Patent ID: 6039075
Filing Date: 2000-03-21
Classification: F16K,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
A valve apparatus, for controlling flow of a fluid from a source to a sink, comprising:a) base means, having an upper surface, and an aperture extending from the upper surface through the base means, for allowing the flow of fluid from the source to the sink when the aperture is not covered;b) elongate, flexible band means, disposed on the base means, with a first portion of the band means in contact with the upper surface of the base means, and a second portion extending forwardly of the first portion and then upwardly and then rearwardly above at least a part of the first portion;c) control means, coupled to the second portion of the band means, for selectively moving the second portion forwardly or rearwardly to respectively cover or uncover the aperture with the first portion of the band means, to thereby respectively prevent or allow the flow of fluid through the aperture;d) a tether coupled to the second portion of the flexible band means, extending in an opposite direction of the control means; ande) biasing means, coupled to the tether, for pulling the flexible band means in a direction away from the control means.