US2674361A - Coin controlled dispensing pump - Google Patents

Description

April 6, 1954 J. B. MOORE 2,674,361

COIN-CONTROLLED DISPENSING "PUMP Filed NOV. 19, 1945 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 April 6, 1954 Fild Nov. 19, 1945 J. B. MOORE COIN-CONTROLLED DISPENSING PUMP 4 Shets-Sheat 2 April 6, 1954 J. B. MOORE COIN-CONTROLLED DISPENSING PUMP 4 Sheets-Sheet. 5

Filed NOV. 19,. 1945 JmaZMzd/Mame gy- April J. B. MOORE 2,674,361

COIN-CONTROLLED DISPENSING PUMP Filed Nov. 19, 1945 Patented Apr. 6, I954 UNITED STATES ATENT OFFlCE 2,674,361 COIN CONTROLLED DISPENSING PUMP James Ballard Moore, Chicago, Ill. Application November 19, 1945, Serial No. 629,612

7 Claims. 1

This invention relates to fluid dispensing apparatus, and concerns specifically coin controlled gasoline dispensing pumps.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved fluid dispensing apparatus of the type defined. More specifically, it is an object of the invention to provide a coin controlled gasoline dispensing apparatus of simplified construction, and of improved operating characteristics.

Further objects of the invention are to provide an improved coin controlled gasoline dispensing apparatus which may be used selectively as a coin controlled mechanism or as an operator controlled structure, as may be required; and which when adapted for coin controlled operation may be readily actuated, in a simplified and insured manner, by the customer.

Various other advantages, objects and features of the invention will be understood from the preferred illustrative embodiments hereinafter set forth.

In the drawings:

Fig. l is a front View, partly diagrammatic in form, of a gasoline dispensing apparatus adapted for coin controlled actuation, and embodying the features of the invention in accordance with one preferred form thereof;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged side sectional View of the structure of Fig. 1, on the line 2-2 thereof;

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a part of the coin control mechanism;

Fig. 4 is an electrical circuit diagram of the device shown in Figures 1 to 3;

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. l, but illustrating a modified embodiment of the invention incorporating a hose reel structure;

5 is a partial electrical diagram for use with the modified form of structure shown in the embodiment of Fig. 5; and

7, 8 and 9 are illustrative views of further modified embodiments.

Referring more specifically to the drawings, in 1 there is set forth for illustrative purposes a gasoline dispensing apparatus of the type which may be employed in automobile filling stations and the like, arranged for selective coin conrolled actuation. The structure comprises a housing it associated with an underground tank structure it provided with the usual supply of gasoline to be dispensed, as indicated at M. A supply pipe it provided with a foot valve It at its lower end leads from the underground tank to the inlet of the main dispensing pump 20. The foot valve it comprises a check valve for preventing reverse or downward flow of the gasoline through the pipe It, as will be understood.

The outlet pipe 22 of the pump leads to an air eliminator 24, which may be of standard design and construction, the air and gas-freed liquid then passing to a meter 26 operated in accordance with the volumetric rate of flow. From the meter the gasoline passes through a delivery valve 28, through the usual sight gauge, as indicated at 30, through a metering valve 3i, and thence through a flexible hose t2, and dispensing nozzle 34, which may be of conventional design and construction. The delivery valve 28 when open permits unrestricted fluid flow in the dispensing line and when closed stops fluid flow. The metering valve 8i is operative when open to permit unrestricted fluid flow, and when closed to meter the flow to a predetermined slow rate. The operation of these valves will be later described.

The nozzle at is provided with a nozzle valve, as indicated at (it, and with the usual non-drain valve as indicated at 38. As will be understood, the non-drain valve is spring urged by a light spring pressure into closed position, sufiicient to withstand the weight of the column of liquid within the hose, whereby to prevent draining of the hose, but insufficient to prevent outward flow of liquid through the hose under the propelling pressure of the pump 2d during dispensing operations.

The dispensing pump iii, provided with the usual by-pass valve Ella, is arranged to be driven through gearing by means of an electric motor 42. The motor is provided with a starting switch 64 actuated by means of a rod i6 oneratively connected with the hose hook switch lever itia of the hose hook it, the arrangement being such that motor switch it is closed as the hose hook lever is raised after the hose nozzle 34 has been removed from the hose hook support.

The meter is provided with a drive shaft 50, operated in accordance with the movements of the meter. The meter shaft is arranged to effect the direct drive of the volume register 52, for indicating the volume of the liquid dispensed. lhe meter shaft is also arranged to effect the driving of a cost register at, for indicating the cost of the dispensed liquid, the cost register drive being effected through the intermediary of a variator, or change speed gearing adjustable in accordance with unit price, as indicated generally at 56, and having the unit price indicator 5B. The variator mechanism may, for example, be of the type shown in the patent to Slye et al. No. 2,151,239, the variator cone gearing being in dicated diagrammatically at till, The variator drives the cost register through the intermediary of a shaft 62, which shaft is also connected to the coin control mechanism, described.

The volume and cost registers may be reset by means of the resetting crank t4. Also, the structure is preferably provided with interlock mechanism, as indicated diagrammatically at 66, connected with the hose hook switch lever 48a, and with the registers by means of shaft 85 in a manner so that after the hose hook lever has been lowered, and the hose nozzle hung on the hose hook, after a dispensing operation, the hose hook lever cannot again be raised to actuate the switch 44 and start the motor for a subsequent dispensing operation until the registers have been reset to zero, viz., cleared of the registrations from the previous dispensing operation. This register reset and switch interlock mechanism may, for example, be of the type shown in the patent to Bechtold No. 2,108,028.

The coin control mechanism comprises a coin selector, as shown at "It (see Figure l), provided with a slot i2 through which the actuating coins may be introduced, the selector in this particular instance being arranged to receive and separate 50, 25, 10 and c coins, and to eliminate slugs. The selector is provided with the usual separating and slug rejecting devices, and may be of any suitable standard structure. The rejected slugs pass from the selector through a chute l4 to a return cup 16 (see Figure l) whereas the good coins pass through a chute structure I8 to a key controlled coin storage box 89, the good coin chute including therein suitable coin switch mechanism E2 actuated by the coins, and later to be described. A window covered register dial 84 and associated pointer 85 are arranged to indicate the money value total of the coins deposited, to effect any given dispensing operation, as will also presently be described.

As best shown in Fig. 2, the cost register drive shaft 62 is arranged at its lower end by means of suitable reduction gearing ill and a pair of bevel gears $3 to effect the drive of a shaft BI] which drives one of the side gears 92 of a differential gearing generally indicated by the numera-l $4. The other side gear 95 of the differential gearing is fixed to a shaft 88 which is in turn secured to and adapted to be driven from the ratchet wheel Ifiil of an accumulator device m2, presently to be described. A spring pressed friction collar mechanism Ill l is carried by the shaft 98 and comprises a collar splined to the shaft and resiliently urged against the housing 06 of the accumulator device, the arrangement being such as to apply a predetermined light frictional resistance to rotation of the shaft 93.

The differential housing I08 carries a ring gear IIU arranged to drive a shaft I12. This shaft is arranged by means of gears H4 and H6 to drive a shaft H8 shown in enlarged perspective detail in Fig. 3. The gear I It is loosely mounted on the shaft H8, but is adapted to be frictionally engaged by a collar I20 splined to the shaft, the arrangement thus providing a frictional driving connection between the gear H6 and the shaft H8; the frictional strength of the device II6-I2B being greater than the light frictional resistance imparted by the device I04 to the shaft 98.

As will be understood, the differential 94 may be of the side gear type, as shown, or the planetary type, as may be desired. Inasmuch as the forces transmitted through the differential are relatively small, relatively light gears such as clock gears may be employed. The differential as will presently be gears and associated parts are shown relatively large in Fig. 2, for illustrative purposes, Fig. 2 thus being somewhat diagrammatic in this respect.

Shaft II8 carries the register pointer at its forward end. At its rear end the shaft carries a switch arm I22 adapted for cooperation with a contact sector I24, The stop pin 26 limits the retrograde movement of the switch arm and the shaft H3, in the clockwise direction as seen in Fig. 3. The shaft also carries a duplicate switch arm I22a (see Figure 2), cooperable with with a sector I24a and stop I26 so as to form a double duplicate switch structure.

Shaft II8 also has fixed thereon a gear I28 cooperable with rack I30, the end of which forms the armature of an electromagnet I32, the arrangement being suchthat as the electromagnet I32 is energized the rack I30 is pulled upwardly to rotate the shaft H8 in a reverse or clockwise direction, Fig. 3.

The details of the coin switch structure 82 and of the accumulator device I02 are shown in the wiring diagram, Fig. 4. It will be seen that a series of switches I34, I36, I38 and I40 are associated, respectively, with the 50, 25, 10 and 5c chutes from the coin selector I0, these switches being individually and selectively operable by a coin of the associated denomination, as it passes from the coin selector I0 through the chute 18 to the coin storage box 80. The switches I34, I36, I38 and I40 are associated, respectively, with electromagnets I34a, I36a, I38a and I40a by wiring connections, the arrangement being such that when any switch is closed the associated electromagnet will be energized by circuit connections between the power lines as diagrammatically indicated at L1 and Le. Each of the electromagnet armatures I341), I361), I38?) and I401) carries a pawl that is spring urged into engagement with the ratchet wheel I00, the arrangement being such that as the electromagnets are energized the ratchet wheel is propelled in a forward or counterclockwise direction as seen in Fig. 4. A stop pin I34c is so positioned that the armature I341) will impart ten steps of movement to the ratchet wheel, the armature pawl also becoming wedged against the stop pin to prevent overthrow. Similarly a stop pin I3 6c is positioned so that the armature I361) when actuated imparts five steps of movement to the ratchet wheel. A stop pin I380 is arranged so that the armature I382) imparts two steps of movement to the ratchet wheel, and a stop pin I430 is arranged so that the armature I401) imparts one step of movement to the ratchet wheel. The armatures thus selectively actuate the ratchet wheel distances determined by their respective money values. A holding pawl I42 is spring urged into engagement with the ratchet wheel I00 and precludes operation thereof reversely or in a clockwise direction.

Referring further to Fig. 4, it will be seen that the energizing circuit for the motor 42 comprises a line I44 leading from the power line L1, the hose hook lever motor switch 44, a line I46, a thermal safety device I48, the function of which will be presently described, a line I50, the motor 42, a line I52, the coin switch mechanism I22-I24, and a line I54 returning to the power line L2, the arrangement thus being such that the motor circuit is energized whenever both the hose hook lever switch 44 and the coin switch mechanism I22I24 are closed.

Disposed in parallel with the coin switch mechanism I22-I24', between the wires I52 and I54 is a switch I56, which as shown in Figs. 2 and-4 is associated with and actuated by the lowest order wheel or cents wheel 54a, see Figure l, of the cost register. More particularly, the cents register wheel has fixed thereto a cam I58 provided with a pair of operating projections I Bil at diametrically spaced points, the arrangement being such that the cam. projections open the switch I56 twice during each revolution of the cents wheel, precisely as the cents wheel reaches its and 0 positions as the cents wheel rotates in its forward or recording direction during a dispensing operation. It will thus be seen that circuit connections between the wires I52 and I 54 will be closed when either the register switch I56 or the coin mechanism switch I22- I24 is closed, and broken only when both switches are open.

The delivery valve 28, previously referred to, is provided with an operating solenoid I82, Figs. 1 and 4, the arrangement being such that the delivery valve is opened whenever the solenoid is energized, and spring urged to closed position when the solenoid is deenergized. The delivery valve may be of any suitable construction, operative as previously described to preclude fluid fiow through the dispensing line when the valve is closed. As shown in Fig. 4, the solenoid IE2 is interconnected between a line IGI leading from the thermal safety device, and the line I52.

The metering valve 3! is provided with an operating solenoid I63, Figs. 1 and 4, the arrangement being such that the metering valve is opened whenever the solenoid is energized, as in the case of the delivery valve. The metering valve solenoid I63 is disposed between the lines IGI and the power line L2, under control of the coin switch I22a-I24a.

In the operation of the structure, to effect a coin controlled dispensing operation, the customer may drop coins to any aggregate value within the limits set by the dial and contact switches of Figure 3, into the coin selector 10. The coins must be introduced one at a time inasmuch as there is only one coin opening 72;. As the coins are accepted and passed to the coin box 80, the appropriate switches 34, ltd, 32 or Md will be actuated, thereby imparting an aggregate movement to the ratchet wheel 590, in a forward or counterclockwise direction, as seen in Fig. 4, corresponding tothe money value of the coins deposited. Inasmuch as the shaft 9 3 is at this time stationary, the meter 26 being locked from movement by the stationary liquid column within the dispensing line, the movement of the ratchet wheel tilt and its connected shaft 93 causes the differential M to impart a corresponding increment of movement to the shaft M2 and the shaft I58, thereby moving the register pointer 86 to a. position indicating the total value of the coins deposited, and simul taneously moving the switch arins I22 and I22a onto the contact sectors 52 and time, to establish circuit connections between the lines 552 and 154, and between the lines Ifii and L2. Inasmuch as the hose hook lever motor switch 44 is at this time open, the motor and the delivery valve and metering valve solenoids IE2 and E63 are not energized, regardless of the movement of the coin switches l22-422 and inc-M le, and regardless of the position of the register switch :55.

The appropriate coins, having been deposited, the customer next. resets the volume and cost registers 52 and 54, from the previous dispensing operation by means of the resetting crank 6 In view of the interlock mechanism E5; provided, this resetting operation must .be efiected before the hose hook lever the can be raised. During the resetting, the cost register switch I56 may be opened and closed a number of times, the hose lever switch 44 however still remaining open to preclude the establishing of the motor circuit or the energizing circuits to the solenoids. After resetting the registers, the customer removes the hose nozzle from its support hook and raises the hose hook lever 48a, thus closing the motor switch M, and completing the motor circuit through the closed coin switch I22-i22 and the motor thereupon starts. Simul'taneously, the solenoid I62 for the delivery valve is energized through coin switch I22I24, and solenoid 63 for the metering valve is energized through coin switch I22a-l 2 5a, and both the delivery valve and the metering valve open.

The dispensing now may be effected in the usual manner at full or partial flow rates by the appropriate opening and closing of the nozzle valve 36. At any time during the dispensing the customer deposit additional coins into the coin slot, adding to the amount of gasoline to be received, such additional coin value being immediately registered by the pointer 86 and also eiiecting the appropriate additional movement of the switch arms I22 and I22a.

During the dispensing, the rotation of the meter effects the movement of the shaft 62, the movement of the shaft being proportional to the cost of the fluid dispensed, due to the action of the variator mechanism 55. Movement of the shaft 22 eiiects the corresponding movement of the differential shaft 80. The move-- ment of the shaft 92 is transmitted through the differential to the shaft M2, the arrangement icing such that movement of the meter 26 in a forward or dispensing direction rotates the shaft i 52 in a reverse direction in respect to the direction of movement imparted to shaft In by the rotation of the ratchet wheel Hill. The differential shaft 28 does not move, except upon energization of one or more of the electromagnets I 34a, Isfia, I326; and Nita, due to the presence of the friction mechanism Hit.

The reverse rotation of the shaft Ii 2 and connected shaft H8 during dispensing restores the pointer 86 to zero and the switch arms I22 and !22a to open circuit position, as shown in Fig. 3. It will be noted that there is a space I 58, Fig. 3, between the end of the contact sector I24 and the switch arm 522, when the switch arm is in home position, the arrangement being such that the switch leaves contact with the sector when approximately 3 worth of gasoline still remains to be dispensed. Similar spacing is provided in the caseof switch i22a-I2=ia, as will be understood. During the dispensing, the cost register switch E52 is intermittently opened each time the units order register wheel E la passes its "5 and 0 positions. So long as the coin switches remain closed this is immaterial. However, when only 30, worth of gasoline remains to be dispensed, coin switches I22 l2 and. Mia-425a are opened. The opening of switch l22a-i deenergises the metering valve solenoid its and the metering valve 3! closes to slow down the dispensing flow rate. At this time the cost register switch N55 is closed so the opening of switch l22 -I24 is immaterial and the delivery valve solenoid I62 and the motor 42 remain energized; but when the register wheel 54a next reaches its 5 or position, both switches I56 and I22-l24 will now be open, and the circuit between lines I52 and I54 will be broken, deenergizing the motor and closing the delivery valve 28.- By this means the termination of the dispensing operation is slowed down and then accurately controlled by the position of the cents wheel 54a insuring accurate registration and measurement. It is to be noted that the cents wheel always will stop in either its or "0 position, due to the fact that the coin selector I8 receives only 5, 25 and 50 coins.

Should the customer decide that he wants additional gasoline, he need merely deposit further coins whereupon the coin switches will be shifted the appropriate distance, energizing the motor and opening the valves, as will be understood.

To complete the operation, the customer merely restores the nozzle to its support hook, simultaneously actuating the nozzle switch lever 43a to open the switch 44 in the usual manner. The non-drain valve 38 prevents draining of the hose.

It may happen that after depositing coins to a certain value, the customer finds that his automobile tank will not hold gasoline to the full amount of the coins deposited. In such event, when his tank is full, he merely closes the nozzle valve 35, and restores the hose nozzle to its support hook. This restoring movement operates the hose switch lever 48a, breaking the motor circuit. Additionally, in accordance with the invention, means is provided in such event for automatically restoring the apparatus to normal condition, for use by the next customer.

This mechanism comprises the solenoid I32 and rack I30, Figs. 2 and i. As shown in the wiring diagram, Fig. 4, the solenoid I32 is interconnected between the lines L1 and L2 through lines I69 and HI and a switch I10 associated with the nozzle hook lever 83a, for control thereby. More particularly, the lever 48a at its inner end carries a pin IIZ arranged to engage the shiftable contact arm Il of the switch I18. The arrangement is such that the pin wipes past the switch arm H4 as the lever 48a is raised, without closing the switch, but engages the switch arm to actuate the switch to closed position as the hose hook lever 48a is restored downwardly from its dotted line to its full line position as the hose nozzle is rehung upon its support hook. Accordingly the solenoid I32 will be energized. each time the nozzle is returned to its support hook. Such solenoid energization draws the armature end of the rack I39 upwardly, restoring the pointer 88 and the switch arms I22 and I22a to home position, as shown in Fig. 3. During such restoring movement of the shaft H8 the friction device IIS-I2ll operates, and no movement is imparted to the differential shait IIZ, the differential shaft 98 being locked by the stationary meter, and the differential shaft 88 being precluded from movement by the holding pawl M2 in engagement with the ratchet wheel I82 As will be understood, the solenoid I32 will be energized each time the nozzle is restored to its support hook, but unless an undispensed quantity of gasoline remains, the shaft 1 I3 will already be in its home position with the switch arm I22 in engagement with the stop pin I26, Fig. 3.

The use of the foregoing restoring mechanism including the solenoid I32 and switch structure I19 is, of course, optional.

It also may happen, either through inadvertence or by design, that the customer may fail to dispense the full quantity of gasoline for which coins have been deposited, and may also fail to restore the nozzle to its support hook, in which event the pump motor 42 would continue to operate were safety means not provided. In accordance with the present invention means is provided for cutting out the motor if it remain in operation for an inordinate period of time, considerably in excess of a normal dispensing operation. Such means comprises the thermal safety switch I48, Figs. 1 and 4, previously referred to.

As shown in Fig. 4, this safety switch comprises a contact sector I16 connected to the wire I46 of the motor circuit, and a bimetallic arm I18 fixed at one end I19 and connected to the wire I50. The bimetallic arm carries an upstanding switch contact portion I88 normally in engagement with the switch sector I16, the energizing current for the motor thus passing through the contact sector I18, the contact I88, and the arm I18, between the wires I46 and I53. A heating coil I82 is arranged in series in the circuit, the arrangement being such that the heating coil is energized continuously during energization of the motor circuit.

If the motor remains in operation for an inordinate period of time, the heating coil I82 will be heated sufficiently to cause the V-shaped head portion 184 of the bimetallic arm I18 to move downwardly away from the stop pin I35. A spring pressed plunger I86 engages the wedgeshaped head I34- in such a manner that when the head is moved downwardly a predetermined distance the point of the head moves past the plunger I85, whereupon the plunger causes the arm I18 to move downwardly sharply, breaking the motor control circuit between the switch sector I16 and the switch contact I813.

The plunger I86 will hold the motor circuit broken until the energization of solenoid I68, the armature of which comprises a link I98 connected to the head portion of the bimetallic arm. The arrangement is such that energization of the solenoid I88 projects its armature upwardly as seen in Fig. 4, whereby to restore the bimetallic arm I18 upwardly against pin I and past the dead center of the plunger I86, restoring the motor circuit. As previously indicated, the solenoid I88 is arranged in the circuit of the hose hook lever switch I18 so that the solenoid I88 will be energized simultaneously with the solenoid I32 each time the hose hook lever is moved downwardly as the hose nozzle is restored to its support hook.

Accordingly in the event that the motor should remain in operation an inordinate length of time, the bimetallic arm I18 will operate to break the motor circuit, and the motor circuit will thereupon remain broken, but the circuit will be automatically restored to normal merely by the placing of the hose nozzle back upon its support. The restoring of the hose will thus restore the thermal switch mechanism I48, but will simultaneously open the motor switch 44 so that the motor will not again be energized until the next dispensing operation.

It may happen that the supply of gasoline will run out in the underground tank while the dispensing apparatus is unattended and set for coin operation. In such event means is provided for protecting the customer from the non-productive deposit of coins. This means comprises a float mechanism I92, Figs. 1 and 4, disposed in r the pump supply pipe I8 previously described.

As best shown in Fig. 4, the float mechanism 892 comprises a casing 94 within which is disposed a float lever I96 pivotally mounted on the casing, in a fluid tight manner, the arrangement being such that the i'ioat end of the lever is maintained upwardly, as shown in Fig. 4, when the chamber I94 is full of gasoline. The chamber we remains filled with gasoline during normal dispensing, and between dispensing operations, due to the foot valve [8; but in the event that the supply of gasoline becomes depleted in the underground tank, the chamber its will become empty and the float will drop.

This movement of the float lever will close a switch H98, thereby energizing the solenoid the switch I93 and the solenoid 2% being interconnected between the lines L1 and L2 as shown. Energization f the solenoid Ziiii projects a flag member 252 over the coin slot 72 so that the dropping of coins into the selector it is prevented.

The mechanism may be readily converted from coin operation to operation by means of an attendant or operator, merely by actuating a conventional key controlled lock mechanism 2%, Figs. 1 and 4. As the lock barrel 2%, Fig. 4, is rotated upon the insertion of the attendants key, a rack member 208 geared thereto is projected to the right or left. The rack member is shown in the position adapting the apparatus for coin controlled operation in Fig. 4. When the rack member is projected to the left from the position shown, the flag portion 2H1 thereof covers the coin slot 12, and a projection on the rack member eifects the closing of a switch 22 which shunts out the coin switches Hit-42 i and i22a-l24a. More particularly, lines 2M and 2 I 40, interconnect the motor control and solenoid circuit to the line L2 through the switch 2 the arrangement being such that when the switch is closed the motor control by the hose hook lever switch 44, in conventional manner.

In Figs. 5 and 6 an embodiment is illustrated adapting the principles of the invention to a gasoline dispensing apparatus of the hose reel type.

As will be understood, the major elements of the apparatus are the same as in the embodiment previously described, and detailed description is therefore believed to be unnecessary. Also, the hose reel mechanism, the hose hook mechanism, and the register reset interlocking mechanism are preferably of the type shown in the patent to F. B. Eilers No. 2,340,871, to which reference may be made for details.

As shown in Fig. 5, in adapting the structure for hose reel operation, the dispensing line after leaving the sight glass and metering valve 3i passes downwardly inside the housing through a rigid pipe 216 which connects with the hose reel mechanism generally indicated by the numeral M8, and corresponding to the hose reel 20 of said Eilers patent. The flexible dispensing hose 32 connects with the hose reel, the arrange ment being such that the hose may be pulled to any desired length and still receive the flow of gasoline from the pipe 2H5 through the hose reel structure.

As in said Eilers patent, a link 22d actuated by movement of the hose reel is connected to the motor switch M through the intermediary of a link 222. Similarly the lever 48a associated with the hose nozzle support connects with the motor switch through a downwardly extending link 224 corresponding to the link 52 of. the Eilers circuit is controlled patent, and differing from the link it previously described in that the link 2% and the hose hook lever @iia are not positively connected.

As is pointed out in said Eilers patent, to eifect a dispensin operation the hose nozzle is removed from support and the hose hook lever lta thereupon raised. This conditions the link 224 so that it can be raised as the hose reel is rotated by the outward pulling of the hose, the link 22 being thus raised by the r sing of the hose reel link the hose reel is s iited, resulting in the closing of the motor switch ll which is in this instance moved to closed position by the upward movement of the links.

As further pointed out in said lrilers patent, reverse rotation of the hose reel upon retraction of the hose effects the opening of the motor switch after the hose has been retracted a predetermined distance. Begister reset interlock mechanism is also provided so that after the hose has been hung its nozzle support and the lever lowered, the lever cannot again be raised to permit the reclosing of the motor switch until the register mechanism 52 and 5. 3 has been reset.

The motor and the metering and delivery valve energizing circuit for the structural embodiment of Fig. 5 is illustrated in Fig. 6. It will be seen that the energizing circuit in this instance con1- prises the wire til-i and the motor switch as previously described. However, in this instance the wire i leading from the motor switch is directly connected to the wire 5 5t and the motor, the thermal safety mechanism i i-ii being eliminated. The thermal safety mechanism is unnecessary in Fig. 5, inasmuch as the spring return for the hose reel 213 will insure the retraction of the hose and the automatic opening of the motor switch i l, even if the customer should inadvertently or designedly drop hose nozzle on the ground and leave it. It is, of course, to be understood however that the thermal safety mechanism may be employed in the structure of 5, if desired.

In the event the thermal safety mechanism is eliminated, as will be understood, the solenoid 432, Fig. i, will be directly connected to the line L2, the solenoid H88 in such instance not being provided.

In certain instances it may be desirable to retain the motor in operation until after the hose nozzle is restored to its support, the motor thus being exclusively under the control of the hose nozzle lever 58a, Fig. 1, and its associated switch M. An electrical wiring arrangement for eifecting this operation is shown in Fig. 7.

It will be seen that the motor circuit in this instance is essentially similar to 4, except that the motor energizing circuit is independent of the coin switches, and under control exclusively of the switch l l and the thermal safety device ME. More particularly, shown in '7, the motor it. is in this instance connected directly to the line L2 by means of a wire 2530. It will thus be seen that the motor will be energized and deenergized as the switch it is closed and opened, the thermal safety mechanism operating as in the structure of Fig. 4. The delivery valve and metering valve solenoids 262 and Ii -3 are under the control of the coin switches, and operate in the same manner as previously described in reference to Fig. 4.

In Fig. 8 an embodiment is illustrated, also generally similar to the embodiment of Figs. 1-4, but wherein the dispensing is efiected by 1 l controlling the starting and stopping of the motor, the delivery and metering valves in this instance being eliminated.

More particularly, referring to Fig. 8, the energizing circuit for the motor in this instance comprises the line Hid leading from the line L1, the switch M, the line hit, the thermal safety device Hi8, and the line 155 leading to one end of the primary coil 23?. of a suitable transformer 233. The other end of the primary coil connects to the power line L2 through a return wire 234.

The opposite ends of the secondar coil 236 of the transformer are connected to wires 23S and 2% which when the switch 2-22 is in one position interconnect said wires with the motor coil 26%. When the switch 222 is in its other position, as shown in Fig. 8, it interconnects the motor coil 2% between the wire 2% and a central tap wire 24% of the transformer, whereby to energize the motor coil at reduced voltage.

The switch 2&2 is operated through the intermediary of a bell-crank 2&8 actuated by the solenoid I83 which is connected in the circuit in the same manner as the metering valve solenoid I63, Fig. 4, previously described. The arrangement is such that when the solenoid its is energized the switch 2 32 is actuated to a position opposite from that shown in Fig. 8, to apply full voltage to the motor, th switch being normally spring urged into the reduced voltage position, as shown.

The solenoid H32, connected in the circuit in the same manner as the delivery valve solenoid I52, previously described, actuates a brake 258 cooperable with a wheel 252 carried by the motor shaft, as indicated at 255. The arrangement is such that when the solenoid [52 is energized, the brake is withdrawn, the brake being normally spring urged into engagement with the wheel 252 to hold the motor shaft in stationary position. An additional solenoid iSZa is connected in series with the solenoid M2, for actuation therewith. This solenoid is connected to a switch 255 arranged in the power line 23 3, the arrangement being such that the switch is normally spring urged to open position, and closed upon th energization of solenoid itZa.

In the operation of the structure of Fig. 8, the deposit of coins closes the coin switches l22-l24 and l22ai2 ia, which however, does not effect energization of the until the motor control switch it is closed. As the switch is closed, current is applied to the line It! energizing solenoid $2 to release the brake, energizing solenoid i$2a to close the switch 255, and energizing solenoid lB-S to shift the switch 2&2 to apply full voltage to the motor. As the switch 256 closes, the power circuit for the transformer is energized and the motor starts.

When only 3c worth of gasoline remains to be dispensed, solenoid N53 is deenergized, as previously described, actuating the switch 22-2 to apply a reduced voltage to the motor, thus slowing down the motor to a suitable reduced speed. Upon the opening of switch 156, as the full quantity of gasoline to be dispensed has been delivered, the solenoids W2 and i620. are deenergized opening the transformer power circuit and applying the brake to the motor to effect an accurate and quick stopping thereof.

In Fig. 9 a modified embodiment is illustrated wherein the money value indicator 86 is not returned progressively during the dispensing operation, but remains at a position indicating the total value of the inserted coins until the hose is restored to its nozzle support.

solenoids iiifiav and E53 Referring to Fig. 9, the structure illustrated is essentially Similar to that shown in Fig. 2 except that the shaft H8 which operates the coin switches is cut short and terminates within a suitable support bearing 268. The shaft 262 which carries the indicator pointer 88 on its forward end is coaxial with the shaft H8, and independent thereof. The shaft 252 is operated through a friction device EGG-26G, similar to the friction device lit-420, previously described. The gear 264 of this friction device is driven by a series of shafts 283, 210 and 212, and associated bevel gears, directly from the differential shaft 98 to which the ratchet wheel it?) is secured, as previously described.

In the arrangement thus provided it will be seen that as coins are deposited and the ratchet wheel I60 operated, corresponding increments of movement will be imparted to the shaft 282 and the associated pointer 86, so that the pointer indicates the value of the deposited coins. During dispensing the shaft 98 and accordingl the pointer 86 remain stationary unless further coins are deposited whereupon the indicator will be advanced the corresponding additional amount.

The shaft 2&2 carries a gear 214 cooperable with the rack 21%, the upper end of which is formed as the armature of a solenoid 218 insorted in the control line ill, Fig. 4. It will be recalled that this control line is energized by the switch I10, Fig. 4, as the nozzle support lever 48a is moved downwardly as the nozzle is restored to its hose hook support. The arrangement is such that as the solenoid 218 is energized the rack 226 is drawn upwardly, the upward movement of the rack being limited by it engagement with a stop pin 280.

It will accordingly be seen that at the end of a dispensing operation, as the hose hook lever 48a is restored, solenoid 218 will be momentarily energized, restoring the shaft 262 and the pointer 86 to home position. This movement of the shaft tends to rotate the ratchet wheel I08 clockwise as seen in Fig. 4, which motion of the ratchet wheel is prevented by holding pawl I42. Accordingly the friction device 264-466 yields to permit the restoring movement of the shaft 262 without corresponding actuation of the differential shaft 98 and its associated parts. In the structure of Fig. 9, at the end of the dispensing operation the pointer 86 and the register 54 will both indicate the total value of the dispensed gasoline, the pointer 86 then being restored as the nozzle is restored to supported position upon the hose hook structure.

It is obvious that various changes may be made in the specific embodiments set forth without departing from the spirit of the invention. The invention is accordingly not to be limited to the specific embodiments shown and described but only as indicated in the following claims.

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

1. A liquid dispensing mechanism including a dispensing line having a manually operable dispensing control valve, a pump in said line for developing pressure on liquid in said line and causing dispensing flow when the manually operable dispensing control valve is open, and a meter actuated by the flow of liquid through the line, in combination with an electric motor for operating said pump, a manually operable control for said electric motor, a register controlled by the meter, coin-set means, control means settable by said coin set means and operated by the meter driven register for automatically stopping the electric motor when a predetermined value oi the register is reached for stopping the dispensing flow independently of the operation of said manually operable dispensing control valve, and a thermal cut-out switch for said motor operable after a predetermined inordinately continuous operation of said motor for automatically stopping said motor independently or" the automatic stopping of said motor by said coinset means, and means for closing said thermal cut-out switch in response to operation of said manually operable control.

2. The combination comprising a liquid dispensing mechanism including a dispensing line having a manually operable dispensing control valve, a pump in said line for developing pressure on liquid in said line and causing dispensing flow when the manually operable dispensing control valve is open, a meter actuated by the dispensing flow, an electric motor for operating said pump, a manually operable control for said electric motor, a register driven in timed relation by the meter, coin set means, control means settable by said coin set means and operated by the meter driven register for automatically stopping the electric motor when a predetermined value of the register is reached for stopping the dispensing floW independently of the operation of said manually operable dispensing control valve, and means automatically operable when said motor has run continuously for a predetermined length of time for automatically stopping said motor, and means operable upon the manual actuation of said manually operable control member of said motor for re-establishing said automatically operable means to condition said motor for subsequent automatic operation.

3. In combination with a liquid dispensing line, liquid measuring means in said line, register means, mechanism controlled by said liquid measuring means for operating said register means in accordance with the actuation of the liquid measuring means, dispensing control means for controlling dispensing of liquid through said line, check control means, gearing having one part constantly connected to the register means and another part constantly connected to the check control means and a third part constantly connected to the dispensing control means, and means including said gearing for successively driving said third part in reverse directions by said check control means and by said register means, clutch means between said dispensing control means and the third part of said gearing, and means for returning the dispensing control means to initial position independently of said register means without operating said gearing, said clutch means slipping during such returning.

4. In combination with a liquid dispensing line, liquid measuring means in said line, register means, mechanism controlled by said liquid measuring means for operating said register means in accordance with the actuation of the liquid measuring means, dispensing control means for controlling dispensing of liquid through said line, and shiftable to any one of a plurality of positions, check control mechanism, means controlled by the actuation of said liquid measuring means and including gearing constantly interconnecting the register means, the check control mechanism and the shiftable dispensing control means, a portion of said interconnecting means being driven in one direction by theoperation of the check control means and in the reverse direction by the operation of the register means and clutch means between said dispensing control means and said interconnecting means, and means for returning the dispensing control means to initial position independently of said register means without operating said gearing, said clutch means slipping during such returning.

5. In combination with a liquid dispensing line, liquid measuring means connected to said dispensing line, a register, means controlled by the actuation of the liquid measuring means for actuating said register, dispensing control means for controlling dispensing of liquid through said line, check control means, clutch means, a differential gearing having one part connected to the register, and another part connected to the check control means, and a third part connected to the dispensing control means by said clutch means, and reset means for conditioning said dispensing control means for another operation independently of said register, said clutch means slipping during such conditioning.

6. The combination comprising a liquid dispensing mechanism including a dispensing line having a manually operable dispensing control valve, a pump in said line for developing pressure on liquid in said line and causing dispensing flow when the manually operable dispensing control valve is open, electrically controlled means for stopping flow in said line, an electric motor for operating said pump, a manually operable control for said electric motor, a meter actuated by the dispensing flow, a register controlled by the meter and driven in timed relation therewith, coin set means, control means settable by said coin set means and operated by the meter driven register for automatically actuating said electrically controlled means when a predetermined value of the register is reached for stopping the dispensing fiow independently of the operation of said manually operable dispensing control valve, a thermal cut-out switch adapted to be automatically opened upon excessive continuous operation of said motor to stop said motor, and means operated by the control means for the motor for resetting said coin settable control means and for closing said thermal cutout switch to ensure subsequent operation of the motor.

'7. A liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a dispensing line adapted to be connected to a source of liquid supply, means for propelling liquid through the dispensing line, power means for operating the propelling means, cost registering means, liquid measuring means connected to said dispensing line, means controlled by said liquid measuring means for actuating said registering means, coin controlled mechanism, means for reducing liquid flow within the dispensing line, means for terminating liquid flow within the dispensing line, means for operating both. said flow terminating means and said flow reducing means under conjoint control of said registering means and the coin controlled mechanism, and independent means for operating said flow terminating means under control of the register.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 648,335 Beaumont Apr. 24, 1900 (Other references on following page) Number UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date Glass May 15, 1900 Glass Dec. 4, 1900 Aron Mar. 22, 1904 5 Conrad Apr. 19, 1904 Rucker Oct. 14, 1913 Pratt Oct. '14, 1919 Starkey Nov. 29, 1927 Jones Nov. 6, 192a Brahy Dec. 1, 1931 Alexander July 12, 1932 Sandberg July 19, 1932 Mills Aug. 29, 1933 Nehls May 8, 1934 15 Erbe Jan. 26, 1937 Jonneret et a1. Apr. 6, 1937 Stark Jan. 18, 1938 Wall Jan. 25, 1938 Davis et a1. Oct. 4, 1938 29 Number Number 16 Name Date Mettler Mar. 12, 1940 Yeomans Nov. 26, 1940 Wickham Dec. 9, 1941 Hart Jan. 13, 1942 Tone May 5, 1942 Weston June 23, 1942 Alexander Dec. 7, 1943 Hinds Sept. 19, 1944 Hinds Feb. 27, 1945 Alexander Sept. 11, 1945 Alexander Feb. 12, 1946 Lillig Aug. '14, 1951 Sehneckenburger Oct. 30, 1951 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Great Britain Feb. 8, 1934 Great Britain May 24, 1934 Germany Feb. 4, 1935

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