Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A pressure equalized flow control apparatus and method controls the flow of fluid through a resilient tube. The resilient tube is surrounded by an enclosed chamber having inlet and outlet ports in fluid communication with the interior of the resilient tube. A vent connecting the interior of the resilient tube with the interior of the enclosed chamber equalizes the fluid pressure inside the resilient tube with the fluid pressure outside the resilient tube within the enclosed chamber. By equalizing the pressures inside and outside of the resilient tube, the vent prevents the resilient tube from collapsing when the resilient tube is under suction. Similarly, the pressure equalization prevents a positive fluid pressure from exerting an outward force on the wall of the tube which must be overcome to pinch the tube. Thus, by using pressure equalization, the vent enables the resilient tube to have a relatively thin wall that is easily pinched to close the resilient tube.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim