Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include a filling apparatus that can be connected to a valve on a keg, such as a Sankey-D valve, and can be used to pour alcohol and other liquids into the keg, which may be pre-filled with a non-alcoholic drink mix. The filling apparatus has an upper structure which is coupled to a lower portion configured to mate with a keg valve. The filling apparatus may be designed to depress portions of the keg valve to allow for both filling and venting of the keg simultaneously. The filling apparatus may further be designed with features to prevent liquid escape during degassing of the keg. The filling apparatus may include a Sankey-D coupler or a coupler with a probe portion as the lower body portion.

Abstract: The inventive system and method advantageously enable superior preserved storage and selective dispensation of liquids by storing wine (or other liquids) in a pressurized environment to ensure that the stored liquid does not come into contact with air, and then by selectively dispensing a portion of the stored liquid, in accordance with a desired dispensing regime, by utilizing a controlled source of pressure force to apply a sufficient pressure to the pressurized environment to expel the desired volume of the liquid in a pressurized stream directed to a dispensing/pouring interface through a conduit or equivalent delivery system. In at least several novel embodiments thereof, the system and method of the present invention are configured for use with wine-in-bag (“WinB”) products.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include an apparatus that can be connected to a valve on a keg, such as a Sankey-D valve, and can be used to add gas into the keg to mix the contents, which may be including alcoholic spirts and a non-alcoholic drink mix. The apparatus has an upper structure which is coupled to a lower portion configured to mate with a keg valve. The filling apparatus may be designed to depress the ball valve and ring valve portions of the keg valve to allow for both the addition of gas and venting of gas from the keg simultaneously.

Abstract: An example system includes an incompressible, airtight pressurized container operable to maintain a pressure level in an internal pressurized environment, a transport system including at least two liquid transport conduits, and a mixing component, the two liquid conduits each being releasably coupled to a pressurized container interface coupled to the pressurized container and a dispensing interface, each liquid transport conduit including a controllable valve to enable or disable a flow of the liquid volume, the pressurized container interface capable of maintaining the pressure level, the mixing component being coupled to the at least two liquid transport conduits and the dispensing interface, a pressure regulation system connected to the pressurized container, the pressure regulation system operable to exert and maintain the pressure level within the pressurized container to enable compression of the first compressible liquid volume, and a control system operable to control the controllable valves and the

Abstract: In one aspect, a combinatorial drug delivery device is provided for delivering a predetermined selection of drug components. The device includes a plurality of modules, each including: a body having an interior volume; a spike plate movably disposed in the interior volume, the spike plate having a protruding cannula and first and second ports. The device also includes a base tray which includes: a framework defining a plurality of wells, each of the wells formed to insertingly receive one of the modules; for each of the wells, first and second inlet ports formed to interface with the first and second ports of the module being received in the respective well; passageways to connect certain wells with adjacent wells to permit fluid flow therebetween. For each of the wells, the spike plate of the respective module being maintained in a stationary position with the module being inserted into the well.

Abstract: A beer dispensing faucet is configured to be attached to a shank connector. The shank connector has a connecting member and an internal passageway having an outlet opening positioned within the connecting member. The dispensing faucet has a housing defining a central conduit having an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The housing defines a valve seat in the central conduit and further has an aperture in communication with the central conduit. The inlet opening is dimensioned to correspond in size to the outlet opening of the internal passageway and further configured to be positioned in confronting relation to the outlet opening of the internal passageway. The housing has a connecting member configured to cooperate and connect to the connecting member of the shank connector. A valve stem is positioned in the aperture. The valve stem has a first position wherein the valve stem is engaged with valve seat to define a closed faucet position.

Abstract: A device for providing a disposable liner or bag and valve inside of a keg. An example device includes a valve assembly connected to a spear assembly. The disposable liner or bag is wrapped around the spear assembly to fit through a top opening in the keg and the valve assembly is connected to the top opening of the keg. A series of valves and passages enable an inert gas to flow into and expand or inflate the disposable liner or bag inside of the keg, and the valve then enables filling the disposable liner or bag inside of the keg with beer or other liquid to be dispensed from the keg. When the keg is empty, the spear assembly may be disconnected and withdrawn, thus removing both the disposable liner or bag and disposable valve assembly from the keg.

Abstract: A closure (1) for a beverage keg (90) is provided, the closure (1) comprising an inlet for admitting a pressurised gas into a headspace of the beverage keg (90) and a valve housing (20) defining at least a portion of the closure (1). The valve housing (20) has a housing wall (21) that defines at least a portion of the valve housing (20). The closure (1) is provided with a barrier (29), separate from the inlet, that is integrally formed with the housing wall (21) and configured to seal the closure (1) such that the closure (1) is able to retain the pressurised gas within the keg (90) in an unvented configuration. The barrier thickness is configured such that the barrier (29) ruptures by internal pressure from within the keg (90) in order to switch the closure (1) into a vented configuration in which fluid communication between the headspace of the keg (90) and an exterior of the closure (1) is possible, through the ruptured barrier (29).

Abstract: A container for food or beverage preparation has walls defining at least one compartment adapted for containing at least one precursor ingredient, the walls including at least one fluid connection portion for fluidly coupling to a cooperating fluid connection portion of a food or beverage preparation machine having at least one source of a fluid mixing ingredient, whereby a food or beverage product is prepared within the compartment by mixing the mixing ingredient with the precursor ingredient. The container further includes at least one food or beverage delivery wall, and the container includes built-in pump means suitable for pumping the mixing ingredient from the source when the container is fluidly connected to the machine and for generating a fluid circulation within the at least one compartment, such that a food or beverage product is prepared and expelled through the delivery wall.

Abstract: A polymeric keg connector for fluidly connecting the interior of a container has an opening with a fluid tube. The keg connector has a connector, a coupler, a support movable in a longitudinal direction Z with respect to the base body, a tube, and a penetration actuator. The distance the support is moved is sufficient for the tube penetration end to penetrate into the opening provided on a closure of the container. The sliding surfaces of the connector and the support are manufactured with a particulate-reinforced polymeric material and the polymeric material of the connector is reinforced by a particulate material that can be different from the particulate material reinforcing the support element.

Abstract: A conversion fitting configured to matingly engage with a conduit coupler having conduit coupler thread configured as American Standard hose coupling thread or American Standard hose coupling thread for garden hose applications and a container aperture element having container aperture element internal thread configured as bunghole thread to facilitate the transfer of fluid therebetween.

Abstract: A self-propelling container having: a top; a bottom; a plurality of vertical walls extending between the bottom and the top; an inner bag for holding contents to be dispensed; a female coupling configured to receive and establish a friction seal with a male coupling of an external device for inserting or extracting the contents to or from the container after the friction seal is established between the female and male couplings; and at least one independent panel positioned inside the container; a compressible element associated with the at least one independent panel wherein during filling of the inner bag the compressible element is compressed, thus causing the at least one independent panel to exercise pressure onto the inner bag, and thus, helping to empty the inner bag.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to container (11) for food or beverage preparation, comprising walls (12) defining at least one compartment adapted for containing at least one precursor ingredient, said walls (12) comprising at least one fluid connection portion (20) for fluidly coupling to a cooperating fluid connection portion (31) of a food or beverage preparation machine (1) having at least one source (3, 28) of a fluid mixing ingredient, whereby a food or beverage product is prepared within said compartment (11) by mixing said mixing ingredient with said precursor ingredient, said container (11) further comprising at least one food or beverage delivery wall (16, 17), characterized in that said container (11) comprises built-in pump means (10, 13, 14, 21, 22, 23, 29) suitable for pumping said mixing ingredient from said source (3, 28) when said container (11) is fluidly connected to said machine (1), and for generating a fluid circulation within said at least one compartment, such that a food or beverag

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing an alcoholic beverage from a barrel without the risk of spoilage from oxidation and a method for installing the apparatus in a barrel.

Abstract: A keg connector is disclosed for fluidly connecting the interior of a bag-in-container type keg with a dispensing tube connected to a dispensing valve in a tapping column and pressure gas tube connected to a pressurized gas source. The keg connector has a base body and is coupled firmly and releasably to the keg closure. The keg connector has a dispense connector and gas connector having a substantially straight dispense tip and gas tip, respectively, each extending along a longitudinal axis, Z, in fluid communication with a second end respectively connectable to a dispense tube in fluid communication with a tapping column and valve and gas tube in fluid communication with a pressurized gas source. A lever is provided for sequentially driving in a single movement firm coupling of the keg connector to the keg closure and penetration of the dispense and gas tips into the corresponding openings.

Abstract: An assembly and method for pouring liquid from a container for ensuring that upon emptying the contents nothing will be left in the container. The assembly and method for pouring liquid from a container includes a pourer adapter including a tube portion having an open top, a bottom and a bore disposed therein through the open top and the bottom, and also configured to fasten to a container to facilitate emptying of liquid from the container; and a pourer member removably engaged to the pourer adapter for pouring the liquid from the container.

Abstract: A dispense head to be connected to a valve of a container for fluids, in particular liquids, such as beer or water. The dispense head comprises a housing and a probe. The distal end of the probe is detached or detachable from the rest of the probe and/or the housing and the distal end is connected or connectable to a flexible hose.

Abstract: A beverage valve assembly having a bottom wall section, a tubular part extending downward from the bottom wall section and an outer apron extending upward from the bottom wall section. The beverage valve assembly also has a positioning means extending upward from the bottom wall section, wherein the tubular part has a top opening to receive a dispensing element, the top opening being arranged in a middle section of an upper outer surface of the bottom wall section, and the tubular part has an upper inner tubular wall section with a sealing surface, and the outer apron is arranged at a distance from the top opening of the tubular part, wherein the bottom wall section comprises at least one valve positioned between the top opening of the tubular part and an inner sidewall section of the outer apron, wherein the positioning means engages a recess in a connecting element.

Abstract: A container for a fluid under pressure, preferably a beer keg, including a neck and a fitting mounted thereon with a suction tube for drawing the fluid into the container. A pressure relief valve is mounted in an upper end of the suction tube or in the neck of the container. The pressure relief valve includes a closing body which is mounted resiliently via a spring and movable from a closing position to an open position by the spring being compressed.

Abstract: Devices and methods for clamping a beverage extraction device to a beverage container, such as a wine bottle. One or more clamp arms may be arranged to clamp the extraction device to a wine bottle as well as allow the device to be supported upright on a table top. Clamp arms may include tab and ridge features that operate to properly engage and position a wide variety of different bottle neck shapes relative to the device. The one or more clamp arms may move the bottle neck distally, e.g., toward a resilient pad, so that the neck is suitably positioned relative to the device. Proper positioning and engagement of the neck may allow for desired piercing of a cork or other closure of the bottle by the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an empty container (1) for accommodating high-purity and ultra-high-purity, air- and/or moisture-sensitive liquid or condensable compounds, comprising a cylindrical jacket (3), a bottom (4a) and an upper end piece (4b, 4b?) at the two ends of the cylindrical jacket, an associated connection unit (2) including shut-off/multiple-way and rinsing system (5), and an associated immersion pipe (7), characterized in that the lower end of the immersion pipe (7a) protrudes into a recess (4c) (depression), which is introduced in the bottom (4a) and which is the lowest point of the bottom, and/or the lower end of the immersion pipe (7a) is tapered and is brought close to the lowest point of the bottom (4a) to within less than 2 mm by means of the tip of the tapered immersion pipe (7b) or touches the lowest point of the bottom with the tip of the tapered immersion pipe (7b).

Abstract: A tapping head, provided with a connecting head near an end of a housing, wherein the tapping head is provided with at least one of a beverage channel which extends from a beverage line connection into the connecting head and a gas channel which extends from a gas line connection, wherein the tapping head is provided with at least one cooling chamber with an entrance and an exit, separate from the beverage channel and/or the gas channel, which cooling chamber is in thermal contact with the housing.

Abstract: A fluid dispense head is removably joined to a bottle, such as a wine bottle, or similar container, by having a hollow cylinder extend into the bottle and on one end sealed to a neck of the bottle with an annular gasket and on an opposite end joined to the dispense head. A nut on opposite end of the hollow cylinder limits entry of the cylinder into the bottle. When the nut is turned relative to the cylinder, the gasket seal is broken and the dispense head can be removed from the bottle. A set of annular gaskets of different diameters may be provided for bottles of different neck sizes.

Abstract: A bottle change apparatus includes a change mechanism that changes a bottle, and the bottle includes a bottle cap. The bottle cap includes: a treatment solution straw part that forms a treatment solution flow passage for supplying a treatment solution in the bottle to an outside of the bottle and extends to an inside of the bottle; and a treatment solution connecting part that is provided at an end portion outside the bottle of the treatment solution straw part. The change mechanism includes: a connection mechanism part including a treatment solution pipe which is connected to the treatment solution connecting part of the bottle and through which the treatment solution supplied from the bottle flows; and a bottle mounting part that transfers the bottle to a connection position where the treatment solution connecting part and the treatment solution pipe are connected together.

Abstract: An assembly (1) of a tapping keg (2) with neck (5) and a connecting device (15) for placement on said neck (5). In the neck is at least one valve (20, 22). The neck is provided with an outwardly reaching flange (8) with a top surface (14) and an inclined bottom surface (9). The bottom surface (9) is inclined with respect to the top surface (14). The connecting device has a substantially horse shoe-shaped connecting element (16), provided with a slot (18) by way of which the connecting element (16) is slidable over the flange (8). The side of the slot facing the bottom surface (46) during use comprises a lower surface (19) which is inclined at an angle which is at least virtually equal to the angle of inclination of the inclined bottom surface (9) and, in coupled condition, abuts at least against a planar central part (9A) of the inclined bottom surface (9).

Abstract: A container for the storage, transport and consumption of a carbonated beverage, and specifically a carbonated malt beverage such as, but not limited to, beer, which utilizes a flexible inner container and a rigid outer container (often a wall of the dispenser) which is presented in generally close proximity thereto by having inner dimensions similar to the outer dimensions of the internal bag. In order to dispense the beverage, an external source of gas, which will commonly be carbon dioxide or nitrogen, is used to feed gas directly into the flexible container portion of the device and the beverage itself. This causes the interior container to push against the rigid walls of the exterior container creating pressure and dispensing the beverage.

Abstract: Holder (1) for beverage, comprising a container (2) manufactured substantially from plastic, provided with a neck (6) having an opening, wherein the container (2) is filled with beverage (3) and on or in the neck (6) a closure (15) is provided, through which closure extends a dispensing means (4), wherein the closure is fixed to the neck with the aid of at least welding technique and wherein a pressure device (9) is provided for pressurizing the beverage (3) in the container (2) for dispensing the beverage (3) under pressure via the dispensing means (4).

Abstract: A plug structure is provided that can be installed on a container in which the thread of a container inlet for installing a cap is an outer thread, and furthermore, bubbles are not produced at the fluid surface inside the container even during fluid circulation. In a plug structure that is used in a container in which the thread of the container inlet for attaching the cap is an external thread, that is installed on the container inlet, that is capable of removing a fluid inside the container by using the siphon hose method, and that is capable of circulating the fluid that is inside the container, a fluid circulation path is provided that causes a fluid that is returning into the container during fluid circulation to fall along an external wall of a siphon hose during fluid removal.

Abstract: Systems for storing beverages are disclosed, which include a container for storing, transporting and dispensing a beverage, e.g. beer. In some implementations the container includes a pressure-tight lid closure system including wire bails.

Abstract: Tapping device for beverage, including at least one beverage container, a tapping line and a tapping cock, wherein the tapping line extends at least to adjacent the tapping cock and a connector for connection of the tapping line to the at least one beverage container, wherein a cleaning element is provided in the beverage container or the connector, which cleaning element upon broaching of a beverage container is situated near an end of the tapping line proximal to the beverage container and is movable through the tapping line under pressure of beverage from the beverage container, while abutting against an inner side of the tapping line, such that beverage will propel the cleaning element in the tapping line, at least to near the tapping cock.

Abstract: A creamy foam beer dispensing system includes a coupler removably securable with a keg, a transportation tube, and a faucet having a handle coupled with a plunger communicating with the transportation tube. The handle is movable among a closed position, an open position, and a creamy foam position. In the closed position, the handle maintains the plunger squeezed against the transportation tube such that no beer flows from the faucet. In the open position, the handle lifts the plunger substantially, completely off the transportation tube such that beer flows smoothly from the faucet. In the creamy foam position, the handle lifts the plunger off the transportation tube a distance such that an aperture created in the transportation tube produces creamy foam flow from the faucet.

Abstract: A plug structure which allows attachment to a container whose cap attachment screw at the container inlet port is an outer screw is provided. There is provided a plug structure used for a container whose cap attachment screw of a container inlet port is an outer screw, configured to be attached to the container inlet port, and provided with a siphon tube for taking out liquid in the interior of the container including a plug body to be press-fitted into the container inlet port being resiliently deformable in a radial direction at a lower portion thereof, and a locking claw provided on an outer peripheral surface of the lower portion of the plug body so as to project toward an inner wall surface of the container inlet port.

Abstract: A bag-in-bag-in-bottle assembly formed by a flexible dispensing container with a dispensing fitment. The dispensing container is positioned adjacent or sandwiched between one or more flexible pressurization containers having a separate inlet/outlet path through a second fitment. The bag-in-bag assembly can then be placed in a containment vessel with the fitments mounted such that it is accessible on the vessel. A liquid can be extracted from the dispensing container by introducing a fluid into the pressurization container(s) with enough pressure to force the liquid out through the dispensing fitment. A contoured dispensing head may be coupled to the bag-in-bag-in-bottle assembly using a earn actuation arrangement for simultaneously locking the pressurization, vent and fluid extraction couplings.

Abstract: Various container attachable pneumatic fluid dispensing apparatus (20), which includes a variety of differently configured container adapters (40); a latching coupler (50) for connecting the fluid dispensing apparatus to variously configured containers; a pressure relief valve (90-120) and also an orifice (236) limit the pneumatic dispensing force; a hand-controllable valve (230) along with cylindrical valve body (70) direct the pneumatic dispensing force into and out of a container (30); a fluid dispensing tube (190) co-axially and slidably attaches to the valve body and communicates with the fluid (31) of the container, with space between its exterior wall and the valve body interior wall to provide a passage for the pneumatic force to enter and exit the container. The dispensing tube has a release lever (210) for dispensing tube adjustment or removal; a filter (320) in pneumatic connector (370) filters the pneumatic dispensing force.

Abstract: A tapping device, comprising a container with at least one beverage valve and a connecting device for connection to and operation of the beverage valve, wherein cooling means are provided for cooling the connecting device, wherein for instance the container is filled with fermented beverage, in particular beer, and/or the connecting device is at least partly included in a cooled space. A cooling line or cooling jacket is optionally provided around said connecting device.

Abstract: A reusable beer keg is disclosed comprising a hollow beer keg body with a dispenser tube assembly having a dispenser valve, dispenser tube, and a disposable bladder. The dispenser valve is releasably attached to a top portion of the keg body and the dispenser tube and bladder extend into the interior of the keg body. When beer flows through the open dispenser valve and into the bladder, the beer causes the bladder to unfurl until it contacts the inside surface of the keg body. When the beer keg has been emptied it can be returned to the brewery for reuse by cleaning the dispenser valve, dispenser tube and disposing of the used bladder. The beer keg body does not need to be cleaned, however, because the beer only comes in contact with the disposable bladder and not the keg body. The beer keg parts can then be reassembled, using a new bladder in place of the used bladder.

Abstract: A device (1) for dispensing liquids, particularly wine, from a bottle or similar container includes a body (2) designed to work with the neck (27) of the bottle and to cause the leakage of the liquid from a blowpipe (10) resulting from the supply in the bottle of an inert gas (eg. nitrogen) under pressure. Said body (2) comprises a first conduit (3), placed transversely and with a first opening (22) for the supply of the gas. Two further openings (20 and 21) are placed along the conduit (3) for connecting them with a second conduit (4) designed to supply the gas inside the bottle and, respectively, with a third conduit (5) provided with a blowpipe (10) for dispensing the liquid.

Abstract: A cap assembly is provided for a beverage container for withdrawing fluid from the beverage container. The cap assembly has a cap that is connected to the beverage container, a first tube connected to the cap to provide a pressurized gas to the beverage container, and a second tube connected to the cap to transfer fluid out of the beverage container. The cap has an end wall and a cylindrical sidewall extending from the end wall to define a cap cavity. The cap cavity has female threads adapted to receive mating male threads of the beverage container.

Abstract: A keg tapping system made up of an upper coupler and a lower coupler having, respectively, upper and lower housings and slidable upper and lower coupler conduits therein. The upper and lower coupler conduits each have top and bottom ends. The upper coupler includes a handle moveable between up and down positions. The handle is in operational contact with the upper conduit. The bottom of the upper coupler conduit is in operational contact with the top of the lower coupler conduit. Moving the handle between up and down positions causes up and down movement of the upper coupler conduit and the lower coupler conduit. In one non-limiting embodiment the upper coupler can be releasably attached to a range of lower coupler types.

Abstract: A creamy foam beer dispensing system includes a coupler removably securable with a keg, a transportation tube, and a faucet having a handle coupled with a plunger communicating with the transportation tube. The handle is movable among a closed position, an open position, and a creamy foam position. In the closed position, the handle maintains the plunger squeezed against the transportation tube such that no beer flows from the faucet. In the open position, the handle lifts the plunger substantially, completely off the transportation tube such that beer flows smoothly from the faucet. In the creamy foam position, the handle lifts the plunger off the transportation tube a distance such that an aperture created in the transportation tube produces creamy foam flow from the faucet.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system for dispensing beverage from a beverage container, having a dispense head adapted to be connected to the beverage container. The dispense head having a housing having a through-going bore, and an activation handle pivotally mounted to the housing and movable between at least a deactivated position and an activated position. The beverage dispensing system further having a replaceable connection unit adapted to be connected with the dispense head and having a hollow piston member removably insertable into the bore of the housing and a dispensing line connected to the hollow piston member, whereby the hollow piston member is axially displaceable between a deactivated position and an activated position, and when in the activated position, the hollow piston member fluidly connects the extractor tube and the dispensing line to dispense beverage from the beverage container.

Abstract: Systems for delivering coating compositions are disclosed. The system may include a support base for supporting a container of a coating composition and a pressure canister movable in relation to the support base from an open position to a closed position in which the pressure canister surrounds the coating composition container and forms a seal with the support base. The system may include a pressure canister that is movable from a delivery position in which the canister is pressurized to a cleaning position in which the canister may be cleaned by a cleaning fixture. The pressure canisters are useful in automated systems for delivering various types of coating formulations.

Abstract: A closure for a keg comprises a housing and a valve element movable within the housing between closed and open positions. A lock mechanism is capable of holding the valve element in the open position, to vent gas from the keg and to thwart unauthorised re-filling after dispensing. The lock mechanism comprises: a first part movable with the valve element that comprises a lock element engageable with the housing; and a second part that is movable with the first part when the valve element moves from the closed position to the open position during filling, and thereafter is separable from the first part as the valve element returns from the open position to the closed position after filling. Separation of those parts enables the lock formation to engage with the housing to hold the valve element when the valve element returns to the open position upon dispensing.

Abstract: A creamy foam beer dispensing system includes a coupler removably securable with a keg, a transportation tube, and a faucet having a handle coupled with a plunger communicating with the transportation tube. The handle is movable among a closed position, an open position, and a creamy foam position. In the closed position, the handle maintains the plunger squeezed against the transportation tube such that no beer flows from the faucet. In the open position, the handle lifts the plunger substantially, completely off the transportation tube such that beer flows smoothly from the faucet. In the creamy foam position, the handle lifts the plunger off the transportation tube a distance such that an aperture created in the transportation tube produces creamy foam flow from the faucet.

Abstract: A reusable beer keg is disclosed including a hollow beer keg body with a dispenser tube assembly having a dispenser valve, dispenser tube, and a disposable bladder. The dispenser valve is releasably attached to a top portion of the keg body and the dispenser tube and bladder extend into the interior of the keg body. When beer flows through the open dispenser valve and into the bladder, the beer causes the bladder to expand until it contacts the inside surface of the keg body. When the beer keg has been emptied it can be returned to the brewery for reuse by cleaning the dispenser valve, dispenser tube and disposing of the used bladder. The beer keg parts can then be reassembled, using a new bladder in place of the used bladder.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to novel and advantageous connector assemblies for use with a liner-based assembly. In one embodiment, a connector assembly for use with a liner-based assembly can include a pressure port, a dispense port, a headspace removal port, and a locking mechanism. The pressure port can be adapted for connection to a pressure source. The dispense port can be adapted for fluid communication with a source of material to be dispensed from the liner-based assembly. The headspace removal port may be configured for removing a gas from the liner-based assembly. The locking mechanism may be used for locking the connector to the liner-based assembly when contents therein are under pressure. In some embodiments, the dispense port and headspace removal port may be operably coupled providing a flow path for recirculation of the contents within a liner of the liner-based assembly.

Abstract: A dispensing assembly having a container containing a liquid to be dispensed and a dispensing tube bringing in fluid communication with ambient the volume inside the container containing the liquid. The dispensing tube has a flexible, resilient portion ending in an outlet of diameter, D, and is engaged in a pinch valve system. The pinch valve system has a squeezing member suitable for squeezing and obturating a section of the flexible portion located at a distance, h, from the outlet. The ratio, h/D, of the distance, h, to the outlet diameter, D, is not more than 2, preferably, not more than 1.5, more preferably, not more than 1.0.

Abstract: A closure (100) for a keg (14) comprises a housing (160) and at least one valve element (210) that is movable with respect to the housing. The closure also comprises a lock mechanism having a locking element (215) that is movable with respect to the housing and is capable of holding the valve element (210) in the open state. The lock mechanism includes first and second couplings (503, 505) at which the locking element (215) and the valve element are mutually engageable. When the locking element and the valve element are engaged at the first coupling, the locking element moves with the valve element as the valve element moves from the open state into the closed state. This movement of the locking element enables engagement between the locking element and the valve element at the second coupling (503), which engagement at the second coupling occurring on subsequent movement of the valve element into the open state to prevent the valve element returning to the closed state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and method for re-circulating high viscosity liquids. The apparatus comprises a recirculating probe coupled to a fluid storage and dispensing vessel by a connector, and the recirculating probe comprises: (a) a dip tube defining an output flow path; (b) an output port; (c) a recirculating port; and (d) a return flow path. The output flow path and the return flow path preferably have substantially equal cross-sectional areas, which reduce or eliminate the unbalance between the discharge pressure in the output line and that in the re-circulation line, and prevent premature wearing-out of the dispensing/recirculating pump.

Abstract: A fluid tank connector enables reliable separation of a plug and a socket by opposing the coupling force of a fluid sealing portion. The fluid tank connector is provided with a plug that is fit with play in the inner periphery of a fluid port of the fluid tank that stores a fluid, and a socket that is detachably connectable to the plug. The socket includes a sleeve that connects and disconnects the socket and the plug by being threadable on an external thread that is formed on the outer periphery of the fluid port. A pressing device is provided in the socket, and the pressing device applies a pressing force that separates the plug from the socket by opposing the coupling force of an O-ring that seals the fluid path between the plug and the socket.