Abstract: A ball valve comprising a housing having a cylindrical bore extending inwardly from the exterior and defining a valve chamber with inlet and outlet passages connected from the exterior of the housing to the chamber. A ball valve member is positioned axially in the chamber and has a cylindrical operating stem extending axially of the bore into a position exterior of the housing. Positioned within the chamber is a mass of resilient packing material which surrounds the ball and substantially fills the chamber. Adjustable means are provided for applying a compressive load to the packing to cause it to sealingly engage the inner walls of the chamber and the exterior of the ball member. The adjustable means include a rigid circular gland member closely received in the bore and extending transversely thereof in engagement with the packing. A circular opening in the gland member closely surrounds the operating stem and disk spring means are positioned on the gland member on the side opposite the packing.

Abstract: A ball valve is disclosed having an improved seat ring particularly adapted for sealing a ball member in an end-loaded or top-loaded valve body. The ball is mounted for selective rotation and limited axial movement in a valve body passageway. The seat rings are disposed on diametrically opposite sides of the ball about valve inlet and outlet openings. Frusto-conical disc springs interposed between each seat ring and an associated valve body shoulder urge the seat rings into engagement with the ball. A rigid reinforcing ring is disposed intermediate of the flexible seat ring for integral movement with the seat ring and for reinforcing the seat ring against collapse under pressure. The reinforcing ring is received in an annular channel about the periphery of the seat ring and preferably comprises a split metal ring in a stressed and expanded condition.