Today in 1987, US Patent 4705188 A was issued, an invention of Eckhard F. Rahn, assigned to the Miller Brewing Company, for his “Keg Cap.” Here’s the Abstract:

A cap for covering the open end of a Barnes neck surrounding the outlet of a keg for malt beverages includes a circular, flat, resilient top; a skirt depending downwardly from the top and having an inwardly directed annular sealing bead for gripping the outside of the Barnes neck and vent means at the junction of the top and skirt. The top, annular bead and vent means cooperate to keep the cap in place when small amounts of fluid are accidentally released from the keg. The cap, in addition, to covering the outlet can bear information as to the keg contents.

Today in 1971, US Patent 3618632 A was issued, an invention of Frederick F. Stevens, assigned to Hoff Stevens, for his “Check Valve.” Here’s the Abstract:

A fluid check valve having a hollow elongated self-supporting nipple supported in a path of fluid flow and made from a resilient deformable material. A slit through the closed upstream end of the nipple divides it into adjacent sections which are laterally displaced from each other to provide a path of fluid flow there between when the fluid pressure on the downstream side of the nipple exceeds the fluid pressure on the upstream side thereof. Under the influence of back pressure the sections resiliently press against each other to prevent reverse fluid flow there between. The nipple has an integral part which supports it in a fixed position in an associated conduit member and also forms a seal between the latter member and another conduit member connected thereto. A rigid nipple insert may be provided to prevent inward collapse or deformation of the nipple due to fluid back pressure.

Today in 1934, US Patent 1979428 A was issued, an invention of John L. Wheeler, for his “Measuring Faucet.” There’s no Abstract, although in the description it includes these claims:

An object of the invention is to provide a measuring faucet or tap whereby measured quantities of beer and other fermented liquids and beverages may be drawn or tapped without producing undesired or excessive amounts. Another object of foam, the invention is to provide an improved measuring faucet or tap having a receptacle into which measured amounts of beer, or other liquids, may be received from the usual keg or barrel containing the beer, or other liquids, in combination controlling admitted into said receptacle with means for selectively the amount of beer, or other liquid receptacle, and a valve controlling the admission of the beer or other liquid, into said receptacle and the discharge of the same therefrom.

Today in 2010, US Patent 6308869 B1 was issued, an invention of Kenneth Leonard Simpson, for his “Keg and Keg Fitting For Dispensing Liquids Under Pressure.” Here’s the Abstract:

A keg for dispensing beer or other liquids under pressure is provided with a neckless spear arrangement. The spear comprises a body intended to be welded permanently to the keg with all parts of the spear assembled through that body. When so assembled escape is prevented so that in the event of interference by any unqualified person there is no risk of the spear being ejected as a missile.

Today in 1971, US Patent 3614875 A was issued, an invention of Edmund A. Parker, for his “Apparatus For Holding Articles.” There’s no Abstract, although in the description it includes these claims:

The invention relates to a low cost collapsible and disposable apparatus for holding articles adjacent the member, as a dispensing container. The apparatus comprises an outer cover having an open end of a size to surround the container. Located within the cover is an inner liner forming at least one pocket with the cover for holding articles, as ice cubes or other cooling agents, adjacent the sides of the dispensing container. The liner permits the water from the melting ice to flow to the bottom of the cover and retains the ice evenly around the dispensing container. A closure means cooperates with the mouth of the cover to enclose the dispensing container within the cover, with the inner liner in engagement with the dispensing container.

An object of the invention is to provide a low cost disposable bag for holding ice adjacent a dispensing container. A further object of the invention is to provide a foldable, portable, small bag which is used to evenly distribute a cooling agent around a dispenser, as a pony of beer. Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for holding articles which is formed from a one-piece member that is easy to manufacture and reliable in use.

Today in 1927, US Patent 1646916 A was issued, an invention of Camilo Recuero and Gaudencio Lamarque, for their “Apparatus For Serving Out Beer.” There’s no Abstract, although in the description it includes these claims:

The present invention relates to apparatus for serving out beer and similar beverages and has for its object to provide an improved device of this kind capable of avoiding the disadvantages shown in the methods heretofore used.

As is generally known, in taverns, barrooms, or other places where beer is served out to consumers, this is generally effected from barrels and with the aid of carbonic acid under pressure, thus the conditions of expenditure, as regards satisfaction of the consumer and the amount of liquid wasted depend entirely upon the skill of the barman.

Further, during the hot season, the in crease in the demand for cooled beverages does not allow for sufficient time for serving out the liquid under normal. conditions so that waste is very likely to occur with the consequent losses to the proprietor of the place.

With the aid of the present invention all these disadvantages are avoided, since the improved device provides for an absolute control of discharge of foamless beer, or team alone, just as desired, whereby it is possible to serve out the beer or other liquid at complete satisfaction 0;! even the most exacting consumer and, simultaneously, there are no possibilities for any amount of liquid being wasted. As well, the present device constitutes an important improvement over the devices known in the prior art since it provides for more continuous dispensing.

The device according to the invention is characterized by. the fact that beer is admitted within a container of suitable form, size and material and, through the provision of tubes opening into discharge cocks combined one with the other, the discharge of the liquid, or of the foam formed by the pressure gas, may be exactly controlled so that the discharge is effected entirely at will. In this manner, when serving out’ a can or glass of beer, first-1y liquid beer without foam is discharged until reaching the desired limit, and then a suit able amount of foam is added until filling completely the can or glass used.

Today in 1899, US Patent 635474 A was issued, an invention of August Grap, for his “Keg Refrigerator.” There’s no Abstract, although in the description it includes these claims:

This invention relates to an apparatus for preserving the volatile hop essences or aromas coming from the copper or boiler in which the wort is boiled with the hops in order to improve the quality of the beer and like brews.

The method and apparatus comprised in the present invention consists in arranging a specially constructed condenser in communication with the top of a copper whereby the vapor arising from the heated contents of the latter will pass to and be condensed in the former.

The condensed vapor or steam is delivered to a supplementary cooling .coil and thence to a mixing chamber where it is brought into contact with the non-condensable or practically non-condensable odoriferous gases for fumes which pass from the upper end of the condenser and are collected and delivered to the said chamber in a convenient way.

The liquid resulting from the condensation of the steam or vapor given out from the copper absorbs the aroma of the odoriferous gases or fumes in the mixing chamber and as a result is richer in flavor and aroma than the original liquid contents of the said copper. The liquid is conveyed. from the mixing chamber to an open vessel or chamber from which it is delivered to a ferment ing vat.