US1155008A - Beer-racking apparatus. - Google Patents

Description

S. & N. SCHLANGEN.

BEER BACKING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED MAY7. I914.

Patented Sept. 28, 1915.

5 SHEETS-SHEET I.

cOI-UMBIA PLANauRAPH 60.,WASHXN01'0N. D. C.

S. & N. SCHLANGEN.

BEER BACKING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION man MAY], 1914.

1 1 55,008 Patented Sept. 28, 1915.

5 SHEETSSHEET 2,

W2 fla 4 17577022, fidzlar 01v COLUMBIA FLANOGRAPH IO-,WASHINGTON, D. c.

s. & N. SCHLANGEN.

BEER BACKING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 7. 19M.

Patented Sept. 28, 1915.

5 SHEETSSHEET 3.

S. & N. SCHLANGEN.

BEER BACKING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 7. I914.

Patented Sept. 28, 1915.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 4- IIIII" [we/aim 311202; 56/210] J" S. 6: N. SCHLANGEN.

BEER BACKING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED MAYY. 1914.

Patented Sept. 28, 1915.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

-HIIIHI,AIAIIIII AA! asaoos.

'onirnn snares earner canton 1 SIMONSCI-ILANGENAND NICHOLAS soi-rrinneniv, or CHICAGO, ILLINGIS.

BEER-BACKING- APPARATUS;

To all whom it may concern v Be it known that we, SIMON SOHLANGEN and NICHOLAS SCHLANGEN, both: citizens of the United States, residing at Chicago, in

the countyof Cook and State of Illinois,

have invented certain. new and .useful Improvements in Beer-Racking Apparatus, of -WlllCll the following is a specification.

This invention relates to beer racking apparatus of the general type and character shown in patents of S mon Schlangen No.

nicest, dated November 16, 1909, and No.-

of different packages of different" sizes to provide an improved construction of that type wherein the contents of the filled package are vented to the atmosphere through the filling tube during withdrawal of the latter from the package, thereby insuring the complete filling of the package through the filling tube regardless of the amount of expansion and contraction of the package; to Provide a construction which "will more effectively prevent waste and loss of bcerat the bung ofthe packageand at the lower end .ofythe filling tube when the latter. is withdrawn and the seal broken; to provide a new and improved valve.inechanisni for controlling the flow of the counter pressure medium from thetank to the package prior to the fillin of the latter; to rovide a new,

and improved valve mechanism for controlling the return flow of the'counter pressure medium from the package to the tank during the filling of the former; and to provide a safety device which will automatically prevent the possibility of injury tothe lower valve of the filling tubeand its valve stem resulting from failure to effect perfect regis tration of the sealing headv with the bungh'ole of the package when the sealing head is lowered ontothe latter 1 Specification of Letters Patent. Application eieatia 7, 1914, Serial No. esaeos.

Patented Sept. as, rain.

@ther objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing description,taken in connection with the acconipa iying drawings, forming a part of; j

, this specification, in which Figure 1 is a view in front elevation of theapparatus, shown in register with the bunghole of a filled barrel ust pr or to the breaking of the seal. Figs. 2 and 3 are comparative views, similar to Fig. 1, showing the apparatus'in filling positioinaiid illustrating the relative positions of the parts when filling a large and a small barrel, respectively. Fig. 4 is a viewpf theapparatus in sideelevation, in section. through the tankand barrel, the parts being shown in fillingposition. Fig. 5 is a substantially centralvertical section in a plane transverse i to the tank and barrel, showing the latter filled and theparts in the relative positions which'they occupy ustprior to the breaking of the seal Fig. Sis an enlargedcentral vertical section, in a plane at right angles to that of Fig. 5, through the parts below the iower "c linder and illustratin tlie' relal 1 7 D "tive positions of theparts during the re-- tracting movement of the filling tube.

v Fig. 7 is a vertical section on the line 7-7 of F19.

pressure supply valve and its operating mechanism. Fig. 8 is an enlarged detail view in central vertical section of the parts shown in Fig. .6, and illustratingsaid parts in fullylowered position, with the counterpressure exhaust valve open. Fig. is an enlarged detail view in front elevation of thepower actuated frame structure that carlock mechanism foriholding the upper and lower cross heads of the frame against seps laration during theretracting movement of the filling tube, whereby the lower valve of the; latter is lieldopen during such retract- 6,-more particularly illustrating the counter rice the filling tube and filling tube valves, more particularly illustrating an automatic ing movement. Fig. 10 is an enlarged sec- 1 A tio nal detail of the atmospheric vent of the filling tube and the check valvecontrolling same, F 1g. 11 1S- anenlarged vertical sectional view through the lower end of the filling tube and sealing head, illustrating the means for, sealing the mouth of the sealing head by the lower end of the filling tube when the latter is retracted.

Referring to the drawings for a more detailed description of the apparatus, desig- H nates a tank containing a supply 11 of beer or other liquor to be racked, as indicated in Fig. 5, this" liquor being contained-1n the tank under a pressure of airin the upper 7 portion of the tank, as known in this type of apparatus. 7 V tank is a bracket 12 (Flgs. 4 and 5),'on which bracket is swiveled on ahorizontal pivot 13, a yoke .14, between the forwardly ton 18 (Fig. 5), to which is connected a depending piston rod 19 extending through a suitable stufling box in the plate 16. From the plate 1.6 are hung a pair of vertical rods 20 which, with the plate 16 and a lower cross connection 21, form a main frame structure that is stationary, except as to the universal swivel capacity which it has by virtue of the pivots 18 and 15. j V

In the bracket12 is a bolt 12 located directly above the pivot'13 (Figs. 4 and 5),

and theforward end of this bolt'12 extends through an arc-shaped slot 14 (Figs. 2 and 3) formed in the upper portion of yoke 14;

said bolt and slot serving to limit the oscillating movements ofthe yoke '14.

, nected at their upper end by a heavy yoke or j 'Slidablylmounted in bearings in the upper and lower members 16 and 21 of the main frame are a'pair of rods 22 that are concross head 23, between their ends by an intermediate cross head 24, and at their lower end by a sealing head 25; these parts together forming a gravity actuated frame that is slidable up and down on and relatively to the'main frame.

Slidably mountedon the vertical rods 22 of the gravity actuated frame are upper and lower cross head's26 and 27, respectively, that are spacedapart by a pair of compression springs 28 that conveniently surround and are guided 'by the frame-rods 22, as most clearly shown in Fig. 6. The cross heads 26 and 27 with their interposed springs 28 together form what we term a 7 power actuated frame that is mounted upon and slidable relatively to the gravity actuated frame already described. The upper cross head 26 is rigidly connected to the lower end of the piston rod 19. Secured to and depending from the lower cross head 27 is a filling tube 29, that extendscentrally through the sealing head 25, being suitably packed in the latter by a stuffing box 30.

pending valve stem 31 that extends centrally through the filling tube 29 and, at its lower end, carries a valve 32 that controls the Secured to 'one'side of they during the filling operation.

admitting Fig. 8 showing it in open position.v On the lowercross head 27 is a valve housing 33, in one side of which is an opening 34 that communicates with a beer supply hose 35 (Fig. .4) leading from the bottom of the tank 10, said hose having a manually operated cook or valve 36. Within the valve housing 33 is a fiat valvPe disk 37 that controls the upperend of the filling tube 29, opening and closing the communication between said filling tube and the beer supplv hose through the opening 34. The valve 37 is normally maintained in closed position by a pair of springs 38 confined between said valve disk and the top wall of the valve housing. Slidably mounted in the cross head 27 are a pair of shouldered pins 39 that engage the lower side of the valve disk and extend below the lower face of the cross head 27, for a purpose hereinafter described. It will be observed that the stem 31 of the lower valve 32 extends through the valve disk 37 and the top wall of the valve hous-' ing, being suitably guarded against leakage by 'stufiing boxes 40 and 41. the upper cross head 26 are a pair ofdepending lugs 42 adapted in the operation of the device to contact with the'top of the stuffing box 4]. and thus limit the extent of downward movement of the upper cross head 26 relatively to the lower cross head 27. Tapping wardly turned vent pipe 43 (Fig. 10) containing anupwardly' opening .check valve 44; this pipe serving to vent the upper end of the filling tube to the atmosphere during the retracting movement of the filling tube, and thecheck valve 44 operating to prevent escape of the fluid through said vent pipe Considering next the valve for the counter pressure medium from the tank 10 to the barrel to befilled, 45 designates'a valve casing mounted onthe sealing head. 25 to one sideof'thefilling tube, the lower end of said valve casing communicating through a duct 46 with the central bore of the sealing head 25 through which the filling tubepasses.- The valvecasing also, communicates laterally through a port 47 with a hose 48 (Figs. 1 and 4) leading into one side of a T coupling 49 tapped into the top of the tank 10. The lower end of the valve casing 45 is formed a s a valve seat and is controlled by a-vertically movable puppet valve 5 that is normally held in closed po- Secured to the upper cross head 26 1s a desition by a spring 51. The valve 50 has an upwardly extending stem 52 guided in the cross heads 21. 27 and '26. As best shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the upper end of the valve stem 52 is pivotally connected to a lever58 between the ends of the latter. This lever is pivoted at 54 to adepending lug 55 on the intermediate cross head 24 of tliegravity actuated frame, while its other end is pivotally connected to a depending cam member 56, the lower end of which latter is connected to a rod 57 guide din a lug 58 formed on the sealing head 25. Secured toor integral with the upper crosshead 26 of the power actuated frame is a rearwardly extending bracket 59011 which is pivoted at 60 a valve tripping device 61 carrying a roller 62 adapted to engage the outer side of the cam piece 56 during the descent of the cross head 26.- The tripping device 61 has a counterweight 63 in the rear of its pivot that normally swings the tripping device into contact with a stop pin 64 in the bracket 7 59, thus limiting the upward swing of the roller 62, and making thetdownward movement of the tripping device effective to depress the lever 53 and thereby open the valve 50, the open position of the valve being maintained during the travel of the roller 62 over the cam piece 56. As the roller slides oil the inclined lower end 56' of the cam piece 56, the valve spring5l at once reacts to close the valve 50. On the" return or rising movement of the tripping device the roller 62, as it engagesthe inclined lower end 56" of the cam piece, swings downwardly andqidly engages the cam piece 56, and, as it passes ofi the upper end, of the latter, the counterweight 63 returns it to normal operative position, as shown in Fig. 7 7

Referring next to'the mechanismfor controlling the-return of the counter pressure medium from the package during the filling, of the latter, 65 designates a valve casing mounted on the sealing head 25 on the opposite side ofthe filling-tube 29 and connected laterally by a tube 66 (Fig. 4;) containing sight glass 67 and a hose 68 with the other side of the T coupling 49. The valve casing 65 communicates at its lower end with a duct '69 leading into the annular space of the sealing head surrounding the filling tube, andthis communication is controlled by a vertically movable puppet valve 70 that coiiperates with a valve seat on the lower end of the valve casing; the val'vebeing normally held closedby a spring 71'. This valve has an upwardly extending stem 72, formed as a ratchet bar and guided in the cross heads 21, 27, 26 and 24:. The ratchet teeth 72 formed on the inner edge of this ratchet bar are, adapted to be engaged, when the lower cross head 27 of the power actuated frame has nearly reached the limit of its downward movement, by a depending pawl '73 that is pivoted at 74 on s the valve housing 33. This pawl has oneor forces the latter downwardly, opening the 7 valve 70, as shownin Fig. 8, thereby permitting the back flow of the counter pressure medium from the package to the tank during the filling of the package. .As soon as the package has been filled, and the power, actuated frame begins its upward or return movement, the pawl is released from the ratchet bar, and the valve is thereby allowed to close under the impulse of its spring 71.

The motor, represented mainly by the cylinder l7 and piston 18 is operated by any suitable motive fluid, which may be the compressed air in the upper portion of the tank 10 bynieans of theapparatus commonly employed for this purpose and shownin the two patents hereinbefore referred to, such amJaratus comprising a valve casing 7 6 secured to the main frame and containing an ordinary four-way cook, the stem of which has an operating handle 77. sides of the valve 'casing76 are connected pipes 78 and T 9.1eading to the upper and lower endsof'the cylinder 17, respectively, To the upper side of the valve casing 7 6 is connected a supply pipe 80 leading from the T coupling 49,, and on the lower side of the valve casing 7 6 is an exhaust or vent To opposite nozzle 81, When'the handle 77 is swung in' i one direction the pressure fluid is admitted to the top of the cylinder 17 and exhausted from, the lower end of the latter, and when the handle is swung in the reverse direction, the pressure fluid is admitted .to the the top thereof. I

' The operation of the apparatus as thus far described is as follows. A barrel, keg, l

or other package to be filled, such as, is indi cated at 76' in Figs. 1, 2, t and 5, having been suitablypositioned beneath the apparatus, the controlling valve 6 is operated to admit pressure to theupper end of the mo-' frame, which is supported on the power actuated frame through contact of its intermediate cross'head 2a with the upper side of the cross head 26, descends, the whole assembly being suitably guided by the operator, until a gasket 82 on the lower end of the sealing head registers with the bunghole} 7 6 of the barrel. This, of course, ar

bottom of the cylinder and exhausted from rests the downward travel of thegravity actuated frame and the parts carried thereas clearly shown in Fig. 8, admitting by, butthe power actuated frame continues to slide downwardly on the rods 22 of the gravity actuated frame until the lower ends of the pins 39 strike-the upper side of the cross head 21 of the main frame. This opens the liquid to said filling tube through the valve housing During this downward travel of the power actuated frame and filling tube, the counter pressure supply valve 50 is opened in the manner described for a sufiicient period to permit the. pressure in the package to be raised tothat existing in the supply tank, and'is' closed before the parts have reached the limit of their downward travel. As soon as the valve 37 is fully opened further downward travel of thelower cross head 27'is arrested by its contact with the stationary cross head 21, but the .fupper cross head 26 continues to descend, compressing the springs 28,; until the lugsA-Q strike thetop of the valvehousing 33. 'T'hisopens the lower valve 32 ofthe filling tube, as'clearly shown in Fig. 8,

permitting the liquid to flow freely into the package. Simultaneously with the opening of the lower valve. 32 in themanner described,-the pawl 73 engages theratchet bar valve stem 72 of thecounter pressure return 'valve 70 oaemn the latter as shown in 7 a V V s Fig. 8; I r v The beer or other liquid flows into the package until it shows in the sight glass 67, indicating to'the operator the complete filling of the'package. In machines of this type it has heretofore been the universal practice, so far as wejare aware, to close the lower valve of the fillingtube simultaneously with thebeginning of theupward l or retractingmovement of the latter, allowing the space occupied in -the package by V the filling tube to be refilled by the back flow of liquid from the counter pressure supply'and exhaust ducts and chambers of the sealing head. It 1s well known that different packages exhibit a wide range of variations in the amounts of expansion and subsequent contraction which they undergo during the filling operation. wl Vhere the'expansi'on' is very considerable, the subsequent contraction of the package, together with the'back fiow referred. to, may suflice to fill the spaceoccu'pied by the filling tube in the package. l Vhere the expansion is but slight,

' these factors do not sufiice to close up the space occupied by the filling tube, so that the package is incompletely filled, and on the breaking of the seal, the beer foams and wastes to a greater or less extent at, the bunghole before the bung can be driven. An

important feature of our present invention resides in the instrumentalltiesi next to be the upper valve 87'of the filling tube,

'described,*and including'the vent device of the filling tube already described, whereby we effect a radical change and improvement in the method of compensating for the space in the package occupied by the filling tube upon the withdrawal of the latter, which renders the variations in expansion and contraction of different packages entirely immaterial to the perfectandcomplete filling of each package with clearliquid. In accordance with our present invention we maintain the lower valve of the filling tube open during the retracting movement of the latter'from the package, and we simultaneously vent the liquid in the'pack age and filling tube to the atmosphere through the. upper end of the filling tube,

thereby effecting not only the last mentioned result but also the preventing of explosion and. foa-nnng of the liquid at the bunghole whenthe'seal is broken. These results we accomplish through the atmospheric vent .3to the upper end of the filling tube, below the upper valve of the latter, 1n cooperation with a locking mechanism by which the upper and lower cross heads 26 and 27 of the power actuated frame are automatically locked in their compressed-position or relation upon the opening of the lower valve 32-, and maintained in suchlocked position to hold the valve 32 open until the lower end of thefilling tube and thelower valve have practically reached the bunghole 0f the package on their rising movement. This locking mechanism is best shown in the detail view Fig. 9, and consists, in the embodiment here shown, of the following parts. On the upper cross head 26 is a bracket on which is pivoted at 84 a dog havingoa nose 85 that cooperates with the inclined wall of a notch 86 formed in one side of a short rod or post 87 that is secured to and carried by a lug788 formed on one side of the valve housing 33 which, it will be re called, is integral orrigid with the lower cross head 27. The dog has an upwardly and downwardly inclined body portion 89 that. is engaged by a spring 20 tending to throw the nose 85 of the dog into grippmg engagement with the post 87'. 'The dog further has'a depending arm 91 carrying atits free end aroller 92. From this it will be readily apparent that when the upper cross head 26 is depressed toward the lower cross liquid within. the fillingtube, this being effected by venting the upper end of the filling tube to the atmosphere. Of course, the extent of this down flow in each case isgoverned by. the extent of contraction or shrinkage of the package upon therelease of the,

artificial pressure and the admission of the atmospheric pressure; but, in all cases there is ample liquid in the filling tube at the time ofv the closing of its upper valve 37, to insure the complete filling of each package,

regardless of the amount or extent of shrinkage of the 1atter.,pThe trip or stop device 93 will be adjusted so as to secure the most perfect results; and, by reference to the com parative views, Figsfl and 3, it will be observed that this trip, when once adjusted, makes the apparatus uniform for all sizes of packages, without requiring any adjustment to accommodate different sizes of packages, since the distance between the trip and the roller of the dog bears a uniform ratio to the extent of that portion of the filling tube that is within the package, when the sealing head vis engaged withthe package and the filling tube is in its lowest or filling position.

In Fig. 11 we have illustrated in detail one further improvement, which consists in means for sealing the lower end of the seal.

ing head upon the complete retraction of the filling tube relative to the latter; this means comprising, as herein shown, a rubber or similar gasket 95 that surrounds the lower shouldered end 96 of the filling tube, and is confined by aring 97 screwed on to the tube above the gasket To facilitate this construction the lower end of the filling tube is preferably formed as a separate section 98, forming an offset threadedjoint 99 with the main portion of the filling tube. The gasket operates in an obvious manner with a downwardly flaring mouth piece 100 on the lower end of the sealing head, which mouth piece is screwed into the lower end of the sealing head and serves" as a nut to confine the packing or gasket ring 82 of the sealing head in place. 7

Que further feature of ourinvention resides in a safety device for preventing injury to the long valve stem 31 of the lower" filling tube valve through careless handling of the apparatus and failureto properly register the lower end of the sealing head with the bun ghole-of the package duringv the descent of the sealing head. Referring to Figs. 4; and 5, 101 designates a short'rod or bar pivoted at 102 to the upper cross head 26, and normally spanning the space be.- tween said cross head and the top of valve housing 33 when the cross heads 26 and 27 are in extended position, so that it blocks relative inward movement of said cross heads duringtheir descent so long as it is between them. On this bar is formed a laterally extending arm. 103, that after the sealing head has been registered with the bung of the package, and during. the further descending movement of the filling tube strikes a fixed stop rod 104 mounted upon the sealing head, and thereby rocks the lock bar 101 from between the cross heads, permitting the further downward movement of the cross head 26 necessary to openthe valve 32. From this construction it is evident that in casethe operator allows the valve 32 to strike the top of the barrel or keg during the descent of the apparatus, the strain is, not all taken by the relatively. slender valve stem 31'' but is effectively resisted by the filling tube itself, which is rigid with the lower cross head 27, whereby bending or other possible injury to the valve stem 31 is obviated.

While we have shown and described what i we consider the best mechanical embodiment of the invention which, we have as yet. Worked out, it will nevertheless be manifest to those skilled in the art that the apparatus is capable of modification and variation to a considerable extent in detail without involving any departure from the basic prine ciples of the apparatus or sacrificing any of the merits and advantages thereof. Hence,

we do not limit the invention to the particular embodiment illustrated except to the eX- tent clearly indicated in specific claims.

We claim;

1. In a racking apparatus, the combination with a filling tube, and means for moving the same into and out of the package to be filled, of a valve controlling said filling tube at its lower end, and automatic means for closing said valve as the lower end of the tubeemerges from the package. I i 2. In a racking apparatus, the combination with, a filling tube, and means for moving the same into and out of the package to be filled, of a valve controlling said filling tube at its lower end, automatic means for closing said valve as the lower end of the tube emergesfrom the package, and a vent passage communicating with said filling tube above said valve.

3. In aracking apparatus, the combination with a filling tube, and means for moving the same intoand out of the package to be filled, of a valve controlling the upper end of said tube, a valvecontrolling the lower end of said tube, an atmospheric vent in said tube between said valves, automatic just below said upper valve, a check valve in said passage, automatic means for closing sa1d upper valve at the beginning of the w thdrawal movementof sa1d tube, and automatic means for closing said lower valve as the lowerend of said tube emerges from the package. r

5. In a racking apparatus, the combination with a filling tube, and means for moving the same into and out of the package to be filled,iof a valve controlling the upper end of said tube, a valve 1 controlling the lower end of said tube, automatic means for opening said upper valve at the completion ofthe entering movement of said tube, automatic meansfor closing said upperrvalve at the beginning of the withdrawal move-' ment of said tube, automatic-means for opening said lower valve at the com pletion of the entering movement of said tube, automatic means for closing said lower valve at the completion of the withdrawal movement of said tube, a vent passage com'municating with said tube between said valves, and a check valve in said passage.

6. In a racking apparatus, in combination, a main frame, a gravity-actuated frame slidably mounted on said main frame and carrying a sealing head at its lower end, a

power-actuated frame slidably mounted on' sa1d gravity-actuated frame, a filllng tube depending from said power-actuated frame, a valve on said sealing head for admitting a counter-pressure medium to the package to be filled and having an upwardly extending stem, a spring normally holding said valve closed, and a valve-opening device carried by said power-actuated frame and operating on its downward movement to depress said valve-stem and open said valve.

7. In a racking apparatus, in combination, a main frame, a gravityactuated frame slidably mounted on said main frame and carrying'a sealing head at its lower end, a power-actuated frame slidably mounted on said gravity-actuated frame, a filling tube depending from said power-actuated frame, a valve on said sealing headffor admitting a counter-pressure medium to the package to befilled and having a stem guided in said main frame, a spring normally holding said valve closed, a lever pivoted at one end t0 said gravity-actuated frame and pivoted between its ends to said valve-stem, and a valve-tripping device carried by said poweractuated frame and actuating said lever on its downward movement whereby to open said valve.

8. In a racking apparatus, in combina-' tion, a main frame, a gravity-actuated frame slidably mounted on'said main frame and carrying a sealing head at its lower end, a power -actuated frame slidably mounted on said gravity-actuated frame,

a filling tube depending from said poweractuated frame, a valve on sa1d sealing head for admlttlng a counter-pressure medlum to the package to be filled and having a stem gulded'in sa1d main frame, a spring'non mally holding sa1d valve closed, a lever pivoted at one end to sa1d gravity-actuated frame and pivoted between its ends to said valve-stem, a pivoted valve-tripping device carriedby said power-actuated frame adapted on its downward movement to engage and depress the other end of said lever, and a cam device connected to and depending from said lever slidably engaged bysaid tripping device on its downward movement and serving to hold said valve open through a predetermined portion of the downward movement of said poweractuated frame,

said cam device being idly engaged bysaid tripping devlce on the return up'ward travel of the latter. V v

9.111 a racking apparatus, in combina tion, a main frame, a gravity 4 actuated frame slidably mounted on said main frame and carrying a sealing head at its lower end, a power-actuated frame slidably mounted on said gravity-actuated frame, a filling tube said power-actuated frame,

depending from a valve on sa1d sealing head'for discharging a counter-pressure latter and having an upwardly extending stem, a springnormally holding said valve closed, and

ing on its downward movement to depress said valve-stem and open said valve.

10. Ina racking apparatus, in combination, a main frame, a gravity-actuatedframe slidably mounted on said main frame and carrying a sealing head at'its lower end, a

power-actuated frame slidably mounted on said gravity-actuated frame, afillmg tube depending from said power-actuated frame,

avalve on said sealing head for discharging I a counter-pressure medium from the package to be filled during the filling of the latter and having an upwardly extending stem formed as a ratchet-bar, a spring normally a valve-opening device carried 'by said power-actuated frame and operat- V I medium fromthe package to be filled during the filling of the holding said valve closed, a pawl carried by said power-actuated frame, and means for directing said pawl into engagement with said ratchet-bar during the descending movement of said power-actuated frame.

11. In a rackingapparatus, 1n combination, a main frame, a gravity-actuated frame" slidably mounted on said mainframe and carrying a sealing head at its lower end, a

power-actuated frame slidably mounted on said gravity-actuated frame, a filling tube depending from said power-actuated frame, a valve on said sealing head for discharging a counter-pressure medium from the [package to be filled during the filling of the latter and having an upwardly extending stem formed as a ratchet-bar, a spring normally holding said valve closed, a pawl pivoted on said power-actuated frame, and a guide on said main frame adapted to engage and direct said pawl into engagement with said ratchet-bar during the descending movement of said power-actuated frame.

12. In a racking apparatus, in combination, a main frame, a gravity-actuated frame slidably mounted on said main frame and carrying a sealing head at its lower end, a cross-head slidably engaging said gravityactuated frame, a valvehousing on said cross-head communicating with a source of liquid to be racked, a filling tube connected to said cross-head and extending through said sealing head, a valve in said valveh.ousing, spring means normally holding said valve in closed relation to the upper end of said filling tube, and valveopening means extending below said cross-head and adapted to open said valve by contact with said main frame.

13. In. a racking apparatus, in combination, a main frame, a gravity-actuated frame slid-ably mounted on said main frame and carrying a sealing head at its lower end, a power-actuated frame comprising upper and lower cross-heads spring-connected for relative yielding movement slidably mounted on said gravity-actuated frame, a filling tube depending from said lower cross-head and extending through said sealing head, a valve-stem connected to'said upper cross head and extending through said filling tube, a valve 011 the lower end of said valvestem for closing the lower end of said filling tube, and automatic means for locking said valve in open position at the extreme of its opening movement.

14%. In a racking apparatus, in combination, a main frame, a gravity-actuated frame slidably mounted on said main frame and carrying a sealing head at its lower end, a Jower-actuated frame comprising upper and lower cross-heads spring-connected for relative yielding movement slidably mounted on said gravity-actuated frame, a filling tube depending from said lower cross-head and extending through said sealing head, a

valve-stem connected to said upperucross' head and extending through said filling tube, a valve onthe lower end of said. valvestem; for closing the lower endof said filling tube, automatic means for locking said valve in open positionat the extreme of its opening movement, and automatic means for releasing said locking meansduringfthe rising movement of saidfilling tube to permit said valve to close.

15. In a racking apparatus, in combination, a main frame, a gravity-actuated frame slidably mounted on said main frame and carrying a sealing head at its lower end, a power-actuated frame comprising upper and lower cross-heads slidably mounted on said gravity-actuated frame and compression springs between said cross-heads, a filling tube depending from said lower cross-head, a valve stem depending from said upper cross-head and extendingthrough said filling tube, a valve on the lower end of said valve-stem controlling the lower end of said filling tube, and a valve on said lower crosshead controlling the upper end of said filling tube.

16. In a rocking apparatus, in combination, a lower crosshead, a filling tube depending from said lower cross-head, an upper cross-head, a valve-stem depending from said upper crosshead and extending through said filling tube, compression springs between said cross-heads, a valve on the lower end of said valve-stem controlling the lower end of said filling tube, an automatic lock operating to hold said cross-heads against separating movement when said springsare compressed and said valve is open, and an automatic lock-releasing device operative on the rising movement of said cross-heads to permit separation of said cross-heads by said springs and the closing of said valve.

17. In a racking apparatus, in combination, a lower cross-head, a filling tube depending therefrom, an upper cross-head, a valve stem depending therefrom, a valve on the lower end of said valve-stem the lower end of said filling tube, compression springs between said cross-heads, means rigidly spacing said cross-heads apart, and means for automatically retracting said spacing means after the lower end of said filling tube and said valve have entered the bung of the package to be filled.

18. In a racking apparatus, in combination, a main frame, a gravity-actuated frame 'slidably mounted on said main frame and carrying a sealing head at its lower end, upper and lower cross-heads slidably mounted on said gravity-actuated frame, compression springs between said crossheads, a filling tube depending from said lower crosshead and passing through said sealing head, a valve-stem depending from said upper controlling cross-head and extending through said filling tube, a valve on the lower end of said valve-stem controlling the lower end of said filling tube, a motor connected to said upper cross-head, a spacing bar pivoted on one of said cross-heads and at its free end'engaging thev other cross-head, a laterally extending arm on said bar, and a contact member on said sealing head adapted to be engaged by 10 said arm to withdraw said spacing bar from Copies of this patent inay be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

be filled.

ter and after said valve and filling tube have registered with the bung of the package to SIMON SCHLANGEN. NICHOLAS SOHLANGEN. Witnesses:

Lomsn SOHLANGEN,

SAMUEL N. POND.

Washington, .D. 0.

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