US2625250A - Automatic parking meter - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 13, 1953 G. A. HALE AUTOMATIC PARKING METER 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 1, 1945 INVENTUR. GEHHLD H. HALE BY g Q 747.7 '7

Jan. 13, 1953 e. HALE AUTOMATIC PARKING METER Filed Oct. 1, 1945 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 N 0 IN VEN TOR.

GERALD FLHHLE BY g 7 /7% Jan. 13, 1953 s. A, HALE AUTOMATIC. PARKING METER 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed 001;. l, 1945 INVEN TOR. GEHHLD H. HHLE Patented Jan. 13, 1953 AUTOMATIC PARKING METER Gerald A. Hale, Oklahoma City, Okla., assignor of one-fourth to Carl Magee, Oklahoma City, Okla., one-fourth to George A. Nicholson and one-fourth to John B. McGay, both of Tulsa,

Okla.

Application October 1, 1945, Serial No. 619,477

13 Claims.

1 This invention relates to an automatic parking meter for indicating the parking time on city streets, and more particularly but not by way of limitation to an automatic parking meter which is operable on more than one denominaoutdoors under all weather conditions, and the utilization of a delicate trip mechanism actuated by the coin weight has been found to be inefiicient and providing a faulty source of operation which in many instances will fail to function completely. Furthermore, modern day parking meters depend on gravity to carry the coin [through at least part or all phases of the coin operation. This is detrimental since infiltrated moisture, freezing conditions, and the accumulation of traflic dust and debris will effect the efiiciency of operation where dependence of operation is placed on coin gravitation. In the prior patents to Michaels, No. 2,329,926 and the patents to Toce et al., Nos. 2,340,441 and 2,340,442

and McGay No. 2,284,221, all provide a coin trip lever to cause re-setting of the time indicator and as such are subject to the detriments mentioned supra.

The present invention broadly provides a parking meter which operates to release a coin actuated lever by the force of the operators finger through the coin inserted in a coin slot. Furthermore, the time indicator is released to return to a starting position under the energy of a spring, such starting position being regulated by a predetermined stop mechanism cooperating with the coin operated lever. The time indicator is connected to a gear train of a time means, however, upon operation of the coin operated lever the indicator is disengaged from the clock train which allows re-setting thereof to a predetermined stop position. After re-setting, the indicator is then re-engaged with the clock train to cooperate with the clock in determining the parking time utilized.

It is an important object of this invention to provide a parking meter which is operable on more than one denomination of coins as well as multiple coins of each of the denominations.

A further object of this invention is to provide a parking meter which can be adjusted for operation with various combinations of coins or multiples of coins and preferably in combinations of five pennies and one nickel or ten pennies and two nickels.

A further object of this invention is toprovide a parking meter which automatically functions upon the insertion of a coin wherein the coin is forced into the meter from the operators fingers to cause actuation of a coin trip lever which releases a coin propelling mechanism to provide actuation of the meter.

A further object of this invention is to provide a parking mechanism whereby the coin is forced into the meter from-operators finger to cause actuation of a power driven coin propelling element which picks up the coin and is carried a predetermined distance dependent uponv the denomination of the coin in order to operate an indicator stop uni-t for re-setting the time indicator complementary to the value of the coin inserted.

An additional object of this invention is to provide an automatic parking meter wherein insertion of a coin under the force of the operators finger moves a coin trip lever which in turn .only serves to release a power driven coin propelling element of the mechanism thereby eliminating the use of the weight of the coin for tripping the mechanism into operation thereby producing a tripping action which is more positive, simple and durable.

An additional object of this invention is to provide an automatic parking meter which has a power driven element released through insertion of the coin into the mechanism which operates to re-set a time indicator in complement to the value of the coin and will also display the coin to decrease the possibility of utilizing slugs in the mechanism.

And still another object of this invention is to provide an automatic parking mechanism wherein the mechanism for re-setting the time indicator is released to operate and not forcibly moved through a fixed distance.

And still another object of thi invention is to provide an automatic parking mechanism which allows immediate re-setting of a time indicator upon the successive insertion of multiple coins of like or different denominations and which is adjustable to provide for numerous combinations of each denomination of coin.

Another object of this invention is to provide an automatic parking mechanism which includes a stop pawl mechanism for limiting the position of the time indicator in one direction, wherein said pawl mechanism is provided with a cushioned backlash action to allow the pawl upon disengagement from a tooth to move ahead of the previously engaged tooth on the indicator ratchet thereby preventing jamming of the pawl against a tooth upon successive insertion of multiple coins of like or difierent denominations.

And an additional object of this invention is to provide an improved parking meter which is automatic and more durable in its operation, simple in construction and facilitates the main vtenance and adjustment thereof.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be evident from the following detailed description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate my invention.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a front elevational view of the mechanism with certain parts broken away and showing the elements in the normal position which they occupy before a coin is inserted into the meter. V

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary front elevational view similar to Fig. 1 and withthe elements shown in the position they occupy after the insertion mut m i Fig. 3 is a side elevational view partly in section taken from the right of Fig. 1 and with certain parts omitted for clarification.

Fig. 4 is a detailed vi'ewof the clutch releasing means of the time indicator. i

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4 with certain parts broken away showing the engagement of the clutch mechanism with the time indicator.

Fig. 6 isa detailed view showing the stop pawl mechanism at a position of dis-engagement with the ratchet sector forthe time indicator.

7 is a similarview showing the pawl moving into position of engagement,

Fig. 8 is a similar view showing the pawl engaging the lowermost teeth of the ratchet.

Fig. '9 is a similar view showing the pawl engaging one of the higher teeth of the ratchet denoting use of a large denomination of coin.

'Fig. 10 is a detailed view showing the arrangement of the expired flag. The full lines denoting the flag in rest position while the dotted lines show it in operating position. v

Fig. 11 is a detailed view similar to Fig. 6 but showing a modification using a masking ring on the ratchet sector.

Referring to the drawings in detail and more particularly Figs. 1, '2 and 3, reference character 2 designates a parking meter mechanism adapted to be encased as a unit in a housing (not shown). The 'case or housing forms no part of this invention. The mechanism comprises a pair of spaced plates 3 and 4 forming the outer frame work of the mechanism. A main spring housing 5 is disposed inv thelower half of the space between the plates 3 and t and includes a main spring 6. The springand houslng are supported between the plates 3 and A by a shaft '1 secured in the frame plates. One end of the shaft 1 projects outwardly from plate 4 and is preferably formedwith a square end 8 to provide a winding square for the spring 6. The rotatable shaft 1 is provided with a main gear 9 which in turn drives a freely rotatable compound pinion with a gear ii] mounted on a main drive shaft 12 fixed between the frame plates 3 and 4. A

clock works I3 is secured by locking studs l4 4 from the clock mechanism 13 and is loosely anchored between the plates 3 and 4. The shaft I8 is provided with a pinion 19 adapted to mesh with the gear l0, thereby providing a connection for driving the clock works 13 from the main spring 6. A substantially annular dial 2B is disposed above the plates 3 and i by an extension 2| adapted to be secured (not shown) to the plate 4. Both front and rear faces of the dial 20 are sealed at 22 to show a total of two hours parking time divided into ten minute intervals. The timedial 29 is provided with an aperture 23. The 'm ain shaft 12 extends through the front plate 3 andonits outer end is provided with a circular coin propelling plate 24 disposed in spaced relation' to the plate 3. Plate 24 is secured to the shaft l2 by a nut 2411. An auxiliary gear 26 rigidly disposed on the shaft 1 meshes with a pinion 21 mounted on shaft [2 to provide a driving connection for the coin propelling plate 24 from the energy of the main spring 6. The outerfperiphery of the plate 24 is provided with a plurality of gear teeth 24b adapted to mesh 'with a gear 32 of a fan type governor for a purposeas will be hereinafter set forth. From the foregoing it will be apparent that the main spring 6 provides a source of energy for both th'e clock works and the coin propelling plate, the function of which will be here inafterexplained. The plate 24 is provided with a plurality of projecting studs '28 preferably spaced QOEap'art. In addition, a second set of projecting studs 29 are secured to the plate 24 and are preferably spaced circumferentially apart, however they are disposed in spaced relation both radially and ciroumferentially to the respective studs 28 as will be hereinafter set forth. The plate is also provided with a plurality of spaced apertures 78 preferably four in number, acting as display windows for the coins. The main plate 3 is provided with an outwardly projecting flange 3| (Figs. 1 and 3) providing coin slot 31a for receiving the coins. The flange extends partially around the plate 3 to cover the space 25 between the plates 3 and 24 so that upon insertion of a coin it cannot fall out the sides between the plates butwill be guided through its operation as will behereinafter set forth. The plate 3 is provided with a circular raised portion 31b acting as the bottom portion of a coin guide=way in space 25 between the portion 31a and flange 3!. A pair of plates 35 and 38 (Fig. 2) are adjustably secured by the stud 31 to the front plate 3 and are disposed at a slightly angled relation to each other. The plate 35 is superimposed on the plate 36,, and each of the plates is provided with a cam or curved surface cooperating with the coin as will be hereinafter mentioned.

A coin trip lever 38 is pivoted at 39 to the plate 3 and hasits top portion 4 disposed in the space 25 immediately adjacent the entrance to the coin slot 3H1. The lever -33 is held in this position under tension of a spring 4'] anchored atpne end of thelever 38, and at its opposite end to a stud 42 provided on thepl a'te 3. The lever 38 has a turneddow n portion forming "a projectionfl adapted to contact a lug 2 8 to prevent rotation of plate 24 until insertion of a coin. A coin actuated lever 35 is loosely mounted on the main shaft 12 immediately behind the gear 2] and is provided with an outwardly projecting stud 66 extending over the space 25 between the plates 13 and 24. The stud 46 extends through an aperture '48 in plate '3 which acts as a guide-way for the stud 46 as will .be hereinafter set forth. The lever 45 is normally held in the lowermost portion of the guide-way 48 under tension of a spring 49 anchored at one end to the lever 45 and at its opposite end to a stud 58 provided on plate 3. As shown in Figs. 4 to 9 inclusive, a portion of the lever 45 is formed to provide a drop cam 5| having a recess or notch 52 cooperating with a projecting stud 53 of an idler lever 54. A spring 55 urges the lever 54 into engagement with the cam 5|. The spring is anchored to a stud 55a on a frame plate in a manner not shown.

A rotatable shaft 56 is secured between the plates 3 and 4 on which is loosely mounted the idler lever 54. A time indicator 58 having a lower sector 59 substantially disc shaped is rigidly mounted to the shaft 56 immediately adjacent and parallel to the idler lever 54. A substantial portion of the outer periphery of the sector 59 is provided with gear teeth 66 for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth.

A ratchet sector 62 as clearly shown in Figs. 6 to 9 inclusive, is secured to the shaft 56 in slight spaced relationship to the indicator 58 and is provided with a plurality of annular ratchet teeth 63. The teeth 63 comprise two sets of four shallow teeth 64, and two longer teeth 65, all spaced apart to denote twelve minutes time thereby allowing for utilization of ten pennies or two nickels and two hours parking time as will be hereinafter set forth. Both teeth 64 and 65 form penny stop positions while teeth 65 only form nickel stop positions. Cooperating with the ratchet 62 is an indicator stop unit comprising a stop pawl arm 63 secured to a shaft 66 anchored between the plates 3 and 4. A pitman 16 is connected at one end through slot H to a stud 12 on pawl arm 68 and at the opposite end is anchored by a stud TI to the coin actuating lever 45. One end of the pawl arm 68 is provided with a pawl 73 which is urged in a counterclockwise direction according to Figs. 4 to 9 inclusive under tension of a spring I4 anchored at one end to the pawl 13 and at the opposite end to a stud l5 provided (not shown) on the plate 3. A slot 16 is provided in the pawl arm 68 receiving shaft 69 to provide a cushioned backlash as will be hereinafter explained.

Referring further to the indicator sector 59 from Figs. 3, 4 and 5. it will be apparent that the teeth 66 mesh with a freely rotatable idler gear 18 secured to the idler lever 54 by a stud 19. The gear 18 in turn is adapted to mesh with a gear 80 rigidly disposed on clock shaft |8, when the coin actuated lever 45 is in rest position Fig. 5 as will be hereinafter set forth. In this manner the indicator is moved at a constant rate by action of the main spring 6 and timer |3 during the time measuring period.

The auxiliary shaft 56 is provided with a torsion spring 82 adapted to constantly force the shaft 56, indicator 58 and ratchet 62 in a direction opposite the clock drive toward the two hour scale on the dial 26. One end 83 of the spring 82 bears against a grooved supporting stud 84 disposed between the sector 62 and the indicator 58.

Referring to Figs. 3 and 10, a flag 86 having a sector 81 denoting expired time on the meter is loosely mounted on the shaft 56. One end portion of the flag 86 is provided with a counterweight 88 for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth. Y e

General operation It is thought that the detailed description supra clearly sets forth the various elements of the mechanism and the operation thereof will now be explained. Assuming that either a penny or nickel is inserted in the coin slot 3|A and the force of the operator's fingers applied through the coin as the coin is being inserted is sufficient to move the trip lever 38 in a counterclockwise direction according to Fig. 1 against the tension of spring 4| thereby releasing the lever from lug 28 to allow a rotation of the coin propelling plate 24 by energy of the main spring 6. The coin is then contacted and moved by lug 28 into contact with the stud 46 of the lever 45 and propelled by plate 24 partially through an arc of 90 into contact with the cam plates 35 and 36. The distance between the cam surface 90 of plate 35 and stud 46 is less than the diameter of a penny as well as a nickel, while the distance between the cam surface 9| on plate 36 and stud 46 is greater than the diameter of a penny but smaller than the diameter of a nickel for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth. The lever 45 is rotatable around shaft l2 and is moved from a rest position A through four possible stages as will be hereinafter explained. The lever 45 is moved counterclockwise according to Fig. 1 against tension spring 49 until the coin drops off the cam faces of plates 35 or 36 depending on the denomination where it is brought by lug 28 into display position at window 36. Lugs 29 are positioned in the path of the coin and prevent movement of the coin beyond the display position until the next operation. Movement of the lever 45 from a rest to an operating position as shown in Figs. 4 to 9 inclusive, causes the stud 53 of idler lever 54 to ride the highest arouate portion of cam 5| thereby moving lever 54 and gear 18 out of contact with clock gear so that the indicator 58 will be released to move under force of spring 82 in a clock-wise direction according to Fig. 1 and opposite to that of the clock drive to cause a re-setting of the indicator in complement with the value of the coin. The stop pawl I3 and its associated mechanism cooperates with the released time indicator 58 through ratchet 62 to reset the indicator in accordance with the denomination of the coin inserted. The indicator stop unit is such that movement of the coin actuated lever 45 moves the pawl pitman 16 in a direction similar to the lever 45 whereby slot 1| allows releasing of the pawl arm 68 and the pawl 13. The pawl through energy of spring 14 (Figs. 6, 7 and 8) is then directed into contact with the teeth 63.

With the pawl 13 released to contact a particular tooth 63 dependent upon the denomination of the coin, the indicator is re-set relative to the dial 26 for a specified time limit. It will be apparent during rotation of the coin by plate 24, the cam plates 35 and 36 cooperate with the lever stud 46 to hold the coin in such relation to the lever 45 that the lever is moved by the coin through a pre-determined distance depending on the denomination of the coin. When the coin is moved to a display position the coin actuated lever 45 is free to return to rest position under tension of spring 48. In returning the lever to rest position as shown in Fig. 5, the stud 53 of idler lever 54 is urged by spring 55 into notch 52 thereby placing idler gear 18 in contact with clock gear 80, and bringing the indicator 58 under the constant drive action of the timer l3. Si-

sorted immediately after the first coin such as multiple pennies or multiple nickels or both, the indicator stop action is such that the pawl will move over the particular tooth which it had previously engaged. This jump -action of the stop pawl over each tooth on successive coin insertions is accomplished in the following manner.

From Figs. 13 to 9 inclusive, the pawl arm is provided with the "elongated aperture it which permits asli'ght retardation of the pawl arm 58 by force of sector 52 when contacting a tooth 63 as is clearly shown in Fig. 8 thereby positioning the stud 69 in the upper portion of the elongated slot P3. With the operation completed and the pawl moved away iromcentact with the engaged tooth, the pawl armfifi under @nsion of spring l4 will slide on shaft 69 due to the slot 18., thereby permitting a moving or vjumping of the pawl 33 ahead of the tip of the tooth {53 previously conta-ct-ed, and in position to engage the next successivc tooth 83 "upon insertion of another coin. This action will occur on successive nickels as well as successive pennies since the moving of the pawl away from the teeth Will allow clearanceof the low teeth 64 on penny operations as well as the high teeth 55 on nickel operations as will be hereinafter explained. This provides for successive insertions of different denominations of coins, and with the pawl being released by the pitinan 8 jamming is prevented.

Penny operation :rissuming that a pennyis inserted'in the mechanism, the operation in accordance with Figs. '6,

'I and 8 is such that the lever 113 is moved from the position designated at .A to a position B whereby the pawl is completely released and allowed to Contact a notch or on sector "at .ilush with the bottom of the first tooth G4. Continued movement of lever to from position B 'to '0 disengages the idler gear T8 from gear "80 allowing rotation of indicator "58 under "energy of spring 32 to bring the front-tooth of one seto'i teeth into contact with the frontfa'ceo'f the pawl i3 thereby denoting twelve minutestimeon the dial 20. In this position (Fig. 8) the slot it provides a spring cushioned backlash so that upon the immediate insertion of another coin, either a. penny or nickel, the lever P5 and associated mechanism will permit the pawl [3 to move-ahead oi the =first tooth in set es in order to contact a successive tooth depending upon the denomination of the coin. if another penny or multiple pennie'sfare inserted, the pawl 13 will bemoved .to repeat the with the lever in'position' C, the penny is allowed 8 to ride on the cam rarest of plate 35 releasing us lever so from contact with the penny in order to return to position A under action of spring 49. The plate 2 4 continues rotation and through lugs 29 brings the penny to a position of display in window 39.

Nickel operation With the insertion of a nickel in the coin slot 3] the lever is rotated in a similar manner with the various elements operating as explained supra. As shown inFigsi'l to 9' inclusive the lever in moving from position A to a position D the .pawl 73 is released at'position B and is brought into contact with the groove '92 and the first tooth 6 1. Continued movement of the lever 45 and stud it .from a position B on to position 'D moves the pitmanTB and stud Tl counterclockwise according to'Figs. 8 and'9 whereby the pitman l0 disengages the pawl 'irom the first tooth B4 and positions the pawl slightly above the low level teeth 'Bfi until such time that a high level tooth G5 is brought into contact with theiront face of the pawl '13. In this position the indicator 58 is moved to a position on the dial '28 denoting one hour parking time. Furthermore, the nickel has moved past (Fig. l) the cam surf-ace 91 of the camplate 36 tobe positioned bylug 28 in the display window 30. It will be apparent that rotation of plate .25 through an arc of 90 upon each coin insertion will allow movement of a previously inserted coin from a display position at the top of plate '28 to a display position window 30 at the left of the mechanism as shown in Fig. 1. This rovides multiple display of coins having the advantage of decreasing the possibility of using slugs in the meter. With the stud 48 of lever 45 released by movement of the nickel to display position it returns in guide-way 58 under action of spring 49, however, it will be apparent that the jumping action provided by slot '16 on pawl arm 88 will'allow the pawl 73 to move beyond the high level tooth 'to be ready for engagement with the second set of teeth 63 beyond the first high level tooth 65 irrespective of the denomination of the coin inserted.

Alluding further to the rotating plate 24, it will be apparent that the teeth 24-h engage the teeth of a fan type governor gear 32 secured in bracket 93 to the plate 3. Thegovernor functions to limit the speed of rotation of the plate 24 upon being released by the trip lever .38 through the insertion of a coin.

Referring to Fig. 11 a modification is shown of the ratchet sector 62 provided with a masking ring 94 having a plurality of small teeth 95. This masking ring may be secured to the sector 62 whenit is desired to mask out the low level teeth 64 for the penny operation thereby providing the nickel operation only. Furthermore, it will be apparent that a portion of the low level teeth 64 may be masked out by the ring '94 where it is desired to use only one penny and one nickel or twop'ennies or any, number desired in lieu of the fi-v'e'penny operation.

Fig. 10 discloses the operation of the "expiration signal -87 provided with a leg 86 loosely mounted on shait-BS. One end of the leg is provided with a counterweight 88. A latching member 58 is looselysecured to a stud-'99 anchored in plate 3. The latch 96 is provided with a "latching Tlug I09. A spring 98 is anchored to a stud 102 -ior .urg1ng the lug J00 toward the shaft '56. A spring- I03 is anchored-between the leg 86 and the actuating lever 45. The indicator 58 is provided 9 with a projecting stud 91. As shown in Fig. 10 with the indicator 58 re-set to denote any measurement of time on the dial 29, the expired flag is in an inoperative position as shown by the full lines, however as the indicator moves counterclockwise as shown in Fig. 10 toward the expiration of time, the Stud 9? is moved up into position to contact the upper leg of latch 96 causing it to rotate or pivot about stud 99, and move lug I away from the end portion of leg 86 whereby the counterweight 83 rotates the flag 8'! into an upright position as shown in the dotted lines in Fig. 10. The rotation of the 8'! into an upright or vertical positionis against the action of the spring its. With an insertion of a coin into the meter and the re-setting of the indicator, movement of the lever 45 to the position D causes the spring to move the flag 8! into an inoperative position where it is latched by lug Hill until such time the indicator 58 fails to show any time remaining on scale 2%.

Referring to Fig. l, the rotation of the coins by the plate 24 in 90 cycles will eventually bring a coin from the last display position of a display window 35 to where it is allowed to drop in a coin shute m5 communicating with a coin box (not shown).

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the invention provides an automatic parking meter based on the principle which permits the coin trip action to be by the force of the operators finger applied through the coin as the coin is inserted in the coin slot. In this manner, the actuation of the coin trip lever does not itself or through the weight of the coin cause the re-setting of the indicator but the re-setting is accomplished by the release of a coin propelling plate, whereby the re-setting action takes place later in the cycle of operation as the coin is moved through the mechanism, thereby making the tripping action more positive, simple and reliable. Furthermore, the present mechanism provides a meter which is operable on more than one denomination of coins and which will operate on multiple coins of each of the selected denominations. The meter is easily adjustable for any possible combination of coins and multiple coins. Furthermore, the mechanism provides releasing of the indicator for returning to a starting position in a manner which utilizes an indicator stop action operated through its connection with the coin operated lever, coin and coin propelling plate. The indicator stop action principle is that the stop pawl is only released to engage the indicator ratchet and is not forcibly moved through a fixed distance. In this manner, if a second coin is immediately inserted after a first coin, the pawl is moved ahead of a previously engaged tooth through a spring cushioned backlash to allow for the successive insertion of coins. This moving ahead will occur on successive nickels as well as successive pennies, thereby providing a stop action which is simple in operation and construction to provide a meter which can be operated on both multiple pennies or multiple nickels.

Changes may be made in the combination and arrangement of parts as heretofore set forth in the specification and shown in the drawings, it being understood that any modification in the precise embodiment of the invention may be made within the scope of the following claims :vithout departing from the spirit of the i ion.

I claim:

1. In an automatic parking meter adapted to receive multiple coins of difierentdenominations for indicating selective amounts of time and comprising a movable indicator, a clock works for driving the indicator in one direction relative to a time scale, a ratchet movable with the indicator and provided with a plurality of sets of various sized teeth corresponding to coins of different denominations, means for urging the indicator and ratchet in a direction opposite the first mentioned direction to reset the indicator, indicator stop means cooperating with the ratchet in one position of the stop means to limit the resetting movement of the indicator in said last mentioned direction, coin actuated means normally retaining the indicator stop means out of engagement with the ratchet, said coin actuated means being responsive to a coin inserted in the meter for releasing the indicator stop means to allow engagement thereof with at least one set of ratchet teeth, and means provided in the indicator stop means providing successive resetting of the indicator upon successive insertion of multiple coins of different denominations.

2. In an automatic parking meter adapted to receive multiple coins of diiferent denominations for indicating selective amounts of time and comprising a movable indicator, a clock works for driving the indicator in one direction relative to a time scale, a ratchet movable with the indicator and provided with a plurality of sets of various sized teeth corresponding to coins of different denominations, means for urging the indicator and ratchet in a direction opposite the first mentioned direction, indicator stop means cooperating with the ratchet in a released position of the stop means to limit the movement of the indicator in said last mentioned direction, coin actuated means normally retaining the indicator stop means out of engagement with the ratchet, said coin actuated means responsive to a coin inserted in the meter for releasing the indicator stop means to provide selective. engagement thereof with the ratchet teeth, means provided in the indicator stop means providing successive resetting of the indicator upon successive insertion of multiple coins of different denominations, and means cooperating with the coin actuated means to disengage the clock works from the indicator during re-setting of the indicator.

3. In an automatic parking meter adapted to receive multiple coins of different denominations for indicating selective amounts of time and comprising a movable indicator, a clock works for driving the indicator in one direction relative to a time scale, a ratchetmovable with the indicator and provided with separate sets of teeth complementary to the diiferent. denominations of coins, pawl means cooperating with the ratchet in a released position of the pawl means to limit movement of the indicatorin a direction opposite the first mentioned direction, means re-setting the indicator and ratchet in said last mentioned direction, means adapted to rotate a coin upon insertion thereof into the meter, means normally retaining the pawl means out of engagement with the ratchet and cooperating with" the coin rotating means through the medium of the coin for releasing the pawl means into selective engagement with the teeth of the ratchet in accordance with the denomination of the coin, means provided in the pawl means to provide movement of the pawl means beyond the previously engaged tooth upon movement of the pawl means away from the tooth, thereby providing engagement of the pawl means with a subsequent tooth upon insertion of a subsequent coin in the meter, and in.- di'cating an extended time on the time scale.

4. In anautomatic parking meter adapted to receive multiple coins of different denominations for indicating selective amounts of time and comprising a movable indicator, a clock works for driving the indicator in one direction relative to a time scale, a ratchet movable with the indicator and provided with separate sets of various sized teeth complementary to the difierent denominations of coins, pawl means cooperating with the ratchet in a released position of the pawl means to limit movement of the indicator in a direction opposite the-first mentioned direction, means re-setting the indicator and ratchet in said last mentioned direction, means adapted to rotate a coin upon insertion thereof into the meter, means normally retain ing the pawl means out of engagement with the ratchet and cooperating with the coin rotating means through the medium of a coin inserted in the meter for releasing the pawl means into selective engagement with at least one of the teeth of the ratchet in accordance with the denomination of the coin, means provided in the pawl means to move the pawl means beyond the previously engaged tooth upon movement of the pawl means away from the tooth to provide successive resetting of the indicator upon successive insertion of multiple coins of different denominations.

5. In an automatic parking meter adapted to receive multiple coins of different denominations for indicating selective amounts of time and comprising a movable indicator, a clock works for driving the indicator in one direction relative to a time scale, a ratchet movable with the indicator and provided with separate sets of teeth complementary to the different denominations of coins, pawl means cooperating with theratchet in a released position of the pawl means to limit movement of the indicator in a direction opposite the first mentioned direction, means urging the indicator and ratchet in said last mentioned direction, means adapted to rotate a coin upon insertion thereof into the meter, means normally retaining the pawl means out of engagement with the ratchet and cooperating with the coin rotating means through the medium of the coin for releasing the pawl means into selective engagement with the teeth of the ratchet in accordance with the denomination of the coin, means provided in the pawl means to move the pawl means beyond the previously engaged tooth upon movement of the pawl means away from the tooth to prevent jamming of the pawl upon successive insertions of multi le coins.

6. In an automatic parking meter adapted to receive multiple coins of different denominations for indicating selective amounts of time and comprising a movable indicator, a clock works for driving the indicator in one direction relative to a time scale, a ratchet movable with the indicator and provided with separate sets of teeth complementary to the different denominations of coins, pawl means cooperating with the ratchet in a released position of the pawl means to limit movement of the indicator in a direction opposite the first mentioned direction, means urging the indicator and ratchet in said last mentioned direction, means adapted to rotate a coin upon insertion thereof into the meter, means, normally retaining the pawl means out of engagement with the ratchet and cooperating with the coin rotating means through the medium of the coin for releasing the pawl means into selective engagement with the teeth of the ratchet in accordance with the denomination of the coin, said pawl means having an elongated aperture to provide a backlash action to allow movement of the pawl beyond the engaged tooth upon movement of the pawl away from the tooth.

7. In an automatic parking meter adapted to receive multiple coins of different denominations for indicating selective. amounts of time and comprising a movable indicator, a clock Works for driving the indicator in one direction relative to a time scale, a ratchet movable with the indicator and provided with separate sets of various sized teeth complementary to the diiierent denominations of coins, pawl means cooperating with the ratchet in a released position of the pawl means to limit movement of the indicator in a directionopposite the first mentioned direction, means resetting the indicator and ratchet in said last mentioned direction, means adapted to rotate a coin upon insertion thereof into the meter, means normally retaining the pawl means out of engagement with the ratchet and cooperating with the coin rotating means through the medium of the coin for releasing the pawl means into selective engagement with the teeth of the ratchet in accordance with the denomination of the coin, said pawl means having an elongated aperture to provide a backlash action to allow movement of the pawl ahead of the engaged tooth upon movement of the pawl away from the tooth to prevent jamming of the pawl and to provide successive resetting of the indicator upon successive insertions of multiple coins.

8. In an automatic parking meter adapted to receive multiple coins of different denominations for indicating selective amounts of time and comprising a movable indicator, power driven clock works for driving the indicator in one direction relative to a time scale, a torsion spring for resetting the indicator in an opposite dircction thereto, a ratchet movable with the indicator and provided with separate sets of teeth complementary to the different denominations of coins,- a power driven plate, a trip lever adapted to release the plate through force applied to a coin inserted in the meter, lugs on the plate for rotating the inserted coin into engagement with a coin actuated lever, stop pawl means, means 00- operating with the lever and the pawl means to provide movement or the pawl means for selective engagement with a set of teeth on the ratchetto provide for re-setting. of the indicator in accord ance with the denomination of the coin, and means cooperating with the coin lever to provide disengagement of the indicator from the clock works during actuation of the lever, means provided in the stop pawl means to move the pawl means ahead of the engaged tooth upon disengagement of the pawl means from the tooth to provide resetting of the indicator upon successive insertion of multiple coins of difierent denominations.

9. In an automatic parking meter adapted to receive multiple coins of different denominations for indicating. selective amounts of time and com? prising a movable indicator, a clock worksfor driving the indicator in one direction relative to a time scale, a ratchet movable with the iii-- dicator and provided with a plurality of sets of various sized teeth complementary to the different denominations of coins, means for resetting the indicator and ratchet in a direction opposite the first mentioned direction, indicator stop means cooperating with the ratchet in a released position of the indicator stop means to limit the movement of the indicator in said last mentioned direction, means normally retaining the indicator stop means out of engagement with the ratchet and responsive to a coin inserted in the meter for releasing the indicator stop means to allow engagement thereof with a selected ratchet tooth according to the denomination of the coin inserted, means provided in the indicator stop means to provide resetting of the indicator upon successive insertion of multiple coins of difierent denominations, and means for masking a part of one set of the ratchet teeth for one denomination of coin.

10. In an automatic parking meter adapted to receive multiple coins of difierent denominations for indicating selective amounts of time and comprising a movable indicator, a clock works for driving said indicator in one direction relative to a time scale, a ratchet movable with the indicator and provided with a plurality of various sized teeth complementary to the different denominations of coins, means for urging the indicator and ratchet in a direction opposite the first mentioned direction, indicator stop means cooperating with the ratchet in one position of the indicator stop means to limit the movement of the indicator in said last mentioned direction, and means responsive to a coin inserted in the meter for providing movement of the indicator stop means to provide for selective engagement thereof with at least one of the various sized ratchet teeth dependent upon the denomination of the coin, and means responsive to an expired time position of the indicator to be moved adjacent the time scale for denoting the expiration of the parking time.

11. In an automatic parking meter for receiving multiple coins of difierent denominations to indicate selective periods of time, and comprising an indicator movable relative to a time scale, a clock works for driving the indicator in one direction relative to the scale, a plurality of sets of various sized teeth providing selective positioning U with at least one of the teeth of one of the sets i in a released position of the stop pawl means to limit the movement of the indicator in the said last mentioned direction, and means normally retaining the stop pawl means out of engagement with the teeth and responsive to the insertion of a coin for releasing the stop pawl limiting means in accordance with the denomination of the coin to provide for selective positioning of the indicator dependent upon the denomination of the coin with respect to the various sized teeth.

12. In an automatic parking meter for receiving multiple coins of different denominations to indicate selective periods of time, and comprising an indicator movable relative to a time scale, a clock works for driving the indicator in one direction relative to the scale, a ratchet carried by the indicator, a series of small teeth on the ratchet having a defined path of movement, a large tooth on the ratchet in aligned relationship with the small teeth and extending beyond the small teeth, a spring urging the indicator and ratchet in a direction opposite to the first mentioned direction to reset the indicator, a stop pawl, and means responsive to one denomination of coin inserted in the meter to provide movement of the stop pawl into the path of movement of the small teeth, and responsive to a second denomination of coin inserted in the meter to provide movement of the stop pawl into the path of movement of the large tooth to reset the indicator in accordance with the denomination of the coin inserted in the meter.

13. In an automatic parking meter for receiving multiple coins of different denominations to indicate a selective period of time, and comprising an indicator movable relative to a time scale, a clock works for driving the indicator in one direction relative to the scale, a ratchet carried by the indicator, a series of aligned teeth on the ratchet, the central tooth and the last tooth in said series being extended, a stop pawl, a spring urging the indicator and ratchet in a direction opposite to said first mentioned direction to reset the indicator, and means responsive to a coin inserted in the meter to provide movement of the pawl into engagement with one of the teeth of said series in accordance with the denomination of the coin.

GERALD A. HALE.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,152,577 Weaver Mar. 28, 1939 2,269,021 Hazard Jan. 6, 1942 2,329,926 Michaels Sept. 21, 1943 2,397,878 Michaels Apr. 2, 1946

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