Patent ID: 7311229

Claim:
A slide tap comprising: a body defining a channel including a first open end and an outlet port from which fluid is dispensed; an actuator slidable within said channel, said actuator being a cylindrical shape with a closed end thereof configured to slide back and forth within said channel, and an open end of said actuator configured to slide across said outlet port, selectively exposing and covering said outlet port; a handle connected to said actuator for applying force to said actuator to open the tap by sliding said actuator in said body channel; a seal on one of said actuator and said body for engaging a seat on the other of said actuator and said body; and a spring mechanism operable between said body and said actuator for biasing said actuator in a direction for closing said slide tap by covering said outlet port, said spring mechanism configured to provide greater resistance as said actuator is moved from a closed position and lessened resistance as said actuator approaches a fully opened position.