Patent GB-493867-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to coin-freed mechanism
IPC: G07F15/02
Filed: 1937-04-16
Abstract: 493,867. Prepayment mechanism for meters. ELECTRICAL APPARATUS CO. Ltd., BARBOUR, R. H., and NOBLE, H. F. April 16, 1937, No. 10890. [Class 27] In a prepayment meter, in which an actuating spindle is first moved axially to gauge a coin, and is then freed for rotation to set forward the quantity mechanism if the coin is of a correct diameter or one of a number of correct diameters, the coin pocket is stationary (i.e. it does not rotate with the actuating spindle), the rotational and axial movements of the actuating spindle are performed by rotation only of the operating handle, and a release device is provided which rotates the pocket relatively to the spindle to deliver unsuitable coins to the outside of the meter. Coin action, mechanical-connection, with stationary coin forming abutment, and with delivery proportionate to value of coin.-As shown, the actuating spindle 10 carries a shrouded gear 20 for selective engagement with gears connected with the quantity mechanism according to the coin inserted, and a slotted disc 23 cooperating with an apertured gate plate 24, as described in Specification 443,598. The forward end of the spindle has a pin-and-slot connection 18, 19 with a sleeve 112 having camslots 14 engaged by pins 15 secured in the operating knob 11. Its rear flattened end 34 is adapted to enter spaced walls, forming the coin pocket, of a drum-like structure 28. In operation, an inserted coin passes through a slot 31 in an outer fixed drum 30, and through a wide aperture 43, 44 in a rotary shield 29 surrounding the drum 28, into the coin pocket where it is retained by a lower part of the shield 29. The flattened end 34 of the spindle 10 works in an elongated opening in a plate 27 secured to the shield 29 so that they turn together. Initially, the shield and spindle are locked against rotation by engagement of a step 38 at the rear end of the shield with an abutment 40 on a non-rotatable rear plate 69 of the coin drum. Initial rotation of the knob 11 therefore, through the pins 15 and cam slots 14, causes inward axial movement of the spindle 10 whose end 34 calipers the coin, and thrusts back the coin drum against the action of a spring 41 to clear the abutment 40 from the step 38, and free the shield and spindle 10. If the coin is of a correct diameter, the disc 23 clears an aperture in the gate 24, and continued rotation of the knob turns the spindle 10 through one revolution, the movement being transmitted at the appropriate ratio by the gear 20 to the quantity mechanism. Coin-slit closing- devices ; coin-discharging mechanism.-The shield 29, turning with the shaft 10, closes the coin slot 31 as soon as the coin has been calipered. Subsequently, the lower part of the shield 29 clears the lower end of the coin pocket to discharge the coin through an aperture 72 in the outer drum 30, and to the right of a plate 73, into the cash receptacle. The coin-engaging end of the spindle 10 is partly cut away, so that it disengages the coin during its rotation. The shield 29, after further rotation, engages cams 45 connected through pinions 47, 48 to pivoted elements 49 which are turned inwards to close the mouth of the coin pocket. Returning coin.-If an incorrect coin is inserted, further rotation of the knob 11, after the coin has been gauged, is prevented by engagement of the disc 23 with an unapertured part of the gate 24 which locks the shaft 10. To recover the coin a button 59 is depressed, a projection 62 turning a plate 64 connected by pins 65 with the main part of the coin drum 28. The consequent rotation of the coin drum brings the lower end of the coin pocket over a slot 58 in the shield 29, through which the coin passes to the left of the plate 73 whence it is directed to an outlet accessible to the user. Fraud, preventing.-If an implement is fraudulently inserted to press back the coin drum and free the step 38 of the shield 29 from the abutment 40, such implement must be withdrawn to permit rotation of the shield. The drum then springs back under the action of spring 41, and a second step 39 engages the abutment 40 to prevent continued actuation. If the coin is made sticky so as to remain in the pocket to permit several actuations, the pocket closing elements 49 jam against the coin and lock the mechanism.