Abstract:
A dispensing valve for fluids stored under pressure is disclosed. A resilient valve actuator is provided at an actuator end of the valve body and operatively connected to a plunger, with the opposite end of the plunger engaging a one-way check assembly that serves to open and close at least one valve port opening. The resilient valve actuator and one-way check assembly are configured to allow ease of dispensing while ensuring a leak-free state is maintained between dispensing operations.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is based upon and claims benefit of copending and co-owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/735,542 entitled “Dispensing Valve for Fluids Stored Under Pressure”, filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Nov. 10, 2005, the specification of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention generally relates to the field of fluid dispensing apparatus, and more particularly to a dispensing valve assembly for dispensing fluid from a source wherein said fluid is stored under pressurized conditions.  
         [0004]     2. Description of the Background  
         [0005]     Dispensing valves for dispensing fluid from fluid containers, systems, or other sources of such fluid are shown by U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,187,965; 3,263,875; 3,493,146; 3,620,425; 4,440,316; 4,687,123; and 5,918,779. Such valves can be used, for example, in a system for dispensing beverages or other liquids used by consumers in the home. Low cost, trouble-free, and reliable valve action are significant considerations in these applications. Low cost is particularly important if the valve is to be sold as a disposable item as, for example, where the valve is provided with a filled fluid container and discarded along with the container when the fluid has been consumed.  
         [0006]     In U.S. Pat. No. 3,187,965, a dispensing valve for a milk container is shown having a generally integral valve body connected at one end to the milk container. The valve body has an L-shaped passage formed therein defining an inlet opening at one end in communication with the milk container and at the opposite end a discharge outlet for discharging the milk to the exterior of the container. A plunger bore in the valve body provides means for slidably mounting a plunger member. A valve seal fixedly connected to the inner end of the plunger member can be moved by the plunger member to open and close the inlet opening. The opposite or outer end of the plunger member extends to the exterior of the milk container. A push button having a diameter substantially larger than the plunger member is mounted to the outer end of the plunger member and disposed in the valve body so that the push button is exposed for engagement by a user&#39;s finger. A compression type spring is engaged between the push button and the valve body. Thus, when a force is exerted against the push button to move the valve seal and open the inlet opening for dispensing milk from the container, the spring at all time exerts a substantial counter force on the push button for returning the valve seal to a closed position. The force exerted by the compression spring tends to increase directly with the inward displacement of the plunger member. Therefore, the user must exert considerable inward force on the push button to hold the valve open.  
         [0007]     Another valve, shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,263,875, uses a similar plunger member and valve body to that of the &#39;965 patent. A resilient diaphragm having a peripheral portion engaged with the valve body acts both as a return spring and as a push button. Unfortunately, commercially available valves having such diaphragmatic actuator members have in the past required the user to exert considerable force to hold the valve open while dispensing the liquid.  
         [0008]     Likewise, commercial attempts have been made to provide low-cost dispensing valves for use with disposable containers, but such efforts have met with limited success. For example, Waddington &amp; Duval Ltd. provide a press tap for use with disposable containers (such as wine boxes, water bottles, and liquid laundry detergent containers) under model designations COM 4452 and COM 4458, both of which provide a depressible button actuator operatively connected to a valve closure for moving the valve closure away from a valve seat to dispense fluid. Unfortunately, the valve constructions are configured such that fluid to be dispensed will rest within the dispensing chamber of the valve behind the valve seat after use and thereby outside of any refrigerated or insulated container in which the liquid is stored, thus increasing the risk of spoilage of the volume of fluid resting within the valve body after each use. Moreover, many fluid dispensing applications require vigorous sterilization procedures prior to use of the dispensing equipment, including irradiation at exposures of up to as high as 5.0 MRAD, and high temperature steam and chemical sterilization procedures. The thin-walled polyethylene construction of the valve bodies of the Waddington &amp; Duval dispensing valves cannot withstand such sterilization procedures, and in fact become brittle and prone to failure when exposed to such procedures, thus greatly limiting their use for dispensing food products. Even further, the polyethylene valve closure of the Waddington &amp; Duval dispensing valve construction is highly thermally conductive, such that heat transfer may easily occur between the exterior of the fluid container and the contents of the container simply through the valve structure, again raising the risk of spoilage of the contents.  
         [0009]     Similarly, the Jefferson Smurfit Group provides a similar tap for use with disposable containers under the model designation VITOP. Once again, the Jefferson Smurfit Group tap construction is configured such that fluid to be dispensed will rest within the dispensing chamber of the valve behind the valve seat after use and thereby outside of any refrigerated or insulated container in which the liquid is stored, once again increasing the risk of spoilage of the volume of fluid resting within the valve body after each use. Likewise, the thin-walled polypropylene construction of the valve body of the Jefferson Smurfit Group dispensing valve cannot withstand the above-described sterilization procedures, and also becomes brittle and prone to failure when exposed to such procedures, thus greatly limiting their use for dispensing food products. And, as above, the polyester elastomer closure of the Jefferson Smurfit Group dispensing valve construction is highly thermally conductive, such that heat transfer may easily occur between the exterior of the fluid container and the contents of the container simply through the valve structure, again raising the risk of spoilage of the contents.  
         [0010]     Thus, although substantial effort has been devoted in the art heretofore towards development of low-cost valves of this general type, there remains an unmet need for a valve which is easier to use and which does not require that the user exert such large forces to hold the valve open. This problem is complicated by the fact that the spring or other resilient member should provide the force necessary to assure leak-free seating of the valve seal when the plunger member is in the closed position. This issue becomes more difficult to address in environments in which the fluid to be dispensed is stored under pressure. Likewise, there remains an unmet need for a disposable valve, which is sufficiently robust so as to be able to withstand vigorous sterilization procedures, which reduces heat transfer through the valve between the interior and exterior of the fluid container, and which does not trap fluid outside of the intended storage vessel between dispensing cycles.  
         [0011]     Moreover, for a dispensing valve provided as a component of a throwaway fluid container, it would be highly advantageous to provide an easy to use dispensing valve, which offers the user assurance that the valve has not previously been used or tampered with, and that the integrity of the contents of the fluid container has not been compromised. Unfortunately, the need for such a feature has not been met by prior art dispensing valves.  
         [0012]     There is further need for a valve that can be adapted, during manufacture, to provide the desired liquid flow rate for a particular set of conditions such as liquid viscosity and the liquid pressure or “head” available to force the liquid through the valve body. A valve that discharges a thick, high-viscosity fluid such as cold maple syrup or orange juice concentrate at a desirable rate will discharge a low-viscosity fluid such as water or wine under the same pressure at a far higher rate. It would be desirable to provide a valve, which can be fabricated readily using normal production techniques such as injection molding in a range of configurations, having different resistance to fluid flow, to provide for these different conditions. It would be particularly desirable to provide a valve that can be fabricated in these different configurations while with only minor modifications to the molds, and other tools used to make the valve. It would likewise be desirable to provide a valve capable is such easy manufacture and use but that ensured against leakage from the valve, even in environments in which the valve is to be used to dispense fluids stored under pressure.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0013]     It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a fluid dispensing valve which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art.  
         [0014]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a fluid dispensing valve that requires minimal force to maintain the valve in an open position while providing leak-free closure of the valve when seated in a closed position, particularly in environments in which the fluid to be dispensed is stored under pressure.  
         [0015]     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a fluid dispensing valve that may be manufactured in a variety of configurations to allow effective application to fluids of varying viscosities with only minor modifications to manufacturing equipment used to make the valve.  
         [0016]     In accordance with the above objects, a dispensing valve for fluids is disclosed which provides for ease of use by requiring only a minimal force exerted on the valve actuator to maintain the valve in an open position, and which offers a simple, ergonomic design and robust functionality capable of dispensing a wide variety of products, and particular fluid products that are stored under pressure.  
         [0017]     In a first particularly preferred embodiment, a dispensing valve is provided that is configured for dispensing fluids stored under pressure while maintaining a leak-free state between dispensing operations, the dispensing valve comprising: a first valve body having an actuator end and a fluid inlet end, a connector mechanism proximate the fluid inlet end, a fluid discharge outlet intermediate the actuator end and the fluid inlet end, and a fluid port allowing fluid communication between the fluid inlet end and the fluid discharge outlet; a secondary valve body attached to the first valve body at the connector mechanism, the secondary valve body further comprising a one-way check assembly configured to selectively allow fluid to enter the fluid port and the discharge outlet, the one-way check assembly further comprising a resilient member biasing the check assembly towards a closed position in which fluid is prevented from entering the fluid port and the discharge outlet; and a resilient actuator operatively connected to the one-way check assembly and operatively engaging the first valve body so as to move the one-way check assembly to an open position when the resilient actuator is engaged.  
         [0018]     In another particularly preferred embodiment, a dispensing valve is provided that is configured for dispensing fluids stored under pressure while maintaining a leak-free state between dispensing operations, the dispensing valve comprising: a valve body having an actuator end and a fluid inlet end, a fluid discharge outlet intermediate the actuator end and the fluid inlet end, and a fluid port allowing fluid communication between the fluid inlet end and the fluid discharge outlet; a one-way check assembly configured to selectively allow fluid to enter the fluid port and the discharge outlet, the one-way check assembly further comprising a resilient member biasing the check assembly towards a closed position in which fluid is prevented from entering the fluid port and the discharge outlet, the one-way check assembly being further biased towards a closed position by fluid stored within a container to which the dispensing valve is attached; and a resilient actuator operatively connected to the one-way check assembly and operatively engaging the first valve body so as to move the one-way check assembly to an open position when the resilient actuator is engaged.  
         [0019]     In a particularly preferred embodiment, the valve body components and actuator are may be formed of a polypropylene copolymer with an average wall thickness of approximately 0.0625 inches. Such dimensional characteristics and materials allow the dispensing valve to withstand the highest aseptic sterilization regimentation as outlined by the Food &amp; Drug Administration (FDA) and maintain the sterility of a product as specified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) guidelines. More specifically, the dispensing apparatus is able to withstand either gamma or cobalt irradiation at the maximum dose of 5.0 MRAD (50 Kilogray) in the first phase of the sterilization process. The dispensing apparatus is then able to withstand the high temperatures associated with the steam and chemical sterilization processes required in the filling process. The dispensing apparatus is capable of withstanding these combined sterilization regimens without degrading the valve structure or operation. Thus, the valve may be used to dispense products ranging from aseptic products (free from microorganisms) including but not limited to dairy, 100% juice and soy products, to commercially sterile products including but not limited to preserved juice and coffee products, to non-sterile fluids such as chemical solvents.  
         [0020]     In order to allow a minimal force for holding the valve in an open position, a resilient valve actuator having the characteristics of a nonlinear spring may be provided at an actuator end of the valve body and operatively connected to a plunger, with the opposite end of the plunger engaging a resilient one-way check assembly. An intermediate discharge outlet is positioned between the actuator end and the check assembly, such discharge outlet being placed in fluid communication with the interior of a fluid container to which the valve is attached when the valve is in an open position. A valve port wall is positioned between the check assembly and the discharge outlet providing at least one port for controlling the flow of fluid through the valve body when the valve is in an open position. The valve and the valve port wall are positioned such that when the valve is installed on a liquid container, virtually no liquid will be trapped by the valve structure outside of the insulated container, thus preventing the spoilage of a dose of liquid resting in the valve after each dispensing cycle. A push-button is provided for actuating the dispensing valve and is exposed to the exterior of a fluid container to which the dispensing valve is attached.  
         [0021]     The simplicity and functionality of the dispensing valve of the instant invention enables its manufacture and automatic assembly with high cavity tools, which in turn reduces manufacturing costs and offers the market a low cost dispensing solution. The simplicity and functionality of the design also enables the dispensing apparatus to be easily customized in the manufacturing process to fit a wide range of dispensing packages. The dispensing valve of the instant invention is also configured to adapt easily to a wide range of filling machines and filling conditions worldwide.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0022]     The numerous advantages of the present invention may be better understood by those skilled in the art by reference to the accompanying figures in which:  
         [0023]      FIG. 1  is a partial cut-away view illustrating a dispensing valve utilizing a check valve assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 2  is cross-sectional view illustrating the dispensing valve of  FIG. 1  in a first “closed” position;  
         [0025]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the dispensing valve of  FIG. 1  in a second “open” position;  
         [0026]      FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the dispensing valve of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0027]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the dispensing valve;  
         [0028]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the dispensing valve of  FIG. 5  in a second “open” position;  
         [0029]      FIG. 7A  illustrates a top plan view of an actuator utilized with the dispensing valve of  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0030]      FIG. 7B  is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a plunger member connected with the actuator utilized with the dispensing valve of  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0031]      FIG. 8A  is an illustration of a top plan view of an actuator pin utilized with the dispensing valve of  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0032]      FIG. 8B  is an illustration of side view of the actuator pin of  FIG. 8A ;  
         [0033]      FIG. 9  is an isometric illustration of a cage of a check assembly utilized with the dispensing valve of  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0034]      FIG. 10  is a side view illustrating the cage of the check assembly of  FIG. 9 ;  
         [0035]      FIG. 11A  is a top plan view illustrating the cage of the check assembly of  FIG. 9 ;  
         [0036]      FIG. 11B  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the cage of the check assembly of  FIG. 9 ;  
         [0037]      FIG. 12  is an exploded view of the dispensing valve of  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0038]     FIGS.  13 A-C are cross-sectional and end views illustrating a dispensing valve utilizing a “duckbill” valve seal member in a first “closed” position in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0039]     FIGS.  14 A-C are cross-sectional and end views illustrating the dispensing valve of FIGS.  13 A-C in a second “open” position;  
         [0040]      FIG. 15A  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the dispensing valve of  FIG. 13 ;  
         [0041]      FIG. 15B  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a “duckbill” dispensing valve, wherein a duckbill shaped valve seal member is constructed as a cruciform valve seal member;  
         [0042]      FIG. 15C  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a “duckbill” dispensing valve having an alternate duckbill shaped valve seal member;  
         [0043]      FIG. 16A  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a dispensing valve utilizing an alternate valve seal member in a first “closed” position in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0044]      FIG. 16B  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the dispensing valve of  FIG. 16A  in a second “open” position;  
         [0045]      FIG. 16C  is a cross-sectional view illustrating an actuator connected with a plunger member utilized in the pressure dispensing valve of  FIGS. 16A and 16B ;  
         [0046]      FIG. 16D  is a top plan view illustrating a second valve seal utilized by the dispensing valve of  FIGS. 16A and 16B ;  
         [0047]      FIG. 16E  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a stiffener disk for use in the dispensing valve of  FIGS. 16A and 16B ; and  
         [0048]      FIG. 16F  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a valve body utilized in the pressure dispensing valve of  FIGS. 11A and 11B . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS  
       [0049]     Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.  
         [0050]     Referring generally to  FIGS. 1 through 11 D, exemplary embodiments are shown of dispensing valves that may be utilized for dispensing fluid, wherein the fluid is stored under a head of pressure equal to or greater than that provided by gravity. For instance, the fluid utilized with the dispensing valves may be a carbonated beverage wherein there may be pressure variance. Alternatively, the dispensing valves may be used in conjunction with non-carbonated fluids that are being stored under pressure as contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art. It is to be understood that the dispensing valves may further be utilized for the dispensing of fluids that are under pressure supplied only by gravity. The present invention contemplates the use of dispensing valves for fluids that are stored under any one of or any combination of the previously identified pressure sources.  
         [0051]     A dispensing valve  100  according to a first particularly preferred embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 1 through 4 , includes a valve body  101  connected with a secondary valve body  301  of a secondary valve assembly  300 . The valve body  101  is further connected with an actuator mechanism  140  operationally connected to a check assembly  200 . In the current embodiment, the valve body  101  is of a generally tubular configuration including a first section  106 , a second section  120 , and a third section  130  integrally forming the valve body  101 . It is contemplated that valve body  101  is constructed as an integral form providing the various component features and functional capabilities as will be described herein. A wall  101   a  of the valve body includes an outer wall  104  that forms the tubular/cylindrical shape and defines a circumference of the valve body  101 . The defined circumference of the valve body  101  may be constructed as a uniform circumference or may include various circumferential parameters constructed along the length of the valve body  101 . It is contemplated that the valve body  101  may be alternately constructed in various forms, such as various polygonal forms (i.e., square, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal) and other shapes adapted for the application of the dispensing valve  100 .  
         [0052]     The tubular valve body  101  includes a first “inlet” end  102  which defines an opening and a second “actuator” end  103  that defines an opening and is opposite from first end  102 . An axial direction “A” extends from the first to the second end of the valve body  101 . In a preferred embodiment, the first and second ends are aligned opposite one another centered about the axial direction A. However, it is contemplated that the first and second ends may be aligned at an angular displacement from the axial direction A.  
         [0053]     Further, the present invention contemplates the use of variously positioned axial directions about which the alignment of the valve body  101  may be constructed.  
         [0054]     In a preferred embodiment, the wall  101   a  of the valve body  101  is constructed from a polypropylene copolymer. It is contemplated that the wall  101   a  may be constructed from various polymeric materials compatible with the fluid being dispensed. For example, thermoplastics such as various polypropylenes or other polyolefins may be utilized. It is contemplated that the material used to construct the wall  101   a  may be various materials that are suitable for dispensing desired fluids, such as various metals (i.e., tin, aluminum), composites, and the like. The thickness of the wall  101   a  of the valve body  101  may also be varied to accommodate the needs of dispensing fluids. For example, the wall  101   a  may be constructed with a minimum average thickness of 0.0625 inches. Alternatively, the wall  101   a  may be constructed having a minimum average thickness ranging from 0.01 inch to 0.1 inch. Still further, the minimum average wall thickness may be constructed at less than 0.01 or greater than 0.1 in order to allow the proper operation of the dispensing valve  100  without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.  
         [0055]     It is contemplated that the selection of material may be based upon various considerations, such as the ability of the dispensing valve  100  to withstand vigorous sterilization techniques that may be required, for instance when the dispensing valve  100  is to be used in food applications. These techniques may include irradiating the dispensing valve  100  at up to 5.0 MRAD and subjecting the dispensing valve  100  to high temperature chemical and steam sterilization processes. The material selected may be subjected to these and other types of techniques and processes and be required to be able to withstand them without losing structural integrity, such as becoming brittle, deformed, and the like, which may hinder or prevent the proper operation of the dispensing valve  100 .  
         [0056]     The outer wall  104  of the valve body  101  includes a grip mechanism  105 . In a preferred embodiment, the grip mechanism  105  is a “grip wing” that provides a lip generally perpendicular to the axial direction A and extends at least partially about the circumference of outer wall  104 . The grip mechanism  105  may be variously configured as contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art to promote a secure grasping of the dispensing valve  100  during operation. In the current embodiment, the grip mechanism  105  is proximal to the first end  102  of the valve body  101 . Specifically, the grip mechanism  105  forms the outer circumference of the first end  102 . It is contemplated that the grip mechanism  105  may be variously positioned upon the valve body  101  forming an outer circumference for the first end  102  or second end  103  or forming an outer circumference along the valve body  101  between the first and second ends.  
         [0057]     The dispensing valve  100  includes the first “top” section  106  connected to the second “middle” section  120  which is connected to the third “bottom” section  130 . In a preferred embodiment, the first, second and third sections are integral with one another with walls formed between them to delineate the sections and promote the various operational functions taking place within the various sections of the dispensing valve  100 . Alternatively, the first, second and third sections may employ various mechanical connectors to secure their positions relative to one another. For instance, the sections may utilize compression locks, snap-fit mechanisms, slide lock mechanisms, rotation lock mechanisms, threaded lock mechanisms, and the like to secure the connection of the sections with one another. The use of these various mechanical connectors and others contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art may allow the various sections of the dispensing valve  100  to be removed from one another. This may promote a retrofitting capability in the dispensing valve  100 , allowing secondary components to be connected for construction of the dispensing valve  100 . This may assist in increasing the useful lifespan of the sections of the dispensing valve  100 . Further, this modularity may allow the dispensing valve  100  to be adapted for use with variously sized devices, such as variously sized fluid containers and the like.  
         [0058]     The wall  101   a  of the first section  106  includes an inner wall  107 , opposite to and integral with outer wall  104 , which defines a recessed area  108 , bounded on top by the actuator end  103  and a bottom wall  109  opposite the actuator end  103 . In a preferred embodiment, the recess  108  is constructed to accommodate the operational connection of the actuator mechanism  140  with the valve body  101 . In the current embodiment, the inner wall  107  is constructed having a uniform dimensional structure. However, the inner wall  107  may be alternatively constructed having a tapered structure, concave structure, convex structure, and the like. It is understood that the inner wall  107  may be constructed to provide variously sized recessed areas for accommodating connection with variously sized actuator mechanisms. Further, the depth of the bottom wall  109  from the actuator end  103  may be varied. For instance, the depth may range from one inch (1″) to three inches (3″). Alternatively, the depth may range from less than 1″) to more than 3″).  
         [0059]     Disposed upon the inner wall  107 , between the actuator end  103  and bottom wall  109 , is a stop  110 . In the current embodiment, stop  110  is a ledge constructed to at least partially extend about the circumference of the inner wall  107  and proximal to the actuator end  103 . The stop  110  is operationally engaged by an outer perimeter  163  of an actuator  160  of the actuator mechanism  140 . The stop  110  may be constructed including various dimensions, such as width of ledge, depth from actuator end  103  and may include various alternative features such as various support features to promote the structural integrity of the stop  110 . In a preferred embodiment, stop  110  is integral with the inner wall  107 . However, it is further contemplated that stop  110  may be connected with the inner wall  107  through use of various mechanical connection mechanisms, such as a friction fit system, a snap-fit system, compression lock mechanism, spring loaded lock mechanism, and the like, which may allow the removal of stop  110  from inner wall  107 . Thus, inner wall  107  may be retrofitted with various secondary stops, thereby promoting the use of dispensing valve  100  with various actuator mechanisms.  
         [0060]     Further disposed within the recessed area  108  of the first section  106  is a guide member  112 . In the current embodiment, the guide member  112  is a generally tubular guide member including a wall  113  extending from the bottom wall  109  towards the actuator end  103 . The wall  113  defines a guide channel  117 , which extends through the wall  113  from a top port  118  through a bottom port  119 . The guide channel  117  allows for the insertion of a plunger member  166 , described below, through the top port  118  of the guide channel  117 , providing a supporting structure and guiding influence to the plunger member  166 . The bottom port  119  of the guide channel  117  aligns with a port  111  of the bottom wall  109  and operatively allows the plunger member  166  to pass through the guide channel  117  and through the port  111 , thus promoting the proper operation of the dispensing valve  100  as will be described herein. The thickness of the wall  113  and the diameter and circumference of the guide channel  117 , may be varied to accommodate the insertion of variously sized plunger members and/or alternative devices for the operation of the dispensing valve  100 .  
         [0061]     In a preferred embodiment, a bottom end  114  of the guide member  112  is integral with the bottom wall  109  of the recessed area  108 . The connection of the bottom end  114  with the bottom wall  109  aligns the bottom port  119  of the guide channel  117  with the port  111  of the bottom wall  109 . Alternatively, the bottom end  114  may be connected with the bottom wall  109  through use of various mechanical connection mechanisms, such as may be contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art, which may allow the removal of the guide member  112  and promote retrofitting of various secondary guide member devices. It is contemplated that the alignment of the bottom port  119  with the port  111  of the bottom wall  109  may be a direct linear alignment or the ports may be offset from one another or present at various angles relative to one another.  
         [0062]     A top end  115  of the guide member  112  is positioned within the recessed area  108  generally centered about the axial direction A and between the bottom wall  109  and actuator end  103 . Thus, the top port  118  is positioned in a similar manner within the top section  106  of the valve body  101 . The top end  115  further defines a stop  116  that operationally contacts with the actuator mechanism  140  during operation of the dispensing valve  112 . In the current embodiment, the stop  116  is a ledge formed by the wall  113  at the top end  115 . The width of the stop  116  is defined by the thickness of the wall  113  between the outer diameter of the wall  113  and the inner diameter of guide channel  117 . Alternatively, the stop  116  may be constructed as a series of posts about the top end  115 , a plurality of protrusions, and the like in order to promote proper operation of the dispensing valve  112 . The dimensional characteristics of stop  116  may be varied as contemplated by those of ordinary skill the art to promote the effective operation of the stop  116  during operation of the dispensing valve  100 .  
         [0063]     It is contemplated that the length of the guide member  112  may be varied, such that the top end  115  may be positioned more or less proximal to the actuator end  103 . This may advantageously allow the guide member  112  to provide increased guidance and support capabilities to the operation of the plunger member  166 . It is further contemplated that the guide member  112  may be constructed with a wall  113  of various dimensional characteristics. For instance, the wall  113  may be formed having a tapered top end  115  compared to the bottom end  114 .  
         [0064]     Alternatively, the wall  113  may include or be connected with various secondary support members which may connect with the guide member  112  on one end and the inner wall  107  or bottom wall  109  on an opposite end. For instance a support member may be constructed as a wall, beam, post, strut, and the like, which extends from the inner wall  107  to the wall  113  of the guide member  112 . Various numbers of secondary support members may be utilized to provide the structural support for the proper operation of the dispensing valve  100 . The dimensional characteristics (i.e., width, length, thickness, and the like) may be varied to promote the structural integrity of the guide member  112 . It is further contemplated that the secondary support members may vary the size and shape of recessed area  108  of the first section  106 . The variance of the recessed area  108  may provide different operational parameters for the dispensing valve  100 , which may advantageously promote the efficient operation and ease of use of the dispensing valve  100 .  
         [0065]     The middle “second” section  120  includes a discharge channel  122  defined by a closed end  123  and an outlet port  124  opposite the closed end  123 . In the current embodiment, the second section  120  is integral with the first section  106 . The discharge channel  122  extends a distance within the second section  120  along an axial direction “B” which is generally perpendicular to axial direction A. It is contemplated that the direction along which the discharge channel  122  extends within the second section  120  may vary, such that the discharge channel  122  may be oriented in an angularly displaced manner from the perpendicular to axial direction A. An angular displacement of the discharge channel  122  from axial direction B may promote optimized operation of the dispensing valve  100 . For instance, an angular displacement may assist in preventing back flow, promote flow rate control, promote ease of use, and various other advantages as may be contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art.  
         [0066]     The discharge channel  122  is further defined by a bottom wall  125 , which includes an inlet port  126 , and an upper wall  127  opposite the bottom wall  125 , which includes an actuator port  128 . The upper wall  127  is integral with the bottom wall  109  of the first section, thereby providing part of the integral connection between the first and second sections. In operation, actuator port  128  is aligned with the port  111  of the bottom wall  109 , which is in turn aligned with the bottom port  119  of the guide channel  117 . Alternatively, the various ports may be aligned in a non-linear manner and/or present at various angles relative to one another as may be contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art to promote the proper operation of the dispensing valve  100 .  
         [0067]     The closed end  123 , bottom wall  125 , and top wall  127  are constructed to provide proper structural integrity to allow for the flow of fluid into and through the discharge channel  122 . These features of the second section  120  may avoid structural breakdowns, such as warping, distending, and the like through construction employing sufficiently rigid materials and utilizing proper thickness of materials that assists in providing these features with the capability of avoiding unwanted damage. In the current embodiment, the material used in constructing the second section  120  is the same polypropylene copolymer used throughout the valve body  101 . Alternative materials, such as those described previously, may be employed to promote the proper operation of the second section  120 .  
         [0068]     In a preferred embodiment, the actuator port  128  is optimally configured to provide for the slidable operation of the plunger member  166  and a fluid tight fit about the plunger member  166  to assist in avoiding unwanted back flow of fluid from the discharge channel  122  into the first section  106 . Thus, the dimensional characteristics of the actuator port  128  correspond with various dimensional characteristics of the plunger member  166 . Alternatively, the actuator port  128  may be constructed having dimensional characteristics that differ from those of the plunger member  166 . Further, a secondary sealing device, such as a seal ring, gasket, and the like, may be employed to provide the fluid tight fit between the actuator port  128  and plunger member  166 .  
         [0069]     The dimensional structure of the discharge channel  122  may be varied to accommodate the needs of various manufacturers and users of the dispensing valve  100 . For instance, flow rate may be a primary concern for a user of the dispensing valve  100 ; therefore, the discharge channel  122  may be constructed to optimize the flow rate. This may be accomplished through differently configuring the length and/or width (distance between bottom and top walls). Alternatively, the discharge channel  122  may be optimally constructed to provide a flow of fluid under a pre-specified discharge pressure parameter. Still further, the width at various points along the length of the discharge channel  122  may be varied to accommodate proper operation and flow rate for the dispensing valve  100 . Thus, the dimensional structure of the discharge channel  122  may vary without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention to provide a proper flow rate of fluid being discharged from the dispensing valve  100 .  
         [0070]     A third “bottom” section  130  of valve body  101  is integrally connected with the second section  120 . The third section  130  includes an outer ring  131  that circumscribes the outer wall  104  of the third section  130 . The third section  130  further includes an inner wall  132  defining a recessed area  133  bounded by the first “inlet” end  102  and a top wall  138  opposite the first end  102 . The top wall  138  further includes a valve port  139  and is integrally connected with the bottom wall  125  of the second section  120 . In operation, the valve port  139  is directly aligned with the inlet port  126  through the bottom wall  125  of the second section  120  to promote the proper operation of the dispensing valve  100 . It is contemplated that the alignment of the valve port  139  and inlet port  126  may be non-linear and/or present at various angles relative to one another in order to promote the proper operation of the dispensing valve  100 .  
         [0071]     Circumferentially disposed about the inner wall  132  is a connector mechanism  136 . In a preferred embodiment, the connector mechanism  136  is a threaded connection between the valve body  101  and a second valve body  300 , described below. It is contemplated that other mechanical connector mechanisms may be employed, such as a press-fit connector mechanism, compression lock mechanism, snap-fit mechanism, spring-loaded locking mechanism, and the like, which may provide a tight connection.  
         [0072]     It is to be understood that the connector mechanism  136  and the alternative connector mechanisms described above may allow the removal of the secondary valve assembly  300  from the valve body  101 . Promoting the removal capability may be a release mechanism included within the third section  130  of the valve body  101 . The release mechanism may be variously configured mechanisms, such as a button, tab, latch, toggle, slide, and the like which allows the user to engage with and cause the release of the connection between the valve body  101  and the secondary valve assembly  300 .  
         [0073]     It is further contemplated that auxiliary sealing elements, such as resilient O-rings or other gaskets may be employed to secure the connection between the valve body  101  and the secondary valve assembly  300 . In a preferred embodiment, a seal disk  240  is utilized to promote the connection between the secondary valve assembly  300  and the valve body  101 . The seal disk  240  may be formed of various resilient materials, such as rubber, plastic, and the like, which promote a fluid tight fit system.  
         [0074]     The recessed area  133  is optimally sized for connecting with the secondary valve assembly  300 . In the current embodiment, the inner wall  132  including the connector mechanism  136  provides this optimal dimensional sizing. It is contemplated that inner wall  132  and the recessed area  133  may include various sizing features, such as a tapering of the inner wall  132 , increasing the thickness between the outer wall  104  and the inner wall  132 . Further, various secondary structures, such as the sealing ring/gasket previously mentioned, spacer devices, and the like may be included to provide a desired dimensional sizing for connection with variously configured secondary valve bodies.  
         [0075]     It is contemplated that the first section  106 , second section  120 , and third section  130  may be connected through utilization of various mechanical connection mechanisms. For example, each section may include a threaded connector mechanism allowing the sections to be screwed together. Alternatively, the sections may include the proper mating components for a compression lock mechanism. Further, each section may be constructed to connect together via a spring-loaded locking mechanism. Various other mechanical connection mechanisms as may be contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art may be employed to provide the secure connection of the sections and the operability of the dispensing valve  100 . It is further contemplated that the sections may include differently configured mechanical connection mechanisms or the same mechanical connection mechanisms. The use of these mechanical connectors may allow for the retrofitting of the first, second and third sections with differently configured secondary sections. This may promote an increase in the useful lifespan of each section and ease of use of the dispensing valve  100 .  
         [0076]     The actuator mechanism  140  includes a push button  141  for manual engagement by a user to operate the dispensing valve  100 . In a preferred embodiment, push button  141  is formed as a disk having a generally planar top surface  142  and bottom surface  143  on the opposite side from the top surface  142 . Circumscribing the outer perimeter of bottom surface  143  is an outer ring  144  including an outer ring edge  145 . It is to be understood that the bottom surface  143  may be employed without the outer ring  144  and allow for the proper operation of the dispensing valve  100 .  
         [0077]     Extending downward from and centrally located on bottom surface  143  is an engagement pin  146  including an engagement pin channel  152  and channel outlet port  154 . In a preferred embodiment, the engagement pin  146  is constructed in an integral manner with the bottom surface  143  of push button  141 . A ring support member  148  is connected about the engagement pin  146  proximal and/or adjacent to the bottom surface  143  of the push button  141 . It is contemplated that the ring  148  may be mechanically connected allowing the ring  148  to be removed. In the current embodiment, the ring  148  is integral with the engagement pin  141  and the bottom surface  143 . The ring  148  defines a stop (ring ledge)  150  on the end of the ring  148  opposite its integral connection with the bottom surface  143 . The stop  150  is generally parallel with the bottom surface  143 . Alternatively, the stop  150  may be variously configured as contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art.  
         [0078]     The engagement pin  146  is further constructed to allow for insertion through a port  171  which extends through a top side  162  of an actuator  160  and a top side  170  of the plunger member  166  into an actuator channel  168  defined by an inner wall  167  of the plunger member  166 . The port  171  is generally positioned at the mid-point of the top side  162  and  170 , centered along the axial direction A, which typically corresponds with the centerline (axis) of the actuator channel  168 . Thus, depression of push button  141  downward into the recessed area  108  causes the actuator  160  and plunger member  166  to move downward. The plunger member  166  is received within the guide member  112  disposed within the recessed area  108  of the first section  106 . The plunger member  166  is slidably mounted with the guide member  112  and allowed to move within the guide member  112 . Thus, the downward movement of the push button  141  causes the plunger member  166  to move downward through the guide member  112 .  
         [0079]     In a preferred embodiment, pin  146  is inserted through port  171  and received within the actuator channel  168  providing a secure connection and seating stop  150  against the top side  162  of the actuator  160 . During operation, the depression of push button  141  causes the depression of actuator  160  and plunger member  166  through contact of the stop  150  with the top side  162  of the actuator. It is contemplated that the operational interaction between the push button  141  and actuator  160  may be accomplished utilizing various constructed stop(s) and/or alternative devices. For instance, the stop  150  instead of being a ring ledge may be constructed as a series of posts extending downward from bottom surface  143  for contacting with actuator  160 . Variously designed and constructed strut devices may be included on bottom surface  143  for contacting with actuator  160 .  
         [0080]     In a preferred embodiment, the actuator  160  is formed integrally with the plunger member  166 . Alternatively, the actuator  160  may be connected with the plunger member  166  through utilization of various fastening mechanisms and connection devices. It is contemplated that the plunger member  166  may be removed from its connection with the actuator  160  when utilizing the various fastening mechanisms and connection devices. This may allow for the retrofitting of various secondary plunger members with the actuator  160  and/or various secondary actuators with the plunger member  166 .  
         [0081]     The actuator  160  includes the top side  162  and bottom side  164 . A support ring  174  is further connected about the plunger member  166  proximal and/or adjacent to the bottom side  164 . It is contemplated that the support ring  174  may be mechanically connected allowing the ring  174  to be removed. In the current embodiment, the support ring  174  is integral with the plunger member  166  and the bottom side  164 . The support ring  174  defines a stop (support ring ledge)  176  on the end of the ring  174  opposite its integral connection with the bottom side  164 . The stop  176  is generally parallel with the bottom side  164 . Alternatively, the stop  176  may be variously configured as contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art. In operation, the stop  176  contacts against the stop  116  of guide member  112  when the push button  141  is depressed resulting in the downward movement of the actuator  160  including the plunger member  166  received within the guide member  112 . It is contemplated that the stop  176  may be of similar or dissimilar dimensional configuration as that for stop  116 . The dimensions of the stops may promote the efficient operation of the dispensing valve  100 . Stop  176  acts against the stop  116  of guide member  112  and determines the distance plunger member  166  and thusly the actuator  160  may be moved when force is exerted by the user of the dispensing valve  100  upon the push button  141 . Therefore, the distance traveled by the stop  176  in order to contact against the stop  116  of guide member  112  is the amount (distance) of travel allowed for the plunger member  166  and actuator  160 .  
         [0082]     In the current embodiment, the actuator  160  is a dome-shaped, resilient disk  161  having an outer perimeter  163 . The size of the disk  161  places the outer perimeter  163  in operational contact with stop  110  disposed on the inner wall  107  of the top section  106 . The thickness of the material used for construction of the disk  161  may vary to provide different operational forces, such as closing forces described below. In a preferred embodiment, the resilient disk  161  is approximately twelve thousandths of an inch at the outer perimeter  163  and approximately eighteen thousandths of an inch at the juncture with plunger member  166 . Stop  110 , being a ledge, provides a secure seat against which the outer perimeter  163  may rest allowing the resilient disk  161  to be deflected from a first “closed” position into a second “open” position, which provides for proper operation of the dispensing valve  100  and back into the first position. The first closed position is illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2  while the second open position is shown in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0083]     In a preferred embodiment, the resilient disk  161  is generally conical and about one inch (1″) in diameter, with an included angle of about one hundred sixty degrees (160°). That is, the wall of the resilient disk  161  is positioned at an angle of about ten degrees (10°) to the plane perpendicular to the axial direction A of the dispensing valve  100 . It is contemplated that the resilient disk  161  may vary in diameter from less than one inch to greater than one inch and that the included angle may vary from less than 160° to greater than 160° without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. This variance in construction may allow the resilient disk to assist in increasing the ease of use of the dispensing valve  100 , promote the use of the dispensing valve  100  with numerous devices, and provide other advantages as contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art.  
         [0084]     The resilient disk  161  may optionally include a plurality of ports  165   a ,  165   b ,  165   c , and  165   d , which extend from the top  162  through the bottom  164 . This plurality of ports assist the operation of the resilient disk  161  by providing a venting function whereby media (i.e., air) trapped between the bottom  164  of the disk  161  and the bottom wall  109  of the recessed area  108  is allowed to escape. This venting may eliminate the build up of or reduce any pressure forces (i.e., air pressure), which may promote an easier operation of the dispensing valve  100 . It is contemplated that the resilient disk  161  may include various porting configurations to allow proper venting and thus proper operation of the actuator mechanism. For instance, the disk  161  may include an outer perimeter  163  connected by a plurality of struts to an inner junction which connects to the plunger member  166 . The space in-between these posts may simply be left open or may be at least partially filled with material. The amount of material filling the spaces may be based on operational tolerances, such as the amount of closing force to be provided. Thus, the present invention contemplates multiple disk configurations that provide a perimeter to engage with stop  110  and a junction to be engaged by a user and connect with plunger member  166 .  
         [0085]     The present invention further contemplates that the dispensing valve  100  may not include push button  141 . A user of dispensing valve  100  may directly engage with resilient disk  161  of actuator  160 . Alternatively, the push button  141  may be variously configured to provide the user interaction for the dispensing valve  100 . For instance, a post member may extend from the actuator end  103  a pre-determined distance to be engaged by a user. A dispensing lever may be operationally connected with the actuator  160  to allow a user to control operation of the dispensing valve  100 . Various mechanical devices may be employed to provide user control over the operation of the actuator  160  of the dispensing valve  100  without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.  
         [0086]     A bottom end  172  of actuator channel  168  is generally disposed proximal to a bottom end  180  of the plunger member  166 . In the current embodiment, the bottom end  172  is a closed end providing the actuator channel  168  with a generally cylindrical tube appearance within the plunger member  166 . A retention device connection mechanism  190  is generally disposed proximal to the bottom end  180 , generally circumscribing the bottom end  180 . In a preferred embodiment, the retention device connection mechanism  190  is a groove within an outer wall  169  of the plunger member  166  proximal to the bottom end  180 . A retention device  192  may be connected with the retention device connection mechanism  190 . In the current embodiment, the retention device  192  is a retaining ring that is connected within the groove. The retaining ring connected within the groove provides a stop for the plunger member  166  as it moves within the guide member  112  and exits through the bottom port  119  and actuator port  128 . In operation, the retaining ring may contact against the upper wall  127  adjacent to the actuator port  128  of the discharge channel  122 . This contact may assist in preventing the plunger member  166  from being removed from its slidable connection with the guide member  112 . Thus, the retention device connection mechanism  190  and the retention device  190  assist in promoting the effective operation of the dispensing valve  100 .  
         [0087]     It is contemplated that the retention device connection mechanism  190  and retention device  190  may be implemented as various mechanisms that provide a stop to assist in preventing the plunger member  166  from disengaging with the guide member  112 . For instance, a pin inserted within a recess may provide the stop needed for the present invention. Alternatively, a ball joint mechanism may be employed that provides a specified stopping power but is further constructed to allow a user to overcome the stopping force and remove the plunger member  166  from its seat within guide member  112 . Further, a tab, post, ledge, and the like may be connected with the plunger member  166  in the position for retention provided by the present invention.  
         [0088]     The bottom end  180  of the plunger member  166  includes an actuator pin  182  including a top side  183  and a bottom side  184 . In a preferred embodiment, the actuator pin  182  is integrally formed with the bottom end  180  of the plunger member  166 . Thus, the bottom end  180  of the plunger member may provide the operational functions described herein for the actuator pin  182 . In alternative embodiments, the top side  183  may be connected with the bottom end  180  through use of various mechanical connection mechanisms, such as a compression lock mechanism, friction fit mechanism, snap-fit mechanism, threaded connector mechanism with complementary structure on the bottom end  180 , and the like. These various mechanisms may provide for a secure connection and allow the removal of the actuator pin  182  from the bottom end  180 . This promotes retrofitting of and by the actuator pin  182  and the plunger member  166 .  
         [0089]     The bottom side  184  of the actuator pin  182  provides a strike by which the actuator pin  182  contacts against other surfaces. In the current exemplary embodiment, the actuator pin  182  is a solid piece of material contoured from the top side  183  to the bottom side  184 . The contouring provides a narrower profile for the bottom side  184 . The contouring and profile given the bottom side  184  may be varied as contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art to provide a more efficient and easy to use strike.  
         [0090]     In a preferred embodiment, the various features of the actuator mechanism  140  are constructed from a polypropylene copolymer, similar to that used to construct valve body  101 . In the alternative, these features may be constructed from various polymeric materials compatible with the fluid being dispensed. For example, thermoplastics such as various polypropylenes or other polyolefins may be utilized. It is contemplated that the material used to construct these features may be various materials that are suitable for dispensing desired fluids, such as various metals (i.e., tin, aluminum), composites, and the like. The thickness of the various features may also be varied to accommodate the needs of dispensing fluids. For example, the features of the actuator mechanism  140  may be constructed having a minimum average thickness ranging from 0.001 inch to 0.1 inch. Still further, the minimum average thickness may be constructed at less than 0.01 or greater than 0.1 in order to allow the proper operation of the dispensing valve  100  without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.  
         [0091]     It is contemplated that the selection of material may be based upon various considerations, such as the ability of the dispensing valve  100  to withstand vigorous sterilization techniques that may be required, for instance when the dispensing valve  100  is to be used in food applications. These techniques may include irradiating the dispensing valve  100  at up to 5.0 MRAD and subjecting the dispensing valve  100  to high temperature chemical and steam sterilization processes. The material selected may be subjected to these and other types of techniques and processes and be required to be able to withstand them without losing structural integrity, such as becoming brittle, deformed, and the like, which may hinder or prevent the proper operation of the dispensing valve  100 .  
         [0092]     A check assembly  200 , connected with the secondary valve assembly  300 , which is connected with the third section  130  of the valve body  101 , is operationally connected with the actuator mechanism  140 . In the current exemplary embodiment, the check assembly  200  includes a cage  202  which is constructed from a first cage arm  204 , a second cage arm  206 , a third cage arm  208  and a fourth cage arm  210 . An inner surface  234  of a top ring  230  connects with the top ends of each of the four cage arms and an inner surface  222  of a bottom cap  220  connects with the bottom ends, which are opposite the top ends, of each of the four cage arms.  
         [0093]     The secondary valve body  301  may be constructed from various polymeric materials compatible with the fluid being dispensed. For example, a thermoplastic such as polypropylene or other polyolefin may be utilized. In a preferred embodiment, a polypropylene copolymer similar to that used for the valve body  101  and actuator mechanism  140  is used for the construction of the secondary valve body  301 . It is contemplated that the material used to construct the secondary valve body  301  may be various materials that are suitable for dispensing desired fluids, such as various metals (i.e., tin, aluminum), composites, and the like.  
         [0094]     The inner walls of the cage arms in connection with the top ring  230  and bottom cap  220  define a cage channel  203  that extends from the top ring  230  to the bottom cap  220 . By way of example, the fourth cage arm  210  is described below and it is to be understood that the first, second and third cage arms are similar in every respect. The fourth cage arm  210  includes an inner surface  214  and an outer surface  212 . The inner surface  214  provides for the definition of the cage channel  203 , as described above. The outer surface  212  is at least partially in contact with an inner wall  304  of the secondary valve assembly  300 .  
         [0095]     The fourth arm  210  is contoured providing the inner surface  214  and outer surface  212  with a contouring that promotes the proper operation of the check assembly  200 . For instance, an upper section  211  of the fourth cage arm  210  is contoured to provide a larger cage channel  203  area than a lower section  213  of the fourth cage arm. In operation, the upper section  211  of the fourth cage arm  210 , in conjunction with similar upper section contouring of the other cage arms, allows a sealer  260 , in the current embodiment represented by ball  260 , to be seated within the cage channel  203  among the upper sections of the four cage arms. Further, the ball  260  is allowed to move within the upper sections, which promotes the proper operation of the dispensing valve  100 , further described below. The lower sections of the four cage arms are similarly contoured to provide a narrower cage channel  203 . This narrowing of the cage channel  203  allows for the proper operation of a biasing mechanism  250 , in the current embodiment represented by spring  250 , seated within the cage channel  203  proximal to the lower sections of the cage arms. The biasing mechanism  250  operates to provide a sealing force F 1  that is exerted against the sealer  260  in order to maintain the sealer  260  in the first “closed” position wherein fluid is not allowed to pass through top port  139  and inlet port  126  into and through discharge channel  122 . The four cage arms are a structural support to the biasing mechanism  250  and sealer  260  by defining the cage channel  203  within which the biasing mechanism  250  and sealer  260  operate.  
         [0096]     The length of the four cage arms may be varied to accommodate the need for different cage sizes that may be employed in the present invention. For instance, the cage arm length may preferably range between one-half inch (0.5″) to two inches (2″). Alternatively, the cage arms may be less than 0.5″ or greater than 2″ in length without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The thickness of the cage arms may vary to promote the structural integrity of different cage sizes. For example, the cage arm thickness may preferably range between 0.01 inch and 0.5 inch. Alternatively, the thickness of the cage arms may be less than 0.01 inch or greater than 0.5 inch.  
         [0097]     The bottom cap  220  includes a stop  224  defined on the inner surface  222 . In a preferred embodiment, the stop  224  is a ledge upon which a first end  252  of the spring  250  seats. The ledge  224  provides the stop for one end of spring  250  during the operation of the dispensing valve  100 . A second end  254  of the spring  250 , opposite the first end  252 , contacts against the ball  260  providing a seat for the ball  260 . Bottom cap  220  further includes a port  226 . The port  226  is optimally sized to allow the flow of fluid through while not interfering with the operation of the biasing mechanism  250  seated against the inner surface  222  of the bottom cap  220 . The dimensions of the bottom cap  220  may vary to provide necessary structural integrity and support for differently sized cages. Thus, the outer and inner dimensions may vary and the dimensions of the stop  224  and port  226  may vary. It is further contemplated that the dimensions given the various features of the bottom cap  220  may be established in relation to one another. For instance, the stop  224  may be sized in a 1:3 ratio as compared to the size of the inner wall. The port  226  may be sized in a 1:4 ratio as compared to the size of the stop  224 .  
         [0098]     The top ring  230  includes an outer surface  232  and the inner surface  234 . The inner surface  234  further defines a stop  236 , which is circumscribed about the perimeter of the inner surface  234 . In a preferred embodiment, the stop  236  is a ledge that provides a seat and structural support for a seal disk  240 . The seal disk  240  assists in promoting a fluid-tight connection between the third section  130  of the valve body  101 , check valve  200  and the secondary valve assembly  300 . When properly connected, the outer surface  232  is pressed/seated against the first end  138  of the bottom section  130  of the valve body  101 . This seating of the outer surface  232  further positions a port  238  disposed in the top ring  230  in alignment with the valve port  139  of the third section  130  and inlet port  126  of the second section  120 . The dimensional structure of the port  238  allows the sealer  260  to extend through and into operational contact with the valve port  139  and inlet port  126 . Thus, the structure of the port  238  may be determined by the dimensional structure of the sealer  250 , the valve port  139 , and inlet port  126 . Alternatively, the port  238  may be dimensionally sized as a ratio of the size of the top ring  230 .  
         [0099]     The check assembly  200  may be constructed from various polymeric materials compatible with the fluid being dispensed. For example, a thermoplastic such as polypropylene or other polyolefin may be utilized. In a preferred embodiment, a polypropylene copolymer similar to that used for the valve body  101  and actuator mechanism  140  is used for the construction of the check assembly  200 . The biasing mechanism  250  (spring) is preferably constructed of a metal, such as steel, to provide a pre-determined tensile strength which exerts a specified amount of force upon the sealer  260 . Various other materials as contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art may be used in the construction of biasing mechanism  250 . The sealer  260  may be constructed of a similar material as that used to construct the check assembly  200  and/or biasing mechanism  250 . Similar to the biasing mechanism  250 , various other materials as contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art may be used for the construction of the sealer  260 .  
         [0100]     It is contemplated that the material used to construct the check assembly  200  may be various materials that are suitable for dispensing desired fluids, such as various metals (i.e., tin, aluminum), composites, and the like. The material used to construct the check assembly  200  may be based upon various considerations, such as the ability of the dispensing valve  100  to withstand vigorous sterilization techniques that may be required, for instance when the dispensing valve  100  is to be used in food applications. These techniques may include irradiating the dispensing valve  100  at up to 5.0 MRAD and subjecting the dispensing valve  100  to high temperature chemical and steam sterilization processes. The material selected may be subjected to these and other types of techniques and processes and be required to be able to withstand them without losing structural integrity, such as becoming brittle, deformed, and the like, which may hinder or prevent the proper operation of the dispensing valve  100 .  
         [0101]     It is further contemplated that alternative mechanisms for providing a retractable seal and sealing force against the top port  139  may be utilized by the present invention. For example, the check assembly may provide various fixed arm mechanisms connected with the actuator mechanism for retracting a valve seal member from its seat about the top port  139 . The actuator mechanism may be operationally connected with a threaded screw-type seal that activates a rotational force to retract and extend a valve seal member. It is understood that the device employed to provide the control over the flow of fluid into the discharge channel  122  may be varied without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.  
         [0102]     The secondary valve assembly  300  includes a generally cylindrical secondary valve body  301  having an outer wall  302  and an inner wall  304 , which defines a secondary valve body channel  314  extending the length of the secondary valve body  301 . The secondary valve body  301  may be constructed from various polymeric materials compatible with the fluid being dispensed. For example, a thermoplastic such as polypropylene or other polyolefin may be utilized. In a preferred embodiment, a polypropylene copolymer similar to that used for the valve body  101  and actuator mechanism  140  is used for the construction of the secondary valve body  301 . It is contemplated that the material used to construct the secondary valve body  301  may be various materials that are suitable for dispensing desired fluids, such as various metals (i.e., tin, aluminum), composites, and the like. Further, the material employed may allow for the use of various sterilization techniques and processes without resulting in unwanted damage to the secondary valve assembly  300 , similar to that described previously with respect to the valve body  101 , actuator mechanism  140 , and check assembly  200 .  
         [0103]     Circumscribing the outer wall  302  proximal to a top section  303  is the valve connector mechanism  316 . The valve connector mechanism  316  allows the secondary valve assembly  300  to connect with the valve body  101 . The connector mechanism  316  is correlated in construction with the connector mechanism  136  of the third section  130 . As previously described, the connector mechanism  136  is a series of ridges or threads that allow for a connection to be made between the valve body  101  and the secondary valve assembly  300 . Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the connector mechanism  316  includes a series of ridges or threads that complement those of the connector mechanism  136 . It is contemplated that various other mechanical connector mechanisms, such as a compression lock mechanism, snap fit mechanism, spring loaded lock mechanism, and the like, may be employed to provide for the connection of the secondary valve assembly  300  with the valve body  101 .  
         [0104]     The secondary valve body  301  is further defined by a top  306  including a top edge  307  and a top port  308 . Opposite the top  306  is a bottom  310  including a bottom edge  311  and a bottom port  312 . The secondary valve body channel  314  is defined on either end by the top and bottom ports. Thus, the secondary valve body channel  314  is generally a hollow cylinder. The dimensions of the circumference of the inner wall  304 , which defines the channel  314 , allow the check assembly  200  to be inserted within the channel  314  for operation of the dispensing valve  100 . Thus, construction of the secondary valve assembly  300  and the check assembly  200  may be dependent upon one another. It is further contemplated that the secondary valve assembly  300  may be constructed to employ secondary connector devices, such as seal rings, gaskets, support posts, inner wall joists, and the like, to provide a secure connection with the check assembly  200 .  
         [0105]     The connection between the valve body  101 , the check assembly  200 , and the secondary valve assembly  300  further includes the press-fitting of the top edge  307  against the sealing disk  240 , which is seated within stop  236  of the top ring  230  of the check assembly  200 . The connection between the top edge  307  and the sealing disk  240  provides a fluid-tight barrier. Further, with the cage  202  received within the channel  314  the upper sections of the outer surfaces of the cage arms provide a secondary friction-fit connection.  
         [0106]     A bottom section  305  of the secondary valve body  301  further includes a container connection mechanism  318  and a positioning ring  320 . The positioning ring  320  circumscribes the outer wall  302  of the secondary valve body  310  in a position adjacent to or proximal with the container connection mechanism  318 . In operation, the container connection mechanism  318  is connected with a container storing fluid. The container connection mechanism  318  may be inserted within the container until an outer surface of the container abuts the positioning ring  320 . Optionally, the bottom section may be inserted further into a container up to a bottom edge of valve body  101  (such as to outer ring  131 ) without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.  
         [0107]     Having identified and described features of the present invention, further clarification is provided by an operational description. In a preferred embodiment, the secondary valve body  301  connects the dispensing valve  100  with a container that is storing fluids under a head of pressure greater than the force of gravity. The bottom port  312  is in communication with the interior of the container and allows the fluid to flow into the secondary valve body channel  314 . As the fluid progresses through the secondary valve body channel  314  it enters into the recessed area  133  of the third section  130  of the valve body  101  where it comes into contact with the check assembly  200 . In the “closed” position, the sealer (ball)  260  is seated on one end against the biasing mechanism (spring)  250  and on the opposite end against the port  238 . The spring  250  exerts force “F 1 ” along the axial direction “A” against the ball  260 , biasing the ball  260  into a position wherein the ball  260  contacts and seals the port  238 . Port  238  is aligned with valve port  139  of the third section  130  and inlet port  126  of the second section  120 , thus, the ball  260  further provides a fluid-tight, pressure fit seal of these aligned ports when in the “closed” position. Therefore, the fluid received within the secondary valve body channel  314  and the third section  130  of the valve body  101  is prevented from entering the discharge channel  122  through the inlet port  126 .  
         [0108]     The spring  250  is of sufficient strength to maintain the ball  260  in this position, which corresponds with the first “closed” position. It is to be understood that the fluid pressure may also provide a force against the ball  260  further assisting in positioning the ball  260  as a seal against the port  238 , valve port  139 , and inlet port  126  and assisting in preventing the unwanted flow of fluid into the discharge channel  122 . It is contemplated that the seal provided by the ball  260  through the efforts of the biasing mechanism as may be assisted by the fluid pressure may promote the effective sealing of the ports described previously to prevent the unwanted flow of fluid into the discharge channel  122  during periods where the fluid pressure is increased. For example, the container may be dropped and/or shaken which often results in an increase in the fluid pressure within the container. The check assembly  200  may utilize the increased fluid pressure to further tighten the seal of the ports by exertion of a greater pressure in the general F 1  direction, as provided by the biasing mechanism  250 , upon the ball  260 . Thus, the present invention utilizes natural forces to promote the effective operation of the dispensing valve  100 .  
         [0109]     The actuator pin  182  is in continuous contact with the ball  260  on a side opposite contact by the biasing mechanism  250  with the ball  260 . Thus, the actuator mechanism  140  is in the first “closed” position when the ball  260  is sealing port  139 . Generally, the dispensing valve  100  remains in this first “closed” position. In this position, the actuator  160  urges the plunger member  166  outwardly towards the actuator end  103  of the valve body  101 . The actuator  160  is in the first position when the disk  161  is at a first angle of incidence relative to the perpendicular plane of the axial direction of the plunger member  166  and the perpendicular plane of the stop  110  relative to the axial direction A of the dispensing valve  100 . It is to be understood that the angles of incidences relative to the plunger member  166  and stop  110  may be the same or vary relative to one another in order to promote an increased effectiveness of operation and/or ease of use of the dispensing valve  100 .  
         [0110]     When the user desires to dispense fluid from the dispensing valve  100  connected with the container storing the fluid, the user may position the valve  100  into a second “open” position by depressing the button  141 . For example, the user may grasp the grip wing  105  in one or more positions about the circumference of the wing  105  and then press a finger, such as a thumb, against the center of the button  141 . The depressing of the button  141  moves the button from its first “closed” position into its second “open” position and results in a simultaneous movement of the actuator  160 , plunger member  166 , engagement pin  182 , sealer (ball)  260  and biasing mechanism (spring)  250  into their respective second “open” positions. The open position is accomplished by moving the various features of the dispensing valve  100  in an opening direction (downwards or opposite the force F 1 ) aligned with the axial direction A of the valve  100  and transverse to the axial direction B of the discharge channel  122 . In this second position, the actuator  160  is deflected or biased along the axial direction A towards the first “inlet” end  102  of the valve body  101 . The plunger member  166  is forced through the guide channel  117  of the guide member  112  and extends the engagement pin  182  towards the first end  102  and away from the second end  103  and bottom port  119  of the guide member  112  aligned with the actuator port  128  of the second section  120 . As previously described the amount of deflection of the actuator  160  and travel of the plunger member  166  including the engagement pin  182  is determined by the stop (support ring ledge)  176  of the support ring  174  integral with the bottom  164  of the actuator  160  and outer wall  169  of the plunger member  166 .  
         [0111]     The travel of the engagement pin  182  into the second “open” position is further translated into a moving force exerted upon the sealer (ball)  260 . As the engagement pin  182  is forced downwards along the axial direction A towards first end  102  it also forces the sealer (ball)  260  to move downwards in a similar direction. The force exerted by the engagement pin  182  is sufficient to overcome the biasing force F 1  being exerted by the biasing mechanism (spring)  250  in an opposite direction along the axial direction A. As the sealer (ball)  260  is moved downwards the biasing mechanism (spring)  250  is forced to retract towards its engagement with the bottom cap  220  of the cage  202 . The downward movement of the sealer (ball)  260  has the effect of displacing the ball  260  from its position relative to the port  238 , valve port  139 , and inlet port  126 . The displacement of the ball  260  releases the fluid-tight seal and allows the fluid within the secondary valve body channel  31  and cage  202  to flow through these ports and into the discharge channel  122 . This flow of fluid through the inlet port  126  into the discharge channel  122  allows the fluid to exit the dispensing valve  100  through the outlet port  124  of the discharge channel  122 . The outlet port  124  is open to an environment external to the container and the dispensing valve wherein a user may have access to the fluid.  
         [0112]     It is to be understood that as the user forces the plunger member  166  downwards (inward) or towards the first end  102  of the valve body  101  into the second “open” position, the resilient disk  161  of the actuator  160  is deflected, biased, or deformed. A closing or outward force (towards the actuator end  103  of the valve body  101 ) is applied by the resilient disk  161  and may rise as the plunger member  166  is displaced along the axial direction A in its movement towards the second “open” position. However, the closing force may not increase linearly with the inward displacement toward the open position. The closing force may first rise with the opening displacement from the closed position, then the increase in closing force per unit opening displacement may decline until the resilient disk  161  reaches a point of maximum closing force at an intermediate position, between the first position and second position, at which point the outward or closing force may begin to decline with increasing opening displacement.  
         [0113]     The resilient disk  161  may exhibit a preferred maximum closing force (i.e., force exerted by resilient disk  161  that must be overcome in order to depress plunger member  113 ), such as two to two and a half pounds, at the intermediate position and then decline upon further opening displacement. The closing force exhibited may be based upon construction characteristics of the resilient disk  161 . For instance, the two to two and a half pound closing force may be provided by a resilient disk having an outer perimeter  163  thickness of about twelve one-thousandths inch (0.012″) and about eighteen one-thousandths inch (0.018″) at its central connection with the plunger member  166 . Alternatively, the resilient disk  161  may be provided a greater minimum average thickness of approximately 0.0155 inches, which may provide a larger maximum closing force of approximately three to three and a half pounds.  
         [0114]     In another alternative embodiment, the resilient disk of the actuator is constructed of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET-C) and given an approximate minimum average thickness of 0.015 inches. The resilient disk requires an even greater force of approximately four to four and a half pounds. Further, the resilient disk may be constructed of the PET-C and given an approximate minimum average thickness of 0.0155 inches. This construction increases the force required to depress plunger member  113  to approximately five to five and a half pounds.  
         [0115]     The use of various materials and thicknesses in the construction of the resilient disk  161  may determine the maximum force required during operation of the dispensing valve  100 . It is further contemplated that regardless of the maximum forces achieved, that the minimum force reached by the resilient disk or the actuator required to hold the valve open remain approximately three quarters of a pound. By increasing the maximum force required, an increase in the snap-type closure effect of the actuator  160  as it moves from the open to the closed position may be achieved which may further promote a decrease in inadvertent operation of the dispensing valve  100 .  
         [0116]     The actuator  160  and plunger member  166  reach the second “open” position and have further movement arrested by the engagement of the stop  176  against the stop  116  of the guide member  112  before the outward or closing force exerted by the resilient disk  161  of the actuator  160  is negligible or unable to provide for the return of the resilient disk  161  to the second “closed” position. At this full open position of the dispensing valve  100 , the force required to be applied by a user to maintain the open position is advantageously minimized. In a preferred embodiment, the force required is three-quarters pound. Alternatively, the force required may range from one-quarter pound to one pound without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.  
         [0117]     The dome-shaped or conical resilient disk  161  may provide a non-linear spring characteristic with rising and falling force sections. The travel distance of the actuator  160  and plunger member  166  is set by the stop  176  engagement with stop  116  of the guide member  112  and may be determined to allow the full open position to be a position of decreased outward force as compared to the outward force experienced during travel from the closed position to the open position. It is contemplated that travel distances, such as one-tenth inch to one inch, or less than one-tenth inch and greater than one inch, may be constructed to promote the effective operation and the ease of operation of the dispensing valve  100 .  
         [0118]     The construction of the actuator mechanism to include such non-linear characteristics may provide several advantages. For instance, it may provide a substantial closing force at the first “closed” position, and hence promote an effective seal of the port  139 , and a holding force at the second “open” position, which may be less than the force required to travel from the first to second position. Thus, maintaining the dispensing valve  100  in the second “open” position is promoted by requiring less force to hold it open than that experienced getting it open. The highest actuating forces of the resilient disk  161  are encountered only briefly and may promote a decrease in fatigue experienced by operation of the dispensing valve  100 . Additionally, the non-linear characteristic may provide a desirable “feel” or tactile feedback, which confirms to the user that the dispensing valve  100  is open even if the user cannot see the flow of fluid or is not looking at the flow.  
         [0119]     Referring now to  FIGS. 5 through 12 , a dispensing valve  400  that is similar in every respect to dispensing valve  100  except for the construction of the plunger member  466 , actuator pin  482 , and check assembly  500 , is shown. In the current embodiment, a generally tubular valve body  401  including wall  401   a  is defined by a first “inlet” end  402  and a second “actuator” end  403 . The valve body  401  is constructed of a first “top” section  406  integrally connected to a second “middle” section  420  which is further integrally connected to a third “bottom” section  430 . The valve body  401  further connects with an actuator mechanism  440 , a check assembly  500 , and a secondary valve assembly  600 , allowing the actuator mechanism  440  to operationally engage with the check assembly  500 , which is further connected with the secondary valve assembly  600 .  
         [0120]     The plunger member  466  includes similar features as the plunger member  166 , except bottom end  480  of the plunger member  466  includes a bottom port  481  which defines an opening in bottom end  480  and thusly, an open plunger member channel  468 . In a preferred embodiment, the plunger member  466  has a length of approximately 0.617 inches and a diameter of approximately 0.220 inches. Alternative lengths and diameters and other dimensional characteristics may be employed as contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art. A plunger member channel stop  473  is defined within the plunger member channel  468  between a top end  478  and the bottom end  480  of the plunger member  466  and plunger member channel  468 . The stop  473  may promote the operation of the actuator pin  482  when received within the plunger member channel  468 , as will be described below. It is to be understood that during operation of the dispensing valve  400  the plunger member  466  moves from a first “closed” position to a second “open” position in a similar manner as that described above for plunger member  166 .  
         [0121]     For dispensing valve  400 , the actuator pin  482  is constructed to allow it to be removed from its connection within the plunger member channel  468 . The actuator pin  482  includes a top side  483  that is received within the plunger member channel  468 . The stop  473  may be contacted by the top side  483  of the actuator pin  482  when inserted within the plunger member channel  468 . Thus, through engagement with top side  483  the stop  473  may provide support to the actuator pin  482  during operation of the dispensing valve  400 . In a preferred embodiment, top side  483  includes a formed top edge  486 , which may increase the effectiveness of the interaction between stop  473  and top side  483 .  
         [0122]     The actuator  482  includes a bottom side  484  including a striker  492  for contacting against and moving a sealer (ball)  550  of the check assembly  500 . Disposed between the top side  483  and bottom side  484  is an actuator support ring  488  which provides an actuator stop  490 . The actuator stop  490  is constructed to contact against the bottom end  480  of the plunger member  466 . The stop  490  assists the operation of the dispensing valve  400  by providing structural reinforcement to the actuator pin  482  during operation of the dispensing valve  400 . Thus, as the plunger member  466  is moved down, during an opening operation of the dispensing valve as described above for dispensing valve  100 , stop  490  assists in the corresponding movement of the actuator pin  482  and avoiding unwanted movement of the actuator pin  482  when contacting against and moving the sealer (ball)  550 .  
         [0123]     In a preferred embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , the actuator pin  482  has a length of approximately 0.406 inches. The bottom end  484  including the striker  492  provides a first diameter of approximately 0.13 inches and the top end  483  provides a second diameter of approximately 0.155 inches. Further, the support ring may have a width of approximately 0.03 inches and provide a third diameter of approximately 0.19 inches. It is contemplated that these and other various dimensional characteristics may vary as contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art to promote the proper operation of dispensing valve  400  without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.  
         [0124]     The check assembly  500  includes a cage  502  that provides a cage channel  503  within which the sealer (ball)  550  is received and operates to seal and release the ports that allow fluid into a discharge channel  422 .  FIGS. 10, 11A , and  11 B depict a preferred embodiment of the cage  502 . However, the cage  502  may be constructed with various alternative dimensional characteristics as contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art to promote the proper operation of the dispensing valve  400 . The cage  502  includes a first arm  524 , a second arm  526 , a third arm  528 , and a fourth arm  530  each having inner and outer surfaces that are similar to those described above in reference to the cage  202 . However, cage  502  utilizes a pressure from a fluid received within a secondary valve assembly  600  as the closing force for moving sealer (ball)  550  within the cage  502  and sealing the ports to the discharge channel  422 . Thus, in the current embodiment, cage  502  does not provide a spring or other secondary device for providing the closing force against the sealer (ball)  550 . Further, the four arms of the cage  502  are constructed to allow the proper operation of the sealer (ball)  550  utilizing the fluid pressure for providing the closing force in operation of the dispensing valve  400 . In the current embodiment, the four arms of the cage  502  are constructed to provide a channel  503  defined by generally parallel arms with respect to the axial direction of movement of the sealer (ball)  550 . It is contemplated that the arms may be variously constructed to allow the proper operation of the dispensing valve  400  without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, the arms may be constructed with stops on their respective inner surfaces that contact against the sealer (ball)  550  and assist in preventing unwanted movement of the sealer (ball)  550  within the cage channel  503 , which may further assist in the proper operation of the dispensing valve  400 .  
         [0125]     Referring generally now to  FIGS. 13A through 16C , a dispensing valve  700  is shown and described. The dispensing valve  700  is similar in all respects to dispensing valve  100  except for modifications to a plunger member  766 , a second “middle” section  720  and a check assembly  800 , described herein. The second section  720  is constructed including a first actuator port  725   a  disposed within an upper wall  722  of a discharge channel  721  and a second actuator port  725   b  disposed within a bottom wall  723  of the discharge channel  721 . The first and second actuator ports are constructed to allow plunger member  766  to extend through the first actuator port  725   a , discharge channel  721  and second actuator port  725   b . In operation, the movement of the plunger member  766  from a first “closed” position to a second “open” position involves a sliding movement of the plunger member  766  through a guide member  712  and the discharge channel  721  of the second section  720 .  
         [0126]     A third “bottom” section  730  includes a top wall  735  disposed with a port  735   a  which is operationally aligned with the second actuator port  725   b  of the second section  720 . Port  735   a  allows the plunger member  766  to slidably move and extend/retract within a recessed area  804  of the check assembly  800 . The top wall  735  further includes a first outlet port  736 , second outlet port  737 , third outlet port (not shown) and fourth outlet port (not shown). These four outlet ports are aligned through the top wall  735  with a first inlet port  724 , second inlet port  726 , third inlet port (not shown) and fourth inlet port (not shown) through the bottom wall  723  of the discharge channel  721 . These aligned ports provide a plurality of through points that operationally connect the recessed area  804  with the discharge channel  721  and allow for the flow of fluid between the secondary valve body  901  and the valve body  701 , allowing the fluid to pass through the discharge channel  721 .  
         [0127]     The plunger member  766  includes a retention device connector mechanism  778  disposed proximal to a bottom end  773  of the plunger member  766 . However, instead of the retention device connector mechanism  778  being disposed between the upper and bottom walls of the discharge channel as it is for dispensing valve  100  and  400 , retention device connector mechanism  778  is positioned within a recessed area  814  of the check assembly  800 . The retention device connector mechanism  778  connects a retention device  779  with the plunger member  766 . The positioning of the retention device  779  allows it to contact against the top wall  735  of the third section  730  to provide its functionality. An actuator pin  780  is integrally connected with the bottom end  773  of the plunger member  766 . A bottom  782  of the actuator pin  780  includes a striker  783  that operatively interacts with the check assembly  800 , described below.  
         [0128]     The check assembly  800  includes a duckbill-shaped valve seal member  801  including a top end  802  integral with a ring  803  including a stop  810  and a bottom end  804  including a valve opening  805 . In a preferred embodiment, the valve opening  805  is a lip shaped opening. The recessed area  814  is the area defined by an inner surface  807  of a wall  806  of the duckbill shaped valve seal member  801  and at either end by the top end  802  and the bottom end  804 . It is contemplated that the dimensions of the duckbill shaped valve seal member  801  may be altered to accommodate its use with variously sized dispensing valve application or different fluid pressures. An outer surface  808  of wall  806  is in operational contact with a secondary valve body  901  of the secondary valve assembly  900 , proximal to the top end  802 . A stop  810  proximal to the top end  802  is utilized for providing a fluid tight, pressure fit connection between a secondary valve body  901  and the valve body  701 . The use of various secondary valve seal rings or gaskets is contemplated to provide the fluid tight, pressure fit connection.  
         [0129]     An advantage of the duckbill shaped valve is that these three-dimensional valves may allow free flow with a positive differential pressure while preventing flow with a negative differential pressure, thus backflow is checked. The materials used and construction specifications employed may allow the duckbill valve to provide for the flow of fluid at pre-determined pressures. The materials used to construct the duckbill shaped valve may be any resilient materials that will not react with or contaminate the fluid being dispensed, and which will not melt or degrade under the conditions encountered during manufacturing and use of the dispensing valve. For instance, various elastomers may include a thermoplastic or thermosetting elastomer, typically in the range of about 25 to 85 Shore A durometer. In a preferred embodiment, the duckbill shaped valve seal member  801  is constructed from a thermosetting rubber material. Alternatively, the duckbill shaped valve seal member  801  may be constructed from various other compounds, such as nitrile, hydrogenated nitrile, fluorosilicone, ethylene propylene, silicone, butyl, fluorocarbon, polyisoprene, epichlorohydrin, chloroprene, polyurethane, styrene-butadiene, polyacrylate acrylic, and the like which provide sufficient structural integrity and resiliency to allow the proper operation of the dispensing valve  700 .  
         [0130]     In a preferred embodiment, the plunger member  766  and duckbill shaped valve seal member  801  are initially positioned in the first “closed” position, as shown in  FIG. 13 . In this position, the valve seal member  801  may prevent the flow of fluid into the discharge channel  721 . Similar to the operation described above in reference to dispensing valve  100 , the plunger member  766  is slid downwards to open the valve seal member  801 . As the plunger member  766  is slid down, it is extended further within the recessed area  814  until the striker  783  comes in contact with the inner surface  808  of the wall  806 . As the plunger member  766  continues downward it causes the lip shaped opening  805  of the valve seal member  801  to open, as shown in  FIG. 14 , separating a first upper valve wall  818  and a lower valve wall  820 , thereby allowing fluid to flow into the recessed area  814  and through the first through fourth outlet ports of the top wall  735  and first through fourth inlet ports of the bottom wall  723  of the second section  720  into the discharge channel  721 . The dimensions of opening  805  may be determined by the dimensions of striker  783  and/or travel distance of the plunger member  766 . For instance, the opening  805  may be defined by the size of the striker  783  if the second “open” position allows the striker  783  to pass through the opening  805  entirely. However, if the travel distance does not allow the striker  783  to pass entirely through the opening  805  then the opening  805  may establish an opening dimension, which is a ratio or percentage of the dimensional characteristics of the striker  783 .  
         [0131]      FIGS. 15A, 15B  and  15 C illustrate dispensing valves similar to dispensing valve  700  except that the retention device connecting mechanism has been positioned upon the plunger member between the top and bottom walls of the discharge channel and/or the duckbill shaped valve seal member&#39;s dimensional characteristics have been altered.  FIG. 15A  shows the dispensing valve  700  including a retention device connection mechanism located on the plunger member  766  in a position between the upper wall  722  and bottom wall  723  of the discharge channel  721 . In  FIG. 15B , the duckbill shaped valve seal member is constructed in a cruciform shape. Additionally, the upper and lower valve walls are constructed having approximately a twenty-degree displacement from the axial direction A of the dispensing valve  700 . In  FIG. 15C  the upper and lower valve wall are constructed having approximately a ten-degree displacement from the axial direction A of the dispensing valve  700 . Additionally, the bottom end  804  may be constructed to provide opening  805  with additional structural support. For example, the opening  805  may be reinforced by thickening the walls proximal to the opening  805 . These various constructions of the duckbill shaped valve seal member may promote an optimal fluid flow rate during operation of the dispensing valve. Further, the different angular displacements may provide the opening of the duckbill shaped valve seal member with various fluid pressure sensitivity, thereby offering a more efficient and effective operation of the dispensing valve when employed with fluids under different pressures. For instance, the cruciform duckbill shaped valve seal member of  FIG. 15B  may provide a more optimal operating environment for the dispensing valve when dispensing fluids under increased pressures (i.e., &gt;2ATM) than the duckbill shaped valve seal member of  FIG. 15A  or  15 C. Alternatively, the duckbill shaped valve seal member of  15 C may promote a more optimal operating environment for the dispensing valve when dispensing fluids under a pressure head provided by gravity.  
         [0132]     The thickness of the wall  806  may promote the effectiveness of the duckbill shaped valve seal member when the dispensing valve is being used with fluids under different pressures. It is contemplated that the thickness of wall  806  may vary to accommodate these different pressure requirements, such that the wall  806  may provide a range of average minimum thicknesses between 0.01 inch and 0.1 inch. In the current embodiment, the wall  806  is constructed with a generally uniform thickness. It is further contemplated that the wall  806  may be constructed with different thicknesses being formed in different sections of the wall  806 . Various construction techniques may be employed to provide this different thickness form. This difference in thickness may promote an increase in effectiveness of sensitivity to fluid pressure, deflective characteristics, flow rate, and various other characteristics of the duckbill valve seal member. For instance, the wall may generally increase in thickness from the opening  805  towards the top end  802  or from the top end  802  towards the opening  805 .  
         [0133]     It is further seen in  FIGS. 15A, 15B  and  15 C that the connection of the duckbill shaped valve seal member with the valve body and secondary valve body may be accomplished utilizing a duckbill valve fit member  799 . The duckbill valve fit member may provide a secondary device, similar to a seal ring, gasket, and the like, which on one end connects against the outer surface of the wall and on the opposite end connects with the secondary valve body against the valve body. The duckbill valve fit member may promote an effective coupling of the duckbill shaped valve seal member with the secondary valve body and valve body and further promote a fluid tight, pressure fit sealing about the outlet ports on the top wall of the third section of the valve body and the inlet ports on the bottom wall of the second section of the valve body. It is contemplated that the dimensional characteristics and point of contact between the duckbill valve fit member and the duckbill shaped valve seal member may vary to promote the effective coupling of the duckbill shaped valve seal member with the secondary valve body and the valve body.  
         [0134]     In accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment, a dispensing valve  1000  is shown in  FIGS. 16A, 16B ,  16 C,  16 D,  16 E, and  16 F. The dispensing valve  1000  is similar in every respect to the dispensing valves  100 ,  400  and  700  except for modifications to a plunger member  1066 , second section bottom wall  1023 , third section top wall  1035 , and the check assembly  1100 . The dispensing valve  1000  further differs from dispensing valves  100 ,  400  and  700  in that it may not utilize a secondary valve assembly as employed with the valves  100 ,  400  and  700 . However, it is contemplated that a secondary valve assembly may be employed with dispensing valve  1000  without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.  
         [0135]     The plunger member  1066  is slidably mounted in a guide member  1012  and connected with an actuator  1060  which is further connected with a button  1041  providing an actuator mechanism  1040  similar to the actuator mechanisms provided in the dispensing valves previously described. A bottom end  1073  of the plunger member  1066  extends through a second section  1020  and into a recessed area  1033  of a third section  1030  proximal to a first “inlet” end  1002  of a valve body  1001 .  
         [0136]     The check assembly  1100  includes a first valve seal  1110  including an outer surface  1111  and an inner surface  1112  and a second valve seal  1120  (boost washer) including an outer surface  1121  and an inner surface  1122 . The first and second valve seals are disposed within the recessed area  1033  of the third section  1030  connected with the bottom end  1073  of the plunger member  1066 . The second valve seal  1120  contacts with the first valve seal  1110  on the inner surface  1112  of the first valve seal  1110 . The first valve seal  1110  includes an inner ring  1114  for connecting with the plunger member  1066  and an outer ring  1116  that defines a perimeter. In a preferred embodiment, the second valve seal  1120  includes an inner ring  1124 , which connects with the plunger member  1066  and the inner ring  1114 , and an outer ring end  1126  opposite the inner ring  1124 , which contacts against the inner surface  1112  of the first valve seal  1110 . The location of contact between the outer ring end  1126  and the inner surface  1112  may vary, but the outer ring end  1126  contacts along the inner surface  1112  somewhere between the inner ring  1114  and the outer ring  1116  of the first valve seal  1110 .  
         [0137]     In the current embodiment, the second end  1126  of the second valve seal  1120  contacts with the inner surface  1112  proximal to the outer ring  1116 . The second valve seal  1120  is a generally planar member that extends from its connection with the plunger member  1066  and inner ring  1114  to the outer ring  1116 . A recessed area  1130  is formed between the second valve seal  1120  and the first valve seal  1110 . The recessed area  1130  may be of different sizes depending on the construction of the first and second valves or may be substantially eliminated.  
         [0138]     The first and second valve seals are constructed and connected to provide a fluid tight, pressure fit about an outlet port  1036  disposed within the top wall  1035  of the third section  1030 , which is operationally aligned, and form a fluid connection with an inlet port  1024  disposed within the bottom wall  1023  of the second section  1020 . In a preferred embodiment, the number, shape, size and location of the outlet port(s) corresponds with the number, shape, size, and location of the inlet port(s) through the wall provided by the integral connection of the top wall  1035  with the bottom wall  1023 . It is contemplated that the number, shape, size, and location of the outlet and inlet port (s) may vary to provide effective operation of the dispensing valve  1000 . The fluid tight, pressure fit may be released and fluid allowed to flow through the outlet and inlet port(s) and out a discharge channel  1021  by user operation of the actuator mechanism  1040 . The actuator mechanism  1040  allows a user to control the operation of the dispensing valve  1000  by selecting a first “closed” position, a second “open” position or alternative positions between the first and second positions, for the dispensing valve  1000 .  
         [0139]     The first and second valve seals may be formed from various resilient materials which do not react with or contaminate fluid being dispensed and may avoid melting or degrading under conditions encountered during manufacture or operation of the dispensing valve  1000 . For example, the valve seals may be constructed of a thermoplastic or thermosetting elastomer or various other flexible, resilient materials having a range of approximately 30 to 80 Shore A durometer and more preferably ranging from 50 to 80 Shore A durometer. It is to be understood that these durometer ranges are exemplary of resilient materials typically employed in beverage (fluid) dispensing devices and that various materials having various resiliency factors, i.e., durometer factors greater than 80 Shore A durometer or less than 30 Shore A durometer, may be employed for use in the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the first valve seal  1110  and second valve seal  1120  are constructed from a thermoplastic rubber.  
         [0140]     The dimensional characteristics, such as diameter and thickness of the first and second valve seals may vary and may depend on the material used for construction of the valve seals and the operating conditions for the valve seals. For instance, when dispensing valve  1000  is being utilized for dispensing fluids under a gravity head (e.g., ranging from 0.5 to 1 pound per square inch pressure), the first valve seal  1110  may be approximately 1 inch in diameter and have an average minimum thickness of approximately 0.020 to 0.040 inches from its inner ring  1114  to the outer ring  1116  at its periphery. The second valve seal  1120  may be approximately 0.5 inches in diameter and have an average minimum thickness of approximately 0.005 to 0.020 inches from its first end  1124  to the second end  1126  at its periphery. Alternatively, if dispensing valve  1000  is being utilized for dispensing fluids under a pressure head greater than that of gravity the first valve seal  1110  may be approximately 1 inch in diameter and have an average minimum thickness of approximately 0.040 to 0.060 inches and the second valve seal  1120  may be approximately 0.5 inches in diameter and have an average minimum thickness of structural integrity that may be necessary when dispensing fluids contained under pressures other than gravity alone.  
         [0141]     In the alternative, the first valve seal may be less than or greater than 1 inch in diameter with an average minimum thickness ranging from less than 0.020 inches to greater than 0.040 inches. The second valve seal  1120  may range from approximately 0.1 to 0.8 inches in diameter. Further, the second valve seal  1120  may be constructed with an average minimum thickness ranging from approximately 0.001 to 0.05 inches. It is contemplated that different diameter and thickness dimensions may be used to construct the first and second valve seals without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.  
         [0142]     In a preferred embodiment, the first and second valve seal  1110  and  1120  are connected to the plunger member  1066  proximal to the bottom end  1073 . The connection of the first valve seal  1110  with the bottom end  1073  of the plunger member  1066  is about a first valve seal receiver section  1078 , which circumscribes the plunger member  1066 . It is contemplated that various mechanical connection mechanisms may be employed to secure the connection of the first valve seal  1110  with the plunger member  1066  without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The first valve seal receiver section  1078  is constructed for connection with an inner surface  1117  of a channel  1115  of the inner ring  1114  of the first valve seal  1110 . The channel  1115  is generally disposed extending through the first valve seal  1110  at a mid-point or center. The channel  1115 , via the inner surface  1117 , defines a diameter or inner circumference that is constructed to be connected against the first valve seal receiver section  1078  after allowing the insertion of the bottom end  1073  of the plunger member  1066  through the channel  1115 .  
         [0143]     The first valve seal receiver section  1078  of the plunger member  1066  further includes a first valve seal receiver stop  1081  on a first end  1080  of the first valve seal receiver section  1078  and a second valve seal receiver stop  1083  on a second end  1082 , opposite the first end  1080 . The first stop  1081  connects against the outer surface  1111  of the first valve seal  1110  adjacent to the channel  1115  of the inner ring  1114 . The second stop  1083  connects against the inner surface  1112  of the first valve seal  1110  adjacent to the channel  1115  of the inner ring  1114 . The dimensional characteristics of the first and second stops may be varied to promote the secure connection of the first valve seal  1110  with the plunger member  1066  without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.  
         [0144]     A second valve seal receiver section  1085  is disposed upon the plunger member  1066  proximal to the bottom end  1073  and adjacent the second valve seal receiver stop  1083  of the first valve receiver section  1078 . In a preferred embodiment, the second valve seal receiver section  1085  has a width of approximately 0.015 inches. The second valve seal receiver section  1085  circumscribes the plunger member  1066  and is defined on a first end  1086  by the second valve seal receiver stop  1083  and on a second end  1087  by a second valve seal receiver stop  1088 . In operation, an inner surface  1025  of a channel  1023  of the second valve seal  1120  seats against the second valve seal receiver section  1085  having the outer surface  1021  proximal to the first end  1024  contacting against the second valve seal receiver stop  1088  and the inner surface  1022  proximal to the first end  1024  contacting against the inner ring  1116  of the first valve seal  1110 . Thus, the second valve seal  1120  is connected with the plunger member  1066  in a pressure fit manner.  
         [0145]     It is contemplated that the first and second valve seal receiver sections may be variously constructed. For example, the dimensional characteristics, such as width, depth, length, and the like may be varied to promote the secure connection of the first and second valve seals with the plunger member  1066 . It is further contemplated that various mechanical connection mechanisms may be employed to secure the connection of the second valve seal  1120  with the plunger member  1066  and first valve seal  1110  without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For instance, the first and second valve seals may be connected with the plunger member  1066  by a threaded lock system, compression lock system, snap fit system, and the like as may be contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art.  
         [0146]     The port  1036  disposed within the top wall  1035  of the third section  1030  is constructed to receive the second valve seal  1120  which promotes the fluid tight, pressure fit sealing of the port when the dispensing valve  1000  is in the first “closed” position. Thus, the dimensional characteristics of the port  1036  within the top wall  1035  correspond at least partially with those of the second valve seal  1020 . For instance, the length, width, and/or depth of the second valve seal  1020  may be constructed to ensure that it occupies the length, width, and/or depth of the port  1036 .  FIG. 16A  shows the second valve seal  1120  received within port  1136  when dispensing valve  1000  is in the closed position. It is contemplated that the dimensional characteristics of both the port  1036  and the second valve seal  1120  may be varied to provide different flow rate characteristics, sealing force, and the like.  
         [0147]     The present invention further contemplates a method of dispensing fluid from a container which stores the fluid under a pressure head equal to or greater than gravity. In a first exemplary step, a fluid being stored under a pressure within a container is selected. In a second step a dispensing valve, similar to the dispensing valves  100 ,  400 ,  700 , and  1000 , is connected with the container that stores the fluid under the specific pressure. For example, the dispensing valve may be connected to a container storing a carbonated beverage (i.e., soda pop). In a third step a user manually activates the dispensing valve to allow the flow of the fluid from within the container through the dispensing valve and to an environment outside the container and dispensing valve.  
         [0148]     It is further contemplated that the method described above may further include the step of aligning a receptacle proximate to an outlet of the dispensing valve for receiving the dispensed fluid. Additionally, the method may include a step where the user releases their manual engagement with the dispensing valve, de-activating the dispensing valve, and thereby preventing the flow of fluid from within the container through the dispensing valve and to the outside environment.  
         [0149]     A method of manufacturing a dispensing valve, similar to the dispensing valves  100 ,  400 ,  700  and  1000 , is also contemplated by the present invention. In a first exemplary step, a material is selected for constructing the dispensing valve. The selection of material may be based upon various considerations, such as the ability of the dispensing valve to withstand vigorous sterilization techniques that may be required for use of the dispensing valve in food applications. These techniques may include irradiating the dispensing valve at up to 5.0 MRAD and subjecting the dispensing valve to high temperature chemical and steam sterilization processes. The material selected may be subjected to these and other types of techniques and processes and be required to be able to withstand them without causing the dispensing valve to lose structural integrity, such as becoming brittle, deformed, and the like, which may hinder or prevent the proper operation of the dispensing valve.  
         [0150]     In a second step, the various components of the dispensing valve are constructed, such as the valve body, actuator mechanism, check assembly, and secondary valve body. Then in step the various components of the dispensing valve are assembled together to provide an operational dispensing valve. The assembly of the various components may occur through the use of several techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art for the construction of the dispensing valve.  
         [0151]     It is contemplated that the method may further include a sterilization step between the construction of the component features and the assembly of the components into the dispensing valve. As discussed above, the sterilization may include irradiation, chemical treatment, steam treatment, and various other techniques and processes. It is further contemplated that the sterilization step occurs during the construction of the component features, during the assembly of the component features or after the assembly of the components into an operational dispensing valve. The method of manufacture may also include the step of selecting material based on the material used for constructing the fluid container to which the dispensing valve may be connected.  
         [0152]     The construction of the component features may include various steps for determining desired dimensional specifications for the various components and then constructing the components including those dimensions. For example, the component construction may include the step of determining the wall of the valve body to include a minimum average thickness of 0.0625 inches and the thickness of the wall formed between the first and second section of the valve body to be 0.025 inches. The next step is to construct these walls having these dimensional characteristics. Those of ordinary skill in the art, from the disclosure of the instant application, will understand that such variation may be determined and constructed for numerous dimensional aspects of the various component features of the present invention without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.  
         [0153]     Still further, the method of manufacture may include the step of constructing a valve body of modular component features. For instance, the first section may be constructed separately from the second section, which may also be constructed separately from the third section. This modularity may be variously determined, such that any individual component feature may be separately constructed or constructed integral with any other component feature. The connection of the various component features may include the construction of various mechanical connection mechanisms into the component features, which allow for the mating and securing of the components with one another.  
         [0154]     It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed are examples of exemplary approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the method can be rearranged while remaining within the scope and spirit of the present invention. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not necessarily meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.  
         [0155]     It is believed that the present invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the forgoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction, and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely an explanatory embodiment thereof.