Today in 1914, US Patent 1098659 A was issued, an invention of John G. Bieniek, for his “Racking-Machine.” There’s no Abstract, though it’s stated in the application that Bieniek has “invented a new and useful Improvement in Racking-Machines,” adding:

The main objects of this invention are to provide an improved racking machine; to provide a racking machine in which the filling apparatus may be readily brought into and out of operative position with respect to the barrel to be filled; to provide a rack 111g machine having means for automatically operating the filling valve; to provide a racking machine having improved mechanism for indicating that the barrel is filled; to provide a racking machine having improved means for firmly holding the filling apparatus in operative position; and to provide a strong, simple and easily operable device adapted to fill beer barrels with great rapidity.