Patent ID: 7914040

Claim:
A mechanism for releasably blocking a flow of pressurized fluid through an opening, the mechanism comprising: a housing including a first wall portion and a second wall portion at least partially defining a cavity adapted for slidably receiving a support member therein, and a gas exit passage exterior of the cavity and in fluid communication with the cavity for facilitating flow of pressurized fluid from the housing; an opening in the first wall portion to enable a flow of pressurized fluid into the cavity; an opening in the second wall portion to enable a flow of pressurized fluid from the cavity into the gas exit passage; a seal coupled to the housing and adapted to prevent a flow of fluid through the opening in the first wall portion when the seal is supported against a force exerted by the pressurized fluid in a first direction; a support member slidably received within the cavity to support the seal against the force exerted by the fluid in the first direction; and means operatively coupled to the support member for moving the support member from a first position wherein the seal is supported by the support member, to a second position wherein the seal is unsupported by the support member, thereby enabling failure of the seal and flow of the fluid, wherein the support member slides along the first and second wall portions during movement from the first position to the second position.