Unitary Mounting For Fluid Pressure Inlet And Material Outlet Patents (Class 222/400.7)
  • Patent number: 8590566
    Abstract: A coupling device which is provided at a mouth 4a of a container accommodating a flexible container containing liquid and gas and which includes a plug 11 and a fitted member to be fitted in the plug 11, wherein the plug 11 includes a plug cylinder 11a, a liquid passage 16 communicating with the liquid and through which the liquid is let in and out, gas passages 17 communicating with the gas and through which the gas is let in and out, and fluid passages 19 communicating with a space between the container and the flexible container and through which fluid is let in and out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Surpass Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Hasunuma, Takashi Imai
  • Patent number: 8579142
    Abstract: An assembly of a container and a closure: the container comprising an outer shell having a neck portion defining a first access opening and a flexible inner bag having a neck finish defining second access opening; the closure being fixed to the container, said closure comprising at least two access ports positioned in front of said access openings and; the assembly comprising sealing means positioned between the closure and the container, characterized in that said sealing means comprise at least two distinct sealing members, one positioned between the closure and the neck portion, the other positioned between the closure and the neck finish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Anheuser-Busch Inbev S.A.
    Inventors: Sarah Vanhove, Daniel Peirsman, Vanessa Valles
  • Patent number: 8561853
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an airtight preservation system of a consumer fluid within a container, and in particular a system for the preservation of said fluid, typically intended for alimentary consumption, from contamination by contact with outside atmosphere, in particular during the phase of delivery. The system according to the present invention is of easy installation, by virtue of a compact structure applicable to any container size and of an operation marked by utmost rationality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Mauro De Mei
  • Patent number: 8561856
    Abstract: A beverage valve assembly includes a bottom wall section; a tubular part extending downward from the bottom wall section; an outer apron extending upward from the bottom wall section; and at least one positioning device. The tubular part has a top opening to receive a dispensing element. The top opening is arranged in the middle section of the upper outer surface of the bottom wall, and the tubular part has an upper inner tubular wall section with at least one sealing surface. The outer upward standing apron is arranged at a distance from the top opening of the tubular part. The bottom wall includes at least one valve positioned between the top opening of the tubular part and an inner sidewall section of the outer upward standing apron. The positioning device has at least one opening or gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Johan Bernard Kuperus
  • Patent number: 8561855
    Abstract: A fluid dispense system for use with a drum having a drum insert configured to couple with a bung included on a drum, the drum insert having an upper portion and a drum insert down tube extending therefrom into an interior of the drum. The system further having a dispense head configured to couple with the drum insert, the dispense head having first and second conduits, each having a valve assembly, the valve assemblies in operable communication with the drum insert when the dispense head is coupled with the drum insert. When the dispense head is coupled with the drum insert the first and second valve assemblies are effected to an open position enabling fluid to flow through the conduits. When the dispense head is not coupled with the drum insert the first and second valve assemblies are biased to a closed position inhibiting fluid from flowing through the conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Hennen, Barry L. Rauworth, James C. Linder
  • Publication number: 20130221029
    Abstract: A pressure dispensing container containing a liquid and closed by a closure having a first aperture offset with respect to the centroid of the closure's base is disclosed. The container is mounted on a dispensing appliance including a first tube to be inserted into the corresponding first, offset aperture of the closure. The closure further having a crenellation in its lower rim mating a crenellation in a structure for receiving the closure of the container. A closure holding structure is located in the holding portion of the appliance and is suitable for receiving in mating relationship the closure of the container such that the first offset aperture of the closure is in direct engaging relationship with the first tube of the appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Stijn Vandekerckhove, Daniel Peirsman
  • Patent number: 8496139
    Abstract: A beverage server system for extracting a beverage from a corked beverage bottle without uncorking the bottle includes a penetration element for penetrating the cork. The penetration element includes a beverage extraction conduit for extracting the beverage from the bottle and a gas injection conduit for injecting gas into the bottle. A gas injection port disposed in the gas injection conduit is located at a level higher than a beverage extraction port disposed in the beverage extraction conduit in the bottle when extracting the beverage from the bottle through the beverage extraction conduit. The beverage server system has a simple structure, extracts beverage from the bottle without causing contact of the beverage inside the beverage bottle with air, and is easy to operate, maintain, and introduce into a household.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventor: Ryo Nishino
  • Patent number: 8485361
    Abstract: The invention relates to an empty container (1) for receiving air- and/or moisture-sensitive compounds, comprising a connecting unit (2) and an inner volume of at least 300 liters and adapters for connecting the empty container, and to the use thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Evonik Degussa GmbH
    Inventors: Hartwig Rauleder, Ekkehard Mueh, Rainer Nicolai, Harald Klein, Reinhold Schork
  • Publication number: 20130175304
    Abstract: The invention is a closure for the aperture of a pressure driven dispensing container. The closure includes (a) an outer shell having a planar base including an outer first main surface and an inner second main surface. The base includes a dispensing aperture fluidly connecting the outer surface to the inner surface and receives a dispensing tube. An outer peripheral skirt juts out of the inner surface and seals the closure to the aperture of the container. The closure also includes (b) a flexible valve in contact with the inner surface located within the outer peripheral skirt and defining an interior passageway having a first opening at one end adjacent to and in fluid communication with the first dispensing aperture and having a second opening at the other end of the passageway, wherein the flexible valve is resiliently biased so that it naturally shuts and seals the second opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2011
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: Ab INBEV
    Inventors: Daniel Peirsman, Vanessa Valles
  • Patent number: 8348097
    Abstract: A beverage server system for extracting a beverage from a corked beverage bottle without uncorking the bottle includes a penetration element for penetrating the cork. The penetration element includes a beverage extraction conduit for extracting the beverage from the bottle and a gas injection conduit for injecting gas into the bottle. A gas injection port disposed in the gas injection conduit is located at a level higher than a beverage extraction port disposed in the beverage extraction conduit in the bottle when extracting the beverage from the bottle through the beverage extraction conduit. The beverage server system has a simple structure, extracts beverage from the beverage bottle without causing contact of the beverage inside the beverage bottle with air, and is easy to operate, maintain, and introduce into a household.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Ryo Nishino
  • Patent number: 8336734
    Abstract: Systems are described for delivery of a wide variety of materials in which liquid and gas or vapor states are concurrently present, from a package preferably including a fluid-containing collapsible liner. Headspace gas is removed from a pressure dispensing package prior to liquid dispensation therefrom, and ingress gas is removed thereafter during dispensation operation. At least one sensor senses presence of gas or a gas-liquid interface in a reservoir or gas-liquid separation region. A gas removal system including an integral reservoir, at least one sensor, and at least one flow control elements may be included within a connector adapted to mate with a pressure dispensing package, for highly efficient removal of gas from the liquid being dispensed from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald D. Ware, Glenn M. Tom, Paul Dathe, Amy Koland, Jason Gerold, Kirk Mikkelsen, Kevin T. O'Dougherty, Michael A. Cisewski
  • Patent number: 8322569
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an integrated valve regulator assembly that comprises an integral body having a base portion that includes an axis for mounting on and coaxially with the neck portion of a pressurized source vessel and an assembly outlet, a defined internal passage in the integral body that extends through and between the base portion of the integral body and the assembly outlet, a sub-atmospheric pressure regulator assembled within the integral body of the integrated valve regulator assembly, an isolation valve positioned within the defined internal passage of the integral body and located downstream from and in communication with the sub-atmospheric pressure regulator, and a filling port disposed between the axis for mounting on and coaxially with the neck portion of the pressurized source vessel and the sub-atmospheric pressure regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignees: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude, American Air Liquide, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Udischas, Denis Muller, Werner Schleser
  • Publication number: 20120248139
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: PAUL HASKAYNE, Robert W. Shettle, Donlad W. Smeller, Jarrell L. Jennings, III, Merrill R. Good
  • Patent number: 8240345
    Abstract: A fluid supply includes a container, a bag within the container and a cap. The cap provides a fluid interface in communication with an interior of the bag and a pressurization interface in communication with an interior of the container adjacent an exterior of the bag. The pressurization interface has a channel that concentrically extends about the fluid interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Ender, Craig L. Malik, Norman E. Pawlowski, Benjamin Zoladz
  • Publication number: 20120187153
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a refillable keg assembly for use in dispensing beverages, in particular beer. The keg assembly comprises an outer shell, and a collapsible container for holding the beverage, positionable within the outer shell. A sealed cavity is defined between the outer shell and the collapsible container. A beverage outlet from the collapsible container enables beer to be dispensed from the keg assembly, and a gas valve allows gas to enter the cavity. The pressure in the container is maintained above atmospheric pressure, and when dispensing the beverage, pressure in the cavity collapses the collapsible container and forces the beverage out through the beverage outlet. A gas compressor is connected to the gas valve, and is activated by a pressure switch to maintain the pressure within the cavity. To refill the keg assembly, the collapsible container can be replaced, and a new collapsible container filled whilst within the outer shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: COOPERS BREWERY LIMITED
    Inventors: Paul Andrew Burge, Allan K. Wallace, Scott Harris
  • Patent number: 8225959
    Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for extracting fluids from within a container sealed by a cork or septum without removal of the cork or septum or the contamination of the fluid within the container by reactive gases or liquids. Embodiments of the device can include a needle connected to a valve which is in turn connected to a source of pressurized gas for displacing the fluid. Further embodiments of the device can comprise additional components that act to force the needle to be inserted through the cork or septum along a linear path, to aid in preventing buckling of the needle, to clamp the device to the container, to prevent expulsion of the cork or septum from the container, and to guide the needle through a specified region of the cork or septum. Various valves, pressure regulators, pressure ranges, needle geometries, gas selections are also presented. This device is particularly suited for the dispensing and preservation of wine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Wine Mosquito, LLC
    Inventor: Gregory Lambrecht
  • Publication number: 20120181289
    Abstract: A plastic keg includes a liner including a neck portion and a body portion. A lid having an opening is disposed at least partially over the liner. A retainer is secured to the neck portion of the liner and aligned with the opening in the lid, the retainer including external threads. A locking ring having internal threads is secured to the external threads of the retainer. The internal threads of the locking ring and the external threads of the retainer include a ratcheting mechanism permitting attachment of the locking ring to the retainer and inhibiting removal of the locking ring from the retainer, the locking ring contacting the lid. A beer keg valve assembly includes a port having a head portion having a convex upper surface and at least one leg extending downwardly from a lower surface. The leg includes a stop surface projecting radially outward further than the head portion. A piston defines an opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: William P. Apps, Wayne Matthew Hansen
  • Patent number: 8147213
    Abstract: A device for guiding powdery fluidic media, in particular powder paint, including a receptacle which is provided with an inner chamber for the media which is to be guided, and from where the medium is suctioned via a connection channel which can be closed by a valve body. The connection channel and the valve body comprise, respectively, an upper end area formed in such a manner that an annular Venturi nozzle is formed therebetween which is used as a pump. The valve body is inserted in a sealed manner in the end region of the connecting channel by a sealing section when in the closed position thereof and comprises a conveyor gas channel which can impinged upon by conveyor gas, through which the conveyor gas can be guided to the connection channel in the vicinity of the sealing section, essentially, in the direction of flow of the medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Eisenmann AG
    Inventors: Erwin Hihn, Apostolos Katefidis
  • Patent number: 8127958
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fitting for a beverage container capable of completely preventing foreign matter, dirty water and so on from entering by eliminating a gap between a ferrule and an attachment member, and enabling a reduction in maintenance operations. The fitting for a beverage container comprises a ferrule of a beverage container in which a valve seat portion and an attachment portion are provided integrally, a down tube supported by the attachment portion, a gas valve fitted onto an upper end portion of the down tube, and a beverage valve provided in the interior of the upper end portion of the down tube. The gas valve is constituted by a metallic core metal 31a and a valve member having increased flexibility, and a plan outer peripheral shape of the core metal comprises a constant diameter portion 311 having a constant diameter and a small diameter portion 312a having a smaller diameter than the constant diameter portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Fuji Techno Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Furuichi, Hiroshi Furuichi, Motohiro Inagaki
  • Patent number: 8109115
    Abstract: Refrigeration apparatus comprising a cold storage compartment, accessible from the outside, and provided internally with a sealed container adapted to accommodate a flexible and compressible receptacle holding a beverage; there are provided pneumatic or air-compression means to generate a selectively controllable pneumatic pressure inside said container, but outside said flexible receptacle, and said sealed container is capable of being opened from the outside by means of a closure applied on a face thereof, wherein said closure is provided with a through-aperture, through which there extends a drawing-off conduit. Whenever a need arises for beverage to be drawn off the receptacle, a pressure increase is triggered inside the sealed container, and said pressure increase will act upon the walls of the internal receptacle so that the latter is caused to collapse and reduce its volume, thereby causing the beverage to be ejected therefrom and, therefore, drawn off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Electrolux Professional SpA
    Inventors: Ennio Pippia, Deny Longo
  • Publication number: 20110309109
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: HEINEKEN SUPPLY CHAIN B.V.
    Inventors: Helmut Paulitsch, Alfred Donabauer
  • Patent number: 8079500
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser for dispensing liquid from a container, includes an intake pipe to receive liquid from the container, an outlet to dispense liquid, a pressure supply mechanism to supply pressurized fluid to the container at a first pressure, and a dispensing mechanism. The dispensing mechanism is operable to dispense liquid from the container by reducing the pressure in the container to a second pressure, connecting the intake pipe to the outlet to dispense fluid from the container, and subsequently increasing the pressure in the container to the first pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventor: John Merlin Copplestone-Bruce
  • Patent number: 8079496
    Abstract: Combination of a dispenser (1) and container (7) for carbonated drink, the container being provided at the top with an outflow channel (10), extending in the direction of the central axis of the container, and a dispensing valve (11), closed under spring tension, for dispensing carbonated drink via a dispensing line (12, 13) connected to the outflow channel (10), the dispenser (1) being provided with a chill chamber (4) for accommodating the container (7) and with a dispensing head (15) with a handle (17) whereby the handle (17) is connected to an operating member (18, 20) that, during use, engages on the dispensing valve (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Heineken Technical Services B.V.
    Inventors: Engbert Hermannes Pakkert, Quintijn Innikel
  • Patent number: 8070023
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing assembly that is capable of dispensing controlled or metered portions of a beverage charged with a gas fits onto a shelf in a conventional household refrigerator. The beverage dispensing assembly includes a sealed disposable container assembly that contains the beverage and a dispensing assembly that cooperates with the container assembly to selectively unseal the container assembly and dispense controlled portions of the beverage from the container assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: On Tap LLC
    Inventors: Marc L. Vitantonio, William E. Rabbitt, John W. Nottingham, John R. Nottingham, John W. Spirk, Jr., Jay Tapper, John Replogle, Jeffrey M. Kalman
  • Patent number: 8056773
    Abstract: An assembly of a tapping keg with neck and a connecting device for placement on the neck. In the neck is at least one valve. The neck is provided with an outwardly reaching flange with a top surface and an inclined bottom surface. The bottom surface is inclined with respect to the top surface. The connecting device has a substantially horse shoe-shaped connecting element, provided with a slot by way of which the connecting element is slidable over the flange. The side of the slot facing the bottom surface during use includes a lower surface which is inclined at an angle which is at least virtually equal to the angle of inclination of the inclined bottom surface and, in coupled condition, abuts at least against a planar central part of the inclined bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Heineken Technical Services B.V.
    Inventors: Guido Petrus Johannes Van der Klaauw, Bart Jan Bax
  • Patent number: 8052014
    Abstract: A dual storage system-type fluid container in which a liquid pouring tube is securely fitted and a liquid discharging passage formed in a dispenser is easily and securely connected to the liquid pouring tube. A joint for the fluid container comprises a flexible bag (12) having a neck part (11) opened such that liquid can be poured through it and also has an outer container (13) for receiving the bag (12) with the neck part (11) supported by a mouth part (13a). The liquid pouring tube (15) having a flange part (15a) can be fitted to the mouth part (13a) of the outer container (13) with a retainer (14) placed between the tube and the mouth part. A flow passage (21a) formed in the dispenser (2) can be directly connected to the fluid passage (15b) of the liquid pouring tube (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Hasegawa, Toshiki Takedutsumi
  • Publication number: 20110232778
    Abstract: An assemlbly (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).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: HEINEKEN TECHNICAL SERVICES B.V.
    Inventors: Guido Petrus Johannes Van Der Klaauw, Bart Jan Bax
  • Patent number: 8015628
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dispenser for dispensing a composition in response to level changes in a liquid in a tank. The dispenser includes a container for holding the composition, a discharge conduit in fluid communication with the container, an air inlet in fluid communication with the container, and a level sensing member mounted to the dispenser such that a lower end of the level sensing member contacts the liquid in the tank and senses its level. In use, a rise of the liquid in the tank between a lower liquid level and a higher liquid level causes the level sensing member to alter air pressure in a headspace of the container above the composition and thereby cause a controlled discharge of the composition from the discharge conduit; and a fall of the liquid in the tank between the higher liquid level and the lower liquid level causes the level sensing member to alter pressure in the headspace and thereby causing air to be vented into the headspace from the air inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel N. Campau, Michael C. Fryan, Steven A. Zach, Douglas A. Soller
  • Publication number: 20110180569
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a container, in particular a large-volume disposable container, for example a keg (1) for accommodating liquids, in particular for accommodating drinks, and to an associated method for filling such a container. The container is provided with a connection fitting (2) with seal (3). Upon delivery of the container, the connection fitting (2) and/or the seal (3) define/defines a passage (8) which is closed when the container is dispatched.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Alois Monzel
  • Patent number: 7963955
    Abstract: Foil bags are used as a primary packaging for liquids, the bags permitting the liquid to be taken therefrom without the application of a considerable amount of force. A container is provided for a medicinal liquid, the container being gas-tight and liquid-tight so that it is storable over many months. The container includes a collapsible foil bag on which a flange, which is stable in respect of shape, is disposed. The flange is designed for fitting onto a discharge connection member. The container can be disposed in a casing which is stable in respect of shape. The medicinal liquid does not come into contact with air and is protected from the effect of light. The medicinal liquid may be dispensed from the foil bag in many partial quantities over a prolonged period of time, with a respective partial amount thereof being converted into an aerosol by means of an atomizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Freund, Dieter Hochrainer, Heinrich Kladders, Bernd Zierenberg, Joachim Eicher, Johannes Geser, Martin Essing, Holger Reinecke
  • Patent number: 7913714
    Abstract: A check valve assembly which in an open position allows liquid to flow in one direction through the assembly including a moving sealing member which engages a seal to prevent liquid flow in a second opposite direction. The sealing member may be moved into engagement with the seal by rotation of a stem with an eccentric to block flow in both directions. A check valve and shut-off device assembly which in an open position allows liquid to flow in one direction through the assembly until gas or foam is mixed with the liquid. The shut-off device includes a sealing member which engages a seal to block flow through the assembly when foam or gas is present in the liquid. The check valve includes a sealing member which can reset the shut-off device. The check valve sealing member also engages the same sealing member to prevent any flow through the assembly in a closed position. In an open position, the check valve sealing member may engage the seal to prevent reverse flow of liquid through the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Perlick Corporation
    Inventors: Gennady Arov, Larry M. Molinari
  • Publication number: 20110056998
    Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for extracting fluids from within a container sealed by a cork or septum without removal of the cork or septum or the contamination of the fluid within the container by reactive gases or liquids. Embodiments of the device can include a needle connected to a valve which is in turn connected to a source of pressurized gas for displacing the fluid. Further embodiments of the device can comprise additional components that act to force the needle to be inserted through the cork or septum along a linear path, to aid in preventing buckling of the needle, to clamp the device to the container, to prevent expulsion of the cork or septum from the container, and to guide the needle through a specified region of the cork or septum. Various valves, pressure regulators, pressure ranges, needle geometries, gas selections are also presented. This device is particularly suited for the dispensing and preservation of wine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventor: Gregory Lambrecht
  • Publication number: 20100320238
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a dispensing device for a dispensing system to be used in connection with dispensing of a beverage. The dispensing system comprises a beverage container comprising a beverage outlet, and a pressure medium, such as CO2, which is adapted to force the beverage via the beverage outlet out of said beverage container. The dispensing device comprises a coupling member, and the connection of dispensing of beverage and the connection of the flow of the pressure medium to the beverage container are effected by an essentially linear movement of the coupling member, and the disconnection of dispensing of beverage and the disconnection of the flow of the pressure medium to the beverage container is effected by an essentially linear movement of the coupling member. The disclosure further relates to a method for dispensing beverage from a dispensing system comprising a dispensing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Steenberg Poulsen
  • Publication number: 20100308084
    Abstract: The dispenser head (1) comprises a pressure medium inlet (7) communicating with a pressure medium passage for supply of a pressure medium to a beverage container. A pressure medium valve (39) is adapted to open and close the beverage passage, and a hollow beverage piston (9) is arranged to be axially displaceable between an open position, in which it may convey beverage from the beverage container to a beverage outlet (8), and a closed position, in which a beverage extractor valve of the beverage container is closed. The dispenser head (1) is adapted to maintain the closed position of the pressure medium valve (39) in the disconnected state of the dispenser head (1) and the beverage container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: Micro Matic A/S
    Inventor: Ken Riis
  • Patent number: 7815078
    Abstract: A tap having a body, a horizontal inlet, and primary and secondary downwardly-extending spouts, the tap having primary and secondary flow paths. The primary flow path is adapted to dispense a bulk portion of beverage and includes a horizontally oriented primary valve having a primary valve stem and a primary valve seal. The secondary flow path is adapted to dispense a foamed portion of beverage and comprises a flow restriction for inducing turbulence in a beverage flowing through the secondary flow path to produce foam, the secondary flow path including a horizontally-oriented secondary valve with a secondary valve stem and a secondary valve seal. The primary and secondary valves operate independently and have valve stems sliding on spaced apart axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Scottish & Newcastle Plc
    Inventor: Michael Robinson
  • Patent number: 7810679
    Abstract: A home beer dispensing apparatus has a keg having a self-contained bag filled with a beer and a pressure system. The pressure system creates a pressurized air space between the keg inner walls and the bag to assist in the dispensing of the beer. The pressure system has a keg one-way air valve mounted to a top wall of the keg to permit entry of pressurized air into the keg. The pressure system has a pressure reservoir mounted in the dispensing apparatus outside the keg and in fluid flow communication with the keg one-way valve. The reservoir stores a charge of pressurized air and supplies at least a portion of this charge to the keg through the keg air valve when the dispensing apparatus is operated to dispense the beer. The reservoir provides a reserved charge of pressurized gas that is on hand to reduce dampening pressure fluctuations during beer dispensing which can result in beer frothing, especially during the early stages of beer dispensing when the air head space in the keg is small.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A.
    Inventors: Albert W. Wauters, Ian Anderson, Edward P. Duffy
  • Publication number: 20100252584
    Abstract: A device for tapping a drink from a container (100) comprises: —a tapping head (10) comprising a body (12) and a piston (11) that is mobile relative to the body (12) along guide means (5); —a tapping duct (60) comprising a tube (13) to one end of which a pusher (14) actuated by the piston (11) is connected. Characteristically, the tapping device (1) comprises means (6) for irremovably connecting the tapping duct (60) to the container (100).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: CELLI S.P.A.
    Inventor: Goffredo Celli
  • Publication number: 20100252570
    Abstract: Bottom loading water coolers are disclosed, which include (1) a cabinet having an exterior portion and an interior portion; (2) a water bottle disposed in the bottom half of the interior portion of the cabinet; (3) a cold tank disposed in the top half of the interior portion of the cabinet and above the water bottle; (4) a bottle tray disposed in the bottom half of the interior portion of the cabinet that is configured to receive the water bottle in an upright position, such that the bottle tray may be reversibly pulled out of, and pushed into, the interior portion of the cabinet; (5) a pump that injects air into the water bottle at defined and periodic intervals; and (6) a specialized probe for transferring water from the water bottle to the cold tank (and for delivering air from a pump to the water bottle).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventor: George M. Yui
  • Publication number: 20100252585
    Abstract: Bottom loading water coolers are disclosed, which include (1) a cabinet having an exterior portion and an interior portion; (2) a water bottle disposed in the bottom half of the interior portion of the cabinet; (3) a cold tank disposed in the top half of the interior portion of the cabinet and above the water bottle; (4) a bottle tray disposed in the bottom half of the interior portion of the cabinet that is configured to receive the water bottle in an upright position, such that the bottle tray may be reversibly pulled out of, and pushed into, the interior portion of the cabinet; (5) a pump that injects air into the water bottle at defined and periodic intervals; and (6) a specialized probe for transferring water from the water bottle to the cold tank (and for delivering air from a pump to the water bottle).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventor: George M. Yui
  • Publication number: 20100243676
    Abstract: Tapping device for beverage, comprising 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 connecting means 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 connecting means, 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: HEINEKEN SUPPLY CHAIN B.V.
    Inventors: Bart Jan Bax, Helmut Paulitsch, Ernst Jan Folkert Van Der Wal, Antonius Maurits Willemen
  • Publication number: 20100181346
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: Eurokeg B.V.
    Inventor: Hubert Joseph Frans Hanssen
  • Patent number: 7721921
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cartridge unit for a beverage dispensing system with an inner channel for the dispensation of a beverage, characterized in that the cartridge unit comprises a first part, which is made of an inflexible material and a second part, which is made of a flexible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Adolf Ramusch, Peter Haefele, Marc Igerc
  • Publication number: 20100116356
    Abstract: A diaphragm for use in a valve assembly, comprising at least one sealing portion and a fixation portion, characterized in that the fixation portion and the at least one sealing portion are connected by a flexible portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Albert Wauters
  • Patent number: 7712631
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing device including a dispense head configured to be placed and secured onto a bottle of liquid in a manner which enables the liquid to be dispensed. The dispense head includes a stopper having gas inlets and a liquid intake tube. A gas intake and a dispense spout are also mounted on the dispense head. A valve assembly allows pressurized gas to be introduced into the dispense head and into the bottle of liquid such that selective channeling of gas or liquid can be controlled to flow through the dispense spout thus enabling either liquid to pour through the spout or gas to clear the spout. A system utilizing this dispense head and a method of dispensing liquid using this head are possible with this device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Napa Technology
    Inventors: Morris Taradalsky, Ross Rittiman, Edward A. Vetter, Benjamin M. Gallant
  • Patent number: 7712637
    Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for extracting fluids from within a container sealed by a cork or septum without removal of the cork or septum or the contamination of the fluid 1.within the container by reactive gases or liquids. Embodiments of the device can include a needle connected to a valve which is in turn connected to a source of pressurized gas for displacing the fluid. Further embodiments of the device can comprise additional components that act to force the needle to be inserted through the cork or septum along a linear path, to aid in preventing buckling of the needle, to clamp the device to the container, to prevent expulsion of the cork or septum from the container, and to guide the needle through a specified region of the cork or septum. Various valves, pressure regulators, pressure ranges, needle geometries, gas selections are also presented. This device is particularly suited for the dispensing and preservation of wine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Gregory Lambrecht
  • Publication number: 20100102087
    Abstract: The invention relates to a beverage pouring device in the form of a disposable barrel for the compressed-gas operated pouring of beverages such as beer, wine and soft drinks that are kept at drinking temperature, e.g. using compressed CO2. Said device consists of a multi-part container (100), a safety fitting (8) located on top of the container, a fitting pipe (10) that is immersed in the container interior and a detachable tap head that can be placed on the safety fitting or a connection piece that can be placed on said fitting during the filling process. When a lever is actuated, the head or piece displaces a seal that is situated in an external housing of the safety fitting, said housing connecting the safety fitting to the container body, downwards against an elastic force into a position that opens the liquid channel for the liquid beverage that rises via the fitting pipe. The device also optionally comprises a base and top ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Klaus Meike, Kasper Van Der Wiel, Stefan Nadenau, Bernd Schrepfer
  • Patent number: 7661564
    Abstract: A keg is formed from (A) a shaped jacket or liner forming a container, obtained from at least two nonsymmetrical parts (1a, 1b) welded together, one of the parts containing an opening provided with a neck, and (B) a filling/tapping device (3) positioned in the neck of the opening. The part of the container with the filling/tapping opening contains a riser or peripheral skirt (13) having a height at least equal to that of the outer part of the filling/tapping device and, optionally, sufficient to contain at least one cut-out forming a handle, and while the neck of the opening contains a part (9) extending inside the lumen of the jacket and having a limited diameter at its end (10), so as to permit passage and maintenance of the tapping device (3), and containing at least one other opening (11), advantageously on the periphery of the opening for passage and maintenance of the tapping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: ODIN (A French Private Limited Company)
    Inventor: Denis Delbarre
  • Patent number: 7604147
    Abstract: An interlocking collar (72) secures a bag neck (46) in a keg aperture (42) of an alcohol beverage keg container (22). The interlocking collar is mounted in press fit surrounding relation with a peripheral wall portion of the bag neck. The collar has an outer peripheral wall portion sized larger than that of a keg aperture. The collar (72) has a recessed groove (76) in the collar outer peripheral wall portion for receiving in press fitting and sealing relation a keg flange (40) that defines the keg aperture. The collar outer peripheral wall portion has a resilient edge portion (78) adjacent the recessed groove that deflects to permit the interlocking collar to pass through the keg aperture and receive the keg flange in the recessed groove. The interlocking collar has a plurality of locking passageways (80) placed around the interlocking collar and axially extending through the interlocking collar between the neck and recessed groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A.
    Inventor: Ian Anderson
  • Patent number: 7597220
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a coupler, which is used for discharging a chemical outside a container and includes an internal coupler unit and an external coupler unit. The internal coupler unit includes a mounting part and a coupling pipe. The external coupler unit includes a main housing. Coupling seats are formed in respective opposite ends of the main housing, and a side hole is formed in the main housing. The external coupler unit further includes a hollow rod member, and a hollow cylindrical member. The external coupler unit further includes a subsidiary housing fitted over the hollow cylindrical member, a fluid opening control unit, a pumping means connector, a gas injection means connector tightened into the side hole of the main housing, and sealing caps, which close respective openings of the pumping means connector and the gas injection means connector when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Aicello Milim Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jang-Wook Lim
  • Patent number: 7584873
    Abstract: A beverage container of the type having an internal CO2 cartridge, that is adapted to be tapped from the outside and to be connected to a constant pressure-maintaining mechanism, has a tap provided on the upper edge of the container. The tap: is connected on its inner end with a riser line; comprises an outside tube in which an inside tube is slidably arranged; has a terminal coupling of the outside tube that is located at the end of the riser line; and is formed so that the inside tube comprises a projection which closes the riser line when the tap is in its pushed-in condition. A tapping actuator on the outer end of the inside tube operates a plunger that is connected to a tapered member that cooperates with a correspondingly tapered seat positioned within the inside tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Inventor: Günter Grittmann