Improvements relating to Automatic Spiles or Vent Pegs.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 15th Nov., 1890-Accepted, 20th Dec., 1890
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements relating to Automatic Spiles or Vent Pegs.
I, FREDERICK WILLIAM VENTRIS, 4 Blisseth Street, Greenwich, in the County of
Surrey, Machinist do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner
the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement :-
My invention has reference to the class of mechanical devices generally known as
automatic spiles or vent pegs, such as are employed to allow of the ingress of air into
the interior of casks and the like when drawing off the contents.
In the annexed drawing
Figures 1 and 2 represent vertical sections of my improved spile or vent peg shown
respectively in the closed and open positions.
Figure 3 illustrates a perforated disc or washer,
Figure 4 an india rubber washer or seating and
Figure 5 a specially constructed spring valvular plate employed in carrying out my
said invention.
The vent peg or spile A which may be of metal or other material is formed with a
tapered end through which passes a central opening a terminating in the chamber a¹.
A cap or cover B of any convenient size and shape is formed internally with a screw
thread engaging with that formed externally on the outer end of the spile. A recess
formed circumferentially on the inner edge of the outer end of the spile within
which is received a specially constructed spring valvular plate c (Figure 5) on which
is disposed an india rubber washer or like flexible seating 6 (Figure 4) surmounted
by the perforated disc d (Figure 3). The flexible washer and screw cap or cover B
are formed respectively with central openings 61, e. I prefer to stamp the valve
plate c out of silver or equivalent metal or material, the circular concentric disc c¹ of
said plate e being partially cut away; this disc c¹, which possesses a certain amount
of elasticity and is extremely sensitive serving as a valve to govern the ingress of air
into the cask.
In Figure 1 the cap or cover B is screwed up tight on the outer end of the spile and
the perforated disc d forced down on the washer or seating 6, the valve c¹ is here
shown in the position it occupies when the vent is closed.
In Figure 2 it is assumed that a vacuum exists in the cask or other vessel caused
by drawing off the contents, the valve c¹ is therefore shown in the open position for
admitting external air into the vessel.
A vent peg or spile constructed as above described possesses several advantages over
the majority of those at present in use inasmuch as that whilst none of the parts
are liable to become deranged they may be removed when worn out and fresh parts
substituted at will without interfering with the spile proper.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is:
1st. The improvements relating to automatic spiles or vent pegs substantially as set
forth and shown.
2nd. In a vent peg or spile the use of a valve disc or plate of the kind herein
specified in combination with a perforated plate, flexible washer or valve seating and
closing cap or cover operated and working as set forth and shown.
Dated this 10th day of November 1890.
JAMES STEVENSON,
Gray's Inn Chambers, 20, High Holborn, London, W.C., Agent for Applicant.