GB861870A - Improvements in or relating to counters - Google Patents

Abstract

861,870. Zeroizing mechanisms. UNITED GAS INDUSTRIES Ltd. Dec. 5, 1958 [Dec. 6, 1957]. No. 38099/57, Class 106 (1). A counter comprising a plurality of coaxial numeral wheels in which zeroizing is effected by moving apart the transfer pinions and numeral wheels and rotating the numeral wheels manually to zero is provided with a removable comb adapted to restrain the transfer pinions against rotational or axial movement during the zeroizing operation. As shown, Fig. 1, transfer pinions of the usual long and short teeth type are mounted on a shaft 3 carried by a support-member 4 pivotally mounted on a spindle 7. A comb 12, Fig. 6, has flanges 13 which fit over the lateral limbs 5 of the supportmember 4 and has a plurality of fingers 16 curved to fit between the wide teeth of the transfer pinions 9. A drum-braking comb comprising a series of fingers 18 is attached to the support-member 4 or alternatively is attached to the comb 12. To zeroize the counter the comb 12 is fitted and the supportmember 4 is rocked to move the transfer pinions away from the numeral wheels which may then be manually adjusted to zero, the fingers 18 acting as brakes. When the member 4 is rocked back to its operative position, the transfer pinions are in the correct position for re-engagement. In a counter in which the numeral wheel spindle is rocked for zeroizing, the comb may co-operate with the counter housing. As described, the comb 12 fits loosely on the member 4 so that if it is accidentally left in position, the transfer pinions are not locked. If the comb 12 is clearly visible when in position, a firm fit, by means of dimples cooperating with recesses or by forming the comb as a magnet, is possible.