US973757A

US973757A - Beer-reclaimer.

Info

Publication number: US973757A
Authority: US
Inventors: Joseph H Champ
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1908-03-25
Filing date: 1908-03-25
Publication date: 1910-10-25
Anticipated expiration: 1927-10-25

Description

J. H. CHAMP.

BEER RBCLIMEB. Y* APPLIOATION FILED M125; isha.

973,757.. Patented oca 25,1910.;

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J.' H. CHAMP.

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APPLICATION FILED IAB.. 25, 1908.

Patented Oct. 25', 1910.

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UNITED sTATEs PATENT oEEicE.

JOSEPH H. CHAMP, F CLEVELANH, OHIQ BEER-RECLAIMER.

` from other inventions.

The present invention relates to liquid packaging apparatus and is particularly designed for use in connection with machines for bottling beer or other live, or carbonated, liquids.

The object of the present apparatus is to provide means for re-claiming the contents of bottles that become broken, or that, by reason of overiiowing or improper filling, cannot properly be corked or otherwise closed for use.

To the accomplishment of this and related ends said invention then consists of the means hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims.

The annexed drawings and the following description set forth in detail certain mechanism embodying the invention, such disclosed means constituting, however, but one of various mechanical forms in which the principle of the invention may be used.

In said annexed drawings: Figure l is a side elevation, with parts broken away and shown in section, of a reclaiming apparatus embodying my several improvements; Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a threeway cock in open posit-ion forming a feature of such apparatus;v Figs. 3, 4, and 5 are transverse sectional views of such cock in like open position taken on lines 3 3, 4 4 and 5 5, respectively, of Fig. 2; Fig. 6 is a transverse view corresponding to Fig. 2, but showing the cockin closed position, but differing from Fig. 2 in the optional omission of a cap; and Figs. 7, 8 and 9 are transverse views of the same in like closed position, taken on the lines 7 7, 8 8 and 9 9', Fig. 6.

Inasmuch as it is immaterial what particular type of bottling machine be employed the only parts of such machine illustrated here with are the top air inlet C and liquid inlet C" thereto. These are both connected with the filling tank `of the machine and respectively with a supply of compressed air and Specification of Letters Patent. A Patented Oct. 25, 1910. Application med March 25, 190s.

Serial No. 423,110.

tion with which it is designed that itshould be employed. In form it is conveniently of the upright cylindrical shape shown, and, that the level of its liquid contents may be more readily observed, a sight glass A of usual construction is desirably adjoined thereto. A'Receptacle A is provided with a cover A2 that in turn supports a funnel A3, removably seated in a cap or head A4 that surmonnts cover A2. Cover A2 is preferably secured to rece )tacle A by means of winged nuts a, permitting it to be detached if found necessary to gain access to the interior of the receptacle. In conjunction with this cover and head are provided the several operative parts of the apparatus presently to be more particularly described. The construction, however, of the funnel may be first noted. This, as stated, is removably seated in the head A4 and is preferably of a general cylindrical form termi nating in a conical bottom as shown. Resting on a ledge a formed at the junction of such conical bottom with the cylindrical body is loosely mounted a strainer a. adapte ed to intercept broken glass and other foreign substances that might interfere with the work of the operative parts of the device, or the carrying of which over to the filling machine would occasion trouble there; a knob a2 centrally attached to such strainer facilitates removal of the same. A second strainer a3 supported below such strainer a adds still further security against the passage through the funnel of substances of the kind noted.

Connected with head A4 are ducts c c respectively leading to the air and liquid inlets C C of the bottling machine, the usual fixtures c2 c3 being provided in connection with'such inlets for attachment of the ducts thereto, and valves, or cocks c4 c5, being interposed whereb7 connection may be cut oil if desired.

Connection between receptacle A and funnel A3, forming the source from which liquid is supplied to the receptacle, as also connection between such receptacle and the two ducts c o leading to the air and liquid inlets of the bottling machine, are all controlled by a valve plug or three-way cock A", the particular construction of which is fully exhibited in Figs. 2 to 9, inclusive. In the normal open position of this valve or cock as illustrated in Figs. 2 to inclusive, it will be seen that a central passage or opening al in the head is freely connected with funnel A3 by means of an opening @15 in the valve plug, so that any liquid poured into such funnel will readily find its way into the interior of the receptacle. The upper portion of this opening a7 is purposely enlarged to receive and suitably support the funnel, see Fig. l. At the same time that passage al is thus opened a vent passage als is turned so as to communicate with av passage of in the head. This passage als opens at the end of the valve plug directly into the external atmosphere and may be provided, if desired, with means as a` perforated cap al, Fig. 2, for regulating the rate of escape of air therethrough, as such air is forced out of the receptacle by the entrance of liquid through the funnel and opening' al in the head, and for mufliing the noise when the air pressure is relieved. Fig. illustrates the valve without such up, it being optional which arrangement be employed. Two other sets of openings as a in the head, communicating respectively with the two ducts c c, are on the contrary closed in the position of the cock to which reference has j ust been made. Of such openings as c it should be noted that a tube L10 is fitted into the one N that is connected with the duct c leading to the liquid inlet of the bottling machine, such tube depending downwardly to near the bottom of the receptacle A. The lower end of this tube is provided with a casing all, Fig. l, the opening al? of which is directed upwardly and is formed to provide a valve seatfor a ball valve 0514. Complete dislodgment of such valve is prevented by means of a cage alla, which by constraining movement of the valve to a vertical line always insures its proper reseating. This ball valve a is made of a specific gravity such that the liquid with which the machine is being used will suliice to lift it oftz the seat of the casing until the level of such liquid sinks below the level in the casing.

In the closed position of the three-way cock A5, the condition as to the several openings therein is reversed from that just described above, as is indicated in Figs. 6 to 9, inclusive. In other words, the central opening er leading from the funnel is now closed by reason of rotation of the valve plug, as is also vent passage als; at the same time the openings as a in the head that conneet respectively with the air and liquid inlets of the filling machine are opened, the former by the alinement therewith of passage a in the valve plug, the latter by alinement therewith of passage 15 in such plug, a branch a of the last-named passage simultaneously communicating with the lower section of passage al. The air pressure thus admitted into the upper portion of the receptacle A will obviously be effective to force any liquid contained in such receptacle outthrough the tube uw and duct c and thence into the liquid inlet C of the bottling machine until the level of the liquid in the receptacle sinks, as before indicated, to a point where ball valve a automatically closes off the discharge.

The ope "ation of the apparatus should be readily apparent from the foregoing description of its structure, since in such structural description certain details of the operation have of necessity been introduced. By way, then, of brief summary it will be seen that with the three-way cock in its open posit-ion the waste from the filling machine arising from broken bottles, and like sources, is poured from time to time in the funnel A until the liquid accumulating in the receptacle A is seen from sight glass A to nearly till such receptacle. ln order to empty the receptacle, three-way cock A is thereupon given a quarter turn to its closed position with the etl'ect already noted.

By the foregoing` apparatus very simple and convenient provision is made for the salvage of much liquid that would otherwise go to waste in connection with bottling machines in practical operation; this is true in the automatically operating type of bottling machine in which there is apt to be, especially when in charge of unskilled or careless operators, a larger percentage of breakage and improper filling of the bottles, than where the machine-is under direct manual control.

The operation of the reclaiming apparatus is very simple, as has been explained, and involves no further attention than the occasional turning of the controlling valve or three-way cock, since even in the emptying of the receptacle provision is made against derangement of the filling apparatus by admission of air into the liquid inlet.

It will be evident that other uses, than that above described in order to illustrate the manner of operation of my reclaiming apparatus, might be suggested. Concerning these other uses it will, however, suffice to say that the terms top air inlet and liquid inlet, herein referred to as parts of a bottling machine, are to be understood as connoting equivalent parts of any machine or apparatus in connection with which my reclaiming apparatus may find employment. Particularly it should be noted that compressed air for the operation of the reclaiming apparatus may be derived from any source of pressure supply.

Other modes of applying the principle of my invention may be employed instead of the one explained, change being made as regards the mechanism herein disclosed, provided the means stated by any of the following claims or the equivalent of such stated means be employed.

I therefore particularly point out and distinctly claim as my invention l. The combination With the top air inlet and liquid inlet of a bottling machine; of reclaiming apparatus comprising a receptacle having an exteriorly opening liquid inlet and an air vent, and a fluid pressure inlet and liquid outlet respectively connected with the top air inlet and the liquid inlet of said machine; and means adapted to simultaneously control the inlets, outlet, and vent of said reclaiming apparatus.

2. The combination with the top air inlet and liquid inlet of a bottling machine; of reclaiming apparatus comprising a receptacle having an eXteriorly opening liquid inlet and an air vent, and a iiuid pressure inlet and liquid outlet respectively connected with the top air inlet and the liquid inlet of said machine; and a cock controlling the inlets, outlet, and vent, respectively, of said reclaiming apparatus, said cock being adapted to simultaneously open the liquid inlet and vent and close the fluid pressure inlet and liquid outlet of said apparatus, and vice versa.

3. The combination ivith the top air inlet and liquid inlet of a bottling machine; of reclaiming apparatus comprising a receptacle; a head surmounting said receptacle and having an eXteriorly opening liquid inlet, and a fluid pressure inlet and liquid outlet respectively connected with the top air Ainlet and the liquid inlet of said machine;

a funnel, provided with a strainer, removably fitted to the exterior opening of the liquid inlet of said head; and a cock controlling the inlets and the outlet, respectively, of said head, said cock being adapted to simultaneously open the liquid inlet and close the fluid pressure inlet and liquid out let of said ap aratus, and vice versa.

4. The combination with the top air inlet and liquid inlet of a bottling machine; of reclaiming apparatus comprising a receptacle; a head surmounting said receptacle and having an exteriorly opening liquid inlet, a fluid pressure inlet and alined outlet passage, such fluid pressure inlet and liquid outlet being respectively connected With the top air inlet and the liquid inlet of said machine; a tube connected With such outlet passage and depending to near the bottom of said receptacle; a funnel, provided With a strainer, removably fitted to the exterior opening of the liquid inlet of said head; manually operable means adapted to control the inlets and the outlet to said head,

respectively; and other means adapted automatically to control said outlet.

5. The combination With the top air inlet and liquid inlet of a bottling machine; of reclaiming apparatus comprising a receptacle; a head surmounting said receptacle and having an eXteriorly opening liquid inlet, a fluid pressure inlet and a liquid outlet passage, such fluid pressure inlet and liquid outlet beingrespectively connected with the top air inlet and the liquid inlet of said machine; a tube connected with such outlet passage and depending to near the bottom of said receptacle; a funnel, provided with a strainer, removably tted to the exterior opening of the liquid inlet of said head; a cock controlling the inlets and the outlet, respectively, of said reclaiming apparatus, said cock being adapted to simultaneously open the liquid inlet and close the fluid pressure inlet and liquid outlet of said head, and vice versa, a cage inclosing the lower end of said depending tube; and a ball valve Within said cage adapted to close such opening, the liquid in said receptacle serving to normally raise said valve from its seat.

Signed by me this 21st day of March, 1908.

JOSEPH H. CHAMP. Attested by- E. R. RoDD,

JNO. F. OBERLIN.