GB361586A - Apparatus for recording the flow of gas or electricity - Google Patents

Abstract

361,586. Registering the flow of fluids &c. BREMNER, D.O., 30, Pont Street, Knightsbridge, London. Nov. 8, 1930, Nos. 33706/30, 35308/30, 37582/30, 15105/31, and 15955/31. [Class 106 (i).] A device for registering the consumption of gas, electricity, or other quantity comprises an independent agency operating a counter through a variable transmission gear controlled directly by the opening and closing of a valve or electric switch. In the form shown in Fig. 1, as applied to a gas apparatus such as a gas fire or radiator for registering the quantity consumed the spindle of the gas tap or valve 9 is provided with a cam 8 upon which bears a spring- controlled member 7 having means for supporting a wheel 4 adapted to slide axially along a spindle 5 driving a counting-mechanism 6. The wheel 4 makes contact with a driving wheel or disc 3 actuated by clockwork or synchronous motor 2, the arrangement being such that when the wheel 4 is over the centre of the disc the valve is in its closed position. In the application to electricity meters the valve is replaced by an electric switch of the rotary type with two or more contacts. Means may be provided to stop the clockwork movement when the current is switched off ; such means may comprise a solenoid the core of which arrests the action of the balance wheel. A mechanical stop action may be provided for this purpose and in addition may have means associated with it for imparting motion to the balance wheel when the valve is opened or switch is operated. Regulation of the supply may be controlled automatically as by means of a governor acting on the valve &c. spindle. Where an electric time-keeping unit is employed the flow through the meter is arrested if the current to the time unit 23 is interrupted by a circuit arrangement as shown diagrammatically in Fig. 9. A lock may be provided to co-operate with a projection on the valve &c. spindle to prevent unauthorized use thereof. To maintain a uniform pressure between the wheels 3, 4 the driving or driven parts may be hinged and pressed together by a spring or gravitational action. The lowest denominational wheel of the counting unit is marked in fractions as shown in Fig. 4. Instead of such markings the various sectors of the wheel may be differently coloured.