Patent ID: 8602107

Claim:
A switchable flow mechanism for use in a downhole fluid control tool, the mechanism comprising an element arranged only to rotate within the tool, the element including a plurality of pairs of switchable flow ports on a surface thereof, wherein in a first position of the element, a flow path is arranged through the element between each pair of switchable flow ports and at least a portion of each flow path is arranged off axis through the element, wherein, there are a plurality of housing flow ports arranged around the element and each housing flow port includes a connection to a control line; said element has a central axis; each housing flow port is mis-aligned with a switchable flow port in a second position of the element; and upon rotation of the element to the neutral position, fluid flow to the housing ports is provided by a recess in a surface of the element and thereby reduces permitted fluid flow through the control lines of the tool thereby equalizing pressure via the element.