Patent ID: 6708944
Filing Date: 2004-03-23
Classification: A61M,F16K

Abstract:
A valve, for controlling a fluid flow in a flexible conduit having an outer surface and a flow cross-sectional area, comprising:a) a stationary member having a convex surface portion adapted to support a first region of the outer surface of the flexible conduit; b) a substantially round first wheel having a first central axis and drivingly rotatable about the first central axis; and c) a substantially round second wheel having a second central axis, attached to and projecting beyond the first wheel, and freely rotatable about the second central axis, wherein the second central axis is spaced apart from the first central axis, wherein driving rotation of the first wheel moves the second wheel in a substantially circular arc to compressingly contact a second region of the outer surface of the flexible conduit, wherein the second region substantially opposes the first region enabling the second wheel to compress the flexible conduit to adjust the flow cross-sectional area of the flexible conduit, wherein the valve compresses no other region of the flexible conduit other than the second region.