Patent ID: 7803133
Filing Date: 2010-09-28
Classification: A61M,F16K

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for selecting a flow rate of a fluid, the apparatus comprising: an axle comprising an elongated cylindrical member having flow paths, each flow path being defined by a corresponding set of radial holes, each set of radial holes comprising at least one radial hole that extends substantially between an outer surface of the axle and an interior cavity of the axle, at least one of the flow paths being further defined by an axial drain channel that substantially extends longitudinally along a length of the axle; and a barrel comprising an elongated cylindrical member within which the axle is disposed, the barrel having input ports and an output port, the barrel being configured to enable the axle to rotate about an axis of rotation that extends along the length of the axle, wherein a flow rate of a fluid is selected by rotating the axle to a position so that a set of radial holes is in alignment with one or more ports of the barrel, wherein a length of the axial drain channel along a longitudinal axis of the axle is larger than a width of the axial drain channel along a radial axis of the axle.