최소 단어 이상 선택하여야 합니다.
최대 10 단어까지만 선택 가능합니다.
다음과 같은 기능을 한번의 로그인으로 사용 할 수 있습니다.
NTIS 바로가기다음과 같은 기능을 한번의 로그인으로 사용 할 수 있습니다.
DataON 바로가기다음과 같은 기능을 한번의 로그인으로 사용 할 수 있습니다.
Edison 바로가기다음과 같은 기능을 한번의 로그인으로 사용 할 수 있습니다.
Kafe 바로가기국가/구분 | United States(US) Patent 등록 |
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국제특허분류(IPC7판) |
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출원번호 | UP-0976349 (2004-10-28) |
등록번호 | US-7637401 (2010-01-07) |
발명자 / 주소 |
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출원인 / 주소 |
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대리인 / 주소 |
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인용정보 | 피인용 횟수 : 0 인용 특허 : 135 |
A container including a nozzle and body depending therefrom. The body is preferably tubular and defines an interior which retains a product to be dispensed. A cap engages the nozzle to prevent inadvertent release of the product. In order to dispense the product, the cap is removed and pressure is a
A container including a nozzle and body depending therefrom. The body is preferably tubular and defines an interior which retains a product to be dispensed. A cap engages the nozzle to prevent inadvertent release of the product. In order to dispense the product, the cap is removed and pressure is applied to the body and the nozzle allows release of the product. The nozzle releases the product without exposing the remaining product to the external atmosphere, thus the sterility of the interior of the body is maintained and the shelf life of the product is increased. The nozzle includes an inner body, coupled to the tubular body, surrounded by a flexible outer cover. A seam between the inner body and flexible outer cover forms a one-way release valve wherein a portion of the seam remains closed during dispensing the product.
What is claimed is: 1. A valve assembly that is connectable to a tube for dispensing a substance therefrom, the tube including a squeezable tubular body defining therein a chamber for receiving and delivering therethrough the substance, wherein the tube defines a first axially extending passageway
What is claimed is: 1. A valve assembly that is connectable to a tube for dispensing a substance therefrom, the tube including a squeezable tubular body defining therein a chamber for receiving and delivering therethrough the substance, wherein the tube defines a first axially extending passageway forming an unobstructed axially extending flow path, the valve assembly comprising: (a) a valve body including: a body base defining a second axially extending passageway connectable in fluid communication with the first axially extending passageway for defining an unobstructed axially extending flow path therebetween; an axially extending valve seat defining a diameter less than a diameter of the body base; a first substantially frusto-conical portion extending between the body base and the valve seat; and at least one flow aperture axially extending through the substantially frusto-conical portion adjacent to the valve seat; and (b) a valve cover formed of an elastic material defining a predetermined modulus of elasticity, and including: a cover base mounted on the body base and fixedly secured against axial movement relative thereto; a valve portion overlying the valve seat, wherein the valve portion defines a predetermined radial thickness and a diameter less than a diameter of the valve seat to thereby form an interference fit therebetween, the valve portion and valve seat define a normally closed, axially extending valve opening therebetween, and the valve portion is movable radially between a normally closed position with the valve portion engaging the valve seat and an open position with a segment of the valve portion spaced radially away from the valve seat to allow the passage of substance at a predetermined valve opening pressure therebetween; and a second substantially frusto-conical shaped portion extending between the cover base and valve portion, overlying the first substantially frusto-conical shaped portion of the body, and forming an interference fit therebetween; and wherein at least one of the valve seat diameter, a degree of interference between the valve cover and valve seat, the predetermined radial thickness of the valve portion, and a predetermined modulus of elasticity of the valve cover material, is selected to (1) define a predetermined valve opening pressure generated upon squeezing the tube that allows passage of the substance from the tube through the valve opening, and (2) hermetically seal the valve and prevent the ingress of bacteria through the valve assembly and into the tube in the normally closed position. 2. A valve assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the valve cover and valve body define an increasing degree of interference therebetween in a direction from the exterior to the interior of the valve assembly. 3. A valve assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the valve portion defines a decreasing radial thickness when moving axially in a direction from an inner end toward a distal end of the valve seat. 4. A valve assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the substantially frusto-conical and valve portions of the valve cover each define a decreasing radial thickness when moving axially in a direction from the substantially frusto-conical portion toward the valve portion. 5. A valve assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the valve body defines a plurality of angularly extending flow apertures, and a plurality of solid portions formed between the angularly extending flow apertures. 6. A valve assembly as defined in claim 1, further comprising a tube including a squeezable tubular body defining therein a chamber for receiving and delivering therethrough the substance and connected in fluid communication with the valve assembly. 7. A valve assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the valve seat diameter, a degree of interference between the valve cover and valve seat, the predetermined radial thickness of the valve portion, and a predetermined modulus of elasticity of the valve cover material, are each selected to (i) define a predetermined valve opening pressure generated upon squeezing the tube that allows passage of the substance from the tubular chamber through the valve opening, and (2) hermetically seal the valve assembly and prevent the ingress of bacteria through the valve assembly and into the tube in the normally closed position. 8. A valve assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the at least one flow aperture is substantially contiguous to the valve seat. 9. A valve assembly as defined in claim 1, further comprising means for decreasing the valve opening pressure in the axial direction from an inner end of the valve seat toward a distal end thereof. 10. valve assembly as defined in claim 9, wherein said means is defined by at least one of a decreasing degree of interference between the valve portion and valve seat, and a progressively increasing diameter of the valve seat. 11. A valve assembly as defined in claim 1, further comprising a fitting for connecting the valve assembly to the tube and forming a substantially hermetic seal therebetween. 12. A tube and valve assembly for receiving and dispensing a substance therefrom, comprising: a tube including a squeezable tubular body defining therein a tubular chamber for receiving and delivering therethrough the substance, and defining a first axially extending passageway forming an unobstructed axially extending flow path therethrough; and a one-way valve assembly connectable to the tube and comprising: (a) a valve body including: a body base defining a second axially extending passageway coupled in fluid communication with the first axially extending passageway and defining an unobstructed axially extending flow path therebetween; an axially extending valve seat defining a diameter less than a diameter of the body base; a first portion extending between the body base and the valve seat; and at least one flow aperture axially extending through the first portion adjacent to the valve seat; and (b) a valve cover formed of an elastic material defining a predetermined modulus of elasticity, and including: a cover base mounted on the body base and fixedly secured against axial movement relative thereto; a valve portion overlying the valve seat, wherein the valve portion defines a predetermined radial thickness and a diameter less than a diameter of the valve seat to thereby form an interference fit therebetween, the valve portion and valve seat define a normally closed, axially extending valve opening therebetween, and the valve portion is movable radially between a normally closed position with the valve portion engaging the valve seat and an open position with a segment of the valve portion spaced radially away from the valve seat to allow the passage of substance at a predetermined valve opening pressure therebetween; and a second portion extending between the cover base and valve portion, overlying the first portion of the body, and forming an interference fit therebetween; and wherein at least one of the valve seat diameter, a degree of interference between the valve cover and valve seat, the predetermined radial thickness of the valve portion, and a predetermined modulus of elasticity of the valve cover material, is selected to define a predetermined valve opening pressure generated upon squeezing the tube that allows passage of the substance from the tube through the valve opening. 13. A tube and valve assembly as defined in claim 12, wherein the valve opening pressure is generated upon manually squeezing the tube. 14. A tube and valve assembly as defined in claim 12, wherein the first and second portions are tapered. 15. A tube and valve assembly as defined in claim 12, wherein said predetermined valve opening pressure corresponds to a predetermined substantially radially directed force applied to the tubular body. 16. A tube and valve assembly as defined in claim 12, further comprising means for decreasing the valve opening pressure in an axial direction from an inner end of the valve seat toward a distal end thereof. 17. A valve assembly that is connectable to a tube for dispensing a substance therefrom, the tube including a squeezable tubular body defining therein a tubular chamber for receiving and dispensing the substance therefrom, and a portion located at one end of the tubular body and connectable to the valve assembly, wherein the tubular body defines a first axially extending passageway forming an unobstructed axially extending flow path therethrough, the valve assembly comprising: (a) a valve body connectable to the tube and including: a body base defining a second axially extending passageway connectable in fluid communication with the first axially extending passageway and defining an unobstructed axially extending flow path therebetween; an axially extending valve seat defining a diameter less than a diameter of the body base; a first substantially tapered portion extending between the body base and the valve seat; and at least one flow aperture axially extending through the substantially tapered portion adjacent to the valve seat; and (b) a valve cover formed of an elastic material defining a predetermined modulus of elasticity, and including: a cover base mounted on the body base and fixedly secured against axial movement relative thereto, wherein the cover base defines a diameter less than a diameter of the body base to thereby form an interference fit therebetween; a valve portion overlying the valve seat, wherein the valve portion defines a predetermined radial thickness and a diameter less than a diameter of the valve seat to thereby form an interference fit therebetween, the valve portion and valve seat defining a normally closed, axially extending valve opening therebetween, and the valve portion is movable radially between a normally closed position with the valve portion engaging the valve seat and an open position with a segment of the valve portion spaced radially away from the valve seat to allow the passage of substance at a predetermined valve opening pressure therebetween; and a second substantially tapered portion extending between the cover base and valve portion, overlying the first substantially tapered portion of the body, and forming an interference fit therebetween; and wherein at least one of the valve seat diameter, a degree of interference between the valve cover and valve seat, the predetermined radial thickness of the valve portion, and a predetermined modulus of elasticity of the valve cover material, is selected to (1) define a predetermined valve opening pressure generated upon squeezing the tube that allows passage of the substance from the storage chamber through the valve opening, and (2) hermetically seal the valve and prevent the ingress of bacteria through the valve and into the tube in the normally closed position. 18. A valve assembly as defined in claim 17, wherein the valve cover and valve body define an increasing degree of interference therebetween in a direction from the interior to the exterior of the valve assembly. 19. A valve assembly as defined in claim 17, wherein the valve body defines a plurality of angularly extending flow apertures, and a plurality of solid portions formed between the angularly extending flow apertures, and wherein the flow apertures define a cross-sectional flow area of at least about 60%, and a corresponding cross-sectional area of the solid portions of less than about 40% of a total cross-sectional area of the flow area and solid portions combined. 20. A valve assembly as defined in claim 17, further comprising a fitting for connecting the valve assembly to the tube and forming a substantially hermetic seal therebetween. 21. An apparatus for storing and dispensing a substance, comprising: an outer body; a flexible inner bladder mounted within an interior of the outer body and defining therein a storage chamber for receiving and storing the substance; an airflow passageway connectable in fluid communication between the exterior and interior of the outer body for regulating a flow of air into the outer body between the outer body and flexible inner bladder; a head located on the outer body, wherein the head defines a first passageway formed therethrough that is connectable in fluid communication with the storage chamber; and a one-way valve assembly mounted on the head, comprising: (a) a valve body including: a body base defining a second passageway coupled in fluid communication with the first passageway and defining a flow path therebetween; an axially extending valve seat defining a diameter less than a diameter of the body base; a first portion extending between the body base and the valve seat; and at least one flow aperture; and (b) a valve cover formed of an elastic material defining a predetermined modulus of elasticity, and including: a cover base mounted on the body base and fixedly secured against axial movement relative thereto; a valve portion overlying the valve seat and forming an interference fit therebetween, wherein the valve portion and valve seat define a normally closed, axially extending valve opening therebetween, and the valve portion is movable radially between a normally closed position with the valve portion engaging the valve seat and an open position with a segment of the valve portion spaced radially away from the valve seat to allow the passage of substance at a predetermined valve opening pressure therebetween; and a second portion extending between the cover base and valve portion and overlying the first portion of the body, wherein at least one of the valve seat diameter, a degree of interference between the valve cover and valve seat, the predetermined radial thickness of the valve portion, and a predetermined modulus of elasticity of the valve cover material, is selected to (1) define a valve opening pressure that allows substance to be pumped from the storage chamber through the valve opening, and (2) hermetically seal the valve and prevent the ingress of bacteria through the valve and into the storage chamber in the normally closed position. 22. An apparatus as defined in claim 21, wherein the substance is pumped from the storage chamber through the valve opening by manually squeezing the outer body. 23. A tube and valve assembly for dispensing a substance, comprising: a tube including a squeezable tubular body defining therein a tubular chamber for receiving and dispensing the substance therethrough, and a first axially extending passageway defining an unobstructed axially extending flow path; and a one-way valve assembly connectable to the tube, comprising: (a) a valve body including: a body base defining a second axially extending passageway connectable in fluid communication with the first axially extending passageway and defining an unobstructed axially extending flow path therebetween; an axially extending valve seat defining a diameter less than a diameter of the body base; a first portion extending between the body base and the valve seat; and at least one flow aperture axially extending through the first portion adjacent to the valve seat; and (b) a valve cover formed of an elastic material defining a predetermined modulus of elasticity, and including: a cover base mounted on the body base and fixedly secured against axial movement relative thereto; a valve portion overlying the valve seat and forming an interference fit therebetween, the valve portion and valve seat defining a normally closed, axially extending valve opening therebetween, and wherein the valve portion is movable radially between a normally closed position with the valve portion engaging the valve seat and an open position with a segment of the valve portion spaced radially away from the valve seat to allow the passage of substance at a predetermined valve opening pressure therebetween; and a second portion extending between the cover base and valve portion and overlying the first portion of the body; and wherein the valve assembly further includes first means for progressively opening the valve opening and allowing the passage of substance from the storage chamber through the at least one flow aperture upon squeezing the tubular body, and second means for hermetically sealing at least one flow aperture and preventing ingress of bacteria through the at least one flow aperture and into the tube in the normally closed position. 24. A tube and valve assembly as defined in claim 23, wherein the first means is defined by at least one of a valve seat diameter, a degree of interference between the valve cover and valve seat, the predetermined radial thickness of the valve portion, and a predetermined modulus of elasticity of the valve cover material being selected to define a predetermined valve opening pressure generated upon squeezing the tube that allows passage of the substance from the storage chamber through the valve opening. 25. A tube and valve assembly as defined in claim 24, wherein the second means is defined by at least one of a valve seat diameter, a degree of interference between the valve cover and valve seat, the predetermined radial thickness of the valve portion, and a predetermined modulus of elasticity of the valve cover material being selected to hermetically seal the valve and prevent the ingress of bacteria through the valve and into the tube in the normally closed position. 26. A valve assembly for dispensing a substance therefrom, the valve assembly being connectable to a tube including a squeezable tubular body defining therein a tubular chamber for receiving and delivering therethrough the substance, and defining at one end thereof a first axially extending passageway forming an axially extending flow path, the valve assembly comprising: (a) a valve body including a body base, a fitting that is connectable to the tube for forming a substantially hermetic seal therebetween, and a second axially extending passageway connectable in fluid communication with the first axially extending passageway for forming an axially extending flow path therebetween; an axially extending valve seat defining a diameter less than a diameter of the body base; a first substantially frusto-conical portion extending between the body base and the valve seat; and at least one flow aperture axially extending through the substantially frusto-conical portion adjacent to the valve seat; and (b) a valve cover formed of an elastic material defining a predetermined modulus of elasticity, and including: a cover base mounted on the body base and fixedly secured against axial movement relative thereto; a valve portion overlying the valve seat, wherein the valve portion defines a predetermined radial thickness and a diameter less than a diameter of the valve seat to thereby form an interference fit therebetween, the valve portion and valve seat define a normally closed, axially extending valve opening therebetween, and the valve portion is movable radially between a normally closed position with the valve portion engaging the valve seat and an open position with a segment of the valve portion spaced radially away from the valve seat to allow the passage of substance at a predetermined valve opening pressure therebetween; and a second substantially frusto-conical shaped portion extending between the cover base and valve portion, overlying the first substantially frusto-conical shaped portion of the body, and forming an interference fit therebetween; and wherein at least one of the valve seat diameter, a degree of interference between the valve cover and valve seat, the predetermined radial thickness of the valve portion, and a predetermined modulus of elasticity of the valve cover material, is selected to (1) allow the passage of substance from the tube through the valve opening upon squeezing the tube, and (2) hermetically seal the valve and prevent the ingress of bacteria through the valve and into the tube in the normally closed position. 27. A method for dispensing a sterile substance comprising the steps of: providing a tube including a squeezable tubular body defining therein a tubular chamber, and a first axially extending passageway forming an axially extending flow path; coupling a one-way valve assembly to the tube, the one-way valve assembly having: (a) a valve body including: a body base defining a second axially extending passageway coupled in fluid communication with the first axially extending passageway and defining an axially extending flow path therebetween; an axially extending valve seat; a first portion extending between the body base and the valve seat; and at least one flow aperture formed therein; and (b) a valve cover formed of an elastic material defining a predetermined modulus of elasticity, and including: a cover base mounted on the body base and fixedly secured against axial movement relative thereto; a valve portion overlying the valve seat and forming an interference fit therebetween, wherein the valve portion and valve seat define a normally closed, axially extending valve opening therebetween, and the valve portion is movable radially between a normally closed position with the valve portion engaging the valve seat and an open position with a segment of the valve portion spaced radially away from the valve seat to allow the passage of substance at a predetermined valve opening pressure therebetween; and a second portion extending between the cover base and valve portion and overlying the first portion of the body; receiving within the hermetically sealed tubular body multiple doses of a sterile substance; dispensing a plurality of different doses of the sterile substance at different points in time by squeezing the tubular body to dispense each such dose; and maintaining the substance remaining in the tubular body between doses in a sterile, hermetically sealed condition. 28. A method as defined in claim 27, further comprising the step of providing the substance in a preservative-free form, and storing the preservative-free substance in a sterile, substantially airless condition throughout and between dispensing multiple doses of the substance by squeezing the tubular body. 29. A method as defined in claim 27, wherein the sterile, preservative free substance is for treating at least one dermatological condition. 30. A method as defined in claim 27, comprising the step of dispensing food selected from the group including milk, yogurt, baby food, baby formula, mayonnaise, cheese, mustard, ketchup, and syrup. 31. A method for aseptically storing and dispensing a perishable liquid food, comprising the following steps: (i) providing a bag and valve assembly including a bag defining a variable-volume storage chamber, and a one-way valve coupled in fluid communication with the bag and including an elastic valve member forming a normally closed, axially-extending valve opening, wherein the valve member is movable between a normally closed position, and an open position with at least a segment of the valve member spaced radially away from the closed position to connect the valve opening in fluid communication with the variable-volume storage chamber and thereby allow the passage of fluid from the variable-volume storage chamber through the valve opening; (ii) sterilizing the empty bag and valve assembly; (iii) sterile filling the variable-volume storage chamber with a perishable liquid food; (iv) hermetically sealing the perishable liquid food within the variable-volume storage chamber; (v) dispensing a plurality of different portions of the perishable liquid food at different points in time from the variable-volume storage chamber through the one-way valve; and (vi) maintaining the perishable liquid food within the variable-volume storage chamber sterile and hermetically sealed with respect to ambient atmosphere throughout steps (iv) and (v). 32. A method as defined in claim 31, further comprising the step of substantially preventing the ingress of bacteria or other unwanted impurities through the one-way valve and into the variable-volume storage chamber during steps (v) and (vi). 33. A method as defined in claim 31, wherein the dispensing step includes pumping a plurality of different portions of the perishable liquid food at different points in time from the variable-volume storage chamber through the one-way valve. 34. A method as defined in claim 31, further comprising the step of mounting the bag within a relatively rigid outer container. 35. A method as defined in claim 31, further comprising the step of sterilizing the perishable liquid food prior to the step of sterile filling the variable-volume storage chamber with the perishable liquid food. 36. A method as defined in claim 31, wherein the perishable liquid food contains at least one of milk, yogurt, baby food, baby formula, mayonnaise, cheese, syrup and a beverage. 37. A method as defined in claim 31, wherein steps (v) and (vi) are performed at ambient temperature. 38. A device for aseptically storing and dispensing a perishable liquid food, comprising: a bag and valve assembly including a bag defining a variable-volume storage chamber, and a one-way valve coupled in fluid communication with the bag and including an elastic valve member forming a normally closed, axially-extending valve opening, wherein the valve member is movable between a normally closed position, and an open position with at least a segment of the elastic valve member spaced radially away from the closed position to connect the valve opening in fluid communication with the variable-volume storage chamber and thereby allow the passage of fluid from the variable-volume storage chamber through the valve opening, the variable-volume storage chamber is sterile filled with a perishable liquid food, the perishable liquid food is hermetically sealed in the variable-volume storage chamber, and the bag and valve assembly maintains the perishable liquid food within the variable-volume storage chamber sterile and hermetically sealed with respect to ambient atmosphere throughout dispensing a plurality of different portions of the perishable liquid food from the storage chamber through the one-way valve. 39. A device as defined in claim 38, further comprising a relatively rigid outer container, wherein the bag is received within the relatively rigid outer container. 40. A device as defined in claim 38, further comprising a pump for pumping a plurality of different portions of the perishable liquid food from the variable-volume storage chamber through the one-way valve. 41. A device as defined in claim 38, wherein the perishable liquid food contains at least one of milk, yogurt, baby food, baby formula, mayonnaise, cheese, syrup and a beverage. 42. A container for aseptically storing fluid and dispensing multiple portions of the stored fluid therefrom, comprising: a flexible inner container defining a hermetically sealed, variable-volume storage chamber containing therein multiple portions of fluid in an aseptic condition and hermetically sealed within the storage chamber with respect to ambient atmosphere; a relatively rigid outer body receiving therein the flexible inner container; and a one-way valve comprising a valve member formed of an elastic material and forming a normally closed, axially-extending valve opening and an inlet to the valve opening in fluid communication with the variable-volume storage chamber, wherein the valve portion is movable radially in response to fluid at the inlet to the valve opening exceeding a valve opening pressure between (i) a normally closed position and (ii) an open position with at least a segment of the valve portion spaced radially away from the closed position to connect the valve opening in fluid communication with the variable-volume storage chamber and thereby allow fluid from the variable-volume storage chamber to be dispensed through the valve opening, wherein during dispensing of fluid through the one-way valve, the one-way valve and storage chamber maintain any remaining fluid in the storage chamber in an aseptic condition and sealed with respect to ambient atmosphere. 43. A container as defined in claim 42, further comprising a pump coupled between the variable-volume storage chamber and one-way valve and configured to pump fluid from the storage chamber and into the valve opening to dispense the fluid therethrough. 44. A container as defined in claim 42, further comprising a tubular portion coupled in fluid communication between the variable-volume storage chamber and one-way valve. 45. A container as defined in claim 42, wherein the one-way valve further includes a valve body defining an axially-extending valve seat, a flow aperture extends through at least one of the valve body and the valve seat, wherein the elastic valve member includes an axially-extending valve portion overlying the valve seat and covering a substantial axially-extending portion thereof, the valve portion forms an interference fit with the valve seat, the valve portion and the valve seat define an axially-extending seam therebetween forming the valve opening, and the valve portion engages the valve seat in the closed position. 46. A container as defined in claim 45, wherein the valve portion includes a substantially annular segment that engages the valve seat substantially throughout any period of dispensing fluid through the valve opening to maintain a hermetic seal between the valve opening and ambient atmosphere. 47. A container as defined in claim 45, wherein at least one of (i) the valve cover and valve seat define a decreasing degree of interference therebetween in a direction from an upstream end toward downstream end of the valve opening, (ii) the valve portion defines a decreasing radial thickness when moving axially in a direction from an upstream end toward a downstream end of the valve seat; and (iii) the valve seat is defined by a radius that progressively increases in magnitude in a direction from an upstream end toward a downstream end of the valve seat. 48. A container as defined in claim 42, wherein the fluid is a liquid food product selected from the group including milk, yogurt, baby food, baby formula, mayonnaise, cheese, mustard, ketchup, and syrup. 49. A container as defined in claim 48, wherein the liquid food product is sterile and preservative free. 50. A container as defined in claim 48, wherein the variable-volume storage chamber stores the liquid food therein in a substantially airless condition during shelf life and dispensing of liquid food through the one-way valve. 51. A container as defined in claim 42, further comprising an airflow passageway connectable in fluid communication between the exterior and interior of the outer body for regulating a flow of air into the outer body between the outer body and flexible inner container, and the outer body is manually squeezable to compress the air located between the outer body and flexible inner container to compress the inner container and, in turn, compress the fluid within the flexible inner container to a pressure exceeding the valve opening pressure. 52. A method for aseptically storing fluid and dispensing multiple portions of the stored fluid therefrom, comprising the following steps: providing a flexible inner container defining a hermetically sealed, variable-volume storage chamber containing therein multiple portions of fluid in an aseptic condition and hermetically sealed within the storage chamber with respect to ambient atmosphere; providing a relatively rigid outer body and receiving therein the flexible inner container; providing a one-way valve comprising a valve member formed of an elastic material and forming a normally closed, axially-extending valve opening and an inlet to the valve opening in fluid communication with the variable-volume storage chamber; pressurizing fluid at the inlet to the valve opening to a pressure at least equal to a valve opening pressure and moving the elastic valve member between (i) a normally closed position and (ii) an open position with at least a segment of the valve member spaced radially away from the closed position, connecting the valve opening in fluid communication with the variable-volume storage chamber and, in turn, dispensing fluid from the variable-volume storage chamber through the valve opening; and during dispensing of fluid through the one-way valve, maintaining any remaining fluid in the storage chamber in an aseptic condition and sealed with respect to ambient atmosphere. 53. A method as defined in claim 52, further comprising the step of pumping fluid from the storage chamber and into the valve opening to dispense the fluid therethrough. 54. A method as defined in claim 52, wherein the fluid is a liquid food product selected from the group including milk, yogurt, baby food, baby formula, mayonnaise, cheese, mustard, ketchup, and syrup.
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