Patent GB-210417-A (GB)
Abstract: 210,417. Weiss, A. Jan. 14, 1924. Flag mechanism.-Relates to apparatus for preventing an engaged taximeter vehicle from travelling with the taximeter out of gear. A switch in the ignition circuit of the engine of the vehicle is controlled by the accelerator lever so that the circuit is short-circuited only when the passenger compartment is occupied and the driver, with the flag in non- registering position, attempts to drive the vehicle with speed. The insulated terminal of the magneto b is connected to a switch 27 which is adapted to be closed when the accelerator pedal i is depressed. The switch is connected to one plate of a switch 10, Fig. 2, in a housing 12 attached to the taximeter. The other plate of the switch is connected to spring contacts 11 arranged in the back seat d to a contact 23 beneath the floor e, and to a contact 20 adjacent to the drop-down seat d<1>. When the compartment is occupied, one or more of these contacts will be closed, and the corresponding plate of the switch 10 will be earthed to the frame at 11<3>. The switch 10 is closed when the flag is in the "free" position, thus short-circuiting the engine until the flag is lowered. A switch 26 in a sealed case may be provided for rendering the device inoperative in emergencies. The Specification as open to inspection under Sect. 91 (3) (a) comprises also the following subject-matter. Pneumatic or mechanical devices may be arranged to render the running of the vehicle abnormal when it is occupied and the flag has not been lowered. A lamp signal may be arranged to indicate when a passenger is being carried with the flag in the "free" position, and a device may be provided to record the time during which the vehicle is so used. The door of the vehicle may be electrically connected to the apparatus so that the vehicle cannot be started with the door open. Fig. 8 (Cancelled) shows an arrangement in which a pipe 35 is adapted to admit air to the induction pipe of the engine, and so interfere with its running, if a valve 38 controlled by the flag, and a valve 37 controlled by occupation of the seat are both open. The air pipe may be arranged to close a throttle-valve in the induction pipe, or the throttle-valve may be closed by electrical or mechanical means connected to the flag and the seat. Fig. 7 (Cancelled) shows an arrangement in which the flag c is lowered when the seat is occupied, by a mechanical connection 31, 32, 33. The flag and seat contacts may be arranged to control electric signal lamps 58, 59, Fig. 13 (Cancelled), mounted within the taximeter. The lamp 58 lights when the flag is in the " free " position, and the lamp 59 when the vehicle is occupied. The flag may also operate a switch controlling a " vacant " sign. Fig. 16 (Cancelled) shows a device for recording the time during which the vehicle has been driven, while occupied, with the flag in the "free" position. The record strip 82 carried by a clock driven drum 79 is adapted to be marked by means 78 on an electromagnet 74. The electromagnet is energized when the flag switch 10 and the seat switch 11 are both closed. An additional switch, adapted to be closed by the accelerator pedal may be arranged in the circuit so that the recording device will not operate while the vehicle is standing. The drum 79 may be driven by the vehicle. Fig. 21 (Cancelled) shows an arrangement in which the ignition system of the engine is short-circuited when the door of the vehicle is open. The circuit through the taximeter switch 10 is connected through to a switch 92, 93 to an earth wire 97. The switch 92, 93 is opened when, on closing the door m, a plunger 96 is forced back against a spring 91. The movement of the door may be arranged to influence the fuel or air supply to the engine. This subject-matter does not appear in the Specification as accepted.