Abstract: The present invention provides a valve configured to dispense a flowable product. The valve includes an inner valve portion having a chamber to allow an accumulation therein of the flowable product, an end wall surface, and an annular surface spaced from the end wall surface. The valve also includes an outer valve portion having a chamber receiving therein at least part of the inner valve portion. The outer valve portion further includes an end wall surface engageable with the end wall surface of the inner valve portion, and an annular surface spaced from the end wall surface and engageable with the annular surface of the inner valve portion. The respective end wall surfaces of the inner valve portion and the outer valve portion are engageable substantially simultaneously with engagement of the respective annular surfaces of the inner valve portion and the outer valve portion.

Abstract: A beverage flavor preserver is provided for use in conjunction with a beverage dispenser or beverage container. The flavor preserver is locatable substantially at the level of the beverage surface and covers at least a portion of the beverage surface. The flavor preserver reduces flavor loss of the beverage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a valve configured to dispense a flowable product. The valve includes an inner valve portion having a chamber to allow an accumulation therein of the flowable product, an end wall surface, and an annular surface spaced from the end wall surface. The valve also includes an outer valve portion having a chamber receiving therein at least part of the inner valve portion. The outer valve portion further includes an end wall surface engageable with the end wall surface of the inner valve portion, and an annular surface spaced from the end wall surface and engageable with the annular surface of the inner valve portion. The respective end wall surfaces of the inner valve portion and the outer valve portion are engageable substantially simultaneously with engagement of the respective annular surfaces of the inner valve portion and the outer valve portion.

Abstract: A device for sanitary dispensing from a flexible package a heated flowable material, such as cheese sauce, to be maintained at or above a predetermined temperature level after the package is opened. The dispensing device includes a housing defining heated compartment, a heating unit for maintaining the compartment at or above the predetermined temperature level, a package support in the compartment arranged to promote gravity flow of the material and a valve for selectively controlling flow of the material from the package and having a dispensing portion disposed substantially entirely in the compartment or the package support. The valve is removably connected to a package outlet and a valve member mounted in a valve body is moved from a closed position to an open position by an operator to discharge cheese sauce through a discharge opening in the housing.