GB445260A - Improvements relating to coin operated gas and electricity meters and like mechanisms - Google Patents

Abstract

445,260. Prepayment mechanism for meters. UNITED GAS INDUSTRIES, Ltd., 51, Lincoln's Inn Fields, SMITH, E. W., 186, Kennington Park Road, and CHARLES, A., Meter Works, Rowan Road, Streatham Vale, all in London. June 30, 1934, No. 19403. [Class 27] Coin action, multiple-coin with delivery proportionate to value of coin.-In meter prepayment mechanism of the type described in Specification 392,530, comprising quantity wheels d, u connected to a sun-wheel j of the quantity mechanism through an epicyclic gear f, g, h, i, mechanism for zeroizing the quantity mechanism and prepayment indicator is provided which operates through the epicyclic gear in such a manner that damage through overwinding is avoided. As shown, the zeroizing mechanism comprises a rotary one-way clutch element a<2> connected through gearing b, c with the quantity wheel d and adapted to be engaged by a complementary clutch element on a key insertable through a guide a<1> in the casing. If the zeroizing mechanism is overwound, the epicyclic gear f, g, h, i drives back on to the quantity wheel v, which turns against a friction spring v. Indicators.-A toothed wheel m fast with the driven sun-wheel of the quantity mechanisms meshes with a toothed quadrant w on a shaft w<1> having a crank pin w<3> engaging a slotted arm x on the shaft y of the prepayment indicator p, so that the indicator p shows the amount prepaid but unused. In a modified construction, the pointer p is carried on a sliding rack bar meshing with the gear m.