US2154052A - Beer dispensing device - Google Patents

Description

April 11, 1939.

E. G. ROLANDE BEER DISPENSING DEVICE Filed July 14, 1957 INVENTOR Patented Apr. 11, 1939 BEER DISPENSING DEVICE Edgar G. Rolande, Pittsburgh, Pa", assignor to Al Pincus, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Application July 1 1937, Serial No. 153,560

2 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in apparatus for the prevention of clogging of beer coils and the growth of bacteria in beer dispensing lines, and it is among the objects thereof to provide means of applying a low frequency alternating current to the beer in the dispensing line which shall be of simple and relatively inexpensive construction and which shall be adapted for quick assembly when placed in use.

It is generally iecognlzed that the application of a low alternating current to beer prevents the formation of sludge and the growth of bacteria in beer coils. The accepted phenomena. of the action of an electrical current on the beer is that the charged particles of the solids in the beer repel each other thereby maintaining a con-- stant circulation. Various forms of electrical de\ =ces for so charging the beer flowing through the soils have been heretofore devised, and the present invention is designed to simplify and improve such devices, particularly as to the shape and form of the electrodes employed.

These and other objects of the invention will become more apparent from a consideration of the accompanying drawing constituting a part hereof in which like reference characters designate like parts and in which:

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a box with the cover opened, containing an electrode and transformer embodying the principles of this invention;

Fig. 2 a vertical cross-sectional view thereof taken along the line 2-2, Fig.1;

Fig. 3 a transverse section through an electrode taken along the line 3-3, Fig. 2; and

Fig. 4 a sectional elevational View of a portion of a dispensing conduit for use in the box of Figs. 1 and 2 showing a modified form of electrode.

With reference to Figs. 1 to 3 of the drawing, the structure therein illustrated comprises a box I constructed of sheet metal having the cover 2 hinged-thereto at 3 and provided with a handle portion 4, the cover, when closed, having a jam fit on the upper edges of the box I. The sidewalls of the box l are perforated to receive the end fittings 4 and 5 of a beer line, one side of which leads to a supply of beer such as a barrel and the other side to a beer coil of conventional form, both sides 4 and 5 connecting to metallic conduits which constitute one terminal of an electrical circuit.

Disposed intermediate the fittings 4 and 5 is a glass tube 6 sealed atits ends I and 8 in the fittings t and 5 either by suitable gaskets or a liquid-proof cement or both. Contained within the tube is a flat ribbon electrode 9 spirally wound as shown in Fig. 3, one end of which constitutes a terminal i electrically connected by conduit H to a transformer generally designated by the reference numeral I2. An electric light bulb i3 is mounted in a socket l4 extending on a bracket 85, the light being connected by conductor E6 to the transformer :2. A perforation ll provided in the cover 2 registers with the top of the light bulb l3 when the cover is closed, rendering the light visible from the outside of the box. Transformer i2 is connected through an outlet 18 of the box to a conduit i9, which may be connected to a standard alternating current lighting circuit. The spiral electrode 9 is preferably made of silver ribbon andis of a size to substantially fill the inner dimensions of the glass tube 6 which is approximately one inch in diameter.

In the modification shown in Fig. 4, the glass tube 6 is provided with a wire electrode 20 in the form of helixes connected to terminal H to which the conduit H is connected leading to the transformer. Both the spiral and helical forms of electrodes of Figs. 3 and 4 have been found satisfactory for the purpose and their use is optional, although the helical form of electrode 2|] may be less expensive than the ribbon as it consists of but a fine silver wire. Both forms of electrodes, as herein shown, are conveniently mounted within the glass tube and provide a substantial surface area for contact with the beer passing through the line. When the circuit is energized, the light l3 so indicates, and if for any reason the circuit is faulty or the power shut off, the light I3 will be out, so that the inoperativeness of the device will become readily apparent.

Beer drawn from coils to which the invention has been applied remains clear and does not acquire a rancid or bitter taste, and sections of the coil, when removed, show that it is maintained perfectly clean and free from all deposits. Also the silver electrode does not cause any decomposition of the tin beer coils, there being no discharge of tin or silver into the beer and no gases are generated in the liquid because of the use of such a device.

Although one embodiment of the invention has been herein illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made in the assembly and arrangements ottheparts'wifliiiut from the principles herein set forth.

I claim: 1. In a beer dispensing device, a metallic conduit for the flow of beer from the source 0! supply to'a cooling coil, a conduit section of insu-' lating material interposed therein, a silver electrode oi. substantial length wound to form spaced convolutions disposed entirely within the walls of the conduit, said electrode having a terminal extending through the wall of the conduit and electrically insulated therefrom and having electrical connections with the said terminal and the metallic flow conduit to form an electrical circuit through the beer flowing in the dispensing line.

' 2; In a beer dispensing device, a conduit for dispensing conduit. a L G. ROLAND].

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