Patent ID: 6938874
Filing Date: 2005-09-06
Classification: F16K

Abstract:
1. A valve device, comprising: a valve body assembly defining a valve component cavity and inlet and outlet openings communicating with said valve component cavity, and having a top surface with a stem hole and a recess defined therein; a valve component movably disposed in said valve component cavity and having a main flow passage communicating flow between said inlet and outlet openings when said valve component is in a first position, at least one auxiliary flow passage communicating flow between said inlet and outlet openings at a lesser rate than said main flow passage when said valve component is in a second position, and said valve component stopping flow between said inlet and outlet openings when said valve component is in a third position; a stem rotatably mounted in said stem hole in said valve body assembly and extending from said top surface, said stem engaging said valve component to effect rotation of the valve component between said first, second and third positions; a spanner having a shaft body with a base connected to said stem for permit rotation of said stem via said spanner, said base having a bottom surface opposing said top surface of said valve body assembly; and said base having a latch member movably disposed and biased to extend from said bottom surface of said base and move between a latched position disposed within said recess to which said latch member is biased and an unlatched position clear of said recess, wherein said latch member and said recess are relatively disposed and configured such that when said latch member is in said latched position said valve component is disposable from said second to said third positions and is restricted from movement outside of a range from said second to third positions.