Abstract: A pressure regulator valve adapted to be secured within a container housing a beverage to be dispensed through the aid of pressure within the headspace (11) above the beverage, the regulator valve includes a housing (16) containing a piston (26) having one surface exposed continuously to the pressure in the headspace and the other surface being engaged by a spring (44), a source of pressurized gas (14) such as carbon dioxide is secured to the housing and includes a valve (60) which is activated by the piston which moves responsive to a differential between the spring force and the headspace pressure to open the valve (60) when the headspace pressure falls below a predetermined level to insert the carbon dioxide into the headspace to maintain the headspace pressure sufficient to dispense the beverage.

Abstract: A pressure regulator valve adapted to be secured within a container housing a beverage to be dispensed through the aid of pressure within the headspace (11) above the beverage, the regulator valve includes a housing (16) containing a piston (26) having one surface exposed continuously to the pressure in the headspace and the other surface being engaged by a spring (44), a source of pressurized gas (14) such as carbon dioxide is secured to the housing and includes a valve (60) which is activated by the piston which moves responsive to a differential between the spring force and the headspace pressure to open the valve (60) when the headspace pressure falls below a predetermined level to insert the carbon dioxide into the headspace to maintain the headspace pressure sufficient to dispense the beverage.

Abstract: When dispensing carbonated beverages, particularly beers and especially draught stout, it is desirable to obtain a close-knit creamy head. To achieve this a container (1) includes a separate closed hollow insert (5) containing substantially no oxidising gas and means (6) responsive to opening of the container (1) to provide communication between the inside of the insert (5) and beverage (7) contained in the body of the container (1) upon opening it to jet gas from the insert (5) into the beverage (7). The means (6) preferably has the form of a pressure responsive valve. The insert (5) may be arranged so that its internal pressure is increased after the container (1) is sealed or the means (6) may have a different relief pressure when initially inserted into the container (1) from that upon opening the container (1).

Abstract: When dispensing carbonated beverages, particularly beer and draught stout, it is desirable to obtain a close-knit creamy head. This contributes to a creamy taste and adds considerably to the customer appeal. To obtain this effect when dispensing from a can (1) it includes a lid (2) having a secondary compartment (4) formed on it and a non-resealable closure (3) in communication with the secondary compartment. At least one orifice (5) extends between the secondary compartment (4) and the inside of the container (1), and a liquid (8) is held in the secondary compartment. The container is arranged so that on opening of the closure (3) the pressure in the secondary compartment (4) is reduced to atmospheric with the result that gas or liquid from the main body of the container (1) is jetted through the at least one orifice (5) into the liquid (8) in the secondary compartment (4) to generate a foam in the secondary compartment.