Patent ID: 6871660
Filing Date: 2005-03-29
Classification: A61M,F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A valve for controlling fluid flow, comprising: a first pair of spaced valve members comprising a primary and a secondary spaced valve member, the valve members capable of being relatively positioned in at least an open position and a closed position, such that when the members are in the open position fluid is permitted to flow, and when the members are in the closed position fluid is not permitted to flow; a first biasing means for biasing the first pair of spaced valve members toward either the open or closed position, the first biasing means operably connected to the primary valve member of the first pair of spaced valve members; and a first flexible cable operably connected to the primary valve member of the first pair of spaced valve members for movement of the primary valve member with respect to the secondary valve member, the cable movable between a first position and a second position, such that when the cable is in the first position the first pair of spaced valve members are in the open position and when the cable is in the second position the first pair of spaced valve members are in the closed position; a first activating means, the first activating means operably connected to the first cable, the first activating means having a first and a second position, such that when the first activating means is in the first position, the first cable is in the first position, and when the first activating means is in the second position, the first cable is in the second position; means for slidably constraining the first cable, the constraining means comprising a first end and a second end, the first end fixedly aligned with the primary valve member of the first pair of spaced valve members, the second end fixedly aligned with the activating means, such that the linear distance from the first activating means to the primary valve member of the first pair of spaced valve members along the constraining means is constant, and when the first cable is moved from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position, the first cable slides within the constraining means; wherein the valve is a pinch valve and the first pair of spaced valve members are spaced such that a fluid carrying vessel may be located within the space between the primary and secondary spaced valve members such that when the members are in the open position and a fluid carrying vessel is located between the primary and the secondary spaced valve members, fluid is free to flow within the fluid carrying vessel and when the members are in the closed position and a fluid carrying vessel is located between the primary and the secondary spaced valve members, fluid is not permitted to flow within the fluid carrying vessel.