Abstract: A locking pneumatic piston (100) is provided. The locking pneumatic piston (100) includes a piston rod (113) connected to a piston (120) located in a piston chamber (103) and extending out of the piston chamber (103). The locking pneumatic piston (100) further includes a locking seal (124) extending around and positioned at a circumferential surface (126) of the piston (120) and an internal pneumatic channel (127) extending through at least a lengthwise portion of the piston rod (113) and through the piston (120) to the locking seal (124). When a pneumatic locking pressure is provided to the internal pneumatic channel (127), the pneumatic locking pressure extends the locking seal (124) at least partially outward and away from the piston (120) and presses against the inner surface (104) of the piston chamber (103), substantially locking the piston (120) in place within the piston chamber (103).

Abstract: A clip for holding a first article in contact with a second article, comprising a first portion for insertion into a groove in the first article and a second portion abutting against the second article, the first portion extending substantially at right angles to the second portion.

Abstract: A disposable ingredient cartridge for beverage dispense apparatus (FIG. 5) comprises a moulded plastic two-piece shell 33a, 33b with an ingredient reservoir 34. A one-way valve 35 leads into the reservoir 34 for filling the reservoir 34 with ingredient. Two non-return valves 36, 37 lead into and out of a chamber 38 and a pump piston 39 attached to a drive member 40 connectable to an external drive (not shown) via the piston shaft 41 is movable within the chamber 38 to vary the size of the chamber 38. In use, when the drive member 40 is driven in one direction, the piston 39 moves drawing ingredient from the reservoir 34 through non-return valve 36 into chamber 38 and, when the drive member 40 is driven in the other direction, the piston 39 pushes the ingredient out of chamber 38 through non-return valve 37 down a flexible tube 42 and out of a tip valve 43. The tip valve 43 is attached to a mounting piece 44 receivable by the apparatus such that the tip valve will be in a flow of diluent.