Patent ID: 7370661

Claim:
A fluid supply apparatus including a fluid source and a permeable fluid valve assembly for delivery of a fluid from the fluid source to a downstream processing tool, wherein the permeable valve assembly comprises: an inlet port for communication with an outlet of a fluid source for flowing fluid from the fluid source; and a permeable valve device positioned downstream from the fluid source comprising a valve member and a permeable valve seat member, wherein: the valve device is adapted for movement between a sealing position that blocks fluid flow through the inlet port and an open position that permits fluid flow through the inlet port and valve device, the valve member has a first end and a second end and the first end is positioned in the inlet port, the valve seat member has an abutting first end having an outflow bore therethrough for acceptance of an extension attached to at least a section of the second end of the valve member, the abutting first end of the valve seat member comprises a member that is conformingly configured for engagement with the second end of the valve member and fabricated of a fluid permeable material for transference of the fluid from the fluid source through the inlet port and the permeable material of the valve seat member to the downstream processing tool when the valve device is in the open position, and the fluid source comprises at least one of (i) a fluid storage and dispensing vessel holding a storage medium for said fluid, and (ii) a fluid storage and dispensing vessel having a pressure actuated fluid flow control assembly interiorly disposed therein.