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 constant flow rate. The device 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 both a pressurized fluid source and to the pump whereby actuation of a valve assembly contained on the surface of the dispensing apparatus causes a measured quantity of condiment to be dispensed from an outlet nozzle contained thereon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing and dispensing two fluids from a nozzle comprises a mixing chamber for the two fluids defined by the nozzle. A first fluid of the two fluids is sprayed into the mixing chamber from a first aperture within the nozzle and a second fluid from a second aperture within the nozzle is sprayed into the mixing chamber. The second aperture is oriented in a direction within the nozzle such that the fluid dispensed therefrom is incident upon the first aperture for cleaning the first aperture.

Abstract: A proportioning pump has a first piston and cylinder, a second piston and cylinder, a shaft connecting the first and second pistons, a spring for biasing the first and second pistons in a first position, a shuttle valve for controlling flow through the first cylinder, and two check valves for controlling flow through the second cylinder. The proportioning pump is used to dispense a predetermined ratio of two fluids. A pressurized first fluid fills the first cylinder and forces the first piston to move to a second position. The motion of the first piston is communicated to the second piston via the shaft. Movement of the second piston draws the second fluid through a check valve into the second cylinder. When both the first and second cylinders are full the shuttle valve closes the inlet to the first cylinder and opens the outlet. The spring then urges the first and second pistons back to their first positions, thus forcing the two fluids from their respective cylinders.

Abstract: An improved condiment dispensing system for delivering a measured quantity of condiment at a constant flow rate. The device 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 both a pressurized fluid source and to the pump whereby actuation of a valve assembly contained on the surface of the dispensing apparatus causes a measured quantity of condiment to be dispensed from an outlet nozzle contained thereon.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved gas-driven pump for pumping products, such as beverage syrups. A piston is mounted to a piston shaft for reciprocal movement within a housing. Cavities corresponding to the piston are alternately vented and pressurized to intake the product into a first chamber and to drive the piston to pump the product. A valve stem is included within the housing and is adapted such that the piston performing intake and exhaust strokes moves the valve stem between intake and exhaust positions. A valve body is disposed about the valve stem which is also movable between two positions for alternately venting and pressurizing a second chamber. The valve stem which is operable to move the valve body is biased toward the intake or exhaust position by an overcenter spring disposed within the second chamber.

Abstract: A last drink sensor and dispensing apparatus for use in beverage dispensing bag-in-box vending machines is disclosed. The sensor and dispensing apparatus is disposed between the pump and dispensing nozzle of the vending machine and operates to sense the cessation of syrup flow from the pump caused by a depletion of syrup within the bag-in-box storage reservoir, and then activate the "sold out" selection light for the depleted fluid reservoir of the vending machine, trigger the coin changer mechanism of the vending machine to refuse coins for the "sold out" fluid selection, and also activate the timer of the vending machine to dispense the last full drink of the selected beverage from the vending machine.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved air driven pump for pumping products such as beverage syrups. Two opposed pistons are mounted on a common piston shaft for reciprocal movement within a housing. Cavities corresponding to the pistons are alternately vented and pressurized to intake the product into a pair of cylinders and to drive the pistons to pump the product. A spool valve stem extends into the cavity being vented so that the piston performing an intake stroke moves the valve stem into the other cavity. A pair of axial passages and corresponding side openings in the valve stem provide fluid flow paths for venting and pressurizing the cavities. A valve body biased toward the cavity being vented includes a vent passage for alternately venting the cavities through the side inlets. While one cavity vents, pressurized fluid flows into the other cavity through the corresponding side inlet and axial passage.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for dispensing beverage syrup is disclosed characterized by use of a low flow rate, positive displacement pump adapted to accurately deliver syrup from a collapsible bag/box syrup container to a dispensing nozzle. Air ingestion into the dispensing system is eliminated by use of a novel air trap/filter adapted to generate a high vacuum signal at the intake port of the pump in response to detecting the presence of air or encountering a syrup depletion condition which signal automatically discontinues pump operation. A vacuum actuated diverter valve is additionally incorporated into the dispensing system to permit the intake port of the pump to be automatically placed in flow communication with differing syrup containers, thereby allowing continuous syrup dispensing operation even during replacement of spent syrup containers.