Method and apparatus for transferring a beverage from a source to a destination container

Abstract

A system and method for transferring a beverage, such as wine, from a source container to a destination container. The first and second transfer heads can be configured to sealingly engage the openings of the source and destination containers, respectively. The container opening(s) can have a stopper, such as a cork or septum, and the transfer heads can sealingly engage the container openings without removing the stopper, for example, by passing one or more needles through the closure. The transfer heads and source container can be held by a support, and the first transfer head can be mounted for pivotal movement, for example about a horizontal axis, relative to the support to accommodate containers of different sizes and / or shapes. For example, a pressurized gas used to purge and / or pressurize the container, and a flow of the beverage can be sent from one of the transfer heads to the other.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (Related Applications) This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 253,848, filed October 8, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 337,365, filed May 2, 2022, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to transferring fluid from a source beverage container to a destination container, for example, without exposing the beverage to air or other environmental conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One or more embodiments according to aspects of the present invention allow a user to transfer or otherwise extract a beverage, such as wine, from a bottle sealed with a cork, plug, elastomeric septum, or other stopper without removing the stopper. In some cases, removal of the beverage from such a bottle may be performed more than once, but the stopper may remain in place during and after each extraction to maintain the bottle's seal. Thus, the beverage may be transferred from the bottle multiple times and stored for extended periods between transfers with little or no impact on the quality of the beverage. Additionally, the beverage may be transferred to a destination container such that the beverage is not exposed to air or other environmental conditions. Thus, in some embodiments, little or no gases, such as air, that react with the beverage may be introduced into either the source or destination container, either during or after the transfer of the beverage from the source container to the destination container. Thus, in some embodiments, a user can remove wine from a wine bottle without removing or damaging the cork and without allowing air or other potentially damaging gases or liquids to enter the bottle, and can transfer the wine to another container that will accept and hold the wine without exposing the wine to air or other potentially damaging gases or liquids.

[0004] In some embodiments, a system for transferring a beverage from a source container to a destination container includes a first transfer head configured to sealingly engage an opening of the source container to deliver a gas to the interior space of the source container and receive the beverage from the source container. A second transfer head may be configured to sealingly engage with the destination container to deliver the beverage from the source container to the interior space of the destination container, and a support may be configured to support the first and second transfer heads and to support the source container with the opening of the source container positioned below the bottom of the source container. In some cases, the first transfer head can be mounted to pivot relative to the support, for example, about a horizontal axis, and / or such that the source container can be engaged with the first transfer head and remain movable relative to the support. In some cases, the second transfer head can be fixed to the support, and the first transfer head can be pivotally attached to the second transfer head and thus pivotally attached to the support.

[0005] In some embodiments, the first transfer head can include at least one needle configured to pierce a bung, such as a cork, in the opening of the source container to deliver a gas into the interior space of the source container and receive the beverage from the source container. Similarly, the second transfer head can include at least one needle configured to pierce a bung in the opening of the destination container to deliver a gas into the interior space of the destination container to purge the destination container and deliver the beverage from the source container to the destination container.

[0006] In some cases, the first gas pathway may be fluidly coupled to the first transfer head and may include a pressurization valve configured to deliver pressurized gas into the source container to pressurize the interior space of the source container. The second gas pathway may be fluidly coupled to the second transfer head and may include a sparge valve configured to deliver pressurized gas into the destination container. The beverage pathway may be fluidly coupled between the first transfer head and the second transfer head and may include a beverage valve configured to control delivery of the beverage from the source container to the destination container via the beverage pathway. The pressurization valve, sparge valve, and beverage valve may be operable to purge air from the destination container and transfer the beverage from the source container to the destination container.

[0007] In some embodiments, the destination container support can be configured to move the destination container relative to the second transfer head and bring the destination container into sealing engagement with the second transfer head. Thus, for example, engagement and / or disengagement of the second transfer head with the destination container can be automated, for example, based on movement of the destination container support.

[0008] In some cases, a beverage pathway may be fluidly coupled between the first transfer head and the second transfer head and configured to deliver the beverage from the source container to the destination container. The flow of the beverage along the beverage pathway may be driven solely by gravity and pressure within the interior space of the source container. In some embodiments, a beverage valve may be configured to control the delivery of the beverage from the source container to the destination container via the beverage pathway.

[0009] In some embodiments, a system for transferring a beverage from a source container to a destination container includes a first transfer head having a gas inlet configured to receive pressurized gas, first and second gas outlets for delivering the gas received at the gas inlet, and a first beverage path configured to transfer the beverage in the first container. The first transfer head can be configured to engage with the first container to fluidly couple the first gas outlet and the first beverage path with an interior space of the first container, for example, to deliver the beverage from the first container. A second transfer head can include a gas inlet, a gas outlet, and a second beverage path configured to transfer the beverage in the second container. The second transfer head can be configured to engage with the second container to fluidly couple the gas outlet and the second beverage path with an interior space of the second container. The gas line can connect the second gas outlet of the first transfer head to the gas inlet of the second transfer head, and the beverage line can connect the first beverage pathway and the second beverage pathway to transfer a beverage between the first transfer head and the second transfer head. In some cases, the first gas outlet and the first beverage pathway can be connected to at least one needle configured to deliver gas into the first container and transfer the beverage to the first container. The at least one needle can include a first needle connected to the first gas outlet and a second needle connected to the first beverage pathway, the first needle and the second needle configured to pierce a bung of the first container to position distal ends of the first needle and the second needle in an interior space of the first container. In some cases, the first container can be a destination container and the second container can be a source container, and the beverage line can be connected to the second beverage pathway to deliver a beverage from the source container to the destination container via the first beverage pathway.

[0010] In some cases, the gas outlet of the second transfer head and the second beverage pathway may be connected to at least one needle configured to deliver gas into the second container and transfer the beverage to the second container, and the at least one needle may include a first needle connected to the gas outlet of the second transfer head and a second needle connected to the second beverage pathway, the first needle and the second needle configured to pierce a bung of the second container to position distal ends of the first needle and the second needle in an interior space of the second container.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first and second transfer heads can be connected to one another and configured to engage the first and second containers, respectively, with one of the first and second containers positioned above the other of the first and second containers. For example, the first and second transfer heads can be pivotally connected to one another.

[0012] In some cases, the system may include a first gas valve configured to control the flow of gas from the gas inlet of the first transfer head to the first gas outlet to introduce gas into the first container; a second gas valve configured to control the flow of gas from the gas inlet of the first transfer head to the second gas outlet to introduce gas into the second container via the gas outlet of the second transfer head; and a beverage valve configured to control the flow of beverage through the beverage line. In some cases, the first container is a destination container and the second container is a source container, and the first gas valve may be configured to open to deliver gas from the gas inlet to the destination container and replace air in the destination container with gas from the gas inlet. The second gas valve may be configured to open to deliver gas from the gas inlet to the source container to pressurize the source container and cause the beverage to flow from the source container to the destination container via the first beverage path, the beverage line, and the second beverage path. The beverage valve may be configured to open to allow the flow of beverage from the source container to the destination container and close to stop the flow of beverage from the source container to the destination container.

[0013] In some cases, the container support may be configured to support and move a first container or a second container into engagement with the first transfer head or the second transfer head. For example, the container support may be configured to support and move a first container into engagement with the first transfer head, the first container having a bung, and the first transfer head including at least one needle fluidly coupled to the first gas outlet and the first beverage pathway. The container support may be configured to move the first container such that the at least one needle penetrates the bung. In some cases, the at least one needle may be configured to vent an interior space of the first container when pressurized gas is delivered into the first container via the first gas outlet.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first transfer head may be configured to sealingly couple the first gas outlet and the first beverage path to an interior space of the first container adapted to prevent ambient atmosphere from entering the interior space of the first container, and the second transfer head may be configured to sealingly couple the gas outlet and the second beverage path of the second transfer head to an interior space of the second container adapted to prevent ambient atmosphere from entering the interior space of the second container.

[0015] In some embodiments, a method for transferring a beverage from a source container to a destination container includes delivering pressurized gas to an interior space of the destination container and venting the interior space to replace the air in the interior space with the pressurized gas; fluidly coupling the interior space of the source container to the interior space of the destination container using a beverage pathway; and delivering the pressurized gas to the interior space of the source container while preventing fluid from exiting the interior space to pressurize the interior space of the source container. The delivery of the pressurized gas to the interior space of the source container can be stopped, and after stopping the delivery of the pressurized gas to the interior space of the source container, the beverage is allowed to flow from the source container to the destination container via the beverage pathway. The flow of the beverage via the beverage pathway can be driven by the pressure within the interior space of the source container.

[0016] In some cases, delivering pressurized gas to the interior space of the destination container may include operating a purge valve to deliver pressurized gas to the interior space of the destination container through a gas conduit sealingly engaged with the destination container. In some embodiments, delivering pressurized gas to the interior space of the destination container may include inserting a needle through a closure of the destination container, where the pressurized gas is delivered to the interior space of the destination container through the needle. In some cases, fluidly coupling the interior spaces of the source container and the destination container may include inserting at least one first needle through a closure of the destination container and at least one second needle through a closure of the source container, where the at least one first needle and the second needle are fluidly coupled to each other to define a beverage pathway. The at least one first needle may include a first needle that defines a portion of the beverage pathway, where the pressurized gas may be delivered into the interior space of the destination container through the first needle.

[0017] In some embodiments, the pressurization valve can be operated to deliver pressurized gas to the interior space of the source container via a gas conduit in sealing engagement with the source container. The beverage can be allowed to flow by opening the beverage valve and allowing the beverage to flow through the beverage pathway under the pressure of the interior space of the source container. In some cases, gas can be vented from the destination container via a vent conduit in sealing engagement with the destination container. Pressurized gas can be delivered to the interior space of the destination container by partially venting gas from the destination container via a vent conduit in sealing engagement with the destination container.

[0018] In some embodiments, a beverage container for holding a liquid beverage includes a container body having an interior space for holding the liquid beverage and an opening for accessing the interior space. A cap may be engaged with the container body to hermetically close the opening to prevent gas or liquid from passing through the opening, and the cap may include a portion configured to be pierced by a needle to dispense the liquid beverage into the container body and to reseal upon withdrawal of the needle to prevent gas or liquid from passing through the cap. The cap may include a tamper-evident seal, such as a shrink-wrap seal and / or a tear ring or label covering the cap, to indicate that the cap has not been removed from the container body. The interior space of the container body may contain only gas and no liquid; for example, the tamper-evident seal may indicate that the container contains only inert gas and no liquid, and that the container has not been opened to allow air to enter the container.

[0019] In some cases, the portion of the container configured to be pierced includes an elastomeric septum configured to be pierced by a needle and reseal upon withdrawal of the needle, and the elastomeric septum may include a pierced opening that reseals to prevent gas or liquid from passing through the cap. The pierced opening can be formed by purging air from the container after the cap and tamper-evident seal are engaged with the container body. For example, the interior space can contain argon or CO2 gas and can include less than 0.5% oxygen gas. In some embodiments, the portion configured to be pierced includes a pierced opening that reseals to prevent gas or liquid from passing through the cap. In some embodiments, the pressure in the interior space is within 20% of atmospheric pressure, e.g., above atmospheric pressure.

[0020] In some cases, the cap may include a cap body having a passageway from a top opening to a bottom opening of the cap, and a barrier label covering the top opening to resist oxygen ingress through the top opening.

[0021] In some embodiments, a beverage container for holding a liquid beverage includes a container body having an interior space for holding the liquid beverage and an opening for accessing the interior space. A cap may be engaged with the container body to hermetically close the opening to prevent gas or liquid from passing through the opening, and the cap includes a portion configured to be pierced by a needle to dispense the liquid beverage into the container body and to reseal upon withdrawal of the needle to prevent gas or liquid from passing through the cap. The interior space may contain only gas and no liquid, and the portion configured to be pierced may include a pierced opening that reseals to prevent gas or liquid from passing through the cap.

[0022] In some embodiments, a method for preparing a beverage container to receive a beverage includes providing a beverage container containing only gas and no liquid, placing a cap over the beverage container while the liquid is absent to hermetically close the container, introducing a non-reactive gas into the beverage container through the cap to displace the gas within the beverage container, and sealing the cap to contain the non-reactive inner beverage container while the beverage container is emptied of liquid, thereby preparing the container to receive a beverage sample while minimizing the risk of exposing the beverage to air.

[0023] In some cases, a portion of the cap can be pierced with a needle to introduce a non-reactive gas into the beverage container through the needle. When the needle is withdrawn, the portion of the cap can reseal to prevent gas or liquid from passing through the cap. In some cases, the interior space of the beverage container can contain less than 0.5% oxygen gas after the non-reactive gas is introduced into the container. The pressure within the container can be within 20% of atmospheric pressure or higher.

[0024] In some embodiments, a barrier label can be provided over the top opening of the cap to resist oxygen intrusion through the top opening, and / or a tamper-evident seal can be provided on the cap to indicate that the cap has not been removed from the container body. The barrier label and / or tamper-evident seal can be provided before the non-reactive gas is introduced into the container.

[0025] Various exemplary embodiments of the device are further shown and described below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] Aspects of the invention are described with reference to various embodiments and drawings, including the following. [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a beverage transfer system in an exemplary embodiment; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a beverage transfer system in which a first transfer head and a second transfer head are connected to each other. [Figure 3] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a beverage transfer system including a support for a transfer head, a source container and a destination container. [Figure 4] The closure engages the container body to hermetically close the interior space, indicating the destination container is ready for sparging or transfer of the beverage into the container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Although aspects of the present invention are described below with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the aspects of the present invention should not be narrowly construed in light of the specific embodiments described. Accordingly, the aspects of the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, various embodiments may be used alone and / or in any suitable combination with each other, and therefore, various embodiments should not be construed as requiring any particular combination or feature combination. Instead, one or more features of a described embodiment can be combined with other suitable features of other embodiments.

[0028] In some embodiments, beverages, such as wine, can be transferred from one container to another without exposing the beverage to air or other environmental conditions. Thus, for example, a sample of wine can be transferred from a sauce bottle or other container to another container (e.g., a smaller sample bottle) for later tasting or other analysis. This can provide various advantages, such as allowing a seller to store wine in a larger container, such as a keg or large bottle, and then transfer a smaller portion of the stored volume to a smaller container at the time of retail sale or evaluation, for example, by a wholesaler. Because the beverage can be transferred to the sample container without exposure to air or other environmental conditions, the beverage does not need to be analyzed at the location where it is stored in the larger container. Instead, the beverage can be placed in the smaller sample container to another remote location for consumption and / or analysis, ensuring that the beverage is in the same condition as when it was transferred to the sample container.

[0029] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a system for transferring a beverage from a source container 10 to a destination container 20. In some embodiments, the source container 10 may be a wine bottle, e.g., a glass bottle having an opening sealed by a closure 15, such as a cork, plug, cap, stopper, etc., that fits over the opening or is otherwise engaged with the bottle to hermetically close the opening, such as by threaded engagement with the container neck. However, embodiments are not limited to use with wine bottles, but may be used with any suitable container for any suitable beverage, such as a keg, cask, etc. The destination container 20 may be configured in any suitable manner, e.g., similar to the source container 10, and may have a closure 25, such as a cork, plug, cap, stopper, etc., fitted over the opening of the container 20 or otherwise positioned to hermetically close the opening. The first transfer head 1 and second transfer head 2 are configured to sealingly engage the source container 10 and destination container 20 (also referred to as the first container 10 and the second container 20), such that, for example, air, water vapor, or other environmental conditions cannot enter the containers 10, 20 when the transfer heads 1, 2 are engaged with the containers 10, 20. This type of engagement can help ensure that a beverage is transferred from one container 10 to the other container 20 without exposing the beverage to environmental conditions that may affect the flavor, appearance, sterility, or other properties of the beverage. The transfer heads 1, 2 can engage with the corresponding containers 10, 20 in any suitable manner, which may depend on how the bungs 15, 25 of the containers 10, 20 are positioned. For example, in some embodiments, the transfer heads 1, 2 (one or both) may include at least one needle configured to pass through the stopper 15, 25 of the container 10, 20 so that the distal end of the needle is positioned within the interior space of the container 10, 20, and the needle therefore forms a seal with the stopper 15, 25 so that fluids (gas and / or liquid) cannot enter or leave the interior space of the container 10, 20 except through one or more lumens of the needle.If the stopper 15, 25 is a wine cork or septum, for example, at least one needle may be relatively narrow gauge (e.g., 16-22 gauge) so that the needle can penetrate the cork or septum and maintain a seal with the cork. The needle may be positioned so that the cork or septum reseals when the needle is withdrawn, preventing the passage of fluid into or out of the container. If the stopper 15, 25 is a stopper having a passage therethrough, the needle may be appropriately sized to pass through the passage and form a seal with the stopper. For example, if the stopper passage has an opening with a diameter of 0.25 inches, the needle may include a tubular element with a diameter of approximately 0.25 inches to pass through the passage and form a suitable seal with the passage. In some embodiments, the stopper 15, 25 may be removed to allow the transfer head 1, 2 to sealingly engage with the opening of the container 10, 20. For example, if the stopper is a metal cap, the cap may be removed before the transfer head 1, 2 can be engaged with the opening. The transfer heads 1, 2 can engage with the container openings in any suitable manner, such as by fitting a plug or stopper element of the transfer heads 1, 2 into the opening, by threadingly engaging the transfer heads 1, 2 with the container neck, or by tightening the transfer heads 1, 2 onto the container neck so that a seal is formed between the opening and the transfer heads 1, 2. In some cases, the stopper (e.g., a metal cap) of the container 10, 20 can be removed and replaced with another stopper 15, 25, such as a cork, stopper, cap, or the like, configured to hermetically close the opening of the container 10, 20 and allow for sealing engagement of the transfer heads 1, 2. In some embodiments, the replacement stopper 15, 25 can include one or more quick connect fittings to allow the transfer heads 1, 2 to be fluidly coupled to one or more needles or other conduits of the replacement stopper 15, 25 that are in communication with the interior of the container 10, 20. For example, the plugs 15,25 of the containers 10,20 can be removed and a replacement plug 10,20 can be engaged with the containers 10,20 to close the opening to the interior space of the containers 10,20.The replacement plug 15, 25 can include one or more conduits in fluid communication with the interior space of the vessel 10, 20, and one or more quick connect or other fittings of the replacement plug 15, 25 can be removably engaged with the transfer head 1, 2 to allow the fluid pathway of the transfer head 1, 2 to communicate with the interior space of the vessel 10, 20. In some embodiments, the transfer head 1, 2 can physically engage with the replacement plug 15, 25, e.g., the replacement plug 15, 25 physically supports the transfer head 1, 2 on the vessel 10, 20. Any air or other environmental substance introduced into the vessel 10, 20 upon removal of the plug (e.g., due to engagement of the replacement plug 15, 25) can be purged or sparged by introducing an inert gas or other suitable gas into the vessel 10, 20, as described further below.

[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates embodiments in which transfer heads 1, 2 each include at least one needle configured to pass through the bung 15, 25 of a respective container 10, 20. In some embodiments, the first transfer head 1 includes a first needle 11 and a second needle 12, each having at least one lumen and passing through the bung 15 such that the distal end of the needle is located within the interior space of the first container 10. In some cases, the first needle 11 can be used to direct a flow of beverage from the first container 10, and the second needle 12 can be used to introduce pressurized gas into the first container 10. For example, the first needle 11 can be configured to extend into the container 10 such that the distal end of the first needle 11 is located at or near the bottom of the first container 10. Such a configuration can allow the first needle 11 to empty, or substantially empty, the first container 10 of beverage when the container 10 is in an upright or vertical orientation as shown in FIG. 1. In some cases, the first needle 11 or other needles or conduits of the system may be adjustable in length, e.g., telescopic or otherwise adjustable to extend a desired distance into the container. Such an arrangement may allow the needle or other conduit to be positioned in a desired manner within the container, e.g., with the distal end of the needle or conduit near the bottom of the container, or with the distal end of the needle or conduit near the top of the container, or within the gas space. The second needle 11 may introduce pressurized gas into the first container 10, thereby forcing the beverage into, through, and out of the first container 10. In some embodiments, the transfer head 1 can include a single needle with two lumens rather than first and second needles 11, 12, and of course, as described above, the needles can be eliminated entirely (e.g., when the stopper 15 is removed and the first transfer head 1 sealingly engages with the opening of the container 10 using a stopper element or other seal that is part of the transfer head 1).In embodiments in which the first needle 11 or other conduit used to direct the flow of beverage from the first container 10 is not located at or near the bottom of the container 10 (or the transfer head 1 does not include a needle or other conduit extending from the transfer head 1), the container 10 can be tilted, inverted, or otherwise positioned to allow the beverage to reach the inlet of the first needle 11 or other flow path of the transfer head 1. The same applies to the second transfer head 2, which can include first, second, and third needles 21, 22, 23 that pass through a bung 25 of the second container 20 as shown. The three needles 21-23 can be combined into one needle, for example, having one to three lumens, or the needles can be eliminated entirely, for example, to allow the transfer head 2 to engage a replacement bung 15, 25, or in other embodiments in which no needles are required.

[0031] Regardless of how the first and second transfer heads 1, 2 engage and / or fluidly couple with their respective containers 10, 20, the transfer heads 1, 2 may be configured to transfer fluids (gas and / or liquids) relative to the containers 10, 20 (e.g., into and / or out of the containers). In FIG. 1 , the first transfer head 1 is configured to deliver pressurized gas to the interior space of the first container 10 via the second needle 12 and to receive a beverage from the first container 10 via the first needle 11. Specifically, the first transfer head 1 has a gas inlet fluidly coupled to a pressurized gas source 3 via a gas source line 31. The pressurized gas source 3 may be configured to provide any suitable gas (e.g., argon, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, etc.) under any suitable pressure (e.g., 10-3000 psi) to the gas inlet of the first transfer head 1. In some embodiments, the gas source 3 can be directly engaged with the first transfer head 1, for example, by engaging a threaded neck of a pressurized gas cylinder with a threaded hole on the first transfer head 1. In some embodiments, the gas source 3 can be remote from the transfer head 1 and fluidly coupled to the first transfer head 1 by a flexible hose or other line or conduit. While not shown, one or more regulators, flow restrictors, and / or other components can be provided at the gas source, the transfer head, and / or elsewhere to appropriately regulate or control the pressure of the gas supplied to the first transfer head 1 and / or the vessels 10, 20. In some embodiments, for example, a first regulator can be provided to the gas source 3 so that a relatively high pressure of pressurized gas can be supplied to the gas source line 31. Each transfer head 1, 2 can have its own second regulator to regulate the gas pressure of the gas provided via the first regulator and gas source line 31 to a level appropriate for use with its respective vessel 10, 20. For example, the first regulator may be configured to supply gas at a relatively high pressure of 50-100 psi to the transfer heads 1, 2 via gas source line 31. A second regulator at each transfer head 1, 2 can adjust the gas pressure for a particular application or use condition.For example, the transfer head 1 regulator can adjust the gas pressure and flow rate to a level suitable for pressurizing the source container 10 and driving flow from the container 10 to one or more destination containers 20 (e.g., using a pressure of 5-30 psi). The transfer head 2 regulator can adjust the gas pressure and flow rate to a level suitable for purging the destination container 20 of air or other gases prior to dispensing the beverage into the container 20 (e.g., using a pressure of 30 psi or more) and / or to a level suitable for maintaining carbonation of a sparkling beverage in the container 20 (e.g., using a pressure of 10-30 psi). The pressures and / or flow rates used by transfer heads 1, 2 may be different during use and / or actively controlled, as desired. For example, the pressure and flow rate used for purging may be different from the pressure and flow rate used to drive the flow of the beverage and / or the pressure and flow rate used to maintain carbonation in the sparkling beverage. Additionally, the pressure and / or flow rate can be adjusted during purging and / or beverage transfer, as desired. For example, a higher (or lower) pressure may be initially employed during beverage transfer, followed by a lower (or higher) pressure once beverage transfer has commenced.

[0032] The first transfer head 1 can have first and second gas pathways 4, 5 fluidly coupled to a gas inlet of the first transfer head 1 and, therefore, to a gas source 3 for receiving pressurized gas. The first gas pathway 4 can be fluidly coupled to introduce pressurized gas into the interior space of the first container 10; for example, the first gas pathway 4 can include a second needle 12 through which pressurized gas can be introduced into the first container 10. Thus, the first gas pathway 4 can include a first gas outlet (e.g., at the distal end of the second needle 12) for delivering gas to the first container 10. The first gas pathway 4 can include a first gas valve 41 (and / or other components, such as a regulator, pressure sensor, etc.) for controlling gas flow along the pathway 4. The first gas valve 41 can be operable to be manually opened and closed by a user, for example, using a lever or button, thereby allowing the user to controllably introduce pressurized gas into the first container 10. In some embodiments, the valve 41 can be controlled by a controller, such as a programmed data processor or other control circuit. For example, the valve 41 can include an electrically operated solenoid valve that can be controlled to open or close based on an appropriate electronic signal, e.g., in response to sensed pressure within the container 10. The controller can adjust the gas pressure and / or flow rate of the gas supplied to the first container 10 accordingly. The pressurized gas introduced into the first container 10 can raise the pressure inside the first container 10 to a desired level, e.g., 5-50 psi, or other pressure suitable for driving the flow of beverage from the first container 10, and the pressure can be adjusted as desired during beverage transfer. In some embodiments, the first gas valve 41 can be controlled based on the pressure within the source container 10; for example, the valve 41 can automatically turn off when the pressure within the container 10 reaches a certain level. This can help prevent over-pressurization of the container 10. A second gas path 5 may be fluidly coupled to the second transfer head 2 for introducing pressurized gas into the interior space of the second vessel 20 .For example, the second gas path 5 may include a second gas outlet of the first transfer head 1 coupled to a gas line that connects to a gas inlet of the second transfer head 2 that is fluidly coupled to a second needle 22 (e.g., defining a gas outlet of the second transfer head 2).

[0033] The second gas pathway 5 may include a second gas valve 51 (and / or other components, such as a regulator, pressure sensor, etc.) for controlling gas flow along the pathway 5. The second gas valve 51 may be operable to open and close manually by a user, for example, using a lever or button, and / or by a controller, thereby allowing the user to controllably introduce pressurized gas into the second container 20. In some embodiments, pressure within the second container 20 may be vented using, for example, a vent port 24 of the second transfer head 2. The vent port 24 may be fluidly coupled to the third needle 23, thus enabling fluid to be vented from the second container 20. In some embodiments, the second gas valve 51 may be selectively opened to introduce pressurized gas into the second container 20 to purge air or other gases from the second container 20. For example, it may be desirable to purge the container 20 of air or other potentially contaminating gases before transferring a beverage to the second container 20. The second gas valve 51 can be opened to deliver pressurized gas into the second container, and as described above, the pressurized gas may be suitably inert, non-reactive, or non-damaging to the beverage. Once pressurized gas is introduced into the second container, the vent 24 can vent any gas pressure from the container 20, thereby releasing unwanted air or other gases from the container 20. Venting can be achieved by using any of a variety of pressure relief valves, either set to vent at a specific pressure or set at a variable setting that can be adjusted by the user and / or controlled by a controller, check valve, one-way valve, electronically controlled valve, etc. Alternatively, venting can be achieved using a flow restrictor, also set at an adjustable or fixed flow resistance. Such a restrictor may simply be a small hole or elongated passageway exiting the transfer head 2. Such a hole or passageway can use a semi-permeable membrane that restricts the flow of liquid but allows the flow of gas. Thus, the vent 24 may include a one-way valve, check valve, or other structure suitable for preventing air or other materials from entering the second container 20 through the vent 24 .In some cases, the second gas valve 51 can be operated by a timer (e.g., a mechanically or electronically controlled actuator or controller), with the valve 51 being opened for a defined period of time such that the second container 20 is purged with pressurized gas during the timer period. The second gas valve 51 can then be closed, and the second container 20 is ready to receive a beverage. In some embodiments, the pressure and / or flow rate of the gas provided to the second container 20 can be regulated or otherwise suitably controlled, for example, by a controller and associated regulator. For example, in some cases, the container 20 can be pressurized above ambient pressure to receive a beverage, e.g., the beverage is carbonated. The second gas valve 51 can be controlled to maintain a desired pressure in the container 20, for example, in response to a sensed pressure in the container 20.

[0034] A beverage path 6 may be provided between the first transfer head 1 and the second transfer head 2 so that a beverage can be transferred from the first container 10 to the second container 20. Initially, the first container or source container 10 may be completely or partially filled with a beverage, and the second container or destination container 20 may be completely free of any liquid or may have some liquid therein. In some embodiments, the beverage path 6 may include a first beverage path of the first transfer head 1 fluidly coupled to a second beverage path of the second transfer head 2 via a beverage line, e.g., a conduit connected between the transfer heads 1, 2. The beverage path may include a beverage valve 61 configured to control the delivery of the beverage from the source container 10 to the destination container 20 via the beverage path 6. For example, after pressurized gas is delivered to the first container 10 via the first gas path 4, the interior space of the first container 10 may be pressurized above ambient pressure and / or above the pressure within the second container 20. The beverage valve 61 can be opened (e.g., manually or automatically by a controller) and the beverage can flow from the first container 10 to the second container 20 through the beverage pathway 6. Once the beverage enters the second container 20 via the first needle 21, the pressure within the container 20 can be vented by the vent 24, allowing the second container 20 to be filled with the beverage while maintaining a relatively low pressure above ambient within the container 20. In some embodiments, the first needle 21 delivers the beverage into the second container 20 at or near the bottom or other lowest point of the interior space of the container 20. For example, the first needle 21 can extend into the container 20 such that its distal end contacts or is near the bottom of the container 20 (e.g., the needle 21 can be adjustable in length). If necessary, the first container 10 can be re-pressurized by introducing additional pressurized gas into the first container 10, for example by manually or automatically opening the first gas valve 41 when the pressure in the container 10 drops below a certain level, which can be done with the beverage valve 61 in an open or closed position. Once the second container 20 has been properly filled with beverage, the beverage valve 61 can be closed and the transfer head 2 can be disengaged from the second container 20.In some cases, pressurized gas may be introduced into the second container 20 during beverage transfer and / or when beverage transfer is completed, for example, to maintain carbonation of the sparkling beverage within the container 20 and / or to establish an appropriate pressure gradient between the containers 10, 20.

[0035] While FIG. 1 shows only one second container 20 receiving a beverage from a first container 10, in some embodiments, multiple second containers 20 can be fluidly coupled to one or more first containers 10. This allows the multiple second containers 20 to be provided with beverages from one or more first containers 10 simultaneously and / or sequentially. In some cases, each of the multiple second containers 20 can be coupled to a respective transfer head 2 that is fluidly coupled to a transfer head 1 associated with the first container 10. Such an arrangement can allow multiple second containers 20 to be filled simultaneously (or sequentially) with beverages from the first container 10. In some cases, multiple second containers 20 can be coupled to multiple first containers 10 to, for example, allow beverages from the multiple first containers 10 to be mixed together within each second container 20. In some cases, multiple second containers 20 can be coupled to a single transfer head 2 in series, e.g., filling one second container 20 with beverage from a first container 10, then filling another second container 20, then filling another second container 20, etc. The single transfer head 2 can be coupled to each second container 20 sequentially (e.g., by inserting a needle into the bung 25 of the container 20). In some cases, the second containers 20 can be automatically provided to the transfer head 2 (e.g., by a robot or other automated system) for coupling to the transfer head 2. In some embodiments, the transfer head 2 can move as needed to couple with stationary and / or moving second containers 20. For example, the second containers 20 can be provided on a rotating turntable, conveyor, or other carrier, and one or more transfer heads 2 can couple with the containers 20. The container 20 can be moved, e.g., indexed, relative to one or more transfer heads 2 for coupling with the transfer heads 2, and / or the transfer heads 2 can be moved appropriately for coupling with the container 20.

[0036] In FIG. 1 , the first and second transfer heads 1, 2 are connected by gas and beverage lines, which can provide a flexible or rigid connection between the heads 1, 2. A flexible or other connection that allows movement of one transfer head relative to the other can provide advantages, such as allowing one of the containers, such as the source container 10, to be tilted, inverted, or otherwise manipulated while the container 10 is engaged with the transfer head 1 so that the beverage can enter the first needle 11 or other port to the beverage pathway 6 while the destination container 20 remains upright. However, a rigid connection between the transfer heads 1, 2 can provide advantages as well. For example, FIG. 2 shows an embodiment in which the first and second transfer heads 1, 2 are secured together, e.g., fabricated as a single assembly. (Vent 24 is not shown in FIG. 2, but can be provided on second transfer head 2 as in FIG. 1. This arrangement can provide convenient use of the system, especially when using smaller containers 10, 20. For example, by piercing the corks or septa at the openings of source container 10 and destination container 20 with needles on transfer heads 1, 2, destination container 20 can first be engaged with second transfer head 2, and then with source container 10 engaged with first transfer head 1. Destination container 20 can be purged of air by operating second gas valve 51, if necessary. The source container 10, transfer head assembly, and destination container 20 can then be They can be operated as a unit so that the opening of the source container 10 is positioned at or below the bottom of the container 10, for example so that the beverage flows towards the first transfer head 1. This configuration can allow for the use of shorter needles 11, 12 for the transfer head 1, if needles are used, or can eliminate needles altogether as the beverage can flow by gravity to a port on the body of the first transfer head 1 that communicates with the beverage pathway 6. The first gas valve 4 can operate to pressurize the source container 10, and the beverage valve 61 can open to allow transfer of the beverage to the destination container 20 via the beverage pathway 6.Pressure and gravity within the source container 10 can drive the flow of beverage into the destination container 20, which can occur while the first gas valve 41 is closed or open. Once the destination container 20 is properly filled with beverage, the source container 10 can be tilted to move the beverage away from the first needle 11 or other beverage port of the first transfer head 1, and / or the beverage valve 6 can be closed to stop the flow of beverage. The transfer heads 1, 2 can then be suitably disengaged from the containers 10, 20.

[0037] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment in which the first and second transfer heads 1, 2 are mounted on a support 7, which is also configured to support a source container 10 and a destination container 20. The support 7 can have a base 72, for example, to allow the support 7 to be placed on a tabletop or other surface. In some embodiments, the support 7 can hold the source container 10 so that the opening and any stopper 15 in the opening are located below the bottom 16 of the container 10. This orientation of the container 10 can help move the beverage toward the opening and therefore toward the first transfer head 1 so that the beverage can flow into the beverage path 6. In FIG. 3, the support 7 is shown as having a cradle 73 configured to hold the source container 10 in an inclined position, for example, so that the longitudinal axis of the container 10, which extends through the center of the opening (or stopper 15) and the center of the bottom 16, is positioned at an angle to the horizontal. In some embodiments, the container 10 can be supported in a vertical orientation, with the longitudinal axis aligned with the vertical and the opening (and any stopper 15) below the bottom 16. The cradle 73 can be configured in any suitable manner, such as including one or more Y- or U-shaped elements for holding the container 10, a clamp for engaging the container 10, a strap for supporting the container 10, a sleeve, or the like. In some embodiments, the cradle 73 or other container engagement feature can be attached to the first transfer head 1 rather than the support 7; for example, a clamp or sleeve on the transfer head 1 can engage the neck of the container 10 to hold the container 10 as desired. Because the beverage flows to the opening by gravity, supporting the source container 10 with the opening positioned below the bottom 16 can avoid the need to use a needle or a needle with a length that reaches into the interior space of the container 10. Thus, if a needle 11 is used, the distal end of the needle 11 only needs to extend a relatively short distance beyond the bottom or inside of the bung 15. In some embodiments, the cradle 73 or other container engagement feature can help align the container 10 with the first transfer head 1 for engagement between the container 10 and the transfer head 1.For example, the container 10 may be placed on the cradle 73 and then slid along the cradle 73 so that the container 10 is in sealing engagement with the first transfer head 1, e.g., so that the needle 11 passes through the bung 15.

[0038] In some embodiments, the first and / or second transfer heads 1, 2 can be mounted for movement relative to the support 7 and / or each other. For example, FIG. 3 shows the first transfer head 1 attached to the second transfer head 2 and the support 7 by a pivot 74. That is, the second transfer head 2 is fixed to the support 7, and thus the first transfer head 1 is mounted for movement relative to both the support 7 and the second transfer head 2. However, the pivot 74 can be mounted directly to the support 7 rather than the second transfer head 2, and the second transfer head 2 itself can be separately mounted to the support 7 for movement relative to the support 7. In some embodiments, the first transfer head 1 can be mounted for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis, as in FIG. 3, and / or about other axes as desired. Allowing the first transfer head 1 to move about a horizontal axis relative to the support 7 can be useful for enabling use with source containers 10 of different sizes and / or shapes. For example, movement of the first transfer head 1 about a horizontal axis can enable the first transfer head 1 to sealingly engage a source container 10 having a different diameter and / or length than that shown in FIG. 3 . That is, for containers 10 having smaller / larger diameters or shorter / longer lengths than those shown in FIG. 3 , the first transfer head 1 can pivot as needed to enable the container 10 to engage the cradle 73 while maintaining engagement between the transfer head 1 and the container opening. In addition to pivoting, the first transfer head 1 can be configured to translate relative to the support 7; for example, the pivot axis of the pivot 74 can be configured to move in a vertical plane while also allowing the transfer head 1 to pivot about a horizontal axis. Mounting the first transfer head 1 to move relative to the support 7 can also enable easier and / or different methods for engaging a source container 10 with the first transfer head 1. For example, in the embodiment of Figure 3, the first transfer head 1 can be pivoted clockwise so that the container engaging side of the transfer head 1 (e.g., the side from which the first needle 11 extends) faces upward and / or to the right in Figure 3.This can, for example, allow a source container 10 to be lowered onto the first transfer head 1 such that the upward-pointing first needle 11 can extend into the bung 15 of the container 10 as the container 10 is lowered onto the first transfer head 1. As another example, with the container-engaging side of the transfer head 1 facing to the right in FIG. 3, a user can push the source container 10 horizontally (or nearly horizontally) to engage the first transfer head 1. After engagement of the container 10 and transfer head 1, the container 10 and transfer head 1 can be pivoted in a counterclockwise direction as seen in FIG. 3 such that the container 10 is received and supported by a cradle 73 or other container-engaging feature.

[0039] In some embodiments, the beverage transfer system can include features for automatically engaging the source container 10 or destination container 20 with the respective transfer heads 1, 2. For example, FIG. 3 shows a destination container platform 71 that can be moved vertically relative to the support 7, e.g., up and down as viewed in FIG. 3, by a platform drive 75. Thus, the destination container 20 can be placed on the platform 71 and moved upward by the platform drive 75 so that the destination container 20 is in sealing engagement with the second transfer head 2, e.g., so that the first and second needles 21, 22 can be inserted through the bung 25. While FIG. 3 shows the container 20 supported on a flat platform 71, the container 20 can be engaged in any suitable manner, such as with a clamp, strap, sleeve, etc., such that the container 20 can be engaged and / or disengaged with the second transfer head 2. For example, the container 20 can be secured to the platform 71 or other support element such that the container 20 can be withdrawn downwardly from engagement with the second transfer head 2. A similar configuration can be used for source containers 10; for example, the containers 10 can be secured to a portion of a cradle 73 that can move toward and away from the first transfer head 1 so that the containers 10 engage and disengage with the first transfer head 1. The drives used to move the containers 10, 20 can be configured in any suitable manner, such as including lead screw and motor drives, rack and pinion drives, linkages, hydraulic or pneumatic actuators, manual lever drives, etc. Alternatively, the containers 10, 20 can be held stationary relative to the support 7, and the first and / or second transfer heads 1, 2 can be moved to engage and disengage the containers 10, 20. For example, the destination container 20 can be clamped or otherwise secured to a platform 71, which can remain stationary. The second transfer head 2 can be movable downward to engage the needles 21, 22 with the container 20, for example, while the first transfer head 1 and source container 10 remain stationary with the destination container 20.After the beverage has been transferred, the second transfer head 2 can be moved upward to withdraw the needle(s) 21, 22 from the bung 25 or otherwise disengage the second transfer head 2 from the destination container 20.

[0040] While FIG. 3 shows an arrangement including only one source container 10 and one destination container 20, in some embodiments, more than one source container 10 and / or more than one destination container 20 can be used. For example, multiple transfer heads 2 can be provided fluidly coupled to one or more transfer heads 1. Each of the multiple transfer heads 2 can be coupled to a respective destination container 20 for purging, providing beverages to the containers 20, etc. Multiple containers 20 can be engaged and / or disengaged from respective transfer heads 2 in an automated manner, for example, by mounting the multiple containers 20 on a platform 71 (or platform 71) that moves the containers 20 into engagement with the respective transfer heads 2. Alternatively, the transfer head 2 can be movable to engage multiple stationary containers 20. The same applies to source containers 10 and transfer heads 1.

[0041] The embodiment of FIG. 3 also includes certain modifications as described above. For example, the first and second gas valves 41, 51 are attached to the second transfer head 2 instead of the first transfer head 1. Also, the first gas path 4 and the beverage path 6 are merged into a single conduit, at least in the portion associated with the first transfer head 1, e.g., at the lumen of the first needle 11 and the conduit attached to the first transfer head 1. Thus, pressurized gas can be introduced into the source container 10 through the first needle 11, and the beverage can be transferred from the source container 10 through the first needle 11. As described above, pressure (as well as gravity) within the source container 10 can drive flow along the beverage path 6. Thus, the source container 10 can be pressurized by first introducing pressurized gas through the first gas path 4, e.g., by opening the first gas (or pressurization) valve 41, and then the beverage can be transferred to the destination container 20 by opening the beverage valve 61. The second transfer head 2 does not include a vent in this embodiment, but a vent could also be provided. For example, to vent the destination container 20 during a purge or sparge operation when the second gas (or sparge) valve 51 is opened, the beverage valve 61 can be configured as a three-way valve such that the beverage valve 61 has a beverage transfer position and a vent position. In the vent position, the beverage valve 61 can allow venting of gas from the destination container 20 when pressurized gas is introduced via the second gas path 5. In the beverage transfer position, the valve 61 can allow transfer of the beverage along the beverage path 6. Similarly, to vent the destination container 20 during beverage transfer, the second gas valve 51 can be configured as a three-way valve having a gas flow position and a vent position. In the vent position, the second gas valve 51 can allow gas to exit the destination container 20 as the beverage enters the container 20 via the beverage path 6. In the gas flow position, the valve 51 can allow pressurized gas flow into the destination container 20. Determining that the destination container 20 is properly filled with beverage can be done in different ways, such as by the user observing the container 20 and closing the beverage valve 61 at the appropriate time.In some embodiments, the conductivity between two or more needles 21-22 can be used to detect the beverage reaching or near the top of the container 20. For example, a first needle 21 used to deliver the beverage into the container 20 can have a distal end positioned at or near the bottom of the container and therefore in contact with the beverage throughout most of the filling operation. Another needle, such as the vent needle 23, can have a distal end positioned well above the bottom of the container 20, for example near the underside of the bung 25. Thus, when conductivity between the needles 21, 23 is detected, a determination can be made that the beverage is in contact with the vent needle 23 and has therefore reached a level near the bung 25.

[0042] The destination containers 20 that hold beverages from the source containers 10 can be associated with the source containers 10 in a variety of ways, such as by using a computer database and appropriate identifiers on the containers 10, 20. For example, the source containers 10 and destination containers 20 can bear indicia, such as machine-readable codes (e.g., optically, magnetically, and / or electromagnetically readable, as in the case of bar codes, RFID tags, etc.), that can be read from the containers 10, 20 to obtain unique identities of the containers 10, 20 and, optionally, information about their contents. For example, the identities and associations of the source containers 10 and destination containers 20 can be stored in a database so that destination containers 20 that hold beverages from particular source containers 10 can be identified and tracked. For example, a record can be created for each source container 10 (or each destination container 20), and information about the associated destination container 20 (or source container 10) that holds the beverage from the source container 10 can be stored in the source container 10 record. Other relevant information may be stored as well, including beverage type or other characteristics, the date and / or location of the beverage transfer, the current location or owner of the destination container 20, an identifier for the system used to transfer the beverage from the source container to the destination container, etc. To form the record, an RFID tag, bar code, bottle label, or other indicia may be read from the source container 10 to determine, for example, the unique identification of the source container 10 and / or other information about the beverage, such as variety, vineyard, year of bottling, etc., if such information is stored in a machine-readable code. If the source container 10 does not have indicia that can uniquely identify the container 10 (e.g., a UPC label generally cannot uniquely identify a particular bottle from other bottles containing the same beverage), a label containing unique indicia may be affixed to the container 10 and then read and used to form the appropriate record. If desired, information about the beverage in the source container 10 may be obtained by scanning the label or other portion of the source container 10 and accessing a database or other information source.For example, the bottle label can be scanned to identify the vineyard, wine type, and year, and information about the wine can be retrieved from a database. Indicia on the destination container 20 can also be read, and a unique identifier for the source container 10 and associated destination container 20 can be stored in one or more records for later retrieval, along with other information about the beverage and / or beverage transfer. This allows a user of the destination container 20 to easily identify which source container 10 the beverage in the container 20 came from, as well as other information such as the type or other characteristics of the beverage, when the sample was taken, etc.

[0043] As mentioned above, the destination container 20 can be configured in a variety of ways, and FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment. The container 20 of FIG. 4 includes a container body having an interior space for holding a liquid beverage and an opening 27 for accessing the interior space. The container 20 also has a bung 15, which in some embodiments can include a cap 151 that engages with the container body and hermetically closes the opening 27 to prevent gas or liquid from passing through the opening 27. The cap can include a portion, such as a septum 152, configured to be pierced by a needle to dispense the liquid beverage into the container body 26 and to reseal upon withdrawal of the needle to prevent gas or liquid from passing through the cap 151. For example, the septum 152 can be a block or body of elastomeric material retained within the interior space defined by the cap 151. The septum 152 can be radially and / or axially compressed by the cap 151; for example, the septum 152 may need to be radially and / or axially compressed to be received within the interior space defined by the cap 151. Such compression can help the septum 152 define a seal with the cap 151 and / or help the septum 152 reseal during and after needle penetration. The septum 152 can be pressed against the container body 26, for example, around the opening 27, to define a seal with the container body 26. In some embodiments, a barrier layer 153 can be provided between the septum 152 and the container body 26 to help, for example, strengthen the oxygen barrier and / or the barrier against other materials, such as moisture. In some embodiments, the septum 152 can be formed from an elastomeric material that itself has barrier properties, for example, providing a barrier against oxygen. In some embodiments, the septum 152 can have a barrier film or layer applied to the top and / or bottom surfaces of the septum 152 (e.g., the surfaces facing toward and away from the interior space of the container 20). Such barrier films or layers can provide a barrier to oxygen, moisture, and / or other materials.In some embodiments, the barrier layer 153 may comprise a PVDC (polyvinylidene dichloride) film or foam layer. The cap 151 may have a top opening 156 through which a needle can enter the interior space of the cap 151 and, for example, pierce the septum 152. A barrier label 154 may be provided over the top opening 156, for example, to provide an oxygen or other barrier for the cap 151. In some embodiments, the barrier label 154 may comprise a metalized film or other material with suitable barrier properties (e.g., against oxygen, moisture, and / or other materials) that is applied over the top opening 156 after the container 20 is filled with a beverage. In some embodiments, the barrier label 156 may extend over the closure 15 and into the container body 26 and may function as a tamper-evident feature (e.g., to indicate whether the label 156 has been removed or otherwise disturbed after being placed on the container 20). In some embodiments, a paper label, shrink film, or other tamper-evident feature may be placed on label 156 and / or other portions of closure 15 (e.g., to indicate whether an attempt has been made to remove closure 15, open the container, or expose the contents of the container to the outside environment).

[0044] The cap 151 has a lower opening and can be engaged with the container body 26 by, for example, threaded engagement, adhesive, crimping, a friction fit, or the like. Accordingly, the cap 151 can have a passageway therethrough extending from the upper opening to the lower opening. A tamper-evident seal 155 can be provided on the cap to indicate that the cap has not been removed from the container body 26. For example, the tamper-evident seal 155 can include a shrink-wrap cover, a sticker, a label, or other arrangement that allows a user to easily identify whether the cap 151 has been removed from the container body 26. In some cases, the tamper-evident seal 155 can include a perforated metal band or sleeve having a lower portion secured to the container body 26 and an upper portion that defines the cap 151. When the cap 151 is removed, for example, by unscrewing the cap 151 from the body 26, the perforations can break or separate, indicating that the cap has been removed from the body 26. By providing an indication of whether the cap 151 has been removed, a user can easily determine whether the interior space of the container 20 has been exposed to air or other environmental conditions, regardless of whether the container 20 contains a beverage. For example, the destination container 20 can be sparged or purged of air while the cap is secured to the body 26, thus containing only an inert or non-reactive gas and no liquid. Thus, the tamper-evident seal 155 can indicate that the sparged or purged container 20 remains unopened and ready to receive a beverage. Alternatively, the container 20 can be at least partially filled with a beverage while the cap 151 is secured to the body 26. In this case, the tamper-evident seal 155 can indicate whether the beverage has been exposed to air or other environmental conditions by removing the cap 151. The tamper-evident seal 155 can extend over the top opening 156 and, for example, define the barrier label 154 or, if desired, extend over the barrier label 154.

[0045] To make beverage transfer more convenient for users, users can be provided with a destination container 20 having a pre-sealed interior space, e.g., a container body 26 and a cap 151 that seals the interior space of the body 26, which can be sparged or purged of air and other materials. Sparging the interior space before use can make beverage transfer easier, for example, because the user does not need to sparge the container 20 before transfer and / or can ensure that the container 20 is sparged to have specific conditions that the user may not be able to easily reproduce. For example, the container 20 can be sparged so that the interior space contains only gas and no liquid, contains argon or CO2 gas, contains less than 0.5% oxygen gas, and / or has an internal pressure within 20% of atmospheric pressure (e.g., above atmospheric pressure to help prevent ambient air or other external environment from entering the interior space). Sparging can occur after the cap 151 or other closure 15 is secured to the container body 26, so that the septum or other pierceable element of the closure 15 can have a pierced opening that is resealed to prevent gas or liquid from passing through the cap as a result of the sparging action. Alternatively, the container 20 need not be pre-sparged but may be sparged or purged by a user, for example, immediately prior to transferring a beverage into the container 20. After sparging or transfer of the beverage, a barrier label 154 can be placed on the cap 151 or other closure 15 to help provide a barrier to the ingress of oxygen or other materials, for example, through the septum or resealed opening in the septum.

[0046] In some embodiments, the container body 26 can be a rigid structure that defines an interior space of the container body 26 to have a specific, fixed volume. For example, the container body 26 can be made from glass, metal, hard plastic, or other materials. In some embodiments, the container body 26 can be collapsible, expandable, or otherwise define a variable volume of the interior space. As an example, the container body 26 can be made from a flexible film or other material to form a pouch or other container with a variable interior volume. In some cases, a container 20 having a collapsible and / or expandable container body 26 can be configured to have a minimum interior volume before a beverage is transferred to the container 20. This can avoid or reduce the need to purge the interior volume of the container 20 before transferring a beverage to the container 20. Alternatively, such a container 20 can be purged (e.g., using an inert or other suitable gas), but the reduced or minimized interior volume of the container 20 during purging can reduce the amount of gas required for purging. A container 20 having a collapsible or expandable container body 26 can have any suitable type of closure 15, as described above. Transfer of a beverage into the container 20 can cause the container body 26 to expand to increase the interior volume of the container 20 to accommodate the beverage.

[0047] Regarding needles that may be used in various embodiments to access the interior space of a container, needles with smooth-walled exteriors, non-coring pencil points (with openings in the needle sidewall), or 15-gauge or larger Huber point needles have been found to be effective for penetrating wine bottle corks, septa, or other stoppers while effectively sealing with the cork to prevent gas or fluid ingress or egress during beverage transfer and / or after needle removal. Furthermore, such needles allow the cork to reseal after the needle is removed, allowing the bottle, and any remaining beverage, to be stored for months or years without any abnormal change in the beverage's flavor. Such needles may also be used to penetrate foil covers or other packaging commonly found on wine bottles and other bottles. Thus, the needle can penetrate the foil cover or other element as well as the stopper, eliminating the need to remove the foil or other packaging before beverage extraction. Other needle profiles and gauges are also usable with the system. The needle can have a non-coring tip that can be passed through the cork or other stopper without removing material from the cork. One non-coring tip is a pencil tip that expands the passageway through the cork, but deflecting tips and stylet needles have also been found to work well and can be used. Pencil-tip needles preferably have at least one lumen extending along their length from at least one inlet at the opposite end of the pencil tip and at least one outlet proximal to the pencil tip. The needle outlet may be located in the sidewall of the needle at the distal end of the needle, but proximal to the needle tip. Multiple relatively small holes may be provided in the sidewall of the needle.

[0048] It has been found that with the correct needle gauge, the passageway (if any) remaining after removal of the needle from the cork, septum, or other closure will self-seal against the passage of fluids and / or gases under normal storage conditions. Thus, the needle can be inserted through the closure to extract the beverage and then removed, allowing the closure to reseal, preventing the passage of beverage and gas through the closure. While numerous needle gauges are workable, preferred needle gauges range from 16 to 22 gauge, and in some embodiments, the optimal needle gauge is 16 to 20 gauge. These needle gauges provide optimal fluid flow while minimizing pressure within the bottle and causing an acceptably low degree of damage to the cork, even after repeated insertions and extractions.

[0049] While numerous needle lengths can be adapted to function properly in various embodiments, it has been found that a minimum needle length of approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) may generally be required to pass through the cork of a standard wine bottle. For example, needles 9 inches or longer may be used to extend from the bottle opening to the bottom of the bottle. When two or more needles are used, the needle lengths may be the same or different and may vary from 0.25 inches to 10 inches (0.64 to 25.4 cm). Creating distance between the needle inlet / outlet can prevent cross-contamination / flow between the two lumens.

[0050] In some embodiments, the length, gauge, opening size, and / or other characteristics of the needle can be adjusted to optimize gas and beverage flow without causing foam or effervescence in the beverage. Huber point and similar needles have been found to be particularly effective in this regard. In some cases, the needle is optimized to reduce its length and provide the fastest fluid flow without causing foam or effervescence in beverages such as wine. Needles can be used to pierce septa or other stoppers in different ways, for example, passing through the septum or other stopper in a direction perpendicular to the stopper's entrance plane, in a direction at a non-perpendicular angle to the stopper's entrance plane, and in other ways. In some embodiments, needles having a curved shape can be employed and penetrated through a cork, septum, or other stopper. Such curved needles can be pierced by pivoting the needle about an axis so that the tip of the needle penetrates the stopper in a direction perpendicular to the stopper's entrance plane, but the needle follows a curved path through the stopper. In some embodiments, a curved needle can penetrate the bung so that the distal end or other portion of the needle having the exit opening is positioned adjacent to the interior wall of the container, which can allow a beverage, such as wine, to enter the container and contact the interior wall of the container at a relatively high flow rate without creating foam or effervescence or minimizing mixing of the beverage with gases within the container.

[0051] In some embodiments, an appropriate gas pressure is introduced into the source container to extract the beverage. For example, it has been found that a maximum pressure of approximately 20-100 psi (1.4-6.9 bar) can be introduced into the bottle without risk of cork leakage or expulsion, although other pressures may be used. In some embodiments, the system may include a pressure gauge that detects the original pressure in the source container. The pressure gauge can serve as a guide to the user regarding the appropriate pressure to introduce into the source container. Alternatively, an electronic control system can be used to automatically dispense the beverage and pressurize the source container to a pressure appropriate for transfer. Any version of a pressure monitoring or control system, user or electronic, may also be used.

[0052] The source of pressurized gas can be any of a variety of regulated or unregulated pressurized gas bottles filled with any of a variety of non-reactive gases. In a preferred embodiment, the gas cylinder contains gas at an initial pressure of approximately 2000-3000 psi (138-207 bar). This pressure has been found to allow the use of a single relatively small compressed gas cylinder (e.g., approximately 3 inches [7.6 cm] in length and 0.75 inches [1.9 cm] in diameter) for the transfer of the contents of multiple wine bottles. Multiple gases have been successfully tested over extended storage periods. Preferably, the gas used is non-reactive with the beverage in the bottle, such as wine, and can serve to protect the beverage from oxidation or other spoilage, although any suitable gas, reactive or non-reactive with the beverage, can be used. Suitable gases include nitrogen, carbon dioxide, argon, helium, neon, etc. Mixtures of gases are also possible. For example, a mixture of argon and another lighter gas could blanket the wine or other beverage with argon, with the lighter gas taking up volume within the bottle, possibly lowering the overall cost of the gas. Pure carbon dioxide has been found to be the preferred gas for most sparkling wine beverages.

[0053] While aspects of the present invention have been shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as contained in the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A system for transferring a beverage from a source container to a destination container, comprising: a first transfer head configured to sealingly engage an opening of the source container to deliver gas to an interior space of the source container and to receive a beverage from the source container; a second transfer head configured to sealingly engage the destination container to deliver the beverage from the source container to an interior space of the destination container; a support configured to support the first transfer head and the second transfer head and to support the source container with the opening of the source container positioned below a bottom of the source container; The system wherein the first transfer head is pivotally mounted relative to the support.

2. the second transfer head is fixed to the support; The system of claim 1 , wherein the first transfer head is pivotally mounted to the second transfer head.

3. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first transfer head includes at least one needle configured to penetrate a bung in the opening of the source container to deliver gas into the interior space of the source container and receive beverage from the source container.

4. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the second transfer head includes at least one needle configured to penetrate a bung in the opening of the destination container to deliver gas into the interior space of the destination container to purge the destination container and deliver the beverage from the source container to the destination container.

5. a first gas path fluidly coupled to the first transfer head, the first gas path including a pressurization valve configured to deliver pressurized gas into the source vessel to pressurize the interior space of the source vessel; a second gas path fluidly coupled to the second transfer head, the second gas path including a sparge valve configured to deliver pressurized gas into the destination vessel; 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a beverage pathway fluidly coupled between the first transfer head and the second transfer head, the beverage pathway including a beverage valve configured to control delivery of the beverage from the source container to the destination container via the beverage pathway.

6. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a destination container support configured to move the destination container relative to the second transfer head and to bring the destination container into sealing engagement with the second transfer head.

7. 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a beverage path fluidly coupled between the first transfer head and the second transfer head and configured to deliver a beverage from the source container to the destination container.

8. 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the flow of beverage along the beverage path is driven solely by gravity and pressure within the interior space of the source container.

9. 1. A system for transferring a beverage from a source container to a destination container, comprising: a first transfer head including a gas inlet configured to receive pressurized gas, first and second gas outlets for delivering gas received at the gas inlet, and a first beverage path configured to transfer a beverage in a first container, the first transfer head configured to engage the first container to fluidly couple the first gas outlet and the first beverage path with an interior space of the first container; a second transfer head including a gas inlet, a gas outlet, and a second beverage path configured to transfer a beverage in a second container, the second transfer head configured to engage the second container to fluidly couple the gas outlet and the second beverage path with an interior space of the second container; a gas line connecting the second gas outlet of the first transfer head to the gas inlet of the second transfer head; a beverage line connecting the first beverage path and the second beverage path to transfer a beverage between the first transfer head and the second transfer head; A system comprising:

10. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the first gas outlet and the first beverage pathway are connected to at least one needle configured to deliver gas into the first container and transfer a beverage to the first container.

11. The at least one needle a first needle connected to the first gas outlet; a second needle connected to the first beverage path; 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the first needle and the second needle are configured to pierce a closure of the first container to position distal ends of the first needle and the second needle within an interior space of the first container.

12. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the gas outlet of the second transfer head and the second beverage path are connected to at least one needle configured to deliver gas into the second container and transfer a beverage to the second container.

13. The at least one needle a first needle connected to the gas outlet of the second transfer head; a second needle connected to the second beverage path; 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the first needle and the second needle are configured to pierce a closure of the second container to position distal ends of the first needle and the second needle within an interior space of the second container.

14. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the first transfer head and the second transfer head are connected to each other and configured to engage with the first container and the second container, respectively, with one of the first container and the second container positioned above the other of the first container and the second container.

15. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the first transfer head and the second transfer head are pivotally connected to one another.

16. a first gas valve configured to control gas flow from the gas inlet to the first gas outlet of the first transfer head to introduce gas into the first vessel; a second gas valve configured to control gas flow from the gas inlet of the first transfer head to the second gas outlet to introduce gas into the second vessel through the gas outlet of the second transfer head; 10. The system of claim 9, further comprising: a beverage valve configured to control the flow of beverage through the beverage line.

17. 10. The system of claim 9, further comprising a container support configured to support and move the first container or the second container into engagement with the first transfer head or the second transfer head.

18. the first transfer head is configured to sealingly couple the first gas outlet and the first beverage path to the interior space of the first container adapted to prevent ambient atmosphere from entering the interior space of the first container; 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the second transfer head is configured to sealingly couple the gas outlet and the second beverage path of the second transfer head to the interior space of the second container adapted to prevent ambient atmosphere from entering the interior space of the second container.

Images