GB1116042A - Improvements relating to prepayment meters - Google Patents

Abstract

1,116,042. Domestic meters and savings boxes. NORTHERN GAS BOARD, R. L. SCOTT, and E. J. WALKER. 16 March, 1965 [16 Dec., 1963], No. 49561/63. Heading G4V. A gas or electricity meter has a drum bearing a scale extending from zero in one direction to show credit, and in the other direction to show debit, the drum being rotated in one direction by the metering device and in the opposite direction on the insertion of a coin, the scale being rotatable manually to reset the indication. In the Figure, the metering device rotates a spindle 5 connected to shaft 9 by worm 6 and gear 7, and a friction clutch comprising spring washer 10 in groove 11 pressing gear 7 against a shoulder on shaft 9. Shaft 9 rotates drum 20 through helical gears 14, shaft 15, and gears 16, 17. Shaft 9 can also be rotated in conventional fashion after insertion of a coin, the friction clutch slipping. Thus the scale on drum 20 shows the credit or debit. The balance is collected or refunded by the supplier's collector, or is rendered by account, and the indication on drum 20 reset by a special key fitting spindle 21 which is accessible only when the cash box is removed, the friction clutch slipping during resetting. A one-way clutch may be used instead of a friction clutch, or the drum may have crown or bevel teeth normally meshing with a pinion, and be unmeshed by axial movement of the key for resetting. The device enables devices such as pilot flames and refrigerators to be supplied if pre-payment falls behind.