Importance

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Abstract

A liquid dispensing nozzle assembly for mounting on a squeezable liquid container and dispenser to maintain liquid in sterile condition during storage and repeated dispensing from the container, includes a conduit having a liquid discharge port leading to the ambience for discharge of the liquid therethrough to dispense liquid from the container. The liquid discharge port is formed in a discharge structure which eliminates microbial contamination of the discharge port during dispensing and storage of the liquid. Embodiments of the liquid dispensing nozzle have a liquid discharge structure including a composition comprising an antimicrobial component, in order to maintain microbially sterile condition of any liquid retained against the discharge structure following liquid dispensing therefrom. Additional embodiments of the nozzle structure of the invention include a tubular passage from which the liquid is discharged in which the tubular passage has a collapsible end portion defining a normally closed liquid dishcarge port. Tensioning members maintain tension on the end portion to retain the normally collapsed configuration thereof, while allowing the discharge port to be resiliently opened by exertion of hydraulic pressure, overcoming the imposed tension, from the liquid flow discharged therethrough.

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First Claim