Method of and Apparatus for Retailing Liquors Containing Gas under Pressure.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 17th Apr., 1894
Complete Specification Left, 15th Jan., 1895-Accepted, 17th Apr., 1895
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Method of and Apparatus for Retailing Liquors Containing Gas
under Pressure.
I, LEOPOLD NATHAN, of Rottweil, in the Kingdom of Wurttemberg, German
Empire, Surveyor do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
This invention relates to a method of, and apparatus for, retailing liquors (for
instance champagne) containing gas under pressure (for instance carbonic acid).
Liquors, especially beverages, of this kind could be retailed up to now only with
great disadvantage, as the gas, on being relieved from the pressure, caused the
liquor to foam very intensely, so that the sparkling had already ceased when the
glass receiving the liquor was filled.
This may successfully be avoided by providing for the drinking glass that is to
receive the champagne or the like, a casing that may be tightly closed, and is
capable of resisting a pressure equal to that of the gas of the respective liquor;
and by providing, further, connections of said casing with the vessel containing the
liquor to be retailed, as well as with a source of pressure. This latter may be
constituted either by the gas of the liquor, or, what is preferred, by a separate
cylinder containing liquefied carbonic acid.
After the glass has been placed in the said casing, the latter is tightly closed,
and the gas is led over into the casing, until the pressure within the latter is equal
or nearly equal to that within the vessel containing the liquor. The latter may then
be drawn out of the vessel without any foaming, the pressure of the gas upon the
liquor being the same on both sides; the sparkling is thus fully preserved, even if
the gas contained in the afore-mentioned casing is allowed to escape after the glass
has been filled with the liquor. That relief of pressure is but slowly performed,
so that foaming of the liquor is entirely prevented.
In order to carry my improved method into practice on a commercial scale, it
becomes requisite to use larger vessels than bottles as containers for the beverages
to be retailed. Hitherto, beverages of the kind in question could be stored and
transported only by means of thick-walled bottles of ordinary size, in which the
If larger
thick walls were capable of resisting the strong pressure of the gas.
bottles, or vessels respectively, were to be used, their large inner surface would
necessitate walls of such a thickness, that the vessels would become not only very
heavy but very expensive, too.
My
It must be borne in mind, that such sensitive beverages as for instance
champagne cannot be transported and stored in vessels of any desired material,
but in such ones only, that are incapable of imparting a tang to the wine or the
like. Glass, porcelain and similar stuffs are materials of such quality.
invention therefore further consists in making larger vessels of those materials apt
to be used for the storage and transport of liquors containing a rather large quantity
of gas;
I attain this object by enclosing the glass, china or other vessel within
another vessel consisting of metal, or another material, of similar strength and
capable of resisting a strong pressure. The space lett between the two vessels is
brought into communication with the space of the inner vessel by means of
capillary tubes allowing the gas to enter and fill the said intermediate space, but
hindering the liquor from doing the same. The liquor is retained in the inner

page_text: vessel, whilst the gas is contained in the space of the inner vessel, and in that
between the two vessels. The pressure on both sides of the inner vessel is
consequently the same, and said vessel is thus prevented from bursting.
In order to make my invention more clear I refer to the accompanying drawing,
in which I have shown an apparatus specially designed for carrying my new
method into effect. The two main parts of the apparatus are constituted by the
retailing-device proper, and by the double storage-vessel, as will be all hereinafter
described.
The reservoir m having walls of ordinary thickness consists of glass or porcelain,
and is combined with an outer vessel n consisting of metal, and adapted to resist a
strong inner pressure. The orifices of said two bottles m and n are closed by
stoppers holding the delivery tube o. The latter terminates at its upper end into
a cock p arranged on vessel n. This cock communicates by pipe
channel 5 of another cock k k¹ hereinafter more fully described.
with the
Space m of vessel m, and space n' of vessel n are brought into communication
by capillary tubes g allowing the gas to flow from space m' to n¹, or reversely, so
that the pressure on both sides of the wall of vessel m is the same. Said vessel is
therefore perfectly relieved from a one-sided pressure.
Vessel m is held within vessel n by elastic rings r maintaining at the same time
the proper distance between the two vessels. I prefer to make vessel n in two
parts, and to provide each half with a flange n' for the purpose of connecting the
two parts by means of bolts.
The retailing device proper consists of a frame 91 of any desired construction,
carrying at its top a plate g holding a metal cylinder f. The latter is tightly
closed at its upper end by said plate g, and by an india-rubber ring arranged
between this plate and a flange of said cylinder.
The drinking-glass a is introduced into cylinder by means of a disk & fixed to
the top of a rod c. This rod may be longitudinally displaced by a foot-lever d.
Disk b when in the position shown in the drawing may be maintained in the same
by a wedge h, or by any other suitable contrivance.
A leather collar e secured to the upper surface of disk is then lying close to
the inner surface of casing f. Said collar is tightly pressed against that surface
when the gas is turned on.
The gas is led into casing by pipe 1; the liquor is led over by pipe A, which
latter terminates shortly above the bottom of glass a.
In order to make the necessary connections and disconnections between pipe / and
the source of gas, as well as between pipe and the reservoir m n, I prefer to
arrange on plate 9 a suitable cock. The cock shown in the drawing consists of the
casing having five channels 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5, and of the plug having three
channels 6, 7 & 8, the latter communicating with each other. Channel 3 of
casing k is connected by pipe with the source of gas, for instance with space n' of
vessel n, and by pipe with the delivery tube o of vessel m.
In order to practice my improved method, it is necessary that the pressure within
casing be equal to that within the spaces m' and n¹. For this purpose, vessel n
is connected with channel 3 of cock k k by the pipe 13. If the plug of this
cock is in the position shown in the drawing, the pipes 13 and 1 communicate by.
the channels 7 & 6. The gas may then flow over into casing f, until the pressure
within this latter is the same as that within the vessels m and n, provided, of
course, plate 6 be held tightly against said casing f.
It will be seen from the drawing, that frame g₁ stands so much deeper than
reservoir mn, that the exit of pipe lies somewhat lower than the bottom of
vessel m.
If cock p is open, as is normally the case, pipe will be kept filled with
the liquor owing to the pressure existing within vessel m. The liquor will flow out
of said pipe, and will flow over into pipe as soon as plug is turned so much in
the direction of the hands of a clock, that the channels 5 and 8 as well as 2 and 6
coincide. The pressure within casing f is not affected thereby, but is kept at
its proper height, so that the liquor flows into glass a without any foaming.

page_text: Thereafter, plug is turned in the reverse direction, until the channels 4 and 8
coincide.
The channels and 6 remain in communication during that time, in consequence
of the larger size of channel 6. The gas contained within chamber f may therefore
flow out through pipe l, when the operation will be completed. It is advisable to
let the gas but slowly escape out of chamber f, so that the sparkling of the liquor
is affected in the least possible degree.
Instead of using the gas contained in the liquor to be retailed, I prefer to
use a special source of pressure, preferably a cylinder containing liquid carbonic
acid;
I connect this cylinder (S) with pipe by a branch-pipe, into which
latter is inserted a reducing valve allowing only a certain and definite
quantity of gas to pass in a given time. The gas is thus kept at a certain and
definite pressure, preferably 4.4 atmospheres. There is thus no constant reduction
of pressure, as is the case, if the gas of the liquor is used, but the spaces m' and n¹
remain filled with carbonic acid gas of a pressure of 4,4 atmospheres, until the
whole contents of vessel m are consumed. The reservoir m n need not necessarily
be placed higher than the retailing apparatus, but may be arranged on a level
therewith, or even lower. The liquor then cannot be led over by the pressure or
weight of the column of liquid, but is pressed into the conduit by a slight
excess of pressure in vessel m with regard to casing f. I prefer to perform this by
slightly reducing the pressure in this latter casing, for instance by letting pipe
for a moment communicate with the outer air by means of a suitable bore (not
shown) in cock k k'.
Concerning the relieving of vessel m from pressure, I wish it to be understood,
that the same is the case with regard to the glass a within casing f. There are
also equal pressures on both sides of the glass, so that there may be used fine and
elegant glasses with but thin walls. This would be impossible, if the walls of the
glass had to resist the pressure.
I wish it further to be understood that the construction of the cock k k¹, as well
as the arrangement of the pipes and 13 may be widely varied, as the proper
manner of working of the apparatus is not dependent on the details of said
construction and arrangement.
Dated this 17th day of Anril 1801
LEOPOLD NATHAN,
By Geo. H. Rayner,
, Chancery Lane, London, W.C., Agent for the Applicant.
Method of and Apparatus for Retailing Liquors Containing Gas
under Pressure.
I, LEOPOLD NATHAN, of Rottweil, in the Kingdom of Wurttemberg, German
Empire, Surveyor 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:-
This invention relates to a method of, and apparatus for, retailing liquors (for
instance champagne) containing gas under pressure (for instance carbonic acid).
Liquors, especially beverages, of this kind could be retailed up to now only with
great disadvantage, as the gas, on being relieved from the pressure, caused the
liquor to foam very intensely, so that the sparkling had already ceased when the
glass receiving the liquor was filled.
This may successfully be avoided by providing for the drinking glass that is to
receive the champague or the like, a casing that may be tightly closed, and is

page_text: capable of resisting a pressure equal to that of the gas of the respective liquor;
and by providing, further, connections of said casing with the vessel containing the
liquor to be retailed, as well as with a source of pressure. This latter may be
constituted either by the gas of the liquor, or, what is preferred, by a separate
cylinder containing liquefied carbonic acid.
After the glass has been placed in the said casing, the latter is tightly closed,
and the gas is led over into the casing, until the pressure within the latter is equal
or nearly equal to that within the vessel containing the liquor. The latter may
then be drawn out of the vessel without any foaming, the pressure of the gas upon
the liquor being the same on both sides; the sparkling is thus fully preserved, even
if the gas contained in the afore-mentioned casing is allowed to escape after the
glass has been filled with the liquor. That relief of pressure is but slowly
performed, so that foaming of the liquor is entirely prevented.
In order to carry my improved method into practice on a commercial scale, it
becomes requisite to use larger vessels than bottles as containers for the beverages
to be retailed. Hitherto, beverages of the kind in question could be stored and
transported only by means of thick-walled bottles of ordinary size, in which the
thick walls were capable of resisting the strong pressure of the gas. If larger
bottles, or vessels respectively, were to be used, their large inner surface would
necessitate walls of such a thickness, that the vessels would become not only very
heavy but very expensive, too.
It must be borne in mind, that such sensitive beverages as for instance champagne
cannot be transported and stored in vessels of any desired material, but in such ones
only, that are incapable of imparting a tang to the wine or the like. Glass,
porcelain and similar stuffs are materials of such quality. My invention, therefore,
further consists in making larger vessels of those materials apt to be used for the
storage and transport of liquors containing a rather large quantity of gas; I attain
this object by enclosing the glass, china or other vessel within another vessel
consisting of metal, or another material, of similar strength, and capable of resisting
a strong pressure. The space left between the two vessels is brought into com-
munication with the space of the inner vessel by means of capillary tubes allowing
the gas to enter and fill the said intermediate space, but hindering the liquor from
doing the same. The liquor is retained in the inner vessel, whilst the gas is
contained in the space of the inuer vessel, and in that between the two vessels.
The pressure on both sides of the inner vessel is consequently the same, and said
vessel is thus prevented from bursting.
In order to make my invention more clear, I refer to the drawing sent in with
Provisional Application, in which I have shown an apparatus specially designed for
carrying my new method into effect. The two main parts of the apparatus are
constituted by the retailing-device proper, and by the double storage-vessel, as will
be all hereinafter described.
The reservoir m having walls of ordinary thickness consists of glass or porcelain,
and is combined with an outer vessel # consisting of metal, and adapted to resist a
strong inner pressure. The orifices of said two bottles m and n are closed by
stoppers holding the delivery tube o. The latter terminates at its upper end into
a cock arranged on vessel n. This cock communicates by pipe 2 with the
channel 5 of another cock k k¹ hereinafter more fully described.
Space m¹ of vessel m, and space n' of vessel n are brought into communication
by capillary tubes allowing the gas to flow from space m¹ to n', or reversely, so
that the pressure on both sides of the wall of vessel in is the same. Said vessel is
therefore perfectly relieved from a one-sided pressure.
Vessel m is held within vessel n by elastic rings maintaining at the same time
the proper distance between the two vessels. I prefer to make vessel n in two
parts, and to provide each half with a flange n³ for the purpose of connecting the
two parts by means of bolts.
The retailing device proper consists of a frame gl of any desired construction,
carrying at its top a plate y holding a metal cylinder f. The latter is tightly

page_text: closed at 169 upper enu oy said plate 9, and by an india-rubber ring arranged
between this plate and a flange of said cylinder.
The drinking-glass a is introduced into cylinder by means of a disk 6 fixed to
the top of a rod c. This rod may be longitudinally displaced by a foot-lever d.
Disk 6 when in the position shown in the drawing may be maintained in the same
by a wedge h, or by any other suitable contrivance.
A leather collar e secured to the upper surface of disk is then lying close to
the inner surface of casing f. Said collar is tightly pressed against that surface
when the gas is turned on.
The gas is led into casing f by pipe 1; the liquor is led over by pipe 1, which
latter terminates shortly above the bottom of glass a.
In order to make the necessary connections and disconnections between pipe
and the source of gas, as well as between pipe and the reservoir m n, I prefer to
arrange on plate ga suitable cock. The cock shown in the drawing consists of the
casing having five channels 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5, and of the plug having three
channels 6, 7 & 8, the latter communicating with each other. Channel 3 of casing k
is connected by pipe with the source of gas, for instance with space n¹ of vessel n,
and by pipe with the delivery tube o of vessel m.
that the pressure
For this purpose,
If the plug of this
and i communicate by the
In order to practice my improved method, it is necessary
within casing be equal to that within the spaces m' and n'.
vessel n is connected with channel 3 of cock k k¹ by the pipe 1.
cock is in the position shown in the drawing, the pipes
channels 7 & 6. The gas may then flow over into casing f, until the pressure
within this latter is the same as that within the vessels and n, provided, of course,
plate b be held tightly against said casing f
It will be seen from the drawing, that frame gl stands so much deeper than
reservoir mn, that the exit of pipe lies somewhat lower than the bottom of
vessel m. If cock p is open, as is normally the case, pipe will be kept filled with
the liquor owing to the pressure existing within vessel m. The liquor will flow out
of said pipe, and will flow over into pipe as soon as plug kis turned so much in
the direction of the hands of a clock, that the channels 5 and 8, as well as 2 and 6
coincide. The pressure within casing is not affected thereby, but is kept at
its proper height, so that the liquor flows into glass a without any foaming.
Thereafter, plug is turned in the reverse direction, until the channels + and 8
coincide.
The channels 1 and 6 remain in communication during that time, in consequence
of the larger size of channel 6. The gas contained within chamber may therefore
flow out through pipe l, when the operation will be completed. It is advisable, to
let the gas but slowly escape out of chamber, so that the sparkling of the liquor
is affected in the least possible degree.
Instead of using the gas contained in the liquor to be retailed, I prefer to use a
special source of pressure, preferably a cylinder containing liquid carbonic aci.l;
I connect this cylinder (s) with pipe by a branch-pipe, into which latter is
inserted a reducing valve t allowing only a certain and definite quantity of gas to
pass in a given time. The gas is thus kept at a certain and definite pressure,
preferably 414 atmospheres. There is thus no constant reduction of pressure, as is
the case, if the gas of the liquor is used, but the spaces m' and n¹ remain filled with
carbonic acid gas of a pressure of 4,4 atmospheres, until the whole contents of
vessel m are consumed. The reservoir m n need not necessarily be placed higher
than the retailing apparatus, but may be arranged on a level therewith, or even
lower. The liquor then cannot be led over by the pressure or weight of the column
of liquid, but is pressed into the conduit by a slight excess of pressure in
vessel m with regard to casing. I prefer to perform this by slightly reducing
the pressure in this latter casing, for instance by letting pipe for a moment
communicate by the channels 6 and 8 of the plug with the bore 4 in the
casing k.

page_text: Concerning the relieving of vessel m from pressure, I wish it to be understood,
that the same is the case with regard to the glass a within casing f. There are
also equal pressures on both sides of the glass, so that there may be used fine and
elegant glasses with but thin walls. This would be impossible, if the walls of the
glass had to resist the pressure.
I wish it further to be understood, that the construction of the cock k k¹, as well
as the arrangement of the pipes and 13 may be widely varied, as the proper
manner of working of the apparatus is not dependent on the details of said
construction and arrangement.
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 :-
1. The method of retailing liquors containing gas under pressure, consisting in
placing the drinking-glass or the like intended for the customer into a suitable
receiver; creating within the latter a pressure of a height equal or nearly equal to
that within the vessel containing the liquor to be retailed; establishing a com-
munication between said receiver and said vessel so as to allow the liquor to flow
over into said drinking-glass or the like; maintaining said pressure during the time
of delivery, and freeing the said receiver from the said pressure, after said com-
munication has been interrupted, for the purpose as described.
2. The method of retailing liquors containing gas under pressure, consisting in
placing the drinking-glass or the like intended for the customer into a suitable
receiver; creating within the latter a pressure of a height equal or nearly equal to
that within the vessel containing the liquor. to be retailed by connecting said
receiver with the gas-room of said vessel; establishing a connection between the
drinking-glass or the like contained within the said receiver, and the liquor
contained within the said vessel, so as to allow said liquor to flow over into said
glass; maintaining said pressure during the time of delivery, and freeing the
receiver from the pressure after said two connections have been interrupted, for the
purpose as described.
3. The method of retailing liquors containing gas under pressure, consisting in
placing the drinking-glass or the like intended for the customer into a suitable
receiver; creating within the latter a pressure of a height equal or nearly equal to
that within the vessel containing the liquor to be retailed by connecting said
receiver with a bottle containing carbonic acid; establishing a connection between
the drinking-glass or the like contained within the said receiver, and the liquor
contained within the said vessel, so as to allow said liquor to flow over into said
glass; maintaining said pressure during the time of delivery, and freeing the
receiver from the pressure after said two connections have been interrupted,
substantially as described.
4. As a means for practising the method characterised by Claim 1, 2 or 3, the
combination with a vessel open at one side, and closed at the other side, and
adapted to receive the drinking-glass or the like, of a cover or lid adapted to be
secured to said vessel, and to close tightly the same; the latter being connected
with a pipe or pipes adapted to introduce the gas and the liquor into the said
vessel, or into the glass or the like respectively, for the purpose as described.
5. As a means for practising the method characterised by Claim 1, 2, or 3, the
combination with a vessel constantly closed at its upper end, of a movable bottom
adapted to introduce the drinking-glass or the like into said vessel, and to close
tightly the latter; said bottom being secured to a rod adapted to be actuated by a
treadle, and to be fixed in its working position, substantially as described.
6. As a means for holding liquors containing gas under pressure, a double-walled
vessel having a space between its two walls; said space being communicating with
the space containing the liquor, for the purpose as described."
7. As a means for holding liquors containing gas under pressure, the combination

page_text: with an inner glass-vessel, of an outer metallic vessel perfectly surrounding the
former, and leaving a space between itself and said former vessel; said space being
communicating with the space containing the liquor by capillary tubes, substantially
as described.
Dated this 15th day of January 1805
LEOPOLD NATHAN,
By Geo. H. Rayner,
37, Chancery Lane, London, W.C., Agent for the Applicant.