GB726787A - Coin freed mechanism for prepayment gas and electricity meters - Google Patents

Abstract

726,787. Prepayment meters. PARKIN-. SON & COWAN, Ltd. April 10, 1953 [April 23, 1952], No. 10222/52. Class 27. A coin-freed mechanism for gas and electricity meters of the type having a slot intended for coins of two different sizes includes a stop device 19 which in its rest position prevents movement of the coin cam 22 beyond the position to which it is moved by the smaller of the coins, but which is adapted to be displaced by the insertion of the larger coin B to permit continued movement of the coin cam. The larger coin, on insertion, bears against a trigger portion 21 normally situated at one end of the coin slot and hence rotates the device 19 about a pivot 18 against the action of a spring 23 until a hook 20 is displaced out of the path of movement of a projection 25 on the cam 22, which is then displaced about its pivot 24 by the coin to bring a lever 28 into operative relation with the prepayment mechanism. The smaller coin does not displace the cam 22 far enough for the projection 25 to engage the hook 20 which remains undisturbed by the insertion of the coin. A second lever 27 is brought into operation by the smaller coin. Insertion of a coin of intermediate size,.such as that shown at C, is prevented by the projection 25 engaging the hook 20. The mechanism is mounted on a rotatable coin pocket having a discharge slot 13 for the coin.