Patent GB-432575-A (GB)
Title: Improvements relating to prepayment meters for electricity, gas and the like commodities
IPC: G07F15/02
Filed: 1934-01-30
Abstract: 432,575. Prepayment mechanism for meters. ASH, F. S., 20, Malvern Avenue, Flixton, Lancashire, and ASSOCIATED ELECTRICAL INDUSTRIES, Ltd., Crown House, Aldwych, London. Jan. 30, 1934, No. 3178. [Class 27] Coin action, thrust, with delivery proportionate to value of coin.-In meter prepayment mechanism for use with either of two coins of different denomination inserted through a common slot into a rotable pocket provided with a coin gauging plate, a pawl device is operated to engage a respective quantity wheel when the coin of lower denomination is inserted, and a second pawl device, associated with a second quantity wheel, is operated in addition when the coin of higher denomination is inserted, so that one or both quantity wheels are engaged according to the denomination of coin. The construction shown is for use with pennies and shillings. The coin pocket comprises a pair of spaced parallel plates 5, 6 carried by a disc 4, the plate 6 having an extension 6<1> to which is secured an operating handle 31. An inserted coin engages a spring-actuated gauge-lever 7, pivoted at 8 within the pocket, and turning with a lever 9 which controls a pair of overlapping spring-actuated fingers 16, 17, pivoted to the pocket at 13, and having pins 21, 22 for engaging the quantity wheels. The quantity wheels 24, 23 each have a pair of diametrically opposed teeth, and are carried respectively by a central shaft and a sleeve 33 journalled in the rear plate and terminating in discs 35 and 38 carrying pins 37, 40 for connection with the transmission to the quantity mechanism. When a penny is inserted, the gauge lever and control lever 9 are displaced, (Fig. 2), the latter engaging a conical pin 19 on the finger 17 which is displaced so as to engage its quantity wheel 24. When a shilling is inserted, an extension 15 of the control lever 9 engages a conical pin 18 on the finger 16 which is displaced to engage its quantity wheel 23 : the pin 19 is not engaged by the control lever owing to an aperture 14 therein, but the finger 17 is also displaced to engage its quantity wheel by reason of the overlap between the lower ends of the fingers. Movement of both quantity wheels is controlled by a strong spring 41 fixed to the casing and engaging flats on the disc 38. Movement of the quantity wheel 24 alone is controlled by a weaker spring 42 carried by the disc 38 and engaging flats on the disc 35. Specifications 406,154 and 424,439 are referred to. Fraud preventing.-The finger 17 is engaged by a spring biassed lever 26 pivoted at 28 and coupled with a ratchet pawl 29 by means of an abutment 27 and a second spring 30. When the finger 17 is displaced by insertion of either coin, the pawl is thrust into engagement with the casing which is provided with slots for preventing return movement of the coin pocket. When the coin is discharged at the completion of rotation of the pocket, the pawl 29 is withdrawn from engagement with the casing by the lever 26, so that the pocket can be returned to normal position. Coin-slit closing-devices.-A pivoted plate engaged by a cam part of the operating handle is tilted to cover the coin slit when the handle is turned.