Improvements in Machinery for Cleaning and Polishing the Outsides of the Metal Fittings of Siphons for Containing or Containing Aerated Waters.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 3rd Aug., 1893
Complete Specification Left, 3rd May, 1894-Accepted, 9th June, 1894
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Machinery for Cleaning and Polishing the Outsides
of the Metal Fittings of Siphons for Containing or Containing
Aerated Waters.
1. WILLIAM HENRY WILLIAMS, of 9, Ross Place, Whitfield Street, Hyde
Road, Ardwick, Manchester, in the County of Lancaster Bottler of Minera!
Waters, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
My invention relates to machinery for cleaning and polishing the outsides of the
metal fittings of siphons for containing or containing aerated waters and consists in
improvements by which such machinery is rendered more convenient and efficient
than it has hitherto been.
In constructing a machine in accordance with my invention I employ two brushes
formed of any suitable material or materials and mounted upon a shaft or shafts 80
as to be capable of being moved longitudinally but incapable of being turned
thereon. The bristles of the said brushes are so placed in such brushes that the
bristles of each brush are substantially parallel to the axis of the shaft upon which
such brush is mounted and I may provide each of such brushes with a band of
indiarubber or any other suitable material in order that the bristles may be
confined and be prevented from being turned outwards during the revolution of
such brushes. Upon the shaft or shafts above mentioned I mount springs which
being caused to bear against collars or other suitable abutments which I prefer
should be adjustable in position, and also against the brushes above mentioned
press the said brushes towards one another, and upon the said shaft or shafts
between the said brushes I mount a spring or springs tending to press the said
brushes apart from one another. The said springs may be placed in any other
suitable position instead of being caused to surround the shaft or shafts above
mentioned. I cause rotary motion to be imparted to the shaft or shafts aforesaid
in any suitable manner. I provide suitable jaws or clamps to hold the siphon the
outside of the metal fittings of which, is to be cleaned or polished, in position while
the cleaning or polishing is being accomplished. One of such jaws or clamps may
be fixed while the other is capable of being moved preferably by means of a
treadle, or both may be movable." I provide a suitable guide by which each siphon
will be prevented from being placed between the brushes above mentioned in other
than the proper position. The guide and jaws or clamps aforesaid are so placed
in relation to the brushes above mentioned that the rotation of such brushes will
enable both the upper and lower surfaces of the spout and lever, handle or trigger
of a siphon to be properly cleaned or polished by being placed between the said
brushes in one position and then turned over into a second position and again
placed between such brushes. If the said guide and jaws or clamps are placed in a
suitable position in relation to the brushes it is possible to clean or polish the
outsides of the metal fittings of siphons after such siphons have been filled with
aerated waters.
I provide a suitable cover or casing by means of which dust or other material
flying off from the brushes above mentioned during their rotation may be confined,
and such cover or casing may be caused to form one of the jaws or clamps above
mentioned or to support or guide such jaws or clamps.
Any suitable polishing powder or paste may be applied to the metal fittings to be
polished before they are placed in contact with the brushes above mentioned or I
may arrange in a machine constructed according to my invention any suitable

page_text: devices for the supply of polishing material to the brushes or to the metal fittings
being polished.
In another method of constructing a machine according to my invention I may
mount the brushes employed fast upon shafts and arrange such shafts in conjunction
with suitable springs so that they may be capable of being moved longitudinally.
In a machine constructed according to my invention more than one pair of brushes
arranged in conjunction with a clamp or clamps and guides in a manner similar to
that above described may be employed.
Dated this Second day of August 1893.
HOWARD CHEETHAM,
Manchester, Agent to the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Machinery for Cleaning and Polishing the Outsides
of the Metal Fittings of Siphons for Containing or Containing
Aerated Waters.
I, WILLIAM HENRY WILLIAMS, of 9 Ross Place, Whitfield Street, Hyde
Road, Ardwick, Manchester, in the County of Lancaster. Bottler of Mineral
Waters, 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 relates to machinery for cleaning and polishing the outsides of the
metal fittings of siphons for containing or containing mineral waters and consists in
improvements by which such machinery. is rendered more convenient and efficient
than it has hitherto been.
The accompanying drawing illustrates a machine constructed in the manner in
which I prefer to carry my invention into effect. Fig. 1 being a front view partly
in section, and Fig. 2 an end view partly in section of so much of a machine as is
necessary for the illustration of the nature of my invention and the manner in
which it may be carried into effect.
The same letters of reference are applied to corresponding parts in both of the
figures of the accompanying drawing.
In constructing a machine in accordance with my invention, I employ
brushes (a) (a) formed of bristles or equivalents for bristles and mounted upon a
shaft (b) so as to be capable of being moved longitudinally but incapable of being
turned thereon. The bristles (a) of the said brushes (a) are so placed in such
brushes (a) that the bristles (a¹) of each brush (a) are substantially parallel to the
axis of the shaft (b) upon which such brush (a) is mounted. In each of the
brushes (a) indicated in the accompanying drawing the bristles (a³) are secured in
holes formed in a metal plate (a) to the back of which a board or plate (a³) of wood
or other suitable material is secured by bolts (d) which also serve to secure the
plate (a) and board or plate (a³) to the collar (a) which is capable of being slidden
freely lengthwise upon the shaft (b). The bristles (a') of each brush (a) are secured
in the metal plate (a) in which they are inserted by means of a wire or wires
passed through the loop formed by the portion of each tuft of bristles which
projects at the back of the said metal plate (a2) as in brushes of, other kinds and
by means of the board or plate (a). The shaft (6) is provided with a key or keys
and each of the collars (a) is formed with a corresponding notch or notches to
engage with the key or keys at the particular part of the shaft (b) at which such
collar (a) may be placed so that the collars (a) and therefore the brushes (a)_(a)
are incapable of turning upon the shaft (b) but must rotate therewith. The
brushes (a) are arranged in pairs and each of the two pairs of such brushes (a) is
so arranged that the bristles (a') of each brush of such pair are turned towards
the bristles (a') of the other brush of such pair. Between the two brushes (a)

page_text: forming each pair I place a spring (e) which tends to force the said brushes apart
from one another. Only one of the springs (e) is shown in the accompanying
drawing. (f)(f) are bands of indiarubber. Each of the bands (f) (f) of india-
rubber is secured by screws or cement or other suitable means or by its tension
upon the edges of the wooden and metal parts (a³) (a) of one of the brushes (a)
so that the free edge (f¹) of such band (f) of indiarubber bearing upon the
bristles (a) of such brush (a) prevents such bristles from being bent outwards in
the revolution of the said brushes so much as would be the case in the absence of
such band (f) of indiarubber. The bands (f) may be made of leather or other
suitable material if it be considered preferable instead of being made of india-
rubber. Collars (¹) are mounted and secured upon the shaft (6) one at each side
of each pair of brushes (a) so that the extent to which the spring (e) between the
brushes of each pair of brushes (a) can separate such brushes (a) and the position
of such brushes (a) upon the shaft (6) may be regulated as may be necessary or
desirable. The brushes (a) forming each pair are so placed in relation to one
another that the bristles upon one of such brushes are in contact with the
bristles upon the other of such brushes. The collars (6') are secured in position
upon the shaft (b) by means of the set screws (68). Upon the shaft (b) is mounted
a fast pulley (g) by means of which rotary motion may be communicated to such
The shaft (b)
shaft (6). Upon the shaft (6) is also mounted a loose pulley (h).
is mounted in bearings (i) of any suitable kind carried by the framework (j) of
the machine. The shaft (b) is prevented from moving lengthwise by any suitable
means. A cover () is employed to enclose the brushes (a) (a) and to confine dust
or other material flying off such brushes (a) (a) during their rotation and such
cover (k) is arranged so that it may be secured by means of the bolts (m) and
nuts (m) to the table which forms part of the framework of the machine. The
cover (k) is also formed and arranged so that when necessary or desirable it may
be removed from the machine in order that access to the brushes (a) and other
In the cover (k) opposite
parts ordinarily enclosed by such cover (k) may be had.
to each pair of brushes is formed an opening by means of which the metal fittings
of the siphons the outsides of which are to be cleaned and polished by means of the
machine may be introduced into the interior of the said cover (k) and subjected to
the action of the brushes (a) contained in such cover (k). In conjunction with
each pair of brushes (a) I arrange guides (n) (n) against which the siphons the metal
fittings of which are to be cleaned or polished may be placed when such metal
fittings are inserted into the cover (k) enclosing such pair of brushes (a). The
guides (n) (n) are made in the form indicated in the accompanying drawings, and
are formed of leather or indiarubber or of wire covered with leather or india-
rubber so as to be prevented from injuring the siphons pressed against them. The
guides (n) are secured by screws or in any other suitable manner to the cover (k)
and are applied to such cover at the parts at which openings (¹) are formed in
such cover (k). The opening between the parts (n¹) (n¹) of each of the two
guides (n) in the cover (k) is made sufficient to admit the metal fittings of a siphon
if such metal fittings are passed between such parts (n¹) (n') approximately in the
position indicated by the dotted lines (A) in Fig. 2, but not if such metal fittings
are presented to such opening in a position at right angles to that in which they
are indicated by the dotted lines (A) in Fig. 2. By the opening between the
parts (n) of each guide (n) being made of the said size the two guides (n) in the
cover (k) prevent the metal fittings of the siphons to be cleaned from being so
inserted into the openings in the said cover that the triggers or spouts of such
siphons will be in danger of being injured by the stiffer parts of the brushes (a).
The brushes (a) are made of such size and the two guides (n) in the cover (k) are
placed at such a distance from the axes of the brushes (a) that when the metal
fittings of a siphon are passed between the parts (n') (n') of either of the said
guides (n) the glass body of the siphon shall bear against the parts (n¹) (n¹) of
such guide before the tops of the metal fittings of such siphon are in danger of
passing into contact with the spring (e) placed between the brushes (a) with which
'

page_text: Euch guide (n) is employed. Each guide (n) may be made in two parts in the
manner indicated in the accompanying drawing or made in one piece or part
extending on both sides of or entirely around the opening formed in such guide (n).
The guides (n) may be supported in any other suitable manner instead of being
secured to the cover (k), for instance a bracket secured to the table forming part
of the framework of the machine might be provided for the support of each of
such guides (n). The openings (k) in the cover (k) are made of such size that
when the metal fittings of a siphon are inserted through either of such openings,
between the brushes forming the pair with which such opening (¹) is employed
the glass body of the siphon may if it be considered desirable be allowed to rest
on the lower part of such opening while such siphon is held by the operator.
(o) is a strap guide by means of which the strap or belt by which motion is
communicated to the shaft (6) may be moved on to the fast pulley (g) or the loose
pulley (h) as may be necessary or desirable from time to time.
Any suitable polishing or cleaning paste is applied from time to time as may be
necessary or desirable to the brushes (a) (a) forming one pair for instance the pair
marked (C).
In order to prevent the cleaning or polishing paste employed or the dust
produced in the operation of the machine from entering the spouts of the siphons
the outsides of the metal fittings of which are to be cleaned or polished by such
machine, a peg of wood or other suitable stopper such as is employed when the
outsides of the metal fittings of siphons are being cleaned or polished by hand in
the usual manner is placed in the spout of each siphon before the metal fittings
thereof are subjected to the action of the brushes (a). The shaft (b) is caused to
revolve in the direction indicated by the arrow (D). The metal fittings of a
siphon filled with aerated water which are to be cleaned or polished or inserted
between the revolving brushes (a) (a) forming the pair marked (C) first with the
spout downwards and then with the spout upwards. While inserted between the
said revolving brushes (a) (a) the said 'metal fittings are moved somewhat upwards
and downwards and from side to side so that the bristles (a) of the said
brushes (a) (a) may be able to act upon all the exterior surfaces of the said metal
fittings and clean them. After being subjected for a suitable time to the action of
the said brushes (a) (a) the said metal fittings are in a similar manner inserted
between the brushes forming the other pair of brushes (a) (a) first with the spout
downwards and afterwards with the spout upwards so that the cleaning or polishing
of the outer surface of such metal fittings may be completed.
The collars (a) and consequently the brushes (a) being capable of being freely
slidden lengthwise of the shaft (6) the employment of the springs (e) in the manner
above described tends to allow each of the brushes (a) of either pair of such
brushes (a) to move somewhat in relation to the shaft (b) while the metal fittings
of a siphon are being subjected to the action of such pair of brushes (a). The
glass body of the siphon being then wiped with a cloth in order that any drops or
spots or traces of cleaning or polishing material which may be upon such glass
body may be removed, the siphon is ready for being labelled and delivered.
When the metal fittings of one siphon have been subjected to the action of the
pair (C) of brushes (a) (a) and the pair (E) of brushes (a) (a) in the manner
above described the metal fittings of another siphon may in a like manner be
subjected to the action of the said pairs (C) and (E) of brushes (a) (a). It is
necessary that when the metal fittings of a siphon are inserted between the
brushes (a) (a) forming either pair and especially when the spout of such siphon
is directed downwards that the axial line of the glass body of the siphon shall be
below the axis of the shaft (b) as is indicated in the accompanying drawing in
order that the action of the brushes (a) (a) upon the trigger of the siphon may not
tend to open the valve of the siphon and allow any of the contents of such siphon
to be discharged therefrom.
Machines constructed according to my invention being chiefly intended for the
cleaning or polishing of the outsides of the metal fittings of siphons after such

page_text: iphons are filled it is most important that the preceding direction as to the
position in which the metal fittings of siphons are to be presented to the
brushes (a) (a) should be observed. As the bristles (a) of the brushes (a)
become worn the brushes (a) forming each pair will require to be placed nearer
together which may be accomplished by the two collars (b') at the sides of each.
pair of brushes (a) (a) being placed and secured closer together from time to time
until the bristles (a') of the brushes (a) (a) are so worn that the said brushes need.
replacing by new ones.
Instead of the cover (k) being provided with holes and guides (n) at one side
only holes and other guides similar in construction to those illustrated in Figs. 1
and 2 may be provided at the opposite side of the said cover (k) so that two
operators may simultaneously subject the metal fittings of two siphons to the action
of either pair of the brushes (a). The holes and guides at the side of the cover (k).
where the bristles (a¹) of the revolving brushes (a) (a) are ascending must be
formed and placed higher than those shewn in the accompanying drawing in order
that the metal fittings of the siphons to be cleaned or polished shall be inserted
between the brushes above the horizontal plane passing through the axis of the
shaft (6) in order that the action of the said brushes (a) (a) shall not tend to bring
about the discharge of liquid from the siphons.
In the Provisional Specification filed with my application for Letters Patent,.
I chiefly described my invention as applied when two brushes only are employed
in a machine, but I prefer to employ two pairs of brushes in each machine in order
that one pair of brushes may be charged with wet polishing material while the
other pair of brushes is used to complete the polishing commenced by the action of
the pair of brushes which is charged with the wet polishing material.
In the said Provisional Specification I also stated that springs may be provided
to press the brushes forming each pair together, but I find that it is sufficient to-
employ a spring to keep the said brushes apart and to provide collars by which
such brushes may be prevented from being forced too far apart. If it is preferred
however springs may be employed to press the two brushes forming each pair
together.
In the said Provisional Specification I also stated that jaws or clamps may be
provided to hold each siphon, the outside of the metal fittings of which is to be
cleaned or polished in position while the cleaning or polishing is being completed
and that one of such jaws or clamps may be fixed while the other is capable of
being moved preferably by means of a treadle or both may be movable. I find
it preferable to employ the simple holes (¹) provided and formed in the cover (k).
in the manner above described and illustrated in the accompanying drawing as.
allowing the siphons to be more readily manipulated. If, however, it is preferred
to use two jaws or clamps one or both of which is or are movable, jaws or
clamps adapted to bear upon the glass bodies of the siphons the outsides of
the metal fittings of which are to be cleaned or polished may be employed. If a
fixed jaw or clamp and a movable jaw or clamp are to be employed in conjunction.
with each pair of brushes, the fixed jaw or clamp may form part of the cover
employed with the brushes while the movable jaw or clamp is arranged to be
slidden in guides formed in the said cover or arranged in any other suitable manner
and connected to a treadle in a manner similar to the jaws or clamps employed
when the metal fittings of siphons are being cleaned by hand in the manner
hitherto usual. If two movable jaws or clamps are to be employed in conjunction
with each pair of brushes such jaws or clamps may be mounted in guides formed.
in the cover enclosing the brushes and may be connected to a treadle or treadles in.
any suitable manner.
If a machine constructed according to my invention be provided with only one
pair of brushes or it be considered preferable even when two pairs of brushes are
provided in a machine constructed according to my invention any suitable polishing
powder or paste may be applied to the metal fittings to be polished before they are
placed in contact with the brushes above mentioned or I may arrange in a machine

page_text: constructed according to my invention any suitable devices for the supply of
polishing material to the brushes or to the metal fittings being polished.
In a machine constructed according to my invention one pair of brushes (a) or
two or more pairs of brushes (a) arranged and employed in conjunction with
guides (n) in a manner similar to the brushes (a) above described may be
employed.
À machine constructed according to my invention very greatly facilitates and
expedites the cleaning of the outsides of the metal fittings of siphons and enables
such cleaning to be accomplished very much more quickly than hitherto and is
applicable for cleaning the outsides of such metal fittings whether the siphons to
which they are attached are full or empty.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. In a machine for cleaning and polishing the outsides of the metal fittings of
siphons containing or intended to contain aerated waters the combination of a pair
of brushes such as (a), a spring such as (e) and a guide such as (n), arranged and
employed for the purposes and substantially in the manner herein before described.
2. In a machine for cleaning and polishing the outsides of the metal fittings of
siphons containing or intended to contain aerated waters the combination of two
or more pairs of brushes such as (a), a corresponding number of springs (e) and a
corresponding number of guides such as (n), arranged and employed for the
purposes and substantially in the manner hereinbefore described.
Dated this Second day of May 1894.
HOWARD
CHEETHAM,
Manchester, Agent to the Applicant.