GB832345A - Improvements in rotary coin holder mechanisms - Google Patents

Abstract

832,345. Prepayment meters. UNITED GAS INDUSTRIES Ltd. Aug. 17, 1956 [Aug. 19, 1955], No. 24022/55. Class 27 A rotary coin holder for a prepayment meter for gas, electric or like commodity is operated by a single size or denomination of coin and controls the meter so that initially, until a predetermined number of coins have been deposited, a high rate of charge is made for the commodity in order to collect a neutral or basic charge. The holder has a pair of strikers 1, 2 and a coin platform 3 is provided on the rear or under striker 2 so that initially only the striker 2 is moved down for engagement of its tooth 11 with a quantity wheel governing delivery at the high rate of charge. Each coin insertion and holder rotation is counted by a ratchet wheel 16 that is carried by the striker 2 and is rotated by a pawl 29 pivoted on the striker 1; a locking pawl 17 is provided for the ratchet wheel. The pawl 29 is spring-loaded out of contact with the. ratchet wheel when the striker 2 is moved down by the insertion of a coin but a cam 32 of the spindle of the handle 30 moves the pawl into the path of the ratchet wheel so the latter is advanced one step as the striker 2 returns to inoperative position when the holder has been completely rotated and the coin released. After a predetermined number of coins have been inserted, a recess 23 or cam surface on the ratchet wheel comes opposite a pin 22 on a spring-loaded lever 20 pivoted at 19 on the striker 2 and the lever is allowed to move through a slot 26 in the striker 1, thus locking the two strikers together. On subsequent insertion of coins, both strikers are moved together and the quantity mechanism is operated for delivery at the standard rate of charge. In order that an authorized representative may re-set the mechanism, the hollow bars 34 of the ratchet wheel may be partly cut away as at 35 for cooperation with a key and the key may have a radial pin co-operating with an end stop, such as the pin 8 for the striker 2. An adjustable stop for determining the initial position of the ratchet wheel may be provided on the ratchet wheel or other suitable part. The two strikers may be arranged side-by-side and the driving pawl for the ratchet wheel may be carried by the striker which operates alone during the high-charge period, the ratchet wheel then being on the other striker. The disposition of the ratchet wheel and the strikerlocking lever may be at right angles to the positions illustrated. Specifications 400,636 and 405,302 are referred to.