Patent GB-971335-A (GB)
Title: Coin controlled self serve liquid dispensing apparatus
IPC: G07F13/02
Filed: 1960-11-01
Abstract: 971,335. Dispensing liquids. S. B. NEWMAN. Nov. 1, 1960 [Nov 6, 1959], No. 37465/60. Heading A4T. [Also in Division G4] A coin-feed apparatus for dispensing petrol comprises an electric motor driven pump unit associated with a positive displacement meter, a computer mechanism 41 which registers the quantity and value of each sale, a coin accepting, testing and rejecting unit with means operable by accepted coins to actuate an electric control unit 48 and through it a switch 47 which is operable synchronously with the computer mechanism for the control of the pump unit, a delivery nozzle for the petrol with means for preventing its fraudulent use, means for changing over from coin-feed to attendant operation and vice versa, a timer device for stopping the pump unit at the end of a prescribed time irrespective of whether or not a delivery service has been completed, and means for zeroising the mechanism at the end of a delivery operation. The control unit 48 includes a switch stepped forward one step for each accepted coin in a particular transsaction so as to energize corresponding contacts 22 in the switch 47, such contacts being arranged for coaction with a contact 21 on a distributer arm 20. The circuit of the pump motor unit is prepared by the energization of a relay upon the acceptance of a coin by the unit 48, and the pump is brought into operation when the delivery nozzle is lifted from its hook 12 so that the latter then rises to actuate a switch 16. As the pump then operates, the shaft of the meter acts through price charge gearing 39, differential gearing and a clutch 24 to drive the computer mechanism 41 and, through a rack 18, mechanism for moving the distributer arm 20 of the switch 47 so that, as it sweeps over the energized contacts 22, it returns the stepping switch in the control unit 48 to zero. At this stage the pump unit is stopped and, when the delivery nozzle is replaced on its hook 12, resultant depression of the latter acts to release the clutch 24 so that the rack 18 can return the computer mechanism 41 and distributer arm 20 to zero position. The control unit 48 includes a timer which is energized at the start of delivery and provides for the stopping of the pump motor and zeroizing of the mechanism at the end of a prescribed time even though the service has not been completed. The control unit 48 is also arranged to prevent the coin unit from accepting coins while the pump is operating and to illuminate successive sight openings to indicate the value of the coins inserted. In order to ensure accurate measurement despite variations in flow rates a pressure-sensitive device 58 in a by-pass 60 from the flow meter is so connected with the rotatable cover 23 of the switch 47 as to adjust the position of the contacts 22 in accordance with such variations. To prevent fraudulent use of the pump by lifting the delivery nozzle off the hook 12 without the insertion of coins, the hook 12 is always arranged to be locked in its upper position, should no coins be inserted, by the action of a solenoid 49 causing a spring-loaded plunger 51 to engage a hole in an arm 53 depending from the hook. Disposed near the pump is an emergency tank which is connected by a suction pipe to the pump and has a suction line leading from it to the main tank. A low-level cut-out in either tank operates to prevent acceptance of further coins should the main tank become empty, but the emergency tank contains sufficient petrol to allow completion of the current transaction. When attendant operation is desired, a switch in the control unit 48 is actuated. During such attendant operation it is arranged that, after delivery transaction and the replacement of the nozzle on to the hook 12, the plunger 51 engages a hole in the arm 53 before the hook has moved sufficienty to disengage the clutch 24. In order to disengage the clutch and therefore cause zeroizing of the computer mechanism it is necessary for the operator to actuate a lever to disengage the plunger 51 and so permit the necessary clutch-disengaging movement of the hook 12. The delivery nozzle 33, Fig. 8, includes a valve-operating handle 27 and a spring- pressed outlet sleeve 30 which only permits the delivery of petrol after insertion of the nozzle into the petrol tank filler and pressure of a flange 34 on the sleeve against the filler has urged the latter axially against spring pressure to uncover ports 31. A balltype locking device 28a prevents operation of the valve handle 27 to open the valve until the sleeve is in filling position.