Fluid Dispensing Apparatus and System

摘要

According to a preferred embodiment of a first aspect of the present invention, a fluid dispensing apparatus (10) includes:
a cap (12) for covering the mouth of a container (14), first securing means (20) for, in use, securing the cap to the mouth of a container, a cover (26) on the cap for, in use, regulating flow of fluid from a container on which the cap is secured through the cap; a seat (16) for, in use, receiving the cap (12) or a container (14) to which the cap is secured therein; second securing means (28) for, in use, securing either the cap (12) or a container to which the cap is secured to the seat (16); a probe (34) located within the seat for, in use, protruding through the cover when the cap or a container to which the cap is secured is received in the seat, and thereby permitting access to the interior of the container; a gas conduit (36) for, in use, charging a container associated with the cap with gas; a gas valve (40) for regulating flow of gas through the gas conduit; and a sensor for sensing whether a container or cap is secured to the seat (16) which sensor causes the gas valve (40) to(i) open when the container or cap is secured to the seat; and(ii) close when the container (14) or cap is not secured to the seat (6).

主权项

1. A fluid dispensing apparatus including:
a cap for covering the mouth of a container; first securing means for, in use, securing the cap to the mouth of a container; a cover on the cap for, in use, regulating flow a fluid from a container on which the cap is secured through the cap; a seat for, in use, receiving the cap or a container to which the cap is secured therein; second securing means for, in use, securing either the cap or a container to which the cap is secured to the seat; a probe located within the seat for, in use, protruding through the cover when the cap or a container to which the cap is secured is received in the seat, and thereby permitting access to the interior of the container; a gas conduit for, in use, charging a container associated with the cap with gas; a gas valve for regulating flow of gas through the gas conduit; and a sensor for sensing whether a container or cap is secured to the seat, which sensor causes the gas valve to: (i) open when the container or cap is secured to the seat; and (ii) close when the container or cap is not secured to the seat.