Improvements in Tapping Barrels and the like.
Year: 1888

page_text: Date of Application, 12th Dec., 1888
Complete Specification Left, 12th Sept., 1889-Accepted, 26th Oct., 1889
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Tapping Barrels and the like.
I, SAMUEL WOODALL, late of 3 Queen Victoria Street, in the City of London, but
now of Netherton, in the County of Worcestershire, Engineer, do hereby declare the
nature of this invention to be as follows:-
My improvements relate to taps or spigots for barrels and other receptacles, and it
has for its objects, First, facilitating the insertion of the tap, Secondly, obviating
the risk of waste or accident, and Thirdly, preventing the fouling of barrels when
empty.
I attain these objects in the following manner :-A flanged ferrule of brass or other
suitable metal or material, is inserted into the cask head, or other place. This ferrule
is provided with an internal screw thread at its flanged end, and with an external
screw thread at the other end. On to this external thread is screwed a porforated
thimble or cage, enclosing a ball of rubber or other suitable material, suitable washers
being interposed between the interlocking faces of the ferrule and cage, and the cask
head to make a tight joint. This part of my device is permanently fixed to the
barrel or other receptacle. The function of the ball within the thimble or cage is to
close the orifice of the ferrule when the liquor enters the barrel or receptacle and seal
it by the pressure of the said liquid. For greater safety a screwed plug is provided
for closing the exterior orifice of the ferrule. This plug also provides a means of
Bealing the barrel when empty, and so preventing it fouling. To tap the barrel, the
screw plug is removed and a tap or spigot is screwed into its place, the perforated
shank of the tap forcing the ball away from the inner orifice of the ferrule. The
liquid then has access to the tap or spigot and can be drawn off in the usual manner.
The key of the tap or spigot is arranged and adapted to fit also the screw plug to
remove the same.
12 way
ROBT. ED. PHILLIPS, M.I.M.E.,
Consulting Engineer and Patent Agent,
Royal Courts Chambers, 70, 71 & 72, Chancery Lane, London, W.C.,
Agent for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Tapping Barrels and the like.
I, SAMUEL WOODALL, late of 3 Queen Victoria Street, in the City of London, but
now of Netherton in the County of Worcestershire, Engineer, do hereby declare the
nature of my said invention and in what manner the same is to be performed to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement
-
My invention relates to an improved method of tapping barrels and other
receptacles, and it has for its objects, First, facilitating the insertion of the tap,
Secondly, obviating the risk of waste or accident, and thirdly preventing the fouling
of barrels when empty.
I attain these objects in the manner illustrated in the accompanying drawing in
which Figure 1. is a view in side elevation-partly in section-of the tap or spigot
in position in the barrel head, Figure 2. is a view in side elevation-partly in section-
showing the tap or spigot removed, and Figure 3. is a view in side elevation of the
tap or spigot complete.
Throughout these views similar parts are marked with like letters of reference.
A flanged ferrule A of brass or other suitable metal or material is inserted into the

page_text: cask head X and is fixed thereto by means of a perforated thimble or cage C adapted
to screw on the end of the said ferrule as illustrated suitable washers being
interposed between the interlocking faces of the ferrule A, the cage C, and the cask
head X to make a tight joint. The ferrule A and the cage Care thus permanently
fixed to the barrel or other receptacle. The function of the ball D within the thimble
or cage C is to close the orifice of the ferrule when the barrel or receptacle is being
filled and seal it by the pressure of the liquid within. The flanged.end of the ferrule A
is threaded internally to adapt it to receive the tap or spigot B having a perforated
shank . long enough to project through the end of the ferrule A and force the
ball D therefrom and thus clear the way for the passage of the liquid.
For greater security when the tap is removed a screwed plug E is provided,
adapted to close the exterior orifice of the ferrule A as illustrated by Figure 2.
This plug also provides a means of sealing the barrel when empty and so prevent it
fouling. To tap the barrel, the screw plug E is removed and the tap or spigot B is
screwed into the ferrule A, the perforated shank of the tap b. forcing the ball D away
from the inner orifice of the ferrule. The liquid then has access to the tap or spigot
and can be drawn off in the usual manner. The head of the key B¹ of the tap or
spigot B is arranged and adapted to act as a spanner for the screw plug E.
It will be seen that in this method of tapping barrels, the tap may be made
considerably lighter than usual as it has not to be driven in. No skilled labour is
required, and there is absolute freedom from waste or accident. No corks are required,
yet by means of the safety plug the barrel is sealed when empty and is thereby
prevented from foµling.
I wish it to be understood that I do not limit myself to the particular details of
construction hereinbefore described and shown, but hold myself at liberty to make
such changes and alterations as fairly fall within the spirit and scope of my
invention.
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 ;-
1st. The improvements in tapping barrels and the like as bereinbefore set forth.
2nd. The combination of the tap or spigot B with perforated shank b, the ferrule A
adapted to fit in the cask head, tlie perforated cage adapted to screw on the ferrule A
and hold it in place, the ball D. enclosed in the cage C and adapted to seal the inner
end of the ferrule A, and the screw plug E adapted to seal the outer end of the
ferrule A, all arranged and operating, as and for the purpose set forth.
Dated this 12th day of September 1889.
RUBI. ED. PHILLIPS, M.I.M.E.,
Consulting Engineer and Patent Agent,
Royal Courts Chambers, 70, 71 & 72, Chancery Lane, London, W.C.,
Agent for the Applicant.