Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved gravity dispenser for dispensing, inter alia, a concentrate to be mixed with a diluent. The present invention includes a feature for reducing spray caused by closing of a flow control valve. A projection or ridge on a surface of one of the parts of the flow control valve, which projection or ridge can include bevelling or chamfering, sweeps across the area above the dispensing orifice, thereby directing a fluid shock wave away from the dispensing orifice. As a result, the fluid shock wave does not reach the dispensing orifice, thereby reducing or eliminating potential spray through the dispensing orifice.

Abstract: Carbonated liquid under pressure is conducted to a point which is at a pressure close to atmospheric pressure without excessive loss of carbonation over a helical flow path formed from a tubular member having an inner circumference and a helical insert having a threaded portion disposed within the tubular member with the threaded portion and the inner circumference together defining the helical flow path. The helical insert has an upstream end formed with a pointed nose adjacent one end of the threaded portion and a downstream end formed as a flat tail adjacent the other end of the threaded portion. The helical flow path has a predetermined length and essentially constant cross section which tends to reduce the pressure of the solution without excessive loss of carbonation.