Bypass valve

Abstract

A bypass/diverter valve for controlling the flow of fluid from a source to a fluid treatment device such as a water softener. The valve includes a valve housing defining a circular chamber having a cylindrical wall into which three spaced ports open into. Two of the ports form inlet/outlet ports communicating with connecting conduits. The third port forms an intermediate port that communicates with the input to the water softener. The valve housing also defines a second intermediate port communicating with the output of the water softener and which communicates with the valve chamber through a passage arrangement. A plug-like valving member is rotatable within the chamber and includes a recess which together with the chamber wall defines a passage for selectively communicating one of said inlet/outlet ports with said first intermediate port while concurrently communicating said other inlet/outlet port with the second intermediate port or alternately for communicating said first inlet/outlet port with said second intermediate port while concurrently communicating the second inlet/outlet port with said first intermediate port. The valving member is also positionable to block flow out of either of said inlet/outlet ports. The plug member includes a recess for communicating fluid from the passage to one of the inlet/outlet ports when the valving member is rotated to a predetermined position. A movement control disc delimits the extremes of movement in the valving member and is positionable in two different positions to change the extremes of movement.