Improvements in Devices for Preventing the Fraudulent Re-use of Bottles and similar Receptacles.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 27th Apr., 1897-Accepted, 18th Sept., 1897
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Devices for Preventing the Fraudulent Re-use of
Bottles and similar Receptacles.
I, JOHN SCHUMACHER of 396 Waubaucea Avenue, Chicago, County of Cook,
State of Illinois, United States of America, 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:-
The object of the present invention is to provide a device of such construction
that it will either positively prevent or effectually discourage the reuse of a bottle
or similar receptacle, after a quantity of liquid equal to the full capacity of the
receptacle has been discharged from it. Many patents have been issued for
devices whose object is to prevent the fraudulent reuse of bottles. So far as I am
aware, the inventors of all these patented devices have proceeded upon the theory
that the only way to accomplish this object is to positively prevent any liquid
from being admitted to the receptacle. The conditions to be met by a device
operating upon this principle are such, however, that it is extremely difficult to
construct a device that will meet them. I have proceeded upon the theory that it
is immaterial what quantity of liquid is admitted to the receptacle, the material
fact being the quantity of liquid that is discharged from it. Following out this
theory, I have invented and produced a device which not only does not aim to at
all times prevent liquid from being admitted to the receptacle, but which on the
contrary admits it freely (some forms of the device admitting it at all times and
others until certain conditions hereinafter described are established) said device
being of such construction that upon the happening of a definite fact it will
establish a condition, which will positively prevent liquid from being discharged
from the receptacle, or destroy the commercial value of the liquid remaining in
the receptacle or show that it is not genuine, or break the receptacle, or otherwise
prevent its further use for dispensing purposes. The definitive fact above
referred to is the discharging of a quantity of liquid equal to the full capacity of
the receptacle. If the conditions which govern the discharge of liquid from a
number of receptacles are similar, the length of time required for discharging al
given quantity of liquid from one of them will not differ appreciably from the
length of time required for discharging the same quantity of liquid from another
of them. I have taken cognizance of this fact and have associated with the
receptacle a time mechanism which is constructed and arranged so that it is adapted
to operate a definite length of time, and I have associated with this time mechanism
a device upon which it operates, so that at the expiration of the definite length
of time aforesaid said device will bring about or cause to be brought about
conditions that will either prevent or deter the reuse of the receptacle as aforesaid.
Theoretically, the time mechanism should operate for exactly the same length of
time that is required to completely empty the receptacle of its contents, but in
practice it is arranged to operate for a slightly greater length of time in order to
ensure the complete emptying of the receptacle before the device
fires."
The device is also provided with means, under the control of the operator, for

page_text: preventing the operation of the time mechanism during the existence of certain
conditions. The conditions here referred to are, the conditions under which it is
necessary that the operation of the time mechanism be prevented, in order that
the objects of the invention may be accomplished and not defeated. For example,
it is necessary that the time mechanism be prevented from operating while the
goods are stored or are in transit or are being handled for purposes that do not
have for their object an alteration in the quantity of the liquid contained in the
receptacle. To this end I prefer to provide means, under the control of the
operator, for closing the discharge opening of the receptacle when it is desired to
do so, and I so relate this closure to the time mechanism, that when the discharge
opering is thus closed, the time mechanism will be prevented from operating, the
nature of the relation being such, however, that the time mechanism will be coi.-
ditioned to operate immediately upon the establishing of the conditions that are
necessary to discharging the contents of the receptacle, the conditions here referred
to being the opening of the discharge opening and the tipping of the receptacle.
With some classes of goods, it is necessary that the operation of the time
mechanism be arrested before it has operated the definite length of time aforesaid.
For example, with whiskies, brandies and many other liquids, it is not the
practice to pour out the entire contents of the receptacle at one operation. Usually
part of it is poured out at one operation, part at another operation, and so on, a
greater or less interval of time being allowed to elapse between the successive
operations. With goods of this class the accomplishing of the objects of the
invention makes it necessary that the operation of the time mechanism
be arrested the instant the pouring ceases and that its operation shall not be
again resumed until the pouring is resumed. It is in order to meet these conditions
that the time mechanism is provided with means for arresting its own operation
before it has operated the definite length of time aforesaid.
The accomplishing of the objects of the invention makes it necessary to provide
also means for preventing the operator from interfering with or preventing the
operation of the time mechanism while the contents of the receptacle is being
discharged, and for preventing the resetting of the time mechanism either before
or (in some instances) after the time mechanism has operated the definite length
of time aforesaid.
Preferably, the time mechanism includes a spring undertension, and means
under the control of an escapement for confining the spring for the definite length
of time aforesaid so that at the expiration of said time, the escapement will cause
the spring to be released, whereupon it will operate upon the device aforesaid
for preventing or deterring the reuse of the receptacle. With this arrangement
the operation of the spring is instantaneous, but if desired the construction and
arrangement may be such that the spring is operating simultaneously with the
operation of the escapement. Preferably, also, the escapement consists of a quantity
of some finely divided, solid substance, such for example as fine sand, which is
allowed to run from one chamber or compartment to another under the conditions
hereinafter described and which controls the movement of a spring-actuated
follower, but I desire to have it understood that in its broadest aspect the invention
is not limited thereto, but on the contrary comprehends any escapement device
so constructed and arranged that it will do its part in accomplishing the results
herein described.
I believe myself to be the first to provide a bottle or similar receptacle with
time mechanism without regard to the details of its construction, for accomplish-
ing the results herein described, and I therefore desire to have it understood that
the present invention is not limited to a time mechanism of any particular con-
struction, but on the contrary includes any mechanism that will accomplish said
results, and hence the present specification and claims are to be constructed as
including and covering the greatest possible range of equivalents.
Nor is the invention in its broadest aspect limited to the construction or
character of the device upon which the time mechanism. operates. This device

page_text: may be in the nature of a valve which is seated after the time mechanism has
operated the definite length of time aforesaid and which is thereafter held per-
manently seated; or it may be in the nature of a frangible abject which is
shattered by the time mechanism, so that its particles will be deposited in the
receptacle; or it may be in the nature of a receptacle or chamber which contains
a colouring matter or other foreign substance, which chamber or receptacle is
opened by the time mechanism so as to discharge the said colouring matter or
other foreign substance within the receptacle; or it may be in the nature of a
frangible or movable device which is broken or moved by the time mechanism so
as to disclose a tell-tale inscription; or it may be in the nature of a projectile,
which the time mechanism throws against the bottle with sufficient force to break
it; or it may be any other device of such nature that when acted upon by the time
mechanism it will either prevent or effectually deter the reuse of the receptacle.
Again, I reserve the right to use two or more of these devices and in the preferred
form of the invention I do use all the levices above specifically enumerated,
excepting the projectile.
Another feature of the invention resides in a liquid-tight shell or casing, in
which all of the working parts are contained.
With these preliminary remarks as to the nature of my invention and as to
what I believe to be its scope, I will proceed to describe it with reference to the
accompanying drawings which are made a part of this specification and in which,
Fig. 1 is a vertical section of the upper portion of a bottle and an elevation of a
device embodying the invention in place therein.
Fig. 2 is a vertical section thereof on the line 2-2 Fig. 1.
Figs. 3 and 4 are horizontal sections thereof on the lines 3-3 and 4-1
respectively, Fig. 2, looking in the direction of the arrows.
Fig. 5 is an elevation of the main spring of the device and its accessories.
Figs. 3, 4 and 5 are on a larger scale than Figs. 1 and 2. These figures show
the parts in their initial positions and the discharge opening of the receptacle
closed.
Fig. 6 is a sectional elevation showing the receptacle tipped and the parts in
the positions that they occupy when the discharge opening of the receptacle is
opened.
Fig. 7 is a sectional elevation showing the parts in the positions that they
occupy after the time mechanism has operated the definite length of the time
aforesaid and the device has "fired."
Fig. 8 is an enlarged horizontal section thereof on the line 8-8 Fig. 7 looking
in the direction of the arrows.
Figs. 1 to 8 inclusive show the invention in its preferred form.
Figs. 9 and 10 are vertical sections of the upper portion of a bottle and of a
device embodying some features of the invention in place therein, Fig. 9 showing
the parts in their initial positions and the discharge opening closed, and Fig. 10
showing the parts in the positions that they occupy after the device is fired.
Fig. 11 is a horizontal section thereof on the line 11-11, Fig. 9 looking in
the direction of the arrows.
Fig. 12 is an enlarged horizontal section thereof on the line 12-12 Fig. 9,
looking in the direction of the arrows.
Fig. 13 is an elevation of a fragment of one of the parts.
Fig. 14 is a vertical section of a fragment of the neck of a bottle and a fragment
of a device embodying some features of the invention.
Fig. 15 is a vertical section of a fragment of the neck of a bottle and a fragment
of a device embodying some features of the invention, the parts being shown in
their initial positions.
Fig. 16 is a vertical section of a fragment of the neck of a bottle and an elevation
of a portion of the device shown in Fig. 15, the parts being shown in the positions
that they occupy after the device is fired.
Fig. 17 is a vertical section of the upper portion of a bottle and of a device

page_text: embodying some features of the invention in place therein, the parts being shown
in their initial positions and the discharge opening of the bottle closed.
Fig. 17 is a horizontal section thereof on the line 17-17ª Fig. 17, looking in
the direction of the arrows.
Fig. 18 is a vertical section of the neck of a bottle and of a device embodying
some features of the invention in place therein, the parts being shown by full
lines in their initial positions and the discharge opening of the bottle closed;
and by dotted lines in the positions that they occupy after the device has fired.
Fig. 19 is a similar view, showing the bottle tipped and the parts in the positions
that they occupy when a portion of the contents of the bottle has been discharged.
Figs. 20, 21, and 22 are horizontal sections thereof on the lines 20-20, 21-21
and 22-22, respectively, Fig. 18 looking in the direction of the arrows.
Fig. 23 is a vertical section of the neck of a bottle and of a device embodying
some features of the invention in place therein, the parts being shown by full
lines in their initial positions and by dotted lines in the positions that they occupy
after the device has fired, the plane of the section being indicated by the
line 23-23 Fig. 24.
Fig. 24 is a vertical section thereof on the line 24-24, Fig. 23.
Figs. 25 and 26 are horizontal sections thereof on the lines 25-25 and 26–20,
respectively, Fig. 23, looking in the direction of the arrows.
The neck, 1, of the bottle, is provided on its interior near its mouth with an
annular groove, 2, in which fits a spring-ring, 3, by which all of the devices herein-
after described are permanently secured within the neck of the bottle. In its
preferred form, this ring is split, as shown in Fig. 1 and its interior flares outward.
At its lower edge its normal diameter is slightly less than the diameter of a
shoulder 4, formed on a metallic cup, 5, so that if the spring ring be first placed
in the groove and the cap then inserted, it will expand it sufficiently to permit the
shoulder 4, to pass, after which the spring will contract to its normal
diameter and engage the top side of the shoulder. Thus the cap is permanently
secured in place. I am aware that it is not broadly new to use a spring ring for
this purpose, but so far as I am aware it has never been proposed to use a spring-
ring which flares as described, and whose normal diameter is less than the
diameter of the shoulder which it engages, so that the parts may be assembled
in the manner described. The cap 5 has a central opening in which fits the
neck 6, of a ring 7 the exterior of which conforms to the interior of the cap. The.
cap 5 is preferably made of sheet metal and the ring 7 of wood, and they are per-
manently secured together by some suitable means which will positively prevent the
ring from being forced inward. For this purpose I may form spurs 7", on the cap
by subjecting it to the action of a punch. Proceeding downward from the ring 7
is one or anore tongues, 8, each of which is provided on its interior with a groove
for receiving a flange, 9, on the upper end of a shell, 10, which latter is preferably
of cylindrical shape and is closed at bottom. Preferably it is made of opaque
glass or some other frangible material and bears upon its exterior an inscription
attesting the genuineness of the contents of the receptacle. With this arrange-
ment the shell will be supported in a fixed position with relation to the neck of
the bottle. The ring 7 is provided on its interior with a seat 11, for a stopper 12,
having a stem 13, which projects far enough to enable the operator to grasp it
and move the stopper to and from its seat, this stopper being shown seated in
Figs. 1 and 2, and unseated in Figs. 6 and 7. 14 is a sheet metal tube, closed at
its upper end and provided at its lower end with an internal flange 15, which
engages an external flange 16, formed on the upper end of a hollow part 17, herein-
after called a barrel. This barrel is closed at bottom save for an opening through
which passes the stem 18, of a follower 19, which occupies the lower portion of the
tabe 14, the joint between the follower and the tube being closed by packing, 20,
of soft rubber, felt, or some other suitable material. Within the barrel 17, is a
coiled spring 21, which surrounds the stem 18, and bears at one end against the
bottom of the barrel and at the other end against the follower, said spring being

page_text: normally compressed so that it gives the follower a constant tendency to follow
up a body of sand, 22, which is placed in the tube 14. The interior of the tube 14
is divided by a diaphragm 23, into two chambers A and B, which communicate
through an opening 24, formed through the diaphragm 23, said opening being
under the control of a valve 25. In the initial condition of the device, the
chamber B is empty, and the chamber A is filled with sand, which holds the
follower 19, in the position shown in Fig. 2 and the spring, 21, compressed.
When the opening 24, through which the chambers A and is communicate, is
uncovered by the valve 25 and the receptacle tipped to pouring position, the
sand will run from the chamber A into the chamber B and the follower 19, under
the influence of the spring 21, will follow up the body of the sand. A continuation
of the movement of this follower will cause its stem 18, to be disengaged from a
latch 26, which is pivotted at 27 to the underside of the barrel 17, and when the
latch is thus freed it will permit the main spring 27, of the device to recoil and in
doing so break the shell 10. This main spring preferably consists of a wire, which
is coiled tightly around the barrel 17, has one of its ends 28, inserted in a per-
foration in the upper flange, 16, of the barrel, and has its other end 29, in engage-
ment with a shoulder 30, on the latch 26. This arrangement is such that so long
as the latch is held in the position shown in Figs. 2, 4 and 5, its shoulder 30,
will be in engagement with the end 29 of the spring and hold it tightly coiled,
but as soon as the stem 18 of the follower is withdrawn from engagement with the
latch, the latch will be unrestrained and the end, 29, of the main spring will be
released, thereby permitting the spring to recoil as aforesaid. It is this action,
which is herein spoken of as the "firing" of the device.
The quantity and the degree of fineness of the sand used, its avenue of escape,
and the length of the stem, 18 of the follower, are all such that the withdrawal
of the stem from engagement win the latch 26, will be accomplished in about the
same length of time as is required to completely empty the receptacle of its
contents. Theoretically both operations should be accomplished in exactly the
same length of time, but in order to ensure the complete emptying of the recep-
tacle, I prefer in practice to so construct and proportion the parts that the firing
of the device will require a slightly greater length of time than does the emptying
of the receptacle. As stated in the preliminary part of this specification, it is
sometimes necessary that the operation of the time mechanism shall be arrested
before it has operated this definite length of time. This result will follow auto-
matically, by reason of the fact that while the sand is sufficiently mobile to flow
from one of the chambers to the other when the receptacle is tipped to a pouring
position, it is not sufficiently mobile to do so while the receptacle is in upright
position, even under the influence of the spring 21. Actual practice has demon-
strated the fact that whenever the bottle is tipped to pouring position, and the
opening 24 is uncovered, the sand will flow from one chamber to the other and as
soon as the bottle is returned to upright position the flow of the sand will cease.
It is necessary of course to provide means for preventing the operation of the
time mechanism while the goods are stored or in transit, or are being handled for
any purpose that does not have for its object an alteration in the quantity of
liquid contained in the receptacle. To this end the valve 25 is placed under the
control of the operator to the extent that the opening 24 may be uncovered when-
ever the discharge opening of the receptacle is uncovered and vice versa but it is
equally necessary that the construction be such that the operator cannot cover
the opening 24 while the discharge opening of the receptacle is uncovered. In
order to accomplish this I prefer to carry the stem 31 of the valve 25 through the
follower and its stem, and secure its lower end by means hereinafter described to
the shell 10, and I prefer to so associate the chambers A and B with the stopper 12
that they will move together. In order to accomplish this latter the stopper is
provided on its underside with a tubular extension 32, in which the tube 14 is
permanently secured, a liquid tight joint being made between the shell 10 and the
tube 32 by a packing 33, arranged in an annular groove in the exterior of the tube.

page_text: With this arrangement the valve 25 will bear a fixed relation to the receptacle,
while the diaphragm 23 through which ne opening 24 is made will be movable
with the stopper 12, and the parts are so proportioned that by moving the stopper
inward far enough to uncover the discharge opening of the receptacle, the
diaphragm 23 will be moved away from the valve 25 far enough to uncover the
opening 24 and vice versa. The valve stem 31 is secured at its lower end to a part
which is in the nature of a tube, 34, closed at one end and having external
flanges 35 and 36, the latter of which is of larger diameter than the former and of
slightly less diameter than the interior of the shell 10. To this part and within
the groove formed by the flanges 35 and 36 are secured a flexible diaphragm 37,
preferably of leather or rubber, and a spring 38 which consists of a piece of wire
coiled in a single plane and having its inner end secured to the tube 34. In
assembling the parts, the diaphragm 37 is folded into pleats, as shown more clearly
in Fig. 3, and the spring is compressed within it, as shown more clearly in Fig. 2
the parts being held in this condition by a band, 39, of paper or some other
material whose strength will be materially lessened when saturated.
When the parts
are thus arranged, they will fit the interior of the shell 10 sufficiently tight to
retain the position shown in Fig. 2 and hold the valve stem 31 with sufficient
firmness to maintain the described fixed relation between the valve 25 and the
shell 10. Within the shell 10, preferably below the parts just described, is a
quantity 39 of colouring matter, or some other foreign substance which if mixed
with the contents of the receptacle would destroy its commercial value.
This completes the description of the preferred form of the device. Its operation
is as follows. So long as the discharge opening of the receptacle is closed by the
stopper 12 the opening 24 will be closed by the valve 25 and the receptacle may be
turned upside down or handled to any desired extent without any of the sand
escaping from the chamber A. As soon, however, as the stopper is moved far
enough to uncover the discharge opening of the receptacle, the opening 24 will
have been uncovered, and if while in these positions the receptacle be tipped,
its contents will pour out of the discharge opening and at the same time the sand
will run from chamber A inta chamber 15, as shown in Fig. 6.
The spring
actuated follower 19 under the influence of the spring 21 follows up the escaping
sand and in doing so the position of the stem 18 with relation to the latch 26 is
changed. When the stem 18 has been moved far enough to disengage the
latch 26, the latter being free from restraint will permit the main spring 27 to
suddenly recoil and in doing so shatter the frangible shell 10. This has the effect
of depositing the fragments of the shell in the receptacle, removing the inscrip-
tion which attested the genuineness of the contents of the receptacle and disclosing
another inscription 40, which was concealed by the shell and proclaims the
contents of the receptacle to be not genuine, precipitates the colouring matter or
other foreign substance, 39, so that the commercial value of any liquid remaining
in the receptacle will be completely destroyed, and exposes the paper bound
diaphragm 37. So long as the paper is dry, it will confine the diaphragm and
the spring, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3 but as soon as it is wet its strength is
destroyed and the spring 38 will uncoil and open up the diaphragm as shown in
Figs. 7 and 8, the diaphragm being of such diameter that it will act as a valve and
completely close the neck of the receptacle. In this, the preferred form of the
invention there are at least five safeguards against the reuse of the receptacle, viz.,
the fragments of the shell 10, the inscription 40 which was disclosed by the
removal of the shell, the foreign substance 39, the diaphragm valve 37, and the
exposure of the working parts of the device to view and to contact with any liquid
which the receptacle may contain. I prefer to use all of these safeguards, but I
desire to have it understood that a device which includes only one of them is
within the scope of my invention in its broadest aspect. Accordingly I have shown
in the drawings modifications in the character of the device which is acted upon
by the main spring, modifications in the character of the main spring and in the

page_text: means for confining it, modifications in the escapement which determines the
length of time that must elapse before the main spring performs its function,
modifications in the construction of the time mechanism as a whole, modifications
in the means under the control of the operator for closing the discharge opening
of the receptacle, modifications in the means for connecting this closure with
the time mechanism so that the time mechanism will be prevented from operating
under the conditions already described, and modifications in the construction of
many of the parts of the device.
In all of the figures of the drawings similar parts bear similar reference
numbers.
The device shown in Figs. 9 to 13 inclusive differs from that shown in Figs. 1
to 8 inclusive in the following respects. The tube 32 in which the tube 14 is
secured is not connected with the stopper 12 but is connected to the ring 7 by
means of radial arms 32", so that in this form of the invention the said tube 32
and all the parts contained within it bear a fixed relation to the receptacle. The
frangible shell 10 is omitted, as also are the inscriptions borne by it and by the
tube 14. The working parts are, nevertheless, enclosed liquid tight, this being
accomplished by making the tube 32 of sufficient length and by so arranging the
valve 370 that it closes its lower end. The main spring 270 instead of being put
under tension by coiling it tightly, is put under tension by compressing it end-
wise, it being confined between the flange 16 of the barrel 17 and a plate 41, which
is secured to the top of the valve 370 and is held normally in the position shown
in Fig. 9 by the following means. The tube 14 is provided at its lower end with
a pair of hooks, providing shoulders 42, located diametrically opposite each other.
Upon these shoulders rest the ends of a bar 43 which passes through a slot formed
through the stem 18, of the follower, whereby it is held in position on said
shoulders or hooks so long as the stem of the follower remains in engagement with
it. This bar is located beneath the plate 41, the top of the valve 370 being provided
with a recess, 44, for containing it and permitting its necessary lateral movement.
While the parts are in the positions shown in Fig. 9, the bar 43 rests upon the
lugs 42 and, notwithstanding the continual pressure of the spring 270 upon it,
cannot disengage from the shoulders because of the presence of the stem. 18 of
the follower which prevents its lateral movement, but as soon as the stem of the
follower has withdrawn from engagement with it, there will be nothing to restrain
its lateral movement and under the influence of the spring it will be forced off of
the shoulders 42 and the valve 370 will be forced to the seat 100, thereby ner-
manently closing the receptacle against either the admission or the discharge of
liquid. In this form of the invention, the valve 25 is connected with the stopper 12
by means of a stem 310, which passes through the opening 24 loosely and through
an opening formed in the upper ends of the tubes 14 and 32, the joint around the
stem 310, where it passes through the ends of these tubes being made liquid tight
by a packing 45.
The construction shown in Fig. 14 differs from that shown in Figs. 1 to 8
inclusive in that there is no valve. In order to sustain the valve stem 31, a
rubber disc-46, is arranged between the flanges 35, 36, said disc being of sufficient
diameter to fit the interior of the shell 10 with sufficient friction to hold the
parts 34-35-36 in place, as against any pressure that will be put upon it by
the stem 31.
The construction shown in Figs. 15 and 16 differs from that shown in Figs. 9
to 13, in that no valve is used. In place of it, the plate 41 is secured to a block 47,
to which latter is secured a sleeve, 48, which surrounds and fits snugly the tube 32,
the joint between them being made liquid tight by a packing, 49 arranged in a
groove in the tube 32. The exterior of the sleeve 48 bears an inscription attesting
the genuineness of the contents of the receptacle and in its normal position the
sleeve 48 covers the word "not" on the exterior of the tube 32, the arrangement
being such that when the device is fired the sleeve 48 will be shifted so as to

page_text: uncover the word "not," which will then be read in connection with the inscrip-
tion on the sleeve itself and indicate that the contents of the receptacle is not
genuine.
The construction shown in Figs. 17 and 17 has some features in common with
all of the constructions already described. Its principal differences is that it
has a projectile, 50, which is sustained within the shell 10 by a friction-ring 51,
preferably of rubber, and in turn sustains the valve-stem 31. This arrangement
is such that when the device is tired, the main spring 270 will throw the projectile
with sufficient force to break the shell 10 and to break the receptacle itself.
In all of the devices already described and in the device shown in Figs. 23 to
26 inclusive, the recoil of the main spring is instantaneous and takes place at the
expiration of the definite length of time during which the time mechanism is
arranged to operate; but in the device shown in Figs. 18 to 22 inclusive, only a
single spring 210 is used for performing the functions of the two springs of the
devices already described. This spring bears at one end against the follower and
at the other end against the end of a sheet metal shell, 52, which is closed at both
ends so as to provide the chamber A and a feature which is the equivalent of the
barrel 17, already described. In this form of the invention, the valve 371 is
secured directly to the stem 18 of the follower, so that as the follower moves the valve
moves, the arrangement being such that when the time mechanism has operated
the required length of time, the valve 370 will have been brought to its seat upon
a ring 53. The shell 52 is permanently secured in a tube 320, which is closed
at both ends save for an opening at top through which passes the stem 310 of the
valve 25, and an opening at bottom through which passes the stem 18 of the
follower. The tube 320 is provided at top with radial arms 54, which rest upon
a shell 55 formed on the interior of the receptacle and at bottom with legs 56,
which rest upon the ring 53, the arms 54 and legs 56 being permanently secured,
by glass cement or other suitable means, to the parts with which they respectively
have contact. The length of the tube 320 is such that it provides a chamber B,
into which the sand may run from the chamber A through an opening or
openings 24 with which the top of the shell 52 is provided. In this form of the
invention, the stopper 12 and valve 25 are directly connected so that they move
together, and in order to lock the stopper in closed position its stem is provided
with a reduced portion, 57 which is engaged by a yoke 58, that spans the discharge
opening and rests upon a ring 700, which corresponds in many respects with the
ring 7, already described. This ring 700 is secured in place by a spring ring 300
whica occupies a groove in the ring 700 and has laterally projecting ends that
cupy a groove 200 in the neck of the receptacle.
In the form of the invention shown in Figs. 23 to 26 inclusive, there is a main
spring 271 which is similar to the main springs 27 and 270, in that it is held under
tension until the time mechanism has operated the definite length of time afore-
said, whereupon it recoils and performs its function. Strictly speaking, the
springs 27 and 270 form no part of the time mechanism, so called, since they do
not in any way enter into its operation but are simply controlled by it. But the
springs 21 and 210 are parts of the time mechanism, since they provide the power
that is resisted by the escapement, very much as the main spring of a watch
provides power that is resisted by the escapement. Thus, in the forms of the
invention already described, the power for operating the time mechanism is derived
from a part of the time mechanism itself, but in the form, of the invention shown
in Figs. 23 to 26 the power is derived from the force of the liquid flowing through
the neck of the receptacle. In these Figures 321 represents a hollow shell adapted to
serve as a double valve, and 60 and 61 are two valve seats between which it is adapted
to oscillate, being guided in its movement by a fixed stem 62 which is made up of
a tube 63 and a rod 64 fitting within the tube and having a shoulder 65 which
bears against the end of the tube and prevents the rod from being withdrawn.
The valve is hollow and the stem 62 passes through one end of it and terminates
within it, the valve being made of such material and of such construction that

page_text: it is buoyant and will float even with its contained parts. Preferably it is made of
a piece of cork hollowed out from one end and having its opening closed.
by means of a plug 66 permanently secured in it. Within it is
permanently secured a shell 67 through the top of which are formed two openings,
located diametrically opposite each other, for the passage of two spring arms 68
which are both formed of a single piece of material having its central portion 69
bent as to pass the stem 62 as shown in Fig. 25. These spring arms are so cou-
structed that they have a tendency to approach each other and assume positions
indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 23, but normally they are held apart and in
positions shown by full lines by means of a shaft 70 one end of which has a
pivotal bearing in one of the arms 68 and the other end of which is provided with
a, drill point that bears against a thin diaphragm 70" arranged in an eye in the
other of the arms 68. This diaphragm may be made of mica, celluloid, sheet
metal or any other suitable material and is intended to resist the approach of
the arms until it is punctured by the drill point of the shaft 70, whereupon the
arms will assume the positions indicated by the dotted lines. This disengages
shoulders 71 on the arms from a follower 2 against which bears one end of the
spring 271, the other end of which bears against the valve, whereupon the spring
expands, bringing the follower 72 into contact with a shoulder 73 formed on the
stem 64. The expansion of the spring being thus resisted in one direction by the
stem 64 its expansion in the other direction acting upon the valve will force it
against its seat 61 as indicated by the dotted lines and there permanently hold it.
The mechanism for causing. the puncture of the diaphragm consists simply of a
crank arm 74 carried by the shaft 70 and a link 75 pivotally connected at one end to
said crank arm and at the other end to the lower end of the stem 64. The stem
being stationary it follows that a to-and-fro movement of the valve from the
position shown by full lines to that indicated by dotted lines and back will cause
the partial rotation of the shaft 70 and this partial rotation completed a sufficient
number of times will cause the drill to perforate the diaphragm. While the liquid
is flowing through the discharge opening of the receptacle in either direction,
the valve 321 being buoyant, will keep up this to-and-fro movement between the
seats 60 and 61 which movement is due partly to gravity and the weight of the
liquid upon the valve and partly to the buoyancy of the valve itself. Assuming the
parts to be in the positions shown by full lines, if the receptacle be inverted,
the gravity of the valve and its contained parts and the weight of the liquid upon
the bottom of it will force it to its seat 61 as indicated by dotted lines and all of
that part of the neck of the receptacle which is then above said seat 61 will fill
with liquid. When this takes place the buoyancy of the valve aided by atmos-
pheric pressure will cause it to move away from its seat 61 and back to the position
shown by full lines whereupon the liquid between the two valves-seats will escape
and the valve will again be moved to the dotted position. These movements
will be repeated so long as the receptacle is held in pouring position.
possible to ascertain with sufficient exactness how many of these movements will
be imparted to the valve in emptying, a given quantity of liquid under given con-
ditions and it is also possible to so construct the working parts of the device that
the diaphragm will be punctured by any desired number of movements of the drill
that are thus imparted to it by the movement of the valve. It therefore follows
that the device may be so constructed that it will close the bottle within a short
time after the contents of the bottle have been completely emptied and this time may
be calculated with sufficient exactness for practical purposes. Liquid flowing
through the discharge opening of the receptacle in either direction will cause the
above described movements of the valve and it therefore follows that it is not
necessary to time the closing of the valve with any great exactness.
For example,
It is
let it be assumed that in emptying the receptacle the valve will have seventy-
five to-and-fro movements and let it be assumed that the diaphragm and the drill
are such that the diaphragm will be punctured by one hundred movements. If
a sufficient quantity of liquid be introduced into the receptacle to produce these
B

page_text: !
twenty-five movements the diaphragm will be perforated thereby and the valve
will be seated and permanently close the receptacle and prevent the liquid that
was introduced from being discharged. On the other hand, suppose that only a
sufficient quantity of liquid is run in to produce half this number of movements.
It is true that this same quantity of liquid may be discharged from the recep-
tacle, but as soon as it is charged the valve will close. This however is not a
serious objection because it is such a small quantity (one-sixth of the capacity of
the bottle) that it would not pay to introduce it.
120 is an auxiliary closure, under the control of the operator for closing the
discharge opening of the receptacle and corresponding in many respects with the
stopper 12 already described.
In all four forms of the device, I prefer to make all parts that are exposed to the
liquid of material other than metal the parts 7, 8, 12, 13, 32, 47 and the exposed por-
tion of 310 are preferably of wood, 10, 48, and 320 of glass 66, 321 and 370 of cork.,
As before stated, with some classes of goods it is necessary that the device be
provided with means for arresting its own operation, for the reason that the
intervals during which the discharge of the contents of the receptacle is interrupted
may extend through days.or weeks or even months. But with some classes of
goods, as for example, beer, champagne and other effervescent liquids, the complete
emptying of the receptacle never extends over any very considerable period of
time. Frequently it is accomplished within a very few minutes, for the reason
that when the receptacle is once opened the contents will soon spoil if allowed to
stand. With goods of this sort, it is not absolutely necessary that the device be
provided with means for attesting its own operation. The object of the invention
will be accomplished if the device instead of being arranged to operate for a
length of time equal to that required for emptying the receptacle, be arranged to
operate a length of time which under ordinary conditions will cover the length
of time consumed in emptying the receptacle of goods of the class in question,
including the intervals during which the pouring is interrupted. For example,
if the device is to be used in a champagne bottle, and is arranged to operate con-
tinuously for a period of, say, a few hours, ample time will be allowed for
completely emptying the bottle and at the same time the device will accomplish
the object of the invention, since it will fire at the expiration of the few hours
aforesaid. It is true that until the device fires, the bottle may be repeatedly
refilled and emptied, but if only the limited time of a few hours be allowed for the
purpose it cannot be repeatedly refined and emptied so as to defraud the purchaser
or the bottler whose goods the bottle originally contained. I desire to have it
understood therefore, that such a period of time is included by the statement
a definite length of time," used in this specification. But even with this class
of goods, I prefer to provide the device with means for arresting its own operation
for the reason that by doing so it may be made of minimum size and capacity.
"6
;
It will be seen that in all forms of the device, excepting the one shown in Figs. 23
to 26 inclusive, the device operates only upon the establishing of the conditions
that are necessary in order to discharge the contents of the receptacle. That is to.
say, it will not operate while liquid is being poured into the receptacle. But the
device shown in Figs. 23 to 26 inclusive, will operate while liquid is being poured
into the receptacle as well as while it is being discharged. Hence it will be seen
that in its broadest aspect the invention covers a time mechanism which operates
either while the receptacle is being emptied or while the receptacle is being filled.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is:-
I
1. The employment of "time" mechanism for the purpose described.
2. In a device for preventing the fraudulent reuse of bottles or similar recep-
tacles, the combination with the receptacle, of time mechanism arranged to operate
a definite length of time, means upon which the time mechanism is adapted to

page_text: operates, and means for preventing the resetting of the time mechanism,
substantially as and for the purpose described.
3. In a device for perventing the fraudulent reuse of bottles or similar receptacles,
the combination with the receptacle, of time mechanism arranged to operate a
definite length of time, means upon which the time mechanism is adapted to
operate, and means for preventing the operator from interfering with the operation
of the time mechanism, substantially as and for the purpose described.
4. In a device for preventing the fraudulent reuse of bottles or similar recep-
tacles, the combination with the receptacle, of time mechanism arranged to operate
a definite length of time, and means upon which the time mechanism is adapted
to operate, the time mechanism being provided with means for arresting its own
operation before it has operated the definite length of time aforesaid, substantially
as and for the purpose described.
5. In a device for preventing the fraudulent reuse of bottles or similar recep-
tacles, the combination with the receptacle, of time mechanism arranged to operate
a definite length of time, means upon which the time mechanism is adapted to
operate, the time mechanism being provided with means for arresting its own
operation before it has operated the definite length of time aforesaid, and means
for preventing the operator from interfering with the operation of the time
mechanism, substantially as and for the purpose described.
6. In a device for preventing the fraudulent reuse of bottles or similar recep-
tacles, the combination with the receptacle, of time mechanism arranged to
operate a definite length of time, means upon which the time mechanism is adapted
to operate, the time mechanism being provided with means for arresting its own
operation before it has operated the definite length of time aforesaid, and means
for preventing the resetting of the time mechanism, substantially as and for the
purpose described.
7. In a device for preventing the fraudulent reuse of bottles or similar receptacles,
the combination with the receptacle, of a spring, a device upon which it is adapted to
operate, time mechanism adapted to operate a definite length of time for holding
the spring under tension, and means for preventing the resetting of the time
mechanism, substantially as and for the purpose described.
8. In a device for preventing the fraudulent reuse of bottles or similar recep-
tacles, the combination with the receptacle, of a spring, a device upon which it
is adapted to operate, time mechanism adapted to operate a definite length of time
for holding the spring under tension, and means for preventing the operator from
interfering with the operation of the time mechanism, substantially as and for the
purpose described.
9. In a device for preventing the fraudulent reuse of bottles or similar recep-
tacles, the combination with the receptacle, of time mechanism arranged to operate
a definite length of time, a device upon which the time mechanism is adapted to
operate, means under the control of the operator for closing the receptacle, means
under the control of the operator for preventing the operation of the time
mechanism while the receptacle is closed as aforesaid, and means for preventing
the operator from interfering with the operation of the time mechanism when the
receptacle is conditioned for discharge of its contents substantially as and for the
purpose described.
10. In a device for preventing the fraudulent reuse of battles or similar recep-
tacles, the combination with the receptacle, of time mechanism arranged to operate
a definite length of time, means upon which the time mechanism is adapted to
operate, auxiliary means under the control of the operator for closing the recep
tacle, and means connecting the time mechanism, and the auxiliary means afore-
said, so that when the receptacle is closed by said auxiliary means, the time
mechanism will be prevented from operating substantially as and for the purpose
described.
11. In a device for preventing the fraudulent reuse of bottles or similar recep-
tacles, the combination with the receptacle, of time mechanism, adapted to operate

page_text: a definite length of time, means upon which the time mechanism is adapted to
operate, and means for preventing the resetting of the time mechanism said time
mechanism including a quantity of a finely divided, solid substance and a chamber
containing said substance and having an opening through which it escapes,
substantially as and for the pur-ose described.
12. In a device for preventing the fraudulent reuse of bottles or similar recep-
tacles, the combination with the receptacle, of time mechanism arranged to operate
a definite length of time, means upon which the time mechanism is adapted, to
operate, means for preventing the resetting of the time mechanism, auxiliary
means under the control of the operator for controlling the discharge opening of
the receptacle, and means connecting said auxiliary means with the time mechanism
said time mechanism including a quantity of finely divided solid substance, and a
chamber containing said substance and having an opening through which it
escapes, substantially as and for the purpose described.
13. In a device for preventing the fraudulent reuse of bottles or similar recep-
tacles, the combination with the receptacle, of two communicating chambers, a
quantity of a finely divided solid substance in one of them, a spring-actuated
follower controlled by said substance, and a device controlled by the follower,
substantially as and for the purpose described.
14. In a device for preventing the fraudulent, reuse of bottles or similar recep
tacles, the combination with the receptacle, of two communicating chambers, a
quantity of a finely divided solid substance in one of them, a spring-actuated
follower controlled by said substance, a spring under tension, a device upon which
it is adapted to operate when released, and means controlled by the follower for
holding the spring under tension, substantially as and for the purpose described.
15. In a device for preventing the fraudulent reuse of bottles or similar recep-
tacles, the combination with the receptacle of two communicating, chambers, a
quantity of a finely divided solid substance in one of them, a spring-actuated
follower controlled by said substance, a spring under tension a device upon which
the spring is adapted to operate, a latch engaging the spring and holding it under
tension, and a stem carried by the follower and engaging the latch, substantially
as and for the purpose described.
16. In a device for preventing the fraudulent reuse of bottles or similar recep-
tacles, the combination of a tube divided on its interior into two communicating
chambers, a quantity of a finely divided solid substance in one of them, a follower
controlled by said substance, a spring engaging the follower, a barrel secured to
the tube and sustaining the spring, a main spring coiled around the barrel and
secured at one end, a latch pivoted to the barrel and engaging the other end of
the spring, a stem carried by the follower and engaging the latch, and a device
upon which the main spring is adapted to operate when released, substantially, as
and for the purpose described.
17. In a device for preventing the fraudulent reuse of bottles, or similar recep-
tacles, the combination with the receptacle, of time mechanism arranged to
operate a definite length of time, means for preventing the resetting of the time
mechanism, means upon which the time mechanism is adapted to operate, includ-
ing a displacable device, and an inscription which is normally, covered by said
displacable device and which is uncovered when said device is displaced substan-
tially as and for the purpose described.
18. In a device for preventing the fraudulent reuse of bottles or similar recep-
tacles, the combination with the receptacle, of time mechanism arranged to
operate a definite length of time, means for preventing the resetting of the time
mechanism, and means upon which the time mechanism is adapted to operate
said means including a frangible device, substantially as and for the purpose
described.
19. In a device for preventing the fraudulent reuse of bottles or similar recep
tacles, the combination with the receptacle, of time mechanism arranged to operate
a definite length of time, means for preventing the resetting of the time mechanism

page_text: and means upon which the time mechanism is adapted to operate including a
chamber containing a foreign substance substantially as and for the purpose
described.
20. In a device for preventing the fraudulent reuse of bottles or similar recep
tacles, the combination with the receptacle, of time mechanism arranged to operate
a definite length of time, means for preventing the resetting of the time mechanism
and means upon which the time mechanism is adapted to operate, said means
including a valve, substantially as and for the purpose described.
21. In a device for preventing the fraudulent reuse of bottles or similar recep
tacles, the combination with the receptacle and a device having automatically
operating parts for preventing its reuse of a liquid tight enclosure located within
the receptacle and enclosing said automatically operating parts so as to protect
them from the liquid, a passage for the liquid being left between the receptacle
and the liquid tight enclosure, substantially as set forth.
22. In a device for preventing the fraudulent reuse of bottles or similar recep-
tacles, the combination with the receptacle, of time mechanism arranged to operate
a definite length of time, means upon which the time mechanism is adapted to
operate and a liquid tight enclosure in which said time mechanism is contained,
substantially as and for the purpose described.
23. In a device for preventing the fraudulent reuse of bottles or similar recep-
tacles, the combination with the receptacle, of time mechanism arranged to operate
a definite length of time, a spring, means controlled by the time mechanism for
holding said spring under tension, and a frangible shell in which the time
mechanism is contained, substantially as and for the purpose described.
24. In a device for preventing the fraudulent reuse of bottles or similar recep-
tacles, the combination with the receptacle, of time mechanism, a spring under
tension controlled by the time mechanism, and a shell of opaque, frangible material,
in which the time mechanism and spring are contained, substantially as and for
the nurpose described.
25. In a device for preventing the fraudulent reuse of bottles or similar recep-
tacles, the combination with the receptacle, of time mechanism, a spring under
tension controlled by the time mechanism, a frangible shell upon which the spring
acts, and a foreign substance contained by the shell, substantially as and for the
purpose described.
26. In a device for preventing the fraudulent reuse of bottles or similar recep-
tacles, the combination with the receptacle, of time mechanism, a spring under
tension controlled by the time mechanism, a valve and frangible shell containing
the valve and spring, substantially as and for the purpose described.
27. In a device for preventing the fraudulent reuse of bottles or similar recep-
tacles, the combination of a shell containing a foreign substance, and means for
discharging said substance within the receptacle, substantially as and for the
purpose described.
28. In a device for preventing the fraudulent reuse of bottles or similar recep-
tacles, the combination with the receptacle, of a valve, means for holding the valve
temporarily unseated, a spring for seating the valve, and means for preventing
access to the valve for thereafter unseating it, substantially as and for the purpose
described.
29. In a device for preventing the fraudulent reuse of bottles or similar recep-
tacles, the combination with the receptacle, of a displacable sleeve bearing an
inscription, a part surrounded by the sleeve and bearing an inscription which is
normally covered by the sleeve, and uncovered when the sleeve is displaced, and
means for displacing the sleeve, said means including time mechanism adapted to
operate a definite length of time, substantially as and for the purpose described.
30. In a device for preventing the fraudulent reuse of bottles or similar recep-
tacles, the combination with the receptacle, of a tube, a follower arranged therein,
means for controlling the position of the follower, a spring engaging the follower,
a second spring, means for holding the second spring normally under tension, said

page_text: means including a displacing part engaged by the stem of the follower, and
movable laterally with relation thereto, a valve for closing the receptacle, and
means for preventing the unseating of the valve when once it is seated, substantially
as and for the purpose described.
31. In a device for preventing the fraudulent reuse of bottles or similar recep-
tacles, the combination with the receptacle, of a spring, a device upon which it is
adapted to operate, an escapement controlling the spring and arranged to operate
a definite length of time, and means for preventing the operator from interfering
with the operation of the escapement, substantially as and for the purpose
described.