Abstract: A dispensing valve for dispensing concentrate and diluent to make a beverage includes a first member containing therein a cylindrical bore having a first pressurizing gas passage terminating at an alongate opening in the bore and a first diluent passage terminating in a further outlet in the bore. The bottom of the bore contains an open area through which concentrate can be dispensed. Seals around the alongate outlet and the further outlet and seal against a central, rotatable valve member of generally angularous shape which is disposed for rotation within the cylindrical bore.

Abstract: In order to sense a liquid level, an input light pipe and output light pipe have angled ends such that light supplied to the input light pipe is directed from it to the output light pipe by total internal reflection as long as the ends are in a gas. When in a liquid, the index is such as to cause light in the input light pipe to refract into the liquid and not reach the output light pipe. By observing the other end of the output light pipe it becomes possible to determine if the angled ends are in liquid or gas, and thus detect a liquid level.