One way valve with unitary valve element

An apparatus is disclosed for an improved one-way valve comprising a base for mounting in a chamber with a valve surface engaging with a sealing surface to close an input aperture of the chamber. A flexible web is interposed between the base and the valve surface for resiliently biasing the valve surface into engagement with the sealing surface thereby closing the input aperture. When a fluid pressure from the input aperture exceeds the resilient bias of the flexible web, the valve surface is displaced from the sealing surface for opening the input aperture to permit the flow of the liquid from the input aperture through the chamber into an output aperture. Upon a sufficient fluid pressure within the chamber, the valve surface engages with the sealing surface for closing the input aperture to inhibit the flow of fluid from the chamber into the input aperture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
This invention relates to a pump for dispensing a liquid from a terminal 
orifice. More particularly, the invention relates to a pump and a mixer 
for mixing a liquid concentrate and a liquid diluent for discharge from a 
terminal orifice. 
2. Information Disclosure Statement 
The prior art has known many types of pumping systems for pumping and 
dispensing a single or a plurality of liquids from a terminal orifice. 
Many of these devices relate to a system for mixing a liquid concentrate 
with a liquid concentrate in accordance with a pre-determined relationship 
and then dispensing the mixture from a terminal orifice. One important 
application for such a mixing and dispensing device is in the dispensing 
of liquid food products such as fruit juices, vegetable juices and the 
like. In many cases, fruit and vegetable juices such as orange juice, 
pineapple juice, grapefruit juice or tomato juice is stored in a frozen 
concentrate form for use at a later time. The frozen concentrate is then 
thawed and mixed with a water diluent to produce an end product equivalent 
to the original fruit or vegetable juice. In order to produce an end 
product which is equivalent in flavor and in consistency to the original 
fruit or vegetable juice, the concentrate and the water diluent must be 
accurately mixed in a predetermined volumetric relationship. Accordingly, 
the devices for mixing a liquid concentrate with a liquid concentrate must 
be accurate and reliable to produce an end product equivalent to the 
original fruit or vegetable juice. 
When dealing with food products, other design problems are encountered when 
designing a pumping and a mixing device for a food dispensing device. 
First, the pumping and a mixing device must be readily accessible for 
cleaning the internal portions of the pump after each use. Second, the 
pump must be designed to pump accurate volumes of concentrate independent 
of the viscosity of the concentrate. It has been found that orange juice 
concentrate has different viscosities depending upon the temperature of 
the orange juice concentrate, the time of harvest of the crop as well as 
the specific type of orange juice harvested during the relatively long 
citrus harvesting season. As a consequence of these requirements 
peristaltic pumps were a popular choice in the prior art for pumping a 
liquid food concentrate. Peristaltic pumps not only performed well but 
were simple and low cost. However, the peristaltic pumps had the distinct 
disadvantage of a relatively large physical size as well as a limited 
variation in flow rate. Consequently, the flow rate of the liquid diluent 
had to be controlled in order to obtain different concentrate-diluent 
ratios for various fruit and vegetable juices. Further disadvantages of 
the peristaltic pump include a pulsating liquid flow, a noisy operation 
and a limited life of a deformable tubing in the peristaltic pump. 
U.S Pat. No. 4,194,650 disclosed a novel dispensing device wherein the flow 
rate of a liquid diluent was kept at a constant rate and the flow rate of 
a liquid concentrate was varied by varying the speed of a pumping motor to 
obtain a desired volumetric ratio of liquid concentrate to liquid diluent. 
This dispensing device performed very satisfactorily and advanced the art 
of dispensing and mixing of a liquid concentrate with a liquid diluent. 
In our prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 567,186 filed Aug. 14, 1990, 
now U.S. Pat. No. 5,114,047, we disclosed an improved pump and mixing 
device for pumping a liquid concentrate from a container and for mixing 
the concentrate with a diluent. The improved pump and mixing device 
included a one-way valve for allowing the flow of the liquid in one 
direction only. The one-way valve of the improved pump and mixing device 
provided a reliable, accurate and cost effective device for operation with 
a pump and a mixing device. 
Although our one-way valve provided a reliable, accurate and cost effective 
device for operation with a pump and a mixing device, the one-way valve 
also is useful for use independent of the pump and/or a mixing device. For 
example, the one way valve is useful for preventing backflow of the 
diluent into the water line to prevent the contamination of a diluent. 
Therefore, it is a primary object of this invention to provide an improved 
one-way valve for use with the pump and mixing device and for use in fluid 
lines in general. 
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved one-way valve 
that is accurate and reliable irrespective of the viscosity of the liquid. 
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved one-way valve 
that is a reliable and inexpensive unit enabling the one way valve to be 
discarded after use. 
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved one-way valve 
which cooperates with an intake aperture for enabling the flow of the 
liquid in only one direction through the fluid line. 
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved one-way valve 
which reliably and inexpensively prevents backflow of liquids in a fluid 
line. 
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved one-way valve 
which is an integrally molded one-piece unit. 
Another object of this invention to provide an improved one-way valve which 
is constructed of a polymeric material such as a resilient thermoplastic 
polymer for improved flexibility and sanitary operation. 
Another object of this invention to provide an improved one-way valve which 
converts a turbulent flow of a liquid from an aperture into a 
substantially laminar flow. 
Another object of this invention to provide an improved one-way valve which 
is flexible for facilitating insertion and removal of the one-way valve 
from a chamber. 
Another object of this invention to provide an improved one-way valve which 
is flexible for resiliently engaging the chamber to secure the one-way 
valve into a chamber. 
The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of the 
present invention. These objects should be construed as being merely 
illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of 
the invention. Many other beneficial results can be obtained by applying 
the disclosed invention in a different manner or modifying the invention 
within the scope of the invention. Accordingly other objects in a full 
understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the summary of 
the invention, the detailed description describing the preferred 
embodiment in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims 
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention is defined by the appended claims with specific 
embodiments being shown in the attached drawings. For the purpose of 
summarizing the invention, the invention relates to an improved one-way 
valve for mounting in a chamber, the chamber having an input aperture, an 
output aperture, and a sealing surface disposed about the input aperture. 
The improved one-way valve comprises a base for mounting in the chamber 
and a valve surface for engaging with the sealing surface to close the 
input aperture. A flexible web is interposed between the base and the 
valve surface for resiliently biasing the valve surface into engagement 
with the sealing surface thereby closing the input aperture. When a fluid 
pressure from the input aperture exceeds the resilient bias of the 
flexible web, the valve surface is displaced from the sealing surface for 
opening the input aperture to permit the flow of the liquid from the input 
aperture through the chamber into the output aperture. Upon a sufficient 
fluid pressure within the chamber, the valve surface engages with the 
sealing surface for closing the input aperture to inhibit the flow of 
fluid from the chamber into the input aperture. 
In one embodiment of the invention, the valve surface comprises a resilient 
truncated conical member having a first conical end and a second conical 
end. A substantially rigid annular member is secured to the second conical 
end of the resilient truncated conical member. The flexible web is secured 
to the annular member for enabling the resilient truncated conical member 
and the substantially rigid annular member to move in unison upon the 
flexing of the flexible web. The base comprises a first and a second 
cross-member for supporting the base within the chamber. The first and 
second cross-members define a plurality of sectors therebetween for 
enabling the flow of fluid through the plurality of sectors, and 
preferably for converting the flow of the liquid from the input aperture 
into the chamber into a substantially laminar flow upon discharge from the 
output aperture. A shaft is integrally formed with the first and second 
cross-members for supporting the flexible web on the base. Preferably, the 
flexible web is integrally molded with the resilient truncated conical 
member and with the base. 
In another embodiment of the invention, the improved one-way valve 
cooperates with a mixing chamber having an input aperture and an output 
aperture with a sealing surface disposed about the input aperture. A 
diluent port is defined in the mixing chamber and interposed between the 
input aperture and the output aperture. The base is mounted in the chamber 
with a shaft integrally formed therewith. A valve surface engages with the 
sealing surface to close the input aperture. A flexible web is interposed 
between the shaft and the valve surface for resiliently biasing the valve 
surface into engagement with the sealing surface for closing the input 
aperture. The liquid is introduced into the mixing chamber through the 
input aperture. The valve surface is displaced from the sealing surface 
for opening the input aperture when a pressure from the liquid entering 
the input aperture is greater than the resilient bias of the flexible web 
for permitting the flow of the liquid from the input aperture into the 
mixing chamber. The liquid diluent is introduced into the mixing chamber 
through the diluent port. Preferably, the input aperture is axially 
aligned with the output aperture and the diluent port is perpendicular to 
the axial alignment of the input and output apertures, thus enabling the 
liquid diluent to flow direction perpendicular to the flow direction of 
the liquid for mixing the liquid diluent with the liquid. The valve 
surface engages with the sealing surface disposed about the input aperture 
for closing the input aperture when the pressure from the liquid is less 
than the pressure from the resilient biasing of the flexible web. The 
liquid entering the input aperture mixes with the liquid diluent being 
introduced through the diluent port for discharge from the output 
aperture. 
The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent and important 
features of the present invention in order that the detailed description 
that follows may be better understood so that the present contribution to 
the art can be more fully appreciated. Additional features of the 
invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the 
claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the 
art that the conception and the specific embodiments disclosed may be 
readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures 
for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should 
also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent 
constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as 
set forth in the appended claims.

DETAILED DISCUSSION 
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a dispenser device 10 for pumping a liquid 
into cup or other vessel (not shown). FIG. 2 is a block diagram 
illustrating the mechanism of the dispenser device 10. FIGS. 3 and 4 
illustrate a front view and a side view of the interior of the dispensing 
device 10 of FIG. 1 with a front cover 14 and a side cover 16 being 
removed from a main frame 18 of the dispenser device 10. The dispenser 10 
is shown being able to pump four separate liquids concentrates from four 
separate containers 20, 20A, 20B and 20C having attached container caps 
21, 21A, 21B and 21C upon activation of operator controls 22, 22A, 22B and 
22C but it should be understood that the present invention may be 
incorporated into a dispenser device 10 for pumping a single liquid 
concentrate from a single container 20. The containers 20, 20A, 20B and 
20C and the attached container caps 21, 21A, 21B and 21C are removably 
received within a refrigeration compartment 24 and are inserted within the 
refrigeration compartment 24 by inserting the containers 20, 20A, 20B and 
20C through the front of the dispensing device 10 when the front cover 14 
is opened or removed from the main frame 18 of the dispenser device 10. 
Preferably, the front cover 14 is pivotably mounted to the main frame 18. 
Each of the containers 20, 20A, 20B and 20C store a concentrate 30, 30A, 
30B and 30C for mixing with a liquid diluent 32 for providing an end 
product 33. 
The liquid diluent 32 such as water under pressure from a conduit 34 enter 
through a liquid pressure regulator 36 into a valve 38. An input valve 38 
as best shown in FIG. 4, controls the flow of the liquid diluent under 
pressure into a liquid diluent reservoir 40. A refrigeration unit 42 
including a motor 44, a compressor 45 and a fan 46, refrigerates the 
liquid diluent 32 within the reservoir 40. The liquid diluent 32 within 
the reservoir 40 is circulated by a circulation pump 47 between the 
refrigerated reservoir 40 and the refrigeration compartment 24 for 
maintaining the temperature of the liquid concentrates 30, 30A, 30B and 
30C at a proper chilled temperature. A liquid diluent flow control valve 
48 controls the flow of the liquid diluent 32 from the reservoir 40 to 
pumping and mixing devices 50, 50A, 50B and 50C through flexible conduits 
such as flexible conduit 49. The concentrates 30, 30A. 30B and 30C from 
the containers 20, 20A, 20B and 20C are received by the pumping and mixing 
devices 50, 50A, 50B and 50C which are operated by motive means including 
pumping motors 54, 54A, 54B and 54C. An electrical control 56 operates of 
the dispenser device 10 in response to the operator controls 22, 22A, 22B 
and 22C. Upon activation of one of the operator controls 22, 22A, 22B and 
22C, the electrical control 56 energizes flow control valve 48 and a 
selected one of the pumping motors 54, 54A, 54B and 54C for mixing the 
liquid diluent 32 with a selected one of the concentrates 30, 30A, 30B and 
30C from the containers 20, 20A, 20B and 20C to produce an end product 33. 
The control means 56 simultaneously energizes the liquid flow control 
valve 48 and the motor 54 for mixing a selected amount of the liquid 
concentrate 30 with a selected amount of the liquid diluent 32. The 
electrical control 56 is capable of varying the speed of the pumping 
motors 54, 54A, 54B and 54C for varying the flow rate of the concentrates 
30, 30A, 30B and 30C from the containers 20, 20A, 20B and 20C. The flow 
rate of the liquid diluent 32 is maintained at a constant flow rate by the 
liquid pressure regulator 36. The flow rate of the liquid concentrates 30, 
30A, 30B and 30C may be varied by changing the speed of the pumping motors 
54, 54A, 54B and 54C. Accordingly, a desired volumetric ratio for each of 
the liquid concentrates 30, 30A, 30B and 30C to liquid diluent 32 may be 
established for each of the liquid concentrates 30, 30A, 30B and 30C in a 
manner similar to the system set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,194,650. 
Furthermore, different volumetric ratios of liquid concentrate to liquid 
diluent 32 for each of the concentrates 30, 30A, 30B and 30C may be 
provided by establishing different pumping rates through different pumping 
speeds of the pumping motors 54, 54A, 54B and 54C. 
FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate enlarged views of the pumping and mixing device 50 
and the motive means including the pumping motor 54 which are identical to 
the pumping and mixing devices 50A, 50B and 50C and the pumping motors 
54A, 54B and 54C. FIG. 5 illustrates the pumping and mixing device 50 in a 
first position whereas FIG. 6 illustrates the pumping and mixing device 50 
in a second position. The motive means includes the pumping motor 54 
received within a motor frame 60 which motor frame 60 is secured to the 
main frame 18. As best shown in FIG. 3, the pumping motor 54 includes an 
eccentric 62 for reciprocating a driving arm 64. The motor frame 60 as 
illustrates in FIGS. 5 and 6 includes a pivot 66 for pivotably mounting a 
pivot arm 68. The driving arm 64 pivots the pivot arm 68 about pivot 66 
between the first position shown in FIG. 5 and the second position shown 
in FIG. 6. 
FIGS. 7 and 8 are side and front views of a portion of the pumping and 
mixing device 50 and the pumping motor 54. The pumping and mixing device 
50 comprises a body member 70 having an input body portion 71 and an 
output body portion 72 with flexible wall means 73 interconnecting the 
input body portion 71 and the output body portion 72. The input body 
portion 71 of the pumping and mixing device 50 is secured to the container 
cap 21 of the container 20 which container 20 is fixed relative to the 
main frame 18. The output body portion 72 includes coupling means 
integrally formed in the output body portion 72 for mechanically coupling 
the output body portion 72 to the motor 54. As best shown in FIGS. 7 and 
8, the pivot arm 68 includes plural opposed fingers 76 and 78 which are 
received within recesses 80 and 82 the output body portion 72 pumping and 
mixing device 50. 
When the pumping motor 54 rotates, the pivot arm 68 moves the output body 
portion 72 relative to the input body portion 71 of the pumping and mixing 
device 50 between the first position shown in FIG. 5 and the second 
position shown in FIG. 6. The flexible wall means 73 defines a pumping 
chamber 74 for pumping the liquid concentrate 30 from the container 20 to 
mix with the liquid diluent 32 when the output body portion 72 is moved 
between the first and second position as will be described in greater 
detail hereinafter. The flexible conduit 49 provides a fluid coupling 
between the stationary flow control valve 48 secured to the main frame 18 
and the reciprocating output body portion 72 of the pumping and mixing 
device 50. 
In this embodiment, the plural opposed fingers 76 and 78 the pivot arm 68 
are received within recesses 80 and 82 in the output body portion 72 of 
the pumping and mixing device 50 when the container 20 and the container 
cap 21 are inserted within a refrigerated compartment 24 of the dispensing 
device 10. The pivot arm 68 also includes a tubular member 86 which is 
connected to the flexible conduit 49 receiving the flow of the liquid 
diluent 32 from the reservoir 40. The tubular member 86 of the pivot arm 
68 is received within a mixing port 88 defined in the output body portion 
72 of the pumping and mixing device 50 when the container 20 and the 
container cap 21 are inserted within the refrigerated compartment 24 of 
the dispensing device 10 Accordingly, the plural opposed fingers 76 and 78 
and the recesses 80 and 82 mechanically couple the output body portion 72 
of the pumping and mixing device 50 to the pivot arm 68 whereas the 
tubular member 86 and the mixing port 88 fluidly couple the pumping and 
mixing device 50 to the pivot arm 68 when the container 20 and the 
container cap 21 are inserted within a refrigerated compartment 24 of the 
dispensing device 10. 
FIGS. 9-14 illustrate enlarged partial views of the container 10 in 
combination with the pumping and mixing device 50. The container cap 21 
has an annular shoulder 102 and an annular projection 104. A face surface 
106 defines container aperture means shown as plural arcuate apertures 
111, 112 and 113 for discharging the concentrate 30 internal the container 
20. The pumping and mixing device 50 of the present invention including 
the input body portion 71, the output body portion 72 and the flexible 
wall means 73 is preferably constructed from a unitary flexible polymeric 
material such as a thermoplastic elastomer or a thermoplastic rubber or 
any other suitable material. 
The input body portion 71 of the pumping and mixing device 50 includes a 
terminal end 114 defining an input aperture 116 communicating with the 
pumping chamber 74. An annular recess 118 is provided in the input 
aperture 116 for resiliently receiving the annular projection 104 of the 
container cap 21 for securing the pumping and mixing device 50 to the 
container cap 21. The plural arcuate apertures 111, 112 and 113 of the 
container cap 21 in combination with the input aperture 116 of the pumping 
and mixing device 50 enable the concentrate 30 from the container 20 to 
flow through the arcuate apertures 111, 112 and 113 into the input 
aperture 116 of the input body portion 71 and into the pumping chamber 74. 
The output body portion 72 defines an output aperture 120 communicating 
with the pumping chamber 74. The flexible wall 73 interconnecting the 
input body portion 71 with the output body portion 72 is relatively thin 
for enabling the output body portion 72 to move independently of the input 
body portion 71 for changing the volume of the pumping chamber 74. 
A mixing chamber 130 is defined in the output body portion 72 of the body 
member 70 and communicates with the output aperture 120 for receiving the 
concentrate liquid 30 from the pumping chamber 74. A terminal passage 134 
is integrally formed in the output body portion 72 and communicates with 
the mixing chamber 130. The terminal passage 134 defines a terminal 
orifice 136 for discharging the mixture 33 of the concentrate liquid 30 
and the diluent liquid 32. 
An input one-way valve means 140 is disposed in the input aperture 116 of 
the input body portion 71 for permitting the flow of liquid concentrate 30 
only from the plural arcuate apertures 111, 112 and 113 to the pumping 
chamber 74 of the body member 70. The input one-way valve means 140 is 
integrally formed with the body member 70 and extends from a base 142 
proximate the interface of the input body portion 71 and the flexible wall 
portion 73 to a distal end 144. As it can be clearly seen in FIGS. 13 and 
14, the input one-way valve means 140 engages an overlaid portion 146 the 
face surface 106 of the container cap 21 to overlays the plural arcuate 
apertures 111, 112 and 113. Since the input one-way valve means 140 is 
integrally fabricated from the same resilient material as the body portion 
70 and since the input one-way valve means 140 tapers from the base 142 to 
the distal end 144, the input one-way valve means 140 resiliently engages 
the overlaid portion 146 of the face surface 106 of the container cap 21. 
When a fluid pressure is greater in the arcuate apertures 111, 112 and 113 
than the fluid pressure in the pumping chamber 74, then the input one-way 
valve means 140 will flex downwardly in FIG. 13 from the overlaid portion 
146 permitting the flow of concentrate 30 from the arcuate apertures 111, 
112 and 113 into the pumping chamber 74. When a fluid pressure is less in 
the arcuate apertures 111, 112 and 113 than the fluid pressure in the 
pumping chamber 74, then the input one-way valve means 140 will engage the 
overlaid portion 146 as shown in FIG. 13 to prevent the flow of the 
concentrate 30 from the arcuate apertures 111, 112 and 113 into the 
pumping chamber 74. 
An output one-way valve means 152 is disposed within the mixing chamber 130 
and cooperates with the output aperture 120 of the output body portion 72 
for permitting the flow of liquid concentrate 30 only from the pumping 
chamber 74 of the body member 70. The output one-way valve means 152 
comprises a valve surface 154 affixed to a shaft 156 which is supported by 
a flexible web 157. The flexible web 157 is integrally affixed to cross 
members 158 and 159. The base of the cross members 158 and 159 engage a 
shoulder 160 defined in the mixing chamber 130 to retain the output 
one-way valve means 152 within the mixing chamber 130 such that the valve 
surface 154 engages an upper surface 162 of the mixing chamber 130 to 
overlay the output aperture 120. Preferably, the output one-way valve 
means 152 including the valve surface 154, shaft 156, flexible web 157 and 
the cross members 158 and 159 are integrally molded from a polymeric 
material such as silicone or any other suitable material. 
When a fluid pressure is greater in the pumping chamber 74 than the fluid 
pressure in the mixing chamber 130, then the flexible web 157 will flex 
downwardly in FIG. 13 from the overlaid portion 146 permitting the flow of 
the concentrate 30 from the pumping chamber 74 into the mixing chamber 
130. When a fluid pressure is less in the pumping chamber 74 than the 
fluid pressure in the mixing chamber 130, then the valve surface 154 will 
remain in the overlaying position shown in FIG. 13 and prevent the flow of 
the concentrate 30 from the pumping chamber 74 into the mixing chamber 
130. 
FIGS. 15 and 15A are sectional views of the first embodiment of the pumping 
and mixing device 50 with the pump and mixing device 50 being shown in a 
first position. FIGS. 16 and 16A illustrate the first embodiment of the 
pump and mixing device 50 in a second position whereas FIGS. 17 and 17A 
illustrate the first embodiment of the pump and mixing device 50 returned 
to the first position. The motive means including motor 54 reciprocates 
the output body portion 72 relative to the input body portion 71 between 
the first and the second position for causing the liquid concentrate 30 to 
flow from the arcuate apertures 111, 112 and 113 of the container cap 21 
through the input one-way valve means 140 into the pumping chamber 74 when 
the output body portion 72 is move into the first position and for causing 
the liquid concentrate 30 to flow from the pumping chamber 74 through the 
output one-way valve means 152 when the output body portion 72 is move 
into the second position. 
When the motive means including motor 54 reciprocates the output body 
portion 72 from the second position shown in FIGS. 16 and 16A to the first 
position shown in FIGS. 15 and 15A, the volume of the pumping chamber 74 
expands thereby reducing the pressure internal the pumping chamber 74 such 
that atmospheric pressure will move the valve surface 154 of the output 
one-way valve 152 into the overlaying position shown in FIGS. 15 and 15A 
thus closing the output one way valve 152. Since the fluid pressure is now 
greater in the arcuate apertures 111, 112 and 113 than the fluid pressure 
internal the pumping chamber 74, the input one-way valve means 140 will 
flex downwardly as shown in FIGS. 15 and 15A to open the input one-way 
valve means 140 and to permit the flow of liquid concentrate 30 from the 
arcuate apertures 111, 112 and 113 into the pumping chamber 74. 
When the motive means including motor 54 reciprocates the output body 
portion 72 from the first position shown in FIGS. 15 and 15A into the 
second position shown in FIGS. 16 and 16A, the volume of the pumping 
chamber 74 contracts thereby increasing the pressure internal the pumping 
chamber 74 such that the input one-way valve means 140 will move into the 
overlaying position shown in FIGS. 16 and 16A thus closing input one-way 
valve means 140 and preventing the further flow of liquid concentrate 30 
from the arcuate apertures 111, 112 and 113 into the pumping chamber 74. 
Since the fluid pressure internal the pumping chamber 74 is now greater 
than the atmospheric pressure, the output one way valve 152 is displaced 
from the overlaying position shown in FIGS. 15 and 15A into the open 
position shown in FIGS. 16 and 16A thus permitting the flow of liquid 
concentrate 30 from the pumping chamber 74 into the mixing chamber 130. 
When the motive means including motor 54 reciprocates the output body 
portion 72 from the second position shown in FIGS. 16 and 16A to the first 
position shown in FIGS. 17 and 17A, the volume of the pumping chamber 74 
again expands thereby reducing the pressure internal the pumping chamber 
74 to close the output one way valve 152. The greater fluid pressure in 
the arcuate apertures 111, 112 and 113 opens the input one-way valve means 
140 to permit the flow of liquid concentrate 30 from the arcuate apertures 
111, 112 and 113 into the pumping chamber 74. Continued reciprocation the 
output body portion 72 relative to the input body portion 71 between the 
first and the second position will continuously cause the liquid 
concentrate 30 to flow from the arcuate apertures 111, 112 and 113 of the 
container cap 21 through the pumping chamber 74 and into the mixing 
chamber 130 as heretofore described. 
FIGS. 15A, 16A and 17A further illustrate the mixing port 88 defined in the 
body member 70 for introducing the diluent liquid 32 into the mixing 
chamber 130. The mixing port 88 resiliently receives the tubular member 86 
of the pivot arm 68 for providing a fluid tight seal. The liquid diluent 
32 enters the mixing chamber 130 under pressure controlled by valve 48. 
The liquid diluent 32 enters the mixing chamber 130 at a right angle to 
the flow of the liquid concentrate 30 and proximate to the shaft 156 
causing a turbulence for facilitating the mixing of the liquid concentrate 
30 with the liquid diluent 32. 
Furthermore, the reciprocation of the mixing chamber 130 concurrently with 
the reciprocation of the output body member 72 between the first and the 
second position assists in the mixing of the liquid diluent 32 with the 
liquid concentrate 30. 
The liquid diluent 32 and liquid concentrate 30 flows through the web 157 
and enters sectors including sectors 181 and 182 defined by the cross 
members 158 and 159. The sectors including sectors 181 and 182, as also 
shown in FIG. 17B, modify the turbulent flow of the mixed liquid diluent 
32 and liquid concentrate 30 proximate the shaft 156 into a substanstially 
laminar flow from the terminal orifice 136. 
FIGS. 18 and 18A are sectional views of a second embodiment of the pumping 
and mixing device 250 with the pump and mixing device 250 being shown in a 
first position. FIGS. 19 and 19A illustrate the second embodiment of the 
pump and mixing device 250 in a second position whereas FIGS. 20 and 20A 
illustrate the second embodiment of the pump and mixing device 250 
returned to the first position. In this embodiment, the input body portion 
271 including the input one-way valve means 240 and the flexible wall 273 
of the pumping and mixing device 250 are identical to the input body 
portion 71, the input one-way valve means 140 and the flexible wall 73 of 
the pumping and mixing device 50 illustrated in FIGS. 15-17. In addition, 
the output body portion 272 including the mixing chamber 230 and the 
terminal passage 234 are identical to the output body portion 72, the 
mixing chamber 130 and the terminal passage 134 of the pumping and mixing 
device 50 illustrated in FIGS. 15-17. 
In this embodiment, the output one-way valve means 250 is integrally formed 
within the mixing chamber 230 and cooperates with the output aperture 220 
of the output body portion 272 for permitting the flow of liquid 
concentrate 30 only from the pumping chamber 274 of the body member 270. 
The output one-way valve means 252 comprises a sphincter valve having a 
first and a second flexible valve surface 254A and 254B which are biased 
into engagement with one another as shown in FIGS. 18 and 18A. When the 
fluid pressure in the pumping chamber 274 is greater than the fluid 
pressure in the mixing chamber 230, then the first and second flexible 
valve surface 254A and 254B separate from one another permitting the flow 
of fluid from the pumping chamber 274 into the mixing chamber 230. When a 
fluid pressure in the pumping chamber 274 is less than the fluid pressure 
in the mixing chamber 230, then the valve surfaces 254A and 254B will 
remain in the biased engagement position to prevent the flow of fluid from 
the mixing chamber 230 into the pumping chamber 274. 
A horizontal surface member 257 supported cross members 258 and 259 is 
disposed in the mixing chamber 230. A base of each of the cross members 
258 and 259 engage a shoulder 260 defined in the mixing chamber 230 to 
retain the horizontal surface member within the mixing chamber 230. The 
cross members 258 and 259 define sectors including sectors 281 and 282 in 
a manner similar to FIGS. 15-17. 
When the motive means including motor 54 reciprocates the output body 
portion 272 from the second position shown in FIGS. 19 and 19A to the 
first position shown in FIGS. 18 and 18A, the volume of the pumping 
chamber 274 expands thereby reducing the pressure internal the pumping 
chamber 274 such that the valve surface 254A and 254B of the output one 
way valve 252 will move into engagement with one another as shown in FIGS. 
18 and 18A thus closing the output one way valve 252. Since the fluid 
pressure in the arcuate apertures 111, 112 and 113 is now greater than the 
fluid pressure internal the pumping chamber 274, the input one-way valve 
means 240 will flex downwardly as shown in FIGS. 18 and 18A to open the 
input one-way valve means 240 and to permit the flow of liquid concentrate 
30 from the arcuate apertures 111, 112 and 113 into the pumping chamber 
274. 
When the motive means including motor 54 reciprocates the output body 
portion 272 from the first position shown in FIGS. 18 and 18A into the 
second position shown in FIGS. 19 and 19A, the volume of the pumping 
chamber 274 contracts thereby increasing the pressure internal the pumping 
chamber 274 such that the input one-way valve means 240 will move into the 
overlaying position shown in FIGS. 19 and 19A thus closing input one-way 
valve means 240 and preventing the further flow of liquid concentrate 30 
from the arcuate apertures 111, 112 and 113 into the pumping chamber 274. 
Since the fluid pressure internal to the pumping chamber 274 is now 
greater than the atmospheric pressure, the first and second flexible valve 
surfaces 254A and 254B of the output one way valve 252 separate from one 
another as shown in FIGS. 19 and 19A into the open position thus 
permitting the flow of liquid concentrate 30 from the pumping chamber 274 
into the mixing chamber 230. 
When the motive means including motor 54 reciprocates the output body 
portion 272 from the second position shown in FIGS. 19 and 19A to the 
first position shown in FIGS. 20 and 20A, the volume of the pumping 
chamber 274 again expands thereby reducing the pressure internal the 
pumping chamber 274 to close the output one way valve 252. The greater 
fluid pressure in the arcuate apertures 111, 112 and 113 opens the input 
one-way valve means 240 to permit the flow of liquid concentrate 30 from 
the arcuate apertures 111, 112 and 113 into the pumping chamber 274. 
Continued reciprocation of the output body portion 272 relative to the 
input body portion 271 between the first and the second position will 
continuously cause the liquid concentrate 30 to flow from the arcuate 
apertures 111, 112 and 113 of the container cap 21 through the pumping 
chamber 274 and into the mixing chamber 230 as heretofore described. 
In a manner similar to FIGS. 15A, 16A and 17A, the mixing port 288 defined 
in the body member 270 resiliently receives the tubular member 86 of the 
pivot arm 68 for providing a fluid tight seal. The liquid concentrate 30 
flowing through the output one way valve means 252 strikes the horizontal 
surface 257 and is deflected upwardly to mix with the liquid diluent 32 
entering the mixing chamber 230 through the mixing port 288. The liquid 
diluent 32 entering the mixing chamber 23 and the upward deflection of the 
liquid concentrate 30 creates a turbulence for facilitating the mixing of 
the liquid concentrate 30 with the liquid diluent 32. Furthermore, the 
reciprocation of the mixing chamber 230 concurrently with the 
reciprocation of the output body member 272 between the first and the 
second position assists in the mixing of the liquid diluent 32 with the 
liquid concentrate 30. 
The mixed liquid diluent 32 and liquid concentrate 30 enters the sectors 
including sectors 281 and 282 which modify the turbulent flow of the mixed 
liquid diluent 32 and liquid concentrate 30 into a substantially laminar 
flow from the terminal orifice 236. 
FIGS. 21 and 21A are sectional views of a third embodiment of the pumping 
and mixing device 350 with the pump and mixing device 350 being shown in a 
first position. FIGS. 22 and 22A illustrate the third embodiment of the 
pump and mixing device 350 in a second position whereas FIGS. 23 and 23A 
illustrate the third embodiment of the pump and mixing device 350 returned 
to the first position. In this embodiment, the output body portion 372 
including the output one-way valve means 340 and the flexible wall 373 of 
the pumping and mixing device 350 are identical to the output body portion 
72, the output one-way valve means 152 and the flexible wall 73 of the 
pumping and mixing device 50 illustrated in FIGS. 15-17. In addition, the 
output body portion 372 including the mixing chamber 330 and the terminal 
passage 334 are identical to the output body portion 72, the mixing 
chamber 130 and the terminal passage 134 of the pumping and mixing device 
50 illustrated in FIGS. 15-17. 
In this embodiment, the face surface 306 of the container cap 321 includes 
securing means shown as a shaft 323 having an enlarged head 325 extending 
from the container cap 321. The shaft 323 is disposed central the plural 
arcuate apertures 311, 312 and 313. The input one-way valve means 340 
includes a saucer shaped resilient disk 341 having a central aperture 342 
for securing to the shaft 323 extending from the container cap 321. The 
saucer shaped resilient disk 341 tapers in thickness from the central 
aperture 342 radially outward to have a thin periphery 344. When the 
saucer shaped resilient disk 341 is secured to the container cap 321, the 
saucer shaped disk 341 resiliently engages an overlaid portion 346 of the 
face surface 306 of the container cap 321 and overlays the plural arcuate 
apertures 311, 312 and 313. 
When a fluid pressure in the arcuate apertures 311, 312 and 313 is greater 
than the fluid pressure in the pumping chamber 374, then the input one-way 
valve means 340 will flex downwardly in FIGS. 21 and 21A from the overlaid 
portion permitting the flow of concentrate 30 from the arcuate apertures 
311, 312 and 313 into the pumping chamber 374. When a fluid pressure is 
less in the arcuate apertures 311, 312 and 313 than the fluid pressure in 
the pumping chamber 374, then the input one-way valve means 340 will 
remain in the overlaying position shown in FIG. 22 and prevent the flow of 
concentrate 30 from the arcuate apertures 311, 312 and 313 into the 
pumping chamber 374. 
When the motive means including motor 54 reciprocates the output body 
portion 372 from the first position shown in FIGS. 21 and 21A into the 
second position shown in FIGS. 22 and 22A, the volume of the pumping 
chamber 374 contracts thereby increasing the pressure internal the pumping 
chamber 374 such that the input one-way valve means 340 will move into the 
overlaying position shown in FIGS. 22 and 22A thus closing input one-way 
valve means 340 and preventing the further flow of liquid concentrate 30 
from the arcuate apertures 311, 312 and 313 into the pumping chamber 374. 
Since the fluid pressure internal the pumping chamber 374 is now greater 
than the atmospheric pressure, the output one way valve 352 is displaced 
from the overlaying position shown in FIGS. 21 and 21A into the open 
position shown in FIGS. 22 and 22A thus permitting the flow of liquid 
concentrate 30 from the pumping chamber 374 into the mixing chamber 330. 
When the motive means including motor 54 reciprocates the output body 
portion 372 from the second position shown in FIGS. 22 and 22A to the 
first position shown in FIGS. 23 and 23A, the volume of the pumping 
chamber 374 again expands thereby reducing the pressure internal the 
pumping chamber 374 to close the output one way valve 352. The greater 
fluid pressure in the arcuate apertures 311, 312 and 313 opens the input 
one-way valve means 340 to permit the flow of liquid concentrate 30 from 
the arcuate apertures 311, 312 and 313 into the pumping chamber 374. 
Continued reciprocation the output body portion 372 relative to the input 
body portion 371 between the first and the second position will 
continuously cause the liquid concentrate 30 to flow from the arcuate 
apertures 311, 312 and 313 of the container cap 321 through the pumping 
chamber 374 and into the mixing chamber 330 as heretofore described. 
FIGS. 21A, 22A and 23A further illustrate the mixing port 388 defined in 
the body member 370 for introducing the diluent liquid 32 into the mixing 
chamber 330. The mixing port 388 is identical to the mixing port 88 shown 
in FIGS. 15A, 16A and 17A. 
FIG. 24 is an exploded view of the third embodiment of the pump of FIGS. 
21-23A and the container whereas FIG. 25 is an assembled view thereof. 
FIG. 26 is a partial sectional view of FIG. 25 whereas FIG. 27 is an 
enlarged sectional view of a portion of FIG. 25. A resilient gasket 400 is 
received within an opening 319 of the container 20 for seal the container 
cap 321 to the container 20. Preferably, the container cap 321 is sealed 
to the container 20 to prevent the unauthorized removal of the container 
cap 321. The seal between the container cap 321 and the container 20 
prevents contamination and leakage of the concentrate 30 during shipment 
and storage as well prevent the removal of the container cap 321 from the 
container 20 by unauthorized persons. Accordingly, container cap 321 and 
the container 20 inhibit the refilling of the container 20 with liquid 
concentrate 30 thereby insuring the quality of the concentrate 30 internal 
the container 20. The container cap 321, the saucer shaped resilient disk 
341 of the input one-way valve means 340 as well as the body member 370 
and the output one-way valve means 340 as illustrate in the relative 
positions of assembly. 
An overcap 410 removably engages with the container cap 321 for covering 
the pumping and mixing device 350 to prevent contamination during shipment 
and storage. The overcap 410 is secured to the container cap 321 in a snap 
locking engagement as will be described in greater detail with reference 
to FIG. 28. As shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the overcap 410 includes a boss 
412 extending from the inside of the overcap 410 for sealing with the 
terminal orifice 336 when the overcap 410 engages with the container cap 
321. The seal between the boss 412 and the terminal orifice 336 prevents 
any leakage of the concentrate 30 during shipment and storage of the 
completed and filled assembly. 
Preferably, the gasket 400, the container cap 321, the saucer shaped 
resilient disk 341, the body member 370 and the output one-way valve means 
340 as well as the overcap 410 are assembled to form a subassembly 420. 
After the container 20 is filled with the liquid concentrate 30, the 
subassembly 420 is seal to the container 20 when the container cap 321 is 
sealed to the container 20. 
FIG. 28 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of FIG. 25 further 
illustrating the seal created between the container cap 321 and the 
container 20. The overcap 410 includes a projection 421 for interlocking 
with a shoulder 422 of the container cap 321 for securing the overcap 410 
to the container cap 321 in a snap locking engagement. The overcap 410 is 
secured to the container cap 321 outboard of a vent hole 424 to further 
prevent any leakage of the concentrate 30 during shipment and storage of 
the completed and filled assembly. 
The resilient gasket 400 includes a sealing portion 426 for effecting a 
seal between the opening 319 in the container 20 and a first internal 
surface 431 of the container cap 321. The resilient gasket 400 also 
includes an integral annular wall portion 428 which is affixed to the 
sealing portion 426 by a web 430 and extends parallel to a second internal 
surface 432 of the container cap 321. The resilient gasket 400 includes a 
vent valve 434 which is interposed between the sealing portion 426 and the 
annular wall portion 428. 
The container cap 321 includes a vent hole 424 for venting the container 20 
as the concentrate 30 internal the container 20 is depleted during use of 
the pumping and mixing device 350. The vent hole 424 is located radially 
inward of the sealing portion 426 and radially outward of the vent valve 
434 of the sealing gasket 400. 
As the concentrate 30 internal the container 20 is depleted during use, the 
pressure internal the container 20 is reduced relative to the ambient 
pressure at the vent hole 424. As the differential in pressure increases, 
the vent valve 434 opens permitting the flow of air into the container 20 
and to form an air pocket inboard of the vent valve 434 and between the 
annular wall portion 428 and the second internal surface 432. Continued 
depletion of the concentrate internal the container 20 causes the vent 
valve 434 to open permitting the flow of additional air into the container 
20. If the pressure internal the container 20 is increases relative to the 
ambient pressure at the vent hole 424 caused by squeezing the container or 
a temperature imbalance or the like, the liquid concentrate internal the 
container will replace the volume of air in the air pocket prior to 
leaking from the vent hole 424. Accordingly, the air pocket created 
between the second internal surface 432 and the vent valve 434 inhibits 
the liquid concentrate 30 internal the container 20 from migrating or 
leaking from the vent hole 424. 
In the dispensing machines of the prior art, 4.0 parts of liquid diluent 
were required for 1.0 part of liquid concentrate. The pumping and mixing 
device of the present invention has accurately and reliably pumped a 
liquid concentrate requiring 4.5 parts of diluent for 1.0 part of liquid 
concentrate. Although the pumping and mixing device of the present 
invention is capable of accurately and reliably pumping a liquid 
concentrate requiring 5.0 parts of diluent for 1.0 part of liquid 
concentrate, it has been found that the viscosity of the 5.0 liquid 
concentrate inhibits the normal migration of air bubbles therethrough thus 
inhibiting the venting of the container. 
The dispensing device of the present invention provide a system which 
substantially advances the liquid dispensing art. The present invention 
reduces the number of parts required for a liquid dispensing machine of 
the type herein set forth. The improved pump and mixing device is 
inexpensive enabling the pumping and mixing device to be shipped with the 
container of the liquid concentrate and to be discarded after the liquid 
concentrate within the container has been depleted. Furthermore, the 
improved pumping and mixing device accurately and reliably pumps liquid 
concentrate irrespective of the viscosity of the liquid concentrate. The 
pumping and mixing device is coupled with mechanical motive as well as 
being fluidly coupled to the liquid diluent concurrently with the 
insertion of the container within a refrigerated compartment of the 
dispensing device. The concentrate container and the pumping and mixing 
device are sealed to prevent contamination and leakage of the concentrate 
during shipment and storage as well as being adapted to inhibit the 
refilling of the container with liquid concentrate thereby insuring the 
quality of the concentrate internal to the container. 
FIGS. 29-33 illustrate an improved one-way valve 552 which comprises a 
fourth embodiment of the invention. The improved one-way valve 552 
comprises a base 596, a valve surface 554 and a flexible web 557 
interposed between and integrally formed with the base 596 and the valve 
surface 554. The base 596 comprises a first and a second cross-member 558 
and 559 and a shaft 556. The cross-members 558 and 559 are planar and 
intersect perpendicular to one another thereby defining a plurality of 
sectors 581-584. The cross-member 558 has ledges 558A and 558B and curved 
leading edges 558C and 558D whereas the cross-member 559 has ledges 559A 
and 559B and curved leading edges 559C-559D. The shaft 556 has a first end 
501 and a second end 502 and is integrally formed with and is supported by 
the first and second cross-members 558 and 559 at the second end 502. The 
shaft 556 is tapered at the first end 501 and defines an axis 556A of the 
shaft 556 that is coincident with the intersection of the cross-members 
558 and 559. 
The valve surface 554 comprises a resilient truncated conical member 590 
having a first conical end 591 and a second conical end 592. A 
substantially rigid annular member 594 is secured to the second conical 
end 592 of the resilient truncated conical member 590. 
The flexible web 557 is integrally formed with the first end 501 of the 
shaft 556. The tapering of the shaft 556 at the first end 501 reduces 
surface contact between the shaft 556 and the flexible web 557 to increase 
the surface area of the flexible web 557 thereby increasing the 
flexibility of the flexible web 557. 
Preferably, the improved one-way valve 552 including the valve surface 554, 
the shaft 556, the flexible web 557 and the cross-members 558 and 559 are 
integrally molded from a polymeric material such as resilient 
thermoplastic polymer or other suitable material. 
FIGS. 34 and 35 are sectional views of the improved one-way valve 552 
disposed within a pump and mixing device 550. The pump and mixing device 
550 of FIGS. 34 and 35 operates in a manner similar to the pump and mixing 
device 50 of FIGS. 15A and 16A. An input body portion (not shown) 
including an input one-way valve means (not shown) and the flexible wall 
573 of the pumping and mixing device 550 are identical to the input body 
portion 71, the input one-way valve means 140 and the flexible wall 73 of 
the pumping and mixing device 50 illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 16A. In 
addition, the output body portion 572 including the mixing chamber 530 and 
the terminal passage 534 are identical to the output body portion 72, the 
mixing chamber 130 and the terminal passage 134 of the pumping and mixing 
device 50 illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 16A. 
The improved one-way valve 552 is mounted in a mixing chamber 530. The 
output aperture 120 of the pumping chamber 274 of FIGS. 15A and 16A forms 
a mixing chamber input aperture 520. A sealing surface 598 is disposed 
about the mixing chamber input aperture 520 with a terminal orifice 536 
being axially aligned with the mixing chamber input aperture 520. A mixing 
liquid port 588 is defined in the mixing chamber 530 to enter into a 
mixing area 597 defined between the annular member 594 and cross-members 
558 and 559. The mixing liquid port 588 is disposed perpendicular to the 
axial alignment of the mixing chamber input aperture 520 and the terminal 
orifice 536. 
The base 596 is mounted in mixing chamber 530 with the ledges 558A, 558B, 
559A and 559B of the cross-members 558 and 559 engaging a shoulder 560 
defined in the mixing chamber 530 to support the base 596 within the 
mixing chamber 530. The cross-members 558 and 559 are resiliently flexible 
for resiliently engaging with the mixing chamber 530 to secure the one-way 
valve 552 therein. The resilience of the cross-members 558 and 559 also 
facilitate the insertion and the removal of the one-way valve 552 from the 
mixing chamber 530. The cross-members 558 and 559 and the terminal passage 
534 define sectors 581-584. 
The shaft 556 is located in the mixing chamber 530 by the cross-members 558 
and 559 to support the flexible web 557 relative to the base 596. The 
flexible web 557 resiliently biases the valve surface 554 into engagement 
with the sealing surface 598 for closing the mixing chamber input aperture 
520 to ensure a fluid-tight seal between resilient truncated conical 
member 590 and sealing surface 598 of the mixing chamber 530 as shown in 
FIG. 34. The biasing of the flexible web 557 causes a radial outwardly 
deformation of the resilient truncated conical member 590 to enhance the 
seal with the sealing surface 598. 
FIGS. 34 and 35 show the operation of the improved one-way valve 552 within 
the pump and mixing device 550 between a first and second position, 
respectively. The improved one-way valve 552 cooperates with the mixing 
chamber input aperture 520 for permitting the flow of the liquid 
concentrate 30 in only one direction from the pumping chamber 574 through 
the mixing chamber input aperture 520 into the mixing chamber 530 for 
discharge from the terminal orifice 536. 
As previously described, the motor 54 reciprocates the output body portion 
572 relative to the input body portion (not shown) between the first and 
the second position shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, respectively. When the 
output body portion 572 moves from the second position shown in FIG. 35 to 
the first position shown in FIG. 34, the fluid pressure internal the 
pumping chamber 574 is below the fluid pressure in the mixing chamber 530. 
The resilient bias of the flexible web 557 resiliently biases the 
resilient truncated conical member 590 into engagement with the sealing 
surface 598 for the closing the mixing chamber input aperture 520, as 
shown in FIG. 34, to prevent a flow of the liquid concentrate 30 from the 
mixing chamber 530 to the pumping chamber 574. The resilient truncated 
conical member 590 engages with the sealing surface 598 to close the 
mixing chamber input aperture 520 for inhibiting the flow of the liquid 
concentrate 30 in a direction opposed from the mixing chamber 530 through 
the mixing chamber input aperture 520 into the pumping chamber 574. 
When the motive means including motor 54 reciprocates the output body 
portion 572 from the first position shown in FIG. 34 into the second 
position shown in FIG. 35, the fluid pressure in the pumping chamber 574 
becomes sufficiently greater than the fluid pressure in the mixing chamber 
530 to exceed the resilient bias of the flexible web 557, the flexible web 
557 flexes downwardly. The resilient truncated conical member 590 and 
substantially rigid annular member 594 move downwardly in unison upon the 
flexing of flexible web 557 for moving the valve surface 554 from a closed 
position as shown in FIG. 34 to an open position as shown in FIG. 35. The 
resilient truncated conical member 590 is displaced from engagement with 
the sealing surface 598 to open the mixing chamber input aperture 520 for 
permitting the flow of the liquid concentrate 30 from the pumping chamber 
574 through the mixing chamber input aperture 520 into the mixing chamber 
530. 
FIGS. 34 and 35 further illustrate the mixing port 588 defined in the body 
member 570 for introducing the diluent liquid 32 into the mixing chamber 
530. The liquid diluent 32 enters the mixing chamber 530 under pressure at 
a right angle to the flow of the liquid concentrate 30 and proximate to 
the shaft 556 causing a turbulence for facilitating the mixing of the 
liquid concentrate 30 with the liquid diluent 32. Furthermore, the 
reciprocation of the mixing chamber 530 concurrently with the 
reciprocation of the output body member 572 between the first and the 
second position assists in the mixing of the liquid diluent 32 with the 
liquid concentrate 30. In addition, as the fluid pressure in the pumping 
chamber 574 alternates above and below the pressure necessary to operate 
the valve surface 554, the valve surface 554 reciprocates between the 
closed position and the open position, further facilitating the mixing of 
liquid diluent 32 with liquid concentrate 30. The liquid concentrate 30 
and liquid diluent 32 are turbulently mixed in the mixing area 597 of the 
mixing chamber 530. 
Fluid pressure from the pumping chamber 574 propels the liquid concentrate 
30 into the mixing area 597 of the mixing chamber 530. The liquid 
concentrate 30 and liquid diluent 32 encounter and flow past the leading 
edge 558C-558D and 559C-559D of the cross-members 558 and 559 into the 
sectors 581-584. The sectors 581-584 modify the turbulent flow of the 
liquid diluent 32 and liquid concentrate 30 into a substantially laminar 
flow, which is discharged from the terminal orifice 536. 
FIGS. 36 and 37 illustrate an improved one-way valve 652 being used as a 
check valve in a fluid line 676 between an upstream chamber 674 and a 
downstream chamber 675. A fitting 630 comprises threads 631 and 632 for 
threadably engaging with threaded ends 641 and 642 of a first and a second 
conduit section 34A and 34B. The fitting 630 enables the insertion and the 
removal of the one-way valve 652 from the downstream chamber 674. The 
improved one-way valve 652 is mounted in the downstream chamber 675 with 
an input aperture 620 being defined i the fitting 630 between the upstream 
chamber 674 and the downstream chamber 675. A sealing surface 698 is 
disposed about the input aperture 620. The downstream chamber 675 also has 
a terminal orifice 636 axially aligned with the input aperture 620. 
The base 696 is mounted in the downstream chamber 675 with ledges 658A-658B 
and 659A-659B of the cross-members 658 and 659 engaging a shoulder 660 
defined in the downstream chamber 675 to retain the cross-members 658 and 
659 within the downstream chamber 675. The cross-members 658 and 659 are 
resiliently flexible for resiliently engaging with the downstream chamber 
675 to secure the one-way vale 652 therein. The resilience of the 
cross-members 658 and 659 also facilitate the insertion and the removal of 
the one-way valve 652 from the downstream chamber 675. The cross-members 
658 and 659 along with the terminal passage 634 define sectors 681-684. A 
shaft 656 is supported in the downstream chamber 675 by the cross-members 
658 and 659 for supporting the flexible web 657 on the base 696. The 
flexible web 657 resiliently biases the valve surface 654 into engagement 
with the sealing surface 698 thereby closing the input aperture 620 to 
ensure a fluid-tight seal between the resilient truncated conical member 
690 and the sealing surface 698 of the downstream chamber 675. 
In the same manner as described previously, when the fluid pressure in the 
upstream chamber 674 is not sufficiently greater than the fluid pressure 
in the downstream chamber 675 so as to exceed the resilient bias of the 
flexible web 657, the flexible web 657 resiliently biases the resilient 
truncated conical member 690 into engagement with the sealing surface 698 
to close the input aperture 620, as shown in FIG. 36. 
When a fluid pressure in the upstream chamber 674 becomes sufficiently 
greater than the fluid pressure in the downstream chamber 675 to exceed 
the resilient bias of the flexible web 657, the flexible web 657 enables 
the resilient truncated conical member 690 and substantially rigid annular 
member 694 to move away from the input aperture 620. The flexing of the 
flexible web 657 moves the valve surface 654 from the closed position as 
shown in FIG. 36 to an open position as shown in FIG. 37. The resilient 
truncated conical member 690 is displaced from engagement with the sealing 
surface 698 for opening the input aperture 620 to permit the flow of the 
liquid 31 in a forward direction from the upstream chamber 674 through the 
input aperture 620 into the downstream chamber 675. Fluid pressure from 
the upstream chamber 674 propels the liquid 31 from the downstream chamber 
675 toward terminal orifice 636. The liquid 31 encounters and flows past 
the leading edges 658C-658D and 659C-659D of the cross-members 658 and 659 
through the sectors 681-684 and is discharged into the downstream chamber 
675. 
When a fluid pressure in the upstream chamber 674 is not sufficiently 
greater than the fluid pressure in the downstream chamber 675 to exceed 
the resilient bias of the flexible web 657, the flexible web 657 flexes 
toward the aperture 620. The resilient truncated conical member 690 and 
the substantially rigid annular member 694 move toward the input aperture 
620 in unison upon the flexing of the flexible web 657 for moving the 
valve surface 654 from the open position as shown in FIG. 37 to the closed 
position as shown in FIG. 36. The resilient truncated conical member 690 
engages with sealing surface 698 for closing the input aperture 620 to 
inhibit the flow of fluid 30 in a direction from the downstream chamber 
675 through the input aperture 620 into the upstream chamber 674. 
This embodiment illustrates improved one-way valve 652 is driven by fluid 
pressure, which is not necessarily alternating as in reciprocating pump 
embodiments shown above. Once fluid pressure surpasses a certain level, 
the input aperture 620 remains open and allows for the continuous flow of 
the liquid 31 in a forward direction so long as fluid pressure remains 
sufficient to overcome the resilient bias of flexible web 657. 
This improved one-way valve 652 has many applications including a check 
valve in a fluid line to prevent the backflow of a fluid in a fluid line. 
When the fluid pressure is not sufficient to overcome the resilient bias, 
the improved one-way valve 652 closes to act as a check valve for 
inhibiting the flow of liquid 31 in reverse direction. 
FIG. 4 illustrates the improved one-way valve 652 being interposed in the 
flexible conduit 34 between the first and the second conduit sections 34A 
and 34B. The improved one-way valve 652 interposed in the flexible conduit 
34 prevents the backflow of liquid diluent 32 or other contaminants into 
the first conduit section 34A of the flexible conduit 34. 
The improved one-way valve of the present invention provides improved 
operation of the dispensing device set forth in our U.S. Pat. No. 
5,114,047. The present invention provides an improved one-way valve for a 
pump and mixing device for pumping a liquid concentrate from a container 
into a mixing chamber and for mixing the concentrate with a diluent 
wherein the improved one-way valve enhances the ability of the pump to 
accurately and reliably pump liquid concentrate irrespective of the 
viscosity of the liquid concentrate, and enhances the pump and mixing 
device as a reliable and inexpensive unit enabling the pump and mixing 
device to be discarded after the liquid concentrate within the container 
is depleted. The improved one-way valve cooperates with the pump and 
mixing device to provide a one-way valve for enabling the flow of the 
liquid concentrate only from the pump into the mixing chamber. 
Furthermore, the improved one-way valve facilitates mixing in the pump and 
mixing device. 
The improved one-way valve, when inserted in a fluid line having an intake 
aperture, cooperates with the intake aperture for enabling the flow of the 
fluid in only one direction through the fluid line. The improved one-way 
valve thus reliably and inexpensively prevents the backflow of liquid in 
the fluid line. The improved one-way valve is an integrally molded 
one-piece unit constructed of polymeric material such as silicone for 
improved flexibility and sanitary operation. 
The present disclosure includes that contained in the appended claims as 
well as that of the foregoing description. Although this invention has 
been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of 
particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the 
preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous 
changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement 
of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of 
the invention.