Improvements in Apparatus for Filling with Liquids and Corking or Stoppering Bottles.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 12th Dec., 1891
Complete Specification Left, 12th Oct., 1892-Accepted, 10th Dec., 182
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Apparatus for Filling with Liquids and Corking
or Stoppering Bottles.
1, WILLIAM PRIESSNITZ BONWICK, of No. 59 Blomfield Road, Maida Hill,
in the County of Middlesex, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention to be as follows:-
This invention has reference to improvements in apparatus for filling with liquids
and corking and stoppering bottles.
For this purpose
employ a vessel provided with an elastic seat against which
the mouth of the bottle to be filled can be firmly held, an elastic stopper holder
whereby a cork or stopper can, during the filling of the bottle, be held in a suitable
position in readiness to be inserted in the mouth of the filled bottle, and a plunger
for forcing the stopper into the bottle mouth, after the filling of the bottle. The
plunger works within a tube, a spring being so arranged as to normally keep the
plunger clear of the stopper, which is forced into the bottle mouth by depressing
the plunger in opposition to the spring.
The elastic stopper holder may in some cases be perforated or fluted to allow
liquid to pass the stopper. The plunger is depressed at the required times by the
ordinary plunger of the cork rack. In a modified construction the tube is dispensed
with, and the vessel is provided with a lateral supply pipe, means such as the
ordinary mouth piece nut being provided for securing the apparatus to the cork
rack.
The elastic stopper holder is in the form of a tube through the upper closed end
of which extends the plunger which is formed with an annular groove into which
springs the top of the elastic holder. This holder is secured within the vessel by a
screw cap.
The arrangement is such that the plunger when depressed will not be
pushed through the holder, and during the filling of bottles with liquids, a gas tight
joint will be formed between the plunger and screw cap.
As will be obvious cork racks inay be constructed with filling and stoppering or
closing apparatus such as hereinbefore described instead of having such apparatus
temporarily secured thereto.
Dated this 31st day of March 1892.
W. LLOYD WISE,
Per F. J. Brougham,
46, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., Agent for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Apparatus for Filling with Liquids and Corking
or Stoppering Bottles.
I, WILLIAM PRIESSNITZ BONWICK, of No 59 Blomfield Road, Maida Hill,
in the County of Middlesex, Engineer, 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 has reference to improvements in apparatus for filling with liquids
and corking and stoppering bottles.
For this purpose I employ a vessel provided with an elastic seat against which
the mouth of the bottle to be filled can be firmly held, an elastic stopper holder
whereby a cork or stopper can, during the filling of the bottle, be held in a suitable
Dill

page_text: position in readiness to be inserted in the mouth of the filled bottle, and a plunger
for forcing the stopper into the bottle mouth after the filling of the bottle.
And in order that the nature of my invention may be readily understood I will
proceed to explain the same by reference to the accompanying drawings in which,
Fig. 1 is a vertical section of one form of apparatus constructed according to my
invention.
1 is a metal vessel of cylindrical form in cross section provided with a shoulder
at 2 for a washer 3 of elastic or flexible material as for example india rubber, with
a conical extension 4 for the reception of the mouth of a bottle ó shown in dotted
lines, and with a lateral inlet 6 controlled by a cock 6ª that can be connected with
a flexible pipe 7 through which the liquid under pressure with which the bottle is
to be charged is supplied. S is the elastic stopper holder in the form of a tubular
piece of india rubber that is inserted in the upper part of the vessel 1 and rests
upon a shoulder 2" therein. Through its upper end extends a plunger 9 which
may be formed with an annular groove at 10 into which the top 8 of the stopper
holder springs when the plunger is forced sufficiently far therethrough. I prefer
however to make the plunger in two parts as shown between which the top of the
stopper holder is held by means of a screw 11 that passes through the top of said
stopper holder and connects the two parts of the plunger. By this means I obviate
the liability that obtains with the former construction. of the top of the elastic
stopper-holder to split when inserting the plunger in place therein. In either case
the arrangement is such that the plunger when depressed will not be pushed
completely through the top of the stopper holder and during the filling of a bottle
with liquid, a gas tight joint will be formed between the stopper holder and the
plunger and between the stopper holder and a screw cap 12 that serves to secure
the same within the vessel 1. The stopper holder is of such a diameter internally
that it will grip the head 13 of a stopper inserted therein sufficiently tight to
support it in position as shown in readiness to be forced into the mouth of the
bottle below when the bottle is sufficiently charged. To prevent any liability of
the lower part of the stopper holder being forced upward by the fluid under
pressure, such part may be secured to the vessel 1 in any convenient manner as for
example by screws 15 as indicated by dotted lines.
Fig. 2 is a similar view to Fig. 1 showing a modified construction in which the
vessel is made in two parts 1, 1 between the adjacent parts of which a flange 8b
on the lower end of the clastic stopper holder 8 is clamped by the aid of screws 14
and the plunger 9 is of india rubber made in one with the top 8* and side of the
said holder so that all possibility of leakage between the two is prevented. The
lower end of the plunger 9 is of conical form and of sufficient length to enter
the hollow top of a stopper as shown. For solid heads it would be made shorter.
As will be obvious the stopper holder can be constructed in various forms and
arranged in various ways in the upper part of the vessel 1 or 1-1. The vessel !
may be advantageously provided with a cock 6 as shown in Fig. 2 for snifting
purposes; or the bottle may be eased by slightly lowering it in the ordinary
manner.
Fig. 3 is a front elevation partly in section, showing the application of an
apparatus of the kind herein before described to an ordinary cork rack. For this
purpose the mouth piece nut 16 is removed from the hollow part 17 of the machine
and passed over the upper cylindrical part of the vessel 1 the screw cap 12 being
previously removed to enable this to be done after which it is replaced. The
ordinary cup rubber is also removed from the said part 17, and the upper part of
the vessel 1 with screw cap inserted in its place, after which the mouth piece nut 16
is screwed in place thereby firmly fixing the vessel in the position shown. A metal
washer or washers 16" may advantageously be interposed between the mouth piece
nut and the screw cap.
18 is the ordinary cork plunger operated by a counterbalanced handle 19 and
adapted when lowered, to depress the plunger 9 and cause the same to force a
stopper held by the stopper-holder into the mouth of a bottle 20 which is supported

page_text: by a vertically movable holder 21 carried by a rod 22 and treadle 23 in the
ordinary manner. The cork-rack thus fitted is worked in the ordinary manner, the
stopper being inserted in the elastic stopper holder by hand from below, and
the plunger 18 being lowered to depress the plunger 9 and force the stopper into
the bottle mouth when the bottle is filled. When the plunger 18 is again
raised, the plunger 9 and stopper-holder will again return to their former positions
by reason of the elasticity of the said holder. The apparatus is specially adapted
for use with stoppers of the kind described in the Specification of Letters Patent
granted to me No. 19825 of 1890. It may also be used for ordinary corks if the
mouth of the bottles to be filled be made sufficiently taper.
As will be obvious cork-racks or filling machines may be constructed with filling
and stoppering or closing apparatus such as hereinbefore described instead of
having such apparatus temporarily secured thereto as just described.
Fig. 4 is a front elevation partly in section, of a filling machine thus constructed.
In this case the filling apparatus which is similar in construction to that shown in
Fig. 2, is constructed with flanges 24 by which it can be secured to the standard 25
of the machine so as to form a permanent portion thereof.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. Apparatus for filling with liquids and corking or stoppering bottles, com-
prising a vessel provided with an elastic seat against which the mouth of the bottle
to be filled can be firmly held, an elastic stopper holder whereby a cork or stopper
can during the filling of the bottle be held in a suitable position in readiness to be
inserted in the mouth of the filled bottle, and a plunger for forcing a stopper into
the bottle mouth after the filling of the bottle substantially as herein described.
2. In apparatus for filling bottles with liquids and corking or stoppering then
an elastic stopper holder constructed substantially as hereinbefore described for the
purpose specified..
3. Apparatus for filling with liquids and corking or stoppering bottles, con-
structed, arranged and operating substantially as hereinbefore described with
reference respectively to and shown in Fig. I and in Fig. 2 of the drawings
annexed.
4. The combination with a cork rack of filling and corking or stoppering
apparatus held in place in the said cork rack by the mouth piece nut substantially
as herein described.
5. The improved cork rack with filling and corking or stoppering apparatus
constructed as herein before described with reference to and shown in Fig. 4 of the
drawings annexed.
WM. P. BONWICK.
W. Lloyd Wise,
46, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., Agent for the Applicant.

page_text: Date of Application, 12th Dec., 1891
Complete Specification Left, 12th Oct., 1892-Accepted, 10th Dec.. 1892
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Manufacture of Bottle Stoppers and Apparatus
therefor.
I, WILLIAM PRIESSNITZ BONWICK, of No. 59 Blomfield Road, Maida Hill in
the County of Middlesex, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
to be as follows:-
This invention has reference to improvements in bottle stoppers of the kind
described in the Specification of an application for Letters Patent filed by me
dated 4 December 1890 No. 19825; in holders for facilitating the application of
the cork facings to such stoppers; and in moulds for making such and similar
stoppers.
In order to facilitate and cheapen the manufacture of bottle stoppers of the
kind referred to by reducing liability of the central body or stem of such stoppers,
when made of vitreous material such as glass, to become fixed in the moulds in
which they are made, and also to prevent undue weakening of the cork facing
applied to such body or stem, I form the latter with only a few longitudinally
arranged teeth or projections and to ensure that the cork facing shall not be
liable to be forced end ways off the stem, in consequence of the fewness of the
teeth or projections thereon, I provide the lower end of the stem with an annular
ridge or bead that may advantageously be of ratchet shape in cross section.
To admit of the stopper being readily held by apparatus for filling, and corking
or stoppering bottles, I make the head of the stopper of uniform or approximately
uniforin diameter throughout, or when the head is formed, for the sake of light-
ness, with an annular groove as in one of the forms of stopper shown in my said
former Specification, I make the parts of the head at each side of the groove of
equal diameter or approximately so. To apply cork facings to the toothed stems
of stoppers of the kind referred to, I employ a rectangular block or plate formel
with a number of recesses to hold the cork facings. This block or plate is divided
into two or more parts in planes passing diametrically through the recesses and is
held together by a suitable clamp.
To make bottle stoppers as for example bottle stoppers of either of the kinds
herein referred to, in a quick and economical manner l'employ a moulding device
comprising a perforated block of metal in which are formed a number of moulds
the interiors of which correspond to the exterior form of the stem and head of
the stoppers, and which block is divided into a number of pieces, the lives of
division passing diametrically through the moulds. To open and close the moulds,
these pieces are arranged to slide to and from each other on guide pins. They
are locked in position during the moulding operation, between two blocks or plates
that may be hinged or jointed together at one side and held together at the other
side by a suitable catch or cam piece. The bottom block or plate is or may be
recessed to receive a projecting portion of the divided block and to form the bottom
of the moulds. The upper block or plate is or may be formed at its under side
with a recess to receive an upwardly projecting portion of the divided block and at
its upper side is formed with a recess or cup which serves to receive molten glass
and into which a plunger is arranged to descend to force the molten glass through
the perforated top of the divided block into the moulds below. The bottom block
or plate is provided with vertical pins that serve to guide the divided mould block
into proper position for moulding. Any suitable means may be provided for
separating the several parts of the divided block from each other to allow of the
ready removal of the moulded stoppers from between them.
When it is desired to make the stem of the stopper hollow as for example is the

page_text: case with stoppers for wide mouthed bottles, there is placed between the divided
mould block and the upper holding block or plate, au intermediate perforated plate
having projections each arranged to extend into and form a core within one of the
moulds. The projections may be channelled below the perforations in the inter-
mediate plate to admit of free entrance of the molten glass.
Dated the 19th day of Davamber 1801
W. LLOYD WISE.
Per F. J. Brougham,
46, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., Agent for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Manufacture of Bottle Stoppers and Apparatus
therefor.
I, WILLIAM PRIESSNITZ BONWICK, of No. 59 Blomfield Road, Maida Hill in
the County of Middlesex, Engineer, 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 has reference to improvements in bottle stoppers of the kind
described in the Specification of Letters Patent granted to me dated 4 December 1890
No. 19825; in holders for facilitating the application of the cork facings (herein-
after called cork rings) to such stoppers; and in moulds for making such and similar
stoppers.
In order to facilitate and cheapen the manufacture of bottle stoppers of the kind
referred to by reducing liability of the central body or stem of such stoppers, when
made of vitreous material such as glass, to become fixed in the moulds in which they
are made, and also to prevent undue weakening of the cork ring, applied to such
body or stem, I form the latter with only a few longitudinally arranged teeth or
projections, and to ensure that the cork ring shall not be liable to be forced end ways
off the stem, in consequence of the fewness of the teeth or projections thereon, I
provide the lower end of the stem with an annular ridge or head that may advan-
tageously be of ratchet shape in cross section.
In the accompanying drawings,
Fig. 1 shows partly in elevation and partly in longitudinal section a bottle stopper
of the kind referred to constructed according to my present invention.
Fig. 2 is a similar view to Fig. 1 showing a larger stopper with hollow stem
and suitable for a wide mouth bottle; and
Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section thereof but without the cork ring.
As will be seen the stem of each of these stoppers is formed with comparatively
few of the ratchet or wedge shape teeth 2, there being in the example shown in
Fig. 1, only four rows of teeth with two teeth in each row, and in the much large
example shown in Figs. 2 and 3, only two oppositely arranged longitudinal row:
and two V shaped rows. 3 is an annular ridge or bead of ratchet shape in cross
section formed on the lower part of the stem i to assist in preventing the cork ring
from being forced endways off the stem in consequence of the fewness of the teeth
which are however sufficiently numerous to prevent the cork ring being turned upo
the stem. Each tooth 2 is formed and arranged in the manner and for the purpose
mentioned in my said former Specification and may advantageously be thickened at
the root as shown. The head 5 of each stopper can be made solid as in Fig. 1, o
hollow as in Figs. 2 and 3, and be provided with external projections 5" to form a
roughened periphery so that the stopper can be readily turned.
When the stopper is of large size as in Figs. 2 and 3 it is advantageous to make
its stem hollow as shown and to form its head with recesses 5b to receive a wooden
bar to act as a lever and facilitate the removal of the stopper from a bottle.
To apply cork rings to the toothed stems of stoppers of the kind referred to,

page_text: employ a rectangular block or plate (hereinafter called for distinction a cork holder)
formed with a number of recesses to hold the cork rings. This cork holder is
divided into two or more parts in planes passing diametrically through the recesses
and is held together when applying the cork rings to the stoppers by a suitable
clamp.
Fig. 4 is a plan and Fig. 5 a cross section on the line a Fig. 4 showing a cork-
holder and clamp for the purpose referred to. 66 are the parts of the plate com-
prising the cork-holder, and 7 are the holes therein to receive the cork rings,
the lines of division between the parts 6 passing through the centres of the said
holes.
The clamp consists of a perforated plate 8 provided with raised sides 8" that
serve to hold the several parts 6 of the cork-holder closely together when the
stems of the stoppers are being forced into the cork rings previously placed in the
holes 7.
The holes in the plate 8 are each made sufficiently large in diameter to receive
the bead 3 on the stem of the stoppers but smaller than the corresponding holes 7
in the cork-holder so that an annular shoulder will be formed at 8° to support a cork
ring whilst the stem of the stopper is being forced through it as shown in Fig. 5.
Or such a shoulder can be formed in the cork-holder by making each hole 7 therein
of two different diameters as in the example hereinafter described with reference to
Fig. 6. 9 is a metal rod extending through each of the parts 6 and by means of
which these parts are kept in proper position relatively to each other and whereby
they can be conveniently raised from the clamps to permit of their being moved
apart to release the finished stoppers. 8° are piùs fixed to the plate 8 and arranged
to enter corresponding notches 6 in the several parts 6 of the cork-holder and
ensure these parts being always replaced in the proper position. The cork-holder
and clamp may conveniently be made of wood.
Fig. 6 is a plan of a simplified construction of cork-holder and clamp consisting
of two parts 6, 6ª that are formed with holes 7 and shoulders 8b, and are adapted to
be held closely together to support the cork rings between them by a screw 10, one
end of which works in a screw threaded hole in a plate 10° fixed to the part 6 whilst
a shoulder 11 at the other end bears against a plate 12 on the other part 6°. By
turning the screw in a direction to loosen it, the part 6 can be moved relatively
to the part 6 to release the finished stoppers.
To make bottle stoppers, as for example bottle stoppers of either of the kinds
herein referred to, in a quick and economical manner, I employ a moulding apparatus
comprising a perforated metal block or plate (hereinafter called for distinction the
stopper plate) that is formed with a number of moulds the interiors of which corre-
spond to the exterior form of the stem and head of the stoppers, and is divided into
a number of pieces, the lines of division between which pass diametrically through
the moulds. To open and close the moulds, these pieces are arranged to slide to
and from each other on guide rods. This stopper plate is locked in position during
the moulding operation, between two blocks or plates (hereinafter respectively
called the top and bottom plates) that may be hinged or jointed together at one
side and are held together at the other side by one or more suitable catches or cam
pieces. The bottom plate which is or may be recessed to receive and hold the
lower portion of the stopper plate serves to form the bottom of the moulds. The
top plate which is or may be formed at its under side with a recess to receive
the upper portion of the stopper plate is formed with a hole that serves when the
top plate is in its closed position to form a cup to receive molten glass and into
which a plunger is arranged to descend to force the molten glass through the
perforated top of the stopper plate into the moulds below. The bottom plate is or
may be provided with vertical pins that serve to guide the stopper plate into proper
position for moulding. Any suitable means may be provided for separating the
several parts of the stopper plate from each other to allow of the stoppers falling
from between them.

page_text: When it is desired to make the stem of the stopper hollow as for example in the
case of the kind shown in Fig. 2, there is placed between the stopper plate and the
top plate, an intermediate perforated plate (hereinafter called for distinction the gate
plate) having projections at its lower side each arranged to extend into and form a
core within one of the moulds. Each of these projections may advantageously be
channelled directly below the corresponding perforation in the gate plate to expedite
the distribution of the molten glass to the bottom as well as to the sides of the
corresponding mould.
Figs. 7 and 8 are vertical sections in planes at right angles to each other; and
Fig. 9 is a plan, of moulding apparatus constructed according to this invention
and suitable for simultaneously moulding a number of stoppers of the kind shown
in Fig. 2.
Figs. 10 and 11 are respectively a side elevation and plan of the stopper plate
detached.
Figs. 12, 13 and 14 are elevations at right angles to each other of a holding and
raising device hereinafter referred to.
Figs. 15 and 16 are detail views.
13 (Figs. 10 & 11) is the stopper plate formed with a number of holes 14 corre-
sponding in internal form with the external form of the stoppers to be produced.
This stopper plate is formed of a number of parts the lines of division between
which pass through the centres of the holes 14 as shown. The parts of the plate
are threaded upon guide rods 15 and are provided at the sides with plates 16 each
of which is fixed at one end to one of the parts by a set screw 17 and is formed at
the other end with a slot 18 through which the set screw 17 of an adjacent part
passes. As will be seen the arrangement is such that by moving the handles 19
that are fixed to the outermost parts of the plate towards each other, the several
parts of the plate will be forced into close contact with each other as shown at the
left hand side of Figs. 10 and 11 to form the moulds, and when the said handles are
moved in the opposite direction, the several parts of the plate will be moved apart,
as shown at the right hand side of Figs. 10 and 11, so as to release the glass
stoppers from the moulds, the extent to which the said parts can be drawn apart
being limited by the length of the slots 18. The central part of the stopper plate
may advantageously be fixed to the guide rods 15 by means of the corresponding set
screws 17 which are made sufficiently long for this purpose. The bottom plate
consists in the example shown of a plate 19 (Figs. 7 & 8) secured within an approxi-
mately rectangular frame 20 and provided with a number of removable conical
projections or head plates 21 to form the recesses in the heads of the stoppers. The
parts 19, 20 and 21 may be made in one piece, but by making them separate as
shown they can be readily removed and replaced by others to enable stoppers of
different forms and sizes to be produced. 22 is a gate plate formed with feeding
holes or gates 23 for the passage of molten glass to the moulds below. To enable
the molten glass to flow freely to the moulds and also to enable the glass gates left
therein to readily drop out together with the overplus, it is advantageous to make
the holes or gates of conical form as shown, in Fig. 7. This plate is provided at
the underside with conical projections 24, each of which extends into one of the
moulds 14 and serves as a core to produce the hollow stem of the stopper. Each
of these projections may advantageously be formed with a vertical groove or
channel 24 as shown in cross section and elevation in Figs. 15 and 16 respectively
for the purpose herein before mentioned. 25 is the top plate hinged by a pin 26 to the
outer part 20 of the bottom plate and provided with a handle 25". This plate is
formed with a central opening or receptacle 27 for molten glass, that is forced
through the holes in the gate plate and thence into the moulds in the stopper plate
below by a plunger 28 that is forced downwards by hydraulic, lever or other suitable
pressure as well understood in a press upon which the moulding apparatus described
is placed. 29, 29 are guide pins fixed to the bottom plate. These pins aid in
guiding the stopper and gate plates into proper position. The outer portion 20 of

page_text: the bottom plate is made higher than the central portion so as to form a recess to
receive and hold the stopper plate which is provided with projections 30 (Fig. 9) to
aid in guiding the gate-plate into position. The various plates can advantageously
be held together by the following means.
Fixed to opposite sides of the bottom plates, are two pins 31 (Figs. 7 & 9) upon
each of which is freely mounted a cylindrical sleeve 32 that is held in place upon
its pin by a nut 31. Each sleeve is provided with a handle 33 by which it can be
partly turned and with projections 34, 35 and 36 (Fig. 12, 13 and 14). Eachi
projection 34 has its underside 34" level and adapted to rest upon an adjacent
shoulder 13 on the stopper plate, its upper side 346 being inclined so as to form a
screw surface adapted to act against the underside of the gate plate at 22" and
raise this plate from the stopper plate at the required times. Each projection 35
acts by coming into contact with the gate plate, as a stop to limit the turning
movement of the corresponding handle until the gate plate is removed. The
projections 36 are each made inclined at its underside and arranged to bear upon
an inclined lug 37 on the top plate 25.
The arrangement is such that when the various plates are in the position shown
in Figs. 7, 8 and 9 and the handles 33 are moved into the positions shown in full
lines in Fig. 9, the projections 34 and 35 will be inoperative and the projections 36
will press tightly upon the lugs 37 and force the several plates tightly against each
other so that molten glass forced through the gates 23 can flow only into the moulds
below to form the stoppers. To remove the stoppers, the handles 33 are first
moved into the position a shown in dotted lines in Fig. 9, whereby the projections 36
are removed from above the lugs 37 so that the top plate 25 can be turned back as
indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 8. The handles 33 are then moved into the
positions indicated at bin which the stops 35 come in contact with the projecting
ends of the gate plate located between the guide projections 30. By this turning
movement the projections 34 are brought over the shoulders 13" so as to firmly
hold the stopper plate down, whilst their inclined surfaces 34° act against and raise
the gate plate thereby tearing away the glass gates in the conical holes 23 from
the stoppers below before they become set. The gate plate is then lifted away by
its handles 22 and inverted whereby the glass gates and overplus will fall away
by gravity, thus obviating the necessity of a cutter and saving time.
handles 33 are then moved into the positions e by which movement the pro-
jections 34 will be moved from above the stopper plate so as to release this plate
which can then be lifted by its handles 19 together with the stoppers therein
By then drawing these handles apart the several parts of the stopper plate will be
separated from each other and the stoppers therein allowed to fall out. Two or
more stopper plates and gate plates may advantageously be provided so that each
after being used will have time to cool whilst another is being used. The several
plates are replaced in the reverse order and secured, the levers 33 being moved
back into the successive positions & and a to enable this to be done.
When stoppers
The
of the kind herein referred to are to be produced, the walls of the moulds in the
stopper plate are formed with suitably arranged recesses 13 to form the teeth 2;
or the teeth 2, beads 3 and projections 5* as the case may be, on the stopper stems
and heads.
When the stems of the stoppers are not to be made hollow, as for example when
stoppers of the kind shown in Fig, 1 are to be produced, the gate plate is not
provided with projections such as 22; or this plate may be dispensed with, in which
case the top plate 25 would rest directly upon the top of the stopper plate and the
glass left above the holes in this plate could then be removed by a cutter after the
top plate had been turned back. I consider it however more advantageous to
employ a gate plate as the overplus can be more readily and conveniently removed
from the stoppers, the plates can be more quickly removed, and therefore do not
become overheated so soon, and the jarring action of a cutter which frequently breaks
the stoppers, is obviated. Also when the heads of the stoppers do not need to be

page_text: made hollow, the projections 21 are dispensed with, and a bottom plate 19 employed
having a flat or recessed surface corresponding to the top of the stoppers to be
produced.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is
-
1. A stopper of the kind herein referred to having a solid or hollow stem
constructed with comparatively few teeth such as 2 of ratchet shape in side view
and with an annular bead such as 3 of ratchet form in cross section substantially as
herein before described with reference to and shown in Fig. 1, and in Figs. 2 and 3
of the drawings annexed for the purpose specified.
2. For holding and supporting a cork ring for a bottle stopper whilst the stem of
the stopper is being forced into it, a cork-holder formed with holes adapted to
receive the cork rings and made in two or more parts the line or lines of division
between which passes or pass through the centres of the said holes, and a clamp
adapted to hold the parts of the cork holder together whilst the stems are being
forced into cork rings, the said cork holder, or the clamp, being so formed and
arranged as to provide shoulders whereon the cork rings are supported whilst the
stems of the stoppers are being forced therein, substantially as hereinbefore
described with reference to and shown in Figs. 4 and 5 and in Fig. 6 of the drawings
annexed.
3. In moulding apparatus for the manufacture of bottle stoppers of the kind
herein referred to with toothed stems, the combination with top and bottom plates
of the kind described and a suitable clamping device or devices, of a stopper
plate 13 formed with a number of moulds 14 the walls of which are shaped and
recessed to correspond to the external form of the toothed stoppers to be produced
and composed of a number of connected parts, the lines of division between which
pass through the centres of the moulds, the said parts being mounted to slide
parallel with each other on guide rods 15 and the outermost being provided with
handles such as 19 substantially as herein described for the purpose specified.
4. In moulding apparatus for the manufacture of bottle stoppers with hollow
stems, the combination with top and bottom plates, a stopper or inould plate, and
a clamping device or devices, of a gate plate formed with conical holes or gates and
provided at its underside with projections to serve as cores for the moulds the said
gate plate being arranged to be clamped between the stopper or mould plate and
the top plate substantially as hereinbefore described for the purpose specified.
5. Moulding apparatus of the kind referred to in the preceding claim in which
the projections at the underside of the gate plate are constructed with vertical
feeding grooves or channels substantially as herein before described for the purpose
specified.
6. Moulding apparatus for the manufacture of bottle stoppers, constructed arranged
and operating substantially as hereinbefore described and shown in Figs. 7 to 14
inclusive of the drawings annexed, or modified as set forth.
Dated thin 10th day of Datalan 1000
WM. P. BONWICK.
W. Lloyd Wise,
46, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., Agent for the Applicant.