Year: 1888

page_text: I EUGENE BARBE of 126 Boulevard Richard Lenoir, Paris in the Republic of
France, Civil 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 consists in a new system of supplying liquid automatically to the
vats or tanks in which the vinegar is formed whether filled or not with shavings or
other convenient material, the result of which is to effect a great economy in the
manufacture of vinegar, to obtain a more regular fermentation, to reduce the loss
resulting from evaporation, to increase by continuous action day and night, the
capacity for output of vinegar, to reduce the accidents of manufacture and finally to
dispense with much manual labour.
This system consists principally in the utilization of air, to produce periodically an
action resulting either from the compression or rarefaction thereof, in other words it
consists in effecting the purpose intended by the use of suitable apparatus through the
medium of compressed or of rarefied air.
The compression of air is effected 1) by means of an apparatus itself put in motion
by compressed air or other power and provided for the purpose with bellows, which,
by means of a general conduit pipe force the necessary quantity of air into a number
of feed vessels provided with syphon tubes and arranged above the acetification vats, in
order to force the liquid, to flow out by the syphons which, when fairly charged,
commence and continue to draw off the contents of the feed vessels int the vats
placed below, 2) by means of a hydrostatic balance provided with bellows as herein-
after described.
The rarefication of the air is obtained by means of the same apparatus arranged

page_text: however to open the bellows instead of closing the same and the action; though
effected in the reverse manner produces the flowing of all the syphon tubes in the feed
vessels just as well as the compression. of the air.
The emptying of the feed vessels into the vats or acetification tanks is effected at
equal intervals of time, the duration of the intervals being according to the capacity of
the vats, the composition or nature of the liquor from which the vinegar is to be made
or the quantity of liquid to be acetified, it is obtained by the simple action of the
pneumatic apparatus or of the hydrostatic balance.
The pneumatic apparatus serves at the same time as counter and as motor, it is
composed of a base plate, and a frame supporting a small bellows into which
compressed air is admitted in order to open or swell said bellows, by this movement
it lifts up by rods or otherwise, a system of hooks and weights and also lifts up
the plate of a larger bellows, taking its air from the general conduit pipe.
When the weight has attained a certain height, the hooks holding it abut against
a fixed tappet, so that they open and abandon the weight, which falling down
suddenly, opens the valve of the small bellows, so that the air in it can escape,
while the big bellows, opened by the same movement will, now shut by the simple
pressure of its upper plate and drives the air contained in it forcibly into the
general conduit pipe in communication with the feed vessels so that the syphon
tubes are charged by the pressure of air, and commence to flow.
The admission of compressed air into the small bellows (motor bellows) is
regulated by a hand cock.
The air which had free acess into the big bellows is forced out by the upper
plate thereof, which closes it, the weight of the plate is calculated to balance the
weight of the liquid required to be driven into the syphon tubes to bring them
into automatic action.
The same effect may be obtained by aspiration by opening forcibly the large
bellows instead of closing it.
The hydrostatic balance is composed of two levers provided with counter balance
weights to balance a certain weight of liquid, as soon as this weight is attained,
the two levers by their arrangement part with each other, when the second has
abandoned the first, which may be called the compensation lever it increases its force
and oscillates. The principal lever then moves a connecting rod which opens or closes a
bellows according to the employment of rarefied or of compressed air. The liquid
contained in the vessel of the balance, being provided with a syphon tube will flow
off by reason of the inclination given to this vessel which causes it to arrive over
the summit of the syphon, so that it flows off either into a tub being in communi-
cation with the float valve tank by a pipe in case the liquid to be converted into
vinegar is used for motive power or it runs into a suitable waste when simply water is
employed as soon as a certain quantity of liquid has flown out of the vessel on the
balance and the equilibrium is restored, the principal lever returns into its original
position after striking in this motion a small lever which yields for about one
milimetre or so to let the principal lever pass under it. The syphon will continue
however to empty the vessel until its action ceases in the usual way. The flow
of the liquid into the vessel of the balance is never interrupted but only
regulated by a small cock, the vessel will therefore be filled again in a certain lapse
of time and as we have seen, this weight of the liquid puts the balance in motion
which makes act, forcing air into or drawing it from the conduit pipe and the feed
vessels so as to bring into action the syphons of the latter as before .explained.
The refilling of the feed vessels is effected by any known means, the hydrostatic
balance may also be used as a counter and as a motor.
The same result may be obtained by any other means without departing from
the principle of the invention, for instance by means of a strong clockwork with
special cog wheels or pinions being arranged to open or close, the bellows mentioned
above or by means of an arrangement of receivers fed by the constant flow of a
liquid which may compress air at the surface in one part of the receiver and a

page_text: valve be arranged to open by pressure and let the air pass into the conduit-pipe
whereupon a float might open the valve of a syphon and the whole contents of the
receiver might he withdrawn with the same device for each of the feed vessels to
empty them into the vats.
The interval might be regulated by the introduction in a given time of always an
equal amount of liquid into the said receiver, as for the balance before mentioned.
The feed-vessels are composed of a bottom-plate in china or suitable material having
three holes, one for the admission of liquid, the second for the air-pipe and the third
for the syphon; of a glass-body without a bottom, united with the plate by a rubber-
band, and finally of a cap or cover also united to the glass-body by means of a rubber
band.
On the horizontal plank or frame supporting the feed-vessels are arranged two pipes
of glass or other material, one starting from the float-tank for the liquid, to be turned
into vinegar, the other starting from the bellows of the pneumatic apparatus or from
the bellows of the balance or any other apparatus, compressing or rarifying air; both
are provided with reference to each feed-vessel with T unions in china, glass or other
suitable material; the first mentioned pipe or liquid feed pipe is in communication by
a rubber tube with the pipe into the bottle and the second or air feed-pipe with an air
tube of glass, passing up into the feed-vessel its upper end standing above the level of
the summit of the syphon therein.
The liquid to be converted into vinegar is led into the vessel by a general feed-pipe,
so that all the bottles are in communication with each other and the liquid is always
at equal level in each, being equal also to the level of liquid in the common feed. tank
for said vessels in which the liquid is not suffered to rise more than sufficient to bring
the level of liquid in the vessels to a distance of a few centimeters under the summit
of the syphons, ready for the next pulsation of air, either by compression to force the
liquid into the syphons and make them flow, or by aspiration to produce the same
action.
But the liquid might remain in equilibrium in the syphons, and in order to make
them continue to flow, it is necessary to introduce into the vessels an equal quantity
of air.
For this purpose either on the air conduit-pipe or on the compression bellow is
arranged an air-valve provided with a cork-ball, which during the pulsation is lifted up
and completely shuts the opening, so that the air can be compressed, and will exert
the pression on the liquid, which makes it flow out of the syphons; but this ball,
under the action of the vacuum, formed when the liquid commences to flow, falls
immediately back on its seat, which is provided with channels to let the air into the
conduit-pipe and into the vessels, to replace the liquid drawn; then at the rate that
the vessels fill again for a new feeding, the air contained therein and driven out by
the entering liquid, can slowly escape through the air-valve. When rarification of the
air is employed, the feed-vessels can be provided with a simple glass-pipe, passing
through the cap and having its lower end immersed in the liquid about 1 or 2 centi-
meters under the surface, so that it is sealed by the liquid, which permits the
aspiration to charge the syphons. This same arrangement may also be employed for
the compression.
The four accompanying sheets of drawings represent the invention in all its
details.
Fig. 1 is a sectional elevation of a vinegar apparatus fed automatically, where the
vats are filled with beech-shavings, for the manufacture of vinegar from wort or
alcoholic liquors.
Fig. 2 is a sectional elevation of a vinegar apparatus fed automatically, composed of
vats for large area of exposed surface said vats being superposed, and with over-flow
on the Pasteur-system, for the manufacture of vinegar. from wine, cider and other
fruit-liquors.
Fig. 3 is a plan-view of the vats.
Fig. 4 is a side elevation of a feed-vessel, provided with its pipes, in communication
with the anomal conduit-nines for liquid and air.

page_text: Fig. 5 is a section through the vessel of the balance at the moment before its
oscillation.
Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the same in its position, after oscillation of the lever,
showing the syphon charged.
Fig. 7 is a view with longitudinal section of the bellows of the balance.
Fig. 8 is a section through the axis of an air-valve, admitting air into the vessels
and allowing its exit by openings arranged in the valve-seat.
Fig. 9 is a section through the axis of one of the feed-vessels.
Fig. 10 is a plan-view of the bottom of said vessel.
Fig. 11 is a section through the axis of a T union used at the connection of the two
main conduit-pipes with respective feed-vessels.
Fig. 12 is a section through the axis of a china-rose, with two pipe-ends to be
used for the distribution of the liquid over the shavings.
Fig. 13 is a plan-view of the same.
Fig. 14 is a section through the axis of an electric alarm, indicating at any distance,
if applied to one of the feed-vessels or on the air-conduit-pipe, that the pulsation is
regularly effected at equal intervals, or if placed on the float-tank, that something
unusual is occuring in the feeding of the vats.
Fig. 15 is a front elevation of the pneumatic apparatus.
Fig. 16 is the side elevation of the same.
Fig. 17 is a vertical section through the axis of the system of the counter-balance-
weight and the valves of the motor-bellows for compressed air.
The same letters and numbers of reference indicate similar parts throughout the
figures.
a and a¹ are lower and upper floors respectively of the factory.
b and b¹ are the beams supporting the vats and vessels.
care vats filled with shavings.
. c¹ are vats of the "Pasteur" system.
d hollow cross for the division of air the current at the base of the vats.
d' inlet of air in the vats.
e outlet of air.
beech-shavings or other suitable known matter.
g thermometer indicating the temperature in the tank.
h rose placed in the centre line of each tank provided below with a number of small
holes of conical form having above two pipe ends in opposite position for the inlet
of liquid and outlet of air respectively.
pipe for the circulation of air in the rose.
i a removable conical lid made in two parts and supporting the rose.
j standard placed above the vats carrying the plank or frame for the feed vessels
and pipes therefor.
(Fig. 4) cross rail supported at its ends by two wooden set screws working
vertically for its adjustment.
said set screw for regulation of the height of rail j¹ used to level the plank k.
k plank carrying the feed vessels and the pipes therefor.
I main conduit pipe for the liquid to be turned into vinegar.
m main conduit pipe of the air.
n union of china inserted into the main conduit pipes in front of each feed
vessel.
o feed vessels for the vats.
o bottom plate thereof with three holes.
0³
cap.
or cover to the feed vessels.
o rubber bands to unite the parts of feed vessels.
0 rubber joints or packings between the glass tubes and the bottom of the vessel.
p rubber and glass pipes leading the liquid from the main feed pipe into the feed
vessels.
pl rubber and glass pipes .establishing the communication between the air conduit
pipe and the feed vessels.
5

page_text: p² air pipe in the cap of the reed vessels.
rubber tube establishing communication between the syphons and the roses in
r syphons of the feed vessel.
he vats.
sair valve placed on the main air conduit pipe.
sair valve adapted on the float tank, permitting to the air to enter freely but
reventing the exit of the liquid in case the float should break.
s² cork ball.
53 seat of same partly grooved for circulation of air in both directions.
t funnel of glass receiving and leading the liquid to be converted into vinegar into
he upper vats.
t¹ syphon overflow pipe.
t2 pipe with. funnel carrying the liquid into the lower vats.
u general discharge pipe of the vats carrying off the finished vinegar.
u¹ pipes receiving vinegar from the bottom part of the lowermost vats and leading it
nto the main discharge pipe which is also provided with T unions in front of each
ank.
v tank for distribution of the liquid placed on a frame, the level of which can be
regulated by means of four wooden screws arranged below or above.
float valve thereto.
.valves for the passage of liquid from said tank closing automatically in case of
accident under the pressure of the liquid on their respective floats.
electric alarm.
* tub receiving the liquid, from the balance being by a pipe in communication with
the float tank.
hydrostatic balance placed on a base and provided with supports, it can be
placed in the factory or any other convenient place.
xl principal lever provided with an adjustable counter balance weight.
compensation lever also provided with an adjustable counter-balance weight
gliding lengthwise in a movable frame and having a spring to make it fall over as
soon as the principal lever passes.
201
china vessel of the balance.
syphon of the balance.
pipe leading the liquid into the vessel of the balance.
cock for the regulation of the flow.
x² connecting rod on the principal lever working the bellows.
x8 air bellows.
³ rest or abutment for the principal lever.
y tank containing the liquid to be converted into vinegar.
y' intermediate " Mariotte" vat with constant outflow for the feeding of the
apparatus and of the balance by means of the same liquid.
y (Fig. 2) water tank for the compression of air in the receiver 28.
y³ filter barrel.
z foot way at a convenient height for use of the workmen.
21 stairs or steps thereto.
1 base of the pneumatic apparatus.
2 frame of same.
3 hand cock for regulating the admission of compressed air into the small bellows 6.
4 pipe leading the compressed air from the receiver 28.
5 metal and rubber pipe leading the compressed air to the motor bellows.
6, motor bellows having at its upper part a valve box 8.
plate supporting the said bellows.
8 valve box for admission and evacuation of air to the motor bellows.
9 rubber valve, the throw of which can be regulated.
10 valve rod advancing into the weight 19.
11. cylindrical box carrying the valve box over the small bellows.
12 fixed joint to regulate the play of bellows 6 when going back.

page_text: 13 cross rail supporting the rods which form the movable frame.
14, rods sliding in the upper part of the frame.
15 upper cross rail carrying the hooks.
16 hooks hinged to the cross piece 15 and adapted to raise the weight 19 by engaging
on a ring.
17. fixed point to open the hooks at the end of play.
18 rods to support the fixed points 17.
19 weight which opens valve 9 by falling on the end of rod 10 and contrived also
(Fig. 17) to stop the rod in order to close the valve.
20 guides of the weight 19.
21, lower bellows for forcing by its closure the air contained therein into the air
conduit leading to the feed vessels to charge the syphons.
22 air outlet of the small bellows in communication with the air pipe.
23 rods used to open the lower bellows.
24 upper cast iron plate closing the bellows 21 by its own weight as well as
the motor bellows.
25 nozzle in communication with the air pipe.
26, counter, worked by a rack and pinion during the upstroke.
27 indicates the position of the pneumatic apparatus in the factory (Fig. 2) but it
may be installed in any other place, no matter at what distance from the factory.
28 receiver for compressed air worked by water pressure coming from the tank y².
29 pipe leading the water to the air receiver.
30 electric alarm bell.
When the air receiver is nearly filled with water, the lower cock must be opened to
let the water flow off, at the same time, air is allowed to enter by a cock above.
The amount of compressed air used being very small, an air receiver of 200 litres
capacity once charged is sufficient for the supply of a factory during 12 to 15 days.
All objects and receivers etc. in contact with the liquid should be of wood, glass,
china rubber or other material not exposed to oxidation or destruction by acids.
The foregoing specification shows sufficiently the working of the apparatus; the
composition of the liquid in the vat is the same as that ordinarily used in this
kind of apparatus, where the acetification is effected during one single passage of
vinegar between the degrees of 6 and 12, wine cider beer, etc. can be employed in their
natural form if their contents of alcohol correspond to the degree of vinegar to be
produced.
According to the capacity of the vats or acetifiers employed, the feedings being of
one litre each are produced at intervals more or less frequent, in vats of 15 hectolitres
capacity for instance for vinegar of 8 degrees at about every 12 minutes, day and
night, the shavings should be acetified beforehand in order to prepare them for the
development of the mycoderma aceti. The vessels of "Pasteur" system are filled
firstly to one half with vinegar and the successive feedings, fill then gradually,
then for once, on the surface of each vessel the mycoderma aceti, should be sown
freshly prepared, which will continue forthwith to develop constantly. These vessels
should be cleaned once in about every one or two years.
The most convenient temperature for the acetifying vats is about 18 to 22 degrees
centrigrade or 20 to 30 degrees centigrade for the "Pasteur" vessels.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I claim is
In the manufacture of vinegar
1. The automatic feeding of the acetifying vats at intervals by the periodical com-
pression or rarefaction of air.
2. In the manufacture of vinegar the automatic feeding of the acetifying vats by
means of syphons brought into action by the periodical compression or rarefaction
of air at intervals.
3. The combination with an acetifying vat of a feed vessel having a syphon for
emptying the same and a constant supply to said feed vessel to a certain level and

page_text: mechanism for driving air at intervals to or from said feed vessel for the charging or
the syphon for the purpose set forth.
4. In means for periodically driving compressed or drawing rarefied air for the
purpose described, the combination with a bellows of a balanced lever and a vessel
thereon having a continuous feed of liquid thereto and a syphon in said vessel,
adapted to be charged by the oscillation of the lever to empty said vessel for
operation of the bellows in the manner described.
5. The combination for the purpose set forth, of a large bellows, a smaller bellows
and a weight or body adapted to be raised by said small bellows and to control the.
air valves of the bellows substantially in the manner described.
6. The combination of a weighted bellows with motive mechanism for distenting
the same and for periodically controlling the valves thereof substantially in the
manner and for the purpose described.
7. The construction of feed vessel consisting of a base, a central portion and a
cap connected by rubber bands.
8. The combination with a series of acetifying vats of a series of feed vessels
thereto and a tank with constant supply and ball cock therein, controlling said
supply in communication with said feed vessels for the equal supply of all said
vessels.
9. The combination with a series of acetifying vats and of a series of feed vessels
substantially as set forth thereto, of a common air supply pipe to all said vessels
for the simultaneous and equal operating of said vessels.
10. The combination with the said air feed of a ball valve of the nature and for
the purpose described.
11. An annular sprinkling rose having a liquor inlet pipe and an air outlet pipe
as set forth.
1. 1000