GB426709A - Improvements in prepaid meters - Google Patents

Abstract

426,709. Prepayment mechanism for meters. WHITE, W. H., c/o English, Scottish & Australian Bank, 5, Gracechurch Street, London. Aug. 4, 1933, No. 21937. [Class 27] Coin-action, mechanical connection with delivery proportionate to value of coin. - Inserted coins couple a manually operated member with a member connected to the quantity mechanism, and individual guides of differing length for supporting the coins in coupling position are provided for each coin so that the quantity mechanism is set forward by an amount appropriate to the value of an inserted coin. The construction shown is operable by any one of three coins, and comprises an apertured disc 13, which is rotated by a manually operated plunger through ratchet and pawl mechanism, and a slotted disc 27 operatively connected with the quantity mechanism, the two discs being journalled in a fixed plate 51 having spiral guide grooves 50 of differing lengths in its upper face for supporting the coins in coupling position between the discs. The different coins are inserted through separate slots 4, 5, 6, and are directed by separate shoots into coupling position at the commencement of the appropriate guide groove. As the disc 13 is rotated, its motion is transmitted to the disc 27 through the inserted coin which travels edgewise along its groove until it falls through a discharge opening therein, so breaking the connection. Coin-slit closing devices.-The insertion slots 4, 5, 6 are normally closed by a slotted masking plate 8 which can be moved against spring action to permit insertion of a coin by rotation of a knob 10. A plunger 43 which serves to lock the masking plate in slot-closing position is normally held out of locking position, so as to permit movement of the masking plate, by a lever 41, 42 under the action of a spring 44. When, however, a coin has been inserted and the mechanism is being set, the motion of the disc 27 is communicated to a shaft 39 carrying a pair of arms 40 which engage and move the lever 41, 42 into a position in which it releases the plunger 43, as in Fig. 13, so that the masking plate cannot be moved to permit the insertion of a fresh coin. The lever 41, 42 is retained in this position by a counterweighted catch 46, which is moved to release it as the coin falls out of its discharge opening in the guide groove, so that the masking plate can then the moved to insert a further coin.