An Improved Tap for Drawing Off Measured Quantities of Liquid.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 16th Jan., 1896
Complete Specification Left, 16th Nov., 1896-Accepted, 9th Jan., 1897
Date of Application, 16th Jan., 1896
Complete Specification Left, 16th Nov., 1896-Accepted, 9th Jan., 1897
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Tap for Drawing Off Measured Quantities of Liquid.
I MONTAGU BALLINGER of 15 Argyle Square London W.C. Journalist, do
hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
1: This invention is founded upon and is a modification with new additions of my
invention entitled "An improved apparatus for drawing off measured quantities of
liquid and checking the same " numbered 2154 of 1895. My present invention is more
suitable where only one measured quantity of liquid is required to be drawn, and also
perhaps in other cases where not more than five or six different quantities of small
measures are from time to time required, whereas my former invention above
referred to is more particularly adapted for larger quantities and more numerous
measures.
2. This invention takes its fundamental principles from the ordinary tap, which,
with the alterations and additions herein set forth may be altered constructed and
arranged to form a complete measuring tap from which one or more measured
quantities of liquid may be drawn.
3. For the purpose of simplifying the description of my invention I shall first
proceed to show how an ordinary tap can be converted in accordance with this
invention to fulfil the purposes and objects of the same.
4. I take out the plug or cone from an ordinary tap and seal up one of the
openings which is found therein for the flowing through of liquid when the tap is
turned on. I then enlarge the cavity in the plug sufficiently to hold the desired
measure, and bore a hole at the top to communicate with a float vent, room being
made for the latter by the substitution (if necessary) of the T top for a lever
handle.
5. I then replace the plug in its bulb in position for the flow of the supply liquid
to enter the plug through the opening left in the same, when the liquid passes into
the cavity of the plug until it reaches and closes the float vent; the cavity in the
plug thus holding in reserve an ascertained quantity of liquid.
6. When it is desired to draw off the measured quantity of liquid, the lever
handle is turned so as to bring the opening in the plug to the front, thus shutting
off the flow in of additional liquid, and enabling the measured quantity of liquid
contained in the cavity of the plug to discharge itself and to be drawn off, the float
vent dropping and supplying the air necessary for the purpose.
7. In combination with parts of my former invention referred to in paragraph 1
an ordinary tap as mentioned in the preceding paragraph can be made, with the
new parts and arrangements as hereinafter set forth to discharge different
measured quantities of liquid. The cone or plug of the largest tap at present
made, however, would not provide a cavity sufficiently large to hold any great
measure, and I therefore proceed to describe how larger sizes should be made and
different measures drawn therefrom, and to set forth the parts of my former
invention now used by me in combination with new parts in this present invention.
8. In my former invention above referred to I have for measuring purposes
combined two cones or tubes one fitting tightly within the other and having
openings or holes at fixed heights for the outflow of liquid. These tubes stand
upright within a cylinder, and when the latter is full of liquid the openings in the
tubes admit of the liquid being drawn off at any level representing ascertained

page_text: measures of liquid. Thus, upon turning the tap to point upon a dial to the
withdrawal of a quartern of liquid one of the tubes revolves so as to discover the
corresponding opening for supplying that precise quantity of liquid and through
which opening the liquid flows out until it rests at a level with the same, and thus
the desired quantity is withdrawn. Should a pint. be required, the tap is turned
further and the liquid flows out through a lower opening, into the inner tube and
discharges itself through the outlet pipe. And in this way any measure of liquid
is drawn off, the small measures through a high opening, and the large through the
lower openings, the revolving of one of the tubes responding to the setting of the
tap upon the measuring indicator. When no flow is taking place all the flowing
out openings in the tubes are closed.
9. In this present invention I make use of the parts of my former invention
numbered 2154 of 1895 as set forth in the preceding paragraph. I take the said
two tubes, one fitting inside the other having openings at fixed heights. The
-openings in the outer tube are placed one above the other, but those in the inner
tube go partly round the same, so that when it is in part revolved the top opening
in the inner tube corresponds with the top opening in the outer. Upon its being
further revolved, the second opening in the inner tube reaches and corresponds
with the second opening in the outer tube, and so on. I put a head on the inner
tube in the centre of which is a float vent, and I attach to the head a tap handle.
I also close the inner tube at the bottom. The outer tube is closed top and..
bottom by washers and nuts packing the inner tube to it. The liquid holding
capacity of the inner tube is ascertained, and the outlets or flowing out openings
marked accordingly. At the top of the outer tube there is placed horizontally a
barrel or hollow supply shank for iusertion in a cask or vessel from which the
supply liquid is drawn, and there is an opening in the inuer cone or tube which,
when the liquid is not being drawn off corresponds with the opening in the barrel
or hollow supply shank allowing the supply liquid to flow into and fill up the inner
tube to the head until it closes the float vent.
.. 10. I now supply the following attachment for drawing off measured quantities
of liquid, which is entirely new and part of this present invention.. I place a small
tube from the top to the bottom of the above mentioned outer. tube in front, of, the
openings cut thercin. This small tube contains holes or openings to correspond
with those on the outer tube to which it is attached. At the foot of this,small
tube is a tap or bent pipe for the flowing out of the liquid when drawn off. The
top is left open for vent. I make this small tube slightly, adjustable by which
small inaccuracies that may occur, in the manufacture, or arise in the course of
time through wear, or damage, may be readily remedied by raising or lowering the
same, & by so doing, altering the level at which the liquid will stop flowing, thus
adjusting the measured quantity of the same..
Dated this 16th day of Tuo
190
:
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION...
An Improved Tap for Drawing Off Measured Quantities of Liquid.
I MONTAGU BALLINGER of 15 Argyle Square London, WC. Journalist 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 hy the following
statement · ·
(The following paragraphs are numbered, in continuation of those of the
Provisional Specification.)

page_text: 11. Figure 1 of the drawings is a front elevation or view of a common water tap
which has been converted by the methods and principles herein described for
drawing off (automatically) a definite measured quantity of liquid by one movement
of the lever handle. The continuous flow of an ordinary tap being also preserved
for use when something beyond or different to the precise measured quantity is
required. (For further explanation of this figure see paragraph 15 and
paragraphs 19 to 22.)
12. Figure 2 differs from Fig. 1 in showing the front elevation or view of a
common water tap converted to draw off a number of different measured quantities
of liquid, instead of only one. This figure also shows a continuous flow marked "Z"
for use when required. In addition to Fig. 1 it shows a dial in front upon which
is marked the various different measured quantities of liquid which the tap will
yield accurately measured. (See paragraph 25 for additional explanation.)
13. Figure 3 is a transverse section of part of Fig. 2, showing a section of the
outer barrel of a tap constructed or converted to draw off six different measured
quantities of liquid, and a continuous flow (see paragraph 27).
14. Figure 4 is a transverse section of part of Fig. 2 showing a section of the
inner barrel of a tap converted to draw off 6 different measured quantities of liquid,
and a continuous flow (see paragraph 28).
15. Figures 3 and 4 combined constitute a complete transverse section of Fig. 2,
the lever tap handle "W" and dial "X" alone excepted as being sufficiently
indicated on that figure.
Figures 3 and 4 also constitute a complete transverse section of Figure 1 for
drawing off one measured quantity of liquid, except that the said Figures 3 and 4
show a series of 6 openings (a 1 to a 6 Figure 3 and 61 to 66 Figure 4) which
represent six different measures, whereas Figure One being limited to a single
measure contains only one of the said series of openings (such for instance as the
opening a 6 Figure 3 in the outer cylinder, and the corresponding opening 6
Figure 4 in the inner cylinder). The said series of openings a 1 to a 6, and their
corresponding openings 61 to 66 (Figures 3 and 4 respectively) being limited or
increased according to the different measured quantities for which the tap is
manufactured to yield.
16. Figure 5 is a side elevation or view of an inverted bottle of liquid resting
within a stand and showing inserted in the said bottle through the cork an attach-
ment communicating with and fixed to a measuring tap; which said attachment and
tap form a method of drawing off liquid in measured quantities or otherwise direct
from bottles of wines, spirits, and the like, by the insertion of a screw portion of
the above mentioned attachment in the cork of the bottle, without the necessity of
withdrawing previously, or at all the cork originally fixed in the bottle containing
the liquid.
17. Figure 6 is a general view of the particular tap "attachment" (referred to
in the preceding paragraph) for drawing off liquids in measured quantities or
otherwise from ordinary bottles of wines spirits and the like.
18. Figure 7 is Figure 6 in section.
19. Referring to paragraph 11 Figure 1 illustrates an ordinary water tap of large
size that has been converted in accordance with the principles of this invention
into a tap for drawing off a measured quantity of liquid, and also for giving when
required a continuous flow. The more general T top of a tap has been replaced in
the drawing by the ordinary lever tap handle marked "W" in Figure 1. When
this handle "W" is turned to "Y" a measured quantity of liquid Hows out and is
delivered through the spout of the tap portion marked "T." The flow of liquid
absolutely ceases immediately the proper measured quantity has been delivered.
After the handle "W" has been restored to its former position (that position
which is known in an ordinary tap as "turned off") it may immediately be turned
on again for the tap to yield a similar quantity of liquid as that previously drawn
therefrom. And so long as any liquid remains in the cask or vessel to which the
tap is attached, the proper measured quantity (and no more) will flow out from

page_text: time to time whenever the lever handle is turned to the face of the tap,-indicated
in the drawing by the letter "Y."
20. The principle of this invention is such that it may be manufactured to draw
off and yield any particular measured quantity of liquid (a standard measured
quantity or other known quantity that may be required or is necessary or custoniary
in the trade for which the tap is to be used), by the simple action of moving the
lever handle to a point or stop on an indicator or dial attached to the tap.
21. The action of the lever handle in this invention is precisely the same as that
of the ordinary lever-handle extensively applied to many classes of taps. Thus
when the tap is "off" the lever handle points from the side; whilst it is brought
round to the front when the flow of liquid is required to be turned on.
22. A continuous flow (as with the ordinary tap) is provided for in combination
with this invention, and for the purpose of securing such continuous flow the lever
handle is turned to a position marked on the accompanying drawings by the
letter Z; (being a position opposite to that which the lever handle occupies when
the tap is turned off). The lever handle being so placed, the liquid flows
continuously as with the ordinary tap, so that in using this measuring tap there is
no occasion for an additional tap for ordinary purposes.
23. The measuring tap the subject of this invention may be made however with
or without the provision for the continuous flow herein provided, or the continuous
flow may be securely locked up if desired, should its use be only occasional, or
under the supervision of the manager or stock-taker. This is an important feature
of the invention, for by locking up the continuous flow (in the manner hereinafter
set forth) the measured quantities drawn from the tap from time to time may
readily be checked by the attachment of a check register (such as is set forth in
the Specification of Ballinger's Patent No. 2154 of 1895), and the value of the
liquid withdrawn from the cask or urn to which the measuring tap is attached may
thus be ascertained at a glance in pounds shillings and pence. This feature of the
invention is also particularly useful when applied to that form of this invention set
forth and referred to in paragraph 16 herein for drawing off liquid from un-opened
bottles of wines, spirits, and the like; thus by the use of a check attachment a
customer may have set before him a complete bottle of wine or other liquid, which
he can draw off in measured quantities at pleasure, whilst he is charged only for
the total quantity actually drawn, in accordance with the indication or reading of
the said check-register.
24. The continuous flow referred to in the last paragraph which on occasions
will be found exceedingly useful, may at other times be locked up in the following
manner By a small letter padlock, or by an ordinary lock bolt shot upwards to
bar the movement of the lever tap handle to "Z" which gives the continuous How.
If the lock bolt be placed at "Y" (Fig. 1) it will answer the double object of
providing a rest or stop for the lever handle when being turned to draw off a
measured quantity of liquid, and also of preventing the lever handle passing
beyond that limit to the point at "Z" Fig. 1, which provides the continuous
flow.
25. Referring to paragraph 11 and 12, the Figure 2 of the accompanying
drawings mentioned in the said paragraphs, illustrates the appearance of an
ordinary tap converted by the methods herein described to draw off a number of
different measured quantities of liquid. A dial marked "X" is fixed to the tap
upon which various measured quantities are marked. The dial as shown in
Figure 2 is for the convenience of illustration confined to the marking of six
different measured quantities together with a continuous supply; such a variety of
measured quantities being sufficient to meet the general requirements of most
licensed victuallers' establishments. The number of different measured quantities
may however be indefinitely increased. The precise tap shown in Figure 2 would
automatically measure and deliver the following quantities of liquid :-Two
pennyworth, three pennyworth, four pennyworth, six pennyworth, half-a-
quartern (6), quartern, half a pint, and pint, and also a continuous flow. Any of

page_text: these measured quantities could be drawn off from time to time by simply moving
the lever tap-handle to a position above the figure marking the particular measured
quantity required; and immediately the handle is thus placed, the precise quantity
marked on the dial flows out through the tap, and the supply of further liquid can
only take place when the tap handle is directed to some other measured quantity,
or turned off and back again to the same measure. If a continuous flow is desired
the lever handle is moved forward to "Z" as explained in paragraph 22.
26. Although only six different measures and a continuous flow are shown in
Figures 2, 3, and 4, the number can be quite readily increased and the same tap
in fact be made to draw off every "standard" or fanciful measure now known or
in use in all the various different trades combined. But it will be found more
useful to manufacture distinct taps for separate trades such as is the case to some
extent at the present time in regard to ordinary taps. In this event it will hardly
be necessary to manufacture any tap to draw off more than 6 different measured
quantities, and the continuous flow, as shown in the above mentioned Figures 2, 3,
and 4 of the drawings; but the principle is the same for any number of different
measured quantities and the cost of manufacture is, if anything, rather decreased
by producing extra measures.
27. Referring to paragraph 13 and to Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings
a further description of the said Figure 3 is now given. "A" is an outer barrel
similar to that in use in an ordinary tap; "a.e" is a threaded tube for insertion
in the cask or vessel to which it is desired to fix the tap; "a.a" is the channel
through which the liquid runs into the tap; "af" is an enlarged portion of
the tube "a.e." "ad" is a small circular opening; "a. 1" to "a 6" inclusive
are also circular openings; "a. b" is a semi-circular channel which is fixed in
front of the series of openings "a. 1" to "a. 6." to receive liquid falling therefrom,
and to discharge the same through the hent tube or tap spout a. c.
28. Referring to paragraph 14; "B" Figure 4 of the drawings is an inner tube
or cylinder having a closed head and bottom (and fitting within the barrel
marked "A" Figure 3. referred to in the preceding paragraph). It is similar to the
inner plug of an ordinary tap hollowed throughout. "b.a" is a small and "66" a large
circular opening both of which face "a. a" in Figure 3. for the ingress of liquid to
the cylinder B. to take place when the tap is at rest. The smaller opening "ba
is more particularly a provision for the ready escape of air from the B cylinder
during the rushing in of the liquid. As the liquid rises in the B cylinder the
compressed air (which would be apt to form a slight resistance to the rapidity of
the inflow) leaves by the opening "b.a" and enters the enlarged portion of the
threaded tube ("a.f") where it does not in any way interfere with the inflow of
liquid; and thus an instantaneous and complete refill of the cylinder B takes
place. "b. b.b" is a circular opening which in height corresponds to "b. b." and
in position is precisely opposite. "b. 1" to "b. 6." inclusive are circular openings
corresponding in heights to the series of openings "a. 1" to "a. 6." in Figure 3.
In position they differ being spread at specially arranged distances around the
cylinder B." "67" is a circular opening on a downward line with "b. 6" and
corresponding in height with "a. 6" Figure 3. "b.e" is a small aperture
providing an air channel for a float vent; whilst the series of very small circular
openings marked "b. d." are vent holes that need not be used however if the float
vent is preferred. The small series of openings or vent holes "b. d." are upon a
line immediately above the respective openings "61" to "66" and in height they
correspond to the sinall openings "a. d" in Figure 3. "be" is the handle seat.
29. The operation of the measuring tap is as follows:-Liquid passes from the
cask or urn through "a.a" (Fig. 3) and "b. b." (Fig. 4). The air in the tube."B"
leaves by the small aperture "b. a." (as explained in the preceding paragraph) or
through the float vent fixed at "b. e.". When "b. a." and "b. 6" face "a. a"
(which it does when the tap is at rest) every other aperture in tube "B" is closed
by the surrounding barrel "A" and no outward flow of liquid can take place
until the said tube or cylinder "B is turned within the barrel "A" and one of

page_text: the series of openings "b. 1. " to "67" is brought to rest opposite one of the
corresponding series of openings "a. 1" to "a 6." As an illustration of the
working of the tap, assume that a measured quantity such as two penny worth of
liquid is desired to be drawn off. The handle "W" Fig. 2 is moved to a point on
the dial "X" marked "2"." This movement has the following effect upon the
tube "B" (Fig. 4); it turns "b. a" and "b.b" away from "a. a" (Fig. 3) and
brings "b. 1" opposite and into correspondency with a. 1." Thereupon. liquid
contained in cylinder "B" flows out into the semi-circular channel "a.b" and
continues to discharge itself through the tap tube "a. c" until the liquid in the said
tube "B" is on a level with the aperture "1" below which aperture it obviously
cannot flow. Thus a definite measured quantity of liquid is deliveret with perfect
uniform accuracy on every occasion the tap is so set. The air necessary for the
flow is supplied through one of the small apertures "b. d" which is placed in front
of its corresponding opening "a.d" in the outer cylinder by the movement of the
tap handle which has taken place. There are however a great many floats known
and in use that effectually close channels (water or air channels) when liquid rises
to a certain point. Many of these with slight modification would be found suitable
for use with this invention. The float used must rise, and thus close, the air
channel "b.e" upon the cylinder "B" becoming full of liquid; and drop, and so
open the said air channel upon the liquid being withdrawn. The best known form
of float suitable for this purpose is the float ball common to ordinary water
cisterns, and a minute form of the same could be used. It must however be
understood that the float is not, in this invention, to be applied so as to check and
stop the inflow of liquid, but is to be used solely for the purpose of closing the air
channel at "be" when the cylinder "B" fills with the liquid flowing in. Only a
simplified form of the float-ball would therefore he required. A float ball
alone fitting within the channel b. e. would be sufficient if made with the
necessary amount of accuracy to effectually close the said air channel upon the
liquid reaching it. The float ball will instantly drop (and thus open the air
channel) immediately an outward flow is offered to the liquid by the tap being
turned on.
The series of air vent openings "b.d" "ba" and "a.d" will not be necessary
if a suitable float vent is fixed at "b. e."
Upon the tap handle "W" being turned off (after a measured quantity of
liquid has been withdrawn), cylinder B immediately refills, and the same or any
other measured quantity of liquid may be with-drawn by the handle being moved
again to point to the required measure. To create a continuous flow of liquid the
handle "W" is turned to a half-circle-to a point marked in Figures 1 and 2
by "Z." By reference to Figures 3 and 4 it will be seen that when the tube "B"
is turned a half circle b. b. b. (Fig. 4) faces "a. a" (Fig. 3) whilst the opening "67"
(Fig. 4) will meet the opening a. 6." (Fig. 3) and it is from this opening that the
continuous flow takes place, the supply being continuous through "a. a" Fig. 3
and "b. b. b." Fig. 4.
66
30. Referring to paragraphs 16, 17, and 23, and to Fig. 5; "C. 1" is an inverted
bottle full of liquid placed in a stand, the body of the bottle leaning against
circular band "C.2," whilst the neck of the bottle is supported by a similar though
smaller band "C. 4." There is screwed in through the cork of the bottle the
measuring tap and attachment shown in Fig. 6. For the purpose of readily placing
the inverted bottle in the stand after the tap attachment has been screwed into the
cork, a narrow opening is made in the stand "C. 3." and a rest is provided for the
tap attachment at "C: 5."
31. Referring to the preceding paragraph and to Fig. 6 which gives a general
view of the tap attachment and to Fig. 7 which is a sectional view of Fig. 6, the
said Figures 6 and 7 are further explained as follows:-"D. 1." is the point of a
small tube which descends downwards to "D 10." There is. a small opening in. the
tube at "D 2." "D3" shows a serew worm. At D4 a larger tube joins and
embraces the smaller inner tube "D1" to "D 10." This larger tube has a series

page_text: of small apertures "D5" and a screw worin D6 ending in a hollow bulb or
globe "D7" into which is inserted the threaded tube "D8" of the measuring
tap "D 9." The operation is as follows:-The "attachment" is screwed into the
cork of a full bottle of liquid by means of the worm "D. 3." and it is then pushed
forward into the bottle until the screw worm at "D. 6." is reached, when that, in
its turn, is screwed into the cork and allowed to firmly attach itself to the same.
The measuring tap is now screwed into the bulb, or globe, if it has not previously
been done, and the bottle of liquid is placed in an inverted position in the stand as
shown in Fig. 5. Measured quantities or a continuous flow may now be readily
obtained from the bottle through the measuring tap. It has not been practicable!
hitherto to draw off liquid from bottles without first removing the cork (except in-
regard to effervescing liquids) on account of the air vent necessary for, the purpose,
but this is now successfully provided for in this invention. The air enters through
the small air tube at "D10" and passes upwards into the bottle through the
opening "D. 2." The liquid contained in the bottle enters the larger tube at the
series of: openings, D. 5." and from thence into the measuring tap. The use of
the bulb or globe D. 7. is chiefly to keep sufficient liquid in reserve for the
instantaneous refill of the tap.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is:-
a. The method herein set forth of carrying into effect the principle of drawing
off measured quantities of liquid by means of apertures at fixed heights, such
method being particularly described in paragraphs 27, 28, and 29 herein.
b. The application of the principle mentioned in the preceding paragraph to.
ordinary taps now in use.
c. The construction and combination of openings or apertures in barrel "A" Fig. 3.
and the construction and combination of openings or apertures in the tube or
hollowed plug "B" Fig. 4, and the respective position one with the other of the
said openings or apertures and the relative position of the openings or apertures
in the said barrel "A" with the openings or apertures in the said tube or hollowed.
plug "B."
d. The method employed of combining a continuous flow with a measuring tap
and the general construction and means employed for producing the same together
with the method employed of locking up the said continuous How as particularly
set forth in paragraphs 22, 23, and 24.
e. The combination construction and arrangement of a semi-circular channel "a. 6".
(Fig. 3) with a tap channel "a. c" and the attachment of the same to barrel "A"
for the purpose of receiving the flow of liquids from the openings cr apertures "a. 1."
to "a. 6."
f. The attachment of the semi-circular tube (Fig. 3) to an ordinary tap for
purposes herein set forth.
g. The general construction arrangement and combination of a measuring tap as
herein described.
h. The method set forth herein of combining a "continuous flow" with a
measuring tap.
i. The method of providing an air channel for drawing off liquids from corked
bottles, by means of a tube having a point "D 1." an aperture "D 2" a screw
worm "D.3." and an opening "D. 10." as shown in the accompanying drawings,.
Figures 5, 6, and 7. And the combination of such air channel with a tap.
delivering measured quantities of liquid or a continuous flow.
j. The method, general construction arrangement and combination of the tap.
"attachment" as shown in Figures 5, 6, and 7 of the accompanying drawings for
the purpose and object of applying aud attaching a tap to full bottles of liquid and.
of drawing off the liquid therefrom.
k. The new arrangements and general combination, and the addition of new and

page_text: novel parts used in this invention as set forth herein, constituting a tap for
drawing off measured quantities of liquid and a "continuous flow," either from a
cask, urn, or other vessel to which taps are usually attached, or from an ordinary
bottle.
1. The new arrangement, general combination, and new and novel method
forming and constituting an attachment to a tap for insertion in corked bottles of
liquid for the purpose of drawing off the said liquid therefrom in measured
quantities or otherwise.
m. The method of providing a passage for air by the small opening "b.a" and
the method of securing air vents by the series of small apertures "b. d" and "a.d"
placed in the respective positions herein described.
Dated this 16th day of October 1896.
MONTAGU BALLINGER.