Improvements in Apparatus for the Delivery of a Measured Quantity of Liquid in Exchange for an Equivalent in Coin.
Year: 1888

page_text: Date of Application, 1st June, 1888
Complete Specification Left, 25th Mar., 1889,
Complete Specification Accepted, 1st June, 1889
Improvements in Apparatus for the Delivery of a Measured Quantity
of Liquid in Exchange for an Equivalent in Coin.
I, ERNEST GEORGE MATTHEWSON, of 31, Palace Road, Upper Norwood S.E. in the
county of Surrey, engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
This invention relates to improvements in apparatus from which a measured
quantity of liquid can be withdrawn in exchange for a coin of the proper value,
and is designed more particularly for the delivery of liquid under gaseous pressure,
such as aerated waters and the like.
In carrying out this invention, I employ a measuring device or vessel preferably
in the form of a curved or partly annular chamber in which works a segment. The
liquid to be delivered being supplied to one end of the chamber, and discharged from
the other end thereof in an alternate manner by a two way plug or valve that
alternately places each end of the chamber in communication with a reservoir of the
liquid and with the atmosphere through a suitable delivery faucet or nozzle. The
segment is operated by the liquid, and displaced from each end of the chamber
alternately a volume of liquid equal to the capacity of the space between either of its
sides, when at the end of its stroke, and the opposite end of the chamber. The
passages connecting the measuring chamber with the ways in the plug or valve are
so arranged as to be always full of liquid, and thereby prevent the entrance of air
into the measuring chamber.
A convenient construction of measuring device or vessel according to this inven-
tion, comprises a cylindrical case having an annular chamber and a screw-threaded
hollow extension or spindle by means of which communication may be made with the
interior of the liquid reservoir. The case is closed at one end by a cover preferably
formed in one therewith, and at the other end by a removable cover secured in
place by a nut screwed on the extension or spindle, suitable packing material, such
as india-rubber, being interposed between the cover and case for securing a tight
joint. Within the annular chamber is a fixed block or segment that serves as a case

page_text: for the two way plug or valve. This block or segment is formed with passages
whereby the ways in the plug or valve may be placed in communication with the
ends of the chamber. Within the partly annular chamber thus formed, is fitted
a moveable Cock or segment, which when operated, discharges a measured quantity
of liquid. Each end of the chamber is provided with a valve-seat, and each side of
the movable block or segment with a cushioning material such as india-rubber, in
order that the movable segment may be brought to rest at the end of each
stroke without shock or noise, & any leakage prevented. In order that the plug or
valve may be operated for withdrawing liquid, after the insertion in the apparatus
of the proper coin, its stem or spindle may be formed with slots, and be surrounded
with a slotted tube provided with means for rotating it such as a hand lever, as
described in the specification of an application for Letters Patent, filed by me the
3rd day of September 1887, No. 11953, the arrangement being such that in the
absence of a proper coin, the slotted tube will turn independently of the valve-
spindle, whilst if a proper coin be inserted, the two will become locked together, and
if the hand lever be then operated, the plug or valve will be partly turned so as to
admit liquid to one end of the measuring chamber, whilst that previously admitted
to the other end will be discharged by the movable segment. A guard, partly sur-
rounding the plug or valve spindle, serves to retain the coin in the locking position
until the plug or spindle has been turned to the required extent; the coin is after-
wards allowed to fall into a suitable receptacle and disconnects the slotted tube
from the plug or valve spindle. In lieu of a hand lover, there may be employed a
plunger for operating the valve spindle, as described in my herebefore mentioned
former specification.
An indicator, operated by the valve-spindle, may be employed for showing the
amount of liquid remaining in the reservoir. In a convenient arrangement for
this purpose the valve spindle is provided with a screw threaded-extension upon
which works-a-nut that is prevented from rotating whilst engaged with the screw
thread on the extension and which carries-a-pointer arranged to travel over a
graduated scale. The nut may be connected with a plate or device-bearing the word
empty" and with means for closing the money slot. The arrangement is such
that when the contents of the reservoir are wholly discharged, the nut becomes dis-
engaged from the screw threaded portion of the valve spindle, and is partly rotated
by means of a spring, so as to expose to view the plate bearing the word "empty
and to close the money slot. A valve may be interposed in the passage leading from
the plug or valve to the delivery faucet to prevent leakage. This valve normally
closes the passage but is automatically opened, when the two way plug or valve is
operated.
"
According to a modification, the measuring vessel comprises a cylinder fitted
with a reciprocating piston and piston rod, and formed at or near one end with two
passages, one of which is in communication with the liquid reservoir, and the other
with the delivery faucet. These passages are controlled by connected valves which
may be hinged or jointed so as to turn about a common centre, or be free to move
end wise relatively to the cylinder. The valves are so arranged that when the piston
is not forced into the cylinder, the valve controlling the passage leading to the
reservoir will be forced from its seat by the liquid which will flow into and fill
the measuring cylinder, forcing the delivery valve into its sent, so as to close the
outlet passage, and the piston to the end of its outward stroke. Suitable elastic
material may be employed for cushioning the valves and piston. This piston is
forced inwards by suitable means operated by a hand lever or plunger through the
intervention of the coin inserted in the apparatus. In another modification two
measuring chambers are employed, each fitted with a piston. These chambers are in
communication with each other at one end by a pipe, and at the other end com-
municate by suitable passages with the ways in the plug or valve. With this
arrangement, when liquid is admitted to one chamber, the piston therein will be
forced to the end thereof, and will force fluid at the opposite side thereof into the
other chamber and cause the piston in such chamber to force the liquid, previously

page_text: admitted thereto, to the delivery faucet, or vice versa. The reservoir containing the
liquid to be delivered may be made removable from the apparatus in order that it
may when empty, be readily replaced by a charged one, and means may be provided
for closing the connection between it and the delivery mechanism. Two or more
reservoirs containing different liquids may be used in the same apparatus, the plugs
or valves and the means for connecting them with the hand lever or plunger, being
each operated either by an independent handle or plunger, or by one handle common
to two or more of thein, the necessary connection being effected by gearing. In the
latter case one delivery faucet, common to all the reservoirs, may be employed, or
each reservoir may have its own faucet.

page_text: improvements in Apparatus for the Delivery of a Measured Quantity
of Liquid in Exchange for an Equivalent in Coin.
ERNEST GEORGE MATTHEWSON, Engineer 31, Palace Road, Upper Norwood S.E.
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 improvements in apparatus from which a measured
quantity of liquid can be withdrawn in exchange for coin of the proper value, and is
designed more particularly for the delivery of liquid under gaseous pressure, such as
_aerated waters & the like.
In carrying out this invention-I. employ a measuring device or vessel preferably
in the form of a curved or partly annular chamber in which works a-piston, the
liquid to be delivered being supplied to one end of the chamber and discharged from
the other end thereof, in an alternate manner by a two way plug or valve that
alternately places each end of the chamber in communication with a reservoir of the
liquid and with the atmosphere through a suitable delivery faucet or nozzle. The piston
is operated by the liquid and displaces from each end of the chamber alternately a
volume of liquid equal to the capacity of the space between either of its sides, when
at the end of its stroke, and the opposite end of the chamber. The passages con-
necting the measuring chamber with the ways in the plug or valve are so arranged
as to be always full of liquid and thereby prevent the entrance of air into the
measuring chamber. A convenient construction of measuring device or vessel
according to this invention comprises a cylindrical case having an annular chamber
and a screw threaded hollow extension or spindle by means of which communication
may be made with the interior of the liquid reservoir.
The case is closed at one end by a cover preferably formed in one therewith, and
at the other end by a removable cover secured in place by a nut screwed on the
extension or spindle suitable material such as india-rubber being interposed between
the cover and case for securing a tight joint.
Within the annular chamber is a fixed block or segment that serves as a case for
the two way plug or valve. This block or segment is formed with passages whereby
the ways in the plug or valve may be placed in communication with the ends of the
chamber. Within the part annular chamber thus formed is fitted a piston that may
he in the form of a segment or block, and which when operated discharges a measured
quantity of liquid. Each end of the chamber is provided a valve seat and each side of
the movable block or segment with a cushioning material such as india-rubber in order
that the movable segment may be brought to rest at the end of each stroke without
shock or noise and any leakages prevented. In order that the plug or valve may
be operated for withdrawing liquid after the insertion in the apparatus of the proper

page_text: coin its stem or spindle may be formed with and be rounded with a slotted tube
provided with means for rotating it such as a hand lever as described in specification
of an application for Letters Patent filed by me the 3rd day of September 1887,
No. 11,953 the arrangement being such that in the absence of a proper coin the
slotted tube will then turn independently of the valve spindle when, if a proper coin
be inserted, the two will become locked together and if the hand lever be then
operated the plug or valve will be partly turned so as to admit liquid to one end of
the measuring chamber while that previously admitted to the other end will be dis-.
charged by the piston. A guard partly surrounding the plug or valve spindle serves
to retain the coin in the locking position until the plug or spindle has been turned to
the required extent the coin is afterwards allowed to fall into a suitable receptacle
and disconnect the slotted tube from the plug or valve spindle. In lieu of a hand
lever there may be employed a plunger for operating the valve spindle as described
in my hereinbefore mentioned former specification. An indicator operated by the
valve spindle may be employed for showing the amount of liquid in the reservoir.
In a convenient arrangement for this purpose the valve spindle is provided with a
screw threaded extension upon which works a nut that is prevented from rotating
whilst engaged with the screw thread on the extension and which carries a pointer
arranged to travel over a graduated scale. The nut may be connected with a plate or
device bearing the word "empty" and with means for closing the money slot. The
arrangement is such that when the contents of the reservoir are wholly discharged,
the nut becomes disengaged from the screw threaded portion of the valve spindle and
is partly rotated by means of a spring, so as to expose to view the plate bearing the
word "empty" and to close the money slot. A valve may be interposed in the
passage leading from the plug or valve to the delivery spout to prevent leakage.
This valve normally closes the passage but is automatically opened when the two way
plug or valve is operated.
The reservoir containing the liquid to be delivered may be made removable from
the apparatus in order that it may, when empty, be readily replaced by a charged
one and means may be provided for closing the connection between it and the
delivery mechanism."
In order to enable my invention to be fully understood, I will now proceed to
describe how it can be carried into practice by reference to the accompanying
drawing in which
Fig. 1, is a front elevation of the machine constructed according to my invention
for the delivery of a measured quantity of liquid in exchange for an equivalent in.
coin. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section of the same on line A. B. of fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a horizontal section of the same on line C. D. of fig. 1.
Fig. 4 is a horizontal section of the same on line E F of Fig. 1.
Similar letters in all figures, indicate similar parts.
A. is the cylindrical case of the tap, having an annular chamber A¹, and a screw
threaded hollow extension, B, by means of which communication may be made with
the interior of the reservoir or reservoirs. These reservoirs may be of metal, wood,
etc., or of glass as shown in the drawing. C is a removable cover, closing the case
at the other end, secured in place by the nuts I. I. I screwed on the extension.
K. K. are india-rubber washers, interposed between the cover and case and tubes in
order to secure a tight joint. D. is the fixed block or segment that serves as a case
for the two way, plug or valve; formed with passages, whereby the ways in the plug
or valve may be placed in communication with the ends of the chamber. P. is the
piston, fitted within the part annular chamber A' having the form of a segment, and
which when operated discharges a measured quantity of liquid. Each end of the
chamber is provided with a valve seat G. and each side of the piston or movable
segment with cushioning material such as india-rubber, in order that the piston may
be brought to rest at the end of each stroke without shock or noise, and any break-
age be thus prevented. E. is the two way or valve, and E is the spindle of the
same. F. is a stuffing box fitted in the extension a. of the casing A., in order to

page_text: make a tight joint between the plug stem or spindle E¹ and the casing A. This
stem or spindle E is formed with slots in order that the valve way be operated for
withdrawing liquid, after the insertion in the apparatus of the proper coin. It is
surrounded with a tube or sleeve N. partly cut away, to which the handle M. is
fixed. R. is a tube or cylinder surrounding the sleove N. This tube is provided
with slots for the insertion and exit of coins, it is surmounted by a cover Q. and
serves to retain the coin in the locking position until the plug or spindle has been
turned to the required extent. The coin is afterwards allowed to fall through the
shoot S. into a suitable receptacle and disconnects the sleeve from the plug or valve
spindle. A suitable spring may be employed bring the handle and sleeve back to
its normal position as soon as the handle is released. If a smaller coin than that
of the proper denomination should be inserted in the slot, the tube or guard R. will
not retain it, and it is therefore allowed to fall through the shoot S¹ into the
receptacle without locking the spindle and sleeve together. L. is the faucet lap.
Fig. 5 illustrates in detail the construction of the valve in the bottom of the plug
and of the registering and coin-slit closing device.
E is the plug in which is provided a valve-spindle 1 surrounded by a spring 2.
The valve 3 has a packing ring 4 which, when bearing against the lip 5 makes a
tight joint. In fig. 5 the valve is shown closed. When handle M is turned round
and depressed after the insertion of a coin, the spindle 1 and valve 3 descend and the
liquid is free to pass as indicated by the arrows. When the handle resumes its
normal position the valve is closed again by the spring 2.
Above the coin slit is placed-the-registering mechanism. It consists of a spindle
or arbor 6 operated, simultaneously with the measuring devices, by the-motion of
handle M. The spindle is screw threaded and upon it runs a nut 7 which in front
carries an index or pointer 8. Loosely mounted upon the spindle-6 is a light frame 9
above which rises a spring 10 having the tendency to press frame downwards and
to turn it round the spindle 6; a pin 11 prevents the rotation of frame 9 whilst the
latter is in its normal position. The pointer 8 engages with a slot-in the front of
frame 9 where a scale is marked. From the rear of frame 9 a plate or shield
extends downwards.
Now as the plug is rotated by handle M it carries the spindle 6 round with it.
The index or pointer 8 being held fast by frame 9, and the latter by pin 11, the
nut 7 can not turn but rises on spindle 6. The upward travel of the pointer shows
the quantity of liquid withdrawn. When the nut 7 has risen to the end of its
travel it lifts frame ŷ clear of pin 11. The frame is now turned round by spring 10
and instead of the scale. shows the back upon which the word "Empty" may be
inscribed and the shield 12 closes, or partly closes the coin slit.
When the apparatus is refilled the spindle 6 is turned back and the parts replaced
in their normal position.
Z is the box containing the tap the receptacle for the money and the mechanism
by means of which the tap is put in communication with the reservoirs or glass
bottles X. This mechanism as well as the valves and connection of the glass bottles
or reservoirs are not described here, nor shown in the drawings annexed, and may
be of any convenient construction.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :
.
1) In an apparatus for the delivery of a measured quantity of liquid in exchange
for coin or the like the combination of a measuring device or tap with means
whereby the said plug or valve of the said tap may be operated when a proper coin
or the like is inserted in the apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with
reference to and shown in the drawing annexed.
2) The improved measuring device or tap constructed substantially as hereinbefore
described with reference to and shown in the drawing annexed.

page_text: 3) In an apparatus for the delivery of a measured quantity of liquid in exchange
for a coin or the like, the use of glass bottles for reservoirs substantially as herein-
before described with reference to and shown in the drawing annexed.
4) The means for indicating the quantity of liquid remaining in the resorvoir and
for closing the coin slit when the apparatus is empty as set forth and shown in detail
in fig. 5.
5) In an apparatus such as described the valve 3 on spindle 1 enclosed in the
plug E arranged constructed and operating as set forth and shown in fig. 5.
Dated this 23rd day of March 1889.
ERNEST GEORGE MATTHEWSON.