1862 London Exhibition: Catalogue: Class VIII.: Benjamin Fleet
1853. FLEET, BENJAMIN, East Street, Walworth. S.
A steam soda-water machine, with patent bottling apparatus affixed.
This STEAM SODA-WATER MACHINE is an improved method of manufacturing and bottling soda-water, lemonade, ginger-beer, and all kinds of mineral waters and aerated drinks, by means of a patent screw bottling apparatus, which forces the cork into the bottle without the aid of a mallet, and being elevated by a treadle and pressed firmly against a suitable packing ring, on the under side of the filling piece, the air is excluded, and the otherwise dangerous operation entirely prevented. A further improvement is the application of a small steam cylinder, combining in one machine, the apparatus for making the soda-water, and a steam engine for driving the same, which being connected to the same shaft, the fly wheels answer the purpose of both.
The machine produces 2,500 bottles per day (or over 200 doz.), and the principal features of the invention are the mechanical contrivances for the entire exclusion of all atmospheric air, and the ease with which it can be worked by non professional men.
The great success which has attended its working by the exhibitor, proves that from its solidity of construction, power, and completeness, it is a great acquisition to this increasing branch of trade.