GB137958A - Improvements in automatic coin-operated telephone calling apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

137,958. Fletcher, T. M. March 24, 1919. No Patent granted (Sealing fee not paid). Hiring telephones; coin action, eiectric-connexion and multiple-coin.-In coin-freed telephone apparatus of the kind in which coins are inserted in succession, the insertion of each being signalled to the operator, a shoot a is provided with an open inclined portion b in which a number of coins c, for example three, are placed, the foremost coin being retained by a detent d on a tumbler f pivotally mounted at r. The tumbler is oscillated by the operation of a slide i returned by a spring m and carrying a depending arm j on which is mounted a weighted pawl n. The pawl n is tilted by the weight of a coin to engage a contact v and, together with the coin, makes connexion between this contact and a block o. A pivoted bar p is mounted so as to be engaged by the tumbler f when this is rocked, and thus retains the first coin after it has passed the detent d until the slide is returned to normal position. The coin then drops into contact with the end u of the pawl n and completes the circuit, but is retained in the shoot until the pawl is moved away by the succeeding operation of the slide. The oscillation of the tumbler allows the second coin to take the place of the first in readiness for a second operation of the slide. Operation of the apparatus by lead or brass disks is detected owing to the lower conductivity of such, which produces a weaker action of the signalling-bell. Gripping-bars may be arranged in the shoot to prevent fraud by a coin tied to a string.