GB476454A - An improved prepayment meter for use with coins of different denominations - Google Patents

Abstract

476,454. Prepayment mechanism for meters. LANDIS & GYR AKT.-GES. Sept. 12, 1936, No. 24898: Convention date, Sept. 21, 1935. [Class 27] Coin action, thrust, with delivery proportionate to value of coin.-In a prepayment meter for optional use with any one of several coins insertable through a single slot into a stationary pocket, a coin, on insertion, displaces a detent, e.g. a slotted gate plate, to a position dependent on its diameter, and the detent co-operates with a stepped disc or other element in the transmission from the actuating handle to the quantity mechanism to stop further actuation of the quantity mechanism after it has been set forward by an amount proportional to the value of the coin, a spring then absorbing the further rotation of the handle. The principal constructional form of the invention described is identical with that described in Specification 476,453 to which reference is made. Modified forms are also described. In Fig. 2 (not shown), the gate element is in the form of a slotted arcuate plate integral with the coin actuated abutment lever, the co-operating stepped disc having its axis at right-angles to the main shaft and connected thereto by bevel gearing. In Fig. 3 (not shown), the gate element is also directly secured to the coin actuated lever, but the axis of the co-operating disc is parallel to the main shaft. In Fig. 4, a detent lever 51 pivoted at 52 has a roller 55 engaged by a cam track 54 on an arm 56 turning with the coin actuated abutment 8. When a penny is inserted, the roller passes over the cam track 54 and enters a notch 541, the detent lever 51 being brought to a position in which it arrests the rotation of the disc 29<111> by engagement with a first notch 33. In the case of a sixpence or shilling, the roller 55 is brought to corresponding positions on the cam track 54, and the disc 29<111> arrested by engagement of the detent 51 with notches 34<1> and 35<1> respectively after it has rotated by an amount proportionate to the value of the coin in each case. If an incorrect coin is inserted, a star-wheel 57, rotated by a toothed quadrant 60 on the detent lever 51, displaces a lever 61 linked with a pivoted pawl 64 which engages a ratchet 65 secured to the disc 29<111> which is consequently held against rotation. Specification 476,452 also is referred to.