Improvements in Apparatus for Racking Beer:
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 2nd May, 1899-Accepted, 3rd Feb., 1900
Improvements in Apparatus for Racking Beer:
I. HARRY WILMONT COLBY, of 2931, Vernon Avenue, in the City of Chicago,
in the County of Cook and State of Illinois, United States of America, 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:
My invention relates to improvements in apparatus for racking beer.
The object of my invention is to provide a simple and efficient apparatus by
which beer or other liquids under pressure or charged with gas may be racked
or drawn off from the tank into barrels or other packages without waste or
foaming, and whereby the barrels or packages may be filled completely full
without causing the beer or liquid to overflow.
In my invention the pressure in the barrel or package being filled is main-
tained at an equilibrium with that in the tank during the entire filling operation
by an open pipe or communication from the upper part of the barrel or other
package to the upper part of the tank, and the liquid is caused to flow by
gravity, the tank being placed at a higher level than the barrel to secure an
operative combination under these conditions of equal pressure in the two. In
this way as the barrel is filled the air or gas in the barrel flows back into the
tank through the open air communication between the two. To enable the
barrel or package to be filled completely full without any waste or overflow. I
provide the air pipe or communication with a closed receptacle or gage adapted
to contain a sufficient quantity of beer or liquid to equal or approximate that
displaced by the filling tube which is inserted within the barrel during the
filling operation. And after the barrel becomes full the liquid rises into this
closed receptacle or gage and then when the filling tube is withdrawn Hows back,
into the barrel, thus leaving it completely full. To cause the pressure in the
barrel to equal that in the tank before the beer or liquid begins to flow, the
valve controlling the admission of air from the tank to the barrel is automatically
opened before the valve at the lower end of the filling tube is opened which
controls the flow of the liquid from the tank into the barrel or package.
My invention consists in the novel construction of parts and devices, and in
the novel combinations of parts and devices herein shown and described and
specified in the claims.
In the accompanying drawing, forming a part of this specification. Fig. 1 is
a side elevation of an apparatus embodying my invention and Fig. 2 is a partial
plan view on a smaller scale. Fig. 3 is a front elevation of the upper portion of
the apparatus: Fig. 4 is a front elevation of the lower portion thereof. Fig. 5
is a horizontal cross section on line A--A of Fig. 3: Figs. 6 and are central
vertical sections at right angles to line B-B of Fig. 3: Fig. is a vertical
section. partly in elevation, on line C-C of Fig. 1; Fig. 8 is a vertical section.
partly in elevation, on line D-D of Fig. 7 Fig. 9 is an enlarged detail partial
section on line B-B of Fig. 3: Fig. 10 is an enlarged detail elevation showing
the cams or devices for operating the valves: Fig. 11 is an enlarged detail

page_text: central sectional view showing parts hereinafter to be described; and Fig. 12 is
an enlarged detail front elevation of parts hereinafter to be described.
In the drawing 2 represents the tank or closed vessel from which the beer or
other liquid under pressure is to be racked or drawn into the barrel or keg 25
on the barrel support or cradle 34, which is arranged sufficiently below the level
of tank 2 to cause the liquid to readily flow from the tank into the barrel by
gravity alone when the pressure in the barrel and tank is uniform or at an
equilibrium.
4 is a movable or swinging frame upon which the filling pipe 5, its valve 6
at the lower end thereof. "the sealing sleeve or head 7, and the mechanism for
operating the same are all mounted to reciprocate as required to seal or close the
sealing sleeve to the barrel around the bung thereof, and to insert the filling
tube into the barrel and withdraw it therefrom and to open and close the valve
at the lower end of said filling tube. S is the valve stem by which the valve 6 is
connected to the piston of the hydraulic cylinder 10. by which the valve and
valve stem and filling tube & are inserted into the barrel."
The sealing sleeve 7. which is provided with a rubber or elastic packing ring 11,
is attached by connecting rods 12 with the piston 14 of the hydraulic cylinder 15.
by which said sealing sleeve is reciprocated to bring it into contact with the
barrel and hold or seal it thereto. The hydraulic cylinder 15 is annular in cross
section and surrounds the cylinder 10; thus making a much simpler and more
compact construction than where the two cylinders are arranged tandem, or one
above another.
16 is an air inlet pipe leading from the top or upper part of the tank 2 and
communicating with the upper portion of the barrel through the sealing sleeve 7,
said air inlet pipe having a hose or flexible section 17 to permit the necessary
up and down and lateral or swinging movements of the sealing sleeve. The
air inlet pipe is provided with a valve 15 by which it may be opened and closed
at intervals as required.
19 is an air outlet pipe leading from the lower portion of the air inlet pipe
to the upper portion of the tank 2, and through which the air escanes from the
barrel into the tank as the barrel fills with liquid from the tank. The air outlet
pipe, 19. is likewise provided with a hose or flexible section, 20, for the same
purpose as before described.
21 is a glass gange or vessel inserted between the lower end of the air inle:
pipe and the branch, 22, of the sealing sleeve. 7. The glass gauge or vessel. 21.
is intended to hold sufficient liquid to compensate for the space occupied by the
filling tube, so that when the filling tube is withdrawn the liquid flowing back
into the barrel from this gauge or vessel. 21. will leave the barrel completely
full of liquid. The lower end or portion of the air inlet pipe. 16. slides up and
down adjustably in the head or top of the gauge, 21, and may he made to project
a greater or less distance down into the gauge or vessel. 21. accoriling to the
size or diameter of the package or barrel being filled, and the consequent length
of the filling tube required to reach to its bottom or lower portion. The filling
tube, 5, communicates with the tank. 2. through a flexible pipe, 23, united to
the filling tube near its upper end, and to the pipe, 24, communicating with
the lower portion of the tank, 2.
The air outlet pipe, 19, is provided with a check valve, 26, which permits the
air or liquid to flow back from the barrel into the tank, but not in the opposite
direction. The air inlet valve. 18. is automatically opened and closed as the
vision rod or valve stem. S. is reciprocated, by means of movable cam
levers, 31, 32, pivoted at, 33, 34, respectively, to the frame, 4, which are engaged
by rollers er trolleys, 35, 36. on the cross bar or head, 37. attached to the piston
stem. S. and which cam levers or tracks are connected to the valve by a con-
necting rod. 38, the two cam lovers being connected together by a pivoted
link. 39, as will be readily understood from Figs. 1 and 10 of the drawing.
When the roller, 35, strikes the incline of the cam lever, 31, the air inlet

page_text: valve is opened and it remains open while the trolley is traveling over the
straight portion of the cam levers or tracks, 31, 32, this interval giving sufficient
time for the barrel or package, 25, to become filled with air under pressure from
the tank, 2, through the air inlet pipe, 16. The spring, 40, then closes the air
inlet pipe when the rollers or trolleys, 35, 36, reach the inclines, 41, 42. of the
cam levers or tracks, 31, 32. On the upward or backward movement of the valve
stem and filling tube. the incline, 41, on the cam track or lever 32, again imme-
diately opens the air inlet valve, thus forcing the liquid in the glass gauge or
vessel, 21, back into the barrel to fill the space left by the withdrawal of the
filling tube.
The valve stem 8 is adapted to reciprocate slightly in respect to the filling
tube. 5, or sufficient to permit the proper opening of the valve: and it is con-
nected to said valve stem by a pair of toggle links or arms. 13,43, the same
being held normally closed by springs, 44,41. These toggle links. 43, 43, are
bent or opened as shown by the dotted lines in Fig. 11. to permit the downward
movement of the valve, 6, and valve stem, S. to further continue after the down-
ward movement of the filling tube, 20, has been stopped, and thus open the
valve, by means of cams, 45, 45, on the head 46. which engages the pivot, 47,
of the toggle arms. The sliding head, 46, is thus reciprocated. to cause the
cams to operate the toggles by the pins, 48, attached to said cam slide, 46, in
the head, 49, striking against the head or stop, 50. on the frame, 4.
The support on which the barrel or package 25 rests while being filled,
preferably comprises two pairs of rolls, 51, 52, journaled on the opposite ends
of the pivoted cradle or lever 52, which is pivoted at 58 to a stationary bracket
or support, and which is adapted to be tilted up at one end and down at the
other to receive and discharge the barrel by means of a bent foot lever 53 and
connecting toggle links 54,55, one end of said toggle being pivoted to one end
of the lever 52 and the other end to the bracket or support. When the
toggles 54, 55 are in their straight position, as shown at Figure S of the drawing,
the lever or cradle 52 is held horizontal In order to till the cradle to receive
and discharge the barrel or package, the foot lever 53 carries an arm or pro-
jection 59 which engages the central pivot 100 of the toggle 54, 55. so that by
depressing the lever 53 the toggle will be shortened and one end of the cradle
depressed. the toggles 54.55 and lever 53 are returned and held in the position
shown in Figure by springs 56. The track or runway 57 for delivering the
barrel or package to the cradle and receiving the discharged package therefrom
is placed in an inclined position, as shown in Figure S, and its upper end
supported upon the pivot 58 of the cradle.
60 and 61 are the water or other fluid supply pipes leading to the hydraulic
cylinders. 10, 15, and 62, 62, are the exhaust or discharge pipes. 63.64, are the
fourway valves for controlling the admission and discharge of the water under
pressure to the hydraulic cylinders. These valves are operated by hand
levers, 65, 66, connected by reds, 67, 68, with the valve operating arms, 69. 70.
71 is a pivoted counterpoise or weight connected by a link. 72, with the swinging
frame. 4, for the purpose of holding said frame to one side while the bung is
being driven in the filled barrel. 73, 78, is a yoke or stop arm for limiting
the movements of the weight or counterpoise. The counterpoise is pivoted to
a bracket or standard, 74, attached to the ceiling. The swinging frame, 4, is
pivoted to a bracket 75, attached to the ceiling. The tank, 2. is preferably
suspended or supported at suitable height above the barrel support or cradle, 3,
by means of a frame, 76, upon which it rests, and which is suspended by rods, 77,
from the ceiling or beams overhead the apparatus.
The trolley wheel or roller 35 is mounted on a hinged arm SG. which may
be made rigid to its carrying head 37 by a removable pin 87, or left flexible
or inactive on the downward movement of the head 37 by the removal of said
pin. The opposite heads or ends of the hydraulic cylinders 10, 15 are secured
together by connecting rods 92, 02.

page_text: In operation a barrel is first placed in position on the cradle or support, 8.
with its opening or bung uppermost. A downward movement of the hydraulie
cylinder operating lever, to, starts the filling tube, valve and valve stem.
operated thereby, downward and causes the same to enter the package, A
downward movement of the other or left hand lever 66, starts the sealing head
or sleeve downward and seas the same against the package or barrel. After
the package is thus sealed, another downward movement of the right hand
lever, 65, starts the filling tube again and causes the same to enter the barrel
or package until its lower end almost reaches the bottom of the barrel or package,
as illustrated in Fig. 7. At the beginning of this downward movement of the
filling tube, the roller or trolley, engages the can lever or track, 31, and
thus opens the air inlet valve and holds it open until the barrel or package is
filled with air under the same pressure as that in the tank. 2. thus establishing
an equilibrium. As the filling tube, valve and valve stem approach the down-
ward limit of their movement, the air valve is closed by its operating spring,
the rollers or trolleys having at this time reached the lower inclines of the cam
levers or trucks, 31,32. After equilibrium of pressure has thus been estab-
lished in the barrel and tank and the air valve closed, the pins. 48, carried on
the cam slide, 46, engage the stop head, 50, on the frame. 4, and operate the
cam slide by which the toggles. 43, 43, nre bent or turned to permit the further
downward movement of the valve and valve stem after the downward movement
of the filling tube is arrested, thus opening the valve and permitting the beer
to flow from the tank into the barrel or package by its own gravity, owing to
the elevation of the tank. 2. above the barrel. As the beer flows into the barrel
from the tank, the air displaced by the liquid flows back from the barrel to the
tank through the air outlet pipe. 19. until the package is full, the beer or
liquid continuing to flow until it rises in the air outlet pipe to the same level
as the beer in the tank. The beer or liquid, however, does not enter the air
inlet pipe, 16, because at this time the air valve, 18, is closed and the air in
the air inlet pipe thus prevents liquid from entering it. An upward movement
of the right hand lever, 65, causes the valve. 6, and valve stem to move upward
and close said valve against the lower end of the filling tube and causes the
hydraulic cylinder and piston. 10.9. to withdraw the filling tube out of the
barrel. At the early part of this upward movement of the filling tube, the
roller or trolley, 86, engages the lower incline on the cam lever or track. 32,
thus again opening the valve. 18, and forcing the beer from the glass gauge or
vessel, 21, back into the barrel to compensate for the displacement of the filling
tube. When the filling tube is withdrawn, or substantially withdrawn, from the
barrel, the air valve, 18. is again closed by its spring. 40, the rollers or
trolleys, 35.36, having at this time reached the upper inclines of the cam levers
or tracks. 31.82. An upward movement of the left hand lever, 36, then causes
the hydraulic cylinder and piston, 15, 14. to lift the sealing head from the
barrel. The operator then quickly pushes the swinging frame, 4. to one side
to permit the bung to be driven into the barrel, which is quickly done.
the pressure in the barrel and tank is maintained equal until the filling tube
is withdrawn and until the instant of lifting the sealing sleeve or head from
the barrel, a moment of time is allowed for swinging the frame, 4, out of
position and bunging the barrel before the beer will expand and overflow
the package, as it will not thus expand and begin to overflow instantly.
If, however, an interval of three or four seconds is allowed to elapse
after the sealing head is lifted before the barrel is bunged, it will begin to
overflow, and in a very few seconds it will begin to spurt out to a considerable
height.
As
After the filled barrel has been bunged, the cradle or support, B. is tilted by
the foot lever and the barrel discharged down the runway. Another barrel
being placed upon the support, 3, the operation is repeated. When the filling
tube is inserted in the barrel and its valve, 6, opened and the liquid begins

page_text: to How from the tank into the barrel and to drive the air out through the filling
sleeve branch, 22, gauge or vessel, 21, and through the pipes 16, 20, 19, back
into the upper portion of the tank, whatever liquid may have collected in the
air outlet pipes, 20, 19, will be driven out of said pipes into the tank by the
descent of the liquid flowing into the barrel from the tank through the filling
tube, owing to the elevation of the tank. 2, above the barrel or vessel, 25. And
I find that in actual practice, this operation will take place although the upper
end of the pipe. 19, may be three or four feet or more above the level of the
liquid in the tank, 2. in order for the air which is forced out of the sealed
barrel to practically force back the liquid that may be collected in the
pipes, 20, 19, and carry or force such liquid back into the tank. 2, at a greater
height than the level of the liquid therein, and at the same time cause the
gauge or vessel, 21, to contain the proper amount of liquid to fill the space left
by the withdrawal of the filling tube, I have found by my experiments that
it is necessary that the pipes, 20, 19, should preferably be three fourths of an
inch or more in diameter. It is this particular action or operation of the
descending liquid through the filling pipe forcing the liquid out of the air outlet
pipe into the tank above the level of the liquid therein which enables me to
practically secure the great advantage of having an open communication between
the barrel and tank during the whole operation of filling the barrel; and it is
upon my discovery of this operation in actual practice that the great practical
success and efficiency of my apparatus depends.
In filling barrels or large packages a considerable interval of time is required
for the valve, 18. to be opened in order for the air pressure in the tank, 2. and
in the barrel to become equalized, and with large packages therefore the travel
of the trolley wheels or rollers upon the straight parallel portion of the cam
levers or tracks. 1.32, is necessarily of considerable extent, as illustrated in
the drawing. It will of course, however, not do to open the air inlet valve, 18,
until the sealing head or sleeve, 7. is sealed to the barrel or package, and to
adapt my apparatus for filling very small packages therefore, 1 mount the
trolley wheel or roller, 35, upon a pivoted arm. S6, which may be fixed rigidly
to its carrying head by a removable pin, 57. In operating upon large barrels
the arm, S6, is fixed rigid by the insertion of the pin, 87, but in operating
upon very small packages, the pin, 87, is removed so that the arm, S6, may
turn on its pivot when the roller, 85, strikes the incline on the cam lever or
track 31. and thus not be operated by said incline to move said cam lever. 31,
and the valve, 18. connected thereto. In this case, the valve. 18. is opened
by the incline. 88, on the cam lever, 32, which is engaged by the trolley wheel
or roller, 36, the straight or parallel portion of the cam lever or track. 32,
being long enough to give a sullicient interval for the air to fill a small package.
On the return movement in this case the air valve. 18. is first opened by the
lower incline of the cam lever, 32, as before described, and the valve held open
by the straight portions of the cam levers, 31, 32, the same as in the case before
described where a large barrel is being filled.
80 is a glass gauge communicating with the tank. 2, to show the level of the
liquid therein. S is a safety valve to permit the escape of air or gas from the
tank, 2. when the pressure therein rises above the required degree.
As the barrels are filled, the air, carbonic acid, or other gas therein is forced
back into the tank, 26, replacing the space occupied by the liquid withdrawn
therefrom.
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
Ist. In a beer racking apparatus, the combination with a movable filling
tube adapted to be inserted into the barrel or package. of a valve at the lower
end of said filling tube, a valve stem connected to said valve, power operated

page_text: mechanism connected to said valve stem for automatically reciprocating said
valve in respect to said filling tube, and a connection between said valve stem
reciprocating mechanism and said filling tube for automatically moving said
filling tube and stem into and out of the barrel, substantially as specified.
2nd. In a beer racking apparatus, the combination with a movable filling
tube adapted to be inserted into the barrel or package through its bung, with an
independently movable seating sleeve surrounding said filling tube, à valve at
the lower end of said filling tube for opening and closing it, power operated
mechanism for automatically reciprocating said sealing sleeve and holding it
against the bung, power operated mechanism for automatically opening and
closing said valve, and power operated means for automatically moving the
filling tube into and out of the barrel. substantially as specified,
3rd. In a beer racking apparatus. the combination with a suspended swinging
frame adapted to be swung into position over the barrel, with a filling tube,
and sealing sleeve mounted to reciprocate on said frame. a hydraulic cylinder
and piston for operating the scaling sleeve, and a second hydraulic cylinder
and piston for operating the filling tube, substantially as specified.
4th. In a beer filling apparatus, the combination with a movable filling tube
having a valve at its lower end with a cylinder and piston for inserting and
withdrawing the filling tube from the barrel or package and opening and
closing said valve, the stem of the valve being directly connected with said
piston, and a yielding device being interposed in the connection between the
valve stem and the filling tube to permit a slight movement of the valve and
its stem after the filling tube is moved to its final or lowermost position, sub-
stantially as specified.
5th. In a beer rucking apparatus, the combination with a movable filling tube
having a valve at its lower end with a cylinder and piston for inserting and
withdrawing the filling tube from the barrel or package and opening and
closing said valve, and a yielding device being interposed in the connection
between the valve stem and the filling tube to permit a slight movement of
the valve and its stem after the filling tube is moved to its final or lowermost
position, and a stop to limit the downward movement of the filling tube, sub-
stantially as specified.
6th. The combination with a suspended swinging frame, of the filling tube
having a valve at its lower end, an independently movable sealing sleeve, and
mechanism for operating said filling tube and its valve and said sealing sleeve,
and a lever and counterbalance for holding said swinging frame to one side to
enable the barrels or packages to be more conveniently placed on and removed
from the support therefor, substantially as specified.
7th. In a beer racking apparatus, the combination with a support for the
barrel or package, of a swinging frame suspended above said support, and a
filling tube mounted to reciprocate upon said swinging frame, and a counter-
balance and lever for holding said swinging frame to one side, substantially
as specified.
Sth. In a beer racking apparatus, the combination with a support for the
barrel or package of a swinging frame suspended above said support, and a
filling tube mounted to reciproente upon said swinging frame, said support for
the barrel or package being provided with a movable an or lever and an
operating treadle or lever for lifting or rolling the barrel or package out of
the cradle of its support. substantially as specified.
9th. In a beer racking apparatus, the combination with a support for the
barrel or package of a swinging frame suspended above said support, and a
filling tube mounted to reciprocate upon said swinging frame, and a counter-
balance and lever for holding said swinging frame to one side, said support
being also furnished with rollers upon which the barrel or package directly
rests, substantially as specified.
10th. In a beer racking apparatus, the combination with a closed tank for con-

page_text: taining the beer or other liquid under pressure, of a barrel support below the
tank to enable the beer or liquid under pressure to flow by its own gravity
from the tank into the barrel, a filling tube having a valve at its lower end, a
sealing sleeve or head surrounding the filling tube, an air inlet pipe or com-
munication from the upper portion of the tank to the sealing sleeve or head,
an air outlet pipe or communication from the sealing head or sleeve to the
upper portion of the tank, and a pipe or communication connecting the filling
tube to the lower portion of the tank. whereby the air pressure in the sealed
tank and barrel may be equalized before the filling operation begins and main-
tained equal during the entire filling operation by the open air outlet com-
munication between the barrel and the tank through which the air in the barrel
is forced back into the tank as the barrel fills with liquid, substantially as
specified.
11th. In a beer racking apparatus. the combination with a closed tank for
containing the beer or other liquid under pressure, of a barrel support below the
tank to enable the beer or liquid under pressure to flow by its own gravity from
the tank into the barrel, a filling tube having a valve at its lower end, a
sealing sleeve or head surrounding the filling tube, an air inlet pipe or com-
munication from the upper portion of the tank to the sealing sleeve or head,
an air outlet pipe or communication from the sealing head or sleeve to the upper
portion of the tank, and a pipe or communication connecting the filling tube
to the lower portion of the tank, whereby the air pressure in the sealed tank
and barrel may be equalized before the filling operation begins and maintained
equal during the entire filling operation by the open air outlet communication
between the barrel and the tank through which the air in the barrel is forced
back into the tank as the barrel fills with liquid, a valve in said air inlet pipe.
and mechanism for automatically opening and closing said valve at intervals,
as required, substantially as specified.
12th. In a beer racking apparatus, the combination with a closed tank for
containing the beer or other liquid under pressure, of a barrel support below the
tank to enable the beer or liquid under pressure to How by its own gravity
from the tank into the barrel, a filling tube having a valve at its lower end,
a sealing sleeve or head surrounding the filling tube, an air inlet pipe or com-
munication from the upper portion of the tank to the sealing sleeve or head,
an air outlet pipe or communication from the sealing head or sleeve to the
upper portion of the tank, and a pipe or communication connecting the filling
tube to the lower portion of the tank, whereby the air pressure in the sealed
tank and barrel may be equalized before the filling operation begins and main-
tained equal during the entire filling operation by the open air outlet com-
munication between the barrel and the tank through which the air in the
barrel is forced back into the tank as the barrel fills with liquid, a valve in
said air inlet pipe, mechanism for automatically opening and closing said valve
at intervals as required, and a check valve in the air outlet pipe, substantially
as specified.
18th. In a beer racking apparatus, the combination with a closed tank for
containing the beer or other liquid under pressure of a barrel support below
the tank to enable the beer or liquid under pressure to flow by its own gravity
from the tank into the hairel, a filling tube having a valve at its lower end,
a sealing sleeve or head surrounding the filling tube, an air inlet pipe or com-
munication from the upper portion of the tank to the sealing sleeve or head.
an air outlet pipe or communication from the sealing head or sleeve to the
upper portion of the tank, and a pipe or communication connecting the filling
tube to the lower portion of the fank, whereby the air pressure in the sealed
tank and barrel may be equalized before the filling operation begins and main-
tained equal during the entire filling operation by the open air outlet com-
munication between the barrel and the tank through which the air in the barrel
is forced back into the tank as the barrel fills with liquid, a valve in said air

page_text: inlet pipe, mechanism for automatically opening and closing said valve at
intervals as required, power operated mechanism for reciprocating the filling
tube and valve to insert the same into the barrel or package and in open said
valve, power operating mechanism for reciprocating the sealing sleeve or head
and seal it to the barrel or package, substantially as specified."
14th. The improvement in the art of racking beer or other liquids under
pressure from a closed tank into a barrel or package, consisting in first estal.
lishing an equilibrium of pressure in the tank and barrel or package to be filled
and then maintaining such equilibrium of pressure in the same while the
liquid flows by gravity from the tank into the barrel or package by causing the
air displaced from the barrel by the entering liquid to flow back into the closed
tank, substantially as specified.
15th. In a beer racking apparatus, the combination with a movable filling
tube connected with the tank and adapted to be inserted into the barrel or
package, of a valve at the lower end of said tube, an independently movable
sealing sleeve or head surrounding said filling tube and an air pipe or com-
munication between said sealing sleeve or head and the upper portion of the
tank through which the air in the barrel in forced hack into the tank as the
barrel is filled, substantially as specified.
16th. In a beer racking apparatus, the combination with a movable filling
tube connected with the tank and adapted to be inserted into the barrel or
package, of a valve at the lower end of said tube, an independently movable
sealing sleeve or bend surrounding said filling tube and an air pipe or com
munication between said sealing sleeve or head and the upper portion of the
tank through which the air in the barrel is forced back into the tank as the
barrel is filled, the tank being above the barrel to cause the liquid to flow by
gravity from the barrel into the tank, substantially as specified.
17th. In a beer racking apparatus, the combination with a movable filling
tube connected with the tank and adapted to be inserted into the barrel or
package, of a valve at the lower end of said tube, an independently movable
sealing sleeve or head surrounding said filling tube and an air pipe or cum-
munication between said sealing sleeve or head and the upper portion of the
tank through which the air in the barrel is forced back into the tank as the
barrel is filled, and an air inlet pipe leading from the tank to the sealing sleeve
and provided with a valve and mechanism for automatically opening and
closing the same, substantially as specified.
18th. The combination with a reciprocating sealing sleeve, of a reciprocating
Gilling tube having a reciprocating valve at its lower end, power operated
mechanism for reciprocating the sealing sleeve, power operated mechanism for
reciprocating the filling tube and valve stem and a toggle connection between
the valve stem and filling tube to permit the valve stem to move in respect
in the filling tube. to open the valve, substantially as specified.
19th. The combination with a reciprocating sealing sleeve, of a reciprocating
filling tube having a reciprocating valve at its lower end. power operated
mechanism for reciprocating the sealing sleeve, power operated mechanism for
reciprocating the filling tube and valve stem a toggle connection between the
valve stem and filling tube to permit the valve stem to move in respect to the
filling tube to open the valve, and devices for automatically operating said
toggle connection, substantially as specified.
20th. In a beer racking apparatus, the combination with a swinging frame.
of a sealing sleeve reciprocating thereon, a filling tube reciprocating on said
frame and having a valve at its lower end, a valve stem for operating said
valve, a toggle connection between the valve stem and filling tube, and movable
cams for operating said toggle connection, substantially as specified.
21st. In a beer racking apparatus, the combination with a swinging frame.
of a sealing sleeve reciprocating thereon, a filling tube reciprocating on said
frame and having a valve at its lower end, a valve stem for operating said

page_text: valve, a toggle connection between the valve stem and filling tube, movable
cams for operating said toggle connection, and a stop on said frame to move
said cam, substantially as specified.
air com-
22nd. In a beer racking apparatus, the combination with a closed tank, of
a reciprocating sealing sleeve, a reciprocating filling tube having a valve at its
lower end, a reciprocating valve stem connected to said valve, an
munication between said sealing sleeve and tank provided with a valve, a cam
lever or track for operating said valve, and a movable roller or trolley engaging
said cam lever or track to operate the valve as the filling tube and valve stem
are reciprocated, substantially as specified.
23rd. In a beer racking apparatus, the combination with a closed tank, of a
reciprocating sealing sleeve, a reciprocating filling tube having a valve at its
lower end, a reciprocating valve stem connected to said valve, an air com-
munication between said sealing sleeve and tank provided with a valve, a cam
lever or track for operating said valve, a movable roller or trolley engaging
said cam lever or track to operate the valve as the filling tube and valve stem
are reciprocated, and a secondary cam lever connected to the first mentioned
cam lever, substantially as specified.
24th. In a beer racking apparatus, the combination with a closed tank, of a
reciprocating sealing sleeve, a reciprocating filling tube, an air pipe or com-
munication between said sealing sleeve and the upper portion of the tank
provided with a gauge or vessel to contain a sufficient amount of liquid to com-
pensate for the space occupied by the filling tube, substantially as specified.
25th. In a beer racking apparatus, the combination with a closed tank, of a
reciprocating sealing sleeve, a reciprocating filling tube, an air pipe or com
munication between said scaling sleeve and the upper portion of the tank
provided with a gauge or vessel to contain a suflicient amount of liquid to com-
pensate for the space occupied by the filling pipe, said air pipe or vessel
projecting into said gauge or vessel to regulate the amount of liquid said gauge
or vessel may contain to correspond to the displacement of the liquid in the
barrel or package, substantially as specified.
26th. In a beer racking apparatus, the combination with the tank and sealing
sleeve of an air pipe or communication between the sealing sleeve and the upper
portion of the tank, provided with a valve and a movable cam lever or track
connected with the valve and a reciprocating device engaging said cam lever
or track to automatically operate the valve at intervals, substantially as specified.
27th. In a beer racking apparatus, the combination with the tank and sealing
sleeve of an air pipe or communication between the sealing sleeve and the upper
portion of the tank, provided with a valve and a movable cam lever or track
connected with the valve and a reciprocating device engaging said cam lever
or track to automatically operate the valve at intervals, and a spring for closing
the valve, substantially as specified.
28th. In a beer racking apparatus, the combination with a reciprocating
sealing sleeve, of a reciprocating filling tube having a valve at its lower end, a
reciprocating valve stem, a hydraulic cylinder and piston for operating the
valve and filling tube, and an annular hydraulic cylinder and piston surrounding
said first mentioned cylinder and piston for operating the sealing sleeve, sub-
stantially as specified.
29th. In a beer racking apparatus, the combination with a reciprocating
sealing sleeve, of a reciprocating filling tube having a valve at its lower end.
a reciprocating valve stem, a hydraulic cylinder and piston for operating the
valve and filling tube, an annular hydraulic cylinder and piston for operating
the sealing sleeve or head, and a swinging frame upon which said parts are
mounted. substantially as specified.
30th. In a beer racking apparatus, the combination with a reciprocating
sealing sleeve, of a reciprocating filling tube having a valve at its lower end,
a reciprocating valve stem, a hydraulic cylinder and piston for operating the

page_text: valve and filling tube, an annular hydraulic cylinder and piston surrounding
the first mentioned cylinder and piston for operating the sealing sleeve or
head, a swinging frame upon which said parts are mounted, a closed tank, an
airpipe or communication between said closed tank and sealing sleeve, a valve
for opening and closing said pipe, and a cam lever or track for operating said
valve, substantially as specified.
31st. In a beer racking apparatus, the combination with a reciprocating
sealing sleeve, of a reciprocating filling tube having a valve at its lower end,
a reciprocating valve stem, a hydraulic cylinder and piston for operating the
valve and filling tube, an annular hydraulie cylinder and piston surrounding
said first mentioned cylinder and piston for operating the sealing sleeve or
head, a swinging frame upon which said parts are mounted, a closed tank, an
air pipe or communication between said closed tank and sealing sleeve, a valve
for opening and closing said pipe, a cam lever or track for operating said valve,
and a reciprocating roller or device engaging said cam lever or truck. sub-
stantially as specified.
82nd. In a beer racking apparatus, the combination with a reciprocating
sealing sleeve, of a reciprocating filling tube having a valve at its lower end,
a reciprocating valve stem, a hydraulic cylinder and piston for operating the
valve and filling tube, an annular hydraulie cylinder and piston surrounding
the first mentioned cylinder and piston for operating the sealing sleeve or
head, a swinging frame upon which said parts are mounted, a closed tank, an
air pipe or communication between said closed tank and sealing sleeve, a valve
to opening and closing said pipe, a eam lever or track for operating said valve,
a reciprocating roller or device engaging said cam lever or track, and an air
outlet pipe forming a communication between said sealing sleeve and the upper
portion of the tank when said valve is closed, substantially as specified.
3rd. In a beer racking apparatus. the combination with a reciprocating
sealing sleeve, of a reciprocating filling tube having a valve at its lower end,
a reciprocating valve stem, a hydraulic cylinder and piston for operating the
valve and filling tube, an annular hydraulic cylinder and piston surrounding
said first mentioned cylinder and piston for operating the sealing sleeve or
head, a swinging frame upon which said parts are mounted, a closed tank. an
air pipe or communication between said closed tank and sealing sleeve, a valve
for opening and closing said pipe, a cam lever or truck for operating said valve,
a reciprocating roller or device engaging said cam lever or track. an air outlet
pipe forming a communication between said scaling sleeve and the upper
portion of the tank when said valve is closed, and a check valve in said nir
outlet pipe, substantially as specified,
or
34th. In a beer racking apparatus, the combination with a reciprocating
sealing sleeve, of a reciprocating filling tube having a valve at its lower end,
a reciprocating valve stem, a hydraulic cylinder and piston for operating the
valve and filling tube, an annular hydraulic cylinder and piston surrounding
said first mentioned cylinder and piston for operating the sealing sleeve
head, a swinging frame upon which said parts are mounted, a closed tank, au
air pipe or communication between said closed tank and sealing sleeve, a valve
for opening and closing said pipe, a cam lever or track for operating said valve,
aeciprocating roller or device engaging said cam lever or track, and an air
outlet pipe forming a communication between said sealing sleeve and the upper
portion of the tank when said valve is closed, a weight or counterpoise for said
swinging frame, and stops for limiting the movement of said weight, substan-
tially as specified.
35th. In a beer racking apparatus. the combination with a tank, of a barrel
support below the tank, a sealing sleeve and filling tube, an air pipe or com
munication between the sealing sleeve and tank, said barrel support comprising
a pair of rollers mounted on a pivoted cradle or lever, a bent foot lever and
contecting link, substantially as specified.

page_text: 36th. In a beer racking apparatus, the combination with a closed filling
tank, of a reciprocating sealing sleeve, a reciprocating filling tube, an air pipe
or communication between said sealing sleeve and the upper portion of the
tank provided with a gauge or vessel to contain a sufficient amount of liquid
to compensate for the space occupied by the filling tube, said air pipe or com-
munication having an adjustable section reciprocating through the top or head
of said gauge or vessel to adjust the amount of liquid therein to the space
left by the withdrawal of the filling tube according to the size of the barrel or
package, substantially as specified.
Dated this 1st day of April A.D. 1899.
•
HARRY WILMONT COLBY.
* Haseltine, Lake & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.