Abstract: Ball valves and ball valve components usable to control the flow of fluids and methods for manufacturing said ball valve components. Ball valves include a ball member comprising two curved segments of like shape and size, which are integrally joined and disposed symmetrically to one another relative to the axis of rotation of the ball member. A bore extends through the joined first and the second curved segments, wherein the first end of the bore is located on the first curved segment and the second end of the bore is located on the second curved segment. Each curved segment is disposed symmetrically to one another, relative to the axis of rotation. The area of separation, between the curved segments, defines shoulders of like configuration, wherein each shoulder is located symmetrically with respect to the other relative to the ball member's axis of rotation.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for providing deferred compensation to employees of non-profit business entities. By way of example, the invention includes a method of providing deferred compensation from a business entity to an employee including purchasing a life insurance policy on the life of the employee; accelerating the payment of all premiums for the life of the policy into a first time period; and transferring rights in the policy to the employee after the end of the first time period thereby providing deferred compensation.