Addendum to Pneumatic Corker (August 12, 2002) Please read the Operating Instructions before using the pneumatic corker. The purpose of this addendum is three-fold. 1) Describe in more detail how the corker operates 2)Detail the cause of broken or bent ribbons (essentially releasing the valves too soon which is usually caused by outpacing your compressor) 3) Procedure for changing the ribbon How the Corker Operates The corking cycle consists of two stages. 1) Compression of the cork and lifting the bottle. The lower piston (which lifts the bottle) and the piston with the stainless steel ribbon are involved in this stage. 2)Punching the cork into the bottle. The upper punching piston is involved in this stage. The second stage cannot begin until the first stage is complete. In other words, the upper piston will not drive the cork until the cork is compressed by the ribbon. If you begin the cycle (depress the valves) but release the valves before the first stage is complete, nothing bad can happen. Or if the air pressure is too low, the ribbon will never compress the cork and the second stage cannot begin. However, if you interrupt the cycle DURING the second stage (by releasing the pneumatic valves), then you can damage the ribbon. Releasing the valves causes the ribbon piston to move back. However, if the cork is partially inserted into the bottle [as it is during the second stage], the cork cannot move back with the ribbon. The cork can then exert a lateral force which can bend or break the ribbon. Obviously you don't want to release the pneumatic valves once the cycle begins. However, insufficient air pressure can slow down the cycle such that you inadvertently release the valves too early. For this reason, it is imperative that you have sufficient pressure and capacity in your compressor. In order to avoid damaged ribbons: 1) Be sure your pressure is ok to complete the operation within a few seconds, even when you are corking at your fastest speed (get a good compressor. A 25 gallon capacity will be needed for most wineries.) If you have a smaller compressor, be patient and operate at a speed that your compressor can keep pace with. 2) Keep pressure coherent with cork stiffness (103psi is ok for most corks, but hard synthetics might need higher pressure. Also, the best natural corks that we sell are very dense and you might need more than 100 psi.) I suggest running several thru without bottles and watch the ribbon to see if it is having trouble compressing the cork. If it is, then turn up the pressure. You can go as high as 145 psi which will compress any cork.
3) Do not interrupt the corking cycle (This is much less likely if you have a good compressor and good pressure.) Changing the Ribbon. This operation will take 10 minutes to an expert (20 the first time). 1) Write down which air tube goes where 2) Disconnect air tubes ( The connectors are push-lock. Very quick and easy to take on and off. Push connector ring /pull tube to unlock) 2) Unscrew the four screws of the tool on the top and remove tool from the machine 3) Unscrew the 2 screws you will see from the lateral slots 4) Remove ribbon 5) Clean with air 6) Insert new ribbon (gentle bend in the end) placing the holes in direction with the screws (point 3) 7) Screw everything back together 8) Reconnect tubes
Pneumatic Corking Machine Model T No part of this document may be reproduced in whole or part, by photocopy or any other means, without prior written permission from St. Patrick s of Texas. St. Patrick s of Texas 1828 Fleischer Drive Austin, Texas 78728 www.stpats.com 512-989-9727
WARNING! Read This First Disconnect air compressor before doing any regulation on the machine! Failure to do this may result in damage to the machine itself and could create danger. Always keep face and any uncovered part of your body behind protections! Failure to do this may result in harm to the operator. At the purpose it is recommended to use protective glasses, gloves and clothes. Never use damaged / chipped bottles! Failure in doing this might result in the bottle to collapse or even explode, creating danger to the operator. Never overfill the bottle! Always leave some air gap in the neck for the cork! Overfill may cause the bottle to explode, creating serious harm to the operator. Clean and lubricate the moving parts of the machine! Disconnect compressed air after use! Failure to do this may result in corrosion or early wear of parts therefore enhancing probability of future malfunction. Refer to this manual for correct use, the web site and your dealer for further advice. Table of Contest Quick Start... 3 Air Compressor... 3 Machine Setup... 4 Machine Operation... 5 How to remove a cork from the cork-hole... 7 Technical details... 7
Quick Start Model T corking machine works with most bottles on the market and corks with natural or plastic cylindrical corks. In order to operate, it requires an external source of pneumatic power (air compressor). Before starting any corking operation, Model T needs to be set up by: a. Position reference bracket to keep bottle exactly under capping head b. Set the right pressure to the air compressor and connecting it to the bayonet connector. For further details about regulation read carefully the following parts of this manual. Once completed all the regulations, Model T is ready to cork your bottles. 1. Insert cork inside the loading hole 2. Position the bottle on the base placing it in contact with the reference bracket 3. Position both hands over the two pneumatic valves 4. Press both valves until the cork is punched into the bottle 5. Release both pneumatic valves and remove the corked bottle Note: if the machine has not completed the punching operation within few seconds it means that the air pressur is too low. Please check the operating pressure and eventually raise it up to the limit of 10 bar. Air Compressor Minimum capacity required is 25 liters (recommended 50 litrers or higher). Air pressure must be regulated between 6 and 10 bar (accordingly to the stiffness of your cork). Prior to cork test the pressure. Connect to the air compressor through a 1/8 bayonet connector.
Machine Setup Set bottle s reference bracket is very quick and easy: 1. Release screw (a). 2. Position the bottle (b) on the base (d) as shown in Figure 1. 3. Lift the base (d) with one hand and move the bottle to align it with hole (c) as shown in Figure 2 (c) (b) (e) (a) (d) Figure 1 Figure 2 4. Adjust side bracket (e) and hold it firmly with screw (a) as shown in Figure 2. 5. Connect air compressor to the plug (f) as shown in Figure 3. (f) Now the machine is ready to operate. Figure 3
Machine Operation 1. Place one cork (g) inside loading hole (h), as shown in Figure 4. Note: insert the cork ONLY after complete extension of the steel ribbon, in other words after having connected air compressor and waited few seconds without any button pressed. Note: make sure the cork falls vertically in the hole. Incorrectly inserted cork might damage the machine. (g) (h) Figure 4 ATTENTION: NEVER INSERT YOUR FINGER INTO THE LOADING HOLE (h). Two buttons are placed there to prevent any accidental finger insertion into the machine. Never try to overcome this security sistem. 2. Position the bottle (b) on the base using the bracket as reference as shown in Figure 5. (c) (b) (e) Figure 5
Note: If the bottle neck (b) is not in line with hole (c), the corking operation might be incomplete. 3. Position both hands on the pneumatic valves as shown in Figure 6. 4. Press both buttons. Note: if the operation is not completed after few seconds it means that air pressure is too low. Please check air pressure and eventually raise it up the maximum limit of 10 bar [145 psi]. Figure 6 ATTENTION: NEVER INSERT YOUR FINGER INTO THE CORK HOLE (h) WITHOUT DISCONNECTING AIR PRESSURE. In case you need to remove incorrectly inserted cork please follow the procedure described later. ATTENTION: While operating, the machine has some moving parts. DO NOT ALLOW ANYBODY GET CLOSE TO THE MACHINE DURING OPERATION. ATTENTION: ALWAYS PROTECT YOUR FACE AND HANDS DURING OPERATION. The accidental crash of the bottle might create danger to the operator. 5. Release both buttons and remove corked bottle.
How to remove a cork from the cork-hole At the bottom of the corking tool you will find a hole (m) that can be used to push corks upwards without having to use your fingers. Simply insert into (m) a screw-driver and push upwards until cork is removed, as shown in Figure 7. (h) (m) Figure 7 Technical details The Machine: Weight: 20Kg circa Width x Depth x Height: 45 x 50 x 90 cm 3 Use: to place on a 80cm height (circa) bench. Use while stnading Performance o 400 bottles / hour max o 4 000 10 000 bottles / year max recommended Noise: less than 70dB The bottles: Height o 26 33 cm ( 10 _ 13 inches) Corks o Material: plastic or natural cork o 32mm diameter MAX for natural cork o 28mm diametro MAX for other corks o 45mm height MAX