Patent attributes
A valve assembly, and related system and method, with a sleeve having an inner surface with a diameter, an outer surface, and a plurality of openings extending between the inner surface and the outer surface. A split ring having one or more segments and an expandable or collapsible body with a seating surface and an outer diameter extending from the body is at least partially within the inner surface of the sleeve. The split ring and sleeve may be placed in a variable diameter housing such that contact of the outer diameter with a smaller diameter section of the housing causes the split ring to close, whereas contact with an larger diameter of the housing allows the split ring to open. In certain embodiments, a spring element, which may be the split ring itself, applies force to move the split ring from an open to closed position. A spring may be positioned around a portion of the sleeve and in an annular space at least partially defined by an annular body and the second cylindrical outer surface.
