Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed comprising an elongate body comprising a lumen and an output aperture near a distal portion thereof, a plunger positioned in the lumen and movable to a first position and a second position, and a toner path formed at least partially within the lumen and extending from a toner input to a toner path end located proximate the output aperture. When the plunger is in the first position, the output aperture is not fluidly coupled to the toner path. When the plunger is in the second position, the outlet aperture is fluidly coupled to the toner path such that a toner in the toner path can exit the valve assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for rapidly cooling beer flowing from a keg to a tap to be dispensed includes an insulated ice chest containing an open topped swirl pot in which is nested a cooling coil having an inlet connected to a keg and an outlet connected to a tap on a hollow upright structure fixed to the outside of an ice chest lid. A pump is connected to a stand pipe within the coil directing a flow of ice water under pressure to generally tangentially directed nozzles within the coil creating a swirl flow of ice water over the coil turns and overflowing back into the ice chest interior space holding ice to create a circulation therein maximizing the rate of cooling of the dispensed beer to minimize foaming when dispensed from the tap. A CO2 tank is also held in the ice chest interior space, connected to the keg via fluid lines and simplified hook ups to the keg are located on the lid mounted hollow structure.

Abstract: The push-button dispenser with compressed-gas capsule (7) for bottles (2) consists of a head which can be screwed onto the bottle (2) and have a lateral pouring channel (4), a push-button (15) on its upper side and downwardly projecting suction tube (11). The latter is intended to extend as far as the base of the bottle (2) which is to be fitted with the dispenser, and it opens out at the top into a valve device in the head. This valve device has a regulating means (39) which can be moved axially in relation to the bottle (2) and is biased in the closing direction by a spring (17), and can be opened by manual pressure being applied to the push-button (15) from above. This reduces pressure in the interior of the suction tube (11) to ambient pressure, as a result of which liquid is expelled from the bottle (2), by way of the internal pressure prevailing in the bottle (2), out of the lower mouth opening of the suction tube (11) via the pouring channel (4).

Abstract: A tapping apparatus (1), provided with a container (2) and a pressure control device (10) for controlling pressure in an inner space (3) of the container, wherein the pressure control device (10) includes a compartment (31) with a pressure medium therein and a dispensing opening (30) with a valve mechanism (12), wherein an operating element (15) is provided for operation of the valve mechanism by a user, for supplying an amount of pressure medium from the compartment (31) into an inner space (3) of the container.

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.

Abstract: Beverage dispensing apparatus comprising a self-regulating flow rate control means (5). It comprises: A pressurized container (30, 31) containing a beverage to be dispensed; A dispensing duct (1) defined by at least one wall and bringing in fluid communication the liquid beverage contained in the container through a first opening (1a) with the exterior via a valve (35) and out of a second opening (1b), for drawing beverage out of the container. At least a section (3) of the wall defining the dispensing duct is resiliently flexible and is such that its inner surface, facing the interior of the dispensing duct, is exposed to the pressure, P1, reigning in the duct at that level, and its outer surface, facing out of the duct is exposed to a pressure, P2, substantially equal to the pressure reigning in the container, the resiliently flexible section (3) being suitable for maintaining a substantially constant dispensing flow rate over a given range of operating pressure values, P2, in the container.

Abstract: A refillable material transfer system is disclosed having a portable constant-pressure compressed gas system for storing, transferring and dispensing viscous material, such as fluids and liquids, includes a material containment vessel with an upper region incorporating a motive force and a bottom region with a material ingress and egress opening. The portable constant-pressure compressed gas subsystem can be used with a fluid vessel, hand-held systems, a backpack system or other configurations.

Abstract: A dispenser using a stopcock valve has a first and second chamber. The first chamber has a flow material and is pressurized with air. The first chamber is connected to a stopcock valve that holds a second chamber which has a pressure sensor when the stopcock valve is rotated to the proper orientation. The stopcock valve is then rotated to a dispensing position where the flow material is dispensed under pressure to an outlet. By using the air pressure sensor and by taking into consideration the volume of the second chamber, the amount of flow of material can be dosed out consistently.

Abstract: The present invention provides an easy to use, convenient, compact, energy efficient, labor efficient, cost-effective, fast, safe, neat, electricity-independent, self-contained, portable beer dispensing device and system that uses CO2 or other acceptable gas to maintain the freshness of beer, presents a ready height and arrangement for dispensing chilled fresh beer, and can be used in a variety of professional, casual, indoor and/or outdoor settings. The present invention chills beer before it is dispensed but after it has been removed from the keg. The present invention incorporates use of a gas tank to propel beer from the keg, through the beer dispensing device and system so that the beer inside the keg will not go flat. The present invention offers a convenient arrangement of its components that simplifies its use, transport, set up, and break down. The present invention also provides a space efficient arrangement for dispensing chilled, draft beer.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser has gauges to measure the temperature of the beverage, in at least one embodiment beer, stored in a closed beverage container. The beverage is pressurized and a pressure gauge in the gas supply conduit line measures the pressure of the gas in the beverage container. A pressure regulator in the gas supply conduit line assists in ensuring that the pressure is consistent. The valve is closed during dispensation and the temperature and the gas pressure are measured immediately afterwards. By calculating the temperature change of the beverage and the pressure drop in the container, the amount of beverage can be calculated accurately. This in turn can be utilized to reliably calculate how beverage is left in the container and this information is then presented on a display, in at least one embodiment, as a series of indicator bars.

Abstract: A preservation and dispensing apparatus includes a pressurized gas supply assembly for pressurizing and dispensing fluid from a bottle in a manner that effectively creates a barrier protecting the fluid from harmful effects of oxygen. The pressurized gas supply assembly includes an inert gas output linked to the bottle via a dispensing nozzle secured within an opening of the bottle. The dispensing nozzle includes a connecting seal having a series of outwardly directed, flexible fins composed of a first material and an outwardly tapered seal member composed of a second material. The inert gas output includes a regulator assembly having a piercing pin that passes through an end cap of a gas capsule allowing gas from the gas capsule to pass through the regulator assembly. The regulator assembly reduces the gas pressure from approximately 2700 psi to approximately 5 psi in a single step.

Abstract: A pressure vessel, a system and/or a method dispense a comestible mixture. The pressure vessel, the system and/or the method are used to cool, freeze and/or entrain a gas into the comestible mixture before dispensing the same. The pressure vessel may have a lid and a body that are connected to form an air-tight compartment. The compartment is sized to receive a deformable bag of the comestible mixture. The bag has an opening to communicate the comestible mixture from the bag and/or the compartment through a hole in the lid. The pressure vessel, the system and/or the method has a compressor or other source of a compressed gas a hose to communicate the compressed gas from the compressor into the compartment. Further, the hose communicates the compressed gas to a freezing chamber and/or a cooling chamber of the machine. The pressure vessel, the system and/or the method has a tube to communicate the comestible mixture from the bag to the freezing chamber and/or the cooling chamber.

Abstract: The dispensing unit for a liquid container comprises an enclosure (21), an operating lever (22) externally coupled to the enclosure and movable between a closing position and an opening position and provided with a resilient member to return said operating lever from its opening position into its closing position, a dispensing spout (23) projecting from the enclosure, first and second liquid dispensing channels (24, 25) formed within the enclosure and the dispensing spout, respectively. The resilient member is a leaf spring (35) formed integrally with the operating lever and arranged to bear against the external surface of said enclosure.

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.

Abstract: A dispenser (1) includes a container (3) for the storage of a liquid, a gas cartridge receiving portion (5) for holding a gas cartridge (4) so that the contents of the container may be pressurized by gas in a gas cartridge, a dispensing arrangement for dispensing the liquid as a spray. The dispenser includes an activator (13) for moving a gas cartridge so that the gas cartridge is in position to pressurize the container, and an inhibitor (17) which inhibits movement of the dispensing arrangement. The activator is associated with the inhibitor so that movement of the inhibitor from the first to second inhibitor positions causes the activator to move the gas cartridge so that the gas cartridge is in position to pressurize the container.

Abstract: A fire extinction device includes a reservoir of extinguishing agent and device for generating a pressurized gas such that the gas generated may enter the reservoir when the extinguishing agent is to be ejected onto a fire zone. The extinction device also includes a refractory separating element between the extinguishing agent and the pressurizing gas generated, in order to avoid heat exchanges between the extinguishing agent and the gas and to optimize the ejection of the extinguishing agent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a concentrator solar cell which guides concentrated sunlight to a solar cell. The concentrator solar cell has: a substrate which has a solar cell mounted thereon; a light guide member which is positioned in the top part of the solar cell in such a way that the lower end surface thereof faces the solar cell; and a support member which is provided across the upper part of the light guide member and is provided in a standing state on the substrate. The concentrator solar cell is a hermetically sealed structure due to the substrate, the light guide member, and the support member.

Abstract: One possible embodiment of the invention could a filling station for fluid containers used in self-contained dental water supply systems comprising at least one pressurized fluid supply; at least one low pressure gas supply; the first valve circuit continuously connecting to the at least one pressurized fluid supply; the second valve circuit continuously connecting to the at least one low pressurized gas supply; the manifold that continuously connects to first and second valve circuits; a cap that attaches to a fluid container used in self-contained dental water supply system, the cap reversibly and continuously connects an interior of the fluid container to the manifold; an electronic control unit utilizing one or more timer circuits, wherein each timer circuit operates its respective valve circuit for a predetermined amount of time to deliver a predetermined amount of gas or fluid at a predetermined pressure into the interior of the fluid container.

Abstract: Pressure regulators for beverage dispensers of the type using a high pressure gas cartridge such a CO2 cartridge. The regulators provide a simple, low cost, easily assembled and reliable regulator of particularly small size, facilitated in part by the fact that the invention allows the use of a diaphragm of a particularly small size without necessitating the use of expensive and bulky diaphragm clamps, such as threaded clamps, yet is able to provide a more than adequate seal at both the inner and outer portions of the diaphragm.

Abstract: Devices and methods for extracting fluids from within a container scaled 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 can include a needle connected to a valve connected to a source of pressurized gas for displacing the fluid. Further embodiments 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.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension.

Abstract: The wine bottle sealing and dispensing device provides for the dispensing of wine from a wine bottle, or any other liquid from a corresponding liquid container, without exposing the wine or liquid in the bottle to environmental air at any time. The device includes a housing adapted for mounting above a cork of a corked wine bottle. An upper open end of a hollow needle is mounted in the housing, the needle projecting downward from the housing and terminating in a tip adapted for insertion through the cork. A first end of a spout projects outwardly from the housing, and a second end of the spout is in fluid communication with the upper open end of the hollow needle. A cartridge of pressurized, inert gas is mounted to the housing. The cartridge is in communication with an upper end of a gas conduit, which is mounted within the hollow needle.

Abstract: A foam pump including a pump housing with a liquid chamber in fluid communication with a foamable liquid filled container and an air chamber in fluid communication with a high pressure air source through an air inlet. The foam pump also includes a dispensing tube having a wiper seal post with a closed distal end positioned within the pump housing, and an outlet tube with an open distal end positioned outside the pump housing. The wiper seal post includes at least one inlet hole in fluid communication with the liquid chamber, and a check valve near the second open end. The foam pump further includes at least one foam screen in the open end of the outlet tube, a wiper seal slidably positioned around the wiper seal post and in sealing contact with the pump housing and the wiper seal post, and a spring bias to bias the wiper seal in an unactuated position.

Abstract: The compressed CO2 gas source is an insert that can be fixed in a sealed manner in an opening of the vessel. The insert has a high-pressure CO2 cartridge, a pressure-regulating valve for discharging CO2 therefrom and a control element that is accessible from the outside and that can be actuated to pierce the high-pressure CO2 cartridge. The control element can be automatically interlocked and blocked against further actuation after it has first been actuated.

Abstract: The fuel delivery system is assembled from a large capacity refillable fuel tank and a refillable pressurized compressed gas or air tank to provide a portable fuel supply system to deliver fuel to a variety of different vehicles and equipment without requiring the use of a manual or powered fuel pump within the system, providing the fuel delivery system without any need for a powered source to dispense fuel from the fuel tank, the compressed gas tank providing a positive pressure within the fuel tank to dispense the fuel from the fuel tank.

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.

Abstract: A portable beverage dispensing apparatus comprising, a spout assembly, a handle assembly pivotally attached to the spout assembly, and a first and second pressure regulator disposed within the handle assembly.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for dispensing a beverage from a pressurized container. The dispensing device includes an integral source of compressed gas for maintaining the beverage within the container at a desired pressurized state. The dispensing device also includes a regulator for controlling the flow of gas from the compressed gas source to the interior of the container, as well as a pressure relief mechanism that accounts for potential over pressurization of the container. The beverage is selectively dispensed by actuation of a tap handle. Delivery is achieved through the device by a resilient delivery tube, and the delivery tube is either pinched closed or allowed to decompress by the actuation of the tap handle. In another embodiment, a check valve is used to control flow of the beverage in which the tap handle activates a transfer rod to seat and unseat a check element. The device can be manufactured in either a unitary construction or a modular construction.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method and apparatus for gasifying and maintaining gasification of a liquid contained in a resealable container are provided herein. In some embodiments, a gas delivery system for gasifying a liquid is provided, including a storage vessel for storing a gas; a controllable release mechanism; and an output device for facilitating delivery of a gas from the storage vessel via the controllable release mechanism.

Abstract: Provided are a method and a device for discharging a fixed amount of liquid such that it is possible to divide and dispense a liquid material with a higher accuracy than is possible with conventional devices. The method for discharging a fixed amount of liquid uses a device provided with: a decompression valve for reducing the pressure of a compressed gas supplied by a compressed gas source; a discharging valve for controlling the flow rate of the gas decompressed at the decompression valve; a liquid storing container for discharging liquid from a nozzle through the pressing force of the gas supplied via the discharging valve; and a buffer tank positioned between the decompression valve and the discharging valve that has a volume greater than the volume of the liquid storage container.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an intermittent aerosol dispensing device, for application of a product to skin of a human being, where the aerosol dispensing device includes an intermittent injection mechanism located downstream of an aerosol valve of an aerosol dispenser and responsive to a pushbutton of the aerosol dispensing device, and the aerosol dispensing device further includes a pressure chamber. A ratio of an injection time to a stop time is set, in said intermittent injection mechanism, to 0.1 to 5.0, so that when said aerosol valve is opened a cycle of injection and stop is performed 1 to 25 times per second in order to obtain a cooling and/or massage effect on the skin.

Abstract: A container that dispenses a carbonated drink such as beer has a pressure regulator that controls the pressure of the dispensed fluid with a pressurized carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is released to maintain the desired pressure by a pressure regulator that opens a valve when the pressure is too low in the dispensed fluid and closes a valve when the pressure is high enough in the dispensed fluid. The pressure regulator is easily adjusted without the use of a tool during operation by simply rotating the pressure regulator's cap on its threads.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a sample volume defining device for separating at least one small defined volume of a liquid sample from a relatively larger undefined volume of said sample, said device including a first body and a second body movable relative to each other, whereby said first body has at least one cavity in a surface thereof, said at least one cavity having said defined volume. One of said first or said second body has at least one inlet opening adapted to be placed in a drop of the liquid sample. A defined channel is provided between said first and second body, which channel has fluid connection with said at least one opening and at least beyond said at least one cavity whereby the dimensions of said channel being such that said channel and said at least one cavity is filled with said liquid sample.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to limiting a presence of air bubbles in fluidic media in a reservoir. Air passages may allow air to escape from fluidic media in a reservoir. Membranes may allow for trapping air bubbles in fluidic media before fluidic media enters a reservoir. A membrane may allow air to flow from a first reservoir containing fluidic media to a second reservoir while plunger heads within each of the reservoirs are moved within the reservoirs. An inner reservoir with a membrane may be moveable within an outer reservoir to allow air to move from the outer reservoir to the inner reservoir. An inner reservoir containing pressurized gas may allow fluidic media to be transferred to an outer reservoir.

Abstract: A refrigerator having a door that includes a liquid dispensing system. A gas cylinder mounted on the refrigerator provides regulated gas flow to ports on the dispensing system. A bottle with a dispense head attached then can have liquid displaced by utilization of a valve component of the dispense head.

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.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for dispensing a beverage from a pressurized container. The dispensing device includes an integral source of compressed gas for maintaining the beverage within the container at a desired pressurized state. The dispensing device also includes a regulator for controlling the flow of gas from the compressed gas source to the interior of the container, as well as a pressure relief mechanism that accounts for potential over pressurization of the container. The beverage is selectively dispensed by actuation of a tap handle. Delivery is achieved through the device by a resilient delivery tube, and the delivery tube is either pinched closed or allowed to decompress by the actuation of the tap handle. In another embodiment, a check valve is used to control flow of the beverage in which the tap handle activates a transfer rod to seat and unseat a check element.

Abstract: A hydration system includes opposing flexible walls forming a bladder having a sealable compartment for containing a liquid. The system includes a drinking tube having a first end with a valve and a second end. A first port is configured to receive pressurizing gasses into the compartment. A baffle connects the opposing walls within the compartment. The baffle is configured to oppose expansion of the bladder as the pressurizing gasses are introduced into the compartment. A second port is configured to couple to the second end of the drinking tube to provide fluid communication between the compartment and the drinking tube. A third port allows the liquid to be supplied into the compartment. Activation of the valve unseals the compartment and allows the liquid to be expelled from the compartment via the second port and the drinking tube as a result of a pressurization of the compartment by the pressurizing gasses.

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.

Abstract: A preservation and dispensing apparatus includes a pressurized gas supply assembly for pressurizing and dispensing fluid from a bottle in a manner that effectively creates a barrier protecting the fluid from harmful effects of oxygen. The pressurized gas supply assembly includes an inert gas output linked to the bottle via a dispensing nozzle secured within an opening of the bottle. The dispensing nozzle includes a connecting seal having a series of outwardly directed, flexible fins composed of a first material and an outwardly tapered seal member composed of a second material. The inert gas output includes a regulator assembly having a piercing pin that passes through an end cap of a gas capsule allowing gas from the gas capsule to pass through the regulator assembly. The regulator assembly reduces the gas pressure from approximately 2700 psi to approximately 5 psi in a single step.

Abstract: A hitch mounted self-contained keg beverage dispenser removably mounts on a conventional receiver hitch of a vehicle for transporting a beverage keg over long distances to a site of use while maintaining the contents in a cooled condition and dispensing the contents at the site while supported on the transporting vehicle. The dispenser has an insulated container that receives the keg and is mounted on a platform received in the hitch and supported vertically proximate the vehicle rear bumper. The container may be secured to the platform in the vertically supported position and pivoted to an angular position to allow access to the vehicle cargo area. A compressed gas cylinder, a dispensing spigot and a drip tray are mounted on the container. The keg inside the container is surrounded by ice and connected with the gas cylinder and spigot by hoses extending through the container side wall.

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 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.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drinks container (2), produced from a thermoplastic material, in particular PET, comprising a tapping valve unit (9) and a CO2 pressurized gas dispenser arranged in the interior of the container for discharging the liquid of the drink and having assigned to it a pressure regulating unit (8), which releases the pressurized gas from the CO2 pressurized gas dispenser into the liquid of the drink as soon as the pressure in the drinks container (2) drops when liquid is removed. The intention is to provide a drinks container that allows a simpler construction and improved handling. For this purpose, the CO2 pressurized gas dispenser is a container (3) that likewise consists of thermoplastic PET material and is filled from the outset with CO2 pressurized gas.

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.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for dispensing a beverage from a pressurized container. The dispensing device includes an integral source of compressed gas for maintaining the beverage within the container at a desired pressurized state. The dispensing device also includes a regulator for controlling the flow of gas from the compressed gas source to the interior of the container, as well as a pressure relief mechanism that accounts for potential over pressurization of the container. The beverage is selectively dispensed by actuation of a tap handle. Delivery is achieved through the device by a resilient delivery tube, and the delivery tube is either pinched closed or allowed to decompress by the actuation of the tap handle. In another embodiment, a check valve is used to control flow of the beverage in which the tap handle activates a transfer rod to seat and unseat a check element.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for dispensing a beverage from a pressurized container. The dispensing device includes an integral source of compressed gas for maintaining the beverage within the container at a desired pressurized state. The dispensing device also includes a regulator for controlling the flow of gas from the compressed gas source to the interior of the container, as well as a pressure relief mechanism that accounts for potential over pressurization of the container. The beverage is selectively dispensed by actuation of a tap handle. Delivery is achieved through the device by a resilient delivery tube, and the delivery tube is either pinched closed or allowed to decompress by the actuation of the tap handle. In another embodiment, a check valve is used to control flow of the beverage in which the tap handle activates a transfer rod to seat and unseat a check element.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for dispensing a beverage from a pressurized container. The dispensing device includes an integral source of compressed gas for maintaining the beverage within the container at a desired pressurized state. The dispensing device also includes a regulator for controlling the flow of gas from the compressed gas source to the interior of the container, as well as a pressure relief mechanism that accounts for potential over pressurization of the container. The beverage is selectively dispensed by actuation of a tap handle. Delivery is achieved through the device by a resilient delivery tube, and the delivery tube is either pinched closed or allowed to decompress by the actuation of the tap handle.

Abstract: A preservation and dispensing apparatus includes a pressurized gas supply assembly for pressurizing and dispensing fluid from a bottle in a manner that effectively creates a barrier protecting the fluid from harmful effects of oxygen. The pressurized gas supply assembly includes an inert gas output linked to the bottle via a dispensing nozzle secured within an opening of the bottle. The dispensing nozzle includes a connecting seal having a series of outwardly directed, flexible fins composed of a first material and an outwardly tapered seal member composed of a second material. The inert gas output includes a regulator assembly having a piercing pin that passes through an end cap of a gas capsule allowing gas from the gas capsule to pass through the regulator assembly. The regulator assembly reduces the gas pressure from approximately 2700 psi to approximately 5 psi in a single step.