A container such as a beverage container is characterized by a device arranged within the container to impart a laminar flow to a fluid being poured or dispensed within the container. The laminar flow device is arranged in either the central portion of the container or in a side wall of the container. In a preferred embodiment, the flow device includes a plurality of flutes which slow the flow of the beverage into the container. In addition, the container bottom wall is preferably concave to provide a smooth transition for the flow of beverage from the laminar device to the container bottom and up the interior of the container during filling. The laminar device reduces the formation of foam within the fluid during filling of the container. A flow director is also provided for connecting a fluid dispenser with the laminar flow device.

A filling valve for filling liquid into a bottle is provided that comprises a nozzle having an outlet on its bottom end and a seat on its interior surface, a stem arranged inside the nozzle and having a plug provided on its outer periphery, a helical vane provided on the outer periphery of the stem for inducing a spiral flow, and a bevel with expanding diameter in the downward direction is provided at the bottom end of the stem. The filling valve is closed when the stem descends and the plug makes contact with the seat. The filling valve is opened when the stem ascends and the plug separates from the seat. The bevel is extended below the outlet when the plug is opened. The liquid revolved via the helical vane and ejected from the outlet is spread by the bevel toward a bottle finish or neck.

A filling device includes a product space that ends in a filling valve with first and second valve elements disposed in a region thereof and moved by an actuator, a sealing face, a valve stem, a valve housing having a reduced-diameter edge, and a profiled plastic sleeve that runs over the reduced-diameter edge. One of the valve elements has a plastic lining. A valve stem forms one of the valve elements and the valve housing forms the other.

A filling element for filling a container includes a liquid channel configured in a filling element housing, a connector or inlet for feeding the liquid into the channel, a discharge opening for discharging the liquid into the container, and a liquid valve that controls liquid discharge into the container. The liquid valve is arranged in the channel and includes a valve seat and valve body movable to open and close the valve to engage the seat, and an insert configured as a swirl body or gas barrier. The insert is arranged, relative to a flow direction, upstream of the seat and is fixed in position in the channel so that it remains stationary relative to the valve body during opening and closing of the liquid valve.

A filling device includes a product space that ends in a filling valve with first and second valve elements disposed in a region thereof and moved by an actuator, a sealing face, a valve stem, a valve housing having a reduced-diameter edge, and a profiled plastic sleeve that runs over the reduced-diameter edge. One of the valve elements has a plastic lining. A valve stem forms one of the valve elements and the valve housing forms the other.