Abstract: A system for dispensing liquid food products is disclosed. The product is drawn from a source to a metering chamber through a supply valve, and then conducted to a dispensing valve to fill performed containers. The valves have a valve stem that reciprocates to open and close the valve. The valve stem is supported in the passage through which the product flows by bearings. The bearings have balls that engage the stem and the wall of the passage. The use of balls to support the stem facilitates cleaning of the passage after use, and yet provides good support for the valve stem.

Abstract: A valve arrangement for a liquid dispensing unit includes a discharge nozzle having a central bore, the bore having a central axis, an inner wall, and an edge forming a valve seat; a movable valve element cooperating with the bore to control liquid flow out of the nozzle; the valve element including a valve stem extending along the central axis; a device for reciprocally moving the valve element along the central axis; a valve base mounted at the end of the valve stem for contacting the valve seat to seal closed the nozzle, the valve base including a shear step at the outer circumferential edge thereof, and a seal area adjacent the shear step for contacting the valve seat for shutting off liquid flow when the valve is in a closed position; a plurality of arms projecting from the valve stem for guiding the valve stem with respect to the inner wall of the bore, the arms being spaced from the valve base; and a single fin extending from an outer periphery of the valve base in a direction perpendicular to the axis