Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus may include a beverage dispenser and associated stopper. The stopper may be used to replace a cork, cap or other closure of a beverage container, such as a wine bottle. A needle of the beverage dispenser may be inserted through a passageway of the stopper so that pressurized gas can be introduced into the container to force beverage liquid to exit the container via the needle. The stopper may suitably seal the container after dispensing is complete, e.g., to resist exposing the beverage to oxygen.

Abstract: A system and method for dispensing sparkling and other non-pressurized beverages from a container. Sparkling wine and other beverages may be dispensed using a dispensing system that includes a stopper body that can be engaged with the container at the container opening. The stopper body may be arranged to introduce gas into the container during pouring-type dispensing, as well as re-pressurize and seal the container for storage, e.g., to keep a carbonation level of beverage remaining in the container.

Abstract: A system and method for dispensing sparkling and other pressurized beverages from a container. Sparkling wine and other beverages may be dispensed without removing a cork or other closure. One or more needles may be inserted through the closure and sparkling beverage dispensed through the one or more needles. The one or more needles may be inserted at an angle to the vertical or axis of the bottle opening in which the closure is positioned, e.g., to avoid contact with a metal retainer on the closure. Dispensed beverage may be directed to a pressurized reservoir to help maintain or recover carbonation prior to dispensing.

Abstract: A needle for accessing a container having a closure, such as a cork of a wine bottle. The needle includes first and second lumens each having a D-shaped cross section and a flat surface. The first and second lumens are attached with the flat surfaces in contact, and each lumen may have an outlet opening at a distal end. The needle may be used with a beverage dispenser that operates by introducing gas into a container via one lumen, and receives beverage from the container via another one of the lumens.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus may include a beverage dispenser and associated stopper. The stopper may be used to replace a cork, cap or other closure of a beverage container, such as a wine bottle. A needle of the beverage dispenser may be inserted through a passageway of the stopper so that pressurized gas can be introduced into the container to force beverage liquid to exit the container via the needle. The stopper may suitably seal the container after dispensing is complete, e.g., to resist exposing the beverage to oxygen.

Abstract: A decanter arranged to permit storage of wine or other beverage while isolated from ambient air and employing a variable size beverage storage volume. A valve may control flow past a piston as the piston is moved relative to a container to adjust a size of the beverage storage volume.

Abstract: Devices and methods for dispensing beverage from a container, such as a wine bottle, using a dispensing device. The device may automatically purge at least one conduit used to deliver gas to a beverage container or to carry beverage from the beverage container in response to detecting that a dispensing operation is about to begin, or in response to detecting that a dispensing operation is complete. Visual or other displays may be provided to the user to indicate that the device is ready for use in dispensing, that a conduit is in fluid communication with the container interior and/or that the device is controlling components to dispense beverage.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser having replaceable dispensing components allows beverage-contacting elements to be removed and replaced. A needle or other conduit arrangement may be adapted for replacement, and the needle may be adapted to be inserted through a cork or other closure of a beverage container. A dispensing outlet may also be replaceable, allowing all beverage-contacting components to be replaced. The needle or other conduit may be engagable with a dispenser body by inserting a distal end of the needle into and through an opening in the body. A dispensing outlet may secure the needle to the body in an operation that fluidly connects the dispensing outlet to the needle.

Abstract: A needle for accessing a container having a closure, such as a cork of a wine bottle. The needle includes one or more lumens which may have a screen to resist passage of materials over a threshold size from a distal end of the lumen to a proximal end. The screen may help allow a cork to reseal after the needle is withdrawn from the cork, help resist blockage of an opening to the lumen (whether with cork or other material) and/or help prevent foreign matter from interfering with operation of one or more portions of the dispenser (such as cork particles preventing valve from opening or closing).