Abstract: A permanent, reuseable liquid filter comprised of a thin flexible filter material and a support skeleton secured thereto. The filter is adapted to assume a filtering condition generally coextensive with the internal conformation of a generally oblong somewhat conical cup-shaped filter support at least when the filter is inserted thereinto. The filter may normally be in a generally flat condition for subsequent folding into the cup-shaped conformation upon insertion into the filter support or may be fabricated and assembled so as to normally assume a somewhat cup-shaped conformation. In both filter types, the support skeleton is typically located on the outside surface of the filter material and includes a plurality of support ribs extending from a bamd-like filter bottom area toward the filter open or top end.

Abstract: A system for dispensing flowable foodstuffs such as chili and the like. The system comprises a food-containing reservoir which is at least partially surrounded by a container filled with warm water or the like in order that the foodstuffs be kept in a warm and servable condition. The food reservoir is fitted with a valve generally of the plug or portion control type so that individual servings may be drawn from the reservoir. The dispenser is also fitted with a vacuum source such that a vacuum may be drawn at the upper levels of the food reservoir. An air inlet is provided into the reservoir preferably through the valve itself so that as the vacuum is being drawn on the reservoir, the valve simultaneously will be cleaned by the air flowing through it even when the valve is in its closed position. This air flow, in turn, agitates the flowable or chunky material so that it remains relatively homogenous and so that the chunky or suspended particles in the foodstuff do not settle to the bottom of the reservoir.