Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A flow control element includes an element body formed as a unitary structure and disposed about a body axis. The element body includes a first surface, a second surface in spaced relation to the first surface, and an inner peripheral surface extending between the first and second surfaces and defining a central bore extending along the body axis. The element body additionally includes an outer peripheral surface extending between the first and second surfaces in spaced relation to the inner peripheral surface. A plurality of passageways extend between the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface, with each passageway having a pair of side surfaces extending in generally opposed relation to each other and a pair of beveled surfaces extending toward each other from respective ones of the pair of side surfaces.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A fluid control valve includes a valve housing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A valve body is disposed within the valve housing and is transitional relative to the valve housing between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the valve body prevents fluid flow between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The valve body is incrementally transitional from the closed position to the open position to incrementally increase the amount of fluid flow from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. A flow control element is positioned within the valve housing downstream of the valve body. The flow control element includes a peripheral body and an inward body having a plurality of flow control passageways extending therethrough. The flow control element additionally includes an opening defined collectively by the peripheral body and the inward body.

Abstract: A flow control element includes an element body formed as a unitary structure and disposed about a body axis. The element body includes a first surface, a second surface in spaced relation to the first surface, and an inner peripheral surface extending between the first and second surfaces and defining a central bore extending along the body axis. The element body additionally includes an outer peripheral surface extending between the first and second surfaces in spaced relation to the inner peripheral surface. A plurality of passageways extend between the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface, with each passageway having a pair of side surfaces extending in generally opposed relation to each other and a pair of beveled surfaces extending toward each other from respective ones of the pair of side surfaces.