US2400756A - Parking meter and coin slot therefor - Google Patents

Description

May 21, l946 w. J. HERscHEDE rs1-AL 2,400,753

PARKING METER AND CON SLOT THEREFOR Original Filed May 27, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 May 21, 1946. w; J. HERscHEDE ETAL PARKING METER. AND COIN SLOT THEREFOR Original Filed May 2'?,y 1938 5 -Sheets-Sheet 2 Mw my @4% i w. J. HERSCHEDE Er m. 2,400,755

EIN-"T R ANB CGU? SLT THEREFR PARKER" 5 Sheets-Sheefl 3 ricina Filed May 2?, 1938 w. J. HERscHEDE Er AL 2,400,756 PARKING' METER AND COIN SLOT `TIHEREE'OR vmy 21, 19456.

original Filed May 27, 1938 4'5 sheets-'sheet 4 1N VENT OR. WILLIAM F07 l/[IYJLIIEDE BY /79 15g I May 21, 1946.

W. J. HERSCHEDE ET AL PARKING METER AND COIN sLoT THEREFOR original Filed May 27, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 gmc/who@ WILL/AM For HfRscHEof WALTER J HERscHDE WILL/AM N. WOODRUFF Patented May 21, 1946 PARKING METER AND COIN sLo'r 'riiEREroR` 1 Walter J. Herschede, Cincinnati, William Foy Herschede, Forestville, and William N. Woodruff, Cincinnati, VOhio, assignors to International Vehicular Parking, Ltd., a corporation of Delaware Original application `May 27, 1938, Serial No. 210,504. Divided and this application June 16, 1942, Serial No. 447,288

Claims.

This application for patent is a division of our copending applicaton Serial No. 210,504, led May 27, 1938, entitled Parking meter and coin slot therefor, now Patent 2,289,838 of July 14, 1942,

available from the exterior of the casing and also that the coin slot mechanism may be serviced from the exterior of the casing througha suitable opening in the casing and which opening may be and the invention relates to parking meters of 5 eiectivelyy closed by simple means, against unthe general character adapted for mounting or authorized manipulation. positioning at intervals along roadways or streets, Another object of the invention is to provide a and which include timing mechanism and ccinsimple mounting arrangement for positioning the controlled apparatus coperating with the timing timing and Coin slot mechanism within a housmechanism, for initiating operation of the timing or casing. ing mechanism of the parking meter, s `.Another object is to eiect certain improvements An object of the invention is to provide a coin and simplifications n the timing meChanSm slot, forming an integral and essential part of whereby to obviate certainobjections heretofore such parking meter apparatus, which is adapted encountered in previously used devices `intended to positively initiate operation ormovement of for the same or similarpurploses. i J f the timing mechanism incident to insertion of `Another obieot'of the invention iS to'provide a the coin. device of the character indicated -whereinthe re- Another Object of the invention is to` provide ceipts that have accumulated incident to the use a device of the character indicated wherein the ofthe apparatus, may be held inaccesible to'servcoin slot mechanism is adapted to initiate operae employees WhOSe duteS may leqlli'eihe Windtion of the timing mechanism only in response to ing of the timing meohanismjand general Superthe introduction thereinto, of a coin of the proper Vision and repair 0f SllCh parte 0f the device 21S size or dimension, may be readily attended to through the open- Another object of the invention is to provide a ings prOVded in the C21-Sing fOI Such DUIDOSGS- coin slot of the character indicated, the parts of 25 Another object iS t0 DlOVde a deVCe 0f the which are adapted to overcome the diiculties `character indicated wherein the servicing ofvarigenerally encountered by reason of atmospheric ous paris 0f the deVCe may be effected Without conditions and the elects thereof upon various necessitating removal thereof from the enclosing types and kinds of coins used with devices of the Casing 0r housing provided therefor? character under consideration. 3o Anotherobieet is to provide a device` ofthe Another object of the invention is to provide character indicated, in which the various parts, a coin slot of the character indicated, wherein when inactive, are relieved 0f all Stress 01 Strain the parts thereof are so related and so cooperate attributable to the use of a clock VSpring 01 the as to positively move a coin through the mechaequivalent therewith, for use as motive power. nism thereof whereby to complete the cycle of set- These and other objects may be attained bythe ting the clock mechanism in operation and for means described herein and illustrated in the actransferring the coins to a proper receptacle, compnnyng drawings, in ,Wlleh A regardless of any action or control on the Vpart Fig. 1 iS an elevational View ShOWng One Side of the person inserting the coin into the coinslot, of a device embodying the invention and mounted other than such action incident to the manual inn 40 on a customary standard.

` sertion and movement of the coin into the slot to Fig. 2 iS an enlarged'flagmental Sectional View such degree as will condition the referred to coin y on line 2 2 of Fg- 1, ShOWng'the front wall only. slot mechanisms for performing the indicated Fig. 31S an enlarged vflagnflental Sectional View functiong g of the device showing the rear wall only.

Another" object of thev invention is `to provide i Fig. 4 iS areal View of a Plate fOImng a detail timing mechanism in conjunction with a coin slot, i` 0f Fig. 3. n 'v A r of such character and structure that same may Fig. 5 isa side view ofthe plate shownin Fig. 4. be handled as a unit in mounting and demount- Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the ,structural deing same in a suitable housing provided for retails of the releasable attachment means used ceiving and protecting the said mechanisms from forsecuring the plate to the housing. the elements and the curious persons who might Fig, 7 is a fragmental detail of a Spanner otherwise tamper therewith. l i wrench used incident to attachment and detach- Another object of the invention is to provide ment of theplate. v v s mechanisms of the character indicated that are Y Fig. .8 ,is a View of a movable shutter formso related that the coin Slot may be readily mede ing a deren of the invention and which controls anism housed within the casing and forming a detail of the invention.

Fig. 9 is a view of a locking bolt of' a key controlled lock for controlling detachment of a plate or panel controllingaccess to the interior of the housing, the locking bolt being associated with the shutter shown in Fig. 8, .whereby to actuate the shutter from the key controlled lock. Fig. 10 is an end View of the associated parts shown in Figs. 8 and 9.

Fig. 11 is an elevational view of the clock mechanism disposed within the, casing,.a-nd sho.wingpart of the coin slot mechanism having been l removed.

Fig. l5 is an elevational view of partof the coin slotmechanism, absent from Fig. 14..

Fig. 16 is a rear view of the part showninFig. 15.

Fig. 1T is a. view similar to Fig. 16, butshowing parts-thereof in changed` positions, incident to introduction of'a coin Yinto the mechanism.

laccess to the winding stud of the clock mechthe purpose of limitation, particularly so because to some persons it might appear that the face 33 should properly be called the rear or back of the device.

A large opening 33 (Fig. l) is provided in the front face or wall 30, for which a removable door or panel 34 is provided. Access to the interior of .the casing, by way of the said large opening 33, permits access to the instrumentalities thatrcontrol attachment and detachment of a coin slot cover plate 35 (see Fig. 3) which serves as a detachable closure or panel for the opening 36 inthe-rear face or wall 32 of the housing 3|. The detachable panel or plate 35 permits ready accesss, to authorized persons, to the coin slot mechanism for servicing same as may be necessary4 from time to time by reason of introduction of articles and substances, other than coins, into the coin slot mechanism and which may interfere with proper functioning of the coin slot mechanism. A detailed explanation of the mounting of the coin slot cover plate wil1 be given later.

The front wall of the housing, in addition to said large opening 33, is provided with a smaller opening 3l for which a hinged door 38 is provided. The hinged door controls access to the lower portion of the internal chamber 45 in the housing and .in whichsection of the internal chamber, the

Fig. 18 is anelevational view of part of a unit of the coinslot mechanism,.shown in Fig. 14 and4 underlying a face plate, which has been removedv but. whichis indicated in dotted lines.

Fig. 19-is a view of parts shown in Fig. 18, looking .at thevright `side thereof, or turned at an angle ofninety degrees.

Fig. 20 is a viewsimilar to Fig. 19, parts being omitted, and showing positions assumed by parts thereof incident to introduction of a coin therein.

Fig. 21'isV an enlargedtop view of parts shown in Fig. 18.

Fig. 22 is a fragmental elevational view of parts of a coin chute forming a detail of the invention.

Fig. 23 is an enlarged plan view of the device shown in Fig. 14, parts being omitted.

Fig. 24 is a diagrammatic view showing the gear train. forming a detail of the invention.

Fig. 25 is a detail elevational View of parts of the signal control meansforming details of the invention.

Fig. 26 is a sectienalview on line 2li-2Sk of Fig. 23.

Fig. 2'7 is a sectional-view on line 27-21 of Fig. 23.

Fig. 28 is a fragmental end elevationalview of parts shown in Fig. 11.

Fig. 29is aperspective view of the mechanism shown in Figs. 12, 13 and 23, parts-being omitted.

Fig. 30 is a perspective exploded view of the structure of Figs. 18 to 21 inclusive.

Like reference characters denote like. parts throughoutthe severalviewof the drawings.4

Considering now more particularly a .device in accordance with our invention, attentionis directed to the drawings. In referring to parts of the device (seerFigs. 1, 2"and 3), reference will be made tothe face 301of'the casing or housing 3| as the front ofthe device andthe opposite outerv face 32 thereof will be referredlto as the rear of the device. Suchterminology is .used merely for facilitating description and not for coins are collected and from which an authorized person may remove same, without disturbing any other parts of the device. Suitable lock controlled means are provided at 39 and4i) for controlling access by way of the panel 34 and door 38, to the interior of the housing or casing,r 3i. Suitable bolts 4l and 42, associated with customary drums of key controlled tumbler type locks, are provided for bolting or locking the panel and door tothe casing wall adjacent such panel and door.

The bolt'` 4I is so connected to a shutter 43, mounted coaxial with the drum of lock mechanism 39 (see Figs. 1, 2 and 8), that the shutter moves or. oscillates with the drum or key employed therewith, such4 shutter serving to open and close an aperture 44 in panel-34 and through which aperture a key may be inserted for winding the clock spring of the Amechanism contained within the chamber-'15in housing 3l. As here shown (see Figs. 2, 9. and 10), said connection comprises pin-74, carried by bolt 4| and extending into aperture 'l5v in shutter 43 (see Fig. 8). From thisit is to be understood that a suitable winding stem 4S, associated with the meter mechanism is aligned with said aperture, in the complete or assembled device. The lock mechanism may be mounted on panel 34 in any suitable manner, for example, nut 16 may secure the stationary part -of the lock tothe panel, in accordance with customary practice.

The panel 34 (see Fig. 1) for the large opening in the front wallof the casing, is provided with means additional to the lock 39 and cooperating with the lock for detachable mounting of the panel in the opening 33. A pair of screw bolts 5l are threadedinto lugs 4l (see Fig. 2) carried by the panel34. rThe lugs are. each adapted to have their respective upper ends 4S positioned over the inner face 0f the flange 52 of casing wall 33, so that by drawing the lugs toward the panel, the said peripheral flange or edge 52 of the wall, about said opening, is clamped between the vpanel and the. lugs. Preferablyeach of the bolts 5l associated withthe lugs 41 isprovided with a polygonal socket 376 for receiving a suitable complernentary wrench, not shown, for rotating the bolts. A pin 13, carried by panel 34, guidesits associated lug. A suitable sealing and cushioning washer 53, of rubber or like material, is positioned i in the recess or pocket into which the panel 34 fits, when secured to the housing wall 3U.

The coin slot cover plate 35 (see Fig. 3) is received in a recess or pocket 5d, provided with a sealing and cushioning washer 55. The pocket is formed by providing a peripheral ilange 5t about the opening 35 in the rear wall of the casing. The plate 35 has at its lower edge, onev or more lugs 51 (see also Figs. 4 and 5) the free ends of which lugs may be introduced into the opening 38 and which lie upon the inner face of the fla-nge 55 or rear wall. The upper end of plate 35 carries one or more studs 58. The studs are round (see Fig. 6) and each has a chord-like sl-ot 'Il each of which serves as a pocket for receiving one end of a washer-like locking member 59 rotatably mounted on the inside face of an apertured plate 18 mounted on the rear wall of the casing.` Each of the studs is received in such aperture or open-` ing 'i9 and projects therethrough so as to expose the slots in the studs to the locking members 59, The locking members are chamfered as shown at 88. The locking member 59 is, provided with a pair of diametrically disposed sockets or pockets E8, into which the teeth or lugs 6l `on the end of aV Spanner wrench typel'of tool 52 may enter, and the toothed end of which tool may be inserted into the chamber by way of the large opening 33 for rotatably actuating the locking rings or member 59. i

Windows 63 and (ifi` (see Figs. l and 3) are provided at the front and rear of the device, and through each of which a signal device or nag 65, 66 is observable. The one window is provided in the panel 34 and the other is provided in the casing wall. The signals are adapted to cooperate with various other parts of the meter mechanism in a manner, for the purposes explained later.

A suitable shank iilis formed at the lower end of the housing 3l., whereby to permit mounting of the device on a suitable standard, in any suitable manner.

The inside portion of the rear wall of the casing (see Fig. 3) includes mounting studs 68 having threaded bores therein, and by means of which the frame 89 of a meter mechanism (see Fig. 1l) may be bolted or otherwise mounted within or secured to the casing, by thethreaded bolts 18. The bolts 'l0 extend through suitable apertures in the frame 89 and cooperate with the casing as indicated.

The meter mechanism comprises a clock mechanism which may be of any suitable construction. Essentially it comprises a spring motor, an escapernent and a suitable gear train. Means are provided whereby the clock mechanism may be rendered operative upon introduction of aA proper coin or token into the device and also for rendering the clock mechanism inoperative after a determinable period of time, as well as for actuating the signals and signal operating parts from the clock motor.

As exemplied herein (see Figs. 1 and 23), the referred to means and mechanisms in `accordance with customary clock structures, comprises the frame 89. The frame in turn comprises a front plate 'H and a rear plate 12. The terms front plate and rear plate are used in the same sense Vin which the opposite apertured walls of the casing were called -front and rear walls. Thus, the front plate 'I I is disposed adjacent the front wall of the casing andthe rear plate l2 is disposed adjacent the rear wall of the` casing, andthe front plate 1I is exposed when the panel 34 is removed from the casing. Accordingly, the escapement mechanism, shown generallyat 8|, and the time adjustment and control means, shown generally at 82, are available for servicing or other attention, merely by removal of panel 34.

In like manner, removal of coin slot cover plate 35 from the back of the casing renders the variousmechanisms, including the coin door and slot mounted on the rear plate 12, available for like attention. Itwill be pointed out, that the coin door and. slot, as well as other mechanisms are so associatedand related to one another and to the, rear plate 12, that they may be attached and detached, as units, through the opening in the rear. wall of the casing, thus permitting expeditious servicing and replacement of parts, operation of which may be impaired by the insertion of variousarticles by mischievous persons.

The front and rear plates (Fig. 23) are held in spaced relation by customary means, for example, suitable studs such as 83, with which suitable screws 848 cooperate, in accordance with customary practice. The upper ends of the plates, at the outer corners thereof are secured to inverted T-shaped brackets 84 and 85 (seeFig. 11). The brackets serve as supports for the shaft or axle 86 for the signals 65 and 66. Each signal comprises a white plate or panel and a `red plate or panel. These panelsare so related and connected that while the signals may move about the horizontal axle or axis 85, the signal panels of identical color are exposed at the windows at the front and back of the casing. IThe plates or panels 8l, 88, 89 and 98, are graduated to indicate periods of time, and areadapted to cooper` ate with an indicator 9i (see also Fig. 14), comprising a pair of fingers 32 and 93, for showing the elapsed time of meter operation (see Fig. 29). When the established period of parking time has elapsed, the red panels are moved to positions adjacent the fingers for visibly indicating that the parking time is being exceeded. At other times, during operation of the device, the white panels are positioned adjacent the lingers. This matter of two color signals and their operation',

as generally related will be explained in more` detail hereafter. It is in order, however, to state the movement of the signals on their axis is accomplished (see also Fig. 28) by means of linkage including a bracket Sldsecured to axle or shaft 86 and link 95 having at its upper end a pivoted connection with bracket 84 in oiset or ec` centric relation to the axis of` axle or shaft 86. The lower end of link 95 is connected with a lever |88, of suitable actuatingr mechanism, explained later (see Fig. 29), for synchronized operation of the signals with the other parts of the meter mechanism.

In Fig. 24 is shown, rather diagrammatically, the gear train, spring motor and cooperating parts for actuating the indicator 9i including the one spaced finger 92 thereof. The indicator iin` gers 32 and 33, supportedby indicator arm 9i, straddle the signals E5, (see Fig. 28).

The spring motor winding stem 4t (see Figs. 11 and 23) is associated with the customary clock spring barrel, ratchet, etc., whereby `the wound spring within` the barrel 85 operates a gear train indicated generally at 3l, the last element 8l, of which is any one of various customary escapements, shown in detail in Fig. 11. Coupled with thegear train (see also Fig. 29), is

. train 91.

' the-signal (Figs. .11, 23 and28).

a' pair of gears 98andl99.A These gears 98 and 99'are mounted ori the same shaft or axle' '|00 and are identical, exceptthat one*` gear `is loose on the shaft and the other isk fixed to the shaft. The two gears 98 and 99 may be locked together and for that purpose there is. provided an idler gear The idler gear 50| is rotatably mounted on a pivoted lever |02, and falls into engagement with gears 98 and 99 under the action Vof gravity, the positioning of gearl |0.|. and its supporting lever being actuated from the motor train in a manner that will be explained. As exemplied herein, the gear 98 is fixed to shaft |00, as isalso the gear |03. The gear 99; integral with gear |04 is loose or freely reVoluble-upon shaft |00, except when theidler gear |0|1is in mesh with it, and at which time the gearsil and 99 are locked rfor movement together.V The gear |04 receives power from gear |05. in power The `gear |03 (see Fig. 29)V andthe gear 98 are xed to shaft |00. Gears |04. andV 99 are xed together on a hollow shaft. rotatable on shaft |0|. Gear |03 is engaged by the gear segment |00 carrying the. indicator 9|. A pin |01 (see Fig. 29), carried by gear segment |00, ,is adapted to actuate a lever |08V (see also Figs. 23 and 25) whichis pivoted on theaxle or shaft |09 and on which shaft the segmental .gear |00 is nxedly mounted. The end. of lever |03, remote from the end thereof that is adapted. to contact pin |07, is'pivotally connected to the 1ink195 of Thesaid pivotal connection is effected vby means of a bearing pin ||0 carried by the angularly turned end of lever |08 and the bearing pin extends through a suitable aperture in the link 95 andk a cotterpin orthe like inserted in the transverse aperture |12 in bearing |50 prevents separation. ofthe link 85 and lever |03. The signal. is weighted so that it willreturn, under the iniiuence'of gravity, to its normallposition, in which the red panels are disposedatthezwindowsin the device,aiposition signalling; improper," parking of a vehicle. The pin |01 is sopositionedY on the segmental gear, that in'settingthe indicator to initial position in actuatingA the. device, thev pinv willactuate the lever. for moving the signals .so the whitesignal panels are disposed adjacent the windows. A pin i |3 on the leverV will be received by a spring actuated catch H4 to hold thewhitesignalpanels into position until released upon expiration of allotted parking time, as more particularly noted hereinafter, the catch Vthen controlling release of the signals so they` may'move under-.the influence of the weight associated therewith, .for returning the signals to normal position..

The pin ||v3 carried by lever |08 iszangular in cross-sectionY (see Fig. 25), and is adapted to cooperate with a hook-like catch or holding member H4 (see also Figs. 23 and 29). The catch |4 is pivotally mounted between the front frame plate 1| and an intermediate plate ||5 carried lby the meter mechanism frame. The catch ||4y is secured to a shaft |55, loosely journaledzin the frame plates;`|| and H5; Also SeCuredJtUsa-id shaft H0 is an arm carrying a pin |19. The pin extends through an opening 309 in theframe plate l! (see Fig, 1l) and is acted upon'bya lug ||9 Yofthe time adjustment plate |20v` upon the indicator 9| reaching a point denoting the expiration of an allotted parking period; The asso.- ciated arm IS7 and catch H4 are` then liftedv (Fig. 25) tov release pin ||3 and-'permit upward movement of arm ||0 and a consequent return 0f the redv signals to signalling position, asapfallow/te pears more fully below. Plate |20 may be adjusted arcuately upon the shaft |09, to which shaft (Fig. 23)A the indicator 9| and segmental gear |00 are fixed, in order to Set the device for different" parking periods, twenty minutes, as in front of banks, or one hour, as in most places where the meters would be located. The adjustment of the plate |20 is effected by means of an arcuate slot |2| in the plate |20, through which a set screw |22 extends, the set screw being threaded into a collar |23 secured to shaft |09. Suitable graduatio-ns |24 on the frame plate, cooperate with pointer or index nger |25 on the adjustment plate |20, to mark the setting of the time interval between movement of the signals from abnormal 'or operating position (proper parking of a vehicle), at which time the white panels are disposed at the windows, to normal or non-operating position (improper parking of the vehicle), at which time the red panels are so exposed or positioned.

The pin l0 (Figs. 23 and 29) is actuated by the lug ||9 for turning the catch ||4 on its axis, for releasing the pin H3, thus freeing the lever and the si-gnals to respond to the gravity influence of the weighted signals. The spring |26, yieldingly holds the catch in position to receive and hold the pin |3. The spring also yieldingly urges the pin ||8 toward the lug 9. The pin ||8 and catch H4 are so related to one another and to the pin ||3 and the lug H9, that only a limited arcuate movement of the catch and pin ||8 is possible before one or the other of said members ||4 and ||8 contact either the pin ||3 l or lug ||9. Movement of indicatol` 9| to an initial position is had through the action of the coil spring |21 and'collar |20 mounted on shaft |09 to which indicator 9| and its gear |06 are rigidly secure. This resetting of the indicator under spring action is permitted by the free turnmeansfof a pin |30. The spring |27 is wound or tensioned as the indicator is moved at a timing rate under the influence of the main spring motor 90, acting through the gear train |03, |05

and gear segment |06 (see Fig.` 24').

The pin ||8 is adapted to contact a pivotally mounted lever |29 (Figs. 23 and 13) that is provided to serve as a detent for end |34 of a lever |3| acting to stop escapement mechanism |32 as noted below. Alsofpin H8' rides on lug 9 of the time adjustment plate |20 and thus takes the strain off gear |06 and indicator 9| due to spring motor 90, shaft |00, and associated gear |03. This, ofcourse, relieves the strain on the escapement mechanism. Lever |29 and associated Darts, as more fully explained below, also positively assures operation of the clock mechanism. The lever |29 is (see also Fig. 29) pivotally mounted on stud shaft |30 carried by frame plate 7|, and the free end thereof is notched or steeped so as to provide a detent |36 for cooperation with a pivotally mounted lever itl, the lower end |34 of which lever I3! (Figs. 11 and 12) is adapted to contact the escapement member |32 for holding one of the pallets thereof in contact with the escapement wheel |33. At such times as the lever |31` contactsf the vibrating. escapement member |32, the-.pendulum |35, which isfiixe'd in relation to the Vibrating `member |32 is held in an off center or unbalanced position, as shown in Fig. 12. The detent structure of lever |29 (Fig. 13) is operative for holding the lever end |34 out of engagement with the vibrating member |32 (see Fig. 12)'. In the normal or inoperative condition of the device, the lower end `|34 of lever |3| is positioned above the heel |39 of the lever |29. In order to withdraw and withhold the lever |3| from contact with the vibrating escapement inember |32 and permit operation of the clock mechanism, the lower end of lever |3| is moved into the detent |36 (see Fig, 13). When the lever |29 is lifted by the pin H8, the lever end |34 passes beneath the detent, by reason of the action of spring |31, and contacts the vibrating member |32. The upper end |38 of lever|3| is disposed in the path of pointer 92 secured to indicator 9|, as the indicator pointerv shown in Fig. 11, is moved to theright hand end of its course. kinasmuch as the lug ||9 moves with Vthe indicator, the pin ||8 is free 'to move downwardly under the influence of spring |26, and the detent carrying portion of lever |29 is urged downwardly by the action of spring |31, wherefore, when the indicator 9| contacts lever I3 the lower end of lever |3| is lodged in the detent in lever |29. Such action is accomplished very quickly and movement thereof and `starting of thetiming mechanism is positively assured.

Thel clip |40 (see Fig. 11) is provided to secure the pendulum while the device is in transit or in storage.

The idler gear i9! (see Figs. 23 and 29) is the instrumentality which locks or joins the spring motor power train and the various parts, including the indicator 9|,andwhich parts are interrelated and interdependent as previously eX- plained. When the idler gear is released `from its normal function of joining the gears 98fand 99, the indicator may be manually moved back and forth as desired inadiusting the device, and consequently, when, in the intended functioning of the device, the idler gear is'moved to release or inoperative position, the indicator `is free torespond to the actionof the spring |21 and to cause such coaction of the various other parts, that the clock mechanism is rendered operative, the signals are actuated, etc., wherefore'the meter is set in operation for its intended purpose or function of timing the 'parking period for which `a person is obliged to inserta propercoin into the device.

Momentary release of the idler gear is sufficient to accomplish the indicated conditioning of the device. i A i The release of the idler Vis accomplished by releasing the lever |92 (see also Figs'll and 14), so that the force of the spring motor, operating through gear 99, will force the idler gear away from the gears 98 and 99, thus freeing the g/ear 98 and permitting the spring |21 to move the in dicator and initiate operation of the escapernent, as previously explained.

The` lever |02, carrying idler gear |9| is pivotally mountedon shaft 4|. The'upper end of lever |92 is offset as shown at |42` (see Fig. 23) and carries a pin o r stud |43 Vdisposed above and adapted to cooperate with trip lever |45 (see also Figs. 14 and 29) of a trip mecha-nism that is actuated incident to introduction of a coin into the device. A suitable stop pin` |44 or the like, limits the extent'to which the lever l 92 may move toward the gears 98 and 99 and consequently serves to assure positioning of the idler gear for proper cooperation with the gears 98 and 99 when serving, its indicated locking or joining function. The trip mechanism forcontrolling the idler gear (Figs. 14 and 29) comprises a lever |45 looselymounted or journalled on shaft |45. Movement of lever |45 on shaft |46 is limited b-y an arm |41 (Fig. 23) fixed on shaft |46 and having a lug |48 thereonA extended over the arm |49 of lever |45. The springs |59 and |53 yieldingly urge the lever arm |49 toward the lug |48. The spring |5|Jhas one of its ends vdisposed beneath `the lug |5| on lever arm |41, and after a number .of turns thereof about the shaft |45, has its other end formed about the second arm |52 of lever |45. The arm |41 and spring |59 are usedas a safety device, in View of the speciiic coin slot shown herein, to prevent tripping or release of the meter mechanism by insertion of articles, other than a proper coin, for example, a long, thin piece of steel, into the coin slot for the purpose of intiating operation of the timing mechanism. Also the arrangement of` arm |41 and spring |59 with `lever |45 permits manual release of the idler gear, as in adjusting the device, without operation of the coin slot mechanism. This feature is of benet in assembly and servicing and at which time the protecting casing or housing` 3| permits ready access to the iever |45. With other types of coin slots, vthe spring |59 and arm |41 may be dispensed with. rIhe trip lever arm |49 (seealso Fig. 11) has a detent |83 in which the pin |43 of the idler gear lever |92 is received and held, for holding the idler gear in engagement with gears 93 and 99. The extreme outerend of the lever arm |49 is hooked upwardly to prevent movement of the Ypin |43,

laterally beyond the lever arm |49. The lever arm |49, outwardlyof said detent |83is so shaped, see at |94, that the pin |43 will readily locate in the detent incident to normal operation or movement of the parts. The pin |43, therefore, serves as means limiting the upward movement of lever arm |49.

rEhe safety device comprising the spring-actuated arm |41 is able to move upwardly, away from the trip lever arm |49, for a` slight distance, whereby to permit positioningoffsome of the coin slot `mechanisms in positions 'for attaining the indicated safety feature. In instances where the safety feature is not considered necessary, the arm |41 may be dispensed with, and trip lever arm |49 is xed directly to the shaft |45, instead of being indirectly connected thereto and actuated thereby, through the member |41.

Incident' to operation of the device from the coin slot, it should be observed that the shaft |09 (see Fig. 23) on `which the indicator 9| 4is fixed, also has fixed thereto an arm |54, which, when the indicator is restored to its initial position, upon starting the deviceby deposit of a coin and resultant lifting of pin |43' and idler gear IUI, is adapted to contact a pin |55 associated with a f coin trap mechanism (see also Figs. 19, 29 and 30) forming a detail of the coin slot mechanism.

For the purpose of explaining the coin slot mechanism and the lifting of arm |49 to actuate the resetting of the device as noted above, the description will follow the course of a coin as it is inserted in the device, until it has caused the coin slot mechanism to trip or release the idler gear The coin slot cover, plate 35 (see Fig. 4) has an opening 'therein, and through which `a coin is to be insertedV into the device. Upon the inside face of the p1ate35, and surrounding the opening, is a suitable cushion or washer for bridging the space between the plate 35 and a coin slot plate |51 (see also Fig. 15) detachably mounted by screwsor the like upon'suitable studs or standards |53 carried by the rear frame plate 12. A coin receiving slot |59 is formed in the plate |51. The slot |59 is large enough to permit slight clearance for a coin of proper denomination to be inserted.

Upon the rear face of plate i 51 (see Figs. 16 and 11) are mounted various parts that yieldingly close the aperture |59 in plate |51 and which aperture is exposed through the opening in cover plate 35 so a coin inserted through opening |56 may enter slot |59. The door member |60 is pivotally mounted at |6| on the rear face of plate |51 and in-its normal position it extends over the slot Its. The slot closing portion of the door has its edge chamfered at 259 so that the act of forcing a coin over the chamfered portion thereof will move the door about its pivotal mounting, against the yielding resistance of spring |52, for opening the door tothe entry of a coin. A second or auxiliary door member |53 is pivotally mounted at |611 on the plate and extends over the inner face of `door |65. An arcuate slot and pin connection |65, |56 between thedoors', together with the action of spring |61, eiects coaction between the doors for yieldingly closing the slot and also forimparting an advancing impulse or force to va coin, as soon as one-half 'of the coin has been moved between the doors and has been released by the person inserting same. A tapered or charnfered edge Iv-on the door |63 reduces friction with the coin and gives impulse to the coin movement, A block |69 is secured on the plate and serves as a bearing for part of the door |83 and carries a stop pin or lug |15 for limiting movement of the door |63 under the influence of spring |61 and also serves as an abutment for the slot closing edge yof door |61! for limiting movement 'of door It under the influence of spring Upon detachment of plate |51 and its associated elements as shown, for example, in Fig. 16, from the studs L- (Fig.v 23), there is-exposed a face plate |1| (see also Figs. 18 and 30) and which hasapertured lateral arms |12 and |13 .for rei ceiving the tips of two of the studsV |58 for positioning the'face plate with its slot |111 in alignment with the slot k|59 in plate |51. The face plate |11 "serves as the kforward wall of a coin receiving chamber, The Afaceplate is mounted by screws or the like, on the forward edge |111` of a block |11. Screw holes areshown at |13. VThe block |11 together with other'parts provides the coin receiving chamber |15. The block has a laterally vextending flange |19 that is bolted cr otherwise secured tothe frame plate 12 (see Fig. 23). The side of Ltheblock, oppositeto flange |13 (see also Fig. 21), is recessed and a plate ISS is mounted on theblock so as touse the recess or space so provided as the coin chamber |15.

|811 (see Fig. 2l) by a screw or the like, serves to spacedly connect the forward ends of theblock and the plate. VThe rear end of plate |80 (as seen in Figs. 21 and23) 'is mounteddirectly upon the rear endl of the block, beyond theJrecess in the block;

Within'the upper part ofthe chamber `|151 (see Figs. 18, 19, 20 and 30) is a floating coin responsive trigger device |82. This trigger device, 'operating 'under the influence vof the potential energyimparted thereto or exerted thereon and on parts cooperating therewith, incident to introductionof a coin into the coin chamber (see Fig. 29), Acauses tripping or release of the idler gear wi,

A e. suitablev lug I8 Ysecured to the'block and the plate through the agency of the trip .mechanism lever and the-shaft |46 with which ythe trip lever is adapted to move. The trip mechanismshaft (see Fig. 23) |16 extends through the rear frame plate 12 and has a bearingin a suitable socket y|85 providedtherefor, on the rear'face of coin slot plate |51. Thus the shaft Il is positioned in close proximity to the coin slot, for actuation thereof from the coin slot. Also, the shaft |56 is free of connection with all other parts of the coin slot, thus facilitating servicing and removal of various coin slot parts and mechanisms, without disturbing the trip mechanism assembly.

The floating trigger |82 has a relatively loose bearing with or on theA block |11. The trigger comprises an integral Ylaterally extending stud or pin |85 (see Figs. 18 and 30) formed on its one arm |83 and which pin extends-into an opening |31 in the block. The trigger also comprises a second, integral, laterally extending pin ior stud H39 which extends through a larger opening iii in the blockr |11. The stud |89 is disposed at the approximate junction of the arms |88 and ||H of the trigger |82, at that part ofthe trigger which may be termed the body portion thereof. A spring |92 has its one end attached kto the stud |39 and has'its other end attached to a stud |93 extending laterally from the lower forward portion of the block |11, exteriorly of the'coin chamber |15, The trigger |82 (See also Figs. 19 and 20) also comprises an upwardly extending arm |93 carrying a stud |94 and to which stud a spring |25 hasrits one end attached, the other end of the spring being attached to the forward upper portion of the block |11 in any suitable manner, for example, by threading the end convolutiton or the spring through a suitable aperture |98 in the block. The said three studs |86, |89 and 195| extend from the same side of the trigger. The spring, operating onthe trigger, causes the trigger to operate on a coin for moving the coin into the chamber |15. As the coin enters the chamber. the springs accomplish an equalizingof tension or pressure ofthe divergent trigger arms on the coin, incident to which the trigger lug or stud' |91, about to be explained, is movedV to effect tripping action of the metering mechanism.

From the other side of the trigger (see Figs. 18, 21', 23' and 30), and extending laterally from the body portion of the trigger, and'projecting beyond the plate |86 is a lug or stud |91 (see also Fig. 29) which is the approximate or ultimate tripping element'. This stud |91 is adapted to move rearwardly as a coin is introduced into the coin chamber, then to move upwardly as the coin forces the trigger |82 upwardly (as generally indicated in Fig. 20) and then while'the lug |91 is thus still elevated due to the presence of the coin, the trigger is moved in reverse direction or forwardly, as it slips downwardly in following the curvature of the coin. In so doing, the forward movement of the trigger |82, acting through stud |91 striking nger |98, actuates finger |93 (see Fig. 23) mounted on trip mechanism shaft and trip depresses lever |45 for momentarily releasing the idler pinion, as previously explained.

While the general operation of the coin slot mechanism is as explained, several sub-mechanisms are involved and are provided to prevent tripping of the mechanism, except in instances where a coin of proper denomination has irretrievably passed into the coin slot. Accordingly7 (see Fig. 19), there is provided a base or bottom |99 for the coin chamber |15. The base |99 is attached to the block and Vhas its upper edge chamfered or inclined as shown at 200 so as to cause the coin to slide laterally out of the chamber |15. In order'to prevent escape of the coin from the chamber, until that is desired, there is provided a pivotally mounted gate 25| (see also Fig. 30) 'which is so related to other parts of the device, that as a coin is introduced into the chamber'l15, the chamfered lower arm 252 of the gate is raised to project above the base |99, thus providing a lateral abutment for preventing lateral discharge of the coin 203 from chamber |15. The gate is moved as explained, by contact of the trigger stud |91 upon the cam face 255 formed on the upper part of the gate, thus movingthe gate about its pivotal mounting 255 on the block |11. rI'he lower` arm 202 of the gate (see also Fig. 20) is guided by a slot and pin arrangement shown at 205, 201, the pin 201 being shown as a set screw extending through slot 206 in gatearm 202 and carried by base |99 of the chamber 15. This arrangement is merely to maintain a close sliding t of the arm 202 relative to base |59.

The gate 25| (see Fig. 30) also includes a rearwardly projecting, laterally turned portion or catch member 20S. having a beveled or inclined rear face 209, whereby the catch portio-n may contact and move past a locking or holding Pawl or lever 2|0, pivotally mounted at 2|| on the rear wall of block |11. The locking lever 2|0 (see also Fig. 2l) comprises an arm 2|2 carrying the pin or stud |55 which is adapted to be contacted by thearm |54 (see Figs. 23 and 29), fixed to shaft |09 for movement with indicator 9|. A 'spring 2|3 has one end connected to the pin |55 and the other to stud 2|l| on block |11 and yieldingly positions `the upper arm 2|5 of locking lever 2|0 in the path of the catch 258 of the gate 20| when the gate is moving under the iniluence of a coin entering the coin chamber |15. A stop pin 229 limits movement of lever 2id. As soon as the idler gear lili is released and the indicator moves under the influence of spring |21, the arm |54 associated with the indicator 9| and its shaft |55, contacts the pin |55 and releases the gate from the locking lever 2| 5, and the gate,

responding to the iniluence of spring means Zit which operates through linkage 2|?, falls to its normal position, shown in Fig. 19, and the coin is projected from the chamber |15 by reason of the energy that was imparted to the springs |52 and incident to introduction of the coin into the chamber |15. The action of the trigger stud |91 upon the trip mechanism, and the response of the spring pressed indicator upon release of the idler gear occur so rapidly that there apparently is simultaneous release of the coin from chamber and tripping of the mechanisms associated with the trip lever shaft |55, although as a matter of fact, it is clear that thecoin is not released from chamber |15 until the idler gear has been momentarily released for releasing the indicator and subsequent release of the gate by the indicator shaft |59. l

The particular sequence of operation of the indicated parts is not of particular consequence, it is however important, that the trigger, operating under the influence of the spring or springs that rst yieldingly resist entry of the coin into the chamber |15 and then, by reason of the shifting of the trigger, cause the trigger to pull or draw the coin into the chamber, is at the 'same time conditioned for actuating the tripping mechanism for at least momentarily releasing the idler gear carrying lever as previously explained. In its broad aspect, the related phase of the inven- K themeter mechanism.

tion is therefore concerned with so conditioning the trigger that the potential energy imparted to the trigger is available at the proper time and for operation on the proper elements for tripping The forward arm` |0| of thetrigger |82 (see Figs. 19, 20, 29 and 30) is provided with a rounded free end or a rounded nose as shown at 2|8, the shape being'` such that as a coin is pressed there against.the trigger arm ISI will yield and move upwardly so as to permit the coin to enter the space M8 between the divergent arms |88 and |5| of the trigger. Normally the trigger, under the inuence of the springs associated therewith, lies too low in the chamber |15 to accommodate a proper coin in the chamber, consequently, when a coin is moved into the chamber, the trigger is moved upwardly as previously explained, for the purposes previously explained. Thus a coin responding to forced entry thereof into the chamber |15 becomes a factor inthe functioning of the coin slot mechanism.' i i The mechanism shown at 2|1 (Fig.` 22) indicates generally conventional means for actuating a coin counter 2|9, and which includes yielding means, for example, spring 2|5, which yieldingly resists movement of the gate `20| from its normal position. By connecting 4the gate 20| to the counter mechanism, for example, by link 220 having pivotal connection with gate 20| by means of aperture 66|, each complete movement of cycle of the gate will register or count onecoin as having been introduced into the device. l

From the description given, it is seen that any attempt to actuatethe meter by introducing a coin thatis too small, will not have the effect of raising and latching the gate 20|, because the coin in contacting the forward arm. |9| of trigger |82 will not raise the trigger enoughfto latch the-back arm 208 with locking lever 2|0. Consequently, the coin will fall out of the chamber |15 without properly actuating the trigger or tripping the idler gear release lever |45.

It was previously explained generally that the trigger stud |91 tripped mechanism on idler gear release lever shaft |56. That mechanism (see Figs. 23 and 29) comprises the lug or finger |98 mounted on shaft |46 and having a limited free movement on shaft |46, relative to its complementary arm 22| xed on shaft |45. The finger ISShas an aperture 222 therein and into which projects a pin 422, carried by arm 22 A spring 223 (see also Fig. 26) having its opposite ends connected with the ringer |98 and arm 22 l, yieldingly permits limited relative movement of the arm and finger and thus cushions the blow of trigger stud |91 on finger |90 in actuating the meter.

The nger includes an angularly turned free end (see Figs. 27 and 29) which maybe termed a cam 221i which extends over the trigger lug |01. The free end 224 of the nger is so shaped that the trigger lug may move rearwardly and upwardly relative to the lower edge of the free or cam end of the Afinger without contacting the finger, however, whenthe trigger lug is subsequently raised to its upper limit and is projected forwardly incident to shifting of the triggerl arms by reason of the entry of a coin into the'space 2|3 between the trigger fingers, `the Y trigger lug |91 moves over the lower or camming face of the finger |58 and the nger is rotatably actuated, thus rotatably actuatingthe idler gear release lever shaft |46, and tripping the idler gear lever as previously explained. l As a precaution or safety means for prevent ing rotatable'actuation of the shaft |25, except in the intended manner, there is fixed on shaft |55 a lug 225 (Figs. 23 and 29) having a raised shoulder forming a lower portion 225.V The shoulder and lower portion cooperate with a rearwardly projecting lug 228 carried by door |65 on the coin slot plate |51 (see Figs.116 and 17)'. The lug 228 lies overthe lower portion when the door |68 is closed. When it is open, as during the insertion of a coin or other object, the lug is moved to the left as seen in Fig. 23 and lies over the raised shoulder22l. When the lug lies over the shoulder, the shoulder acts as a stop for the lug and thus prevents rotatory actuation of shaft |45. Otherwise, when the door |52 is closed, the registry of the lug 228 with the lower portion of the lug 225 permits sufficient movement of the shaft |55 to trip the mechanism. It will be seen, therefore, that no actuation of the device is possible during the time that the door is open. A coin must be inserted and the door closed behind the coin before the mechanism is actuated.

One of the essentially new features of the invention is the provision of a coin-receiving chamber, with which is associated, means that are conditioned by the introduction of a coin into that chamber, so that the conditioning of such means and the subsequent ejection of the coin under the inuence of the energy so applied to such means may be availed of keffecting a tigger or trip action for initiation of a cycle for which the device is intended. Incidental thereto, the indicated stored energy is also used to discharge the chamber of the coin as an incident to the initiation of such cycle. The indicated features are believed to be broadly new, and therefore the appended claims directed to suchfeatures are not intended to be limited to the specific details of structure of the coin chamber or the mechanisms actuated by reason of the building up of energy within the coin chamber or which are operated by reason of the creation of such condition in the coin chamber of the coin slot mechanism.

The spring-actuated doors on the plate |51, serve as power-actuated means for forceful entry of coins into the coin chamber-|75, and for conditioning the springs associated with the trigger and other parts of the coin slot mechanisms, for attaining automatic operation of such parts and mechanisms for attaining the desired or intended tripping or operation of the metering mechanism. Thus the device is protected against undue force in that the force with which the coins are introduced into the coin chamber may be controlled by the manufacturer of the device.

In order that the actuating coin may be exposed to view, opening 33! and transparent closure 33i provided therefor (see Fig. 3) are provided in the casing 3| at a place at which a coin is temporarily held in the coin chute 333 (see also Fig. 14) which receives the coin as it is discharged from the coin slot mechanism, upon dropping of arm 252, forming the bottom of the coin chamber, the bevelled surface of this arm permitting easy egress (see Fig. 9). The coin is retained in the visibie position by' arm 332 until this arm is withdrawn by lifting links 2W and 2|5, upon lifting the coin chamber arm 252 through deposit of a succeeding-coin. This arrangement is provided so the coin or other article that occasioned the last tripping of the device will be exposed. This feature is availed of by police or other officers whose duties include the supervising of parking meters,Y so that if anyone avails himself of parking privileges adjacent a parking meter, and uses a slug or spurious token for that purpose, vthe omcer may observe that fact, under which circumstances the officer should remain on duty at such station until the vehicle is claimed and arrest of the offender is made. Suitable trip mechanism operated from link 220, releases the temporarily held'coin, when the meter is actuated by insertion of another coin in the device. Such mechanism (see also Fig. 22) comprises a finger 332 which normally obstructs the coin chute passage' and which is withdrawn from the passage when the link 220 is actuated.

When link 22D is lifted or moved upward by gate 28|, the arm 58| of lever 582, pivotally mounted at 593, moves arm 554 of coin counter 219, downward (see also Fig. 22) against the yielding resistance of spring 5|2 for registering a coin. At such time, the link 525 collecting at 585 onto lever 551., is actuated for releasing the coin temporarily held by the nger 332 of lever 581. The pins 558 and 559 so cooperate with the faces 518 and 5 H on lever 502, that as the lever 552, Fig. 14, is moved counter clockwise, pin 528 is seated in the detent in which pin 509 is shown. The spring 216 yieldingly holds the free upper end of link in contact with pins 508 and 589. Consequently, as the lever 552 is released and is moved in clockwise direction under the influence of spring 5|2, lifting arm 504, the link 585'is lifted by pin 558 to sufficient height to move lever 521' on its pivotal mounting 5|3. The pivot 5l3 is carried by bracket 5M. As the pin 529 approaches its normal position, as shown in Fig.y 14, the link 535 is restrained by pin 529 and pin 588 is moved from the detent.

Returning now to a fuller discussion of the signals and 55 of our device, attention is directed `to Fig. 28 in which is shown a View of parts observed when looking at the right hand end of the structure shown in Fig. 11. The panels iii!y and 89 of signals 65 and 65, respectively, are red, while panels 8'! and 95 are white, for example. White panels 31 or Sl] are disposed as shown in Fig. 28, when the parts are in abnormal or operating position, asthe meter is operating for measuring the period of parking time. At such time, it is seen that these panels are disposed in vertical position adjacent the windows 63 and Gill, respectively. Both red and white panels have identical calibrations for identical cooperation with the indicator fingers 52 and 93. The meter is preferably so set that upon expiration of the time limit, the red signal panels 88 and 89 displace the panels 8l and 98, respectively, however, the clock mechanism continues to operate for an additional period of time or allowed overtime period, for example, ten minutes, as shown herein. This arrangement defeats the complaint that the user of a parking space might offer to an arresting offlcer to the effect that the time limit had just expired and that the user had no opportunity of moving his vehicle or of purchasing more parking time.

The panels 88 and 90 are iixedly mounted on a pair of spaced brackets 525, iixedly mounted on shaft or axle 8S. The panels 8'5 and 85 are pivotally attached to the lower edges panels 88 and 90, respectively. The lower edges of panels 87 and 89 are pivotally connected to the lower ends of links 52| and 522, respectively. The upper ends g amarte oi links 52| and 522 are pivotally attached to opposite ends of bracket 523, fixed to bracket 85 (see Fig. 11). A stop pin 524 (see Fig. 28), carried by bracket 523, serves as an abutment against which one of the brackets 520 may contact, when the signal is released to respond to the action of gravity upon the weight 525 associated with the signal.

. As panel 88 is raised and panel 90 is lowered through tilting of support 520 by pulling of link 95, panel 81 is lifted intoview in the position previously occupied by panel 83, and the panel 89 is swung out of view permitting its`previous posi` tion to be occupied by panel 90.A Panels 81 and 89, of course; are directly moved by the rigidly supported panels 88 and 90, respectively, from which they hingedly depend. The lower edges of panels v81 and 89 are properly positioned through the supporting links 52| and 522, respectively. Thus as support 520 is tilted back and forthunder the action of the weight 525 and link 95, panels 88 and 81 are brought into and out of `view on one side of the meter and panels 89 and 90,v are respectively brought into and out of view on the other side of the meter.A

The links 52| and 522, panels 81, 88, 99 and 90, and the various parts cooperating therewith are sc proportioned and related that all the panels may assume vertical positions and the panels 81 and 99 may both assume horizontal positions in substantially the same plane, without interference with other parts of the device.

summarizing the operation of our device, attention is particularly directed to Fig. 29, wherein is illustrated the particular relationship of certain working parts of the meter at the expiration of a predetermined parking period. It must be noted that indicator 9| is in extreme right position and with coin spring |21 woundtight on shaft |09. The` clocking mechanism is locked from operation by lever |3| pressing escapement |32 into engagement with one of the pallets of escapement wheel |33; the lever |3| at the same time holding l.pendulum |35 in unbalanced position. It is to be noted further that catch H4, andpin I3 on lever |98 are disengaged and the signalling mechanism attached to bearing pin ||9 through link 95 Z(Fig. 28) has allenby gravity to lift the link and rotate lever `|08 in a clockwise direction about shaft |89. At this time, the red panels 88 and 89 of the signalling mechanism are exposed to view in windows 63 and 64 of the meter casing.

Clocking of a predetermined parking period is initiated from the meter position just described by inserting a suitable coin 203 in the meter coin slot. As the coin is forced through coin slot |14 by the coin door mechanism illustrated in Figs. 16 and 1'1, it contacts arm |9| of floating trigger |82 (see also Figs. 19, 20 and 30) causing the trigger to move rearwardly and upwardly against spring tension, as more particularly pointed out hereinbefore. While the coin door is open, lug 228 on the door is displaced to engage portion 221 of lever 225, thereby locking shaft |46 against rotation during upward movement of the trigger |82. During the rearward and upward trigger movement, trigger stud |91 contacts face 204 of pivotally mounted gate 20|, forcing catch member 208 into engagement with holding pawl 2|0 pivotally mounted on the rear wall of block |11. Chamfered lower arm 262 of gate 20| accordingly is held above the base |99 of coin chamber |15 (see Fig. 20), thus providing a lateral abutment for preventing lateral discharge of the coin from the chamber. The coin finally passes in the space between trigger arms |88 and |9I. The trigger then moves forwardly under spring action, following the curvature of the coin. Meanwhile, the coin door closes (see Fig. 16) and lug 228 accordingly is displaced over portion 226 of lever 225, thereby permitting limited rotation of shaft |46. At this time, stud |91 of the trigger raises arm 224 of lever |45 to turn shaft |46 in a clockwise direction.

' Upon rotation of shaft |46, spring-pressed lever |45 loosely mounted on shaft |46, is depressed by lug |48 of arm |41. Pin |43 on lever |02,

accordingly, is released, and idler gear |9| is moved back and out of engagement with gears 98 and 99. Thesetwo gears then are freed -to relative movement and spring |21 drives pointer 9| to the left, as seen in the drawings, whereupon shaft` |99, segmental gear |06, gears |03 and 98, and shaft |00 are rotated, while gear 99 and gear |04 idle on` the shaft.

As pointer 9| rotates to the left, arm |54 ixed.

to shaft |09 strikes pin |55 of detent 2|2, thereby moving pawl 2|0 andy releasing catch 208 of gate 20|. The gate 20| then returns to normal position (see Fig., 19) and the coin falls laterally from coin chamber |15 and into the coin chamber 333 to a position before window 33|, as more particularly indicated above.

The timing adjustment plate |20 (see also Fig. 11) also turns with shaft |09 and lug ||9 moves away from pin I I8 permitting catch I4 torctate in a clockwise direction, as seen in the drawing, under spring action to contact pin ||3. .When pointer 9| approaches its extreme left position, pin |01 on the segmental gear |06 strikes the right end of lever |08, causing the lever to rotate in a counterclockwise direction about shaft |09. By this movement, link is pulled down (see Fig. 28) and the white panels 65 and 66 of the signalling mechanism are exposed to view in windows 63 and 64 of the meter casing, as more particularly indicated above. Latch ||4 then moves over pin ||3 to lock the white signals in position.

When pointer 9| reaches its extreme left position` as seen in Fig. 29, a portion of the pointer (see also Fig..1l) strikes lever |3| of the escapement locking mechanism` moving the lower end |34 of the lever away from escapement member |32 and into the detent |36. Pendulum |35, which as previously noted was held off-center, starts the clockwork motor. At this time, gear |0| on arm |02 has moved by gravity to engage gears 98 and 99 and the clockwork mechanism operating through gears |04, 99, |0|, 98 and segmental gear |06, drives the pointer 9| to the right to commence the timing operation.

When the allotted timing period has expired, and pointer 9| again is at extreme right position, as shown in Fig. 29, lug |I9 rotating with shaft |09, contacts pin ||8 ycausing catch ||4 to release the pin H3, whereupon the red signals 88 and 89 come to view in windows 63 and 64 of the meter casing, as explained hereinbefore. Lug ||9 forces pin ||8 upward and detent |36 of lever |29 is raised, whereupon the lower end |34 of lever |3| moving under the tension of spring |31, forces escapement member |32 into engagement with one of the pallets of escapement wheel |33 to stop the clockwork, the pendulum |35 at the same time being locked in unbalanced position.

When the device is tripped by insertion of a coin into the coin slot during the clocking of a predetermined period, operationisthe same as outlined above, except of course, the white signals and their controlling lever |08, remain undisturbed and the clockwork continues to run while pointer 9| returns to initial left-hand position.

As many possible embodiments may .be made of our invention and as many changes may be made in the embodiment hereinbefore set forth, it is to be understood that all matter described herein, or shown in the accompanying drawings, is to be interpreted as illustrative and not as a limitation.

We claim:

1. In a parking meter, a hollow casing comprising opposed outside faces, each having an opening therein, a cover plate for one of said openings, having a coin-receiving opening therein, coin-actuab-le mechanism registering with the opening in said cover plate and accessible through the opening in the other face of said casing, means associated with the inside face of said plate and operable from the opening in said other face of the casing for detachable connection of said plate to the outside of the casing for closing said one opening, and a key-controlled panel closing the other opening in said casing.

2. The combination with a hollow casing having openings in its opposite faces, of a panel for closing one of the openings in said faces; a mechanism within the casing comprising a frame accessible through the other of said openings; means associated with the frame of said mechanism and accessible from said other opening cooperating with said casing for releasably conneotingsaid frame to the casing face adjacent said panel; a second panel for closing said other opening in said casing; and lock-controlled means for securing said second panel in position for closing the other opening in the casing, whereby access to said mechanism and frame is controlled through the locked panel.

3. A hollow casing of the class described comprising opposed faces, one face having one opening therein and the other face having two openings, one being below the other; a cover plate for the opening in said one face; means assoable only from the upper opening in said other face of the casing for detachably connecting said plate to the outside of the casing for closing the opening in said one casing face; a key-controlled panel closing the upper opening in said other face; and a key-controlled cover closing the lower opening in said other face, the said casing including means precluding communication between said lower opening in said other face and the cover plate in said one face, and between the said upper and lower openings of said other face.

4. The combination of, a hollow casing having openings in its opposite faces; a removable panel with a coin opening therein closing one of the openings in said faces; a mechanism within the casing comprising a frame and a coin-receiving member; a plate with coin-receiving slot therein associated with said mechanism and adapted to be positioned between said coin-receiving member and said removable panel; means accessible from the other one of the openings in said faces for releasably connecting the frame of said mechanism to the casing face adjacent the said one opening and for adjusting and maintaining the coin-receiving member of said mechanism in alignment with the coin slot of said plate associated with said mechanism and said panel; and a second panel with associated lock-controlled means closing the said other opening in said casing.

5. The combination of, a hollow casing having an opening in one face thereof; a mechanism within the casing comprising a frame, powerdrive means and a winding stem for the powerdrive means; means accessible from the opening in the casing face for releasably connecting the frame of said mechanism to an inner wall of said casing with said winding stem pointing toward said opening; a panel for closing said opening, said panel having an aperture therein; and lock-controlled means for securing said panel in position closing said opening, with said aperture aligned with the windingstem of said mechanism, and for opening the aperture in said panel to permit access to said winding stem.

WALTER J. HERSCHEDE. W. FOY HERsCHEDE. WILLIAM N. WOODRUFF.

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