GB447258A - Improvements relating to prepayment gas meters - Google Patents

Abstract

447,258. Prepayment mechanism for meters. UNITED GAS INDUSTRIES, Ltd., 51, Lincoln's Inn Fields, and SMITH, E. W., 186, Kennington Park Road, both in London. Aug. 14, 1934, No. 17698. [Class 27] Casings ; indicators.-The prepayment and index mechanisms together with the cash receptacle of a prepayment gas meter are contained in a separate casing which is applied to the main casing at one side or in front thereof so as to present these parts facing to the front for inspection or manipulation, connection between the mechanisms in the main and separate casings being made by one or more transmission spindles extending through gas-tight bearings in the main casing. As shown, the separate casing a, constructed for example of tin-plate, is situated at one side of the main casing b, the upper part of the outer wall of the separate casing being removable for adjustment of the mechanism. The index and prepayment mechanisms f, e are mounted one above the other within the casing a on a common supporting plate, and the cashreceptacle d below. The transmission spindle b2 passes through a gas-tight bearing b<3>, which may be filled with grease as described in Specification 248,867, [Class 122 (v)], and carries a worm e<3>, meshing with the planet carrier e2 of the quantity mechanism and with gearing f<2> by which movement is conveyed to the testing spindle f<1> of the index f. The transmission spindle b2 may, alternatively, be connected directly with the testing spindle f<1>, and intermediate gearing connect the spindle f<1> with the quantity mechanism ; or separate spindles b<2> may be provided for driving the index and quantity mechanisms. Coupling elements on the spindle or spindles b<2>, and the driven part or parts in the separate casing, may be adapted to engage automatically upon application of the separate casing to the main casing. The gas control valve c is located at one side of the main casing b and behind the separate casing a, its operating element c<3> being located inside the separate casing. When the separate casing is disposed in front of the main casing, the front of the separate casing may form the apparent front of the meter. Suitable index mechanisms are described in Specifications 356,263, 366,582, and 377,713, [all in Group XIX]. Suitable coin mechanisms are described in Specifications 387,678, 391,452, 392,530, 393,975, 394,329, 400,636, 405,302, and 416,570. Specification 391,154 also is referred to.