Abstract: In one embodiment of an apparatus and process for packaging foodstuffs or other materials in a rigid container sealed by a flexible cover, a desired quantity of material to be packaged containing or together with some water or other liquid is placed in the container, the flexible cover is secured on the container so as to leave at least one unsealed opening, the container is heated and/or placed in a partial vacuum to bring the liquid above its boiling point to cause or permit vapor generated by the boiling liquid to expel other gases from the container through the unsealed opening, and the container is sealed while gas or vapor is still flowing out of the container through the unsealed opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides a valve arrangement for location on a vessel for holding liquids, comprising: a supporting member configured to form a valve seat; a deformable sealing member located against said valve seat and arranged for deformation under an applied pressure to present a first gap between said sealing member and said valve seat in a region where pressure is applied to allow a liquid to be dispensed from the vessel via said valve arrangement, and a second gap between said sealing member and a valve seat in a region where pressure is applied, to allow air to enter said valve arrangement.

Abstract: An end cap is attached to a container body to form a liquid media package for dispensing liquid media. The end cap includes an aperture in fluid communication with the liquid media in the package. The end cap also includes at least one radial arm extending outwardly from the aperture, each radial arm being in fluid communication with the aperture. Each radial arm includes at least one flexible wiper in a closed position, and one orifice corresponding to each of the at least one flexible wipers. When pressure is exerted on the liquid media, the liquid media travels through the aperture and then through the radial arms. The pressure of the liquid media displaces the flexible wiper so as to enable flow of the liquid media through an orifice in the bottom of the end cap. The flexible wiper returns to the closed position when exertion of pressure ceases.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive one-way valve to control the release of pressurized gas from a sealed container wherein the sealed container has at least one venting aperture therein. The valve comprises a first layer of flexibly resilient material having an upper surface and a lower surface. At least the periphery of the lower surface of the first layer is adhered to the outer surface of the container and at least a portion of the interior of the lower surface is separable from the outer surface of the container. The separable portion and the portion of the outer surface of the container adjacent thereto forming an expansion chamber that is in communication with the venting apertures such that passage of gas through the venting aperture causes expansion of the expansion chamber. The expansion chamber also has a gas release aperture extending therethrough.