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.

Beverages such as beer and soda which contain carbon dioxide or other gases may degrade in quality when subjected to atmospheric pressure, oxygen, and/or light. It may be desirable to store such beverages in containers which prevent exposure to these conditions. An aluminum can is one such container but is associated with the problem of resealing the can after breaking the seal. The described utilities provide for resealing, pressurizing, and/or dispensing from an aluminum can or similar beverage container.

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.

Beverage dispensing assembly, comprising a container and a tapping apparatus having a chamber in which the container fits and can be entered into through an opening closable by a lid, such that the container is enclosed between the lid and an opposite end of a chamber, wherein spaced apart from the lid and preferably at said opposite end of the chamber a first connector is provided, for feeding pressurised gas into the container through a gas inlet provided in the container, and at the side of the opening of the chamber a pressure element is provided for pressing the container with the gas inlet onto the first connector.

Beverage dispensing assembly, comprising a container (3) and a tapping apparatus (2) having a chamber (5) in which the container (3) fits and can be entered into through an opening (6) closable by a lid (7), such that the container (3) is enclosed between the lid (7) and an opposite end of a chamber (5), wherein spaced apart from the lid (7) and preferably at said opposite end of the chamber (5) a first connector (16) is provided, for feeding pressurized gas into the container (3) through a gas inlet (17) provided in the container (3), and at the side of the opening of the chamber a pressure element (19) is provided for pressing the container (3) with the gas inlet (17) onto the first connector (16).

A beverage dispenser with a variable pressure regulator cap assembly that includes a high pressure cavity defined by a cap body. The high pressure cavity receives pressurized gas from a compressed gas reservoir. A low pressure cavity is connected to the high pressure cavity via a high pressure gas passageway. The low pressure cavity defines a low pressure gas passageway that penetrates the cap body. A piston seat is positioned on a high pressure cavity side of the high pressure gas passageway. A piston regulates introduction of the pressurized gas into the high pressure gas passageway. A diaphragm is positioned between an ambient pressure cavity and the low pressure cavity and translates the piston relative to the piston seat. A main spring is positioned between a diaphragm and a spring hat. Rotation of the drive screw translates the spring hat to affect compression of the main spring against the diaphragm.

Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of apparatus, systems and methods relating to transfer of fluids to/from containers and/or storage/transport of fluids in containers. In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus comprises a container including a fitment having an opening. The apparatus may include a valve within the fitment. The valve may be configured to inhibit fluid flow out of the container. The apparatus may also include a transfer tube configured to be positioned through the opening of the fitment. The transfer tube may engage and open the valve to thereby provide an open passage to/from the container.

The invention relates to a cartridge system for making a beverage, the cartridge system being insertable into a beverage preparation machine and comprising: a cartridge that includes a reservoir filled with a beverage substance; and a cartridge receptacle, the cartridge receptacle including a mixing chamber that can be brought in fluidic connection to the reservoir and a fluid feed line extending into the mixing chamber, wherein the cartridge system has a sealing element, characterized in that the cartridge can be reclosed with the aid of the sealing element.

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. A spring biases the port against a periphery of the opening defined by the piston to seal the convex upper surface of the head portion over the opening.

The invention relates to a modified valve apparatus that resides on/in a pressurized vessel/container in which automatically releases pressure upon removal using a specialized tool, thus reducing the possibility for bodily/property damage as well as allowing access into the vessel/container.