Improved Means applicable for Use in Stoppering Bottles and other Vessels.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 8th Nov., 1895
Complete Specification Left, 7th Sept., 1896-Accepted, 24th Oct., 1896
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improved Means applicable for Use in Stoppering Bottles and
other Vessels.
I, LOUIS. LEFRANC, of Tracy le Val (Oise), in the French Republic, Engineer,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to stoppering bottles; and consists in the employment of
a stopper of compressible material, which is pressed into contact with the sides
or walls of the orifice with the aid of a wedge, which latter may be formed
as a screw or otherwise, and which is forced into a hole or cavity in the said
stopper.
According to one mode of carrying out this invention, the stopper is composed
of two parts a compressible part and a compressing part-each of which may vary
in form and dimensions according to the uses for which they are designed or to the
means employed in their construction.
The compressible part is cylindrical and is composed of any suitable material.
Its upper end is thickened or furnished with an annular flange which serves as a
stop against the lip of the orifice to be closed; while the lower part is arranged
to pass easily into the orifice. Throughout a portion or the whole of its length,
the cylinder is made hollow; the hole being cylindrical or conical. This hole
receives the compressing part or wedge, which consists preferably of a conical bolt
of appropriate material, but larger in diameter than the hole made for its reception
in the compressible part; the said bolt or wedge being of such a character that it
shall be in immediate contact with the entire surface of the hole into which it is
introduced.
In stoppering a bottle according to the improved method, the cylindrical or
compressible part is inserted in the neck. When the flange bears upon the lip of
the orifice, the bolt or compressing part is forced into the hole in the compressible
part, and with slight percussion or pressure is forced home or driven in until
resistance is felt to the insertion by the rigidity of the neck itself. To ensure
the fixing of the bolt and the effecting the stoppering, it is, however, usually
sufficient to slightly tap or press the bolt into the cylindrical or compressible
part.
The conditions under which the stoppering is thus effected will be readily under-
stood. The conical bolt, whereof the thickened section is forced into the cylinder
with the downward movement, forms a wedge whereby the cylinder is compressed
against and makes tight contact with the wall of the neck or orifice; the com-
pression being such that the stopper withstands, without risk of escape, pressures
which the bottle cannot bear.
In some cases, a small disc or flap may be placed below the bolt for preventing
escape, should the stoppering operation be badly effected and a vacuum result
between the bolt and the compressible part.
When it is desired to withdraw the stopper, it is necessary to release the bolt
with the aid of nippers, and then to remove the cylinder by hand, by means of
the flange thereon. Or a hole may be formed in the outer extremity of the bolt,
into which a suitable device or a metallic rod may be inserted. Upon exerting a
pull by the aid of this rod, the bolt may be disengaged from the hole in the
compressible part.

page_text: This latter method is particularly adapted for withdrawing the improved stoppers
from bottles containing effervescent wines, in which it is desired that the stopper
should fly out.
By nearly loosening the bolt and keeping it in the hole, the compressible part
regains its original volume and, under the pressure of the gas in the bottle, finally
flies out in a similar manner to the ordinary cork stopper.
In the manufacture of the improved stoppers, it is necessary to employ cylinders
of very supple and homogeneous material in order to obtain a regular compression
and avoid breakages. It is, moreover, necessary to ensure tight and perfect fitting,
especially in the case of effervescent wines.
The bolts require to be absolutely incompressible and impermeable.
In order to prevent the material whereof the stopper is composed being attacked
by the liquid contained in the bottle or other receptacle, the stopper may be
furnished with a thin metal capsule of copper, iron, zinc, aluminium, nickel, or
other suitable metal. This capsule may enclose the stopper and may be fitted
thereto. It must occupy nearly the entire diameter of the neck and should be of
such a substance as to allow of being pressed out, and possess a certain amount of
suppleness. This capsule may be secured to the stopper so as to ensure its being
withdrawn therewith, or it may be made with a flange at its outer or upper end;
the flange being either attached to the capsule, or the capsule and flange may be
produced in one piece by spinning or stamping.
This capsule may also be made in several parts fitted together; but the
arrangement above described is preferable, and may, for example, cover the cylinder.
In some cases it is unnecessary to protect the entire surface of the stopper, and
a smaller capsule may be used. This capsule is attached at the lower part of the
stopper; and as this capsule is not subjected to flexion or compression it may be
made of glass, porcelain, metal, celluloid, or other suitable material.
In stoppering bottles of effervescent wines, this latter arrangement has the
advantage of enabling the stoppers to fly out with the rapid loosening of the
bolt.
According to another mode of carrying out my invention, the stopper may
comprise a cylinder of wood in which is formed a cylindrical or conical hole or
cavity, or in which several holes or cavities are made. This hole extends from the
inner end or base of the stopper for nearly two-thirds its height; the stopper
terminating at its upper end in a solid portion. This solid head may be capable
of being introduced into the neck with the other portion of the stopper, or it may
maintain an outside position, in which case the head may be enlarged. The stopper
may be slightly chamfered towards its base in order to facilitate insertion into the
bottle neck or orifice.
This last described arrangement is more particularly applicable for stoppering
bottles containing effervescent wines. It will indeed be observed that the hollow
cylinder under the force of the gases contained in the bottle expands against the
wall of the orifice and constitutes a joint of similar character to the leather of a
pump piston.
tor
In the manufacture of the compressible cylinders and of the bolts for use
therewith any suitable materials may be employed, such as leather, pasteboard,.
india-rubber, gutta-percha or the like. It has also been found that wood prepared
in a special manner acquires the qualities of suppleness and compressibility
in certain degrees, enabling it to be employed in connection with the present
invention.
It is known that wood, apart from the residue, after certain substances have
been extracted, is composed of cellulose and incrusting materials, or "célustase."
According as these materials are present in greater or smaller proportions so
is the wood more or less hard, more or less supple, more or less dense or more or
less strong.
:
It is also known that "célustase" is a mixture of which the ingredients are
lignose, lignone, lignin and lignireose, all these being extractible from wood when.

page_text: the latter is treated with alcohol, ether, chloroform, chlorine, ammonia or fixed
alkaline solutions.
With these data in view, it has been thought that in order to render wood
supple it is necessary wholly or partially to free the same from the said incrusting
materials, and with this object, the following mode of procedure has been
devised.
The wood, whether in a worked or unworked condition, is steeped, during a
period of time which varies with the degree of suppleness desired, either in
alcohol, ether or chloroform, or—which is simpler and cheaper-in chlorated water,
ammonia, or a potash or soda lye, or a solution of alkaline silicate or aluminate, or
the wood may be immersed in any alkaline lye, for instance, a solution of alkaline
hypochlorite or of carbonate.
These lyes or solutions may be employed either in a hot or cold state, and at
various points of concentration.
When the solution has accomplished its action upon the wood, the latter is
washed in hot or cold water to remove the last traces of the reagent. The latter
may also be neutralized by washing in slightly acidulated water; the wood being
immersed in a solution of sulphuric acid, the concentration of which varies
according to the species of wood to be treated. Usually a liquor of 10 to
15 per cent. of SO, is found sufficient. The immersion is allowed to continue until
the wood has assumed a character similar to that of cork, or until it becomes
somewhat friable between the fingers. For inducing this alteration in the wood,
it may be subjected either to heat or pressure, or be treated in a vacuum.
On leaving the acid solution, the wood is lixiviated down to absolute neutrality
either' in hot or cold water; when it will have attained a remarkable degree of
suppleness.
Instead of sulphuric acid, any other suitable acid, or mixtures of any acids, or
even any other reagent capable of acting on cellulose and its derivatives may be
used; sulphuric acid being preferred because it has been found to give good results.
It is also procurable at a moderate price, and is capable of being applied with
facility. The above described operations may be reversed, and may be repeated
until the desired degree of suppleness is obtained.
After this treatment, owing to the partial or total elimination of the incrusting
materials, the wood has become supple. At the same time, owing to the cellulo-
vascular tissues having been separated from its constitutive parts, the wood is
rendered more permeable and porous than in its natural state. This is a serious
inconvenience when employing wood for the purposes of this invention, but which
is overcome by the treatment hereinafter described.
In order to render wood, treated in the manner above described, impermeable,
non-porous or dense, it is necessary to replace the materials extracted therefrom
by materials capable of filling the cells so emptied and of remaining therein
in an insoluble state. For this purpose the wood is treated in the following
manner :-
The wood having been rendered supple and washed, it is plunged into paraffin,
stearine, wax or the like in a heated condition. The effect of this treatment will
be readily understood. For example, when moistened wood is put into paraffin at
100 degrees, evaporation of the water contained in the pores or cells immediately
results. As the water evaporates, the paraffin takes its place in the cells, and,
when all the water has been expelled and the wood cooled, it is found to be
unchanged in tissue, impermeable, supple and to some extent ductile.
This operation, may be conducted in the atmosphere, but good results may be
obtained if conducted in a vacuum.
In certain cases, paraffin, stearine or the like cannot be employed. Under such
conditions, the wood is rendered impermeable by plunging it in a solution of gutta-
percha, india-rubber, gum or any resin, in any suitable manner, or in a mixture of
paraffin and gutta-percha. These means may with advantage be applied under
pressure.

page_text: The method of rendering wood supple and impermeable may be used either in
connection with worked or with unworked wood.
When using wood treated in the manner herein described in the manufacture of
stoppers, the bolt or wedge may be dispensed with; the stopper being cylindrical
or conical, and having an annular rim or projection at the base. A cavity is formed
in the top of the stopper for facilitating its withdrawal from the bottle or other
receptacle. In order to withdraw the stopper, a cork-screw is inserted in the
cavity. By turning the cork-screw, the convolutions thereof bite into the sides of
the cavity; a sufficient hold being thereby afforded for the withdrawal of the
stopper.
Improved Means applicable for Use in Stoppering Bottles and other
Vessels.
I, LOUIS LEFRANC, of Tracy le Val (Oise), in the French Republic, Engineer,
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:--
This invention relates to stoppering bottles and other vessels or receptacles; and
consists in the employment of a stopper of compressible material, which is pressed
into contact with the sides or walls of the orifice with the aid of a wedge, which
latter may be formed as a screw or otherwise, and which is forced into a hole or
cavity in the said stopper.
The accompanying drawings represent examples of stoppers constructed according
to the improved method.
According to one mode of carrying out this invention, illustrated in Fig. 1, the
stopper is composed of two parts-a compressible part C and a compressing part D
-each of which may vary in form and dimensions according to the uses for which
they are designed or to the means employed in their construction.
The compressible part C comprises a cylindrical part of suitable material; its
upper end being thickened, or furnished with an annular flange A which serves as a
stop against the lip of the orifice to be closed; while its lower part is arranged to
pass easily into the orifice. The flange A may be integral with the part C or
attached thereto by suitable means. Throughout a portion or the whole of its
length, the cylinder C is made hollow; the hole B being cylindrical or conical.
This hole receives the compressing part or wedge which consists preferably of a
conical bolt D of appropriate material, but preferably larger in diameter than the
hole made for its reception in the compressible part; the said bolt or wedge being
of such a character that it shall be in immediate contact with the entire surface of
the hole into which it is introduced.
In stoppering a bottle according to the improved method, the cylindrical or
compressible part C is inserted in the neck. When the flange A bears upon the
lip of the orifice, the bolt or compressing part D is forced into the bole B in the
compressible part, and with slight percussion or pressure is forced home or driven
in until resistance is felt to the insertion by the rigidity of the neck itself. To
ensure the fixing of the bolt, and to effect the closing of the orifice of the bottle, it
is, however, usually sufficient to slightly tap or press the bolt into the cylindrical
or compressible part which may be accomplished by hand.

page_text: The conditions under which the stoppering is thus effected will be readily
understood. The conical bolt, whereof the thickened section is forced into the
cylinder with the downward movement, forms a wedge whereby the cylinder is
compressed against and makes tight contact with the wall of the neck or orifice;
the compression being such that the stopper withstands, without the risk of escape,
pressure which the bottle cannot bear.
In some cases a small disc, forming a flap, may be placed below the bolt for
preventing escape, should the stoppering operation be badly effected and a vacuum
result between the bolt and the compressible part.
When it is desired to withdraw the stopper, the bolt D is released with the aid
of nippers, the cylinder being removed by hand, by means of the flange thereon.
Or a hole d may be formed in the outer extremity of the bolt D into which a
suitable device such as a metal rod may be inserted. Upon exerting a pull by the
aid of this rod (not shown), the bolt may be disengaged from the compressible part.
This latter method is particularly adapted for withdrawing the improved stoppers
from bottles containing effervescent wines, in which it is desired that the stopper
should fly out. By nearly loosening the bolt D and keeping it in the compressible
part C the latter regains its original volume, and, under the pressure of the gas in
the bottle, flies out in a similar manner to the ordinary cork stopper.
In the manufacture of the improved stoppers it is necessary to employ cylinders
of very supple and homogeneous material in order to obtain a regular compression
and avoid breakages. It is, moreover, necessary to ensure tight and perfect fitting,
especially in the case of effervescent wines. The bolts require to be absolutely
incompressible and impermeable.
In order to prevent the material, whereof the stopper is composed being attacked
by the liquid contained in the bottle or other receptacle, the stopper may be
furnished with a thin capsule of copper, iron, zinc, aluminium, nickel or other
suitable metal. This capsule may enclose the stopper and may be fitted thereto.
It must occupy nearly the entire diameter of the neck, and should be of such a
substance as to allow of being pressed out, and it should possess a certain amount
of suppleness. This capsule may be secured to the cylindrical part C of the
stopper so as to ensure its being withdrawn therewith or it may be made with a
flange at its outer or upper end; the flange being either attached to the capsule, or
the capsule and flange may be produced in one piece by spinning or stamping.
This capsule may also be made in several parts fitted together; but the
arrangement shown in Fig. 2 is preferred and may, for example, cover the
cylinder C.
In some cases it is unnecessary to protect the entire surface of the stopper.
A smaller capsule, Fig. 3, may then be used. This capsule is attached at the
lower part of the stopper C; and as this capsule is not subjected to flexion or
compression it may be made of any suitable material, such as glass, porcelain,
metal, celluloid.
In stoppering bottles of effervescent wines, this latter arrangement has the
advantage of enabling the stoppers to fly out with the rapid loosening of the bolt.
According to another mode of carrying out the invention, illustrated in Figs. 4,
5 and 6, the stopper may comprise a cylinder of wood in which is formed a
cylindrical or conical hole or cavity (Figs. 4 and 5) or in which several holes or
cavities are made (Fig. 6). This hole extends from the inner end or base of the
stopper for nearly two-thirds its height; the stopper terminating at its upper end
in a solid portion. This solid head may be capable of being introduced into the
neck with the other portion of the stopper, or it may maintain an outside position,
in which case the head may be enlarged as shown in Fig. 5. The stopper may be.
lightly chamfered towards its base in order to facilitate insertion into the bottle
neck or other orifice to be closed.
This last described arrangement is more particularly applicable for stoppering
bottles containing effervescent wines. It will indeed be observed that the hollow
cylinder under the force of the gases contained in the bottle expands against the

page_text: wan of the ornice and constitutes a joint of similar character to the leather of a
pump piston.
In the manufacture of the compressible cylinders and of the bolts for use
therewith any suitable materials may be employed, such as leather, pasteboard,
india-rubber, gutta-percha or the like. It has also been found that wood prepared
in a special manner acquires the qualities of suppleness and compressibility in
certain degrees enabling it to be employed in connection with the present
invention.
It is known that wood, apart from the residue, after certain substances have
been extracted, is composed of cellulose and incrusting materials or "célustase."
According as these materials are present in greater or smaller proportions so is
the wood more or less hard, supple, dense or strong.
It is also known that célustase is a mixture of which the ingredients are lignose,
lignoue, liguin and lignireose, all these being extractible from wood when the latter
is treated with alcohol, ether, chloroform, chlorine, ammonia or fixed alkaline
solutions.
With these data in view, in order to render wood supple, it is necessary to
wholly or partially free the same from the said incrusting materials, and, with this
object, the following mode of procedure has been devised.
The wood, whether in a worked or unworked condition, is steeped, during a
period of time which varies with the degree of suppleness desired, either in alcohol,
ether, or chloroform, or-which is simpler and cheaper-in chlorated water,
ammonia, or a potash or soda lye, or a solution of alkaline silicate or aluminate, or
in any alkaline lye, for instance, a solution of alkaline hypochlorite or of carbonate.
These lyes or solutions may be employed either in a hot or cold state and at
various points of concentration.
The solution having acted upon the wood, the latter is washed in hot or cold
water to remove the last traces of the reagent which may be neutralized by using
slightly acidulated water in the washing; the wood, in the latter case, being
immersed in a solution of sulphuric acid, the concentration of which varies
according to the species of wood to be treated. Usually a liquor of 10 to
15 per cent. of SO, is found sufficient. The immersion is allowed to continue until
the wood has assumed a character similar to that of cork, or until it becomes
somewhat friable between the fingers. For inducing this alteration in the wood,
it may be subjected either to heat or pressure, or be treated in a vacuum.
On leaving the acid solution, the wood is lixiviated down to absolute neutrality
either in hot or cold water; when it will have attained a remarkable degree of
suppleness.
Instead of sulphuric acid, any other suitable acid or mixtures of acids, or even
any other reagent capable of acting on cellulose and its derivatives may be used;
sulphuric acid being preferred because it has been found to give good results. It is
also procurable at a moderate price, and is capable of being applied with facility.
The above described operations may be reversed, and may be repeated until the
desired degree of suppleness is obtained.
After this treatment, owing to the partial or total elimination of the incrusting
materials, the wood has become supple. At the same time, owing to the cellulo-
vascular tissues having been separated from its constitutive parts, the wood is
rendered more permeable and porous than in its natural state. This is a serious
inconvenience when employing wood for the purposes of this invention, but which
is overcome by the treatment hereinafter described.
In order to render wood treated in the manner above described impermeable,
non-porous or dense, it is necessary to replace the materials extracted therefrom by
materials capable of filling the cells so emptied and of remaining therein in an
insoluble state. For this purpose the wood is treated in the following manner :-
The wood, supple and washed, is plunged into paraffin, stearin, wax or the like
in a heated condition. The effect of this treatment will be readily understood.
For example, when moistened wood is put into paraffin at 100 degrees, evaporation

page_text: of the water contained in the pores or cells immediately results. As evaporation
takes place, the paraffin occupies the cells, and when all the water has been expelled.
and the wood cooled, it is found to be unchanged in tissue, impermeable, supple
and to some extent ductile.
This operation may be conducted in the open air, but good results may be
obtained if conducted in a vacuum.
In certain cases, paraffin, stearin or the like cannot be employed. The wood is
then rendered impermeable by plunging it in a solution of gutta-percha, indin-
rubber, gum, resin, in the ordinary manner, or in a mixture of paraffin and gutta-
percha. These means may with advantage be applied under pressure.
The method of rendering wood supple and impermeable may be used either in
connection with worked or unworked wood.
When using wood treated in the manner herein described in the manufacture of
stoppers, the bolt or wedge D (Fig. 1) may be dispensed with, and the stopper be
made cylindrical or conical, as shown in Fig. 7, with an annular rim or projection G
at the base and a cavity F formed in the top thereof; the latter facilitating its
withdrawal from the bottle or other receptacle. To withdraw this stopper, a cork-
screw is inserted in the cavity F and, on turning the same, the convolutions thereof
bite into the sides of the cavity and afford a sufficient hold for the withdrawal of
the stopper.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I claim :-
1. The improved means for stoppering bottles or similar receptacles, substantially
as herein described, and comprising a compressible part and a compressing part,
the latter operating to force the former into contact with the walls of the orifice
and thus to maintain a tight closure.
2. The use in conjunction with a compressible part or stopper, such as C, of a.
protecting cap or capsule substantially as described with reference to Fig. 2 or to
Fig. 3 of the accompanying drawings and for the purposes specified.
3. For stoppering bottles or similar receptacles, the employment of stoppers
constructed or operating substantially as described with reference to Figs. 4, 5 or 6.
of the accompanying drawings; the same comprising a wooden cylinder, formed
with a cavity or with cavities, preferably of diminishing diameter towards its.
entering end, and provided or not with an enlarged head.
4. In the treatment of wood intended for use in stoppering bottles, the herein.
described mode of rendering the same supple and impermeable, consisting in.
steeping the wood in alcohol, ether, chloroform, chlorated water or other alternative
solution, either in a hot or cold state, then washing it in water, with or without the
addition of an acid, for the purpose of neutralizing the reagent, and finally
immersing it in paraffin, stearin or wax in a heated condition, or in any of the
alternative solutions with a view to imparting impermeability.
5. The improved wood stopper constructed or operating substantially as described
with reference to Fig. 7 of the accompanying drawings, same being cylindrical or
conical in form, and having an annular rim or projection at its entering end and a.
cavity in the top.
D
..
.
3000