GB338883A - Improvements in or relating to prepayment mechanism for meters suitable for measuring gas, electricity, water and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

338,883. Sutherland, Ltd., A. G., and Mace, B. E. July 27, 1929. Coin action, thrust and multiple-coin. - In a prepayment mechanism for meters that can be set to accommodate alternatively coins of different denominations, a coin is inserted through a pricechange plate f<1>, Fig. 1, into a carrier on a disc f which is rotatable by a handle f<2> and is located behind the change plate f<1>, the coin, by engagement with the casing n, depressing a. sliding member i against the action of a spring g, to cause a tooth e thereon to engage a ratchet wheel a on the usual " compound " spindle c. The member i is U-shaped and slides in a U-shaped housing h secured to the disc f. The dimension of the coin-space between the sliding member and the, casing n to suit the coin to be used is defined by a tongue i pivoted between the webs of the member i and having a lateral projection k, which, in one position of the tongue, engages a slot in a pivoted locking lever l, and, in another position, engages under the locking lever. The lever l is normally locked against displacement by engaging a notch m in the housing h. When the position of the tongue i is to be changed, the member i must be depressed to a position such that, the lever l leaves the notch m as shown in Fig. 4. This position cannot be obtained without removing the front change plate since the tooth e by engaging the ratchet wheel would prevent sufficient movement of the member i.