Patent ID: 7243903

Claim:
A valve, comprising: a body having an input port, a central portion, and an output port; a bonnet; a flexible diaphragm having a central portion and a peripheral portion surrounding the central portion, wherein the peripheral portion is adapted to be positioned between the bonnet and the body; wherein the flexible diaphragm is formed from a flexible elastomeric or plastic material; a separate substantially rigid ring of more rigidity than the flexible diaphragm extending continuously through or on the peripheral portion; a thin alloy layer molded to, bonded with, or otherwise covering the central portion of the flexible diaphragm; an actuator mechanism operatively coupled to the diaphragm for moving the diaphragm between an open configuration wherein the input port and output port are in fluid communication with each other, and a closed configuration wherein the diaphragm blocks the central portion and prevents fluid flow between the input port and the output port; and wherein the bonnet is adapted to house the actuator mechanism.