Beverage dispenser

Abstract

A dispensing valve has a housing having an inlet and an outlet for a first fluid and an inlet and an outlet for a second fluid. A reciprocable piston is in a central chamber into and from which the inlets and outlets respectively lead. The piston is movable reciprocally between a first position in which fluid flow to both outlets is blocked, and a second position in which the first fluid outlet is open to flow. The piston physically blocks the outlet for the first fluid in the first position. A diaphragm is attached to the piston and the walls of the central chamber dividing the central chamber into first and second annular chambers surrounding the piston. The inlet and outlet for the first fluid extend into and out of the first annular chamber, and the inlet and outlet for the second fluid extending into and out of the second annular chamber. Movement of the piston from the first to the second position allows flow of the first fluid through its outlet and movement of the diaphragm with the piston results in the reduction of the volume of the second chamber to expel the second fluid through its outlet. Movement of the piston from the second position to a position intermediate the first and second positions causes an increase in the volume of the second annular chamber whereby the second fluid may be sucked from a source thereof through its inlet into the second annular chamber. Repeated reciprocation of the piston between the second and intermediate positions reduces and increases the volume of the second chamber whereby the second fluid may be pumped or pulsed through its outlet while the first fluid continues to flow.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.