Pressure Actuated Valve with Curved Slit Configuration

Abstract

A valve for controlling material flow through a catheter, comprises a first flexible member including a first moveable element, wherein, when the first moveable element is in the open position, material may flow past the first flexible member through a first lumen of the catheter and, when the first moveable element is in the closed position, flow through the first lumen is prevented and a first biasing member coupled to the first flexible member for biasing the first moveable member toward the closed position.

1 - 51 . (canceled) 
     
     
         52 . A valve for controlling fluid flow through a catheter comprising:
 an elliptical disk-shaped flexible member having a slit configured to open when subjected to a fluid pressure of a threshold level,   wherein the slit is curved and traverses a long axis of the elliptical disk-shaped flexible member at least once.   
     
     
         53 . The valve of  claim 52 , wherein the slit follows a substantially sinusoidal curve.