Abstract: A valve 100 comprising a magnetic circuit comprising a first member 101 and a pivotably mounted armature 102 the armature being movable between a position in which the valve seal 104 engages the valve seat 105 of valve port 103 to block the valve port 103, and a position away from the first member 101. A coil 106 surrounds the armature 102 which, when supplied with an electric current, creates a magnetic field in the armature 102 attracting the free end to the first member 101. Dampening pads 110 are provided on the armature 102. Each dampener pad 110 comprises a layer of viscoelastic material covered by a protective layer of polyetheretherketone (PEEK). During use, as there is wear between the armature 102 and the first member 101, and/or non magnetic section 107, the dampening pad 110 is compressed on impact by an increasing degree, thus the more worn the valve becomes, the more the dampening and thus the greater the protection against further wear.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing system comprises a cartridge (2) in which liquid to be dispensed is retained and at least one solenoid assembly. The solenoid assembly comprises a coil (15) and an armature (3), the armature (3) being movably mounted within the cartridge (2) and the coil (15) being separate from the cartridge (2). Movement of the armature (3) acts to expel liquid from the cartridge (2).

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a post-mix beverage is characterized by a beverage concentrate metering system comprising a reservoir of beverage concentrate, a disposable pump unit containing a pair of piston pumps and inlet and outlet valves from each piston pump. The inlet valves are coupled to the reservoir of beverage concentrate and the outlet valves are coupled to a mixer. A control valve introduces diluent to the concentrate intermediate the outlet valves and mixer and a reusable pump drive operates the piston pumps. The control valve and pump drive are operated by a control system in a manner such that a predetermined ratio of diluent to concentrate is delivered to the mixer. Downstream from the mixture the admixture of diluent and concentrate is dispensed as a beverage into a cup.

Abstract: A disposable pump cartridge for use in conjunction with a pump driver characterised in the disposable pump unit containing a pair of piston pumps and inlet and outlet valves positioned at one end of each piston.

Abstract: A disposable pump unit (100) for receiving and metering a predetermined volume of fluid has a body with a surface at which opens the mouth of a cavity (7) formed in the body. An inlet port (4) for the fluid opens at the surface adjacent to the mouth of the cavity (7) and a plurality of outlets (9) are provided in the cavity (7) that open to a fluid flow passageway extending through the body and connecting the cavity (7) to an outlet port (10). A flexible membrane (8) overlies the cavity (7), the inlet port (4) and the outlet port (10) and is sealingly secured at its periphery to the surface. A re-usatile pump actuating unit (200) is co-operable with the pump unit (100) to position the membrane (8) between the cavity (7) in the pump unit (100) and a matching cavity (21) in the actuating unit (200). The membrane (8) is towards and away from the cavity (7) by connecting the cavity (21) to a source of positive and negative fluid pressure via a port (18).

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a post-mix beverage is characterized by a beverage concentrate metering system comprising a reservoir of beverage concentrate, a disposable pump unit containing a pair of piston pumps and inlet and outlet valves from each piston pump. The inlet valves are coupled to the reservoir of beverage concentrate and the outlet valves are coupled to a mixer. A control valve introduces diluent to the concentrate intermediate the outlet valves and mixer and a reusable pump drive operates the piston pumps. The control valve and pump drive are operated by a control system in a manner such that a predetermined ratio of diluent to concentrate is delivered to the mixer. Downstream from the mixture the admixture of diluent and concentrate is dispensed as a beverage into a cup.