Brookston Beer Bulletin

Jay R. Brooks on Beer

Socialize

Patent No. 3279534A: Percolator For A Brew Kettle

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Today in 1966, US Patent 3279534 A was issued, an invention of Robert C. Gadsby, Joseph Schwaiger and Frank H. Schwaiger, assigned to Anheuser-Busch, for their “Percolator for a Brew Kettle.” There’s no Abstract, although in the description it includes this summary:

One of the principal objects of the present invention is to provide an improved percolator for brew kettles, such as are used in the brewing industry. Another object is to provide in such a percolator a plurality of flat heating sections which can be easily cleaned and replaced or repaired if necessary. Another object is to provide an improved percolator design which is shaped to distribute heat in a predetermined manner :and which is shaped so as to create a natural flow of the liquid being heated within the percolator. Another object is to provide a percolator of a design in which there is little likelihood of trapping condensate therein. Another object is to provide connectors between the relatively flat heater sections which prevent entrapment of the liquid so as to prevent the overheating of any liquid which might otherwise become entrapped.

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Beer In Ads #1711: Good Taste

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Saturday’s ad is for Blatz Beer, from 1944. Having finally managed to grow some tomatoes on our back deck this year, this ad called to me, especially the copy “nothing can describe the thrilling good taste of red-ripe tomato fresh from your own Victory Garden!” I concur, though I’m not sure how it compares to a beer. Not even one that’s “Never sharp … never bitter … always mellow.”

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Patent No. 5458253A: Bottle Cap

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Today in 1995, US Patent 5458253 A was issued, an invention of Michael Shapcott, for his “Bottle Cap.” Here’s the Abstract:

A crown seal for sealing an opening of a bottle including a flange having between twenty-eight and thirty-two flutes around the circumference thereof. Each flute comprises depression having a generally triangular surface area between a pair of ridges. The additional flutes provide more points of contact with the bead are provided, ensuring a securement of increased strength between the crown and bottle.

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Patent No. 1006008A: Faucet-Auger

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Today in 1911, US Patent 1006008 A was issued, an invention of Stephen Noland Ross, for his “Faucet-Auger.” There’s no Abstract, although in the description it includes this summary:

My invention has relation to new and useful improvements in faucet-angers and the main object thereof is to produce a device of this kind that will be efficient in operation, durable, inexpensive to manufacture and one that will be economical in that with its use there is no waste of the contents of the barrel or keg upon which said auger is applied.

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Beer In Ads #1710: Let’s Get Together With A Friendly ’50’ Ale

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Friday’s ad is for Labatt’s ’50’ Ale, from 1956. This is another example of my theory that beer in the Fifties was much more “friendly” than today. I keep finding examples of beer companies at that time describing their beer as “friendly” in advertising, but this is the first Canadian example I’ve come across. I do love the backyard party scene, such a happy-looking gathering. How friendly, just like the beer.

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Patent No. 3765903A: Isomerised Hop Extract

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Today in 1973, US Patent 3765903 A was issued, an invention of Brian Clarke, Robert Hildebrand, David Lance, and Alexander White, assigned to Carton and United Breweries Ltd, for their “Isomerised Hop Extract.” Here’s the Abstract:

A process for the preparation of an isomerised hop extract for use in the flavouring of food or beverages which comprises adding to a solution of humulones or their salts a metal ion of calcium, magnesium, nickel, manganese or zinc, which metal ion forms with the humulones a metal ion-humulone complex which then precipitates from the solution. The metal ion-humulone complex is then heated in solid or paste state or in suspension or dissolved in an organic solvent to form a metal ion-isohumulone complex in high yield. The metal ion-isohumulone complex is substantially insoluble and can be used as a bittering additive, without regeneration to a soluble salt of isohumulone, by finely grinding such metal ion-isohumulone complex.

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Patent No. 4963175A: Keg Cooler Tub

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Today in 1990, US Patent 4963175 A was issued, an invention of Donald E. Pace, for his “Keg Cooler Tub.” Here’s the Abstract:

A transportable keg cooler tub comprising a circular tub-like base with a pliable flexible canvas sleeve extending upwards from the top edge of the base. The sleeve enclosing a plastic liner in intimate contact with ice cubes filling the space between the liner and the enclosed beverage keg. A portion of the plastic liner pulled through an orifice on the bottom outside perimeter of the base providing drainage for the ice contained by the plastic liner.

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Beer In Ads #1709: When Life At Its Best Calls For Beer At Its Best …

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Thursday’s ad is for Falstaff, from 1956. Now matter how you feel about the issue of guns and gun control, it doesn’t seem to me that it’s a great idea to mix a romantic evening by the fireplace with a couple of beers and a shotgun. Don’t worry honey, it will be fun. I’ll clean my gun and we’ll drink a few Falstaffs. What could go wrong? But look how happy they look.

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Patent No. 5564568A: Insulating Cover For Keg Beer

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Today in 1996, US Patent 5564568 A was issued, an invention of Pleasant P. Rankin, Sr., for his “Insulating Cover For Keg Beer.” Here’s the Abstract:

An insulating cover for keg beer. The cover consists of a relatively flexible insulating material which substantially surrounds one or more kegs of beer. In a first embodiment the cover closely conforms to a single keg of beer, and thus has a cylindrical shape. Handles are provided on the exterior of the cover for easier manual transport of the keg and cover combination. The insulative properties are sufficient to maintain a relatively constant cool temperature without the use of ice, although multiple-use sealed freeze packs may be placed within the cover. In a further embodiment the cover is sized to fit upon a pallet and enclose up to four kegs. A side wall and top of the cover is openable to remove one or more of the kegs.

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Patent No. 2017365A: Device For Tapping Kegs

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Today in 1935, US Patent 2017365 A was issued, an invention of August L. Klein, assigned to the Blatz Brewing Company, for his “Device For Tapping Kegs.” There’s no Abstract, although in the description it includes this summary:

This invention relates to apparatus for increasing the pressure in beer kegs; and more particularly, a utility device which may be used where expensive tapping apparatus is not available.

Although my invention is not limited to the dispensing of beer, beer is often stored in kegs and at picnics and other functions, difficulty is experienced in dispensing the same. It is common practice to place in the side of the keg a wooden spigot, but due to lack of internal pressure, the beer or liquid flows very slowly. My invention increases the internal pressure so that the contents of the keg are under pressure and will be forced out through the spigot.

The prime object of the invention is to provide quickly attachable means whereby the internal or head pressure may be increased, thus facilitating the dispensing of the contents of a drum or keg.

Another object is to provide means for indicating the internal pressure so that the operator will be guided in this respect.

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