Patent GB-414124-A (GB)
Title: Coin-freed time controlling mechanism for valves and electric switches
IPC: G07F15/12
Filed: 1933-03-29
Abstract: 414,124. Delivery of gas &c. by time - controlled apparatus. HUDSON, N., Gas Works, Ravensthorpe, Yorkshire, and HORSTMANN GEAR CO., Ltd., Newbridge Works, Bath. March 29, 1933, No. 5989/32. [Class 27.] Coin action, mechanical-connection.-Mechanism for permitting the flow of gas, electricity, &c. for a fixed time on the prepayment of a fixed charge comprises a spring clockwork D adapted to close a valve G or an electric switch at the end of the period, means being provided for resetting the valve or switch by coupling the latter with the winding mechanism of the clockwork through a coin-actuated device so that resetting is effected automatically when the clockwork has been wound to a predetermined degree. As shown, Figs. 1 and 2, the clockwork D drives a drum 2 the arbor 44 of which carries a disc 3 which is caused to rotate once in twenty-four hours ; this disc carries a tappet 6 which engages the teeth of a 7-toothed wheel 5, which is thus rotated once per week. Associated with the wheel 5 is a cam 7 against which bears a finger 24 which projects through the plate 4 and is carried by one half 18 of a coin pocket, pivoted at 21 and urged in a clockwise direction by a spring 42 (Figs. 1 and 3). This member carries an arm 19 which engages one end of a bell crank 27, pivoted at 28, the other end of which engages a spring pressed plunger 30 connected with the valve G, the arrangement being such that while the finger 24 bears against the smooth portion 56 of the cam 7, Fig. 1, the valve is held open. Just before the end of the period the finger passes over a series of steps 57 which cause a gradual dimming of the light owing to the partial closing of the valve, and finally it falls into a recess 43 and closes the valve. Simultaneously an arm 32 carried by the member 18, Fig. 3, engages a pin 33 on a lever 34 coupled by a link 37 to a bar 38 slidably mounted on the casing of the clockwork and moves this over, thus causing a resilient brake member 40 thereon, Fig. 2, to engage the balance wheel 41 of the clockwork and stop the latter. In order to re-open the valve for another week, a coin 54 is inserted in the shoot H, Fig. 1, and rests as shown in Fig. 3 between the component 18 of the coin pocket and the other component 8 thereof, but without being able to pass between the bearing surfaces 12, 16 of these parts. The part 8 is pivoted at 10 and is connected by a link 15 to the body D of the clockwork, which is next wound by means of the handwheel 47, Fig. 2. When it is fully wound, further rotation of the wheel 47 causes it to rock as a whole against the action of a strong spring 48, a pawl 49 being brought into engagement with a ratchet wheel 46 on the winding arbor to relieve the strain on the mainspring. The clockwise rocking of the clockwork acts through the link 15 to pull the member 8 to the left, Fig. 3, and allow the coin to fall into position between the bearing surfaces 12, 16 of the coin pocket ; when the wheel 47 is released, the spring 48 moves the clockwork and the member 8 back to their original positions, and also through the abutment of the coin against the bearing surface 16 of the member 18, moves the latter back, thus opening the valve G. At the same time a spring 36 carried by the member 18 and engaging the pin 33 snaps back the brake mechanism 34, 37, 38, 40 and thus gives a starting impetus to the balance wheel 41. The finger 24 is now held by the coin clear of the recess 43 in the cam, and as the cam rotates the finger is engaged by an outwardly sloping part 55 on the cam which opens the coin pocket widely to allow the coin to drop through, after which the finger passes onto the smooth portion 56 once more. If a coin is again inserted at this stage, it will drop straight into the pocket and prevent the finger from falling into the recess 43, thus allowing the valve to remain open continuously for a further cycle. In a modification, it is stated that the coin may free the winding device. If the valve is replaced by an electric switch, the gradual closing thereof may be replaced by a dimming or flicker effect. Registering.-A contrate wheel 59 engaging a spiral projection 60 on the drum 2 acts as a revolution counter and carries indications visible through a hole 58 in the plate 4, Fig. 1, when the front cover is removed. The disc 3 and wheel 5 also carry time indications visible through the window E, Fig. 2,