Improvements in Appliances for Tapping Barrels, and to Prevent 1 ouling when Empty.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 25th Mar., 1890
Complete Specification Left, 24th Dec., 1890-Accepted, 7th Feb., 1891
Improvements in Appliances for Tapping Barrels, and to Prevent
1 ouling when Empty.
We, PERCY HARVEY SLATER, of Shearwood Road, Sheffield, in the County of
York, Engraver, and FREDERIC GOULDTHORPE SMITH, of Glossop Road,
Sheffield aforesaid, Clerk, do hereby declare the nature of our invention to be
as follows:-
:-
This invention relates to improvements in appliances used in connection with
taps, to enable the tapping of beer barrels and the like to be readily and safely
accomplished, and that will automatically close the tap hole when the tap is with-
drawn, and thus prevent the fouling of the barrel by the entry of air, or dirt of
any kind.
We construct the appliance preferably of metal that will not be corrosively acted
upon by the acid of the liquid in the barrel, the body is of tubular form and is
provided with a front collar plate which prevents the body being forced into the
barrel, and by which it may be screwed to the head or front of barrel.
The interior of the tubular body is constructed in the front portion to hold and
retain taps of the ordinary construction, the middle portion is to admit, or shut off*
the liquid from the tap, and the back portion contains the automatic action.
In the front opening we insert a tight fitting rubber ring of considerable width,
say for example three quarters of an inch, and with a centre hole that will admit the
end of the tap, but not the larger diameter of the tap without the use of consider-
able force; the said ring is prevented being forced too far into the tube by a collar
or shoulder, and from coming out by a detachable front plate.
In a suitable position, a number of openings are made through the circumference
of the tube, forming ports for the passage of the liquid; they are made preferably
in a circle, and are closed by the periphery of a disc of rubber or other elastic
material, which fits tightly inside the tube.
At the back of the rubber disc, we place a coiled spring, having a base of
resistance against a metal plate, washer or the like, fixed in the end of the tube by
any mechanical device, such as cross pins and we prefer to insert a metal plate at
the back of the rubber disc for the opposite end of the spring to bear against. A
cover plate may be used to close the front opening when the tap is removed.
Before tapping, the rubber disc is held in its normal position by the force of the
spring, against a collar in the tube, and directly under the ports, closing them and
preventing the escape of any liquid. When the tap is passed through the front
rubber ring, it fits the ring before it touches the rubber disc on the application of
force the end of the tap forces back the disc from the collar and uncovers the ports,
at the same time, it compresses the rubber ring which grasps it with sufficient power
to retain it in position for use.
D
1
1
C
1. 1000
ROBT. F. DRURY, Fel. Inst. P.A.,
Bank Buildings, George Street, Sheffield, Agent for Applicants.

page_text: We construct the apparatus preferably of metal that will not be corrosively acted
upon by the acidity of the liquid contained in the barrel, or that is coated with
some non-corrosive metal; the body A, is of tubular form, and is provided with a
front collar plate B, which prevents the body being forced into the barrel, and by
which it may be screwed to the head or front of the barrel.
The interior of the tubular body is constructed in its front portion to hold an
elastic ring C, usually made of rubber, and having in its back face an annular
groove D, so that any liquid under gaseous pressure (such as beer) entering the
groove, would press upon both sides and make a tight joint.
The middle part is where the liquid enters, and finds access to the tap, and the
back portion contains the automatic closing action.
The elastic ring C, is forced through the smaller front opening E, and expands
behind the front plate B, so that it cannot be accidentally pulled out of position,
neither can it be pushed too far in, on account of a shoulder G, its centre hole will
admit the small end of the tap F, but not the larger part of the tap as shown in
Fig. 1, without the application of a considerable force.
At the back of a second shoulder or seating H, a number of inlet holes 1, are
made round the circumference, and through the thickness or substance of the metal
into the interior before the tap is forced into position these holes are closed by the
periphery of a disc J, preferably made of elastic material, and fitting tightly inside
the tube, and this disc is also forced against the seating H, by the action of a coiled
spring K, at the back having a base of resistance or acting against an end plate L,
which effectually prevents an escape of liquid, or entry of air.
We prefer to use a metallic plate M, placed between the spring and the disc J,
to preserve the disc from wear, and a loose cover plate may be used to close the
front opening when the tap is removed, and be sealed if desired.
Instead of a loose end plate L, which is held by short tabs N, bent over it, or by
cross pins or the like, we may make the back part and end plate of one solid piece
of metal, and attach it to the front part by a screw thread or otherwise as
in Fig. 5.
If preferred we may provide a screw thread upon the tubular body, and screw
the apparatus into the barrel, with or without a front plate as shown in Fig. 6.
Before tapping the disc J, is held in its normal position tightly against the

page_text: shoulder or seating H, by the force of the spring K, at the same time closing the
holes I, by its periphery, and preventing the entrance of liquid.
When the tap F, is passed through the front plate and into the opening in the
rubber ring, its tapered body fits the ring before the end comes in contact with
the disc J, but on forcing the tap forward, the end of the tap presses back the disc
from the sealing H, and uncovers the ports or entrances I, admitting the liquid.
In forcing the tap forward into position the rubber ring C, is expanded and com-
pressed, causing it to grasp the body of the tap with sufficient power to retain it in
position for use.
Having thus particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same may be performed we declare that what we
claim is :-
1 An appliance to facilitate the tapping of barrels and to automatically close
the opening when the tap is withdrawn, having a tubular body A, containing an
elastic ring C, to receive and hold the tap, a disc or piston J, for closing the inlets I,
and a spring K, in combination, and arranged substantially as hereinbefore described,
and as shown in Figs. 1 and 2.
2-In an appliance to facilitate the tapping of barrels, such as described and
claimed in the above claiming clause, the modifications in the construction of the
tubular body, substantially as hereinbefore described and as shown in Figs. 5
and 6 of the drawings.
D
101 1
1000
ROBT. F. DRURY, Fel. Inst. P.A.,
Bank Buildings, George Street, Sheffield, Agent for Applicants.