Patent Publication Number: US-7708241-B2

Title: Wine decanting appliance and method for decanting

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to apparatuses for decanting liquid from one container to another, and particularly pertains to a wine decanting apparatus and method thereof which provide for an automatic tilting actuation. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Traditionally, wine has been decanted before serving to separate the wine from its sediment. Older, heavy-bodied wines accumulate sediment during the aging process. This sediment when mixed with the wine can cause the wine to have a bitter, astringent flavor. 
   Decanting wine also causes the wine to mix with oxygen. Younger wines often come to life when aerated. The mixture of the wine with oxygen allows the wine to develop, improving its subtlety and complexity. Thus, a younger wine&#39;s flavor can become enhanced with aeration. 
   Proper decanting requires a slow, steady flow to prevent turbulence which will stir up the sediment, clouding the wine. Achieving this slow, steady flow is a skill, requiring patience and attention often left to a Sommelier in a busy restaurant or wine tasting room. An improperly decanted wine may be distasteful or unfit for the level of quality expected and thus wasted. Wine connoisseurs typically understand and appreciate the need for decanting, as well as the interval of time required to properly decant. When preparing to enjoy an expensive wine that has been purchased and aged specifically for an occasion, the decanting is as much a part of the ceremony as is the libation itself. 
   The use of filters, pumps, and tubing alleviate the need for a server to pour the bottle and maintain the mouth of the bottle in a proper position relative to the mouth of the decanting receptacle, allowing even the unskilled to decant properly. In addition, filters, pumps, and tubing reduce the interval of time required to decant. However, filters, pumps, and tubing in contact with wine are anathema to most fine wine enthusiasts. 
   A number of products have been developed in an attempt to decant wine. One known product and accompanying method for decanting wine is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,425,421 issued to Morrison on Jul. 30, 2002. Morrison&#39;s apparatus includes a pump unit and a fluid withdrawal unit. Also, included is a support unit that is dimensioned to receive a wine bottle in a tilted orientation with the upper portion of the wine bottle at an angle of inclination such that the sediment tends to collect at the lowest point within the peripheral well of the wine bottle. In Morrison&#39;s disclosure, the wine is siphoned out of the bottle into a decanting receptacle and the sediment is shifted to a concentrated location away from the fluid withdrawal unit. As such, Morrison&#39;s apparatus and method for decanting wine removes almost the entire fluid volume of a bottle of fine vintage wine, while employing the use of a filter, a pump, and tubing. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,026,480 issued to Fischer on Jun. 25, 1991 discloses a decanting apparatus that attempts to automatically transfer the flowable contents of one vessel into another vessel within a short interval of time. Fischer&#39;s apparatus includes a carrier in the form of a cradle or balance beam that rocks back and forth in response to the flow of red wine from a wine bottle on one arm of the carrier into a decanting receptacle on the other arm of the carrier. The disclosure also incorporates a candle for illuminating the transfer so that a server can observe the quantity of flowable substance and prevent residue or sediment from being transferred. In Fischer&#39;s disclosure, the server nearly empties the entire fluid contents of the first vessel by manually tilting the carrier beyond its further point of inclination while attempting to ensure that no sediment is transferred with the fluid contents of the first vessel into the second vessel. 
   Reference can also be made to U.S. Pat. No. 3,868,047 issued on Feb. 25, 1975 to Bersano. In Bersano&#39;s disclosure, the wine bottle is supported by a cradle that is pivotally attached to a frame. Shafts rotatably support both the frame and the bottle and provide a point of pivot at a location along the length of the cradle&#39;s longitudinal axis. A means for gradually tilting the wine bottle is provided so that a server can manually turn a crank to bring the bottle into its wine pouring position. Throughout the cranking operation and resultant tilting maneuver, the server positions a receiving receptacle to receive the wine by engaging the receiving receptacle to the mouth of the wine bottle. With the pivot point located along the length of the cradle&#39;s longitudinal axis, the neck and mouth of the bottle are forced in a downward direction during the cranking operation. U.S. Pat. No. 3,868,047 further discloses a means for projecting a beam of light through the neck of the wine bottle so that the server can observe if sediment is being poured with the wine during the decanting operation. 
   Accordingly, there exists a need for an apparatus for decanting wine which controls the rate of pour of the wine and the tilt of the wine bottle in a manner which leaves the sediment in the bottle without requiring skill and constant attention from the server. Such an apparatus must be of relatively straightforward, compact design and construction to maximize its automatic operation, while employing a precise pour to transfer nearly the entire fluid content of the bottle. The wine bottle must be positioned and steadied during the tilting actuation so that in its final position of inclination the sediment remains in the bottle. The decanting operation must be achieved hands-free, without having to attend to the receiving receptacle and the repositioning thereof, as the wine is poured from the bottle into the receiving receptacle. Inasmuch as the art is relatively crowded with respect to various types of wine decanting apparatuses, it can be appreciated that there is a continuing need for and interest in improvements to such apparatuses, and in this respect, the present invention addresses the need and interest. None of the known disclosures are believed to detract from the described and claimed embodiments of the present invention. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is a decanting apparatus for wine and the like and method of use thereof. The decanting apparatus is a cradle having an open end where the lip of the mouth of the source vessel communicates with the lip of a decanting receptacle. The open end of the cradle is connected to a closed-walled rearward end by a pair of elongate side rails. Fastened to the closed-walled rearward end is a spring-loaded tensioner for supporting the base of a source vessel with liquid therein. The neck and shoulder portions of the source vessel are supported by an adjustable positioner. The source vessel is compressed between the adjustable positioner and the spring-loaded tensioner. A pair of adjustable vertical support members bilaterally hinged to the side rails at the open end of the cradle provide vertical support for the apparatus. The source vessel is suspended at an angle such that the lip of the mouth of the source vessel contacts the lip of the decanting receptacle. The apparatus has a means for tilting the vessel relative to the vertical support members and a means for operatively controlling the means for tilting. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain the principles and implementations of the invention. 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric view of the invented wine decanting appliance in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of the invented wine decanting appliance corresponding to  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is a fragmentary, side elevation view of the cradle of the invented wine decanting appliance corresponding to  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 4  is a fragmentary, side elevation view of the spring-loaded knob of the invented wine decanting appliance. 
       FIG. 5  is fragmentary, side elevation view featuring the adjustable front fork of the invented wine decanting appliance. 
       FIG. 6  is a fragmentary, side elevation view of the invented wine decanting appliance corresponding to  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 7  is a diagrammatic view featuring the control unit of the invented wine decanting appliance. 
       FIG. 8  is a fragmentary, isometric view of the invented wine decanting appliance featuring the alignment rod. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the various drawing figures, reference numeral  100  is directed to a wine decanting appliance. 
   In essence and with particular reference to  FIG. 1 , a wine decanting appliance  100  is shown for providing automatically controlled and unattended transfer of the fluid contents of a source vessel W into a receiving receptacle, also known as a decanting receptacle D while leaving the lees, sediment or solid matter pooled in the wells and in the shoulder of the source vessel W. In general, the source vessel W is any conventionally sized bottle for storing and aging wine having a known expanded mouth ring, preferably 750 mL sized. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that appliance  100  can be constructed to accommodate 375 mL, 1.5 L or any other size wine bottles W typically known in the art. The appliance  100  has a cradle  200  for supporting the bottle W, a pair of columns  300  bilaterally hinged to the cradle  200 , a drive mechanism  400  for providing the means for tilting, a base plate  500 , and a programmable control unit  600 . 
   More specifically, and with particular reference to  FIGS. 1-6 , details of the cradle  200  are described. The cradle  200  supports and secures the bottle W throughout the tilting actuation. In one embodiment of the invention, cradle  200  has an open end O connected to a closed-walled  220  rearward end R by a pair of side rails  210 ,  212 . Side rails  210 ,  212  are elongate support members that extend adjacent to the length of the bottle W on oppositely disposed sides of the bottle W. At rearward end R, the side rails  210 ,  212  bilaterally connect to the closed wall  220 . 
   At open end O, the side rails  210 ,  212  are spanned by a bridge  230  which serves to secure the side rails  210 ,  212  one  210  to the other  212 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  5 . The upwardly facing planar side of the bridge  230  is recessed to provide clearance for the mouth and neck of the bottle W. 
   As shown in  FIG. 2  (broken lines), and  FIG. 4 , a pair of cradle rods  240 ,  242  extend parallel to each inward side or bottle-side of the side rails  210 ,  212 . Cradle rods  240 ,  242  serve as guides for front fork  260  as the front fork  260  slides along the lengths of the rods  240 ,  242  relative to spring-loaded knob  250 .  FIGS. 2 and 3 , show the cradle rods  240  (broken lines),  242  attached to the closed wall  220  of the cradle  200  at rearward end R and to the bridge  230 . As detailed in  FIG. 5 , the cradle rods  240 ,  242  are received through apertures in the flanged portions of the front fork  260 . A piece of silk, decorated cloth or other suitable material can be draped over the cradle rods  240 ,  242  to span the cradle  200  and further support the wine bottle W, serving as an undercarriage. 
   With continuing reference to  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 4 , spring-loaded knob  250  is fastened to the closed wall  220  at rearward end R. The spring-loaded knob  250  is a tensioner for providing a loading force to compress the bottle W between the front fork  260  and the spring-loaded knob  250 . In a preferred embodiment, the spring-loaded tensioner  250  has a knob  252 , a spring  254 , and a tensioner shaft  256 . The knob  252  is shaped to engage the dimple, also known as the “punt,” in the base of a typical wine bottle W. As shown in  FIG. 4 , tensioner shaft  256  is secured into the knob  252 , supporting the knob  252 , and is encircled by the spring  254  to allow pistonic motion of the knob  252 . It is also conceivable that other suitable spring-loaded tensioners, or the like could be used to provide the loading force. 
   In alternative embodiments, knob  252  can have a different shape, i.e., hemisphere, flattened, or oblong. 
     FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  5 ,  6  show the front fork  260  in the presently preferred embodiment. The front fork  260  is an adjustable positioner that is slidably connected to the spring-loaded knob  250  via the cradle rods  240 ,  242  such that the bottle W is compressed between the front fork  260  and the spring-loaded knob  250   FIG. 6  shows the front fork  260  having a pair of laterally disposed flanged portions stemming off each of a pair of upright tines. The front fork  260  has an aperture in each flanged portion for receiving a cradle rod  240 ,  242  each therein, and guided via bushing block  262  and bushing block  266  (not shown but implied). The front fork  260  is adjustably slidable along the lengths of rods  240 ,  242 . The bottle W is positioned in the cradle  200  by loading the base of the bottle W onto the spring-loaded knob  250 , lowering the neck of bottle W between the tines of the front fork  260 , then sliding the front fork  260  rearward along the length of the cradle rods  240 ,  242 , thereby compressing the bottle W between the front fork  260  and the spring-loaded knob  250 . To hold the compressed bottle W in place, thumbscrews  264  and  268  are used. The inner and rearward surfaces of the tines of the front fork  260  are chamfered to provide compound angle surfaces for securing and centering the neck and shoulders of the bottle W and to further prevent the bottle W from slipping out of the front fork  260  during the tilting actuation. 
   With continuing reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  5 ,  6 , the fine height adjust or  270  is used to bring the lip of the wine bottle W into alignment with tilt axis α, ensuring that the lip of the bottle W properly communicates with and engages the decanting receptacle D. As detailed in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the fine height adjustor  270  is fastened to the front face of the front fork  260 . Fine height adjustor  270  is an upright handle  272 , a thumb portion  274 , a threaded rod  276 , and a thumbnut  278 . By manually moving the handle  272  in a direction away from the neck of the bottle W, the thumb portion  274  is caused to raise the neck of the bottle W and bring the lip of the bottle W into alignment with the tilt axis α. Once properly aligned, thumbnut  278  is used to lock the fine height adjustor  270  and secure the bottle W in position. It is conceivable that other conventionally known levers, cams, rockers, or the like can be used as a fine height adjustor  270 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the wine decanting appliance  100  further preferably includes dual spaced-apart columns  300  (pair). The columns  300  are adjustable vertical support members of suitable length to provide a height sufficient to allow the lip of the mouth of the bottle W to communicate with the lip of the decanting receptacle D so that the wine can be transferred from the bottle W into the decanting receptacle D. The columns  302 ,  304  are spaced apart to provide a width that corresponds to the space between the side rails  210 ,  212  and the open end O of the cradle  200 . The columns  302 ,  304  are also inclined, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Columns  300  are inclined at an angle of greater than 90 degrees relative to the base plate  500  (to be described below) or generally horizontal support surface. As a result, the columns  300  do not interfere with decanters D having a bulbous bottom while the lip of the decanter D and the lip of the mouth of the bottle W are aligned with the tilt axis α. The columns  302 ,  304  are bilaterally hinged to the side rails  210 ,  212  with tilt axis pins  310 ,  312 . Each column  302 ,  304  has a bore  320 ,  322  in the bottom portion thereof to receive support shafts  330 ,  332  (not shown but implied) for providing additional adjustability in height to engage the decanting receptacle D. The columns  302 ,  304  can be adjusted vertically on the support shafts  330 ,  332 , raising or lowering the cradle  200  to position the tilt axis α at the corresponding height of the lip of decanter D. Once the proper height is achieved the columns  300  are secured in place via thumbscrew  340  and thumbscrew  342  (not shown but implied). 
   In another embodiment, the columns  300  can be configured with an offset or jog to further accommodate wide-bottom decanting receptacles D. 
   Columns  300  further include bearings which receive tilt axis pins  310 ,  312  that project inward at open end O from each side rail  210 ,  212 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  5 . The pins  310 ,  312  hinge each side rail  210 ,  212  to each column  302 ,  304  on the top portions of each column  302 ,  304 . Each side rail  210 ,  212  and each respective column  302 ,  304  are manufactured to receive each pin  310 ,  312  therein. The tilt axis pins  310 ,  312  are rigidly secured to the side rails  210 ,  212 , and rotate freely in the tilt axis bearings of columns  300 . The tilt axis pins  310 ,  312  are conventionally known and suitable for the hinge-tilt movement of the cradle  200  relative to the columns  300 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , lower brace  350  spans the space between the pair of columns  300 . In a preferred embodiment, lower brace  350  includes a recessed area for receiving a motor  410 , to be described herein. 
   As detailed in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 8 , cross brace  360  spans the space between the pair of columns  300  above brace  350  relative to the position of the brace  350  along the length of the vertically disposed columns  300 . The cross brace  360  provides further rigid support for the appliance  100 . In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of cross braces can be spaced apart down the length of the columns  300 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 8 , removable alignment rod  370  facilitates dribble-free pours by aiding the server in sighting the lip of the bottle W with the tilt axis α. The removable alignment rod  370  is roughly dumb-bell shaped, having a central cylindrical section capped on each end. The central cylindrical section of the alignment rod  370  can be manufactured to come in different sized diameters to approximate the diameters of the lips of different sized decanting receptacles D.  FIG. 8  shows three alignment rods  370  with differently sized diameters. The lip of the mouth of the bottle W is meant to overhang the alignment rod  370  with the diameter that most closely matches the diameter of the lip of the desired decanting receptacle D. The ends of alignment rod  370  are adapted to be received in channels  372 ,  374  located in the columns  300 . The lip to rod  370  contact simulates the eventual lip to lip contact necessary for achieving alignment with the tilt axis α. Once properly sighted the rod  370  is removed and replaced by the decanting receptacle D, thus preventing spillage of wine during the decanting operation and allowing unattended operation. It is conceivable that other conventionally known laser and other sighting mechanisms or the like could be used as a removable alignment rod  270 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the drive mechanism  400  of the appliance  100  provides a means for tilting the cradle  200 , thereby transferring the contents of the wine bottle W into the decanting receptacle D. The drive mechanism  400  includes a suitable motor  410  and coupler  412  with a worm shaft  420  secured between bearings  422 ,  424 . The motor  410 , coupler  412 , worm shaft  420 , and bearings  422 ,  424  can be contained in any typically known and suitably sized and shaped journal-box, housing, or container. In a preferred embodiment, a worm  426  is mounted on the worm shaft  420 . The worm  426  drivingly engages the teeth of a worm gear  430  which then rotatably engages lift arms  450 ,  452  via lift shaft  460 . Worm gear  430  has a hole located at its effective rotation axis, to receive rotation shaft  440  therethrough. Rotation shaft  440  is rotatably coupled to each lift arm  450 ,  452  by being received through each column  302 ,  304 . The lift arms  450 ,  452  are connected at the rotation shaft  440  which extends through each column  302 ,  304  and in contact with each side rail  210 ,  212  via roller bearings  470 . Roller bearings  470  are suited for rolling along a shallow recessed bearing race in the underside of each side rail  210 ,  212 . Roller bearing  470  is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  attached to end of lift arm  450 . Not shown is a roller bearing attached to the second lift arm  452 . It is conceivable that other suitable bearings could be used to slide or roll on each side rail  210 ,  212 . As the lift arms  450 ,  452  are driven in an upward direction, the mouth of the bottle W is operatively tilted about the tilt axis α having a starting pour angle β and ending at the maximum pour angle γ. Propulsion of the cradle, and thus the bottle, through the range of tilt is provided by the drive mechanism  400 . The mechanical tilt range is approximately 65.5 degrees, ranging from a negative angle of approximately −28 degrees β to a maximum angle of approximately 37.5 degrees γ. The angles for which the pouring of the wine will start and end are within this mechanical tilt range and can be set programmatically. Tilt angle zero corresponds to the position where the wine bottle W is horizontal, or parallel to the base plate  500 . The lip of the mouth of the wine bottle W, maintains a substantially steady position, communicating with lip of the decanting receptacle D throughout the tilting actuation. It is conceivable that hydraulic or pneumatic forces, as well as other known lifts, winches/pulleys, lead screws, jacks, hoists, and cams could be used as the means for tilting. 
   In an alternative embodiment, a counter weight can be used with the drive mechanism  400 . The counter weight reduces the load on the appliance  100 , enables the use of smaller motors, and reduces power requirements. 
     FIGS. 1 and 2 , show a base plate  500  connected to the columns  300  of the decanting appliance  100 . The base plate  500  provides stability for support on a horizontal surface. The bottom portions of the columns  300  are support shafts  330 ,  332  adapted to be rigidly secured to the base plate  500 . The base plate  500  has a scalloped recess at one end to provide clearance for the bulbous bottom of some decanter D designs. 
   If portability is no longer desired, support shafts  330 ,  332  can be secured directly into a commercial-setting fixture having a planar surface such as a counter top, table top, or bar, alleviating the need for the base plate  500  such that the support shafts  330 ,  332  can be received directly into the fixture. 
   With continuing reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the decanting appliance  100  includes a control unit  600 . The control unit  600  is a means for operatively controlling the drive mechanism  400 . Control unit  600  is attached to the base plate  500  and operatively connected to the drive mechanism  400 . In alternate embodiments, programming and or activation (i.e. issuance of Start Tilt command) of the control unit  600  may be accomplished by, but not limited to, RF wireless control link, IrDA link, RC5 remote control link, hardwired RS-232 or USB or other serial link, between the control unit  600  and a laptop computer, desktop computer, PDA, standard infrared remote control, or custom RF or infrared remote control. 
   As detailed in  FIG. 7 , control unit  600  outputs a motor drive signal to the drive mechanism  400  for the operation of the motor  410 . In the preferred embodiment, the motor  410  and motor control circuit are of the stepper motor type. This motor type has the advantage that it may be operated open loop (without position feedback), reducing cost and complexity, and yet maintain good position control accuracy. In alternate embodiments other motor types may be employed, and rotary encoder feedback may be used for position feedback to obtain closed loop control of the drive mechanism  400 . The motor drive circuit is controlled by the microcontroller of control unit  600 . The microcontroller receives upper and lower limit switch inputs from the drive assembly  400  and reacts to these inputs by halting the drive signals to the motor control circuit for the current direction of travel. As the tilt actuation proceeds, there is a nonlinear relation between angular displacement of the lift arms  450 ,  452  and that of the cradle  200 , i.e., the change of angle of the cradle  200  is exponentially dependent upon the current angular position of the lift arms  450 ,  452 . If desired, this nonlinear relation can be compensated for by varying the step rate of the stepper motor  410  over the course of the tilt actuation. The variation of the step rate can be achieved if the microcontroller generates step rate compensation values. The resulting tilt rate of the cradle  200  will thus be nearly constant throughout the tilt actuation. In addition, if desired, the rate of tilt can be slowed below the rates required for a linear tilt rate during the last few degrees of the tilt actuation. This will result in the slowest tilt rate near the end of the tilt actuation, thus further reducing the likelihood of lees being swept into the liquid flow and leaving the source vessel W. 
   In one embodiment, the control unit  600  includes a keypad and LCD display to allow the server to selectively set the desired tilt rate (or time to complete tilt actuation) and maximum angle of tilt γ before the tilt actuation is started, as well as allowing the start, pause, stop, and reverse of the tilt actuation. The LCD display of the control unit  600  can provide information regarding appliance status, mode, tilt actuation progress, and user input prompts. The keypad of control unit  600  can further provide one-touch settings for decanting from a specific bottle type such as a setting for Burgundy (keypad button labeled BGY) and a setting for Bordeaux (keypad button labeled BDX). By pressing one of these one-touch buttons during preparation for the decanting operation, the pre-set tilt rate and maximum tilt angle γ for that type of bottle W is activated. A third bottle type button, e.g., labeled CST, can be provided to allow pre-sets to be defined for a bottle W type of the server&#39;s choosing. These one-touch buttons ensure that bottle W is tilted at the ideal rate and limit the tilt angle for each bottle W type such that the sediment remains on the walls, or pooled in the shoulder of the bottle W at the end of the tilt actuation. It is conceivable that other configurations of the control unit, designs in input/output signals, digital and analog electronics and infrared or RF wireless remote controls could be used as the means for operatively controlling the appliance  100 . 
   The wine decanting appliance  100  is typically powered by a universal AC line voltage to DC power supply (100-240VAC input/12VDC output) which connects to the control unit  600 . Also, in another embodiment, typical rechargeable batteries can be used to power the appliance  100  should line voltage be interrupted, or unavailable. When connected to AC line voltage, the batteries are recharged, and maintained in a charged state by means of a battery charger circuit within control unit  600 . The batteries may be mounted in a suitable housing secured to base plate  500 . An electrical cable between the batteries and the control unit  600  provides power to the appliance  100 . In another embodiment, provision could be made for use of non-rechargable batteries. 
   In operation in one embodiment, a liquid is decanted by an automatic, controlled and unattended transfer of the fluid contents of a source vessel W into a decanting receptacle D while leaving the lees, sediment or solid matter pooled in the wells and on the shoulder of the source vessel W. Before loading of the source vessel W into the cradle  200 , the cradle  200  is set to the starting pour angle β by pressing the down arrow key of the keypad of control unit  600 . An open or unopened wine bottle W is loaded into the cradle  200  base end first by placing the punt of the bottle W onto the spring-loaded knob  250 , then lowering the neck of the bottle W between the tines of the adjustable front fork  260 . The front fork  260  is then slid rearward along cradle rods  240 ,  242  to load the spring-loaded knob  250 . Once the bottle W is securely compressed between the front fork  260  and the spring-loaded knob  250 , the bottle W can be secured in place with thumbscrew  264  and then opened if not already. Next, a removable alignment rod  370  with a width that most closely matches the width of the lip of the desired decanting receptacle D in which the wine is to be poured is selected to sight the lip of the bottle W with the lip of the decanting receptacle D. The selected alignment rod is installed  370  between columns  302 ,  304 , using channels  372 ,  374 . Thumbscrews  264  and  268  are loosened to allow movement of the front fork  260 . The front fork  260  is adjusted forward or backward along cradle rods  240 ,  242 . Thumbnut  278  is loosened to allow movement of fine height adjustor handle  272 . The fine height adjustor handle  272  is adjusted so that the expanded mouth ring of bottle the W overhangs the removable alignment rod  370 . Once the proper overhang of the expanded mouth ring of the bottle W to the removable alignment rod  370  is achieved the thumbscrews  264 ,  268  and thumbnut  278  are tightened. Then, removable alignment rod  370  is removed. 
   The height of the pair of vertical support members  300  is adjusted until the lip of the expanded mouth ring of bottle W just overhangs the lip of decanter D. Thumbscrew  340  and thumbscrew  342  (not shown but implied) are loosened to adjust columns  300  up or down along support shafts  330 ,  332  within bores  320 ,  322  until the lip to lip contact is achieved. Decanting receptacle D is positioned between columns  302 ,  304  and the height of the columns  300  is further adjusted until the lip of the expanded mouth ring of bottle W just overhangs and makes contact with the lip of the decanting receptacle D. Thumbscrews  340 ,  342  (not shown but implied) are then tightened to secure the columns  300  in place. With the above alignments having been accomplished, no further alignment checks or adjustments will have to be made if the shape of future bottles is not changed. 
   The control unit  600  is programmed to control the tilting actuation. The server can choose the bottle type option which most closely matches the actual bottle W to be decanted. The CST key will be chosen by the server when it is known that this key has been custom programmed (by the appliance  100  server/user) for the specific bottle type to be decanted. In one embodiment, these one-touch keys can recall and make active the pre-programmed settings such as Maximum Positive Tilt Limit, and Tilt Rate for the selected bottle type. These settings are optimized for the specific bottle W types, but may be altered by the server, or appliance  100  user. 
   The decanting operation is commenced by pressing the up arrow on the control unit  600 . Once the tilting actuation is underway the server may pause, reverse, or resume the tilt actuation via inputs to keypad of control unit  600 . In one embodiment, the PGM key of the keypad of control unit  600  can be used to enter programming mode. Access can be password protected if necessary. In another embodiment, a custom function can be set which makes the PGM key a quick access key to allow all users to quickly adjust Time To Decant for the bottle W type currently selected. 
   During the operation of the decanting operation the server is free to leave the appliance  100  unattended. Upon the completion of the tilting actuation, the wine is ready to be consumed. 
   It is further intended that any other embodiments of the present invention that result from any changes in application or method of use or operation, method of manufacture, shape, size, or material which are not specified within the detailed written description or illustrations contained herein yet are considered apparent or obvious to one skilled in the art are within the scope of the present invention. 
   Accordingly, while the present invention has been shown and described with reference to the foregoing embodiments of the invented apparatus, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.