1,262,635. Reciprocating pumps. C. J. L. WARREN and J.W. MILROSS. Feb. 6, 1969 [Feb. 13, 1968], No. 6934/68. Heading F1A. Apparatus for repetitively depositing predetermined volumes of a viscous liquid such as confectionary syrup comprises a container 36 and a pump having an entry port 43 communicating with the interior of the container and co-operating with a plunger 38 to function as an inlet valve, and a discharge valve 60 comprising a truly movable spherical member 61 which is drawn up to seal a circular discharge aperture 62 on the suction stroke and which otherwise rests on a stool 63. The viscous liquid provides the sealing medium between the plunger 38 and the cylinder 37. There is a slight time lag between the beginning of the suction stroke and the moment when the discharge aperture 62 is sealed, thus providing a drip preventing mechanism. The ball 61 has a specific gravity equal to or less than the specific gravity of the liquid and may be P. T. F.E. or stainless steel. A heater 41 is provided at the bottom of the container 36, which is lagged.