GB1006223A - Inlet or outlet means for permitting fluid flow to or from a container - Google Patents

Abstract

1006223 Tapping and venting casks E C LEWIS R H ROBINSON and ALUMASC Ltd 6 July 1962 [5 Jan 1962] 508/62 Headings F2G G9A G14A G14C and G9M Fluid inlet or outlet means C for a cask &c. 12 which detachably receives a connector means F by which fluid is fed into or removed from the cask, includes a valve body 4 screwed to a neck 8 and housing a tube 35 on which is slidably mounted a spring-urged valve member 11. The tube 35 has an extension pipe 39 leading to the cask bottom and fluid flow there-through is controlled by axial movement of the valve member 11 which is normally urged upwards by a spring 41 to cover ports 34 and also to engage a seating 36. When a connector F as disclosed in Specification 1006224, is applied to the means C by a bayonet engagement 3, the valve member is depressed on the tube 35 whereby a passage 6 in the connector joins with the passages of the tube 35. In addition a passage 7 in the connector communicates with the cask interior via passages 28, 10 and 37. For initially sterilizing the cask, steam or gas may be introduced through one of the passages 6, 7 whilst the other passage serves as a vent therefore. In racking a cask with beer, the latter may be supplied through passage 6 and gas, e.g. carbon dioxide supplied through passage 7; to dispense the beer, air or other gas under pressure is supplied through passage 7 and the beer is forced through passage 6. A cap may be fitted over the valve body on removal of the connector. The latter comprises a head 1 with laterally extending connection arms 17 and 19, and a sealing ring 29 for engagement with a seat 30 of the valve body. The head is axially slideable but non-rotatable within a sleeve 2 provided with bayonet connections 24, and the connection arms extend through slots 20 in the sleeve. The head is forced downwardly to the position shown in Fig. 7 by a control knob 5 connected to the head by a spindle 15 which is rotatable relative to the head and extends through a slotted cross-piece 16. Before its attachment to the cask the head is positioned as shown in Fig. 6; after making the bayonet connection with the cask the head is forced downwardly whereupon a transverse pin 32 is located below the cross piece 16 whereupon rotary movement of the knob causes the pin to engage cam surfaces 33 on the bottom of the cross piece to provide a locked and sealed connection as shown in Fig. 7. In the modification of Fig. 8, the body 54 of the unit C has a bayonet engagement 53 with the cask wall and the tube 35 is supported by a spider 55 detachably held by projections 56 of the body. Bayonet slots to receive the connector F are located in a ring 59. In Fig. 9 the unit F has a lateral sliding retentive engagement 73 with the cask unit, and for this purpose the sleeve 72 is grooved at 75 to engage a flange 78 of a boss 79 of the cask unit body. Specification 789730 also is referred to.