GB412425A - Improvements in prepayment mechanism for gas and like meters - Google Patents

Abstract

412,425. Prepayment mechanism for meters. WILSON GASMETERS, Ltd., G., Foleshill Road, Coventry, WILSON, J. H., Mill House, POOLE, D. C. E., The Elms, both in Baginton, near Coventry, and ORMEROD, G. A., 24, Ash Tree Avenue, Coventry. July 20, 1933, No. 20440. [Class 27.] In prepayment mechanism for gas, electricity and like meters of the kind adapted for operation by coins of more than one denomination and comprising two coin or measuring wheels 2, 3 and a coin holder 14, the inlet valve, switch &c. is operated by an axially displaceable member 4<a> common to both wheels and operated directly by one of the wheels by a coin of one size and differentially by both wheels by a coin of another size. The wheel 2 is carried by a sleeve 2<a> fitted with a stud 2b which engages a screwthread on a spindle 4 extending from the member 4<a>. The wheel 3 rides on the sleeve 2<a> and carries a pinion 3<a> which through sun- and-planet reduction gearing 5, 6, 8 rotates a sleeve having an inward projecting pin 8<a> slidable in a slot 4b extending the length of the spindle 4. Insertion of a small coin through the slot 16<a> in the price change plate 16 depresses a slide 15 carrying a pin 15<a> extending through a vertical slot 14<a> in the side of the holder 14 and through a cam-shaped slot 12b in a tooth 12 pivoted at 12<a>, and tilts the tooth into engagement with the wheel 2. Insertion of a large coin depresses a vertically sliding tooth 13b into engagement with both wheels 2, 3 and pushes the pin 15<a> further down to bring the tooth 12 back out of mesh with the wheel 2. Rotation of the coin-holder 14 by a knob 11<a> when the tooth 12 is in engagement turns the stud 2b and advances the member 4<a>, by reason of the thread on spindle 4, a given amount. When a larger coin, of smaller value, brings the tooth 13b into engagement with both wheels 2, 3 the stud 2b advances the member 4<a> as before, and the pin 8<a> simultaneously turns the spindle 4 round in a direction to reverse the outward movement of the member 4<a>, and by a differential effect leave a net advance equivalent to the value of the larger coin. A spring 18 assists in the return motion of the spindle 4 under the action of a worm 10 driven by the meter mechanism and reversing the wheel 2, the wheel 3 being held against back motion by a spring pawl.