A multi-position fuel valve includes a main body having an enclosed chamber with a number of inlet ports and an outlet port and associated seats in the chamber. Disposed inside the chamber is a revolving rotor that is connected to a selector handle located outside the chamber. The rotor provides a possible passageway between each of the inlet ports and the outlet port. The handle can rotate a maximum 180 degrees, and the valve has a pair of inlet sections and three-positions with an “off” position approximately midway between the other two positions. A pair of balls are positioned in the rotor and lodge in the plurality of seats or elsewhere in the chamber. When this occurs a certain portion of the passageway is cut off meaning there is no fluid flow from at least one of inlet ports through the outlet port. A compression spring with opposing ends bearing against the balls maintains the balls lodged in the seats, and releasably fixes the position of the rotor and handle. The valve further has a number of swiveling extension sections connected to the ports for inlet or outlet hoses, such that the valve can be mounted remote from the fuel supply and/or carburetor and connecting hosed routed in most any direction.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This present invention is directed to a multi-position fuel line valve particularly adapted for use on a motorcycle including a “chopper.”

2. Description of the Related Art

Petcock or selector valves provide a motorcyclist with the ability to switch from an “on” or running position to a “reserve” position (i.e. allowing in fuel from the bottom of the tank (or possibly from a separate tank), typically while the motorcycle is traveling), as well as a fuel line shut “off” position. The Golan U.S. Pat. No. 6,129,338 is illustrative of the state-of-the-art in petcock valves for motorcycles. The device described therein has certain disadvantages, however, in that the polymeric material from which the piston is made is subject to wear over time caused by small particles found in the fuel. Additionally, without establishing close visual contact with the valve it is sometimes difficult to tell exactly what position the valve is in. Petcock valves are usually located on the underside of the gas tank.

Minimalist-style motorcycles became popular in the United States after World War II as bikers removed or shortened fenders and chopped off other unnecessary components to reduce weight and make the bikes look better. This trend accelerated after release of the seminal movie Easy Rider in 1969 as riders wanted a bike like Peter Fonda in the movie. Bikers started raking the front end (decreasing the angle of the fork to the ground), raising the handlebars, decreasing the size of the gas tank and headlight, and the like to achieve the “chopper” look. Again, anything deemed unnecessary was removed or hidden, thereby simplifying and streamlining the appearance of the bike including the underside of the gas tank.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,857,661 issued to Waters discloses a partitioned fuel tank such that upon refueling the user need not switch the valve from “reserve” back to “on” as either side of the lower portion of the tank can operate as the reserve. Instead of an associated valve having a “reserve” position there are a pair of open or “on” positions. In using such a fuel tank it is important that in the “off” position there be no fluid flow between the partitioned parts of the fuel tank. Otherwise, when the user switched between lower portions of the tank the “reserve” fuel might already be largely depleted.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-position fuel line valve that may be quickly and positively rotated between full on and off positions, and a position for using the reserve fuel supply.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a valve that is simple, miniature in size, sturdy, and a highly reliable and durable construction.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a valve that may be quickly disassembled, cleaned and/or repaired, and easily put back together again.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a valve that can be mounted remote from the gas tank to improve the appearance of the motorcycle.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a valve with inlets that may vary in position so as to accommodate various routings of fuel lines or hoses.

It is a still further object of the invention to provide a valve that prevents any leakage and stops any flow in the off position.

These and other objects and advantages will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A multi-position fuel valve includes a main body defining an enclosed chamber having a number of inlet ports and an outlet port, each of the ports having an associated seat in the chamber. Disposed inside the chamber is a revolving rotor that is connected to a selector handle located outside the chamber. The rotor is configured to provide a possible passageway between each of the inlet ports and the outlet port, and the selector handle is preferably a lever located for convenient access.

Preferably a pair of balls are positioned in the rotor and sized to lodge in the plurality of seats or elsewhere in the chamber. When this occurs a certain portion of the passageway is cut off meaning there is no fluid flow from at least one of inlet ports through the outlet port. A compression spring with opposing ends bearing against the balls maintains the balls lodged in the seats and fixes the position of the rotor and handle.

The main body has a number of detents such that a substantial force is required to rotate the selector handle and revolve the rotor inside the chamber and move the balls between the seats. Preferably, the chamber has a circumferential groove in which the balls travel as being revolved between the seats. Further, the seats are preferably configured to lie below the circumferential groove such that the compression spring expands forcing the ball into the seat, and then compresses as the handle is rotated and rotor revolved thereby forcing the ball out of the seat and into the circumferential groove.

The valve further includes a number of extension sections connected to the ports for inlet or outlet hoses such that the valve can be mounted remote from the fuel supply and/or carburetor. Preferably the extension sections swivels relative the chamber to provide additional flexibility for routing of fluid lines to the valve. Each swiveling extension section has a tubular portion sized for going into one of the ports of the chamber and has a circumferential slot for housing a locking ring. The main body of the valve has a corresponding slot proximate the port for receiving the locking ring such that the extension section is retained to the valve. Further, each extension tubular portion preferably has a circumferential slot that accepts an o-ring for providing an effective seal.

In operation, rotation of the selector handle causes the rotor and the balls and the spring to revolve inside the chamber between the plurality of seats. This provides control of the fluid flow between the plurality of inlet ports and the outlet port. One or more o-rings disposed in one or more of the seats in the chamber provide leak-proof seals.

Preferably the valve has a pair of inlet sections and three-positions, with an “off” position approximately midway between the other two positions. Preferably the rotor is configured such that the handle can rotate a maximum 180 degrees. This may be accomplished by the rotor having a protruding stop that rides in a semi-circular slot in the main body. The rotor is preferably made of a metallic material.

Preferably the valve is configured such that in an “off” position no fluid flow is possible between the inlet ports. This may be accomplished with the rotor having an upper passageway for receiving fluid through the inlet ports, the passageway extending inside the rotor to a lower passageway for passing fluid out the outlet port. The passageway is laid out such that when the rotor is revolved and the fluid flow is cut off to the outlet port, and the upper passageway is not aligned with any of the inlet ports.

LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS FOR FIRST-PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS FOR SECOND-PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS FOR THIRD-PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS FOR FOURTH-PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The detailed descriptions set forth below in connection with the appended drawings are intended as a description of presently-preferred embodiments of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed and/or utilized. The descriptions set forth the structure and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent structures and steps may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Referring toFIGS. 1-13, the first-preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described. Primarily referring toFIGS. 2,3, the present embodiment petcock valve includes a main body or housing20including a screen filter22, an inlet section26, and an outlet section24extending orthogonally from the main body or housing20, all with generally hollowed-out interiors. Optionally, the present embodiment may include an inlet extension28, a large spring30and elongate screen filter32. The inlet section26includes an inlet port34and a reserve port36. Inside the main body or housing20is a main chamber or cavity38, the shape and configuration of which will be described in detail below. The top of the outside of the main body or housing20includes left hand threads40that engage the left hand threads (not shown) found on the bottom inside of a nut42, and in combination with a washer44secure the upper part of the petcock assembly together. The outlet portion24includes a nipple46that engages a conventional 5/16 inch diameter hose (not shown) to the motorcycle engine. The outlet portion24is available in other nipple46sizes for larger or smaller diameter hoses. Also, rather than the right angle, 90 degree outlet port24, a straight outlet port (not shown) is also available.

Primarily referring toFIG. 2, the lower part of the petcock assembly may be described. A generally cylindrically-shaped selector handle50with rounded edges projects from an end flange or cap52. On the upper surface of the end flange52is a small pin54, the function of which will be addressed below. Above the end cap52is a piston56of varying diameters and having a number of orifices or ports. The piston or rotor56is generally a cylindrical tube open on one end, with an inlet neck58, an inlet port60, a reserve port62and four (4) outlet ports64. Just above the reserve inlet port60is a groove for a snap lock ring70, and just below the outlet ports64is a groove68for an o-ring72. A small spring74is seated inside the piston or rotor56between two of the outlet ports64and a pair of balls76are seated in those outlet ports and inside the main chamber or cavity38.

Now also referring toFIGS. 4-10, the petcock valve may be further described.FIGS. 4,5show the petcock valve in the “off” position, with the handle50rotated 180 degrees relative the outlet section24, such that the balls76are also in that line. As best shown inFIG. 14, the main body or housing20is made with a pair of shoulders or steps82,84to act as a stop for the location of the outlet section26and such that a space is created to retain an o-ring86. When the handle50and piston or rotor56are in this “off” position the balls76are pushed apart by the spring74such that the one ball76seats in the outlet port64and against the o-ring86, creating a highly effective seal and preventing any fuel from passing. Also note the o-ring72that prevents fuel from passing between the piston or rotor56and main body of housing20(SeeFIG. 4).

FIGS. 6,7show the petcock valve in the “reserve” position with the selector handle50rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise from the “off” position. As shown by the arrows, fuel may flow through the aligned reserve ports36,62, into the inlet neck58and through the outlet port64, and into the outlet section24and the attached hose (not shown). Finally,FIGS. 8,9show the valve in the “on” position with the selector handle50rotated clockwise. Again as shown by the arrows, the fuel may flow in through the inlet port60and into the inlet neck58and through the outlet port64into the outlet section24and out.

Now also referring toFIGS. 10,11, other details of the main chamber or cavity34can be described. It is made with a circumferential, curved slot80for encapsulating the balls70inside the main body or housing20and generally inside the two select outlet ports64. Further, as best shown inFIG. 6, the outlet section24is in fluid communication with the main chamber or cavity34by a hole bored therein. This hole also allows the ball76to travel further outboard under forces of the spring74and seat against the o-ring86as described above in conjunction withFIG. 14.

Additionally, around the inside of the main chamber or cavity34, at 90, 180 and 270 degrees from the outlet section24, machined into the circumferential slot80are three vertical, curved slots88. The curve of the slots88approximately matches the curve of the balls76, being greater than the curve of the slot80. These slots88similarly allow the balls76to move slightly outboard at these positions, which tends to retain the valve in those positions until sufficient rotary force is applied to the selector handle50to force the balls76inward and into the circumferential slot80. Additionally, as the selector handle50is being rotated between the “on”, “off” and “reserve” positions, the user feels in his fingers and hears a “click” sound as the balls76jump into the vertical slots88and/or against the o-ring86.

Referring toFIG. 15, yet another feature of the first-preferred embodiment of the present invention may be described. On the bottom side of the main body or housing20is a semi-circular slot90. This slot90is sized to receive the fixed, small pin54protruding from the top side of the flange52, that serves to limit rotation of the valve and handle50to 180 degrees. Thus, when the user rotates the valve all the way counterclockwise it will be in the “reserve” position, whereas when rotated all the way clockwise it will be in the “on” position.

Referring toFIGS. 12,13, the first-preferred embodiment of the present invention are shown installed in a pair of fuel tanks, inFIG. 12into a larger tank or deeper section of the tank, and inFIG. 13into a smaller tank or shallower section of the tank. On the top inside portion of the nut42are right-hand threads which engage a mounting bracket92the bottom of the fuel tank. The plastic washer44serves to prevent fuel from leaking outside the valve. The overall height of the petcock valve without the inlet extension28and not counting the screen filter22or32is less than about 2.25 inches.

The screen filter22,32material is preferably a metal or metal alloy suitable for use in gasoline or other fuel environments. The mesh size of the screen22,32should be chosen for the particular application, to provide the filtering function without overly restricting the flow through of fuel from the tank into the engine, e.g. providing at least 70 ounces per minute. The other parts of the petcock valve are machined from 360 solid brass and show-chromed for a lifetime shiny finish. The o-ring86provides a no leak seal through the outlet24of the petcock valve, while the o-ring72prevents fuel from leaking out the bottom.

The petcock valve is also easily uninstalled and disassembled for occasional maintenance. The nut42is loosened and the petcock valve removed from the fuel tank, such that the screen filter22,32can be removed and cleaned. Then, if necessary, to service the o-rings72,86, the snap lock ring70is removed from the inlet neck58such that the piston58can be pulled through the inlet port34and separated from the main body or housing20. This will also release the balls74and spring76and thus care should be taken that those parts are not lost upon disassembly. The petcock valve is reassembled and reinstalled by reversing the above steps.

Referring toFIGS. 16-26, the second-preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described. First primarily referring toFIGS. 16,17, the second-embodiment petcock valve includes a main body or housing120, an end cap122and a selector handle124. The end cap122includes three (3) ports126, two outlet sections and an inlet section, each having a nipple128sized to engage a conventional 5/16 inch diameter hose (not shown) to the gas tank(s) or carburetor. The ports126(or inlet/outlet sections) are available in other sizes as needed, and a 90 degrees port is also available in addition to the straight line ports126shown. Four (4) conventional fasteners134hold the end cap122onto the main body or housing120.

Now also referring toFIGS. 18-20, further parts and components of the second-preferred embodiment valve may be described. Inside the hollowed-out main body or housing120is a valve stem or rotor assembly140including a pivot pin142and a swing arm144. As best shown inFIG. 19, the pivot pin142and swing arm144are secured together by a retaining pin146so that they cannot rotate relative one another. The swing arm144has a longitudinal through hole that houses a compression spring148and a pair of balls150at each end. Still further included are a number of o-rings,152in a circumferential groove in the pivot pin142, and154seated in the three (3) ports126and a large o-ring156around a raised land158on the inside of the end cap122. The pivot pin142includes a pair of holes168that are approximately 180 degrees apart from one another, and the selector handle124includes a similarly-sized hole to receive a conventional fastener170to fixedly attach the valve stem140to the handle124. Note that this allows the selector handle124to be installed pointed up or pointed down as preferred by the user.

Referring toFIGS. 22,23further details and features of the main body or housing120and end cap122may be described. In the raised land158of the end cap122is a cylindrical shaped cavity160sized to receive the forward end of the pivot pin142although allowing a small clearance between. Similarly in the main body or housing120is a through hole161for the opposing end of the piston pin142and its connection with the handle selector handle124. Inside the main body or housing120are a set of three (3) bowl-shaped indentations162each sized to receive the ball150. Referring toFIG. 26, the end cap122is machined to include a shoulder164in combination with port126including a stop166, such that each port126can only be pushed in so far thereby creating a space for encapsulating and retaining the o-ring156.

Now also referring toFIGS. 21A-21Cand24-26, the operation, function and use of the valve of the second-preferred embodiment will be discussed. The handle124and valve stem or rotor assembly140revolve up to approximately 180 degrees inside the main body or housing120to one of three (3) positions, Tank1, Carburetor or Tank2. When the swing arm140is rotated over the Tank1port126as shown inFIG. 21A, the ball150seats against the o-ring154thereby preventing fuel from flowing in from the Tank1(see alsoFIGS. 25,26) while fuel flows freely from Tank2to the Carburetor. The Tank1port126may be connected by a flexible hose (not shown) to the main portion of the gas tank (usually called the “on” position) while the Tank2port126may be connected to the bottom or reserve portion of the tank (called the “reserve” position), or vice versa, while the “C” port126is connected to the carburetor. Similarly, when the handle124and swing arm144are rotated over the Carburetor or Tank2ports126(FIGS. 21B, C), those ports126are closed and fuel flows between the other two open ports126.

On the other side of the arm144is a second ball150that sits between the compression spring148and the inside surface of the main body or housing120. As the handle124and valve stem140are rotated between the three positions described above, this other ball150travels between the three bowl-shaped indentations162. When the swing arm144is positioned over one of the ports,126, the compression spring148causes the ball150to jump into the indention162and lodge itself therein and create a “click” action (seeFIG. 25). This indicates to the user that the handle124is properly positioned at one of the three positions, and tends to keep the handle124at that position until sufficient force is applied to turn the selector handle124and force the ball150out of the indention162(along with the other ball150out of its seat on the o-ring154in the port126) and back inside the swing arm144. Additionally, the main body or housing120is configured such that at the tank1and tank2positions (FIGS. 21A,211C) movement in only one direction is possible, so the user knows moving the selector handle124all the way one way is the “on” position while moving it all he way the opposite way is the “reserve” position.

The pair of holes136in the end cap122are mounting means for conventional fasteners for securing the petcock assembly to a motorcycle frame (not shown). The petcock assembly is installed below the gas tank and above the carburetor, as the fuel system is gravity fed, and preferably with the two inlet ports above the single outlet port.

Referring toFIGS. 27-32, the third-preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described. First primarily referring toFIGS. 27-29, the present embodiment petcock valve includes a main body or housing210, a selector handle212, a pair of swivel inlet sections214and a fixed outlet section216, each of which are sized to accept a conventional fuel hose or line (not shown). The housing210includes four (4) threaded holes218sized to receive fasteners (not shown) to mount the housing210against a plate-like structure (also not shown) on the motorcycle or other vehicle. The housing210includes two (2) other smaller, tooling holes220used only in machining the housing210. Note the slots222in the side of the housing210and large opening223in the bottom which facilitate access to the inside and the components therein for cleaning and maintenance purposes.

Now also referring toFIGS. 30-32, the parts and components inside the housing210may be described. A rotary piston224includes a top or neck portion226that interfaces with the selector handle212through a hole228in the housing210, and a fastener hole230is sized to receive a fastener232to secure the rotary piston224and selector handle212together. Upon assembly to prevent any fuel from leaking through the hole228in the housing210, the rotary piston224has a circumferential groove234sized to accept an o-ring236. A middle portion238of the rotary piston224has two orthogonal through bores that create three (3) ports240and a fourth port241(which correspond to ports in the main body or housing210that lead to the inlet14and outlet16sections). The port241aligned with the handle224is made a slightly larger diameter to accept a small spring242and a ball244.

On the bottom of the rotary piston224is a pivot pin246, and beneath the rotary piston224is an end cap248with a cavity250sized to accept the pivot pin246. The end cap248has a circumferential groove252sized to accept an o-ring254that prevents fuel from leaking out the bottom opening223in the housing210. A locking ring256is used to secure the end cap248inside the housing210. Each of the inlet sections214has three (3) circumferential groves258, two of which are for o-rings260that prevent fuel from leaking out the side of the housing210, and the last groove258for a lock ring262that retains the inlet section214inside the housing210, although the inlet sections214are still freely able to pivot (360 degrees) to any desired position. There are three (3) additional o-rings264in small steps in the housing210adjacent the interface with the inlet214and outlet216sections. The outlet section214is preferably an interference press fit and permanently set into the housing210.

Having described the structure of the third-preferred embodiment, it is now possible to discuss its operation, function and use. The valve of the third-preferred embodiment is configured for the main body or housing210to be mounted to a generally flat, plate-like structure and secured with conventional fasteners (not shown) through the four (4) mounting holes218, and conventional hoses or fuel lines from a the gas or reserve tank or other fuel sources are attached to the inlet sections214. Advantageously, the inlet sections214can freely pivot 360 degrees all the way around, providing great flexibility in the routing of the hoses or fuel lines thereto. That is, the inlet sections214can be positioned pointing forward as shown in theFIGS. 27-32, or alternatively can individually or both be pivoted to point downward, backward, upward or anywhere in between, while being retained by the lock rings262.

With the selector handle212in the position aligned with the outlet section216, the ball244is seated against the o-ring264in the step in the housing210adjacent the outlet section216and thus no fuel can flow through the outlet section216and to the carburetor or other destination (not shown) for the fuel. With the selector handle212aligned over either of the inlet sections214, the ball244similarly closes that inlet section214and allows fuel to flow only through the other inlet section and the rotary piston224and the outlet section216. With the ball244seated in any of the inlet214or outlet216section, as the user begins to turn the handle212this tends to force the ball244(compressing the spring242) inside the rotary piston224, and when it reaches the desired inlet214or outlet section216the ball244jumps (the spring242is released from a compressed state) into the seat provided by the o-ring264. This makes a clicking sound and is positive engagement of the selector handle212and valve in the new position, and the selector handle212and valve tend to stay in that position until forcibly moved to another position.

Disassembling of the third-preferred embodiment for cleaning, replacement of o-rings236,254,260or264, or the like is easily accomplished. The lock rings256or262are removable to gain access inside the housing210to every part and component of the petcock valve, and then merely reversing one's steps to reassemble the valve. Preferably in disassembling either of the inlet sections214, the selector handle212should be in the “OFF” position aligned with the outlet section216, such that the ball244will not be propelled out of the housing210and possibly lost.

Finally, referring toFIGS. 33-39, the fourth-preferred embodiment may be described. Initially primarily referring toFIGS. 33,34, this valve has a main body or housing310defining a chamber or inner cavity312(seeFIG. 36), and a pair of swiveling inlet sections314,315and a fixed outlet section316. On the ends of the inlet sections314and outlet section316are nipples318for connecting conventional fuel hoses (not shown). A selector or lever handle320connects to the inner workings of the valve, and an end cover322closes out the valve and also serves to provide an interface for a two-fastener mount to a flat surface (not shown).

As best shown inFIG. 36, housed inside the chamber312is a two-stage rotor324having an upper portion326and a lower portion328and a rotor cap330. The inside of the chamber312also has a circumferential groove332between one or more seats334, the function of which is explained below. The bottom side of the main body310has a pair of protruding pins336and the interfacing side of the end cover322has a pair of corresponding holes338for mating these two parts together. The main body310and end cover322are secured together by four conventional fasteners340through the holes342,344. The rotor cap330has a protruding stop346that rides in the slot348in the end cover322.

Continuing to refer toFIG. 36and alsoFIGS. 38,39, the top of the rotor324extends through an opening in the main body310and into an opening350in the selector handle320, and is fixedly connected to the handle320by a conventional fastener352through threaded holes354and356. A circumferential groove358in the rotor324houses an o-ring360to seal the top portion of the valve body310.

Sealing the bottom of the main body310is a second o-ring362that rides around the perimeter of a recessed area364in the end cover322. In that recessed area364there is also a spring washer366that maintains a sliding gap between the revolving rotor324and rotor cap330and fixed end cover322. A second protruding pin368and corresponding hole370are for tying the rotor324and rotor cap330so they revolve together. The rotor end cap330also includes a pivot pin372that rides in an opening374in the end cover322, and as shown inFIG. 6the pivot pin372extends on the upward side of the rotor cap33as well to fill the opening in the bottom of the rotor324. Finally, the end cover322includes a pair of holes386for mounting to a flat surface (not shown).

The side portions of the main body310include a stepped hole378sized to accept a tubular portion380of the inlet sections314,315. On the tubular portion380are a pair of circumferential grooves382for a pair of o-rings384, and a third circumferential groove382for a locking ring386that slides into a slot388in the side of the valve body310. This configuration and assembly secures the inlet sections314,315and seals the sides of the main body310while still allowing the inlet sections314,315to freely swivel in either direction.FIG. 36shows the inlet sections314,315swiveled to align with the outlet section, whereasFIGS. 33,34show the inlet sections314,315swiveled to the opposite direction as the outlet section316.

Now also referring toFIG. 37, the inner workings of the valve can be described. The rotor324is in the approximate shape of a bowling pin and revolves inside the chamber312of the main body310. Inside the rotor324is a passageway390including a pair of intersecting horizontal through holes in the lower portion328, a vertical hole through the bottom extending upwards past the intersecting through holes to a horizontal exit hole in the upper portion326of the rotor. A pair of balls392separated by a compression spring394and mounted in the lower portion328through hole that aligns with the through hole in the upper portion326. A curved vertical slot396is machined into the interior circumferential grove at three places. Where the outlet section316meets the main body310a space is created to retain an o-ring398. SeeFIG. 14for an enlarged view of this same valve seat structure found in the first embodiment.

The fourth embodiment operates as follows. The valve is mounted to a flat surface remote from the fuel supply and carburetor (all not shown), and fuel hoses (not shown) are connected to the valve. The inlet sections314,315freely swivel (FIGS. 33-35) offering flexibility in routing of the fuel lines. When the selector handle320is in the “off” or middle position the balls392are seated against the o-ring394and in the vertical slot396180 degrees opposite, and the outlet section316is sealed and no fuel is able to pass through the valve. Also while in the “off” position, the rotor324is oriented such that the hole in the upper portion326of the passageway390is misaligned with the inlet sections314,315such that no significant amount of fuel is able to pass into the valve from either of the inlet sections314,315.

When the selector handle320is rotated 90 degrees counter-clockwise (looking down at the top of the valve), the rotor324revolves 90 degrees in the same direction, moving the ball out of the seat and away from the o-ring398and the upper portion326now being oriented such that the hole aligns with the inlet section315(see,FIG. 38). Fuel is able to flow readily into the inlet section315, through the passageway390and out the outlet section316. If the handle is now rotated 180 degrees clockwise (not shown), fuel is able to enter through the other inlet section314and pass though the outlet section316. The valve is configured such that there is a hard stop at the two open or “on” positions, and a detent to indicate and hold the rotor/handle at the midway “off position.”

The fourth embodiment valve is also easily disassembled for maintenance purposes. The hoses (not shown) would be disconnected and the valve removed from the mounting surface (not shown). The inlet sections314,315are easily removable by sliding out the locking ring396. After the bottom fasteners350and end cover322are removed, as well as the handle fastener352and selector handle320, then the rotor cap330and rotor324, balls392and spring394can be removed from inside the body310. When removing the rotor324from inside the body310, one should put his or her hand around the rotor324to catch and avoid losing the loose balls392AND SPRING394. This provides access to replace all the o-rings, e.g.360,362,398, etc. as well as for cleaning of the rotor324and chamber312inside the body320. Merely reversing these steps will reassemble the valve.

While the present invention has been described with regards to particular embodiments, it is recognized that additional variations of the present invention may be devised without departing from the inventive concept.