Patent GB-916295-A (GB)
Title: Coin controlled fluid dispensing apparatus
Inventor: WEST VERN WILLARD
IPC: G07F13/02
Filed: 1960-09-29
Abstract: 916,295. Coin-freed liquid-dispensing apparatus. GRIFFIN, P. Sept. 29, 1960, No. 33391/60. Classes 27 and 116. [Also in Group XXIX] Apparatus for dispensing liquid fuel comprises a pump 22, a meter-computer for registering the amount and monetary value of the pumped liquid, a coin totalizer and a counter-impulser means which is responsive to the delivery of an amount of liquid in proportion to the value of a coin or coins and subtracts from the totalizer until the credit is exhausted, when a stop 125 on the totalizer shuts off the pump. The pump 22 is driven by a motor 29 and delivers petrol from a supply tank through a valve 24 (see Group XXIX) which reduces the flow rate towards the end of delivery and through a meter 25, flow indicating gauge 26 and hose 27 to a nozzle 28. Through a shaft 32, the meter drives volume and monetary value dials 35 and 36 respectively. A reset handle 41 is arranged so that it cannot be tripped until the nozzle 28 is removed from its pocket 42 and in the first part of its movement it shifts the dial shafts axially to reset the dials and then closes a main starting switch in the pump motor circuit. The coin mechanism is enclosed in a casing C of heavy construction on the side of the apparatus and the casing has three coin slots from which coins are led through testers 66 to an impulser 68. A knurled shaft in the impulser is driven by a motor 72 which is energized during coin insertion. The shaft forces the coins past fingers which are lifted by an amount corresponding to the value of a particular coin and transmit this movement to a bar 76 which, through a pawl 109 at the top end, steps a totalizer ratchet 107 forward according to the value of the coins. The ratchet 107 is resiliently clutched to a subtracting ratchet 93 by a ball pressed into notches in the ratchet 93 by a spring 105 and, during liquid delivery, the ratchet 93 is stepped back by a pawl 99 driven from the indicator dials and carries the ratchet 107 with it. The ratchet 93 has a spring-loaded detent 97 and the pawl 99 is connected to a follower 98 bearing on a cam 89 which is fitted on a shaft 88 connected by gears and a chain to the dial mechanism: each revolution of the shaft 88 moves the ratchet 93 by one tooth space, equivalent to a basic coin value. As the totalizer ratchet nears its initial position, a lug 125 operates a lever 171 and closes a switch 170 which energizes a solenoid 168 to allow a follower 165 to fall into a notch 166 in a cam 90 on the shaft 88 and causes a lever 163 to move a magnet 164 against a switch 162. The switch 162 opens and de-energizes a solenoid 160 so that a large flow orifice in the valve 24 is closed and the flow rate is reduced. The lug 125 subsequently operates a lever 139 to open a switch 136 and shut off the apparatus. A smooth part 126 on the totalizer ratchet 107 prevents the insertion of coins totalling more than a desired maximum value. During coin insertion, the pump motor is prevented from running by a finger 123 which is moved by the pawl 109 to shift a magnet 122 away from a switch 120 in the pump circuit and thus open the switch. During resetting of the indicator dials, another switch 137 in the pump motor circuit is held open by a rod bearing on one of the indicator dial shafts. A shunt circuit controlled by a switch 133 permits operation of the apparatus without use of the coin mechanism. Coin slot closing.-A pivoted gate is provided behind the coin slots and is opened by a solenoid which can be energized by the operator by pulling a plunger to close a switch. A holding circuit keeps the gate open during coin insertion but when the pump starts another circuit de-energizes the solenoid to close the gate.