A valve uniquely integrates ball valve and throttling valve principals,
thus affording quieter stop-and-start operation. A ball held by two seat
rings is rotatable ninety degrees and has a diametric bore adjustable
between fully closed (0.degree.) and fully open (90.degree.) positions.
Oppositely disposed, relative to both the ball and the valve's
longitudinal axis, are two plate assemblies each describing a tortuous
fluid path. Each ring has conduits communicating with an assembly's
tortuous path and communicable with the bore so that, sequentially during
the ball's 0.degree. to 90.degree. rotation: the ball seals off the
conduits, no fluid passing through the valve; all fluid passing through
the valve flows through the plate assemblies and conduits; some fluid
passing through the valve flows through the plate assemblies and
conduits, some fluid passing through the valve flowing freely; the ball
seals off the conduits, all fluid passing through the valve flowing
freely.