A fluid pressurization and dispensing system, including a coupler releasably attached to a vessel via an attachment means for securing a vacuum seal between the coupler and the vessel for maintaining pressure within the vessel, refreshing the gas composition within the vessel, and dispensing of a fluid contents externally from within the vessel without disturbing the vacuum seal. The coupler has a rigid single body unit having a tap head, a shank, and a cap which are contiguous thereof the coupler including a plurality of channels each integrally machined within an interior portion of the coupler. The system regulates a flow of gas from a pressurized gas cartridge via a gas pressure regulator, enables venting excess gas via a gas pressure relief valve, enables measurement of gas pressure within the vessel via a gas pressure gauge. Another embodiment of the system includes a coupler including a bi-level tap head.

There is shown a dispensing apparatus for use with pressurized containers of fluids, particularly carbonated beverages such as beer. A base that fits onto the container has a piston member slidably fitted to it, along with a compressed gas housing and a pickup tube or assembly. A handle moves the piston member with respect to the base against a spring bias. A gas flow path from the housing to the container passes through a valve, that is opened by the piston member as the handle is moved. Moving the handle opens both a liquid flow path as well as a gas flow path.

A fluid pressurization and dispensing system, including a coupler releasably attached to a vessel via an attachment means for securing a vacuum seal between the coupler and the vessel for maintaining pressure within the vessel, refreshing the gas composition within the vessel, and dispensing of a fluid contents externally from within the vessel without disturbing the vacuum seal. The coupler has a rigid single body unit having a tap head, a shank, and a cap which are contiguous thereof the coupler including a plurality of channels each integrally machined within an interior portion of the coupler. The system regulates a flow of gas from a pressurized gas cartridge via a gas pressure regulator, enables venting excess gas via a gas pressure relief valve, enables measurement of gas pressure within the vessel via a gas pressure gauge. Another embodiment of the system includes a coupler including a bi-level tap head.

Assembly comprising:a beverage dispensing line (20) defining at a dispensing end (46) thereof an inner circular flow area having a first diameter;an upstream valve part (26) connected to said dispensing end, the upstream part having an outwardly oriented snap lock member (44);a flexible downstream valve part (28) defining a beverage outlet at its downstream end, having an inwardly oriented snap lock member cooperating with the outwardly oriented snap lock member, the downstream valve part including a cylindrical plug (36) and defining a passage from the dispensing end past the plug to the beverage outlet, the plug defining a downstream section defining a second diameter larger than the first diameter, and defining an upstream section defining a third diameter equal to or smaller than the first diameter, connected to the downstream section, a tap handle (14) operating the downstream valve part between a dispensing position, an intermediate non-dispensing position and a final non-dispensing position.

A fluid line monitoring and control assembly for detecting foaming and terminating flow in a beverage line includes a valve and a flow meter, which are insertable in-line with a conduit connecting a storage vessel to a dispensing tap, such that the valve is positioned proximate to the storage vessel. The valve can close the conduit to prevent flow of a beverage therethrough. The flow meter quantifies flow and can detect at least one parameter indicative of each of a liquid state and a foam state of the beverage and generates first and second signals, corresponding thereto. A controller receives the first signal and the second signal from the flow meter. Foam in line programming code positioned on the controller enables the controller to selectively actuate the valve to close the conduit upon receipt of the second signal. The valve limits flow of the beverage in the foam state past the valve.

Assembly comprising:a beverage dispensing line (20) defining at a dispensing end (46) thereof an inner circular flow area having a first diameter;an upstream valve part (26) connected to said dispensing end, the upstream part having an outwardly oriented snap lock member (44);a flexible downstream valve part (28) defining a beverage outlet at its downstream end, having an inwardly oriented snap lock member cooperating with the outwardly oriented snap lock member, the downstream valve part including a cylindrical plug (36) and defining a passage from the dispensing end past the plug to the beverage outlet, the plug defining a downstream section defining a second diameter larger than the first diameter, and defining an upstream section defining a third diameter equal to or smaller than the first diameter, connected to the downstream section, a tap handle (14) operating the downstream valve part between a dispensing position, an intermediate non-dispensing position and a final non-dispensing position.