Patent GB-822511-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to counting mechanisms including means for recording thereadings of the counting mechanisms
IPC: H03K21/08
Filed: 1957-02-08
Abstract: 822,511. Counting-apparatus. LANDIS & GYR A.G. Feb. 8, 1957 (Feb. 11, 1956], No. 4437/57. Class 106 (1). [Also in Group XXXVI] The reading of a counter is recorded on a foil, the surface of which undergoes a change at any point which is brought into contact with an electrically conducting member such that a current flows between the member and the foil. As shown in Figs. 1, 2 the numeral wheels 12- 16 of a counting mechanism which may be that of an electricity meter comprise on their periphery in addition to the normal numerals, raised code symbols 21. Disposed opposite the numeral wheels is a plate 23 which is secured to two swivel arms 24 and on energization of the coil 26 of an electromagnet 26, 27 is pivoted into contact with the adjacent numeral rollers. The plate 23 is provided with retaining spring-clips 30 for detachably securing a recording foil 31 which may be of metallized paper. The clips 30 are connected to a terminal 32 and the numeral wheel shaft 17 is connected through a resistance 34 to a terminal 33. A source of potential is connected across terminals 32, 33 so that when the electromagnet 26, 27 is temporarily energized, the foil 31 is pressed against the adjacent raised code symbols 21 and a current flowing in the circuit causes the surface of the foil 31 to be burnt away wherever it is in contact with the code symbols, thereby effecting a coded recording of the counter reading. The plate 23 is biased away from the numeral rollers by a return-spring (not shown). The current sensitive foil 31 may not be metallized paper but instead its surface may be locally variable chemically by the passage of an electric current. In a modification (Figs. 3, 4, not shown), part of the winding of the electromagnetic 26, 27, arranged as an auto-transformer, may be tapped to provide the required current for energizing the coil by A.C. or, with the additional insertion of a rectifier, by D.C. Instead of an electromagnet an electric motor may be provided to actuate the pressing-plate 23. The foil may be retained by means other than the clips 30, for instance by passing the ends of the foil through slots in the pressing plate 23. Alternatively, a strip of foil could be secured by adhesive or other means to a more rigid support such as a card suitable for mailing, a contact member being provided to ensure that the metallic coating of the foil is connected to the terminal 32. There may be two strips of foil for recording the reading of a meter with two counting registers. The actuation of the plate 23 may be remotely controlled by means of an audio - frequency control pulse transmitted through the current distribution network which temporarily connects terminals 29 to the network. Alternatively, a time element such as a time switch may be provided in the meter. Instead of the magnet coil of the electromagnet, the voltage coil of the meter may be designed as an auto-transformer for applying voltage to the numeral rollers and foil, a separate electromagnet being provided for actuating the plate 23. The voltage coil of the meter may in addition form the magnet coil of an electromagnet for actuating the plate 23. The foil may be disposed under a seal which can be opened only by the supplier's agent, or there may be a slot in the housing through which the foil, mounted on a card, may be placed. The numeral rollers 12-16 are not necessarily all metal but may be of insulating material having a metal rim bearing the code symbols 21, or the symbols may be impressed on insulating rollers by an electrically conducting dye. Alternatively, the metallic symbols 21 may be embedded in an insulating material so as to be flush with the surface thereof. In the embodiment of Fig. 6, the counting-mechanism 11a comprises electric step-by-step switches 51-53, each associated with a decimal denominational order and including ten fixed contacts 0-9 and associated with wipers 54-56. For each decimal order there are disposed on an insulating plate 60, serving as symbol carrier, ten raised electrically-conductive symbols 21. A foil 31 is pressed by a pressing-plate 23a against the symbols 21. To record the reading, a switch 61 is closed whereupon, on the passage of electric current between the symbols 21 and the foil 31, the foil is burnt away at the appropriate places. The recording device may be an integral part of, or an attachment to, a meter.