GB481632A - Improvements in prepayment apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

481,632. Delivery of electricity by time-controlled prepayment apparatus. DURAND, J. VULLIET-. Jan. 1, 1937, No. 39. [Class 27] In prepayment apparatus for controlling the supply of electricity on a time basis, a ratchet wheel 11 is advanced one step clockwise for each coin inserted, and closes contacts 13 and 13<1> in the supply circuit and the circuit of a synchronous motor M. At the same time a pin 14 on the ratchet wheel is advanced away from a pin 15 on a coaxial disc 16 by an amount proportionate to the prepayment. The motor M drives the shaft 5 of the disc 16 through reduction gearing, causing the pin 15 to follow the pin 14, until ultimately, at the expiration of the prepaid period, the pin 15 engages the pin 14 and turns the ratchet wheel 11 a short distance to cut off the supply and the motor M. The ratchet wheel operates the contact spring 13 through an intermediate blade 20<1>. A blade 20 serves to locate the ratchet wheel correctly in its contact closing position. Coin action, thrust ; fraud, preventing.-A coin is passed down an insertion shoot 2 by inserting the fingers through side apertures 2<1>, and acts through the previously inserted, coin, which is held in the position shown by spring plungers 38 and 39, on an arm 9<1> of a threearmed lever 9, turning it anticlockwise. On the return clockwise movement of the threearmed lever 9 under the action of a spring 19, a pin 35 on a rod 8 connected with a second arm of the lever advances the ratchet wheel 11 through one tooth. A spring plunger 37<1> prevents withdrawal of the coin after insertion. Exhibiting coins after insertion ; indicators.- The previously inserted coin is visible, whilst in the position shown, through an inspection opening. If a previous coin is not present, the apparatus cannot be used and the spring plunger 39 closes electrical contacts to operate an audible or visible signal. A pointer 31 on the disc 16 indicates against numerals on the ratchet wheel 11 the extent of the prepaid period. Registering.-The third arm 9<111> of the lever 9 operates a spring 401 to step up a counter 46 at each coin insertion.