GB335000A - Improvements in prepayment mechanism for gas-meters - Google Patents

Abstract

335,000. Kirkewhite Engineering Co., Ltd., and Goldspink, G. E. July 18, 1929. Gas, supplying by meter; coin action, mechanical-connection and multiple-coin.-In prepayment mechanism for gas meters of the kind having means for adapting it to work with coins of different sizes and values, the introduction of a price-changing disc with guard plate and coin pocket to suit the coin to be used effects also the necessary gear change in the valve controlling mechanism. The gas valve lever T, Fig. 1, is connected by a link T<1> to a lever V which is moved against the action of a spring V<2> to close the valve by a plate W mounted on a screwed sleeve E engaging a screw A. Rotation of the screw A by means of a coin engaging a quantity wheel B opens the valve and rotation of the sleeve, through either a worm J or J<1> engaging a worm wheel D splined on the sleeve, opens it. The worms J, J<1> form a. two-speed gear for use with pennies or shillings, and the wheel D is moved into engagement with one or the other by a pin C<1> carried bv a rod C passing through the screw A and projecting through the wheel B into the axle F of the guard plate G that carries the rotary coin pocket L. The rod C is held in its proper position against the action of a spring K by the axle F when the pricecharge disc M, with guard plate and coin pocket. is changed to suit the coin to be used, the recess in the axle being of varying lengths. The pawl R, Fig. 2, that prevents backward rotation of the wheel B, has a stud R<1> passing through a slot in the coin mechanism casing N and is actuated by a coiled spring S. When the maximum number of coins are inserted a part W<3> on the valve actuating plate W engages the stud R<1> and locks the wheel B.