Abstract: A stemless valve includes (a) a valve body having a longitudinal axis and defining a central flow passage and an upper actuator opening; (b) a cylindrical rotator disposed within the central flow passage, and having a rotator gear exposed through the actuator opening, the rotator sealed within the valve body to prevent fluid flow outside the central flow passage; (c) an actuating element passing through the upper actuator opening, and having a actuating gear which engages the rotator gear. Movement of the actuating rod rotates the rotator around the longitudinal axis within the valve body, causing opening or closing of a variable orifice connected to the rotator.