GB183156A - Improvements in and relating to prepayment mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

183,156. Anderson, J. Jan. 18, 1921. Gas, supplying by meter; coin action, mechanical-connection; price-changing mechanism.-The invention consists in combined price-changing and prepayment mechanism for meters having the axes of the price-changer, of the measuring-out screw, and of the operating-handle in line running from front to back of the meter, in which the measuring-out screw mechanism is of the kind described in Specification 170,813, and the price-changing mechanism is of the kind comprising a perforated disc which partakes of part of the rotation of the coin pocket, and an arm having stops for engaging the perforations and contacting with the coin respectively. The coinpocket comprises a circular web u, Fig. 2, having two diametral plates v between which the coin rests on stops w which allow a small coin to pass through. When the pocket is rotated by a handle z, the coin comes in contact with a pin d on an arm c, Fig. 1, mounted on a price-changing disc a and having another pin e engaging one of a series of peripheral holes b according to the price of gas. The disc a, which is then carried round with the pocket, has mounted on it a combined driving-pawl m for a ratchet quantity wheel n and a plate o with a shouldered extension p for a retracting spring, the shoulder r preventing withdrawal of a coin after it has been inserted The disc a is loosely mounted on a sleeve f which carries the wheel n, and in which the end of the measuring-out screw is secured. The parts are held in position in the rear plate of the casing by blade springs 27, 28 which prevent damage should undue force be fraudulently applied. The price-changing mechanism described in Specification 170,603 may be used. The travelling nut 8, Fig. 4, has a strap 9 with a pin 10 entering a groove 11 in the framework, and a pin 16 which engages a slot in a valve arm 20 to operate the valve. The pin 16 also engages a bell-crank lever 17 to project one arm 18 into the path of the coin carrier when the maximum number of coins has been inserted. Indicators.-A pin 13 on the strap 9 engages a helical slot in a tube 14 which carries a disc 15 provided with a pin 51 engaging a slotted pointer j to indicate the amount of gas prepaid but unconsumed.