Patent GB-411292-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in and relating to automatic coin released mechanisms for gas meters
IPC: G07F15/04
Filed: 1933-06-08
Abstract: 411,292. Prepayment mechanism for gas meters. NAAMLOOZE VENNOOTSCHAP MACHINERIEEN-EN APPARATEN FABRIEKEN, 30, Croeselaan, Utrecht, Holland. June 8, 1933, No. 16468. Convention date, Aug. 12, 1932. [Class 27.] In a prepayment gas meter operable by coins of two different denominations, an axially displaceable worm 2, Fig. 1, is rotated in one direction, after insertion of coins of the lower value, and screws along a worm wheel 3 to open the gas valve, which is closed by the worm being rotated in the other direction by the meter mechanism. When coins of the higher value are inserted, the wheel 3 is rotated and displaces the worm 2 bodily by acting on it as on a rack. The worm is slidably but non- rotatably mounted on a shaft 1 and has claws 46 which, near the end of its movement to the right, engage corresponding claws 47 on the hub 13 of the valve closing lever 14, Fig. 3, thereby causing the lever 14 to participate in the last part of the final revolution of the worm, when closing the valve. The shaft 1 has fixed to it a radius arm 7 carrying planet wheels which mesh with loosely mounted sun wheels 10, 11, of which the wheel 11 is rotated by the meter counting mechanism through gearing 15, 17 and the wheel 10 after the insertion of low value coins. The wheel 10 has ratchet teeth 18 engaging corresponding teeth on a loose collar 12 which is rocked to rotate the wheel 10 by a lever 22 acting through arms 19, 20. The lever 22 is swung in one direction by prepayment, and returned by a spring, the clutch teeth 18 slipping on the return movement. When a higher value coin is inserted, a lever 35, Fig. 2, is actuated and, through a pawl 36 engaging ratchet teeth on the worm wheel 3, rotates this wheel to displace the worm 2 bodily to the left. Coin-action, mechanical-connection.-A low value coin 29 is inserted through a slot 26 to a slot 24 in a coin shaft 23 rotated by a knob 30. The projecting edge of the coin engages a stop 32 on the lever 22 to rock this lever. It drops to a money-box when the shaft has been rotated through a half-turn. The higher value coin located in a slot acts similarly on a stop 34 on the lever 35. The slots 24, 25 extend obliquely through the coin shaft. Coin-slit closing-devices ; fraud preventing.- Each time the levers 22, 35 are actuated, extensions 41, 42 on these levers move a shutter 40 obliquely, through pins and oblique slots, to cover the coin insertion slits. This prevents fraudulent actuation of the levers by wires, hooks &c. The shutter 40 is returned by bellcrank lever 43 actuated by a stop 44 on the coin shaft which is returned to its initial position by a spring. When the maximum number of coins is inserted, the worm 2 is moved so far to the left that it engages an arm 45 which prevents the shutter 40 from opening. Indicators.-The number of coins of higher value still " unused " is shown by a sliding indicator 49 having a fork 50 engaging a groove 51 on the worm 2. The numerals on the bar 49 show through a window 53. Coins of lower value still " unused are indicated by a numeral disc 54 rotated through a pin wheel 56 by a wheel 8 on the shaft 1. The disc 54 has a spiral groove which allows one number only on the bar 49 to appear in the window 53 at a time.