Patent ID: 6334487
Filing Date: 2002-01-01
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
A valve assembly connectable in a string of hollow tubulars in a wellbore extending from a surface of the earth into the earth and for selectively controlling fluid flow through a hollow tubular in the string, said valve assembly comprising:a hollow body defining an interior space, said hollow body having an inwardly projecting lug and at least one body fluid flow port extending from said interior space to exterior of said hollow body; an upwardly biased piston assembly movably mounted within said interior space of said hollow body, said piston assembly having a generally vertically extending piston bore adapted to communicate fluid flow from the surface through said valve assembly; at least one piston fluid flow port extending generally radially outward from said piston bore; and a track defining a branched slot engageable with said lug to direct movement of said piston assembly between a plurality of predetermined positions relative to said hollow body, including at least from a first position wherein said piston fluid flow port and said body fluid flow port are aligned so as to permit fluid flow from therebetween, to at least a second position wherein said piston fluid flow port and said body fluid flow port are substantially misaligned such that fluid flow between said piston fluid flow port and said body fluid flow port is substantially restricted.