Patent attributes
A valve body, for use in a valve housing having an inlet and outlet, includes a spherical outer surface. A flow opening extends diametrically from one side of the outer surface to an opposing side. A plurality of flow control passageways extend from the outer surface into the valve body. The valve body is moveable relative to the valve housing between a closed position, a restricted flow position, and a free flow position. In the closed position, the flow opening and all of the plurality of flow control passageways are out of alignment with the inlet and outlet. In the restricted flow position, at least one flow control passageway is moved into fluid communication with the inlet and outlet to facilitate fluid communication therebetween. In the free flow position, the flow opening is moved into fluid communication with the inlet and outlet to facilitate fluid communication therebetween.
