GB435232A - Improvements in prepayment mechanism for gas and like meters - Google Patents

Abstract

435,232. Prepayment mechanism for meters. METERS, Ltd., SIDES, H., and MAHER, D., Blackfriars House, Parsonage, Manchester. Nov. 9, 1934, No. 32264. [Class 27] Coin action, mechanical connection, thrust, and multiplecoin.-In prepayment meter mechanism in which two quantity wheels are selectively engaged by two toothed members according to whether one or other of two predetermined coins are inserted in the coin holder, the coin holder is provided with a spring-controlled slide a, Figs. 3 and 6, to which is pivoted a lever b carrying a pin k which extends through a slot m in a wall n of the coin pocket. A small coin inserted through a slot f rotates the lever b only, while a larger coin engages a ledge p on the slide and depresses this against the action of a spring, the slide being guided by a pin y engaging a vertical slot in the wall n. Two toothed levers d, e for engaging quantity wheels i, j, Fig. 1, respectively are pivoted at f, g on a frame plate h of the coin holder and are normally held out of engagement with the wheels by a spring r. When the lever b moves alone by the insertion of a small coin, the pin k enters a recess o in the slot m and actuates the lever d to engage this lever with the wheel i. If the slide a is moved the pin k cannot enter the recess o and the lever d remains stationary. When the larger coin of correct diameter is inserted, the pin k travels down the slot m and actuates the lever e. The mechanism may be set for actua- .tion by one size of coin only by moving a lever v to engage either a pin x on the lever d or the pin y on the slide a. In an alternative construction the lever b may operate one toothed lever and the slide a the other ; or the combined movements of the lever and slide may cause the lever to operate both toothed members.