GB1053845A - - Google Patents

Abstract

1,053,845. Token-freed apparatus. R. R. RESEARCH Ltd. Oct. 2, 1964 [Oct. 7, 1963], No. 39373/63. Heading G4V. A withdrawable token inserted into tokenfreed apparatus to permit producing a required action is modified on the occurrence of the action to prevent re-use or to diminish credit established on the token. In the Fig. 1, a pre-purchased plastic key 1 is inserted into the barrel 3 of a lever or tumbler lock so that the tip of the key extends into a slot in a rotatable drum 4. Clockwise rotation of the key rotates barrel 3 and drum 4, whereby an arm 6 frees ratchet 9 for engagement with teeth such as 10 on barrel 3, and spring 5 is stressed until arm 6 abuts stop 7. Further rotation of the key rotates barrel 3 only, so that drum 4 shears off the key tip, which drops into a collection box. The spring 5 then rotates drum 4 back to its initial position, so that pawl 13 advances wheel 14 one tooth to establish credit in the apparatus. The return of arm 6 releases ratchet 9, so that barrel 3 can be returned to its original position, and key 1 withdrawn. A counter records the total credit which should tally with the collected key tips. The tips may be coded by shape, or by indented symbols, or by coating or impregnating with magnetic material which is then coded, to permit detection of counterfeit keys. A key may be usable a number of times, successive portions of the tip being sheared off on each occasion. The token may be a metal, cardboard, or plastic disc, a part of which is punched out and retained by the apparatus. The apparatus may be used for the sale of gas or electricity, for the timed use of an appliance such as pay-television, vehicle parking, or the admission of vehicles with authorized drives into a restricted zone.