GB1457566A - Deferred time meter - Google Patents

Abstract

1457566 Deferred time meters QONAAR CORP 11 April 1974 [16 April 1973] 16179/74 Heading G4V A meter construction includes a housing, a clock mechanism, means 24 for receiving coins, means for winding the clock mechanism and indicator means, pointer 20, an improvement comprising retaining means, raised portion 102 of arm 52, normally engaging the indicator means, release means, disc 30, connected to the means for winding the clock mechanism, contact means, ramp 106 and wall 104, associated with the release means, for movement into contact with said retaining means upon movement of the release means during winding of the clock mechanism, the contact means thereby operative to disengage the retaining means upon movement of the clock mechanism through a predetermined distance whereby visual indication of the time purchased is achieved only after said clock mechanism has moved through said predetermined distance. Operation.-A coin is inserted in carrier 24 which is then rotated. This releases the "Violation" flag which is pivoted by spring 60 to the raised position. This has no effect on indicator 20 as pin 97 carried by flag 54 moves in slot 95 of link 94. Depending on the coin denomination a pawl on the carrier 24 engages a tooth 26 whereby disc 30 and the clock mechanism move through a number of degrees. The indicator 20 and flag 22 stay where indicated in Fig. 2. As further coins are inserted ramp 106 and wall 104, which are adjustably positioned on cam plate 36 which is itself adjustably attached to disc 30, move toward follower 46 of flag 22. When the last coin is inserted winding causes wall 104 to drive follower 46 outwardly. This causes the "Time Expired" flag to begin movement to its lower position which, in turn, commences release of indicator 20. The follower is eventually driven beyond rim 44 of disc 30 by which time the indicator is completely released. A light spring moves the indicator in a clockwise direction. The ram 106 imparts an inward movement to flag 22 at the same time as wall 104 imparts a pivoting movement. This inward movement ensures passage of indicator 20 beyond flag 22 by separation of surfaces 98 and 100 on the indicator and arm respectively. The ramp also drives the follower over the rim of disc 30 into opening 107 defined by member 109. This member also stops the timer when the indicator reaches the zero position. Cam 36 is moved with disc 30 during time setting, the periphery 90 of the cam will be moved into position for engagement by follower 88 of the indicator. The follower engages the cam at a point adjacent the axis of the cam in the maximum time position of the indicator. As the cam moves with disc 30 as the clock mechanism unwinds, the cam will gradually force the follower outwardly away from the axis resulting in gradual movement of the indicator toward the zero position. Follower 46 of flag 22 is maintained in engagement with rim 44 of disc 30 as the clock mechanism unwinds. The rim is interrupted at 110 and this interruption is moved adjacent follower 46 when the clock mechanism is at the end of its unwinding operation. Spring 70 pivots the flag to the raised position.