Abstract: An electrically operated pre-mix valve includes a cup lever operable to activate a switch to energize a solenoid. The solenoid operates a first lever, which then contacts and operates a second lever. The second lever, in turn, moves against the contact end of an actuating shaft. The actuating shaft is thereby moved to permit beverage flow through the valve and out of a nozzle thereof. Thus, the valve herein uses a compound lever system to gain a mechanical advantage for substantially lessening the opening force required to be applied by the solenoid.

Abstract: A dispensing valve is shown that controls the flow of a fluid, the valve having a housing containing a cylindrical/tubular passageway between an inlet and outlet of the valve. A rod like closure member is operable to move through the passageway from a first position in which the valve is fully closed, to a second position in which the valve is fully open. The exterior surface of the closure member engages the interior surface wall of the passageway to seal the passageway and the interior surface wall and/or the exterior surface of the closure member have helical/spiral grooves therein. A spiral flow passage is defined through which the fluid can flow on its passage from the inlet to the outlet when the closure member moves away from its first position. Further movement of the closure member towards the second position regulates the flow rate of the fluid through the passageway.

Abstract: A control for a beverage dispenser monitors operation thereof to sense a beverage sold out condition. The control senses the voltage demand of a pump motor as it pumps the beverage from a source thereof to a dispensing valve. If the sensed voltage is high, that indicates the pump is encountering resistance and fluid is present. Conversely, if the sensed voltage use is low, that is taken to indicate that the pump is not pumping any liquid and that the container is empty. A software routine is used to sense the average current requirements during dispensing and adjust the reference voltage for the normal full reservoir pump current value based on a historical average thereof as indicated by a predetermined number of prior dispense cycles. The control uses the adjusted reference voltage as a base for determining a sold out condition.