Patent GB-443599-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to prepayment meters
IPC: G07F15/00
Filed: 1934-09-17
Abstract: 443,599. Prepayment mechanism for meters. ELECTRICAL APPARATUS CO., Ltd., BARBOUR, R. H., and NOBLE, H. F., VauxhaU Works, South Lambeth Road, London. Sept. 17, 1934, No. 26641. [Class 27] Coin action, multiple-coin with delivery proportionate to value of coin ; price-changing mechanism.-In meter prepayment mechanism having change gears between the coin and quantity mechanisms so as to be operable by coins of different denominations, and provided with a priceadjusting device which does not involve any change in the amount of movement to be imparted by the user to the actuating member, the said price-adjusting device is geared between the actuating member and the change gears so that it is actuated to the same extent irrespective of the denomination of coin used. As applied to the coin mechanism described in Specification 443,598 in which a hand shaft 10 carrying a gear-wheel 22 is thrust inwardly to an extent determined by the diameter of either of two coins inserted into a slot 13 in a drum 12, and is then rotated to effect the setting, the gear-wheel 22 meshes with a pinion 21 secured to a shaft 20 and connected through the price-adjusting device with a second pinion 47 loose on the shaft 20. The gear 22 is provided with plates 23 on either side so that, during the axial displacement of the shaft 10, the pinion 21 is likewise displaced, and with it the pinion 47 so as to mesh with one or other of a pair of gear-wheels 73, 74 according to the coin inserted. These gear-wheels 73, 74 are connected with ratios appropriate to the two coins through an epicyclic gear 87 with the coin side 90 of an epicyclic differential quantity mechanism 91. The priceadjusting mechanism is mounted on a shaft 29 below the main shaft 20, and comprises a sleeve 28, loose on the shaft 29, connected with the pinion 21 through toothed wheels 25 and 27, and carrying at its front end a disc 32 provided with a pivoted pawl 40. The shaft 29 is connected with the pinion 47 through a gear 46, and carries at its front end a ratchet wheel 35 co-operating with the pawl 40. During the rotation of the setting shaft, and with it the sleeve 28 and disc 32, the pawl 40 is thrown into engagement with the ratchet 35 when it meets a fixed stop 43, and is thrown out of engagement again when it meets an abutment 45 on a rotatable plate 37. The plate 37 turns with an indicating dial by which it can be adjusted to vary the amount of rotation transmitted in accordance with the price to be charged, access to the dial being provided by a sealed cover plate on the meter casing. A friction brake comprising leather washers 49 bearing against brass washers 50, 51 and separated by a plate 48 butting against a fixed cross-bar 53 is provided to prevent overrunning of the pinion 47. The switch setting mechanism is operated from a bevel pinion 54 loose on, but turning with, the shaft 20, and the switch is tripped when prepayment is exhausted by projecting parts 99 of a nut carried on a screwed shaft 97 connected with the planet carrier of the quantity mechanism 91. An escapement brake 24 prevents too rapid operation of the shaft 20, and ensures that pawls 58 shall correctly locate this shaft in its normal position. The meter mechanism is assisted by a coiled spring 108 connected with the planet carrier of the quantity mechanism. A change-speed gear, constructed as described in Specification 443,600, is provided between the meter mechanism and the meter side 110 of the quantity mechanism for rate-changing purposes. Indicators.-A " units unused " indicator is connected with the planet carrier of the quantity mechanism. This indicator is read directly, or multiplied by a certain factor, according to the setting of the rate change gear as shown by an indicating dial 112 in the manner described in Specification 443,600. The total cash inserted is recorded by indicating dials, the pence shaft 61 of which carries a gear-wheel 62 which is engaged and operated during the setting action either by a pinion 25, turning with the wheel 21, or a single toothed extension thereof, according to the coin inserted.