Patent · US Expired

Apparatus and method for locking open a flow control device

US6575249B2 · kind B2 · utility

25Cited by
15References
25Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMay 17, 2001
Grant dateJun 10, 2003
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 17, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE21B2200/05
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

An apparatus capable of retaining a shiftable valve member in an open position, the shiftable valve member mounted in a valve housing and being moveable between at least one open and at least one closed position relative to a longitudinal bore extending through the valve housing, includes a locking sleeve disposed in the valve housing. The locking sleeve is movable at least partially around the circumference of the bore from at least a first position to at least a second position. When the locking sleeve is disposed in the first position, the locking sleeve allows movement of the shiftable valve member between its open and closed positions. When the locking sleeve is disposed in the second position, the locking sleeve causes the shiftable valve member to be retained in an open position and prevents movement of the shiftable valve member into a closed position. At least one anchor is engageable with the locking sleeve and capable of at least temporarily holding the locking sleeve in at least one of its at least first and second positions.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.