Improvements relating to Urns such as are Used for the Preparation of Tea, Coffee, and Cocoa, Applicable also for the Preparation of other Alimentary Fluids.
Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 3rd Aug., 1887.
Specification Accepted, 6th Sept., 1887.
Improvements relating to Urns such as are Used for the Preparation
of Tea, Coffee, and Cocoa, Applicable also for the Preparation of
other Alimentary Fluids.
I, HENRY COLE WILLMOTT, of 23 Leighton Terrace, Kentish Town, London, N.W.
Commercial Traveller, 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 more especially to the class of urns generally in use in
Coffee restaurants, Cocoa Rooms, Public Houses and other places of refreshment,
wherein it is necessary to prepare Tea Coffee Cocoa in comparatively large quantities.
It is a well known fact that in preparing tea coffee or cocoa a lengthened infusion
in the one case of the leaves and in the other case of the ground berry, withdraws
therefrom certain chemical elements, which, whilst imparting to the infusion a bitter
and somewhat acrid taste, has at times a deleterious effect, upon the human system.
Another disadvantage attaching to existing methods of preparing Tea and Coffee in
large quantities, which may have to be retained hot for a considerable period, is that,
with the steam or vapor arising from the heated fluid, is carried off much of the
aroma which renders these beverages so refreshing and exilarating, and so valuable as
mild tonics; thus, although the first few cups of Tea or Coffee may have all the
strength, quality and accompanying aroma desired, the infusion or preparation
becomes gradually weaker and poorer as the supply decreases, rendering the last few
cups unpalatable, and of comparatively little benefit. Now, my invention is devised
with a view to overcome these disadvantages and to ensure, so long as the supply
lasts, an uniform strength and quality of the infusion, preparation or concoction, whilst
retaining the full aroma therein.
In order that my Invention may be the better understood I have appended the
accompanying sheet of drawings, in which Figure 1 is a sectional elevation of the
device according to my Invention. Figure 2 is a front elevation. Figure 3. is a plan
view on top of the apparatus and Figure 4 is a detailed view partly in section of the
plug of one of the improved three way cocks, hereinafter referred to and described as
forming an essential feature in my Invention.

page_text: .
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The device which I employ, comprises an ordinary metal urn A. preferably of
copper, resting upon a perforated stand or support B within which latter is placed a
gas or other burner of any suitable type. Within the urn A is inserted a reservoir C.
of smaller diameter than the interior of the urn, to allow of the circulation of steam
around the exterior thereof, provided at the top with a flange a, which rests upon the
top of the urn A, and serves as a support to said reservoir C. Over all is fitted the
cover D of any suitable material, but preferably of white porcelain or stoneware,
fluted, ornamental or plain as may be desired. The bottom of said reservoir C is
perforated with a hole of larger internal diameter than that of the outflow cock H, in
which is inserted, and secured by suitable means a barrel, forming the seat of a valve
or plug c, which latter is actuated by the lever E. and float e.
In front of the urn, and at a suitable height, is or are fixed, one or more
receptacles F. for the purposes hereinafter described, supported by brackets or other
suitable means to the front of the urn A. Said receptacle or receptacles F is or are
provided with cover d, accurately and tightly fitted thereon, having a small tube or
small tubes fitted therein, reaching to nearly the bottom of the receptacles F.
aforesaid; the function of said tube or tubes f. being to serve as vent for the
admission of air to the receptacles F. and also to prevent the escape of the aroma
therefrom. To the bottom of said receptacle or receptacles F is or are secured a tube
or tubes g. terminating below in a small tap or cock G, attached to the upper branch
of a three way cock H, the openings h., of which are of precisely the same width
in the direction of rotation, but the relative areas of which, would be in the ratio of
one to four, the object of this difference in the areas, being to allow of one part of
infusion preparation or concoction being drawn off in proportion to four parts of
water, at whatever angle the plug of the cock H may be turned, and so long as the
tap G, is fully open; but the proportions above mentioned may be varied, to suit
different tastes, by turning the tap G to different angles, thus reducing the flow of
the infusion preparation or concoction; and in order to determine the required flow
of which, I provide a graduated quadrant, through the are of which moves an index
or pointer attached to the tap G by which means very accurate proportions can be
determined.
A con-
In preparing tea or coffee in my improved 'urn, the body portion thereof, which
might contain say three gallons, is half filled with water, or water mixed mixed with
sugar and milk, and the reservoir C. filled, or the water may be poured directly into
the reservoir C, and allowed to flow into the urn A, by way of the valve c.
centrated or very strong infusion of tea or coffee is then poured into the receptacle F,
which should contain its relative proportion of one fourth, or say three quarters of a
gallon; the cover d. is then fitted on, and, the water or other fluid in the urn brought
to the boiling point, upon which the apparatus will be ready for use. Supposing now
a cup of the strongest tea or coffee is required, the tap would be turned full on ;
therefore, on turning the tap of the three way cock H, the proportion of concentrated
infusion, relatively to the water, or fluid, would be in the ratio of one to four, no
matter at what angle the tap may be turned, the different positions of the tap having
the sole effect of varying the speed of the flow of the fluids from the cock H.
It is an important consideration in connection with my Invention, that the flow of
the water or other fluid from the urn, should be of unvarying constancy, and this
is effected by means of the supply cistern or reservoir F, in the following manner.
As the level of the contents of the urn A is lowered, the float e. falls, thus opening
the valve c. and allowing the contents of the supply cistern C. to flow therefrom, by
which means, the level of the contents in the urn is maintained constant, so long as
any fluid remains in said supply cistern or reservoir C.
In order that the fluid contents of the supply cistern C. may become heated with
greater rapidity than would be effected by the steam simply circulating around the
exterior of said cistern C. I may secure a piece of pipe to the bottom, at or near
the centre thereof, extending, above the level of the flange a; the heated steam
rising through said pipe, would, in its passage towards escape, give up a large
proportion of its heat to the pipe, and by induction to the surrounding fluid.

page_text: From the foregoing it will be obvious that I am able to produce, tea, coffee and
cocoa of a very much better quality, than is possible as prepared under existing
systems, with the additional advantage of the respective preparations retaining their
full strength and aroma so long as any remain, and at smaller cost, at the same time,
that I am enabled to produce an admixture of alimentary fluids other than hereinbefore
specified with equal facility and advantage.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my Invention and
in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is :-
Firstly. The improved urn to allow of the production of Tea, Coffee, or Cocoa of
uniform quality and definite strength, substantially as herein described and shown in
the accompanying drawings.
Secondly. The mode of and means employed for maintaining the level of the fluid
contents of an urn substantially as herein set forth.
Thirdly. The adaptation to an urn of independent reservoirs to serve as receptacles
for a concentrated infusion of Tea or Coffee, or solution of Cocoa, substantially as
herein set forth and shown in the accompanying drawings.
Fourthly. In an urn, the special three way cock, the openings and areas of same
being as specified, substantially as herein set forth.
Fifthly. In an urn the mode of and means adopted for regulating the proportions
of concentrated infusions, preparations or concoctions with water or other fluid,
substantially as herein set forth.
Dated this 2nd day of August. 1887.
JAMES STEVENSON,
Gray's Inn Chambers,
20, High Holborn, London, W.C.,
Agent for Applicant.