WO2019238309A1

WO2019238309A1 - Beverage dispenser with beer engine having an integrated valve

Info

Publication number: WO2019238309A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/061310
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nicholas Hill; James Hill
Original assignee: Harry Mason Ltd
Priority date: 2018-06-11
Filing date: 2019-05-02
Publication date: 2019-12-19
Also published as: GB201809529D0; GB2574601A; GB2590216A; GB202100292D0

Abstract

A beverage dispenser (10) is arranged to dispense a beverage from a bulk supply container (2). The dispenser comprises: a pivotable handle (12); a cylinder arrangement (14) in fluid communication with the container, the cylinder arrangement (14) comprising a cylinder chamber (16) and a piston (18) within the cylinder chamber; a valve (20) operable between open and closed positions respectively to permit and prevent flow of the beverage, wherein pivoting operation of the handle (12) is arranged to cause movement between the piston (18) and the cylinder chamber (16) and thereby to cause the valve to open and beverage to be drawn into the cylinder chamber, and wherein the valve is otherwise closed. The valve (20) is integrated with the cylinder chamber (16).

Description

BEVERAGE DISPENSER WITH BEER ENGINE HAVING AN INTEGRATED VALVE

Technical Field of the Invention

This invention relates to beverage dispensers. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a new dispenser that can be used with pressurised beverages or with unpressurised beverages.

Background

This invention has been devised for dispensing beer, and in particular (but not exclusively) cask ales. Typically cask ales are served from a cask without additional top pressure - such top pressure can be provided by adding a gas, such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide at the top of the beverage in the barrel. Beer dispensing systems for dispensing pressurised beers are known. Beers can be pressurised via carbonation within the kegs in which they are contained, or via an external pump in a beer dispensing line, or a combination of both. Typically in a pressurised beer dispensing line, a keg is connected through a pump, which pumps beer in response to activation of a button or other actuator near a bar’s dispensing tap. A check valve in the dispensing line is opened in response to activation of the button and the pressurised beer flows up the dispensing line and is dispensed from the tap.

Typically in an unpressurised beer dispensing line, e.g. when dispensing cask ale via a traditional beer engine, there is no gas pump in the line. The beer can be slightly pressurised due to secondary fermentation of the beer in the cask, but the amount of pressurisation is small compared to that within a pressurised beer line. The first fermentation happens within the brewery and there is a deliberate second fermentation in the cask. The beer engine is usually operated manually by operation of a handle, in response to which beer is manually pumped (via a cylinder and piston) from the cask to be dispensed via a dispensing tap. In such dispensing lines, there is no check valve (as such a check valve would cause undesirable agitation of the beer within the dispensing line). It is desirable to keep agitation of beer within the dispensing line to an absolute minimum until the beer is dispensed. At the point of dispensing, a little agitation may be desired to produce a good head - up until then, within the entire line, agitation of the beer is undesirable as it leads to reduced and unpredictable flow through the line, causing wastage and loss of revenue. Within a standard beer engine, the cylinder may include a non-return valve to prevent backflow of beer from the cylinder towards the cask.

In most cases, when dispensing beer or ale from a cask, a gas pump is used to help standardise the installation - i.e. the same installation method and apparatus can be used to allow for lager dispensing and for cask ale dispensing, which provides simplification for an installer. Therefore this has now become the industry standard. For cask ales to be dispensed via this method, a check valve must be used.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a beverage dispenser arranged to dispense a beverage from a bulk supply container, the dispenser comprising:

a pivotable handle;

a cylinder arrangement in fluid communication with the container, the cylinder arrangement comprising a cylinder chamber and a piston within the cylinder chamber; a valve operable between open and closed positions respectively to permit and prevent flow of the beverage, wherein pivoting operation of the handle is arranged to cause movement between the piston and the cylinder chamber and thereby to cause the valve to open and beverage to be drawn into the cylinder chamber, and wherein the valve is otherwise closed; and

wherein the valve is integrated with the cylinder chamber.

Advantageously, having the valve integrated with the cylinder chamber in such a beverage dispenser ensures fewer beverage line connections and helps to reduce beverage agitation.

Also advantageously, in response to pivoting operation of the handle, the valve is able to draw up beverage from the bulk supply container and is also able to resist a pressurised beverage (e.g. a pressurised beverage in a keg without a gas pump, or a beverage in a gas pumped line) if there is no pivoting operation of the handle.

Optional features are listed in the dependent claims. It will be apparent that any optional features can be used in combination with any other optional features.

The beverage dispenser may further comprise spring means arranged to urge the valve into its closed position. The spring strength or force is such that in response to pivoting operation of the handle, the spring force is overcome and the valve is able to draw up beverage from the bulk supply container. The spring may be arranged such that it is also able to resist a pressurised beverage (e.g. a pressurised beverage in a keg without a gas pump, or a beverage in a gas pumped line) if there is no pivoting operation of the handle. Pivoting operation of the handle creates a pressure difference sufficient to open the valve (by overcoming any spring force and also any beverage pressure in a pressurised beverage line).

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a beverage dispensing system comprising the beverage dispenser of any preceding claim and a first pipe arranged to provide the fluid communication between the container and the cylinder arrangement, wherein there is no valve in the first pipe.

Advantageously, the present invention does away with the need for a separate check valve in a beverage line. Traditionally, such check valves have been a common source of failure within the line. The exclusion of such a valve from the beverage line also advantageously reduces the opportunity for beverage agitation.

Another aspect of the invention provides an end cap for forming a cylinder chamber wherein the end cap is attachable to a main body to form a cylinder chamber, and optionally wherein the valve is located at or within the end cap; and further optionally wherein a flow guide is located within the end cap or wherein a first portion of the flow guide is located within the end cap. The features of the previous aspects may be used in combination with this feature.

The end cap may be sized and shaped to correspond to and fit with a cylinder such as a standard beer engine cylinder (e.g. ¼ pint or ¹/2 pint). The end cap may include a cylinder adapter arranged to tightly mount a beer engine cylinder.

Detailed Description of the Invention and Preferred Embodiments

Preferred and non-limiting embodiments of the various aspects of the present invention will now be described in greater detail, but strictly by way of example only, by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 a schematically shows a known pressurised line for dispensing a beverage;

Figure 1 b schematically shows a known unpressurised line for dispensing a beverage;

Figure 2a schematically shows a pressurised line for dispensing a beverage including a beverage dispenser according to an embodiment of this invention;

Figure 2b schematically shows an unpressurised line for dispensing a beverage including a beverage dispenser according to an embodiment of this invention; Figures 3a) and 3b) schematically show front and side views respectively of a beverage dispenser according to an aspect of the invention;

Figure 4a) schematically shows top, bottom and side views of a first portion of a flow guide according to an example of the invention; Figure 4b) schematically shows top, bottom and side views of a second portion of a flow guide according to an example of the invention;

Figure 4c) schematically shows top and side views of a flexible diaphragm, as well as components of a piston valve according to an example of the invention;

Figure 5a) schematically shows top, bottom side and perspective views of a first portion of a flow guide according to another example of the invention;

Figure 5b) schematically shows top, bottom and side views of a second portion of a flow guide according to another example of the invention;

Figure 5c) schematically shows top and side views of a flexible diaphragm, as well as components of a piston valve according to another example of the invention;

Figures 6a) and 6b) are schematic views of the flow guide of figures 5a) to 5c) illustrating flow paths therethrough in two different valve configurations;

Figures 7a1 to 7a4 (Figure 7a) show a cylinder arrangement according to another embodiment of this invention;

Figures 7b1 to 7b4 (Figure 7b) show a first flow guide body portion of the cylinder arrangement of Figure 7a;

Figures 7c1 to 7c3 (Figure 7c) show a first flow guide insert of the cylinder arrangement of Figure 7a;

Figures 7d1 to 7d2 (Figure 7a) show a second flow guide portion of the cylinder arrangement of Figure 7a;

Figures 7e1 to 7e3 (Figure 7e) show a second flow guide insert of the cylinder arrangement of Figure 7a;

Figures 7f1 to 7f2 (Figure 7f) show a diaphragm of the cylinder arrangement of Figure 7a;

Figures 7g1 to 7g6 (Figure 7g) show a valve spindle of the cylinder arrangement of Figure 7a; and Figures 7h1 to 7h3 (Figure 7h) show a spindle head of the cylinder arrangement of Figure 7a.

Referring to figure 1 a, and as described above, it is known to dispense beer from a bulk supply container, such as a cask (2), using a beer engine (4). The beer engine (4) is a manual device which is used to syphon beer from the container. A user, such as a bar tender, operates a handle of the beer engine in order to pull beer through a beer line (6) that joins the cask (2) to the beer engine (4). The beer engine (4) comprises a cylinder and piston arrangement such that when the bar tender operates the handle in a first direction, the piston moves through the cylinder and pulls beer into the cylinder from the cask (2). In this embodiment the piston is a tight, sealed movable fit within the cylinder chamber, as is normal for a cylinder and corresponding piston in a beer engine.

As shown in figure 1 a, it is known to provide a gas pump (8) in the beer line. The gas pump (8) helps drive beer from the cask (2) to the beer engine. In most cases, the beer line is quite long, for example the beer line may stretch over one or multiple floors of a building, and so a gas pump (8) may be particularly useful in such circumstances. If a gas pump (8) is present in the beer line (6), then a check valve (10) is also provided in the line (6). The check valve (10) ensures that beer does not continually flow through the line in the direction from the cask (2) to the beer engine (4) (due to a lack of any resistance to the pressure in the line (6)) when the handle is not being operated in the first direction, e.g. when the piston moves in its opposite (recharging) direction through the cylinder.

Referring to figure 1 b, there is schematically shown a known dispensing system comprising a cask (2), a beer engine (4) of the type previously described, a beer line (6) connecting the beer engine and the cask (2) and no other elements in the line. In this arrangement, there is no need for a check valve since there is no gas pump in the line. The beer engine is used to pull beer from the cask (2) through the piston and cylinder arrangement in order to be dispensed. The piston and cylinder arrangement may have a standard non-return valve arranged to compensate for a poorly sealed cylinder and/or to prevent backflow of beer from the cylinder. The standard non-return valve is not able to work with pressurised beer line systems since the standard non-return valve is not able to resist the pressure of a pressurised beer line without a check valve in the line - this is because the pressure within such lines is sufficient to open the non-return valve. The only function of the standard non-return valve is to prevent backflow of beverage from the cylinder back towards the bulk container. For traditional pressurised beverage lines, the check valve is provided separately in the beverage line and is usually operated by a button (or equivalent mechanism). Once opened, pressurised beverage flows through any standard non-return valve in the usual way.

Referring to figures 2a and 2b in conjunction with figures 3a and 3b, according to a first embodiment, the present invention provides a beverage dispenser (10) arranged to dispense a beer from a bulk supply container, in this case a cask (2). The bulk supply container may be a keg or other barrel in other examples.

The beverage dispenser (10) comprises a pivotable handle (12) and a cylinder arrangement (14), which is in fluid communication with the cask (2) via a beer line (15). The beer line (15) comprises a pipe. The cylinder arrangement (14) comprises a cylinder chamber (16) and a piston (18) within the cylinder chamber. The cylinder arrangement is a sealed cylinder arrangement.

The beverage dispenser (10) also comprises a valve (20) (not visible in figures 3a and 3b). The valve (20) is operable between open and closed positions respectively to permit and prevent flow of the beer. Pivoting operation of the handle (12) in a first direction causes movement between the piston (18) and the cylinder chamber (16), which in turn causes the valve to open (due to a pressure differential caused by the movement of the piston within the sealed cylinder chamber) and allows beer to be drawn into the cylinder chamber (16). Otherwise, without such pivoting operation of the handle, the valve remains closed - e.g. the valve remains closed even in a pressurised beverage line system (e.g. of the Figure 1 a, 2a type where a gas pump is present) if there is no pivoting operation of the handle to cause the requisite pressure difference (even when there is no check valve in the beverage line). In contrast, a standard check valve would not remain closed in a pressurised beverage line without a check valve - this is because the standard check valve is not designed to withstand a pressurised beverage; it is designed only to prevent backflow of beverage from the cylinder to the bulk container. The valve (20) is operable between open and closed positions respectively to permit and prevent flow of the beverage in both directions unless the handle is pivoted, at which point the valve is opened by virtue of the created pressure difference, and beverage flows from the container to the cylinder also by virtue of the created pressure difference. In this embodiment, as is usual in a typical beer engine, pulling the handle in the first direction causes movement of the piston in the cylinder chamber in a first direction (e.g. in use, upwards) and this leads to opening of the valve. The valve is urged into its closed position, optionally via a spring mechanism. The valve is configured such that any pressure in the beer line urges the valve closed. In normal use, it is only operation of the handle in the first direction that causes opening of the valve. (In a cleaning configuration, the normal use condition of the valve may be overridden as described later in this document. In some embodiments, there is no cleaning configuration.) E.g. while the handle is stationary, the valve is urged closed. E.g. while the handle moves in any other way, such as movement of the handle to return it to its original position, i.e. moving it in the opposite direction to the first direction, the valve is urged closed.

The valve (20) is integrated with the cylinder chamber (16). Advantageously, referring to figures 2a and 2b, the dispenser (10) having the integrated valve (20) means that a single dispenser (10) is provided which works with both pressurised (figure 2a) and unpressurised (2b) beer lines, and importantly, no further check valve is required within the pressurised line of figure 2a, even when a gas pump (8) is present within the line.

Being able to use the same beer engine (10) with both pressurised and unpressurised beers provides an installation, and maintenance, advantage for bar operators.

Furthermore, a very useful advantage of the valve (20) being integrated with the cylinder chamber (16) is that there are fewer connections (compared to known systems) within the beer line. For example, comparing figure 2a to figure 1 a, there is no requirement in the system of figure 2a to connect the gas pump to the check valve and the check valve to the beer engine as shown in figure 1 a, when using the dispenser (10) of this invention. Importantly, there is therefore less opportunity for the beer to become agitated as it travels through the line since flowing through a connection, or other disruption, can cause agitation. The less agitation there is in a beer line, the better. Increased agitation leads to inconsistent and inefficient dispensing of beer.

Typically, some agitation may be intentionally introduced at the very end of a beer line, for example with a specially designed spout. Flowever any agitation earlier in the line as the beer travels from the cask to the cylinder chamber and beyond is undesirable. Beer lines comprise pipes that come in a range of sizes. Example pipe internal diameters are 3/8", 1/2”, 5/16” and a number of similar metric sizes. Connections of these pipes to the components of a traditional beer line system are sources of undesirable agitation of beer flowing therethrough.

Another advantage of the integrated valve (20) is the space saving that is achieved underneath a bar. Typically, the space underneath a bar is limited and precious since it can become cluttered, especially in a busy pub. As shown in figure 1 a, in a typical pressurised beer line a check valve is required. The check valve is usually spaced from the beer engine’s cylinder and dangles nearby. The integrated valve of this invention avoids having a dangling, space-consuming check valve.

Referring to figures 3a and 3b, the beverage dispenser (10) includes a number of components which are common to standard, known beer engines. For example, the dispenser (10) includes a spout (22) through which beer is dispensed after leaving the cylinder chamber (16). The spout (22) is in fluid communication with the cylinder chamber (16). The beverage dispenser (10) also includes an attachment arrangement (24), in this case a clamp, for attaching the dispenser (10) to a bar surface.

The dispenser (10) also includes a standard link arrangement (26) for joining the handle (12) to the piston (18) in this embodiment. The link arrangement (26) is arranged to translate movement of the handle in the first direction into movement of the piston in the cylinder such that the piston moves in a first direction (in this case, upwards) in order to dispense beer towards the spout and replenish the cylinder.

In other embodiments, the movement between the cylinder chamber and the piston may be caused by a different link between the handle and the cylinder chamber - in such embodiments, movement of the handle may move or drive the cylinder chamber rather than the piston, which may cause opening of the integrated valve.

In any event, the skilled person in this field will be aware of numerous types of spout, attachment means for attaching to a bar, and link arrangements used with known beer engines that might be suitable for use with the beverage dispenser (10).

In this embodiment the cylinder chamber (16) and the valve (20) are co-housed. An efficient, compact dispenser is thereby provided. The valve (20) is located within the cylinder chamber (16) in some embodiments. An efficient, compact dispenser is thereby provided. The cylinder chamber comprises an inlet (28) through which beer from the container (2) enters the cylinder chamber (16), and an outlet (30) through which the beer exits the cylinder chamber (16). The beer exiting the cylinder chamber flows to the spout (22).

In some embodiments (not shown in the drawings) the inlet (28) is located on a side wall of the cylinder chamber (16). Advantageously, this feature provides efficient use of the space under a bar.

In this embodiment, the valve (20) is located within the inlet (28). Advantageously, this feature provides a compact arrangement with no excess pipes, no excess connections and therefore a reduced beer agitation risk compared to prior art systems. This provides an efficient, compact dispenser.

In this embodiment, the dispenser (10) also includes a flow guide (32). The flow guide is located between the inlet (28) and the cylinder chamber (16). In this embodiment, the flow guide is located between the valve and the cylinder chamber such that beverage is able to flow through the valve and then through the flow guide to the cylinder chamber. The flow guide is arranged to avoid excessive agitation of beer flowing therethrough, i.e. beer flowing from the inlet to the cylinder chamber. Advantageously, the effect of the flow guide is to achieve a smooth beer flow with low or acceptable levels of beer agitation (ideally no or little beer agitation). The presence of the flow guide provides reduced agitation compared to not having the flow guide in the dispenser. The flow guide helps to provide a compact, low agitation beer dispensing system.

Different example embodiments of the flow guide (32) can be seen in figure 4a to 4c and figures 5a to 5c.

Referring to the example of figures 4a to 4c, the flow guide (32) comprises two portions, a first, upstream portion (32a) and a second, downstream portion (32b). In this embodiment these portions are made separately and attached to each other for ease of manufacture. In other embodiments, the portions may be unitary or made as a single piece. The flow guide (32a, 32b) is generally cylindrical and has the inlet (28) at one end. The inlet leads to one or more flow channels which are located in the body of the flow guide, and the flow channels lead to the other end of the flow guide at which there is an opening directly into the cylinder chamber. A cylinder adaptor (34) may be provided at the other end of the flow guide (32) for secure and tight attachment of the flow guide to the cylinder chamber. In this embodiment, the flow guide (32a, 32b) has the same radius as the cylinder chamber. In other embodiments, the flow guide may have a larger radius than the cylinder chamber - this may allow more space for flow channels and greater throughput of beverage. In this embodiment, all parts of the flow guide are formed separately from the cylinder chamber and arranged to be subsequently attached thereto. In other embodiments, some or all parts (e.g. some or all of the downstream portion (32b)) of the flow guide are formed integrally with the cylinder chamber.

In this particular example, the first portion (32a) of the flow guide comprises a generally cylindrical body attached to the inlet (28), which protrudes from the cylindrical body. In this embodiment, the inlet protrudes in a direction aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body. In other embodiments, the inlet may be offset relative to said axis. E.g. the inlet may be offset by 90 degrees (or another suitable offset angle) in order to reduce the effective length of the cylinder arrangement and thereby save space under a bar.

The inlet (28) has a circular cross-section and has a smaller radius than the cylindrical body of the first portion (32a). In figure 4a, plan and bottom views (top left and bottom left respectively) of the first portion (32a) are shown alongside a side view. Fixing holes (36) run through the cylindrical body in a longitudinal direction and these can be seen in both the plan view and the bottom view. Fluid entering the inlet (28) travels through the inlet into the cylindrical part of the first portion (32a) and enters a first flow chamber 38 (inlet chamber), which can be seen in the plan view of figure 4a.

Referring to figure 4b, the second portion (32b) comprises a cylindrical body having the same outer radius as the cylindrical part of the first portion (32a). Extending from the cylindrical part of the second portion (32b) is a cylinder adaptor (34), which in this embodiment is arranged to be push fit tightly into a corresponding section of the cylinder chamber (16) in order to provide a sealed, tight fit between the cylinder chamber and the flow guide. In this embodiment the cylinder adapter comprises a cylindrical shape and is aligned with the longitudinal axes of both the flow guide and the cylinder chamber. In other embodiments, the second portion (32b) may be formed integrally with the cylinder chamber.

Figure 4b includes a plan view and a bottom view (bottom left and bottom right respectively) of the second portion (32b). As can be seen from the bottom view, fixing holes (40) extend into the cylindrical part of the second portion (32b). The fixing holes (40) are arranged to correspond with the fixing holes (36) of the first portion (32a) such that a fixing means, such as a screw can be passed through each fixing hole from the bottom of the flow guide through the first portion (32a) and into the second portion (32b) at each fixing hole location to securely attach the first portion (32a) to the second portion (32b) in use. The fixing holes also aid correct alignment between the first portion (32a) and the second portion (32b).

Referring to the plan and bottom views of figure 4b, five flow channels (42) extend through the cylindrical body of the second portion (32b). Referring to the plan view, a second flow chamber (44) (outlet chamber) is located at a distal end of the flow channels. Therefore, beer entering the second portion (32b) enters the flow channels (42), exits the flow channels (42) into the second flow chamber (44) and subsequently into the cylinder chamber (16). The flow channels (42) open directly into the cylinder chamber (1 6) such that agitation of the beer as it flows through the flow guide and enters the chamber is kept to a low level. The volume of beverage that can be accommodated in a normal, known check valve in a pressurised beer line system is about 12450mm³. Advantageously, the volume of beverage that can be accommodated in the flow guide of this example is about 83169mm³. This enhanced volume for beer flow leads to reduced beer agitation. In this embodiment, the first flow chamber has a volume of about 55422mm³, and the second flow chamber has a volume of about 27745mm³. In this embodiment, the cylinder chamber comprises a quarter pint cylinder such that each steady drawing of the handle is arranged to smoothly dispense about a quarter pint of beer via the cylinder chamber. The skilled reader will appreciate that other specific dimensions may be provided in other embodiments. E.g. the first flow chamber may have a volume of 25000mm³, and the second flow chamber may have a volume of about 15000mm³, giving a total volume of about 40000mm³. In other embodiments, the first flow chamber may have a volume of 100000mm³, and the second flow chamber may have a volume of about 60000mm³, giving a total volume of about 1 60000mm³. In other embodiments, first flow chamber may have a volume of between 25000mm³ and 100000 mm³ and the second flow chamber may have a volume of between 15000mm³ and 60000mm³. Different quarter pint cylinders from different manufacturers vary in their specific dimensions, although most are designed to draw and dispense about a quarter pint of beverage per single handle stroke. Half pint cylinders having larger dimensions are also available, and this invention applies equally to those. In general, the enhanced volume/ throughput that can flow through the flow guide compared to a standard check valve helps to reduce beer agitation.

In this embodiment the flow channels have a circular cross -section. On a known check valve, the cross sectional area of a through channel is about 38mm². The total cross sectional area of the apertures of the flow guide in this example is about 250mm², which leads to reduced beer agitation. In other embodiment, the cross-sectional area may be as little as 25mm² (the advantage of fewer line connections due to the integrated valve still provides an advantage of reduced beer agitation), or may be much larger, e.g. 500mm² or more it may be the entire area of the cylinder, e.g. about 2050mm² for a quarter pint cylinder, or about 3500mm² for a half pint cylinder.

In this embodiment the flow channels (42) are spaced radially evenly around the flow guide. Advantageously the flow channels (42) have curved walls to reduce agitation risk. Further advantageously, the flow channels (42) do not include any bends in them; again, in order to reduce agitation risk. In other embodiments flow channels which have some bends, but no sharp bends, may be provided in order to provide a working system in which an acceptable level of agitation risk is provided. In this example, the flow channels (42) extend directly aligned in a longitudinal direction with the cylinder chamber (16) and the inlet (28) and so agitation is minimised.

The inlet is connected directed to each flow channel in this example. The flow channels open directly into the cylinder chamber in this example. It will be apparent that in other examples different arrangements of flow channels may be provided, different shapes of flow channels may be provided, and different numbers of flow channels may be provided. For example, only one flow channel may be provided in some examples or two, three, four, six, seven etc. flow channels may be provided in other examples. The flow channels may be arranged asymmetrically. The flow channels may have a different cross-sectional shape, for example instead of circular, the flow channel cross-sectional shape may be oval or horseshoe shaped. The flow channels may not be identical to each other; there may be multiple shapes of channels in the same flow guide.

Referring to figure 4c, the beverage dispenser (10) further comprises a moveable or flexible valve diaphragm (48). In this example, the valve diaphragm is made of rubber and is flexible. Other ways of making the valve diaphragm flexible will be apparent to the skilled person. Other ways of providing a moveable diaphragm (other than making it flexible) will be apparent to the skilled person. Other suitable flexible materials will be apparent to the skilled person, such as any flexible food grade material, such as silicon or rubber or a combination thereof.

In this example, the diaphragm may be orientated perpendicularly to a beverage flow direction. Advantageously, having the, optionally relatively flat, diaphragm square/perpendicular to the beverage flow direction means that there is less stress on the diaphragm. The diaphragm is provided square on to the valve inlet/piston head. The diaphragm performs better and lasts longer as a result.

The valve diaphragm (48) is arranged to communicate with the valve (20). In this particular example, the diaphragm is arranged to move or flex in response to movement between the piston and the cylinder chamber such that the valve moves to its open position and beer is able to flow through the valve in response to said movement. In particular, in this embodiment the diaphragm (48) is located within the flow guide (32). The diaphragm includes five apertures (50) therethrough that correspond, in use, in location to the flow channels (42) of the second portion (32b) of the flow guide. The diaphragm (48) also has fixing holes (52) arranged around its circumference and which are aligned with the fixing holes (36, 40) of the flow guide (32). The diaphragm (48) is therefore arranged to be located between the first portion (32a) and the second portion (32b) of the flow guide with fixing holes (52, 40, 36) aligned and with flow apertures (50) of the diaphragm and flow channels (42) of the flow guide aligned.

The diaphragm of this example is an efficient means for moving the valve. In other embodiments, the skilled person may realise another non-diaphragm system for operating the valve via the handle.

In this embodiment the generally flat circular diaphragm has a stepped part (51 ). The step (51 ) comprises an annular step and corresponds to a corresponding annular seat (49) located in the top of the first portion (32a) of the flow guide. The step and seat provide an effective locating means for accurately and tightly locating the diaphragm relative to the flow guide. In other embodiments, other locating means achieving the same effect will be apparent to the skilled person. For example, in other embodiments, an annular seat may not be required. In some embodiments, the diaphragm may simply be clamped between different portions of the flow guide. In other embodiments, the diaphragm is a flat, non- stepped part. The flow channels (42) are not formed in the central part of the flow guide. Instead, in this example, they are formed in a ring around the central part of the flow guide. The central part is left vacant for accommodating valve components as will be described in more detail below. The diaphragm (48) includes a central valve aperture (53), whose purpose will become apparent.

The valve (20) comprises a valve plug-and-seat type valve in which the valve is in its closed position when the valve plug is located within the valve seat and the valve is in its open position when the valve plug is moved from the valve seat. As shown in figure 4c, the valve comprises standard valve components for this type of valve. In particular, the valve (20) includes a valve piston (54) having a valve plug (56) located on a piston rod (58). At one end of the valve piston (54), is provided a fixing head (60) which is arranged to be located on one side, an upper side, of the diaphragm (48) in use, whilst the valve plug (56) is located on the other side of the diaphragm in use. The piston rod (58) locates through the central valve aperture (53), with the fixing head (60) on one side and the plug (56) on the other side. The valve plug (56) is arranged to correspond to a valve seat which is defined by walls of the cylinder inlet (28). The valve plug (56) in this embodiment is about the same size as the valve seat. In other embodiments, the valve plug (56) may be oversized relative to the valve seat; in particular, the valve plug may have an oversized head on its downstream side, i.e. against which a pressurised beverage contained in the bulk container can push - a pressurised beverage may then even more effectively push against the valve plug to urge it closed (when the handle is not being pivoted; when the handle is being pivoted, the resultant pressure change in the cylinder chamber is sufficient to open the valve (by overcoming spring force and also any beverage pressure in a pressurised beverage line). In this embodiment, a particularly efficient valve and cylinder inlet arrangement is provided. In other embodiments other arrangements which are within the scope of this invention will be apparent to the skilled person.

In use, as the piston (18) is drawn up by movement of the pivotable handle (12) through the cylinder chamber (16), a pressure differential is created which causes the diaphragm to flex downwards away from the cylinder chamber. In its datum position, the piston (54) is spring loaded such that it is urged towards its closed position in which the valve plug (56) is in engagement with the valve seat (not shown) such that the valve is closed and beer is not allowed to flow through the inlet into the cylinder. When the pressure differential that pushes the diaphragm away from the cylinder chamber is created, the valve plug (56) leaves the valve seat and the valve moves to its open position. In the open position, beer is sucked through the cylinder inlet by movement of the piston through the cylinder chamber and enters the cylinder chamber as beer exits the cylinder chamber at its other end towards the spout.

Beer entering the inlet flows through the first flow chamber (38) since the cylinder inlet leads directly to the first flow chamber (38). From there, beer flows through the diaphragm (through flow apertures (50)) and into the second flow chamber (44) via the flow apertures (42).

Throughout this flow process, a smooth flow is ensured by having a reduced number of connections relative to prior art systems (no check valve required), the presence of the flow guide to smoothly guide beer flowing from the cylinder inlet (28) to the cylinder chamber, having a large flow area (large first and second flow chambers and large total cross-section of flow channels) and smooth flow channels and smooth flow chambers. All of these features in isolation provide reduced agitation of the flowing beer, and all of these features in combination also provide reduced agitation of the flowing beer.

In this example, the cylinder arrangement (14) comprises an end cap. The end cap is made up of the first portion (32a) and the second portion (32b) of the flow guide when they are attached to each other. The end cap provides a convenient mechanism for manufacture of the inventive beverage dispenser (10). The end cap can be attached to a standard cylinder chamber of a beer engine. In other embodiments, the flow guide and cylinder chamber may be formed as one piece.

Advantageously, there is no requirement to have a check valve in the pipe that is located between the cask and the cylinder arrangement. Such check valves fail regularly and require regular replacement. Also, as previously described importantly, any additional connection introduces undesirable beer agitation into the line.

In some embodiments, there may be provided an override mechanism which is useful for example for cleaning the beer line. The override mechanism may be arranged to force the valve into its open position independently of the operation of the handle. This may be achieved in some examples by forcibly flexing the diaphragm without having to operate the handle, so that the valve moves to its open position. In this example, the radius of each flow channel is about 4mm in this example. Other radii clearly can be used and will be apparent to the skilled person. No-circular flow channels may alternatively or also be used, and may be preferred in some cases.

This invention works particularly well with one quarter pint cylinder chambers. The invention works also with half pint cylinder chambers.

Referring to figures 5a to 5c, a further example of a flow guide is shown. The first portion (32a) of the flow guide is connected to the second portion (32b) in a similar manner to that described in relation to figures 4a to 4c.

The difference with the flow guide of figures 5a to 5c is that the flow channels do not extend simply in a straight line direction from the inlet (28) to the cylinder chamber in an aligned longitudinal direction. Instead, flow channels (60) are directly connected to the inlet (28) in the first portion (32a) of the flow guide and lead to the first flow chamber (38). From the first flow chamber, beer is directed through further flow channels (62) which are formed at the circumference of the cylindrical body of the first portion (32a) of the flow guide in between the fixing holes (36).

The diaphragm (48) has correspondingly located flow apertures (64) through which the beer flows.

The top portion (32b) of the flow guide has correspondingly located flow apertures (66), which lead to five axially spaced flow channels (68) formed in an upper surface of the second portion (32b) of the flow guide. The flow channels (68) have curved surfaces and curved ends (70) in order to mitigate agitation of beer flowing therethrough. The flow channels (68) open directly into the cylinder chamber via the second flow chamber (44) of the flow guide.

The direct connections between the inlet, the valve, the flow guide and the cylinder chamber mean that no external pipes or other connectors are required. This means that beer agitation is reduced and an efficient, desirable flow is provided.

As a result of the above configuration, a smooth flow path is provided for beer from the inlet (28) into the cylinder chamber. In this particular example, the beer flows in a non linear path compared to the first example (figures 4a to 4c) but features have been designed with beer agitation in mind so that beer agitation is kept to an acceptable level. Again in this embodiment, the diaphragm is a flexible diaphragm, in this example made of rubber, and the valve is operated in the same way as in the previously described example. Figures 6a and 6b schematically illustrate for the example of figures 5a to 5c flow paths (shown in dotted lines) through the flow guide. Figure 6a shows the diaphragm (48) in its unflexed configuration such that the valve (20) is closed and beer is not allowed to flow along the dotted line flow paths. Figure 6b shows the diaphragm (48) in its flexed configuration such that the valve is open (the valve plug is out of the valve seat) such that beer is able to flow through the inlet (28) along the dotted line flow channels. These figures are schematic only and are neither to scale nor an accurate representation of the precise flow paths.

Another embodiment of the invention will now be described. Many features of this embodiment are similar to those described previously, and they are disclosed in combination with features of preceding embodiments where the skilled reader is able to envisage working alternatives without undue burden. Similar features differ in their reference numeral by 100 in this embodiment. For conciseness, similar features (and options for alternatives to those features) are not described in detail again in this embodiment. It will be understood that such features and alternatives are within the scope of the claims.

Figures 7a to 7h show various components of a beverage dispenser of this further embodiment.

In the figures showing this embodiment, exemplary dimensions (in mm) are included. The skilled person will understand that these dimensions do not limit the scope of protection being sought; clearly the invention described herein can be applied to components having different dimensions - the skilled person in this field is aware of this.

The beverage dispenser comprises a pivotable handle (not shown) and a cylinder arrangement (1 14), which is in fluid communication with the cask (2) via the beer line (15). The beer line (15) comprises a pipe. The cylinder arrangement (1 14) comprises a cylinder chamber (1 16) and a piston (not shown) within the cylinder chamber. The cylinder arrangement is a sealed cylinder arrangement. Elements of the beverage dispense that are not shown work in the same way as similar elements in the previously described embodiments. The beverage dispenser also comprises a valve (120). The valve (120) is operable between open and closed positions respectively to permit and prevent flow of the beer. Pivoting operation of the handle in a first direction causes movement between the piston and the cylinder chamber (1 16), which in turn causes the valve to open (due to a pressure differential caused by the movement of the piston within the sealed cylinder chamber) and allows beer to be drawn into the cylinder chamber (116). Otherwise, without such pivoting operation of the handle, the valve remains closed - e.g. the valve remains closed even in a pressurised beverage line system (e.g. of the Figure 1 a, 2a type where a gas pump is present) if there is no pivoting operation of the handle to cause the requisite pressure difference (even when there is no check valve in the beverage line). In contrast, a standard check valve would not remain closed in a pressurised beverage line without a check valve - this is because the standard check valve is not designed to withstand a pressurised beverage; it is designed only to prevent backflow of beverage from the cylinder to the bulk container. The valve (120) is operable between open and closed positions respectively to permit and prevent flow of the beverage in both directions unless the handle is pivoted, at which point the valve is opened by virtue of the created pressure difference, and beverage flows from the container to the cylinder also by virtue of the created pressure difference.

In this embodiment, as is usual in a typical beer engine, pulling the handle in the first direction causes movement of the piston in the cylinder chamber in a first direction (e.g. in use, upwards) and this leads to opening of the valve. The valve is urged into its closed position, optionally via a spring mechanism. The valve is configured such that any pressure in the beer line further urges the valve closed. In normal use, it is only operation of the handle in the first direction that causes opening of the valve. (In a cleaning configuration, the normal use condition of the valve may be overridden as described previously. In some embodiments, there is no cleaning configuration.) E.g. while the handle is stationary, the valve is urged closed. E.g. while the handle moves in any other way, such as movement of the handle to return it to its original position, i.e. moving it in the opposite direction to the first direction, the valve is urged closed.

The valve (20) is integrated with the cylinder chamber (1 16) as shown in figure 7a1. Advantageously, referring to figures 2a and 2b, the dispenser having the integrated valve (120) means that a single dispenser is provided which works with both pressurised (figure 2a) and unpressurised (2b) beer lines, and importantly, no further check valve is required within the pressurised line of figure 2a, even when a gas pump (8) is present within the line.

Being able to use the same beer engine with both pressurised and unpressurised beers provides advantages for bar operators as described in detail above. The advantages associated with previously described embodiments are also provided by this embodiment.

Furthermore, a very useful advantage of the valve (120) being integrated with the cylinder chamber (1 16) is that there are fewer connections (compared to known systems) within the beer line as described previously.

Another advantage of the integrated valve (120) is the space saving that is achieved underneath a bar, as described previously.

The beverage dispenser includes a number of components which are common to standard, known beer engines. For example, the dispenser includes a standard spout (not shown) through which beer is dispensed after leaving the cylinder chamber (116). The beverage dispenser also includes an attachment arrangement (not shown), in this case a clamp, for attaching the dispenser to a bar surface.

The dispenser also includes a standard link arrangement (not shown) for joining the handle to the piston. The link arrangement is arranged to translate movement of the handle in the first direction into movement of the piston in the cylinder such that the piston moves in a first direction (in this case, upwards) in order to dispense beer towards the spout and replenish the cylinder.

In any event, the skilled person in this field will be aware of numerous types of spout, attachment means for attaching to a bar, and link arrangements used with known beer engines that might be suitable for use with the beverage dispenser of this embodiment.

In this embodiment the cylinder chamber (116) and the valve (120) are co-housed. The valve (120) is located within the cylinder chamber (116) in some embodiments. The cylinder chamber comprises an inlet (128) through which beer from the container (2) enters the cylinder chamber (1 16), and an outlet (not shown) through which the beer exits the cylinder chamber (1 16). The beer exiting the cylinder chamber flows to the spout.

In a further embodiment (not shown in the drawings) the inlet is located on a side wall of the cylinder chamber (1 16). Advantageously, this feature saves space under under a bar.

In this embodiment, the valve (120) is located within the inlet (128). Advantages of this feature are as described previously.

The dispenser also includes a flow guide (132). The flow guide is located between the inlet (128) and the cylinder chamber (1 16). In this embodiment, the flow guide is located between the valve and the cylinder chamber such that beverage is able to flow through the valve and then through the flow guide to the cylinder chamber. The flow guide is arranged to avoid excessive agitation of beer flowing therethrough, i.e. beer flowing from the inlet to the cylinder chamber. Associated advantages are as described previously. The presence of the flow guide provides reduced agitation compared to not having the flow guide in the dispenser. The flow guide helps to provide a compact, low agitation beer dispensing system.

In this embodiment, the flow guide (132) comprises multiple components, as can be seen most clearly in figures 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e and 7f.

Referring to the example of figures 7b to 7f, the flow guide (132) comprises two portions, a first, upstream portion (132a) and a second, downstream portion (132b). In this embodiment these portions are made separately and attached to each other for ease of manufacture. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the upstream portion (132a) comprises a first body (132ab) and a first insert (132ai), and the downstream portion (132b) comprises a second body (132bb) and a second insert (132bi). Each insert (132ai, 132bi) is arranged to be received in its respective body portion (132ab, 132bb) to form one or more flow channels as described below.

In this embodiment, the second body (132bb) of the downstream portion (132a) is formed integrally with the cylinder chamber (1 16) as seen in figure 7d2.

The flow guide (132a, 132b) is generally cylindrical and has the inlet (128) at one end (in this embodiment, the inlet (128) is formed integrally with the first body (132ab). The inlet leads to one or more flow channels (six equally spaced flow channels, in this embodiment), which are located in the body of the flow guide, and the flow channels lead to the other end of the flow guide at which there is an opening directly into the cylinder chamber. In this embodiment, the flow guide has a larger radius than the cylinder chamber - this allows more space for flow channels and greater throughput of beverage, which facilitates smooth flow through the integrated valve. In this embodiment, the flow guide is concentrically mounted with the cylinder chamber (1 16).

In this embodiment, the first insert (132ai) and the first body (132ab) comprise first insert locating means arranged to allow location of the first insert in the first body portion only in the correct configuration. The first insert locating means comprises one or more first alignment pins (not shown), which protrude from a upstream surface of the first insert (132ai) and which are receivable in corresponding one or more first alignment holes (not shown) formed in the first body (132ab). Location of the one or more first alignment pins in the corresponding one or more first alignment holes ensures correct location of the insert in the body such that the flow channels are formed in a desired manner.

From a downstream surface of the first insert (132ai) protrudes one or more (in this embodiment, six) further alignment pins (132ap) which are receivable in corresponding further alignment holes (152) formed in a diaphragm (shown in figure 7f1 and described further below). Location of the further alignment pins in the corresponding further alignment holes ensures correct location of the insert relative to the diaphragm such that the flow channels are formed in a desired manner.

The second insert (132bi) and the second body (132bb) comprise second insert locating means arranged to allow location of the second insert in the second body portion only in the correct configuration. The second insert locating means comprises one or more second alignment pins (132bp), which protrude from a downstream surface of the second insert (132bi) and which are receivable in corresponding one or more second alignment holes (132bh) formed in the second body (132bb). Location of the one or more second alignment pins in the corresponding one or more second alignment holes ensures correct location of the insert in the body such that the flow channels are formed in a desired manner.

In this example, the first portion and second portion are arranged to be correctly attached to each other via threaded attachment. As shown in figures 7b2 and 7d2, the first body portion includes a male thread (132at) and the second body portion includes a corresponding female thread (132bt) - the male and female threads may be reversed in a different example.

Alignment means is provided to facilitate correct alignment between the first portion and the second portion of the flow guide when they are attached to each other. The alignment means ensures that the portions are attached together correctly to form the flow path(s).

In this embodiment, the alignment means comprises alignment markings on each of the first and second portions, the alignment markings arranged to be aligned with each other upon correct attachment of the first and second portions - i.e. upon installation the first and second portions are rotated to enhance the threaded engagement until alignment markings on each portion align with each other.

In other embodiments, an attachment alignment mechanism, such as an alignment pin or stub on one of the first and second portions and a corresponding alignment pin or stub receiving hole on the other of the first and second portions is arranged to allow attachment of the first portion to the second portion in only the correct configuration.

In this particular example, the first portion (132a) of the flow guide comprises a generally cylindrical body formed integrally with the inlet (128), which protrudes from the cylindrical body. In this embodiment, the inlet protrudes in a direction aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body. In other embodiments, the inlet may be offset relative to said axis. E.g. the inlet may be offset by 90 degrees (or another suitable offset angle) in order to reduce the effective length of the cylinder arrangement and thereby save space under a bar.

The inlet (128) is has a circular cross-section and has a smaller radius than the cylindrical body of the first portion (132a). In figures 7b1 to 7b4, various views of the first portion (132a) are shown. Fluid entering the inlet (128) travels through the inlet into the cylindrical part of the first portion (132a) and enters a first flow chamber 138 (inlet chamber), which can be seen in the view of figure 7b4 and 7b1.

Referring to figures 7d1 and 7d2, the second portion (132b) comprises a cylindrical body having the same outer radius as the cylindrical part of the first portion (132a). Extending from the cylindrical part of the second portion (132b) is the cylinder chamber 1 16 to provide a continuous, sealed, uninterrupted communication between the cylinder chamber and the flow guide. Referring to figure 7b4, six flow channels (141 ) extend through the cylindrical body of the first portion (132a).

Referring to figure 7d1 , six flow channels (142) extend through the cylindrical body of the second portion (132b). Referring to the plan view, a second flow chamber (144) (outlet chamber) is located at a distal end of the flow channels (142). Therefore, beer entering the second portion (132b) enters the flow channels (142), exits the flow channels (142) into the second flow chamber (144) and subsequently into the cylinder chamber (1 16). The flow channels (142) open directly into the cylinder chamber (1 16) such that agitation of the beer as it flows through the flow guide and enters the chamber is kept to a low level. The volume of beverage that can be accommodated in a normal, known check valve in a pressurised beer line system is about 12450mm3. Advantageously, the volume of beverage that can be accommodated in the flow guide of this example is about 125160 mm3. This enhanced volume for beer flow leads to reduced beer agitation. In this embodiment, the first flow chamber has a volume of about 62580 mm3, and the second flow chamber has a volume of about 62580 mm3. In this embodiment, the cylinder chamber comprises a quarter pint cylinder such that each steady drawing of the handle is arranged to smoothly dispense about a quarter pint of beer via the cylinder chamber. The skilled reader will appreciate that other specific dimensions may be provided in other embodiments. E.g. the first flow chamber may have a volume of 25000mm3, and the second flow chamber may have a volume of about 15000mm3, giving a total volume of about 40000mm3. In other embodiments, the first flow chamber may have a volume of 100000mm3, and the second flow chamber may have a volume of about 60000mm3, giving a total volume of about 160000mm3. In other embodiments, the first flow chamber may have a volume of between 25000mm3 and 100000 mm3 and the second flow chamber may have a volume of between 15000mm3 and 60000mm3. Different quarter pint cylinders from different manufacturers vary in their specific dimensions, although most are designed to draw and dispense about a quarter pint of beverage per single handle stroke. Half pint cylinders having larger dimensions are also available, and this invention applies equally to those. In general, the enhanced volume/ throughput that can flow through the flow guide compared to a standard check valve helps to reduce beer agitation.

In this embodiment the flow channels have a generally rectangular cross-section, with rounded corners. On a known check valve, the cross sectional area of a through channel is about 38 mm2. The total cross sectional area of the six apertures of the flow guide in this example is about 675 mm2, which leads to reduced beer agitation. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional area may be as little as 25mm2 (the advantage of fewer line connections due to the integrated valve still provides an advantage of reduced beer agitation), or may be much larger, e.g. 800 or 1000 mm2 or more; it may be the entire area of the cylinder, e.g. about 2050mm2 for a quarter pint cylinder, or about 3500mm2 for a half pint cylinder.

In this embodiment the flow channels (141 , 142) are spaced radially evenly around the flow guide. Advantageously the flow channels (141 , 142) have curved walls to reduce agitation risk. Further advantageously, the flow channels (141 , 142) do not include any bends in them; again, in order to reduce agitation risk. In other embodiments flow channels which have some bends, but no sharp bends, may be provided in order to provide a working system in which an acceptable level of agitation risk is provided. In this example, the flow channels (141 , 142) extend directly aligned in a longitudinal direction with the cylinder chamber (1 16) and the inlet (128) and so agitation is minimised.

The inlet is connected directly to each flow channel (141 ) in this example. The flow channels (142) open directly into the cylinder chamber in this example. It will be apparent that in other examples different arrangements of flow channels may be provided, different shapes of flow channels may be provided, and different numbers of flow channels may be provided. For example, only one flow channel may be provided in some examples or two, three, four, five, seven etc. flow channels may be provided in other examples. The flow channels may be arranged asymmetrically. The flow channels may have a different cross- sectional shape, for example instead of rounded rectangles (as in this example), the flow channel cross-sectional shape may be circular, oval or horseshoe shaped. The flow channels may not be identical to each other; there may be multiple shapes of channels in the same flow guide.

Referring to figures 7f1 and 7f2, the beverage dispenser further comprises a moveable or flexible valve diaphragm (148). In this example, the valve diaphragm is made of rubber and is flexible. Other ways of making the valve diaphragm flexible will be apparent to the skilled person. Other ways of providing a moveable diaphragm (other than making it flexible) will be apparent to the skilled person. Other suitable flexible materials will be apparent to the skilled person, such as any flexible food grade material, such as silicon or rubber or a combination thereof.

The valve diaphragm (148) is arranged to communicate with the valve (120). In this particular example, the diaphragm is arranged to move or flex in response to movement between the piston and the cylinder chamber such that the valve moves to its open position and beer is able to flow through the valve in response to said movement. In particular, in this embodiment the diaphragm (148) is located within the flow guide (132). The diaphragm includes six apertures (150) therethrough that correspond, in use, in location to the flow channels (141 , 142) of the second portion (132b) of the flow guide. The diaphragm (148) also has fixing holes (152) arranged around its circumference and which are aligned with the further alignment pins (132ap) of the first insert (132ai). The diaphragm (148) is therefore arranged to be located between the first portion (132a) and the second portion (132b) of the flow guide with fixing holes (152) aligned and with flow apertures (150) of the diaphragm and flow channels (141 , 142) of the flow guide aligned.

In this embodiment the generally flat circular diaphragm is accurately and tightly located relative to the rest of the flow guide. On its downstream side, the diaphragm abuts against the upstream side of the second insert (132bi). In use, the diaphragm is arranged (sized, shaped) to be sealed against the interior side wall of the second body portion (132bb) - the only route for beverage to flow from the first portion to the second portion is via the flow channel (141 , 150, 142). In other embodiments, other locating means achieving the same effect will be apparent to the skilled person.

The flow channels (142) are not formed in the central part of the flow guide. Instead, in this example, they are formed in a ring around the central part of the flow guide. The central part is left vacant for accommodating valve components. The diaphragm (148) may be joined to the valve in exactly the same manner as described in previous embodiments. Or, the diaphragm may be glued to the valve.

The valve (120) comprises a valve plug-and-seat type valve in which the valve is in its closed position when the valve plug is located within the valve seat and the valve is in its open position when the valve plug is moved from the valve seat. As shown in figures 7g1 to 7g6 and 7h1 to 7h3, the valve comprises a valve spindle (154), arranged to be threadably attached to a spindle head (155). At the end of the valve remote from the end at which the spindle head (155) is attached, is a valve plug (156) - from the valve plug extends a valve rod (158) - the spindle head (155) is threadably attached to the end of the valve rod (158). The valve plug (156) is arranged to correspond to a valve seat which is defined by walls of the cylinder inlet (128). The valve plug (156) in this embodiment is oversized relative to the valve seat; in particular, the valve plug has an oversized head (157) on its downstream side, i.e. against which a pressurised beverage contained in the bulk container can push - a pressurised beverage may then even more effectively push against the valve plug to urge it closed (when the handle is not being pivoted; when the handle is being pivoted, the resultant pressure change in the cylinder chamber is sufficient to open the valve (by overcoming spring force and also any beverage pressure in a pressurised beverage line). In this embodiment, a particularly efficient valve and cylinder inlet arrangement is provided. In other embodiments other arrangements which are within the scope of this invention will be apparent to the skilled person.

A slot (159) is formed in the head (on the upstream side) of the valve plug. This facilitates using a tool (such as a screwdriver) to help thread the spindle (154) to the spindle head

(155) since installation space is limited.

A spring (or similar urging means) (not shown) is arranged to urge the valve closed in use - the spring is arranged between the first body (132ab) and the spindle head (155). The spring bears against a downstream surface of the first body (132ab) near the inlet and an upstream surface of the spindle head (155).

In use, as the piston is drawn up by movement of the pivotable handle through the cylinder chamber (116), a pressure differential is created which causes the diaphragm to flex downwards away from the cylinder chamber. In its datum position, the valve spindle (154) is spring loaded such that it is urged towards its closed position in which the valve plug

(156) is in engagement with the valve seat (as seen in figure 7a3) such that the valve is closed and beverage is not allowed to flow through the inlet into the cylinder.

When the handle is rotated to pull the beverage, a pressure difference is created as the piston moves through the cylinder chamber - the flexible diaphragm is pulled down (i.e. upstream) by the pressure difference and so the valve plug (156) is pushed against the urging force of the spring and leaves the valve seat - the valve thereby moves to its open position. In the open position, beverage is sucked through the cylinder inlet by the created pressure difference and beverage then enters the cylinder chamber as beer exits the cylinder chamber at its other end towards the spout.

Beverage entering the inlet flows through the first flow chamber (138) since the cylinder inlet leads directly to the first flow chamber (138).

Movement of the valve in the inlet is controlled and constrained by a spindle wall (161 ) that extends from the valve plug (156) and, in this example, surrounds the valve rod (158). The spindle wall (161 ) is slightly smaller than the inlet so that the valve slidably moves between its closed and open positions in a constrained manner (substantially linear movement is allowed) within the inlet. The spindle wall (161 ) has valve wall apertures (163) formed therein, and, in this example, the valve wall apertures occupy most of the space of the valve wall - this provides a technical advantage as described further below.

As the valve begins to open, beverage flows through the valve wall apertures (163) earlier than it otherwise would if the apertures were not present. As a result, beverage throughput through the valve is increased - this leads to a grater and smoother flow with reduced agitation. As the valve opens further, more beverage is able to flow therethrough.

From there, beverage flows through the diaphragm (through flow apertures (150) and into the second flow chamber (144) via the flow apertures (141 , 142).

Throughout this flow process, a smooth flow is ensured by having a reduced number of connections relative to prior art systems (no check valve required), the presence of the flow guide to smoothly guide beer flowing from the cylinder inlet (128) to the cylinder chamber, having a large flow area (large first and second flow chambers and large total cross-section of flow channels) and smooth flow channels and smooth flow chambers. All of these features in isolation provide reduced agitation of the flowing beer, and all of these features in combination also provide reduced agitation of the flowing beer.

In this example, the cylinder arrangement (1 14) comprises an end cap. The end cap is made up of the first portion (132a) of the flow guide. The end cap provides a convenient mechanism for manufacture of the inventive beverage dispenser. In other embodiments, the flow guide and cylinder chamber may be formed as one piece.

In some embodiments, as previously described there may be provided an override mechanism which is useful for example for cleaning the beer line.

In this example, the radius of each flow channel is about 3 mm. Other radii clearly can be used and will be apparent to the skilled person. No-circular flow channels may alternatively or also be used, and may be preferred in some cases.

Modifications may be made to the present invention without departing from the scope as defined in the claims.

In particular a different form of valve arrangement may be provided. A different form of engagement between the handle and the piston/cylinder arrangement may be provided. In some embodiments the handle drives the piston, whereas in other embodiments the handle may drive the cylinder such that there is relative movement between the cylinder and the piston.

In the described embodiments, the flow guide comprised of two portions is of a sturdy construction. Each portion is made of a solid body having flow apertures and channels formed therethrough. It is not susceptible to fail in the same way as current, known check valves. In other embodiments the flow guide may be of a unitary construction (i.e. not in two parts).

The described flow guide body is advantageously substantially the same diameter as the cylinder chamber. This is an optional feature which provides a large space for the flow channels and chambers. This, in turn, helps to provide the increased throughput (compared to an existing check valve, for example) that helps to reduce beverage agitation.

In some embodiments, there is no flow guide. Instead, the integrated valve and cylinder provide an enhanced, efficient system without the flow guide. In such examples, the nature of the integrated valve is such that it stops beverage flow in both directions (in and out of the cylinder) and so no further check valve is required in the beverage line, which as described previously provides a useful advantage. In some such examples, the cylinder inlet has the integrated valve thereon or therein, and leads directly into the cylinder chamber.

The present inventive system has been designed to give the look and feel of a typical, traditional beer engine. In a traditional unit (with no pressure and no check valve in the line), we have found that 15 Newtons of force is required to provide a steady dispensing of one stroke of the handle. In a traditional unit with a check valve (20 PSI) in the line, 28 Newtons of force is required for the same operation. In the newly designed unit, no check valve is required and so 20 Newtons of force is required for the same operation. So it is easier to pull the new design, and closer to achieving the look and feel of a traditional beer engine, which is a desired feature.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "beer" and "beverage" are interchangeable. Where beer is referenced in conjunction with a feature, any beverage, including any beer (pressurised or unpressurised) or ale, may be used in conjunction with the relevant feature.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

1. A beverage dispenser arranged to dispense a beverage from a bulk supply container, the dispenser comprising:

a pivotable handle;

wherein the valve is integrated with the cylinder chamber.

2. The beverage dispenser of claim 1 wherein the cylinder chamber and the valve are co-housed.

3. The beverage dispenser of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the valve is located within the cylinder chamber.

4. The beverage dispenser of any preceding claim wherein the cylinder chamber comprises an inlet through which the beverage from the container enters the chamber and an outlet through which the beverage exits the chamber.

5. The beverage dispenser of claim 4 wherein the inlet is located on a side wall of the cylinder chamber.

6. The beverage dispenser of claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the valve is located at, or within, the inlet.

7. The beverage dispenser of any preceding claim comprising spring means arranged to urge the valve into its closed position.

8. The beverage dispenser of any preceding claim wherein, in use, when beverage is delivered from the container to the cylinder arrangement under pressure, the valve is urged towards its closed position under the pressure of the beverage.

9. The beverage dispenser of any preceding claim wherein the valve is arranged to move from the closed to the open position when a threshold force is applied thereto, and, in use, wherein the threshold force is small enough such that the valve is caused to open by the operation of the handle.

10. The beverage dispenser of any of claims 4 to 9 comprising a flow guide between the inlet and the cylinder chamber, the flow guide being arranged to mitigate agitation of the beverage flowing therethrough.

1 1 . The beverage dispenser of claim 10 wherein the flow guide comprises one or more flow channels through which, in use, the beverage flows along one or more desired paths.

12. The beverage dispenser of claim 1 1 wherein the flow guide comprises a generally cylindrical body in which the one or more flow channels are located.

13. The beverage dispenser of claim 1 1 or claim 12 wherein any one or more of the flow channels is defined by at least one curved wall; or any one or more of the flow channels do not have any sharp bends; or both.

14. The beverage dispenser of any of claims 1 1 to 1 3 wherein the inlet is connected directly to the or each flow channel.

15. The beverage dispenser of any of claims 1 1 to 14 wherein the one or more flow channels open directly into the cylinder chamber.

1 6. The beverage dispenser of any preceding claim further comprising a valve operation means arranged to cause the valve to move to its open position such that beverage is able to flow through the valve in response to movement between the piston and the cylinder chamber, and optionally wherein the valve operation means comprises a movable or flexible valve diaphragm in communication with the valve, the diaphragm being arranged to move or flex in response to movement between the piston and the cylinder chamber such that the valve moves to its open position and beverage is able to flow through the valve.

17. The beverage dispenser of claim 1 6 wherein the diaphragm is located within the flow guide, the diaphragm having one or more apertures therethrough wherein the one or more apertures are arranged, in use, to correspond, to the one or more flow channels such that beverage flowing through the one or more flow channels is arranged to flow through the one or more apertures.

18. The beverage dispenser of claim 16 or claim 17 wherein the diaphragm is orientated perpendicularly to a beverage flow direction.

19. The beverage dispenser of claim 17 or claim 18 wherein the apertures are not located at the centre of the diaphragm; and optionally are located radially around the diaphragm in a substantially regular manner.

20. The beverage dispenser of any preceding claim wherein the valve comprises a valve plug and a valve seat.

21. The beverage dispenser of claim 20, when dependent on any of claims 16 to 19, wherein the moving or flexing of the diaphragm in response to movement between the piston and the cylinder causes the valve plug to move away from the valve seat.

22. The beverage dispenser of claim 20 or claim 21 wherein the valve comprises a valve wall surrounding the valve plug, the valve wall being sized to fit within the inlet and further to constrain slidable movement of the valve plug when moving between its open and closed positions.

23. The beverage dispenser of claim 22 wherein the valve wall has one or more valve wall apertures formed therein, and optionally the one or more valve wall apertures occupy most of the valve wall.

24. The beverage dispenser of any of claims 20 to 23 wherein the valve plug comprises an oversized head.

25. The beverage dispenser of any of claims 16 to 24 wherein the flow guide comprises an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber separated by the diaphragm, and optionally wherein the flow guide comprises a first portion and a second portion attachable to each other and wherein the diaphragm is arranged to be located therebetween and optionally wherein the first portion and the second portion are both generally cylindrical and each have a part or parts of the or each flow path therewithin.

26. The beverage dispenser of claim 25 comprising alignment means arranged to facilitate correct alignment between the first portion and the second portion of the flow guide when they are attached to facilitate correctly forming the or each flow path, and optionally wherein the alignment means comprises one or more of:

alignment markings on each of the first and second portions, the alignment markings arranged to be aligned with each other upon correct attachment of the first and second portions; and an attachment alignment mechanism, such as an alignment pin or stub on one of the first and second portions and a corresponding alignment pin or stub receiving hole on the other of the first and second portions, arranged to allow attachment of the first portion to the second portion in only the correct configuration.

27. The beverage dispenser of claim 25 or claim 26 wherein at least part of the second portion of the flow guide is formed integrally with the cylinder chamber.

28. The beverage dispenser of any of claims 25 to 27 wherein one or more of:

the first portion of the flow guide comprises a first body portion and a first insert arranged to be received in the first body portion to form one or more flow channels; and

the second portion of the flow guide comprises a second body portion and a second insert arranged to be received in the second body portion to form one or more flow channels.

29. The beverage dispenser of claim 28 wherein one or both of:

the first insert comprises first insert locating means arranged to allow location of the first insert in the first body portion only in the correct configuration; and

the second insert comprises second insert locating means arranged to allow location of the second insert in the second body portion only in the correct configuration.

30. The beverage dispenser of any preceding claim wherein the cylinder arrangement comprises an end cap and a main body, wherein the end cap is attachable to the main body to form the cylinder chamber, and optionally wherein the valve is located at or within the end cap; and further optionally wherein the flow guide is located within the end cap or wherein the first portion of the flow guide is located within the end cap.

31. The beverage dispenser of any preceding claim comprising an override mechanism arranged to force the valve into its open position independently of operation of the handle.

32. An end cap for forming the beverage dispenser of any preceding claim wherein the end cap is attachable to the main body to form the cylinder chamber, wherein the valve is located at or within the end cap; and optionally wherein the flow guide is located within the end cap or wherein a first portion of the flow guide is located within the end cap.

33. A beverage dispensing system comprising the beverage dispenser of any of claims 1 to 32 and a first pipe arranged to provide the fluid communication between the container and the cylinder arrangement, wherein there is no valve in the first pipe.