IMPROVEMENTS IN RETAINING AND DRAWING OFF AERATED AND OTHER LIQUIDS, AND IN CHARGING VESSELS WITH GASEOUS FLUIDS APPLICABLE TO VESSELS FOR HOLDING SOLID MATTERS, AND ALSO AS A FASTENING FOR UTENSILS AND APPARATUS, AND IN HOLDERS FOR CIGARS
Year: 1851

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, THOMAS
MASTERS, of Regent Street, London, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain and Ireland,
bearing date at Westminster, the Eleventh day of December, in the fifteenth
year of Her reign, did give and grant unto me; the said Thomas Masters,
my exors, admors, and assigns, Her especial licence, full power, sole privi-
lege and authority, that I, the said Thomas Masters, my exors, admors, and
assigns, and such others as I, the said Thomas Masters, my exors, admors,
and assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time
and at all times thereafter during the term of years therein mentioned, should
and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within that part of the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland called England, the Dominion
of Wales, and Town of Berwick-on-Tweed, and in the Islands of Jersey,
Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, and Man, and in all Her Majesty's Colonies
and Plantations abroad, my Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN RETAINING AND
DRAWING OFF AERATED AND OTHER LIQUIDS, AND IN CHARGING VESSELS WITH
GASEOUS FLUIDS APPLICABLE TO VESSELS FOR HOLDING SOLID MATTERS, AND ALSO AS
A FASTENING FOR UTENSILS AND APPARATUS, AND IN HOLDERS FOR CIGARS;" in

page_text: which said Letters Patent there is contained a proviso that I, the said
Thomas Masters, shall particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said
Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, by an instru-
ment in writing under my hand and seal, to be enrolled in Her said Majesty's
High Court of Chancery within six calendar months from the day of the
date of the said in part recited Letters Patent, as, on reference thereto, will
more fully and at large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
Thomas Masters, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention, and in
what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following Instrument in writing, reference being
had to the two Sheets of Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the letters and
figures marked thereon (that is to say):
My improvements in aerating liquids, and in drawing off and retaining them,
consist,-
First, of an improved stopper or fastening for vessels used as containers of
those and other liquids, which is also applicable as a fastening for other
purposes.
Figure 1, in Sheet A of Drawings annexed, represents in vertical section a
bottle adapted for my improved fastening; and Figure 2, a like section of the
stopper. It consists of a thick washer or ring of india rubber a, a, placed on
the stem of the central piece b, and between the loose collar c and shoulder d
a nut e is screwed on to the stem b, which by drawing up the stem compresses
the india rubber a, a, thus causing it to expand in a lateral direction, and fill
the entire circumference of the recess f in the bottle neck. By thus expand-
ing the india rubber the stopper is effectually prevented from being withdrawn
from the bottle neck, and at the same time the joint is perfectly air-tight.
Figure 3 represents this mode of fastening applied to a jar, shewing the
india rubber a, a, expanded to fill the recess f in the neck. This covering is
readily removed and replaced by turning the milled head of the nut e, which
compresses or releases the india rubber by expanding or contracting within
and between the flange d and washer c. A similar fastening may be produced
with the recess for locking and permitting the expansion of the india rubber
on the exterior of the neck, by which a ready and perfect sealing of the vessel
may be effected, but I give preference to the method shewn.
Figures 5 and 6 represent similar fastenings to bottles for containing aerated
or other liquids, fitted with a means of drawing off those liquids. This consists
of a tube h, made either of glass or other suitable material, and furnished with
a button or bulb at the lower end, which forms a valve for the opening and

page_text: closing of the passage for the liquid. In Figure 5 a casing or tube of india
rubber i, i, is drawn over the bulb, which serves to draw up the tube and bulb.
It is drawn tight round the tube hat i, and secured at the top by a capping k;
which renders the whole air-tight, with the exception of the passage up the
pipe for the proper escape of the fluid when required. To permit the liquid
free passage up the tube when required holes are made in the india rubber
opposite the holes in the tube h, by which the liquid escapes when the valve is
depressed. The arrangement at Figure 6 is the same as the preceding, with
the exception that the india rubber tubing terminates at its point of attach-
ment () to the glass tube. I also adopt similar spring nozzles or orifices to
ordinary soda water or other bottles without the expanding fixture, by securing
such nozzles to those bottles by wires or other ordinary means, to perfect which
I apply a thickness of india rubber within the neek of the bottle, as will be
hereafter more particularly described.
Figure 7 represents a vertical section of a vessel for aerating liquids. The
upper or larger portion is the container for the liquid to be aerated, and the
lower part is the generator for the gas. Similar arrangements are used for
closing or stopping all these vessels, this having a second opening at the foot
for the introduction of the charge. A plug is placed within the narrow neck,
which plug is finely perforated, so that the liquid is prevented passing through
from above, while at the same time the gas has free passage upwards. A small
inverted vessel is secured to the stopper in the lower part, in which the
materials for aerating are placed, with a small quantity of water in the lower
compartment; this, when inverted, dissolves the soda and acid or other matters,
which fall out of the receptacle x, simultaneously generating the gas, which then
passes up through the plug into the liquid contained in the coinpartment
above.
Figure 8 is a somewhat similar description of vessel, but formed in two
parts, which are united by a double coupling joint, shewn separately at
Figure 9; the connection is effected by the expansion of the india rubber.
as before described, in the recesses f, f, of both parts forming the entire
apparatus. A perforated plug is inserted in the communication between the
upper and lower part of the vessel. The liquid in the upper vessel, when
aerated, may be drawn off by the tap attached to the junction piece.
Figure 10 represents a mode of acrating liquids contained in separate vessels,
the same generator serving to charge several vessels containing liquids to be
aerated. The several openings of these vessels are fitted, as before described.
with a valvular opening, which is opened and closed as described with refer-
ence to Figs. 5 and 6. The container A has the valvular opening so applied

page_text: at the bottom of that vessel that it receives the end of the pipe of a similar
opening on the receiver, and to make it tight it has a lining of india rubber at
the orifice. When the vessels are placed in connection, as represented in the
Figure, and the container pressed down on the receiver, both valves will be
opened, and the gas generated in the lower vessel will force its way up into the
container A and aerate the liquid therein. If necessary, the passage between
the two vessels may contain a finely-perforated plug to prevent the descent of
the liquid from above, and at the same time permitting a free passage for the
gas. A suitable stand is shewn for the support of the upper vessel on an
upright, which is sustained by a spring m, this permits the necessary depression
of that vessel on the discharge aperture of the generator. The containing
vessel A is provided with a syphon tap, constructed upon the same principle as
the discharge valves described at Figures 5 and 6.
Figure 11 represents an improved tap of glass or other suitable material,
from which the liquid escapes by the central pipe or stem A, which also acts
as a valve to stop the passage of the liquid. A covering of india rubber B is
drawn over the stem, which forms with the cap C an air-tight cover; perfora-
tions are made in the india rubber, through which the liquid passes and enters
the stem a by perforations d therein. The passage through the tap is kept
permanently closed by the bulb c being drawn against the contracted part of
the barrel, the interposition of the india rubber between those parts rendering
it tight. In drawing off liquids with this tap the stem a is forced backwards
by the lever g, or other suitable means, which thereby produces the required
passage. The contact of the bulb e with the contracted part f is behind the
holes in the india rubber, and is such that those apertures are effectually cut
off from the source of the liquid.
Figure 12 is another tap, to which india rubber is used as the means of
closing the passage by its contraction, and by its interposition between the
points of contact of the valve. The upper part of india rubber a is connected
to a central pipe b, which is soldered or otherwise permanently secured at the
top, as well as the cap, which thereby renders the whole perfectly water-
tight.
Figure 13 represents a common tap, with my improved mode of fixing i
into vessels or casks. a is the india rubber, which is expanded between the
nose end of the pipe and the nut c, as before explained.
In all these arrangements the india rubber used is that known as mineral
ized india rubber, which is now manufactured free from taste or smell, conse
quently it cannot impart any disagreeable flavor to the liquids, as is the cas
with that article in a vulcanized state.

page_text: Figure 14 is a scent bottle with a similar appliance at the orifice to that
described at Figures 5 and 6, by which the scent may be emitted at pleasure
by depressing the bent wire d, when it will escape at the perforated top. On
releasing the wire d the valve e will be closed by the contraction of the india
rubber f.
Figure 15 is a portable vessel for generating and charging bottles or other
vessels with aerated liquids, such as soda water. It consists of two parts,
A and B, both fitted with expansive caps, as described at Figures
and
having a pipe e forming a communication between them fitted; sulphuric acid
being placed in the upper vessel and carbonate of lime, or other suitable
materials in the lower, and both properly closed, the agitator h has communi-
cated thereto, when gas will be immediately generated. d is a mouth-piece,
such as before described with reference to the generator, Figure 10, which, by
the application of soda water bottles fitted as at Figures 5 and 6, both the
passage of the mouth-piece d and the passage of the bottle will be opened,
when the aerated liquid being under pressure will rush up at the pipe I in
the generator into the vessel so applied to the mouth-piece. Or vessels
may be charged at the bottom in the manner described in the vessel A,
Figure 10.
The fastening as described at Figure 1 is also applicable to a variety of
other purposes, such, for instance, as fastening handles to vessels where a
non-conductor of heat is desired to be interposed between the parts connected,
as in tea and coffee pots, care being taken that the india rubber is the only
material in contact. Handles and other parts so attached can be readily
detached and applied when required.
Sheet B represents others my improvements in taps or cocks for drawing
off aerated and other liquids.
Figure 16 shews a vertical section and Figure 17 a plan of a tap in which
mineralized india rubber is used, so as to form at once the plug or valve
spring to close the same, and also as a stuffing to prevent the passage of the
liquid at the stem, and is the india rubber drawn over an enlarged end 6 of
the stem c around which it is bound, as shown; the upper part of the rubber
a is received and held between the top and body of the tap, which are fixed
securely together. d is a thumb lever, by depressing the free end of which the
valve is raised, and the downward resistance of the india rubber overcome,
as also the pressure of the liquid which enters above the valve 6 by the con-
nection e: the passage of escape is at f.
Figure 18 represents another tap, in which mineralized india rubber is

page_text: similarly employed, the elastic force of which is, however, used to open the
a is the rubber. fixed to the stem c, and at the upper part of
passage.
tap, as described in the last. In this case the valve b is closed against the
liquid by the motion of an eccentric g, the periphery of which bears upon the
top of stem c; the cross lever h, or other suitable hand hold, is affixed to the
axis of the eccentric, by which it is caused to rotate as desired. The axis i
is mounted in supports k, k, froin the cover, to maintain its proper position.
The A is represented closed, having the largest diameter of the eccentric
bearing upon the stem, and at which point of the eccentric there is a slight
cavity, in order to prevent any tendency to turn by reason of the upward
pressure of the stem. On turning the eccentric to the dotted position, the
contraction of the india rubber a will force up the stem and leave a free
passage for the liquid; on again turning the eccentric to its original position,
the valve will be closed, and the further passage of liquid suspended.
Figure 18 represents in vertical section an arrangement of tap more suitable
to be manufactured in porcelain, glass, or other vitrified substance, with a
view to avoid the contact of metal with crated or other liquids liable to act
upon metals in this tap; the pressure of the liquid which enters by the passage
ftends to close the valve b. A metal cover is cemented or otherwise secured
to the barrel of the tap, to render it tight. The india rubber a is secured to a
socket piece g, as shewn, and so as to quite fill the upper part of barrel and
prevent contact of the fluid with the metal, the rubber a being at the same
time so distended so as to give a permanent tendency to elevate the valve b
and stem c from its seat h. The eccentric which is here shewn in edge view
is also applied to this tap for the purpose of closing and opening the valve
passage by depressing or releasing the stem c, as before described.
Another of my improvements in fastening or stopping bottles and other
vessels is represented at Figs. 19 and 20 which consists simply in the appli-
'cation of a coating or thickness of mineralized india rubber to corks or plugs
and bungs or covers for jars.
Fig. 19 represents a bottle-stopper. a is the india rubber, which is merely
a ring or thickness of that material placed on the body of the stopper, which
may be of glass, or other suitable material. This application of india rubber
affords sufficient elasticity to effect an air-tight stoppering, thereby obviating
the necessity of grinding or otherwise fitting glass or other rigid stoppers.
Fig. 20 represents this improvement applied to a jar. a is the india rubber
stretched round the cylindrical part of the cover, as represented at Fig. 19,
and indicated by the sectional view Fig. 20.

page_text: Fig. 21 represents an improved mode of charging vessels with aerated
liquids. This vessel I make of iron, stone ware, or porcelain of considerable
strength. I place a second and moveable vessel b, b, within the larger one
(a, a), into which smaller vessel I put the material for generating the gas with
a small quantity of water. The small vessel is quickly covered by a stopper,
such as last described, or inserted into the vessel, and which is then closed at
the orifice by means of the stopper or covering first herein described. The
material being in a crystalline state, generate the gas but slowly at first.
The gas passes off from the upper part of the vessel b the pipe d, down
which it descends and escapes below a partition e, and thence by the perfora-
tion amongst, and so as to mix intimately with, the liquid contained in the
vessel a, a, to be aerated. By this means the cold produced by the genera-
tion of the gas in the vessel bacts upon and cools the liquid under operation.
The pressure of gas being in equilibrium in the two vessels a and b, any con-
siderable strength is not required in the small vessel b. The aerated liquid is
drawn off by means of the pipe g and tap h; the pressure of the gas discharging
it as well understood.
Fig. 22 represents another improvement in charging vessels with acrated
liquids. It consists of a vessel in two compartments, which, however, have
only one main external opening. The liquid to be aerated is placed in the
lower or longer vessel a, when a plug c is inserted, which effectually separates
the two compartments a and b. The materials for generating the gas are
placed in with a sufficient quantity of water for the purpose, and the stopper
inserted and fixed. The gas generated in 6 passes off by the passage d, which
also forms a handle for the vessel, and by which the gas is carried down d
and discharged into the liquid contained in a by the passage e, thereby aerating
the liquid. A second passage forms a communication up d to the pipe g
which encircles the vessel, and to which the discharged top (h) is applied.
This vessel is represented standing in a cooler shown in dotted lines, for the
purpose of charging the liquid with gas, reducing its temperature at the same
time.
Fig. 23 represents a portable vessel for charging bottles with gas, such
bottles containing liquid to be aerated; it is the chamber in which the gas is
generated, as well understood. From this vessel a it is conveyed by a pipe G
to a horizontal chamber c, c, in which are situated at suitable distances several
screw nipples d, d, d, by which the gas is delivered. The application of soda
water bottles, and others containing liquids to be aerated, is somewhat similar
to that described with reference to Figs. 10 and 15, Sheet A, in which the

page_text: pressure exerted in the valvular orifice of the bottle and the nipple or discharge
aperture causes both valves to recede, and thereby to produce the common
communication desired, and which is suspended immediately on the cessation
of the pressure. In this case the pressure is produced by screwing the nozzle
of the bottles to the several nipples, as represented in dotted lines, the valvular
orifices being so arranged that their valves are forced from their seats by the
hold of the screw nipples, which thereby retain the bottles and establish a
permanent communication so long as the bottles are allowed to remain. By
this means the gas finds the access into the bottles so applied, thereby aerating
the liquid they may contain. On removing the bottles both valves close, which
prevents the escape
of gas or liquid from the bottle by the further emission of
gas at the nipples. Thus any number of bottles may be simultaneously
charged by the same apparatus.
Another part of my improvements refer to the fastening and closing of
ice moulds, jelly moulds, pudding moulds, and other vessels used in con-
fectionary or culinary purposes where it is desired to make an air and water
tight joint.
Fig. 24 is a vertical section of a jelly mould, and Fig. 25 an underside plan
of the same. The improvement consists in the application of a belt or band
a, a, of india rubber applied round the joint or external part of union of the
cover with the body c of the mould. The plan of the mould is represented
circular, but this will vary according to the shape of the mould; in all cases
the periphery or imitation of the cover with the mould must be rendered of
uniform surface by a thickness ring d, as will afford a proper contact surface
on which the india rubber ring will collapse.
Fig. 26 represents an elastic fastening, whereby I connect the rotary
brushes of knife-cleaning machines. a is the spindle; b, a flange fixed thereto
to which one of the brushes are fixed in dotted lines; c is a bush which slides
freely on the spindle, and is connected to the flange b by a piece of vulcanized
india rubber tube d securely fixed to both. The socket has a flange e adjusted
on it by a screw. The other brush is fixed to the flange e, which, with the
socket c, is caused to turn with the spindle a by means of a "feather;" con-
considerable tention is exerted on the india rubber, which produces a perma
nent contact, subject to elasticity, whereby a uniform pressure is exerted on
the knife.
The last part of my Invention refers to a capsule or mouth-piece for cigar
represented at Fig. 27. The improvement consists in making it of mineralized
india rubber.
This mouth-piece or cigar-holder collapses close on the cigar

page_text: gives a firm hold, and also a more pleasant substance to hold in the mouth
than the ordinary hard substances employed for that purpose.
THOMAS (L.S.) MASTERS.
Signed, sealed, and delivered, by the
within-named Thomas Masters, in
the presence of
CHARLES BARLOW.
THOMAS (L.S.) MASTERS.
Signed, sealed, and delivered, by the
within-named Thomas Masters, in
the presence of
CHARLES BARLOW.
June 11, 1852.
Enrolled the Eleventh day of June, in the year of our Lord One thousand