Abstract: A blending pump assembly for accurately maintaining the proper ratio of two fluid components. Flow of a first fluid is utilized to drive a fluid motor, which in turn drives a pumping mechanism to inject a proportional amount of a second fluid into the flow of the first fluid. The fluid motor and pump are sized so that a predetermined ratio between the two fluids is maintained regardless of changes in pressure and flow rate of such first fluid.

Abstract: A drip resistant dispensing valve for fluids is disclosed, which provides a dispensing outlet configured to minimize the tendency for residual fluid to collect in and drip from the dispensing outlet while maintaining a simple construction for ease of manufacture. The dispensing outlet face is situated a distance away from the valve body, which tends to prevent, or at least minimize the risk of, contact between potentially contaminating external surfaces with the surfaces of the discharge outlet. Such construction assists in minimizing the retention of fluid on the surfaces of the dispensing outlet, and migration of the fluid to surfaces outside of the dispensing outlet that could tend to promote growth of biological contaminates and/or provide additional surfaces that could pool fluid following a dispensing operation and thereafter drip from the valve.

Abstract: A blending pump assembly for accurately maintaining the proper ratio of two fluid components. Flow of a first fluid is utilized to drive a fluid motor, which in turn drives a pumping mechanism to inject a proportional amount of a second fluid into the flow of the first fluid. The fluid motor and pump are sized so that a predetermined ratio between the two fluids is maintained regardless of changes in pressure and flow rate of such first fluid.

Abstract: A blending pump assembly for accurately maintaining the proper ratio of two fluid components. Flow of a first fluid is utilized to drive a fluid motor, which in turn drives a pumping mechanism to inject a proportional amount of a second fluid into the flow of the first fluid. The fluid motor and pump are sized so that a predetermined ratio between the two fluids is maintained regardless of changes in pressure and flow rate of such first fluid.

Abstract: A drip resistant dispensing valve for fluids is disclosed, which provides a dispensing outlet configured to minimize the tendency for fluid to drip from the valve following a dispensing operation. The dispensing outlet exhibits curved interior surfaces and a curved outlet face construction; the face situated a distance away from the valve body. Such construction assists in minimizing the retention of fluid on the surfaces of the dispensing outlet, and migration of the fluid to surfaces outside of the dispensing outlet that could tend to promote growth of biological contaminates and/or provide additional surfaces that could pool fluid following a dispensing operation and thereafter drip from the valve. A shell is provided around the dispensing outlet to assist in avoiding contamination of the valve and of the fluid being dispensed through the valve, and to aid in positioning a receptacle for receiving fluid from the dispensing valve.

Abstract: A blending pump assembly for accurately maintaining the proper ratio of two fluid components. Flow of a first fluid is utilized to drive a fluid motor, which in turn drives a pumping mechanism to inject a proportional amount of a second fluid into the flow of the first fluid. The fluid motor and pump are sized so that a predetermined ratio between the two fluids is maintained regardless of changes in pressure and flow rate of such first fluid.

Abstract: A blending pump assembly for accurately maintaining the proper ratio of two fluid components. Flow of a first fluid is utilized to drive a fluid motor, which in turn drives a pumping mechanism to inject a proportional amount of a second fluid into the flow of the first fluid. The fluid motor and pump are sized so that a predetermined ratio between the two fluids is maintained regardless of changes in pressure and flow rate of such first fluid.

Abstract: A dispensing valve for fluids is disclosed which provides for ease of use by requiring only a minimal force exerted on the valve actuator to maintain the valve in an open position. A resilient valve actuator having the characteristics of a nonlinear spring is provided at an actuator end of the valve body and operatively connected to a plunger; with the opposite end of the plunger mounting a resilient valve seal that serves to pen and close a plurality of port openings. The valve may be manufactured with a variety of port configurations to provide for the dispensing of fluids of varying viscosities. The valve body and actuator are formed to allow the dispensing valve to be sterilized through high levels of radiation and through high temperature steam and chemical sterilization processes without degrading the valve structure or operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid dispensing system for precisely controlling the mixing of a first fluid (i.e., a diluent such as water) with a second fluid (i.e., a concentrate) at a mixing point within the fluid dispensing system. A valve is positioned in the dispensing system along the line of supply of the second fluid upstream of the mixing point, such valve being simultaneously actuated through application of positive and/or negative pressure to allow the second fluid to flow through the valve. The application of positive and/or negative pressure is generated from the first fluid to be dispensed by the system and mixed with the second, such that the termination of flow of the first fluid immediately terminates flow of the second fluid to ensure proper mixing of the two fluids in the final solution, thus preventing inadvertent leakage of the second fluid or collection of the second fluid within the flow system which may become subject to spoilage or contamination.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-sealing dispensing tap for use on flexible packages. The tap includes a piercing end configured for piercing the wall of a flexible container, and a flexible member that rides along the tap as it is inserted into the container and expands once installed so as to prevent its withdrawal from the container. A clamping device is provided on the outside of the container which draws the flexible member against the interior wall of the container so as to provide a barrier preventing product within the container, bacteria, or oxygen from inadvertently passing between the interior and exterior of the container.

Abstract: A portion control dispensing apparatus for dispensing precise portions of a product in a tightly controlled manner that minimizes waste caused by residual product left undispensed in a container. The device provides a dispenser for fluid products stored in a flexible container, enabling a portion control pump combined with an extrusion apparatus to squeeze the flexible container, thus continuously directing all remaining product in the container towards the dispensing end. A portion control pump removes product from the container by peristaltic action. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus comprises a frame with an upwardly spring biased carriage configured to removably hold a flexible container that holds product to be dispensed. A pair of rollers is preferably situated at the top of the frame and is positioned such that the carriage will pull the flexible container upward between the rollers as product is dispensed from the container.

Abstract: A portion control dispensing apparatus for dispensing precise portions of a product in a tightly controlled manner that minimizes waste caused by residual product left undispensed in a container. The device provides a dispenser for fluid products stored in a flexible container, enabling a portion control pump combined with an extrusion apparatus to squeeze the flexible container, thus continuously directing all remaining product in the container towards the dispensing end. A portion control pump removes product from the container by peristaltic action. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus comprises a frame with an upwardly spring biased carriage configured to removably hold a flexible container that holds product to be dispensed. A pair of rollers is preferably situated at the top of the frame and is positioned such that the carriage will pull the flexible container upward between the rollers as product is dispensed from the container.

Abstract: A dispensing valve for fluids is disclosed which provides for ease of use by requiring only a minimal force exerted on the valve actuator to maintain the valve in an open position. A resilient valve actuator having the characteristics of a nonlinear spring is provided at an actuator end of the valve body and operatively connected to a plunger; with the opposite end of the plunger mounting a resilient valve seal that serves to pen and close a plurality of port openings. The valve may be manufactured with a variety of port configurations to provide for the dispensing of fluids of varying viscosities. The valve body and actuator are formed to allow the dispensing valve to be sterilized through high levels of radiation and through high temperature steam and chemical sterilization processes without degrading the valve structure or operation.

Abstract: A dispensing valve is disclosed which requires only a minimal force exerted on the valve actuator to maintain the valve in an open position. A resilient valve actuator having the characteristics of a nonlinear spring is provided at an actuator end of the valve body and operatively connected to a plunger, with the opposite end of the plunger mounting a resilient valve seal which serves to open and close a plurality of port openings. The valve is configured so as to allow it to be sterilized through high levels of radiation and through high temperature steam and chemical sterilization processes without degrading the valve structure or operation.

Abstract: An improved disposable storage and dispensing carafe which allows the easy transport and dispensing of a bulk volume of a hot or cold liquid in a throw-away container. The carafe comprises a rigid frame having a dispensing outlet, a pliable or plastic bag for holding a hot or cold liquid having a rigid spout affixed thereto, means for detachably connecting the rigid spout to the dispensing outlet, and an insulating jacket detachably connected to the frame and enveloping the pliable or plastic bag.