Abstract: A ball valve comprises a cylindrical casing having an axial bore therethrough for passage of fluids. The ball is mounted between annular upper and lower seats, the latter being compressible and supported by an annular shoulder within the casing. The ball has diametrically opposed slots that receive a pin and a wrench plug, respectively, which are rotatably mounted within diametrically opposed longitudinal apertures in the casing. The ball has a large central bore therethrough whose axis is perpendicular to the ball's rotational axis, so that the fluid path may be opened and closed by rotating the ball. Prior to loading the valve, the ball is in its closed position in which the slots are parallel to the axis of the casing, thereby permitting the ball to float axially between the seats. In order to load the valve under compression, the wrench plug is manually rotated with a wrench until the ball is turned to its open position. This rotation cams the ball downward against the lower seat, compressing the seat.

Abstract: A composite elastomeric member for use in well apparatus and adapted to be supported by a well element having a surface for engagement with a surface of a well component, the composite member including a preshaped, reinforcing, mesh-like lamina of selected mesh density carried by and embedded in the member and extending laterally and longitudinally with respect to an axis of the body member, the lamina being bonded to the elastomeric body member and located in a selected zone of the body member to support the sealing surface against unwanted flow of elastomeric material caused by well or well apparatus pressure conditions. The preshaped wire mesh lamina may be stressed independently of the elastomeric material of the body member, may be partially exposed at said sealing surface, and may be of stainless steel.