Patent GB-764750-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in and relating to coin-freed slot meters for automatically collecting rent for parking vehicles and cycles
IPC: G07C1/30
Filed: 1955-03-22
Abstract: 764,750. Parking meters. DARK, J. W. March 22, 1955, No. 8240/55. Addition to 726,207. Class 27. The vehicle parking apparatus of the parent Specification, which has removal preventing means controlled by a coin-freed meter, is provided with modified removal preventing means, modified coin mechanism, means for illuminating the interior of the meter and means for recording the amounts paid. A frame a, which can be placed with its longer side abutting the kerb, carries a pivoted spring-loaded plate b between wheel stops j, k and depression of the plate b by the wheel of a car causes a lever d or hydraulic master and slave cylinders, to raise a barrier plate e to prevent forward movement of the vehicle and also closes a switch l so that current is supplied to operate a meter g and raise a further barrier plate f behind the vehicle. The plate f is operated by a motor q driving through reduction gearing h<1> a cam j<1> at a rate of one revolution in a few minutes. The cam acts through a spring-loaded push-rod k<1> and is shaped so that a small further rotation beyond its point of maximum lift will allow the plate f to fall rapidly. Supply of current to the motor is controlled through two circuits, the first circuit running through a delayaction switch o to a switch p operable by the plate f and the second circuit running from the delay-action switch to a switch r on a fee-indicator t<1> and then direct to the motor. Depression of the plate b, through a cord m the lever d<2> or through electromagnetic means in the circuit of switch l, also engages a clutch p<1>, o<1> by which a clock m<1> is connected to the fee-indicator t<1> and a clutch x<1>, y' by which a trip member w<1> is connected through gearing e<2> and a variablespeed gear-box s<1> to coin mechanism shaft f<2>. The coin mechanism comprises a number of shoots v each having electrical contacts u, w adjustably spaced apart according to the size of coin appropriate to the particular shoot. Each contact w is on a pivoted arm x and the presence of a coin between the contacts closes the circuit of a solenoid y which attracts the arm and releases the coin to a bin n<2>. Movement of the arm through an adjustable ratchet j<2>, or through a drum and cord drive, rotates the shaft f<2> and a pawl and ratchet g2 causes the separate rotations of shaft f<2> according to the values of the coins in particular shoots to be accumulated and fed into the gear-box s<1>. The output speed of this gear-box s<1> may be altered at any predetermined moment during the parking period by a cam r<1> driven by the clock and acting on a lever t<2>, the decrease in final output speed resulting in a reduced motion of the trip member w' and thus requiring the insertion of more coins to give the required movement of the trip member. Insertion of the coins required by the parking period will rotate the trip member to the same position as the fee-indicator has been rotated by the clock and when the contacts are opposite each other a solenoid s attracts the trip member w<1> so that a circuit is closed across the contacts r to energize the motor q through the second circuit and, by moving the high point of the cam off pushrod k<1>, to allow the plate f to fall. In a modified switch, a sector-shaped plate on the trip member operates a switch corresponding to the contacts r. A modified fee-indicator assembly, Fig. 4, includes a gear-wheel a<3> meshed with a rack bar b<3> capable of being moved vertically, and controlling a separate fee-indicating bar or drum or, alternatively having its edge marked with a scale of fees. A lever c<3> carrying a switch d<3> is mounted on the rack bar b<3> and a movable member consisting of a rack bar e<3> movable closely parallel with the bar b<3> is meshed with a gearwheel f<4> rotatable by the coin shoot mechanisms. Fee-recording apparatus comprises a pen or pencil h<3> capable of marking a roll of paper j<3> mounted on rollers, one of which is rotatable by a ratchet m<3> connected by a cord n to the cord m attached to the wheel plate, so that each depression of the plate moves the roll of paper a short distance. The pen or pencil h<3> is attached by a cord g<3> to a clock-driven drum p<1> and therefore indicates on the roll the period of parking and the fee payable for each parking operation. In order to indicate at a remote point when the plate f is lowered while the wheel plate b remains depressed, a switch f<1> on the push-rod k<1> is connected to the switch l and controls an external warning means g', either visible or audible, such as a lamp or buzzer. The feeindicator scale is lit by a lamp t and is visible through a window u<2>. The coin bin n<2> is accessible through a hinged door e<1> of which the keyhole c<1> is normally blocked by a swinging gate b<1> until the gate has been moved aside by a solenoid a<1> energized by current under the control of a switch z at a remote point. The apparatus may also be adapted for parking cycles, as described in Specification 726,207. Operation.-When a car is driven on to the wheel plate b, the barrier plate e is immediately raised and the cord m engages the clutches p<1>, o<1> and x<1>, y'. The clock then drives the fee-indicator and also a cam q<1> which, after a short delay, closes the switch o and energizes the motor q through the first circuit. When the motor has rotated the cam j<1> to raise the barrier plate f, the switch p is opened and the motor stopped. When it is desired to remove the car, the amount indicated on the scale is inserted in the coin shoots v and the trip member is rotated until the closing of contacts r energizes the motor q thus moving the cam to allow the plate f to fall. If the car is not removed within a few minutes, the motor will have rotated the cam to raise the plate f and further coins will have to be inserted to lower it again.