 14 of the upper and lower mandrels will be closely adjacent one another.

When it is desired to pump uent materials through the apparatus the valve parts are placed in the position shown in Fig. l, in which thevalve head 34 is fully protected. Such iluent materials, which may include sand or other abrasive particles used in performing a hydraulic fracturing operation in a well bore, may be pumped through the tubular string B and through the valve apparatus A, continuing on down to the lower tool C for passage into the formation surrounding the well bore. The fluent materials cannot harm thevalve head 34, since it is fully protected by thelower mandrel 13. If at any time it is desired to close the valve, the parts need merely be manipulated in the manner described above, and then placed in the relative positions shown in Fig. 2.

Assuming that the apparatus is to be withdrawn from the well bore, elevation of the tubular string B will elevate theupper mandrel 10 andhousing 11 with respect to thelower mandrel 13. When this occurs the spring arm 4l can project thevalve head 34 in an inward direction. Thevalve head 34 may remain in open position or it may be caused by fluid pressure from below to swing upwardly into sealing engagement against the uppermandrel valve seat 12. The valve apparatus may be raised in the well bore with the parts in this closed position, which may be desirable, inasmuch as lluid, such as high pressure gases and the like, would then be prevented from flowing up through the tubular string B. If for any reason it is desired to prevent thevalve head 13 from engaging its seat during upward movement of the apparatus in the well bore, then the tubular string B and upper mandrel l need merely be rotated with respect to the housing lll, causing the lower portion lila of the upper mandrel to cam the vaive head 3ft completely out of the way and hold it in the annual housing spaced In this position, which is shown in Fig. 3, the apparatus can be elevated in the well bore.

It is, accordingly, evident that a subsurface well bore valve apparatus has been provided which enables a very large diameter and unobstructed passage to be provided, as compared to the over-all diameter of the apparatus. Thevalve head 34 may be positively cammed out of the way to an ineffective and protected position, whenever desired, by the upper mandrel l0 itself. The mere fact that thevalve seat 12 is substantially inclined with respect to the axis of the apparatus causes the lower portion 16a of the upper mandrel to function as a cam actuator. he curved valve member 3d enables the overall dimensions of the apparatus to be kept relatively small, while increasing the strength of the valve head and insuring against its failure upon being subjected to substantial pressure.

The inventor claims:

l. In valve apparatus to be incorporated in a tubular string to be disposed in a well bore: tubular means having a valve seat disposed in a position inclined to the axis of the tubular means, wherein the full width of one portion of said seat is axially spaced substantially from the full width of a diametrically opposite portion of said seat; a valve head movable laterally of the axis of said tubular means into and out of engagement with said seat; and means mounting said tubular means for rotation relative to said valve head, to cause said tubular means, when rotated, selectively to engage and shift said valve head from said seat or to permit said valve head to engage said seat.

2. In valve apparatus to be incorporated in a tubular string to be disposed in a well bore: an inner tubular member; an outer tubular member receiving said inner member and rotatable with respect thereto; one of said members having a valve seat disposed in a position inclined to the axis of said members, wherein the full width of one portion of said seat is axially spaced substantially from the full width of a diametrically opposite portion of said seat; a valve head on the other of said members movable laterally of the axis of said members into and out of engagement with said seat; relative rotation between said members causing the inclined portion of said one member at said seat to cam said valve head laterally out of engagement with said seat.

3. In valve apparatus to be incorporated in a tubular string to be disposed ina well bore: an inner tubular member; an outer tubular member receiving said inner member and rotatable with respect thereto; one of said members having a valve seat disposed in a position inclined to the axis of said members, wherein the full width of one portion of said seat is axially spaced substantially from the full width of a diametrically opposite portion of said seat; a valve head on the other of said members movable laterally of the axis of said members into and out of engagement with said seat; relative rotation between said members causing the inclined portion of said one member at said seat to cam said valve head laterally out of engagement with said seat; said members being relatively rotatable to an extent at which the periphery of said one member engages and holds said head completely out of the path of lluid llow through said one member.

4r In valve apparatus to be incorporated in a tubular string to be disposed in a well bore: an inner tubular member; an outer tubular member receiving said inner member and rotatable with respect thereto; one of said members having a valve seat inclined to the axis of said members; a valve head pivotally mounted on the other ef said members and swingable laterally into and out of engagement with said inclined seat; relative rotation between said members causing the inclined portion of said one member at said seat to cam said valve head out of engagement with said seat; said members being relatively rotatable to an extent at which the periphery of said one member engages and holds said head completely out of the path of iluid tlow through said one member.

5. in valve apparatus to be incorporated in a tubular string to be disposed in a well bore: an outer tubular member; an inner tubular member rotatably mounted within said outer member and having a valve seat inclined to the axis of said members; a valve pivotally mounted on said outer member and swingable into and out of engagement with said seat; relative rotation between said members causing the inclined portion of said inner member at said seat to cam said valve head out of engagement with said seat; said members being relatively rotatable to the extent at which the periphery of said inner member engages and holds said head completely out of the path of tluid tlow through said inner member. 6. In valve apparatus to be incorporated in a tubular string to be disposed to a well bore: tubular means having a valve seat disposed in a position inclined to the axis of the tubular means, wherein the full width of one portion of said seat is axially spaced substantially from the full width of a diametrically opposite portion of said seat; a valve head movable laterally of the axis of said tubular means into and ont of engagement with said seat; means mounting said tubular means for rotation relative to said valve head,l to cause said tubular means, when rotated, selectively to engage and shift said valve head from said seat or to permit said valve head to engage said seat; and means movable longitudinally with respect to said tubular means into and out of engagement with said head to hold said head against said seat. 7. In valve apparatus to be incorporated in a tubular string to be disposed in a well bore: tubular means having a valve seat disposed in a postion inclined to the axis of the tubular means, wherein the full width of one portion of said seat is axially spaced substantially from the full width of a diametrically opposite portion of said seat; a valve head movable laterally of the axis of said tubular means into and out of engagement with said seat; means mounting said tubular means for rotation relative to said valve head to cause said tubular means, when rotated, selectively to engage and shift said valve head from said seat or to permit said valve head to engage said seat; and means movable longitudinally with respect to said tubular means to a position across said valve head to prevent said head from engaging said seat. 8. In valve apparatus to be incorporated in a tubular string to be disposed in a well bore: tubular means having a valve seat inclined to the axis of the tubular means: a valve head movable laterally into and out of engagement with said seat; means mounting said tubular means for rotation relative to said valve head to cause said tubular means, when rotated, selectively to engage and shift valve I head from said seat or to permit said valve head to engage said seat; and holding means movable longitudinally in one direction with respect to said tubular means into engagement with said head to hold said head against said seat, said holding means being movable relatively in the opposite direction to allow said tubular means to shift l l l l l l said head from 'said seat, said holding means then being movable relatively in said one longitudinal direction across said valve head to prevent said head from engaging said seat. y

9. In valve apparatus to be incorporated in a tubular string to be disposed in a well bore: an outer tubular member; a first inner tubular member rotatably mounted in said outer member; said inner member having a valve seat inclined to the axis of said members; a valve head carried by said outer member and movable laterally into engagement with said seat; relative rotation 'between said members causing the inclined portion of said inner member at said seat to cam said valve head out of engagement with said seat; and a second inner tubular member telescopically disposed in said outer member and movable relatively toward and away from said rst inner member to engage and hold said valve head against said seat or to permit said valve head to move away from said seat.

10. In valve apparatus to be incorporated in a tubular string to be disposed in a well bore: an outer tubular member; a first inner tubular member rotatably mounted in said outer member; said inner member having a valve seat inclined to the axis of said members; a valve head carried by said outer member and movable laterally into engagement with said seat; relative rotation between said members causing the inclined portions of said inner member at said seat to cam said valve head out of engagement with said seat; a second inner mem-ber adapted to engage and hold said valve head against said seat; said second member being relatively movable away from said first member to permit said valve head to move away from p said seat, whereupon said second member is relatively movable toward said first member and across said head to hold said head out of engagement with said seat,

11. In valve apparatus to be incorporated in a tubular string to be disposed in a well bore: an outer tubular member; a first inner tubular member rotatably mounted in said outer member; said inner member having a valve seat inclined to the axis of said members; a valve head pivotally carried by said outer member and swingable into engagement with said seat; relative rotation between said members causing the inclined portion of' said inner member at said seat to cam said valve head out of engagement with said seat; a second inner tubular member telescopically disposed in `said outer member and movable relatively toward and away from said first inner member to engage and hold said valve head against said seat or to permit said valve head to move away from said seat; said first member and outer member being relatively rotatable to a position at which the periphery of said rst inner mem'ber engages and holds said head completely out of the path of fiuid flow'through said first inner member.

12. In valve apparatus to be incorporated in a tubular string to be disposed in a well bore: an outer tubular member; a rst inner tubular member rotatably mounted in said outer member; said inner member having a valve seat inclined to the axis of said members; a valve head pivotally carried by said outer member and swingable into engagement with said seat; relative rotation between said members causing the inclined portion of said inner member at said seat to cam said valve head out of engagement with said seat; a second inner tubular member telescopically disposed in said outer member and movable relatively toward and away from said first inner member to engage and hold said valve head against said seat or to permit said valve head to move away from said seat; said first member and outer member being relatively rotatable to a position at which the periphery of said first inner member engages and holds said head completely out of the path of fluid ow through said first inner member; said valve head being curved to conform generally to the periphery of said iirst inner member.

13. In valve apparatus to be incorporated in a tubular string to be disposed in a well bore: an outer tubular member; an inner tubular member rotatably mounted within said outer member and having a valve seat inclined to the axis of said members; a valve pivotally mounted on said outer member and swingable into and out of engagement with said seat; relative rotation between said members causing the inclined portion of said inner member at said seat to cam said valve head out of engagement with said seat; said members being relatively rotatable to the extent at which'the periphery of said inner member engages and holds said head completely out of the path of fluid flow through said inner member; said Valve head being curved to conform to the periphery of said inner member.

14. In valve apparatus to be incorporated in a tubular string to be disposed in a well bore: an outer tubular member; a first inner tubular member rotatably mounted in said outer member; said in ner member having a valve seat inclined to the axis of said members; a valve head pivotally `carried by said outer member and swingable into engagement with said seat; relative rotation between said members causing the inclined portion of said inner member at said seat to cam said valve head out of engagement with said seat; a second inner tubular member telescopically disposed in said outer member and movable relatively toward said first inner member to engage and hold said valve head against said seat; said first member and outer member being relatively rotatable to a position at which the periphery of said tirst inner member engages and holds said head completely out of the path of iiuid flow through said irst inner member; said second member being relatively movable away from said rst member to permit said valve head to be moved away from said seat by said first member, whereupon said second member is relatively movable toward said first member to dispose the periphery of said second member across said head to hold said head out of engagement with said seat.

15. In valve apparatus to be incorporated in a tubular string to be disposed in a well bore: an outer tubular member; a rst inner tubular member rotatably mounted in said outer member; said inner member having a valve seat inclined to the axis of said members; a valve head pivotally carried by said outer member and swingable into engagement with said seat; relative rotation between said members causing the inclined portion of said inner member at said seat to cam said valve head out of engagement with said seat; a second inner tubular member telescopically disposed in said outer member and movable relatively toward said first inner member to engage and hold said valve head against said seat; said first member and outer member being relatively rotatable to a position at which the periphery of said first inner member engages and holds said head completely out of' the path of fluid flow through said first inner member; said second member being relatively movable away from said first member to permit said valve head to be moved away from said seat by said first member, whereupon said second member is movable relatively toward said first member to dispose the periphery of said second member across said head to hold said head out of engagement with said seat; said valve head being curved to conform generally to the curvature of the peripheries of said first and second member.

16. In valve apparatus to be incorporated in a tubular string to bedisposed in a well bore: an outer tubular member; a first inner tubular member rotatably mounted in said outer member; said inner member having a valve seat inclined to the axis of said members; a valve head pivotally carried by said outer member and swingable into engagement with said seat; relative rotation between said members causing the inclined portion of said inner member at said seat to cam said valve head out of engagement with said seat; a second inner tubular member telescopically disposed within and slidably splined to said outer member and movable relatively toward said first inner member to engage and hold said valve head against said seat; said first member and outer member being relatively rotatable to a position at which the periphery of said first inner member engages and holds said head completely out of the path of fluid flow through said first inner member; said second member being relatively movable away from said first member to permit said valve head to be moved away from said seat by said first member, whereupon said second member is movable relatively toward said first member to dispose the periphery of said second member across said head to hold said head out of engagement with said seat; said valve head being curved to conform generally to the curvature of the peripheries of said first and second members; said second member having an inclined end conformable to and disposable adjacent the inclined seat on said first inner tubular member when said second member is disposed across said head.

17. In valve apparatus to be incorporated in a tubular string to be disposed in a well bore: an outer tubular member; a first inner tubular member rotatably mounted in said outer member; said inner member having a valve seat inclined to the axis of said members; a valve head pivotally carried by said outer member and swingable into engagement with said seat; relative rotation between said members causing the inclined portion of said inner member at said seat to cam said valve head out of engagement with said seat; a second inner tubular member telescopically disposed in said outer member and movable relatively toward and away from said first inner member to engage and hold said valve head against said seat or to permit said valve head to move away from said seat; said first member and outer member being relatively rotatable to a position at which the periphery of said first inner member engages and holds said head completely out of the path of fluid flow through said first inner member; and coengageable stop means on said first inner member and outer member for positively limiting relative rotation between said first member and outer member to a position at which said valve head can engage said seat or to a position at which the periphery of said first inner member engages said valve head to hold said valve head from said seat.

18. In valve apparatus to be incorporated in a tubular string to be disposed in a well bore: an outer tubular member; a first inner tubular member rotatably mounted in said outer member; said inner member having a valve seat inclined to the axis of said members; a valve head pivotally carried by said outer member and swingable into engagement with said seat; relative rotation between said members causing the inclined portion of said inner member at said seat to cam said valve head out of engagement with said seat; a second inner tubular member telescopically disposed within and slidably splined to said outer member and movable relatively toward said first inner member to engage and hold said valve head against said seat; said first member and outer member being relatively rotatable to a position at which the periphery of said first inner member engages and holds said head completely out of the path of uid flow through said first inner member; said second member being relatively movable away from said first member to permit said valve head to be moved away from said seat by said first member, whereupon said second member is movable relatively toward said first member to dispose the periphery of said second member across said head to hold said head out of engagement with said seat; said valve head being curved to conform generally to the curvature o'f the peripheries of said first and second members; said second member having an inclined end conformable to and disposable adjacent the inclined seat on said first inner tubular member when said second member is disposed across said head; and coengageable stop means on said first member and outer member for positively limiting relative rotation between said first member and outer member to a position in which said valve head can move into engagement with said seat or to a position at which the periphery of said first member holds said valve head completely out of the path of fluid flow through said inner members,

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,162,578 Hacker June 13, 1939 2,447,842 Cameron Aug. 24, 1948 2,461,617 Waters Feb. 15, 1949

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