GB264212A - Improvements relating to coin actuated mechanism for controlling supply or delivery apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

264,212. Bingham, J. H., and Glover & Co., Ltd., G. Oct. 10, 1925. Gas, supplying by meter; coin action, mechanical-connection and with delivery proportionate to value of coin.-In coin actuated mechanism for controlling a supply or delivery apparatus, a single rotary coin pocket is provided in which coins are retained in different positions, according to their size, to move selectively separate arms which, through pawl and ratchet gearing, operate the delivery mechanism, an adjustable trip plate being provided to disengage each pawl after it has moved its co-operating ratchet wheel through a predetermined distance. In the application to a prepayment gas meter, the coin pocket 10 is secured to the spindle 12 of a handwheel 13, Fig. 1, and has a supporting arm 15 pivoted coaxially with the hand-wheel. Coins are inserted through a slot 16, Fig. 4, a large coin, e.g. a penny 17, being retained between a side wall 18 and a lug 19, while a small coin, e.g. a shilling 37, drops to a lower position. The penny 17 engages a slotted arm 23 which carries a driving-pawl 24 for a ratchet wheel 25. The shilling 37 drives a second arm 38 having a pawl 39 engaging a gear wheel 40. After either of the pawls has driven the wheels 40 or 25 a predetermined distance, a trip plate 31 disengages it by acting on its tail, and the pocket turns idly until, when it is inverted, the coin therein drops to a moneybox. The ratchet wheel 25 carries a pinion 26 meshing with a pinion 27 keyed to a screwed quantity spindle 28, the rotation of which moves a nut 49 to open a valve. Rotation of a long pinion 52 by the meter returns the nut. The wheel 40 engages a wheel 41 on the spindle 28, the gear ratio being twelve times that between the pinions 26 ,27. Reverse movement of the pocket to receive another coin carries the arms 23, 38 back to initial position. A full stroke of the pocket is ensured by a pawl 45 thereon engaging a ratchet toothed quadrant 44. When the pocket has completed its full forward stroke a pin 48 on the tail of the pawl passes under the bent end 47, Fig. 5, of a trip plate 40 so that the pawl is held out of engagement with the quadrant during the return of the pocket. Price-changing mechanism.-The trip plate 31 is adjustable to allow the pawls to drive, the wheels 40, 25 an amount corresponding to the price of gas. The plate is graduated and is held in adjusted position by a spring latch 34, Fig. 4, engaging edge teeth 35. The plate may be arranged to trip the pawls during the first part of their movement. Coin.slit closing-devices. - When the coin pocket is moved away from its coin receiving position a guard plate 53 is moved by a spring to obstruct the coin slot in the casing. The pocket on its return engages a lug 55 on the plate 53 to open the slot. Testing coins.-A coin of improper size, such as a halfpenny, falls through an opening in one wall 20 of the coin pocket, when this is moved. A coin smaller than a shilling falls through a slot in the hub and the spindle 12. Money boxes.-The money box has two compartments 56. 57, Fig. 5, to receive shillings and pennies respectively.