US2118318A - Coin controlled parking meter - Google Patents

Description

y 4, 1938. c. c. MAGEE 2,118,318

COIN CONTROLLED PARKING METER Filed May 13, 1935 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 y 24, 1938- c. c. MAGEE 2,118,318

COIN CONTROLLED PARKING METER Filed May 13, 1935 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 y 1938. c. c. MAGEE 2,118,318

COIN CONTROLLED PARKING METER Filed May 13, 1935 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 I'VVENTOR May 24, 1938. I c c, MAGEE 2,118,318

COIN CONTROLLED PARKING METER Filid May 13, 1935 4 Shoots-Shut 4 flL JS Patented May 24, 1938 2,118,318

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE COIN CONTROLLED PARKING METER- Carl C. Matte, Oklahoma City, Okla., assignor to Dual Parking Meter Company, Oklahoma City, Okla, a corporation of Delaware Application May 13, 1935, Serial No. 21,153

13 Claims. (01. 194-84) My inv ntion r la e to meters for measuring Figure 1 is an oblique elevational view of the the time of occupancy or use of parking or other front and right hand faces of the housing and its space, for the use of which it is desirous an incisupporting standard; dental charge be made upon a time basis. Figure 2 is a rear view of the housing opened,

The prime object of the invention is the proviand disclosing the operating mechanism connectsion of a device of the class described which may ed to the inner face of the door; he placed in operation only after the insertion of Figure 3 is a view similar to Fig. 1, but showing a coin, and which will indicate when a predeterthe rear and right hand faces of the housing; mined period of time has elapsed after its opera- Figure 4 is a perspective view of the coin retion has commenced. ceiving container; 10

Other objects of the invention are the provision Figures 5 and 6 are pictorial views illustrating of a device of this class which is new, novel, the preferred relation of the installed device and practical and of utility; which, during its operaa parked vehicle; tion, will display a signal, the signal being ar- Figure 7 is a fragmentary perspective of the ranged to disappear from view when the predeterinner lower portion of the housing connected to 15 mined permitted time of occupancy has elapsed; its standard; which will indicate during its operation the time Figure 8 is a detail of a gasket which is used for which has elapsed since it was placed in operasealing between the two sections of the housing; tion; which will expose to view the coin most re- Figure 9 is perspective V ew O t e front, 01 if :0 cently inserted therein; and, which includes a considered as in a horizontal position, oi the upnovel container for receiving the coins whereby per face of the rear or lower plate of the mechaan accurate check may be kept upon those pernism, and showing the parts of the mechanism sons who are authorized to collect the money which are supported y; received by the machines. Figure 10 is a fragmentary bottom view of the The device consists substantially of a lockable apparatus shown in Fig. 9, and disclosing the coin 25 housing supported upon a post or standard which conveying portion of the device, a coin being is imbedded rigidly in a permanent base, such as s own in do e es in a p ve position;

a street curbing or sidewalk, adjacent the space F gur 11 is a p View Of a p o 0i! t e mechto be occupied; a spring for actuating the device; anism shown in Fig. 9;

a manually operated mechanism for winding the Figure 12 iS a P p v V ew Of the nether 30 spring; a coin receiving mechanism for controla e of the Plate Shown in 8- ling actuation of the winding mechanism; a time Figure 13 is a view similar to Fig. 9 w th parts gauging apparatus for governing the speed at of the mechanism removed; which the device operates; a visual signal for in- Figur 14 is a Perspective V ew 01 the actuatdicating from a distance that the device is or is i g handle; 35 not in operation; a visual signal for indicating Figure 15 18 a P pective view of the up the elapsed time after the device has been placed ace of the assembled mechanism; in operation; and, a container for receiving the Figu 16 is a D1911 View Showing t e interior 01' oi the front section of the housing;

0 Other objects of the invention are the provision u e 17 is a fragmentary ect taken alon of a mechanism which is readily adjustable to the line H of Fig. 16; operate for various periods of time for each coin u e is an eievatiohal View. partially in inserted therein; which holds the coin in an opi n, h win in e il a portion of the device erative position until the spring has been comshown in Fig 9 and and,

pletely instead of only partially wound; which is Figure 19 is a sectional detail showing a ratchet 45 positive in action; which is durable; and, which used in connection with the device. will be efllcient in accomplishing all the purposes Like Characters of reference ate ke for which it is intended. parts in all the figures.

With these and other objects in view as will It is understood that various changes in the more fully appear hereinbelow, my invention conform, proportion, size, shape, weight and other 50 sists in the construction, novel features, and comdetails of construction, within the scope of my bination of parts hereinafter more fully deinvention may be resorted to without departing scribed, pointed out in the claims hereto appendfrom the spirit or broad principle of my invened, and illustrated in the accompanying fourtion and without sacrificing any of the advansheet drawings of hi h, tages thereof; and it is also understood that the 66 drawings are to be interpreted as being illustrative and not restrictive.

The inventive idea involved is capable of receiving a variety of mechanical expressions one of which, for the purpose of illustrating the invention, is shown in the accompanying drawings wherein:

The reference numeral I indicates as a whole a suitable box-like housing which comprises a rigidly mounted rear section 2 and a front section 3 which is hingedly connected thereto by a pin 4. The section 2 has an integral depending tubular sleeve portion 5 which is rigidly yet removably connected to the upper end of a suitable tubular standard or post 6 by a threaded set-screw I which is covered by the section 3 when it is in a closed position. The ends of the pin 4 are preferably spot welded to the section 3 in order to prevent its unauthorized removal or the pin may be held in place by a set-screw 20.

The upper end of the bore 8 of the tubular portion 5 opens into the housing section 2 and communication is thereby established between the interior of the housing and the interior of the post or standard 6. A substantially cylin drical coin receptacle 3 having an upper annular projecting flange 10 for contacting the upper surface of the tubular portion 5 is disposed within the bore 8 and extends downwardly within the bore of the post 6. The bore 8 has a notch H for receiving a longitudinally extending rib l2 formed upon the exterior surface of the receptacle 9 and thus prevents rotation of the receptacle within the bore. The receptacle is pro vided with a side opening l3 through which the coins may be removed, and the opening is adapted to be closed or sealed by a gummed tape M. The upper end of the receptacle is equipped with a suitable coin slot |5 which passes therethrough and which extends for a desired distance above and below the top thereof. The interior projection of the slot I5 acts to prevent removal of coins through the slot by inversion of the recep tacle.

The tape M or its mechanical equivalent is intended to be dated as illustrated, preferably with the date it is placed in the device and the date it is removed. It also may be numbered to indicate the specific one of the devices within which it is to be installed.

The adjacent edges of the two sections 2 and are provided with cornpleinentaf. grooves which are adapted to receive making a water tight seal betwe gasket is preferably made from a through which has been inserted a adjacent ends of the wire l9 protrude from the ends of the hose l8, and the gasket is held in place by insertion of the protruding ends of the wire into holes, not shown, which are located at the points at which the groove it? in the section 2 meets opposite sides of the portion 5 thereof.

Within the upper portion of the section 2 is a forwardly projecting pin H which co acts with a suitable locking mechanism 22 for locking the sections together in a closed position. The sections 2 and 3 are respectively equipped in their upper portions with similar, transparent, water tight windows 23 and 24.

Referring now more particularly to Fig. 16 wherein the interior face of the section 3 is illustrated, or the upper face of the section if it considered as being in a horizontal position as shown in Fig. 2, a raised substantially triangular boss 25 is provided substantially centrally with aiiasie in the section. The central portion of the boss 25 is equipped with a second or further raised boss 25 which is circular in form and through the center of which is provided a perforation 21. At the apex of the boss 25 is provided a window 28 which is of a size suflicient to fully present to view a coin therethrough.

The window 28 is closed by a transparent pane 28, preferably of some slightly bendable material, which is pressed into place against a shoulder 30 (Fig. 17), the mouth of the window being slightly smaller than the space at the shoulder. This structure is preferably followed out in the glazing of the previously described windows 23 and 24.

A plurality of raised bosses indicated by reference numerals 3|, 32 and 33 are provided within the section 3, and each are equipped with a threaded perforation 34 for receiving a stud bolt for connecting the completely assembled mechanism 40 of the device to the section 3.

The right hand side of the section 3 is equipped with an elongated through slot 35 which receives a suitable coin chute 36. The chute 36 is held in place by one of the stud bolts which holds the mechanism 40 in place.

A description of the working mechanism 40 will now be given, and for the sake of clarity it is considered throughout the description that the mechanism is in a horizontal position as illustrated in Fig. 2.

The mechanism consists substantially of a lower or base plate 4| supporting in spaced relation, upon four upstanding hollow posts 42, an

upper plate 43 which is held in rigid position by nuts 44. A housing 45 is carried by the upper surface of the upper plate 43 and houses a usual gear train, the escapement wheel 46 of which is shown in dotted lines in Fig. 15. The gear train may be of any desired or usual type by which a driven shaft 4'! (Fig. 9) may be governed to rotate at a steady given speed. This may be accomplished by an escapement or other governmeans. The plate 4| is provided with a. through perforation 43 and adjacent thereto with an arcuate through slot 43. Perforations 5t, 52 and 53, and an elongated slot 54 are also provided through the plate 4|, and their ofilces will be more fully described hereinbelow. A rib 88 extends across the perforation 53.

A plate 55 having an arcuate edge portion 58 is held by rivets 51, 58 and 53 (Fig. 13) to the upper surface of the plate 4|. One end of an other plate, 60, together with a small block BI, is fastened by rivets 62 and 63 to the upper surface of the plate 4|, and the other end of the plate 68 is rigidly engaged by the rivet 51. The portion of the plate 60 which bridges between the block GI and the plate 55 is spaced slightly from the plate 4|, and the spaced portion of the plate 60 is provided with a through perforation E4.

With one edge held rigidly in place by rivets 58 and 59 upon the upper surface of the plate 55 is yet another plate 65 the free edge 66 of which is bent to bear against the upper surface of the plate 4| The portion of the plate 65 which lies between the plate 55 and the edge 66 is therefore held in spaced relation to the upper surface or" the plate 4|, and this portion is so located that it passes directly over the perforation 53 previously described herein. The perforation is of a diameter, and the passage, described by one edge of the plate 55, the down-turned edge 66 of the plate 65, the upper surface of the plate 4|,

and the central portion of the plate 66, is of a dimentlon suificient to permit the travel of a coin through both the passage and the perforation from a point adjacent the arcuate edge portion 66 of the plate 66.

The plate 66 is provided with two spaced upturned ears 61 which are perforated to receive a pivot pin 66. A closure 69 for the passage above described has one flat end portion 16 normally resting upon the upper surface of the plate 6|, and its central portion is pivotally mounted upon the pivot pin 66. The flat portion I6 may be raised to open the passage and permit the entrance of a coin. The free edge II of the portion 16 is arcuate and when the closure is in a normal position, forms substantially a continuation of the arcuate edge 66 of the plate 66. The upper surface of the closure 69 is equipped with an upturned ear I2 which has a transverse slot I6 therethrough. A link I6, (Fig. 9), having a perpendicular end portion I6 engaged within the slot 16 acts as a means for actuating the closure 69 to an open or closed position.

The previously described perforation 66 in the plate 6| is provided for the purpose of receiving an upstanding pivot pin 16 upon which is pivotally mounted a lever element 11 (Figs. 9 and 11). The element 11 acts substantially as a bell-crank, and consists substantially of a body portion 16 having an integral arm I9 extending in one direction and an opposite arm 66 extending from the body at substantially a forty-five degree angle from the axis of the arm 19. The arm I6 is connected to the link I6 and acts to move the link longitudinally in order to open and close the closure 69. The body I6 also has a projection 6| by which it in turn may be pivotally moved upon the pin I6. The ofiice of the arm 66 and the means by which the lever element 11 is actuated will be more fully described hereinbelow.

As previously described hereinabove, the central portion of the plate 66 bridges between the block 6| and the adjacent end of the plate 66. A coin passage is therefore formed by the upper surface of the plate 6|, the adjacent ends of the block 6| and the plate 66, and the nether surface of the plate 66. The mouth of this passage is indicated by the reference numeral 62. when the mechanism is installed in the section 6 of the housing, the mouth 62 is so located that it communicates with the inner end of the previously described coin chute 66.

Refer now more particularly to Fig. 12, where the nether face of the plate 6| is disclosed. Connected at one end to the plate 6| by the rivets 62 and 66 is a spring 66 the end portion 66 of which passes across the perforation 66 in alinement with the previously described rib 66. The extreme end portion 66 of the spring is bent perpendicularly and projects upwardly through the perforation 62 in the plate 6|. The portion 66 of the spring 63 acts to normally hold a coin confined between the rib 66 across the perforation 66, the nether surface of the plate 66, and the upper surface of the portion 66 thereof. When the spring 66 is sprung away from the plate 6| sufficiently to withdraw its end portion 66 from the perforation 62, a coin which was then confined as above described would be permitted to pass from its position over the perforation 66. It would then leave the previously described coin passage, the entrance to which is normally closed by the closure 69. Referring to Figs. 12 and 13, it may be seen that a portion 66 of the spring 66 is partially cut from the spring and is bent upwardly to project through the previously described slot 66 in the plate 6|. Downward pressure upon the portion 66 acts to move the spring 66 downwardly and to withdraw the portion 66 thereof from the perforation 62.

In Fig. 15 is shown a perforation 61 in the plate 66. This perforation is in axial alinement with the previously described perforation 66 in the plate 66 (Fig. 13).

A substantially U-shaped member 96 (Figs. 9 and i1) having upper and lower legs respectively indicated by the reference numerals 6| and 62 which are connected by an integral element 96, is pivotally mounted in the perforations 61 and 66 by trunnions 96 carried by the legs. The arm 66 of the previously described lever element 11 lies between the two legs of the member 96. The end of the leg 92 has an upturned perforated ear 96, and the end of the arm 66 of the lever element I1 is equipped with a downturned or depending perforated ear 96 (Fig. 11). A helical retrieving spring 91 is connected between the two ears 96 and 96. To the free end of the leg 6| of the member 96 is rigidly attached one end of an arcuate signal element 96 which is equipped with a scale 99 graduated and numbered to represent minutes of time or fractions of an hoiir. The element 96 is preferably constructed of a suitable colored translucent material such as celluloid or the like.

As a means for conveying the coin from the passage, the mouth of which is indicated by the reference numeral 62, to the passage adjacent the other end of the plate 66, for moving the member 66 and its signal element 96, for operating the link I6 and consequently the closure 69, for operating the spring 66, and, also for accomplishing other purposes not as yet disclosed hereinabove, the following described structure is provided.

A flat coin conveying element I66, best seen in Fig. 13, having a circular perforation Ill located around the perforation 66 in the plate 6|, is held in slidable engagement with the upper surface of the plate 6| by a guide element or spider I62 located on the nether face of the plate 6|. The spider has two legs I66, one of which passes upwardly through the previously described arcuate slot 69 and the other of which is located exteriorly of the adjacent edge I66 of the plate 6|. The edge I66 has an arcuate protuberance I66 which together with the slot 69 acts to engage the legs I66 and act as guides for the partial rotation of the element I66. The legs I 66 are both rigidly connected to the element I66. The spider has a square or other angularly conflgurated perforation I66 which is in axial alinement with the perforations 66 and IN. The element I66 has an arcuate edge I61 which is struck upon a radius substantially equal to the radius of the arcuate edge 66 of the plate 66 and also substantially equal to the radius of the edge 'II of the portion I6 of the closure 69. Adjacent the termination of the edge I61, the element I66 has an arcuate concave edge portion I66 which is substantially of a, radius equal to the radius of the coin I69 with which it is desired to put the device into operation. An arcuate through slot II6 extends substantially parallel with the edge I61, and communicates with or opens into the coin receiving edge portion I66 of the element I66. The slot H6 and the coin receiving portion I66 are so located that when the element I66 is partially rotated, as is permitted by the leg I66 in the slot 66, a coin which may then be located in the portion I08 is forced to pass directly over and depress the portion 86 of the spring 83. After the coin has passed over the portion 86, the slot IIO permits further rotation of the element 100 without the portion 86 being depressed.

The element I00 is so located, that a coin inserted in the mouth 82 of the previously described coin receiving passage will fall into the portion I08. Partial rotation of the element will then convey the coin over the portion 86 of the spring 03, and if the closure 69 is in an open position, the coin will be delivered into the passage lying beneath the plate 55.

A post I I I having an axial bore I I2, and having its lower end II3 of a diameter adapted to fit snugly within the previously described perforation 48 is provided with an outstanding annular flange II4 which is of a diameter adapted to fit snugly within the perforation IOI in the element I00. Around the body of the post and seated upon the upper surface of the flange H4 is a disc II5 which may be rotated thereon. As may best be seen in Fig. 12, the disc is equipped with an outstanding projection H6, and adjacent thereto with a through perforation III which is threaded. The nether surface of the disc is provided with a depending lug or projection I26 which is located adjacent the edge of the disc and which lies in the path of a coin in its travel from one of the previously described coin passages to the other. Seated upon the disc H5 is a segment gear II8 which has an integral upstanding sleeve II9. The body of the post Hi projects a slight distance above the sleeve iii? and its extreme upper end portion I20 is reduced in diameter. The periphery of the gear H8 has an abrupt shoulder I2I and adjacent a portion of its edge is provided with a plurality of spaced perforations I22. The various perforations 522 are designated by numerals I23 which indicate periods of time, either in minutes or in fractions of hours. The perforations I22 are so located that any one of them may register with the perforation II'I in the disc H5. The relative radial position of the disc H5 and the segment gear i iii may be adjustably positioned by a set-screw fit inserted through one of the perforations i22 and threadedly engaged within the perforation III. Utilization of the set-screw I24 as above described acts to regulate and set the disc and the gear so as to bring the shoulder E25 and the adjacent edge of the projection i it? a desired distance apart.

The segment gear H8 is pressed tightly upon the post III and is therefore forced to rotate with the post when the post is rotated. Around the post III and against the upper end of the sleeve H9 is movably positioned one end of an indicating hand I25 which projects outwardly past the edge of the segment gear ill? to a point where it may indicate various numerals or graduations upon the scale 99 carried by the signal element 98. Around the post and upon the hand I25 is a ring I2'I which is pressed firmly in place. A coil spring I28 surrounds the sleeve H5 and is confined between the hand I25 and the upper surface of the segment gear H8.

In assembling the structure thus far described, the signal 98 and its U-shaped member Sill is first positioned as illustrated in Fig. 9, and the spring 91 is connected between the cars and 98. The link I4 is then connected between the ear I2 and an ear 208 carried by the free end of the arm 19 of the lever element "II. The element iflil is attached to the plate M by the spider I02 in.

a manner previously described. The disc II5, segment gear II8, hand I25, and ring I2'I are installed as previously described upon the post III, and the lower end II3 of the post is inserted Within the perforation 48 in the plate 4|. The upper plate 43 is then placed upon the posts 42 and the nuts 44 are tightened down.

In configuration, the plate 43 is substantially identical with the plate 4|, and the plate 43 is equipped with a perforation, not shown, which corresponds to, and when the plates are in an assembled position, is in axial alinement with the perforation 48. This perforation journals the reduced upper portion I20 of the post III.

The plate 43 has a depending projection I20 (Fig. 9) to which one end of the spring I28 is removably attached. Subjacent the connected end portion of the hand I25, the segment gear H8 is provided with an upstanding hollow interiorly threaded post I30, the upper end of which contacts the nether surface of the hand. The hand at this point is provided with a transverse arcuate through slot I3I through which a studbolt I32 is inserted and threadedly engaged with the post I30. The bolt I32 and the post I30 act as means for connecting the hand to the segment gear II8 and causing rotation of the hand with the gear. The slot I3I permits a slight adjustment of position between the gear and the hand.

One end of the spring I28 engages the post I30,

and the spring acts as a means for normally holding the segment gear at the end of its permitted travel in a right-hand direction, and for urging it in a deasil direction when it has been rotated from its normal position.

One end of the previously described shaft 41 is journaled in the previously described perforation 5i, and is equipped with a gear I33 which is at all times in engagement with the teeth I34 or" the segment gear, and a usual ratchet connection I35 is provided between the gear and the shaft. The connection I35 may be of any desired type so long as it is adapted to engage the gear with the shaft when the gear is rotated in an anti-clockwise direction, and is adapted to permit independent rotation of the gear upon the shaft in the opposite direction. The ratchet structure I35 may consist of a tubular housing 200 having interior teeth 20I. A spring element 202 extends transversely through the shaft 41 within the housing and its perpendicular ends are engaged with the teeth 20I. Thus, when the shaft 41 is rotated in one direction the housing is not rotated but when the shaft is rotated in the opposite direction the ends of the element 202 engage the teeth 20I and cause rotation of the housing 200. The housing 200 is preferably made integral or is otherwise rigidly connected to the gear I33. As previously stated, the speed at which the shaft 41 may rotate is governed by the gear train or mechanism in the housing 45; however, this is true only upon its rotation in an anticlockwise direction.

After the mechanism thus far described is assembled and is positioned within the section 3 of the housing I by a plurality of bolts, not shown, but which pass through the hollow legs 42 and engage the threaded perforations 34 (Fig. 16) in the bosses 3|, 32 and 33, a key I40 (Fig. 14) is next installed.

The key consists substantially of a rod I4I to one end of which is rigidly connected in any desired manner such as by pins I42, a perpendicular handle I43. Around the rod and adjacent the handle is provided an angular shoulder I44 which is of a size and configuration to barely fit within the angular perforation I66 in the spider I62. Between the shoulder I44 and the adjacent face of the handle I46, the rod is provided with an enlarged cylindrical portion I46 which is adapted to workably fit within the perforation 21 of the boss 26 of the housing section 6. The portion I45 terminates in another enlargement I46 which forms an abrupt annular shoulder I" which contacts the exterior surface of the section 6. The portion I45 is of suilicient length to barely pass through the perforation 21 in the housing section I and to contact with its end the lower face of the spider I62.

The red I passes through the perforation 46 in the plate 4|, through the bore 2 of the post III, through the perforation in the plate 46 which has previously been described herein as being in alinement with the perforation 46, and extends for a considerable distance above the upper surface of the upper plate 46.

The reference numeral I66 indicates a sleeve which is connected by a set-screw III to the portion of the rod I H which projects above the plate 46. The lower end of, the sleeve is rigidly connected to or made integral with two spaced arms I52 and I56. Adjacent the post I and within the radial path of the two arms I52 and I66, the plate 46 is provided with a through slot I54. A pin I55 is slidabiy disposed within the slot I54 and beneath the plate 46 the pin is rigidly connected to one end of a link I56 which extends toward the gear-train housing 45 to a point heneath it. Beneath the housing 45 the plate 46 is provided with a second slot I51 and the link I66 at this point is bent upwardly and passes through the slot I51 into the housing 45 as is indicated at I56. The link extends within the housing to a point adjacent the escapement wheel 46, where it terminates in a shoe I56. When the link I56 is moved longitudinally toward the escapement wheel, the shoe I56 is brought into frictional engagement with a hub I66 of the wheel 46, and when the link moves longitudinally away from the wheel 46, the movement of the shoe acts to start the wheel into rotation, thus insuring positive starting of the gear train. The arms I52 and I66 are the means by which the link I 66 is moved longitudinally in opposite directions. Upon partial rotation of the sleeve in one direction, the arm I52 acts to contact the upper or protruding end portion of the pin I55 and move the link toward the wheel 46, while upon partial rotation of the sleeve in an opposite direction, the arm I66 contacts the pin and moves the arm in an opposite direction. A coil spring "I has one of its ends engaged with the set-screw III and its other end is connected to an upstanding projection I62 carried by the plate 46. The spring acts to normally hold the sleeve to the right hand end of its radial throw.

In order to insure a quick or instant movement of the shoe I56 so as to positively start the wheel 46, the following described structure is provided.

An upwardly projecting bracket I66 is carried by the plate 46 and is provided with an end portion I64 which lies substantially parallel to the upper surface of the plate. One end of a link I65 is pivotally connected by a pivot pin I66 to the portion I64 of the bracket, and its other end is bifurcated and embraces the protruding end of the pin I55. An upwardly projecting ear I66 is carried by the plate 46 and a depending ear I61 is carried by the link I65. Between the ears I66 and I6I is connected a retrieving spring I66 which independently of the spring IN and the arm I 66 normally holds the link in a position in which the pin I55 and link I56 are at the end of their throws most remote from the escapement wheel 46 The ears I66 and I61 and the pivot pin I66 are so located with relation to each other that when the link I65 is moved to the end of its throw toward the escapement wheel 46, the spring I66 is barely bent sufficiently to prevent its retrieving the link. However, the least movement of the link I65 by the pin I55 and the arm I56 will cause it to be straightened and it will then retrieve the link to the opposite end of its throw even though movement of the arm I56 were discontinued at this point. Therefore, when the arm I56 barely moves the pin I55 in a direction away from the wheel 46, the spring I66 instantly carries the link I65, the pin I65, and the link I56 to the opposite ends of their throws. This action, of course, causes an abrupt action of the shoe I56 against the hub I66 of the escapement wheel, and insures that the wheel is started into operation.

Operation The mechanism 46 is installed within the section 6 of the housing as previously described, and the two sections are locked together. When installed, the opening 62 of the coin passage is in registration with the inner end of the coin chute 66, and the perforation 56 in the plate 4| is then located in alinement with the small window 26 in the section 3. The signal 66 is normally in a position just below the windows 26 and 24 and the hand I25 is normally at the left hand end of its throw, looking at the front of the section 6. The coin container 9 is of course positioned within the sleeve portion 5 of the housing before the housing sections are locked together.

To start the device into operation, a coin of the proper denomination is inserted in the chute 66. The coin passes from the chute through the opening 62 into the first coin passage, and gravitates through the passage into the pocket formed by the concave edge portions I68 of the coin conveying element I66. The handle I46 of the key I46 is then rotated manually to the end of its throw in a deasil direction, and is then released to the action of the spring I6I which returns it to its original position.

As the handle is rotated, the spider I62 and the element I60 are also rotated. The coin is therefore borne into engagement with the projection I26 upon the edge of the segment gear H6 and the segment gear together with the disc H5 is thereby caused to rotate with the element I00. In its travel the coin passes over and depresses the portion 66 of the spring 66. As the disc II5 approaches the end of its permitted rotation the leading edge of the projection I I6 contacts the projection 6| of the lever element 11. Movement of the element 11 accomplishes two things simultaneously, viz., the opening of the closure 66, and the raising of the signal 66 into a position where It may be seen through either of the windows 26 or 24.

The spring 91 is so arranged that when the signal is in a raised position it will remain in such a position until the lever element I1 is forced to move, by another agency than the spring, but that the slightest movement of the element 11 will release it to the action of the spring 61 which will then return it to its lowered position.

The partial rotation of the segment gear H6 winds the driving spring I26, and during this rotation the ratchet mechanism I85 permits the gear I38 to turn freely upon the shaft 41 without imparting any movement to any of the gears of the gear train.

As the handle reaches the end of its rotation in a clockwise direction the arm I52 of the sleeve I50 contacts the pin I55 and moves the link I56 to the end of its throw toward the escapement wheel 46, and when the handle is released to the action of the spring "SI and is returned thereby in an anti-clockwise direction to its original position, the arm I53 contacts the pin and starts it toward its original position. As the pin is started to move toward its original position, the spring I68 carries it to the end of its throw and the shoe I59 imparts movement to the hub I60 and the escapement wheel 46.

When the handle is released to return to its original position, the element I and the spider I02 are carried with it and consequently the coin is released from engagement with the projection I26. The release occurs at a time when the closure 69 is in an open position and the coin therefore enters by gravity into the passage beneath the plate 65 and comes to rest against the end portion 85 of the spring 83. When in this position the coin is visible through the window 29 and perforation 53. It is therefore possible to determine without opening the housing whether a coin or a slug has been used to operate the device. A coin of less size than that which the device is designed to accommodate will not bridge between the element I00 and the projection I26 carried by the segment gear, and the chute 36 is so designed that a coin of greater diameter can not be inserted.

After the handle has been released as above described, the spring I28 drives the segment gear to rotate in an anti-clockwise direction, and the hand I 25 of course travels with the gear. The hand therefore co-acts with the scale to indicate the portion of the time remaining of the original parking period.

When the gear II8 reaches its original position, the shoulder I2I carried thereby contacts the projection 8| and moves the element 11 toward its original position. Upon the slightest movement of the element 11 in this direction the spring 91 is permitted to act in bringing the signal to its lowered position.

The action of the spring 83 causes the release of each previously deposited coin into the container 9 and holds the current coin in view, therefore, the entire parking period is available within which an oflicer may detect whether or not a slug has been used to actuate the device.

The distance between the projection I26 upon the disc H5 and the shoulder I2I upon the segment gear H8 may be varied by the insertion of the set-screw I24 into various ones of the perforations I22 in the segment gear I I8. Therefore, the time it takes for the segment gear and the hand I25 to be returned to their original positions after being propelled to the right hand end of their throws may be regulated to accommodate various parking periods.

From the foregoing description it may be seen that the signal 98 will be in view through the windows 23 or 24 during the permitted period of parking times; that the last inserted coin I09 will be visible through the window 29 during the entire parking period; that a positive means has been provided for starting the gear train into operation at the proper instant; that the signal 98 will be quickly raised and lowered at the beginning and ending, respectively, of the parking period; that the device may be easily and quickly adjusted to cover various parking periods; that the remaining time of a parking period will at all times be indicated by the hand I25 and the scale 99; and, that only a coin of the proper denomination may be used to actuate the device.

Obviously, the invention is susceptible of embodiment in forms other than that which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described herein, and applicable for uses and purposes other than as detailed, and I therefore consider as my own all such modifications and adaptations and other uses of the form of the device herein described as fairly fall within the scope of my invention.

Having thus described my invention, what is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent, is:

1. In a parking meter, a driving mechanism adapted to operate at a given speed for a given period of time, a signal manually operated coin controlled means for moving the signal into a signalling position, operative connections between the mechanism and the signal for moving the signal out of signalling position, graduations representing units of time carried by the signal, and means co-acting with the graduations for indicating units of time.

2. In a parking meter, a driving mechanism adapted to operate at a given speed for a given period of time, a signal, manually operated coin controlled means for moving the signal into a signalling position, operative connections between the mechanism and the signal for moving the signal out of signalling position, graduations representing units of time carried by the signal, and a hand driven by the mechanism and coacting with the graduations for indicating units of time.

3. In a coin controlled parking meter, the combination with a driving mechanism including a gear train having a driving spring and having a governing means limiting its operation to a given speed, said train limited to operate only for a given period of time upon each winding of the spring to a certain tension, of a pair of axially alined discs one of which is adapted to be rotatively driven by the driving mechanism and the other of which is adapted to be selectively and rigidly connected to the driven disc in various rotative positions, a manually rotated coin conveyor adapted to be keyed to the second disc by a coin and cause rotation of the second disc in a direction to wind the spring when a coin is present, means for returning the conveyor to its original position and for releasing the coin therefrom when the conveyor is manually released, a signal, operative connections between the signal and the second disc for operating the signal to a signalling position when the disc reaches the limit of its rotation in one direction, and means carried by the first disc for engaging said connections and operating the signal to a non-signalling position when the second disc reaches the limit of its rotation in the other direction.

4. In a coin controlled parking meter, the combination with a clock mechanism including a driving spring and a speed governing means, of a first disc rotatively driven by the clock mechanism, a projection carried by the first disc, a second disc axially alined with and adapted for rotation upon the same axis with the first disc, a projection carried by the second disc means for rigidly connecting the discs together at various positions to alter the distance between the projections, manually actuated coin operable means for rotating the discs in a direction to wind the spring, a signal adapted to be moved into and out of a signalling position; and operative mechanism operable on contact by the projection carried by said second disc to move the signal to a signalling position, and on contact by the projection carried by said first disc to move the signal to a non-signalling position.

5. Organization as described in claim 4, and means for returning the coin operable means to its original position after it has been manually rotated away from its normal position.

6. Organization as described in claim 4, including means for returning the coin operable means to its original position, and means operable by said coin operable means during its return movement for releasing the clock mechanism to start operation.

7. In a parking meter, a driving mechanism adapted to operate at a given speed, a signal, manually operated coin. control means for moving the signal into a signalling position, operative connectlons between the mechanism and the signal for moving the signal out of signalling position, graduations representing units 0! time carried by the signal, and means co-acting with the graduations for indicating units 01' time.

8. In a parking meter. a driving mechanism adapted to operate at a given speed, a signal having graduations indicating periods of time, a movable hand driven by the mechanism ior indicating various ones of the graduations, manually operated coin controlled means for movingthe signal into a signalling position and for setting the hand with relation to the graduations, and means operated by the mechanism for moving the signal out 01' signalling position at the expiration of a predetermined period of time.

9. Organization as described in claim 8, and means for selectively limiting the travel of the hand.

10. A parking meter comprising: a driving mechanism adapted to operate at an average speed; an operation disclosing signal; coin controlled means for moving the signal in one direction, operative connections between the mechanism and the signal for moving the signal in the opposite direction; and means driven by the drivlng mechanism for indicating the elapse of time.

11. A parking meter comprising: a timing mechanism; a signal; manually operated coin controlled means for moving the signal into signalling position: operative connections between the mechanism and the signal for moving the signal out 0! signalling position; and means driven by the mechanism and cooperating with the signal to indicate the elapse of time.

12. In a coin controlled time measuring meter: a time measuring flag having indicia thereon; a driven time gear; a time indicating pointer carried by! the gear for indicating the elapse of time in co-operation with said indicia on said flag; coin controlled means for raising said flag into a position of visible display and for setting said indicator with relation to the indicia on the ilag; means for holding said flag in said raised position; and means for releasing said flag holding means after a predetermined period of time has elapsed; said flag adapted to move to a nonvisible position when said holding means is released.

13. In a coin controlled time measuring meter: a time measuring flag having indicia thereon; a time gear; a time indicating pointer carried by the gear for indicating elapse 0! time in cooperation with the indicia on said flag; means for rotating said gear at an average predetermined speed; coin controlled means for moving the flag into a position of visible display, for setting the indicator with relation to the indicia on the flag, and for starting rotation of said time gear; and means for moving the flag to a non-visible position after a predetermined period oi time has elapsed.

CARL C. MAGEE.

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