Patent ID: 7219850

Claim:
A nozzle assembly comprising: a housing assembly having (i) an internal channel defining a fluid path, and (ii) a valve seat configured to form an opening which is positioned in said fluid path: a valve member positioned within said housing assembly, and having (i) a first end, (ii) a second end, (iii) a sidewall interposed between said first end and said second end, and (iv) a sealing surface configured to sealingly engage said valve seat; an actuator movably mounted in relation to said housing assembly and positioned to contact said sidewall of said valve member during movement of said actuator, wherein movement of said actuator causes said valve member to pivot in relation to said opening and move at least a portion of said sealing surface away from said valve seat thereby allowing fluid to advance through said opening, wherein a first extent of movement of said actuator causes said valve member to utilize said valve seat as a first fulcrum during pivoting of said valve member, wherein said housing assembly includes an internal wall that defines said internal channel, wherein a second extent of movement of said actuator causes said valve member to utilize a portion of said internal wall as a second fulcrum during pivoting of said valve member, wherein said sealing surface of said valve member is completely spaced apart from said valve seat during said second extent of movement of said actuator.