Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a spool valve having a spool axially movable within a sleeve of two or more stacked rings having projections extending therebetween. One or more seals on the spool can slide across surfaces of the stacked rings in movement of the spool to different positions corresponding to different states of the valve. In some embodiments, one or more of the stacked rings can have projections extending toward and contacting an adjacent ring of the sleeve, thereby maintaining desired axial positions of the rings relative to one another while providing apertures through which fluid can flow and supporting surfaces for each seal as it slides from one ring to another.

Abstract: The nozzle of the present invention has an internal chamber, condiment input and discharge ports in fluid communication with the internal chamber, and an extension downstream of the condiment discharge port. Preferably, the internal chamber has a flow disrupter taking the form of a funnel-shaped end portion adjacent to the condiment discharge port. The internal chamber is preferably elongated and has a larger cross section than the spout to which the nozzle is connected to reduce condiment pressure and flow speed entering the nozzle. Condiment pressure can also be reduced in the internal chamber by other types of flow disrupters: protrusions extending from the internal chamber walls into the condiment flow and/or by an insert received within the internal chamber. At the funnel-shaped end portion, condiment flow adjacent to the internal chamber side walls is preferably diverted toward the discharge port to generate crossflow and turbulence, further reducing condiment pressure and force.

Abstract: The comestible fluid dispensing system of the present invention preferably employs a pump or valve operable to control movement of comestible fluid from a comestible fluid source to a tap provided with a draw-back valve. The draw-back valve is preferably capable of drawing comestible fluid in an upstream direction in the tap during closure of the draw-back valve. Preferably, suction generated by closure of the draw-back valve is employed for one or more purposes including: to remove comestible fluid dangling from the tap, to draw comestible fluid into the tap away from view and from exposure to the environment, to reduce comestible fluid buildup on and near the tap outlet, to enclose or at least partially enclose comestible fluid downstream of the draw-back valve, and to operate a downstream cutoff valve in the tap. A damper is employed in some embodiments to control valve movement.

Abstract: The nozzle of the present invention has an internal chamber, condiment input and discharge ports in fluid communication with the internal chamber, and an extension downstream of the condiment discharge port. Preferably, the internal chamber has a flow disrupter taking the form of a funnel-shaped end portion adjacent to the condiment discharge port. The internal chamber is preferably elongated and has a larger cross section than the spout to which the nozzle is connected to reduce condiment pressure and flow speed entering the nozzle. Condiment pressure can also be reduced in the internal chamber by other types of flow disrupters: protrusions extending from the internal chamber walls into the condiment flow and/or by an insert received within the internal chamber. At the funnel-shaped end portion, condiment flow adjacent to the internal chamber side walls is preferably diverted toward the discharge port to generate crossflow and turbulence, further reducing condiment pressure and force.

Abstract: The nozzle of the present invention has an internal chamber, condiment input and discharge ports in fluid communication with the internal chamber, and an extension downstream of the condiment discharge port. Preferably, the internal chamber has a flow disrupter taking the form of a funnel-shaped end portion adjacent to the condiment discharge port. The internal chamber is preferably elongated and has a larger cross section than the spout to which the nozzle is connected to reduce condiment pressure and flow speed entering the nozzle. Condiment pressure can also be reduced in the internal chamber by other types of flow disrupters: protrusions extending from the internal chamber walls into the condiment flow and/or by an insert received within the internal chamber. At the funnel-shaped end portion, condiment flow adjacent to the internal chamber side walls is preferably diverted toward the discharge port to generate crossflow and turbulence, further reducing condiment pressure and force.

Abstract: The comestible fluid dispensing system of the present invention preferably employs a pump or valve operable to control movement of comestible fluid from a comestible fluid source to a tap provided with a draw-back valve. The draw-back valve is preferably capable of drawing comestible fluid in an upstream direction in the tap during closure of the draw-back valve. Preferably, suction generated by closure of the draw-back valve is employed for one or more purposes including: to remove comestible fluid dangling from the tap, to draw comestible fluid into the tap away from view and from exposure to the environment, to reduce comestible fluid buildup on and near the tap outlet, to enclose or at least partially enclose comestible fluid downstream of the drawback valve, and to operate a downstream cutoff valve in the tap. A damper is employed in some embodiments to control valve movement.

Abstract: A new raw water strainer includes a body having a closed first end and an open second end and defining a chamber therebetween. The chamber has a central axis intersecting the first and second ends. An inlet is provided including an inlet passage in fluid communication with the chamber. An outlet, spaced apart from the inlet, is also provided and includes an outlet passage in fluid communication with the chamber. A cover is included which is sized and adapted to be secured to the body to close the open second end. A screen assembly having first and second sides positioned in the chamber at an angle of about 45.degree. or less relative to the central axis is located so that it is between the inlet and the outlet. A basket assembly is provided which is sized and adapted to be removably placed in the chamber and to carry the screen assembly.

Abstract: A pump comprising a housing, a diaphragm mounted in the housing, a pumping member or members, and a drive, preferably a wobble plate drive, for driving the pumping member or members on intake and discharge strokes. The wobble plate is preferably mounted on a ball bearing and includes a snap retainer assembly to retain the bearing in place without force fitting. The wobble plate preferably defines one or more open ended chambers in which the pumping member or members are placed. The annular zone or zones of the diaphragm which flex when driven by the wobble plate drive to provide the pumping action are configured to increase efficiency and/or to reduce wear.

Abstract: A delivery system comprising a pump connectable to a source of pumpable material, such as flowable condiment, and a control valve including a valve body and a valve element. The valve body has an inlet coupled to the pump to receive the pumpable material from the pump, a resiliently expandable portion chamber, an inlet passage extending from the inlet to the portion chamber, an outlet and a discharge passage extending from the portion chamber to the outlet. The valve element is movable in the valve body between a charging position in which the valve element blocks the discharge passage and does not block the inlet passage so the pump can supply the pumpable material under pressure to the portion chamber to resiliently expand the portion chamber and a discharge position in which the valve element blocks the inlet passage and does not block the outlet passage so the portion chamber can resiliently contract to move the pumpable material from the portion chamber toward the outlet.

Abstract: A pump comprising a housing including first and second housing sections and a gasket between the first and second housing sections. The housing has a first pumping chamber, an inlet, an inlet passage in the housing leading from the inlet to the pumping chamber, an outlet and an outlet passage in the housing leading from the pumping chamber to the outlet. A pumping member is movable in the pumping chamber to pump fluid through the pump. Inlet and outlet check valves are provided in the inlet and outlet passages, respectively with each of the check valves including a movable valve element. The outlet check valve includes an outlet valve seat and a movable outlet valve element secured to the gasket at at least two spaced apart regions.

Abstract: New valves to allow or prevent material flow through a conduit are disclosed. Such valves comprise a valve seat having a longitudinal axis, defining a through opening and including a seating surface which defines a portion of the through opening. A valve body, operatively coupled to the valve seat, is located at least partially in the through opening. A valve element is secured to and movable relative to the valve body. The valve element includes a sealing surface which is curved in at least one plane parallel to and including the longitudinal axis of the valve seat and is adapted to contact the seating surface to prevent material flow through the through opening. Pump assemblies and condiment dispensing systems employing such valves are also disclosed.

Abstract: New valves to allow or prevent material flow through a conduit are disclosed. Such valves comprise a valve seat having a longitudinal axis, defining a through opening and including a seating surface which defines a portion of the through opening. A valve body, operatively coupled to the valve seat, is located at least partially in the through opening. A valve element is secured to and movable relative to the valve body. The valve element includes a sealing surface which is curved in at least one plane parallel to and including the longitudinal axis of the valve seat and is adapted to contact the seating surface to prevent material flow through the through opening. Pump assemblies and condiment dispensing systems employing such valves are also disclosed.