Abstract: A surface-controlled subsurface safety valve apparatus and method of utilizing the safety valve in through-the-flowline serviced wells. Both the valve frame and valve operator are provided with ball and socket universal joints to enable passage of the safety valve past restrictions in the flowline resulting from bends and curves in the flowline by flexing the safety valve in moving to and from the subsurface operating location.

Abstract: Retrievable blowout preventer ram seals which are adapted to be removed and/or inserted with apparatus working on the inside of the well pipe.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of utilizing an apparatus for effecting operation of valve closure element in a subsurface safety valve. Preferably, a ball-type closure element is at least partially spaced from sealing engagement with a valve seat for equalizing well pressure about the ball closure element and minimizing frictional resistance of the ball element to operating rotation prior to effecting rotation of the ball element about a pair of substantial fixed ball element support members concentrically engaging the ball element on opposite sides thereof. Rotating cams move a lower seat from the ball element in response to initial reciprocating movement of the valve operator prior to effecting partial spacing and rotating open the ball element.

Abstract: A subsurface safety valve well tool securable in a well conduit for controlling flow of fluid through the bore of the conduit. An increase or decrease in the well pressure from the normal flowing pressure of the well operates a rotatable ball valve to block flow of fluid through the conduit. Increasing and then decreasing the pressure in the bore above the ball valve rotates the valve to enable flow of fluid through the conduit.

Abstract: A remotely operable safety valve mounted between the swivel and the kelly in drilling operation including a spherically-shaped valve element which is mounted in a generally tubular housing rotatable with the swivel sub, the kelly and the drill string. Hydraulic means move the valve element between open and closed positions in order to control flow through the drill-string and prevent in-line blow outs. As an additional safety feature, spring means move the valve element to a closed position in the event of a failure of the hydraulic means.

Abstract: A pressure operated safety valve adapted to be mounted in a well tubing, which may be moved to open or closed positions independently of pressure in the tubing and locked in and unlocked from the open position using control fluid pressure.

Abstract: A drilling tool connected in a drilling string includes a pressure responsive rotatable ball valve for enabling drilling fluid flow down the bore of a drill string which automatically rotates closed for blocking flow through the bore of the drill string when incipient pressure conditions indicate the direction of flow through the bore may be reversed. Means for releasably locking the ball in the open position in response to a preselected directional pressure to enable the running of other tools and the like through the bore of the drilling string are provided. The drilling tool may be employed for controlling an undesired flowing stream of fluid from the bore of the drilling string by stabbing the tool to connect with the drilling string utilizing a stabbing member which is removed after connecting to enable the ball valve to rotate closed to control the flowing stream.