GB342254A - Improvements in or relating to coin-freed gas meters - Google Patents

Abstract

342,254. Prepayment mechanism for gas meters. METROPOLITAN GAS METERS, Ltd. and FORSTER, J. D., Hyson.Green, Nottingham. Oct. 23, 1929, No. 32219. [Class 27.] Coin action, thrust and multiple-coin.-In a prepayment gas meter of the kind which is adjustable for use with coins of different denominations, a coin pocket K, Figs. 9 and 12, carried by a disc h rotatable at the back of a price-change plate c by a handle i is provided with a slidable member l which is formed of two strips l<5>, l<6> adjustably connected together by a stud m. The strip l<5> has a tooth l<1> which engages a ratchet measuring- out wheel n, when the member l is moved against the action of a spring l<4> by the insertion of a coin, the coin bearing against the inside of the coinmechanism casing b and the end l<3> of the strip l<6>. The stud m projects from the strip l<s> and is secured in either of two holes m<1>, m<4> in the strip l<5>, according as a penny or a shilling is to be used, to vary the distance of the end l<3> from the casing b by a sleeve m<2> which is moved to fit the holes by a compression spring m<3>. The holes m<1>, m4 communicate by a slot m<5> and, when the adjustment is to be made, the sleeve m<2> is withdrawn against the action of the spring m<3> until the stud m is moved along the slot m<5> from one hole to the other. Gas, supplying by meter.-The ratchet-wheel n is connected to a wheel n<2>, Fig. 1, which rotates a wheel nut n<3> thereby moving a threaded spindle o to open the gas valve. The valve has an operating arm g engaged by a stud p<4> on a sleeve p that is held between collars p<1> on the spindle o and prevented from rotation by an arm p<2> engaging a slotted guide-way on the meter casing. The spindle o is rotated to close the valve by a worm wheel r splined thereto and driven from the usual index arbor s<1> of the meter either directly through a worm s, when a penny is used, or through reduction gearing v, u<2>, when a shilling is used. The worm wheel r is moved along the spindle o into or out of engagement with the worm s, as required, by a wheel w having a peripheral groove to engage the wheel r, the wheel w being keyed to a spindle x which is parallel to the spindle o and is held in adjusted position by grooves x<1>, x<2> thereon engaging a bearing y under the influence of a leaf spring x<3>. To enable the wheel r to be rotated slightly so that its teeth are presented in the proper position for ready engagement with either the worm s or the reduction gear, a loose ring of teeth w<1>, Fig. 15, is eccentrically mounted on the spindle x and frictionally held by a spring washer between the flanges of the wheel w. By rotation of the spindle x the wheel r is slightly rotated, its further rotation by the meter then causing the teeth w<1> to run out of gear. Mechanism as described in Specification 342,277 for preventing fraudulent actuation by " pumping " is provided.