Embodiments relate to a tap assembly for reducing the infiltration of fluid from the exterior of a fluid container to the interior of a fluid container comprising a tap valve, a valve closure, and a hollow tap body. The tap body provides a fluid outlet for allowing the passage of fluid through the tap assembly and a multi-start male thread to slidably move the valve closure from an open position to a closed position. The tap assembly further comprises three concentric securement pieces configured to interface with the fluid container and form a three-point locking mechanism interlocking the three concentric securement pieces.

A fitment assembly for use with a spout of a fluid container. The assembly includes a fitment and a poppet seal with a flexible element. The fitment includes a top portion and a bottom portion. The poppet seal extends from the bottom portion into the top portion. An attachment portion secures the flexible element within the bottom portion of the fitment. The flexible element provides a closing force to move the poppet seal from a closed to an open position. The poppet seal has a closed position, an open position, and a transport position. The poppet seal has a central support member that extends from the sealing surface of the poppet seal into the top portion of the fitment in the closed and transport condition.

A liquid and semi-liquid product dispenser that allows for gravity dispensing of product by using a product bottle that slopes downwards towards the feed valve when the bottle is placed for dispensing. This includes a long-sloped portion that extends downwards from the rear of the bottle to the front of the bottle, and a curved and sloped portion proximate to the valve. These slopes feed product to the valve under the force of gravity when the valve is opened. Installation of product bottles is aided by an interior design of the dispenser case that mirrors the bottles contours and ensures that the bottle is positioned for use when placed.

A dispensing tap has a body which is attached or attachable to a container. The body has a dispensing orifice, and a piston movable within the body between a dispensing position in which flowable product can pass through the orifice and a sealing position in which fluid cannot pass through the orifice. The piston has one or more dispensing apertures through which product can pass when the piston is in the dispensing position to reach the dispensing orifice.

Apparatus and systems for melting and liquefying chocolate. In one aspect, a system includes a generally fluid-tight exterior housing defining a first volume; a bulkhead positioned within the housing and dividing the first volume into separate second and third volumes; at least one vertical support member operationally connected to the exterior housing; a base support member operationally connected to the vertical support member; a dispenser guiding member disposed within the first volume and operationally connected to the exterior housing; and a heating element in thermal communication with the first volume, wherein energization heats the first volume to 37 to 46 degrees Celsius. Other aspects include where the liquid chocolate contains less than 3% water; where the liquid chocolate is solid at room temperature; a multiple pivot hinge; and a noninterfering interdigitating hinge.

Disclosed are devices and methods for dispensing flowable material. A dispensing assembly may include a spout defining an internal surface and a passage therethrough, the spout having a first receptacle defined on the interior surface; a first slider insertable into the spout, the first slider having an external surface that defines a first locking ridge configured to releasably engage with the first receptacle; and a second slider insertable into the first slider. The first slider may be configured to move within the spout and be configured to have a first configuration and a second configuration different from the first configuration.

Methods for treating and preparing chocolate. In one aspect, a method includes heating a quantity of chocolate to a temperature of about 46 degrees Celsius; decreasing the pressure of in a pressure-controllable environment to about 25 Torr; holding the pressure of the pressure-controllable environment at about 25 Torr for a first predetermined period of time; decreasing the pressure of the pressure-controllable environment to about 5 Torr; and holding the pressure of the pressure-controllable environment at about 5 Torr for a second predetermined period of time. Other aspects include ceasing heating the quantity of chocolate; decreasing pressure occurs at an average rate of about 150 Torr per minute; decreasing pressure occurs at an average rate of about 4 Torr per minute; and others.

A dispensing and/or dosing system for use with an inverted liquid container such as a bottle or the like for dispensing and/or dosing liquid from the bottle. The system includes an improved valve which replaces the throat plug assembly of Applicant's earlier patents. The system is entirely recyclable and is durable in use.

A dispensing system includes a liquid dispensing tap, an associated measuring cap/cup and a cap adapter or holder which is removably received onto the tap and which in turn removably receives the cap/cup. The dispensing tap, adapter/holder and cap/cup are configured such that the holder and cap/cup are assembled with the tap prior to installation onto a container, and stay assembled with the tap during installation onto the container at the filling line, and which can later be removed for use and then selectively reattached to the tap or container after use by the consumer.

A two piece, molded tap is contemplated. The tap is includes a T-shaped body with a rotatable cap serving as a valve element. Camming means are provided on opposing but concealed faces of the cap to enable the smooth and easy rotation of the cap between open and closed positions while rotating the cap less than one full revolution in comparison to the body which remains fixed to a flexible pouch or container.