Abstract: A mounting bracket specifically configured and adapted to allow for quick and easy mounting of a fluid pump, such as a pump commonly used in dispensing fountain drinks. The mounting bracket includes fluid passageway(s) which are fluidly connectable with corresponding passageways(s) on the pump, a pressurized gas control source, as well as adjacent mounting bracket(s), such that the pump is automatically connected to such passageways to facilitate operation of the pump upon engagement of the pump in the mounting bracket.

Abstract: First and second pistons are mounted to a common shaft which reciprocates during compression and suction strokes. During each of the strokes, fluid is pumped out at an outlet, via a one-way valve on the second piston. The one-way valve is opened or closed depending on whether the first and second pistons are in the compression or suction stroke. Additionally, pressure from the outlet assists in traversing the first and second pistons in the compression stroke. During the suction stroke, the fluid pressure applies a force on the first piston to counteract the fluid pressure on the second piston so that a smaller spring may be used. The size requirements of the solenoid and spring are reduced. Additionally, the fluid pump provides lower pressure spikes, since fluid is pumped out during both the compression and suction strokes and also provides a more even flow of fluid.

Abstract: A pump operated with compressed gas is disclosed herein. The pump has two separate cylinders which share a common wall. Pistons are attached to a common shaft that runs through the common wall. The pistons are disposed within each of the cylinders. The pistons divide the cylinders into gas and liquid chambers. The liquid chambers of the cylinder form a liquid system and are in fluid communication with the liquid inlet and outlet. The gas chambers of the cylinders form a gas system and are in communication with gas inlet and outlet. A manifold switching mechanism controls routing of compressed gas to either one of the gas chambers to operate the gas operated pump. The pump may also have an automatic shutoff valve which shuts off operation of the pump when liquid from a liquid source has been depleted.

Abstract: A pump operated with compressed gas is disclosed herein. The pump has two separate cylinders which share a common wall. Pistons are attached to a common shaft that runs through the common wall. The pistons are disposed within each of the cylinders. The pistons divide the cylinders into gas and liquid chambers. The liquid chambers of the cylinder form a liquid system and are in fluid communication with the liquid inlet and outlet. The gas chambers of the cylinders form a gas system and are in communication with gas inlet and outlet. A manifold switching mechanism controls routing of compressed gas to either one of the gas chambers to operate the gas operated pump by way of a spool valve or a shuttle valve mechanism. The pump may also have an automatic shutoff valve which shuts off operation of the pump when liquid from a liquid source has been depleted.

Abstract: A pump operated with compressed gas is disclosed herein. The pump has two separate cylinders which share a common wall. Pistons are attached to a common shaft that runs through the common wall. The pistons are disposed within each of the cylinders. The pistons divide the cylinders into gas and liquid chambers. The liquid chambers of the cylinder form a liquid system and are in fluid communication with the liquid inlet and outlet. The gas chambers of the cylinders form a gas system and are in communication with gas inlet and outlet. A manifold switching mechanism controls routing of compressed gas to either one of the gas chambers to operate the gas operated pump by way of a spool valve or a shuttle valve mechanism. The pump may also have an automatic shutoff valve which shuts off operation of the pump when liquid from a liquid source has been depleted.

Abstract: A double acting dual stroke fluid pump with pressure assists is disclosed. First and second pistons are mounted to a common shaft which reciprocates during compression and suction strokes. During each of the strokes, fluid is pumped out at an outlet. This is accomplished by way of a one-way valve on the second piston. The one-way valve is opened or closed depending on whether the first and second pistons are in the compression or suction strokes. Additionally, pressure from the outlet assists in traversing the first and second pistons in the compression stroke. During the suction stroke, the fluid pressure applies a force on the first piston to counteract the fluid pressure on the second piston so that a smaller spring may be used. The size requirements of the solenoid and spring are reduced.

Abstract: A double acting dual stroke fluid pump with pressure assists is disclosed. First and second pistons are mounted to a common shaft which reciprocates within first and second cavities during compression and suction strokes. The second piston may have a one way valve which opens and closes during the compression and suction strokes to enable the fluid pump to force fluid out of the outlet during both the compression and suction strokes.

Abstract: A pump operated with compressed gas is disclosed herein. The pump has two separate cylinders which share a common wall. Pistons are attached to a common shaft that runs through the common wall. The pistons are disposed within each of the cylinders. The pistons divide the cylinders into gas and liquid chambers. The liquid chambers of the cylinder form a liquid system and are in fluid communication with the liquid inlet and outlet. The gas chambers of the cylinders form a gas system and are in communication with gas inlet and outlet. A manifold switching mechanism controls routing of compressed gas to either one of the gas chambers to operate the gas operated pump. The pump may also have an automatic shutoff valve which shuts off operation of the pump when liquid from a liquid source has been depleted.

Abstract: A double acting dual stroke fluid pump with pressure assists is disclosed. First and second pistons are mounted to a common shaft which reciprocates during compression and suction strokes. During each of the strokes, fluid is pumped out at an outlet. This is accomplished by way of a one-way valve on the second piston. The one-way valve is opened or closed depending on whether the first and second pistons are in the compression or suction strokes. Additionally, pressure from the outlet assists in traversing the first and second pistons in the compression stroke. During the suction stroke, the fluid pressure applies a force on the first piston to counteract the fluid pressure on the second piston so that a smaller spring may be used. The size requirements of the solenoid and spring are reduced.

Abstract: A pump diaphragm comprising a first layer formed from a first material such as synthetic rubber which is adapted to be substantially impervious to both hydrophobic and hydrophilic liquids. In addition to the first layer, the pump diaphragm includes a second layer which is disposed in laminar juxtaposition to the first layer. The second layer is itself formed from a second material such as a thermoplastic elastomer which is adapted to possess a high level of flexibility and resiliency.

Abstract: A gear pump comprising a plastic gear pump housing having an interior surface. Rotatably attached to the gear pump housing is a drive gear and an idler gear. The idler gear is cooperatively engaged to the drive gear such that rotation of the drive gear will rotate the idler gear. The gear pump housing is formed from plastic such that the interior surface thereof is sized to contact the drive gear and the idler gear. Accordingly, the contact between the idler gear and the drive gear with the interior of the plastic gear pump housing forms a seal therebetween which is used for the pumping of fluid by the gear pump.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an in-line fluid pump controller for activating and de-activating a fluid pump which is configured to pump fluid through a fluid line. The fluid in the fluid line is characterized by a flow rate and a pressure. The pump controller is provided with a housing which is connectable in fluid communication with the fluid line. The pump controller is further provided with a valve body which is disposed within the housing. The valve body is in fluid flow communication with the fluid of the fluid line and is sized and configured to move in response to the flow rate of the fluid. The valve body has a first position when the flow rate of the fluid is below a threshold flow rate and a second position when the flow rate of the fluid is above the threshold flow rate. The pump controller is further provided with a pivoting lever arm which is rotably connected to the housing. The lever arm is sized and configured to move in response to the pressure of the fluid.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a self-actuating fluid dispenser change-over device for selectively dispensing a fluid from multiple fluid sources. The change-over device is provided with a housing having first and second cylinders. The change-over device is further provided with first and second pistons which are interconnected and movable between open and closed positions within respective ones of the first and second cylinders. The change-over device is further provided with a slide valve which is movable between first and second positions for alternately dispensing fluid from a respective one of the first and second cylinders. The change over device is further provided with a linkage which connects the pistons to the slide valve for moving the slide valve in response to movement of the pistons. The linkage has a biasing spring for urging the slide valve between a respective one of the first and second positions.

Abstract: A gas driven pump has a housing, first and second cylinders disposed within the housing, and first and second interconnected pistons having product intake and product exhaust positions disposed within the first and second cylinders, respectively. A slide valve has first and second positions for alternately pressurizing one of the first and second cylinders and venting the other of the first and second cylinders. A linkage moves the slide valve between the first and second positions thereof in response to movement of the first and second pistons. Over-center construction of the linkage prevents stalling of the slide valve, so as to assure reliable operation of the gas driven pump. The slide valve comprises a slide for placing an inlet port in fluid communication with an alternating one of two pressure/vent ports such that the slide valve scrapes frost build up from the pressure/vent ports as it moves thereover, thereby further enhancing reliability of the gas driven pump.

Abstract: A positive displacement pump comprising a housing which defines a pump inlet chamber in fluid communication with a pump inlet port and a pump outlet chamber in fluid communication with a pump outlet port. Disposed within the housing is a wobble plate which is adapted to pump fluid from the inlet chamber to the outlet chamber. Selectively insertable into and removable from within the housing is a modular pump component. The modular pump component is adapted to modify the operational characteristics of the pump when inserted into the pump housing.

Abstract: A gas driven pump has a housing, first and second cylinders disposed within the housing, and first and second interconnected pistons having product intake and product exhaust positions disposed within the first and second cylinders, respectively. A slide valve has first and second positions for alternately pressurizing one of the first and second cylinders and venting the other of the first and second cylinders. A linkage moves the slide valve between the first and second positions thereof in response to movement of the first and second pistons. Over-center construction of the linkage prevents stalling of the slide valve, so as to assure reliable operation of the gas driven pump. The slide valve comprises a slide for placing an inlet port in fluid communication with an alternating one of two pressure/vent ports such that the slide valve scrapes frost build up from the pressure/vent ports as it moves thereover, thereby further enhancing reliability of the gas driven pump.

Abstract: A positive displacement pump comprising a housing which defines a pump inlet chamber in fluid communication with a pump inlet port and a pump outlet chamber in fluid communication with a pump outlet port. Disposed within the housing is a wobble plate which is adapted to pump fluid from the inlet chamber to the outlet chamber. Selectively insertable into and removable from within the housing is a modular pump component. The modular pump component is adapted to modify the operational characteristics of the pump when inserted into the pump housing.

Abstract: A positive displacement pump comprising a housing which defines a pump inlet chamber in fluid communication with a pump inlet port and a pump outlet chamber in fluid communication with a pump outlet port. Disposed within the housing is a wobble plate which is adapted to pump fluid from the inlet chamber to the outlet chamber. Selectively insertable into and removable from within the housing is a modular pump component. The modular pump component is adapted to modify the operational characteristics of the pump when inserted into the pump housing.

Abstract: An improved condiment dispensing system for delivering a measured quantity of condiment at a desired flow rate. The system comprises a pump which is fluidly connected to a condiment source and a dispensing apparatus. The dispensing apparatus includes a valve assembly which is connected to a pressurized fluid source and to the pump whereby actuation of the valve assembly causes a measured quantity of the condiment to be dispensed from an outlet nozzle contained thereon.

Abstract: An improved condiment dispensing system for delivering a measured quantity of condiment at a desired flow rate. The system comprises a pump which is fluidly connected to a condiment source and a dispensing apparatus. The dispensing apparatus includes a valve assembly which is connected to a pressurized fluid source and to the pump whereby actuation of the valve assembly causes a measured quantity of the condiment to be dispensed from an outlet nozzle contained thereon.