CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR MAKING AERATED WATERS AND IN APPARATUS FOR CHARGING BOTTLES OTHER VESSELS WITH GASEOUS FLUID; ALSO IMPROVEMENTS IN BOTTLES AND OTHER VESSELS, AND IN APPARATUS FOR DRAWING OFF LIQUIDS AND IN SECURING CORKS OR STOPPERS IN BOTTLES OR OTHER VESSELS, AND IN TAPS AND VENT PEGS
Year: 1848

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, THOMAS
MASTERS, of Regent Street, in the County of Middlesex, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by
Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Ireland, bearing date at Westminster, the Eighteenth day of November, in
the twelfth year of Her reign, did give and grant unto me, the said Thomas
Masters, my exors, admñiors, and assigns, Her special licence, full power, sole
privilege and authority, that I, the said Thomas Masters, my exors, adñiors,
and assigns, and such others as I, the said Thomas Masters, my exors, adîñors,
and assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time
and at all times thereafter during the term of years therein mentioned, should
and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within that part of the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland called England, Her Dominion
of Wales, and Town of Berwick and upon Tweed, and also in the Islands of
Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, and Man, and in all Her Colonies and
Plantations abroad, my Invention of "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS
FOR MAKING AERATED WATERS AND IN APPARATUS FOR CHARGING BOTTLES
OTHER VESSELS WITH GASEOUS FLUID; ALSO IMPROVEMENTS IN BOTTLES
AND OTHER VESSELS, AND IN APPARATUS FOR DRAWING OFF LIQUIDS, AND IN
SECURING CORKS OR STOPPERS IN BOTTLES OR OTHER VESSELS, AND IN TAPS AND
VENT PEGS;" in which said Letters Patent there is contained a proviso
requiring that I, the said Thomas Masters, shall particularly describe and
ascertain the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to
be performed, by an instrument in writing under my hand and seal, to be

page_text: enrolled in Her said Majesty's High Court of Chancery within six calendar
months next and immediately after the date of the said in part recited Letters
Patent, as, reference being thereunto had, will moro fully and at large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
Thomas Masters, do hereby declare the nature of my Invention, and the
manner in which the same is to be performed, is particularly described and
ascertained in and by this present instrument in writing, as follow, that is
to say :-
My said Inventions consist, first, in a mode of manufacturing aerated waters,
and the apparatus to be employed therein.
Secondly, in apparatus to be employed for the purpose of charging aerated
waters into bottles and other vessels.
Thirdly, in the construction of bottles and other vessels employed to contain
aerated waters or other liquids.
Fourthly, in the construction of apparatus for drawing off aerated waters
and other liquids from closed bottels and other vessels containing them.
Fifthly, in the securing corks or stoppers applied to closing bottles and other
vessels.
Sixthly, in the construction of corks or taps employed for the passage
of liquids.
Seventhly, in the construction of vent pegs.
The construction of the apparatus for the manufacture of aerated waters is
illustrated in Sheet A of the accompanying Drawings by Figure 1, which is a
sectional elevation of one arrangement of construction. a, a strong vessel, of
a capacity suitable to the quantity of aerated liquid required to be made at one
operation. This vessel may be made of glass, porcelain, or other material upon
which the materials and ingredients employed have no injurious effect, but at
the same time must be sufficiently strong to resist the pressure to which it may
be subjected during the operation. It may be made of any shape required,
ornamental if desired, and is supported by the foot or stand a¹; to the upper
part of the vessel a is connected by screwing the socket 6; the mode of con-
nection should be such that they may be connected and disconnected with
facility; to the socket is permanently secured by means of any suitable
cement the glass vessel c; the upper part of this vessel is formed with a foot,
so as to permit the whole apparatus when connected together to be inverted,
when the vessel c will be below; the vessel a above a compound pipo d, d²,
forms a means of communication between the vessels a and c.
The con-
struction of the pipe is as follows:-The smaller pipe & passes through the
pipe d, which is of larger diameter, but they are securely attached together
d

page_text: at top and bottom at d" and d, but a number of holes are perforated or opening
eft so as to admit of a free communication through the interval of space
between the interior of one and the exterior of the other; upon the lower end
7 of the pipe d' is screwed the cup piece e; the lower end of the inner pipe
dips into this cup piece nearly to the bottom; perforations are made
through the sides of the cup piece e near the upper part, so as to admit of a free
passage between the exterior and the interior of the pipes between the upper
end of the cup piece and the shoulder; upon the end of the pipe d, against
which it screws, are placed two or three washes of leather, gutta percha, or
other suitable flexible material, so that when the compound pipe shall be placed
in its proper position within the mouth of the vessel a, and there pressed in
with a moderate force, a perfect gas and liquid light joint shall be formed, and
the only means of communication between the two vessels a and c will be
through the compound pipes d, d. To the socket 6 is attached the tap or
cock f for the purpose of drawing off the aerated water when manufactured.
The peculiar construction of this tap will be herein-after fully described. The
mode of operation with this apparatus for the manufacture of aerated water is
as follows:-The vessel a is detached from the socket b; the vessel c is then
placed in an inverted position, standing upon its foot at its upper end; it is
now filled with water to be impregnated with gas. The other materials
employed for the generation of the gas, namely, for example, the carbonate
of soda and the tartaric acid, in their proper proportionate quantities, are then
placed within the vessel a, and the compound pipe d, d', presses into the mouth
of the vessel a; the vessel a is then inserted and screwed to the socket b; the
compound pipe d, d, then dips into the water in the vessel c; the cock f is
of course kept shut. The whole apparatus is now to be placed in its proper
position, namely, standing upon the foot or stand a²; the effect of this is to
allow that portion of the water now contained in the vessel c above the
aperture of the pipe d to pass down through that pipe and through the per-
forations in the cup piece e into the vessel a, which contains the carbonate of
soda and tartaric acid, when by their chemical action gas is evolved, which
passes through the perforations in the cup piece upwards, between the
interior of the pipe d' and the exterior of the pipe d'into the water contained
in the vessel c at a", which is thereby impregnated with the gas; a small
quantity of water always remains in the cup piece e, so as to form a water-
joint and prevent the gas passing up the interior of the pipe d; when
sufficiently impregnated the tap or cock f is opened, and the aerated water
from the vessel c received into a glass or bottle placed to receive it.
Figure 2 is a modification of the above-described apparatus. The water to

page_text: be impregnated is contained within the vessel a, which may be a vessel
expressly adapted to the apparatus, or may be any ordinary bottle or other
vessel; into the upper vessel b is placed a quantity of water, and within the
cylindrical vessel c is placed the other ingredients for the production of gas.
The vessel has its lower end perforated, by which the contained ingredients
are better subjected to the action of the water. The month or upper end of
the cylindrical vessel c is closed by the cap d; a pipe a descends from the
upper part of the vessel b, through the socket 9, to the lower part of
the vessel a; its upper end can be closed at pleasure by the screwed
plug h; the cock f communicates through the socket g with the pipe e
for the purpose of drawing the aerated water from the vessel a when suffi-
ciently impregnated with gas. The mode of operation with this apparatus
being as follows:-The water to be impregnated is placed within the vessel a,
which is then to be attached to the socket g by the screw shewn; a small
quantity of water is now placed within the vessel 6, the cap d being removed
for that purpose; a quantity of the ingredients, as carbonato of soda and
tartaric acid), in proper proportions, is then placed in the bottom of the
cylindrical vessel c; the screw plug h is withdrawn from the aperture of tho
pipe e, and the cap d is screwed tightly down. a disc of leather or gutta
percha being placed between the under side of the cap and the edges of tho
apparatus; this being pressed by the cap forms a gas-tight joint. Tho
apparatus is now shaken so that the water in the vessel 6 shall be thrown
about and come in contact with the ingredients in the perforated vessel c,
whereby gas is evolved, and as the upper aperture of the pipe é is open it
flows through that pipe and through the water in the vessel a, thereby
impregnating it with gas; when sufficiently impregnated, the aperture of the
pipe e is closed by the screw plug h, and when it is required to withdraw it
the tapfis opened, when by reason of the pressure of gas within the vessel a
the aerated water will be forced up the pipe e and through the cock f into
a glass or bottle placed to receive it. In this, as in the former modification,
any quantity of the nerated liquids contained in the apparatus can be with-
drawn at pleasure.
Figure 3 is another modification. In this a single vessel is employed,
though divided, as shown, into compartments. The water to be impregnated
is placed within the compartment a of the vessel through the aperture at its 3
upper end; the materials for the generation of the gas is placed within tho
lower compartments 6 through the aperture c, which immediately after their
introduction is closed by one of my improved stoppers d, the construction of
which will be hereafter described. The gas being evolved from the materials

page_text: n the compartment 6 will pass up through the passage and down the
other 9, and then upwards through the water to be impregnated in the com-
partment a. When sufficiently impregnated it may be drawn off by means
The
of the syphon apparatus shewn or by any other convenient means.
syphon apparatus will be herein-after fully described, and illustrated under
that head of my present Specification.
The second part of my Inventions is illustrated also by Figure 2. In the
adaptation of this apparatus for this apparatus for the purpose of charging
bottles or other vessels with gaseous fluid, the upper part of the apparatus,
being that wherein the gas is evolved, remaining nearly as before described,
and for the permanent vessel A, the bottles or vessels required to be charged
are substituted in succession, the only modification necessary may bò in the
form of the lower termination of the pipe e, which, when the pipe is intended
to pass into the bottle or vessel through the cork or stopper itself or other
small aperture, should be formed with the end of the pipe e terminating in a
point in lien of the rose end. Figure shews thus, when the bottle or other
vessel is fully charged, is quickly to be withdrawn and another bottle substi-
tuted. When the apparatus is employed for charging bottles or other vessels,
the cock fmay not be needed, therefore may be dispensed with if desired; of
course, the lower part of the socket 9 must be adapted in force to the form
and other circumstances of the bottles or vessels to be charged..
'7
The third part of my Invention, which has reference to the construction of
bottles or other vessels for containing aerated liquids, consists in the enclosing
such vessels in metal or other casing when made of glass, earthenware, or
other such material as will be susceptible to fracture from the pressure under
which the liquid is contained, and also in the method of drawing the liquid
therefrom.
Figures 1 and 2, Sheet B, represent sections of bottles or containers con-
structed according to this Invention, which is only intended for vessels con-
taining large quantities of aerated liquids. a, a, is the container or bottle of
earthenware or glass and enclosed within a metal case b, b, fitting somewhat
nearly the bottle a, a, which rest on the plate c, and is, with the exception of
the neck or mouth and stem, and from which the liquid is drawn, is completely
enclosed, so that in the event of the bursting of the vessel a, a, any accident
to persons using such from the fractured portions of the vessel will be avoided,
as they are enclosed by the metal casing; and in order to prevent injury to
the casing 6, b, an opening e is made in it to suffer the free escape of the gas,
thereby rendering the bursting of these vessels perfectly harmless, which
would otherwise be attended with considerable inconvenience. A tap fis

page_text: secured to the casing b, between which tap and the stem d a glass tube g with
hemispherical ends is secured, the orifico at each end being imbedded in a
washer of vulcanized india-rubber or other elastic substance to render the joint
air-tight. On opening the tapf the iushing of the liquid into the glass 9 bas
a very pretty and novel effect. This vessel it is intended should be charged
at an apparatus for manufacturing the description of liquid, while the stopper
or cork will be described under its own particular head.
I may here remark that I am aware that it has hitherto been usual to
enclose bottles or other similar vessels 'within metal casings, but such casing
has been intended to prevent fracture to the bottle from without, or where
the glass or other material has been a mere lining and not intended to sustain
any internal pressure.
Figure 2 is a modification of the same; the letters of reference used being
as in Figure 1, it will be unnecessary to recapitulate. In this figure the
stem d is situated near the top with a channel h leading to the bottom as
before. The stem d is furnished with an ordinary globe i into which the
liquid is first drawn, g opening the top k which is closed after the necessary
quantity is contained in the globe, and thence suffered to escape into a tumbler
or other vessel to be drank.
Another improvement in bottles is represented in Figure 3, Sheet B, which
consists of the constructing bottles with one or more projection a, a, on their
exterior, to be used for the purpose of agitation any liquid in which they may
be immersed for the purpose of cooling the contents. For the purpose facili-
tating this operation a handle b and cap may be attached to the vessel, as
shewn, for the purpose of securing the same. These may be of glass or other
material, but I prefer metal, as the projection, if of glass, are liable to get
broken off, or the agitators may be made of metal and made to slip over an
ordinary bottle.
The fourth head of my Invention which relates to apparatus for drawing off
liquids such as wines contained in casks or other vessels, by ineans of which
small quantities may be drawn from time to time without injury to the contents
of the vessel; and secondly, to apparatus for drawing off liquids contained in
bottles under a pressure, and which may be effected from time to time, and
without injury to the remainder of the contents.
The first of these apparata, which I denominate a syphon tap, is represented:
in Sheet Cat Figures 1 and 2, Figure 1 being a side elevation, and Figure 2
a vertical section thereof; it consists of a cylinder a, a, fitted with a piston b,
so as to form an air pump or forcer, yet at the same time to move freely up
and down. A spiral spring c is placed below the piston, which keeps it an

page_text: elevated position, as shewn in the section. The cylinder a is fitted with a
close bottom, with the exception of a small aperture, and which is covered
with a piece of oilcloth or other membrame e, having slits cut at the circum-
ference, and forming a valve by which the air is allowed to pass from the
under side of the piston but is prevented returning. In using this instrument
the long stem f is to be inserted in the vessel from which the liquid is to be
withdrawn to a sufficient depth to enclose the orifice g, at the same time
taking care to keep the opening through which the stem f is introduced
sufficiently air-tight; the thumb is then placed on the top of the piston rod h,
so as to close the channel i, and by depressing piston the air contained in the
cylinder a is forced through the valve e and down the pipe k, whence it
escapes by the orifice g into the cask or other vessel; on the thumb being
removed from the rod h it will again rise by the action of the spring; the air
entering by the channel i the stroke may be repeated, which will create a
pressure of air over the surface of the liquid in the cask or other vessel.
causing it to rise in the stem f, through which it may be withdrawn by the
tap 2. This tap is represented in horizontal section. at Figure 8; it is of
peculiar construction, which will described under its own particular head;
other taps will of course answer the purpose.
The syphon taps for drawing off liquids or portions of such liquids, as are
contained in bottles or other vessels under a pressure, are represented at
Figures 4, 5, and 6, Sheet G; the whole of these instruments terminate in a
long stem f, as before described, which should descend to the bottom of the
bottle, but in this case the point of the stem is furnished with a screw f, for
the purpose of facilitating its passage through a cork or other stopper of the
bottle. In the arrangement shewn at Figure 4 or valve seat 6 is let into the
cylinder or barrel a having its face downwards, against which the valve c is
pressed upwards by a spring d, and also by the the pressure of the liquid in the
vessel. The valve c is placed with a dice of leather or gutta percha; the stem
also passes through a series of washers of leather or gutta percha g to prevent
any escape of the liquid through the cover. This packing g pressed on by the
spring d, which keeps it in its place; but it may be further screwed down by
the cover h pressing on it. In drawing the liquid off sufficient downward
pressures must be exerted on the button i to forco the valve c from its sènt,
when the liquid will enter the perforations at fl, will pass upwards and escape
by the spout in such quantities as required; on releasing the button i the
valve will rise and prevent any further escape.
Figure 5 differs from the foregoing inasmuch as the valve c opens upwards,
in which case the spring d must have sufficient power to overcome the

page_text: pressure or tho nuid to escape. The rod in this case is raised by a lever
handle working on fulcra at m, n, the leverage being proportioned to the
friction on the rod e and the surplus pressure of the spring d to be overcome.
The packing of leather or gutta percha 9 is here shewn as being compressed
by the screwed cap h forcing down a bush o, so as to compress the leather or
gutta percha between it and the washer p, causing it to collapse close round
the rod, and also to press hard on the interior of the barrel a; the other parts
are similar to those described with reference to Figure 4.
In Figure 5, instead of a lift valve a plug c is used to regulate the passage
of the fluid. This plug is enclosed in a lining of gutta percha g, compressed
within the barrel a by the screw cap h, as shewn; the plug is also held in its
place by the cap h. The pressure thus exerted keeps the plug, and by a
further compression when any wear takes place the deficiency is made up by
the screw. The bore c', which at the upper part turns at right angles, so that
by turning the plug as represented a communication is effected with the
spoulk through a hole e in the gutta percha; while turned in any other
position the passage of the liquid will be stopped. Washers of leather may
be used instead of gutta percha, but I prefer the latter for the purpose.
In Figures 3 and 4, Sheet A, I have shewn two of these syplion taps
applied to vessels for containing aerated or other liquids under a pressure, the
working parts of which differ from the foregoing, but will be found described
with reference to Figures 3 and 4, Sheet D, where these arrangements are
represented as adapted for the purposes of ordinary taps. Tho stem ƒ may, as
before stated, be introduced through the ordinary cork, but they are here
shown as passing through an improved cork, for the more easy introduction
of this apparatus into the vessel, which improvement forms part of this my
present Inventions. The several parts for stopping the orafice will be
hereafter more particularly described with reference Figure 7 to 15 (inclusive),
Sheet C. To the lower end of this cork, which has a metal core, a metal cap
or thimble piece p is fitted with a screw, and having a milled edge by which it
can be removed at pleasure. The centre of the cap p has a hole through it
to admit of the passage of the stem f, but in order to render the stopping
perfectly tight a wad or disc 9 of gutta percha, leather, or other suitable
material, is introduced and screwed hard up; G this having no opening in the
centre any escape of the liquid is prevented. Two, three, or more dises q
may be placed to produce a greater thickness if required. In introducing the
stem of the syphon top it has merely to be forced or screwed down through
the leather, as in the ordinary lock, but where it should remain until the
whole of the contents are withdrawn, the time, as before explained, being

page_text: unlimited between the drawing of several portions of the liquid; or it may be
withdrawn and the orifice stopped with a vent peg.
Fig. 9 and 10, Sheet D, represent the modes of securing the wad or disc
in the stoppers of bottles. In Fig. 8 it is screwed down on the orifice by a
cap a screwed down as shewn in Fig. 9. It is enclosed in the stopper G, a
thimble piece 6 screwed down upon it, in this case being screwed, the cap being
on the interior instead of being on the outside.
The fifth part of my Invention has reference to a variety of methods for the
securing corks in bottles or other vessels. Fig. 7, Sheet C, represents a vertical
section of one of these methods for securing corks in a bottle or vessel of
metal, having an improved fastening attached; Fig. 8, a plan of the bottle
neck, and Fig. 9, an elevation of Fig. 7. The interior of the bottle neck A
is of a taper form to receive the cork or stopper 6, while on the outside are
projections C, c, which are received in a chase in the socket cap d, in which
they enter J the notches e, e, as seen in under side plan Fig. 10, which holds
down on the neck a. The cork or stopper 6 is of leather, india-rubber, gutta
percha, or cork, built on a core of metal, having a stem f, which passes through
the screwed pin G, in which it has a limited motion up and down, while the
ping revolves freely on it. The turns of the pin 9 by its milled head in one
direction has the effect of forcing the cork 6 down into the neck of the bottle;
while by reversing the direction of motion it will be withdrawn, the end
play in the pin f being for the purpose of allowing the fixing of the cap d in
its position.
Fig. 11 represents a section of a similar contrivance, but without the pin,
for withdrawing the cork or stopper, the same letters of reference being used
in several Figures; where the parts recur it will be unnecessary to recapitulato
them.
The screw pin g if furnished with a loose pad i to take a bearing on the
stopper b. This method is well adapted for securing the ordinary cork, although
I prefer the corks represented.
Fig. 12, Sheet C, is a modification of this fastening, shewn in section, which,
instead of having the cap 8 to enclose the orifice or mouth, it is received within
it, the projection C; C, being on the cap, and the chase in bottle neck. Fig. 18
is a plan of the bottle neck; Fig. 14, an external elevation, complete, and
5 Fig. 15, an underside plan of the stopper. In these Figures the internal pin f
is shewn for withdrawing the cork, but which may be omitted, as in Fig. 11.
This method of securing corks is equally applicable to vessels constructed of
glass, porcelain, earthenware, or other similar material. This is shewn in
Figures 11 and 12, Sheet D; Fig. 11, the projections è, c, being received in a

page_text: chase in the interior of the neck of the bottle; while. Fig. 12 has a metallic cap
cemented or otherwise secured thereto.
In the stoppers shewn in Fig.. 1 and 2, Sheet B, arrangements are slightly
modified. In Fig. 1 the screwed pin 9 is used as the withdrawing pin, the
top of it being made square, and passed through a squaro hole in the milled
head, through which it slides freely, so that by turning the milled a the
screw is carried round with it, so as to elevate or depress the 'cork or stopper
as required. In Fig. 2, Sheet B, the milled head has two flanches a; a³, which
embrace the cap d, so that by turning it in opposite directions the stopper will
be elevated or depressed. The screwed pin g, being in this case a fixture
to the stopper, must be prevented by pressing the finger on the top until
the cork takes effect.
Fig. 7 and 8, Sheet D, shew another method of stopping bottles. It consists
of a metal ring a encircling the mouth of a bottle, or it may be the bottle
itself, to which a hinged flap bis attached, which is pressed down on the orifice
by the thumb screw c, so as to compress the washer or case d of leather or
gutta percha, and thereby close the aperture.
The thumb screw passes through a cramp piece, and taking hold of the
bottle neck or ring a under a bend or projection, as shewn, the ends of e
being passed under the bead at the notches, shewn in the plan..
.
The next described fastening for the corks or stoppers of bottles, more par-
ticularly adapted, refer to the securing of corks in small bottles for containing
soda water and other such nerated liquids. These are shewn severally in
Figures 4 to 17, inclusive, Sheet A, and in Fig. 4 in front elevation. The
cork is secured by means of a bail or hoop a, connected to two eyes b, b, on a
metal ring c placed round the neck of the bottle. To the bail or hoop a, a
hood & (seen at Figuro 5) is affixed, which when the bail a is raised depresses
the cork, and holds it securely in its position. In Figure 6 the fastening con-
sists of a stem a, which is fitted to and securely held by a boss b' on thie-metal
ring c, in such a manner as to revolve with the plate d, as shown by dotted
lines in the plan, Figure 7. The cork having been driven home, the plate as
turned round so as to cover it, and the underside of plate d being inclined,
the pressure as the plate passes on the cork is still farther increased.
Instead of inserting the pin a into the boss b with a plain hole it may be
screwed with a coarse threaded screw, so that the partial turning of the plate a
over the cork will carry the screw lower down on in the boss, and consequently
depress the plate a hard on the cork.
Figure 8 is an elevation, and Figure 9 a plan of a bottle neck, shewing
another method, in which the bail a, as before, is employed, but having only a

page_text: small metal plate to press on the cork. In this, as well as the Figure 7, a
hole is represented in the centre for the purpose of introducing the stem of
the syphon top, as before described. Fig. 10 is a side elevation, and Figuro
11 a partial section of a modo of closing and stopping bottles, in which the
bail a is used, but without a cork; in this case this has a broad surface, to
the under side of which is attached a piece of vulcanized india-rubber b, or
other suitable material, which when brought over the orifice effectually closes
it, as shewn. The mouth of the bottle should be inclined a little towards the
side from which the bail is passed to facilitate its application, and also to
increase the pressure as the rubber b is advanced over the surface.
In Figures 1, 2, an elevation, and Figure 13 a plan, represent a mode of
facilitating, and for the better securing the corks by tying. It consists of a
hoop c enclosing the neck, and having two or more eyes d, d, d, to which
the wire or string is affixed. The loop may be made of metal or any other
material, or the eyes may be made in the bottle.
purpose. An
Figure 14 is a side elevation of a bottle neck, in which the cork is secured by
means of two claws a, a, attached to eyes 6, 6, in the collar or hoop c. These,
when the cork has been driven into the bottle, are then forced into the side of
the cork, as represented, holding it securely in its position. The claws a, a,
may be passed still further into the cork by being introduced so as not to come
into contact with each other. This forms at once an inexpensive and ready
mode of securing such corks, pieces of bent wire answering the
additional number of these claws may be employed, if desired.
Figure 15 is a side elevation, and Figure 16, à plan of a bottle neck in
which a bail a is employed for depressing the sides of a cork cut at an incline;
this bail is a broad piece of metal having a notch cut partly across it with its
sides b, b, turned up at an inclination to suit the inclined sides of the cork,
securing it in the manner shewn; Fig. 17 represents a side elevation of bottle
neck on which the cork is secured by a plate, having pendant portions 6, 6,
with return ends c, c, which when forced over the neck of the bottle, pass
under the shoulder, by which the whole is retained in its position; this
may either be made of a sheet of metal (steel being preferable), cutting por-
tions away to form the parts b, b, or they may be attached to the plate a, but
in either case should have sufficient elasticity for the purpose. The cork may
either be permanently attached by a pin, as shewn, and inserted at the
moment of securing, or it may be quite detached, and the plate a applied after-
wards; the bottle neck should taper considerably to facilitate the fixing
thereof.
The sixth part of my Invention consists in the construction of taps, cocks, or

page_text: valves to be employed for the passage of liquids; these will be seen by refer
ence to Sheet D of the Drawings; the general principle upon which I construct
these taps or cocks is the employment of leather, gutta percha, or other
flexible material for the purpose of forming them fluid-tight; these substances
I arrange and modify in various ways, so as to render the contact of tho
moving surface and the stationary surfaces always fluid-tight, for sometimes I
apply the leather or gutta percha to the moveable parts, and at other times to
the stationary parts. Figs. 1, 2, 8, 4, and 5 exhibit several modifications of
my improved construction.
Figure 1 being a view shewn partly in section of an ordinary taper plug,
cock, or tap, having my improvements applied thereto, the plug a is made of
.somewhat smaller diameter than the barrel b, and to the interior of the barrel
is applied a lining c of gutta percha or other suitable flexible material; above
the gutta percha lining is the ring A, screwed into the interior of the barrel b,
for the purpose of pressing on and forcing down the flexible lining c, so as to
counteract any wear that takes place. The plug a is secured below by any of
the modes usually employed. In moving plug a round, the flexible hing c
will not move with it but remain stationary, and the flexibility of the material
will fully insure a fluid-tight joint. Sometimes I invert the order of this
arrangement by securing the flexible material upon the plug waning parts,
being then the exterior of the flexible material, and the interior of the barrel,
instead of, as in the former case, where the surfaces are in contact and rubbing
the plug and the interior of the flexible lining.
Figure 2 represents a section of a bottling cock or tap, with a hollow plug
a, through which the liquid passes; between the plug a and the barrel b is the
flexible lining c, which is acted upon by the screw cap d, upon the end of the
barrel when required, in consequence of the wear; the aperture of the cock is
opened or closed by moving the plug a a short distance in a rotary direction,
when the discharge aperture through the lining c is closed by the solid part of
the plug.
Figure 3 represents a section of a valve tap; the valve seat a, as also the
guide block b, both of which are formed of gutta percha, leather, or other
flexible material, are retained in the proper positions with the barrel c by the
screw caps d and d'; a metal ring e is placed between the valve seat a and the
guide block b to retain them asunder, and another ring f is placed between
the guide block and the upper screw cap d; the guide block 6 effectually pre-
vents the fluid from passing upwards; a spiral spring g is placed in the upper
part of the barrel and around the valve rod h; it bears against a plate upon
the top of the guide block 6, and the under side of the knob k. The tendency

page_text: is always to maintain the valve i close; thus, by depressing the knob k by the
hand, the valve will be opened and the liquid allowed to pass.
"
Figure 4 represents a screw, plug, tap, or cock; the plug a is of gutta
percha, leather, or other suitable flexible material fixed upon the rod b, and
upon the lower end of the rod is screwed a disc or plate. of similar material
which
presses down upon
the discharge aperture to close it; the plug a pre-
vents the escape of liquid upwards; the upper end of the rod 6 is screwed, so
that by turning it in one direction the action of the screw will be to cause the
rod and plug to ascend, thereby opening the discharge aperture and allowing
the passage of liquid. I sometimes modify this construction by making the
flexible material, of which the plug is composed, stationary upon the barrel d,
and the rod or plug moveable, and of inflexible material.
.
Figure 5 is a section of a plug, valve, tap, or cock; this construction is very
similar to that shewn in Fig. 3, but the action is reversed, the valve opening
upwards instead of downwards, as in that case the valve seat a, the guide block
6, and the metal ringe are for the same purpose as those parts in Figure 3;
the upper end of the rod or plug k is attached to the lever 1, which furnish the
means of opening the valve and permitting the passage of the fluid, the
spring g closing the valve when the hand is withdrawn from the lever b.
"
The seventh part of my Invention, which relates to the construction of vent
pegs when applied to casks, barrels, and other vessels containing liquids, and
when such liquids is to be drawn therefrom.
Figure 6, Sheet D, illustrates my Invention, being a section of a self-acting
vent peg; the valve a, which is composed of light materials, is retained up to
its seat 6 by means of the light spiral spring c. The action of this spring is so
sensative, that when the tap to be employed to draw liquid from the cask or
vessel is closed, then the spring c will retain the valve a up to its seat b, and
remain closed; but when the tap is opened and liquid drawn from the cask,
then the rarefaction of the air within the cask causes the extence air to pass
upon the valve a, and thus open it; air will then pass into the cask.
Having herein-before described the nature and object of my said Invention
of improvements, and the manner in which they are to be carried into practical
effect, I hereby wish it to be understood that I do not lay any claim to those
parts which I have shewn or described, and which have hitherto been known
and in use, except where parts are used and employed in conjunction with my
improvements; and I do not confine myself strictly to the particulars and
details herein-before described, as such arrangements and constructions may
be modified and varied without departing from the nature and intent of these
any Inventions; but what I do claim are,→

page_text: First, the several modified arrangements and constructions of apparatus
described for the manufacture of aerated waters.
Secondly, the construction of apparatus described for the purpose of charg-
ing bottles and other vessels with gaseous or liquid matters.
Thirdly, I claim the improvement in bottles, shewn and described with
reference to Fig. 1, 2, and 3, Sheet B.
Fourthly, I claim the use of the apparatus shewn and described under the
denomination of a syphon tap in the drawing off liquids, as described, and also
the mode of introducing the apparatus through the stoppers of bottles or other
vessels, as described.
Fifthly, the various methods described of constructing, forcing, and securing
corks or stoppers in bottles.
Sixthly, the several modifications, shewn and described, of arrangements and
constructions of cocks, taps, or valves to be used in the passage of liquids.
Seventhly, the construction of self-acting vent pegs, and their application to
casks, barrels, and other vessels containing liquids, when employed for drawing
off such liquids by taps or cocks.
In witness whereof, I, the said Thomas Masters, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Eighteenth day of May, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and forty-nine.
Signed, sealed, and delivered in the pre-
sence of
18/5/49.
THOMAS (L.s.) MASTERS.
CHA' JOHNS.
Enrolled the Eighteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord One 2
thousand eight hundred and forty-nine.