GB254525A - Improvements in or relating to coin-freed mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

254,525. Wortley, R. S., and Sprague Meter Co., Ltd. July 20, 1925. Gas, supplying by meter; coin action, mechanical-connection and multiple-coin.-In order to adapt prepayment mechanism for gas meters for use with coins of different values, the crown or coin wheel is mado axially adjustable to accommodate coins of different diameters, and a pinion driven from the meter recording mechanism is made axially adjustable to effect the required alteration in gear ratio for coin value. The crown wheel a, Fig. 1, which is actuated by the coin is fixed on the end of a shaft b rotatable and slidable in a bearing c at one end and in a lug or lugs e at the other. The position of the shaft b, according to the diameter of the coin, is determined by a collar i secured to the shaft by a set screw j and located between the lugs e as shown or abutting against the front face of a single lug. By releasing the collar the position of the shaft can be adjusted. Adjustment for coin valve is effected by moving axially a pinion l secured by a set screw to a sleeve m free to rotate but not to slide on the shaft b. The sleeve m is threaded internally to engage a slidable but non-rotatable threaded valve-actuating sleeve n. When pennies, say, are used the pinion l is driven directly by a worm o fixed to the shaft r of the meter recording mechanism. When shillings are used the pinion l is moved axially to engage a worm p of reduction gearing, the pinion l now being driven by the worm o through a pinion t, skew pinions w, v and the worm p. The reduction gearing is mounted in a bracket u so as to be detachable as a unit. The pinion l may be moved out of gear with both worms o, p when it is desired to use the meter as an ordinary meter.