Improvements in or relating to Pre-payment Gas Meters.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 7th May, 1894
Complete Specification Left, 10th Jan., 1895-Accepted, 7th Aug., 1895
ApplicatiVI, May, TOUT
Complete Specification Left, 10th Jan., 1895-Accepted, 7th Aug., 1895
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to Pre-payment Gas Meters.
I, ANDREW GUTHRIE SUTHERLAND, of 93 Cooks Road, Kennington Park,
in the County of Surrey, Gas Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to pre-payment gas meters or meters worked upon the
well-known "penny in the slot" system by which a certain amount of gas can be
cbtained for a specified payment. The principle of thus supplying gas is not a
new one and this invention relates to the structural details of the apparatus by
which the principle is carried into effect.
In carrying out my invention I employ in connection with preferably one of the
ordinary dry gas meters now in common use (although the invention can be applied
to wet gas meters if preferred) a barrel or drum preferably carried upon what is
known as the crank spindle and bearing a scale upon its periphery visible through a
suitable opening in the case or gallery plate so as to show the amount of gas to be
consumed at one payment. This drum revolves during the whole time that the
meter is working and gas passing. A toothed wheel which may be loose upon the
before-mentioned crank spindle and is concentric with the drum, is caused by
frictional contact, conveniently obtained by a suitable spring, cone or equivalent,
to revolve with the drum. Upon the same spindle or concentric therewith I employ
a suitable arrangement of links terminating in inclined caliber points which by
suitable means can be set nearer to or farther from one another so as to decrease
or increase the space through which or through part of which an arm, also
concentrically carried and having a spring-controlled or weighted pawl to engage
with the teeth of the wheel, reciprocates, as will be presently explained. The
caliber links may be operated in any convenient manner, say by means of toggle
links and a screw and nut, the screw being arranged to be operated from outside
the case or gallery plate conveniently by passing a screw-driver through a hole in
the case and thus turning the grooved head of the screw; when the screw is
turned in one direction the points approach each other and when turned in the
opposite direction they recede from one another. In order to prevent this part of
the mechanism from being tampered with, the opening in the case may be suitably
arranged to receive a wax seal, pad-lock or equivalent device so that the screw
cannot be surreptitiously turned without it being found out.
The coin is inserted through a slot in the case or gallery plate and falls on to a
cradle hung pendulum-wise (but in a horizontal plane) within the case and operated
by a draw-bar or knob outside the case so arranged as to cover the slot when in
its normal position of dis-use. When it is desired to obtain, say one pennyworth
of gas, the handle is pulled forward uncovering the slot and the penny inserted
falling into the cradle; the knob is then pushed back acd the penny engages with
a portion of the cradle frame which is thus caused to move by the penny. The
cradle frame is by any suitable means, say for instance a pin and slot, connected
with the pawl carrying arm and the pawl being in engagement with the toothed
wheel as the cradle frame is moved the pawl is moved and carries the wheel round
with it, until the pawl is disengaged from the wheel by the operation of the caliber
point before mentioned. This movement of the wheel effects the opening of the
gas-supply-valve so that the supply of gas is now on. The valve-operating
mechanism may be of any suitable construction but I have obtained satisfactory

page_text: results by employing a bar connected with the valve-operating arm, the said bar
passing through a fixed guide and carrying on its end a projecting portion which
engages with a recess in the before-mentioned toothed wheel. When this projection
is in the recess in the wheel the valve is closed and no gas passes; but when the
wheel is rotated by the pawl as above described, the recess in the wheel with which
the end of the arin is in engagement, turns with the wheel, drawing the arm with
it and thus opening the supply-valve, and ultimately is moved from the end of the
arm which having an inclined face, or the recess having an inclined face, the two
parts dis-engage and the arm is retained upon the face of the wheel, holding the
valve in its open position. Conveniently the arm is so shaped or provided with a stop
that when drawn out to its full limit and raised upon the face of the wheel the
stop prevents its returning until upon the return of the wheel, the projection upon
the arm entering the recess, the stop is released and as the wheel turns back, the
valve is closed.
After performing its function, the penny drops out of the cradle into the
receptacle provided for it; the cradle and cradle frame being hung upon the same
centre or axis, the coin operates the frame truly throughout its whole travel.
Should a halfpenny be inserted instead of a penny it will engage with a portion of
the frame, so arranged or placed that the movement of the draw-bar or handle
will only move the pawl and consequently the toothed wheel through a distance
one half that which it would receive had a penny been inserted, and consequently
the wheel will return to its normal position in half the time that it would had a
penny been inserted. The mechanism may be arranged to operate with coins other
than those before-mentioned, or in addition thereto and the proportions may
be varied, as it is not necessary that one coin should be twice the value of
another.
Any suitable form of cash-indicating and consumption-indicating mechanism
may be employed and connected with the above described apparatus in any desired
manner.
Dated this 4th day of Ma.. 100
W. P. THOMPSON & BOULT,
Agents for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to Pre-payment Gas Meters.
I, ANDREW GUTHRIE SUTHERLAND, of 93 Cooks Road, Kennington Park,
in the County of Surrey, Gas Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
This invention relates to pre-payment gas meters, or meters worked upon the
well-known "penny in the slot" system, by which a certain amount of gas can be
obtained for a specified payment. The principle of thus supplying gas is not a
new one, and this invention relates to the structural details of the apparatus by
which the principle is carried into effect, and to enable coins of different values to
be used.
And in order that my said invention may be particularly described and
ascertained, reference is hereby made to the accompanying drawings, in which
similar figures of reference indicate corresponding parts.
Fig. 1 is a front elevation of the upper part of a gas meter fitted according to
my invention.
Fig. 2 is a plan with the back part of the cover removed to show the
mechanism, Fig. 24 being a detail view of part of same.

page_text: Fig. 3 is a front elevation, partly in section of the upper part of a gas meter,
with the front plate removed.
Fig. 4 is a sectional plan of the mechanism on the line x, x, of Fig. 3. Fig. 4*
being a detail view.
Figs. 5 to 17 are detail views of various parts of the mechanism.
In accordance with my invention, I employ in connection with (preferably) one
of the ordinary dry gas meters now in common use (although the invention can be
applied to wet gas meters if preferred) a barrel or drum 10, carried loosely upon a
spindle 11, the drum bearing a scale upon the periphery, visible through a suitable
opening 12, in the case, so as to show the amount of gas to be consuined for one
payment.
The motive power is obtained from what is known as the crank spindle 70.
This spindle is fitted with a worm 70°, gearing into a toothed pinion 68b fast on
a spindle 68. The spindle 68* carries another worm 68 gearing into the toothed
wheel 68, fast on the spindle 11; a spring 69 being fitted between the toothed
wheel 68 and the drum 10 in such a manner as to cause sufficient friction to drive
the drum.
The drum 10 revolves during the whole time that the meter is working and gas
passing. 13 is a ratchet wheel mounted loosely upon the spindle 11, and is fixed
to and concentric with the drum 10. Two sectors 14, 14, are pivoted to the
spindle 11, so as to form caliber points, which, by means of the connecting
rods 15, 15, linked to the sectors 14, 14, and to a travelling nut 16 may be set
nearer to or farther from one another, so as to decrease or increase the space
through which, or through part of which an arm 17, (also concentrically carried,
and having a spring controlled or weighted pawl 18, engaging with the teeth of
the wheel 13) reciprocates, as will be presently explained. As shown in Figs. 3
and 4 the caliber plates 14 may be operated from the outside of the case or gallery
plate by means of the milled headed spindle 19 having a worm 21, meshing with a
pinion 22 fast on the screw spindle 23, carrying the travelling-nut 16.
When the
screw spindle 23 is turned in one direction the caliber plates 14 approach each
other, and when turned in the opposite direction they recede from each other. In
order to prevent this part of the mechanism being tampered with the opening in
the case may be suitably arranged to receive a wax seal, padlock or equivalent
device so that the screw cannot be surreptitiously turned without it being found
out. Other obvious methods of operating the screw spindle 23 may be fitted.
The coin is inserted through a slot 24 in the case or gallery plate 25, and falls
on to a cradle or other receptacle 26 fast on the spindle 28 within the case, and
operated by a draw bar or plate outside the case also fast on the spindle 28, and
fitted with a knob or handle 27, so arranged as to cover the slot 24 when in its
normal position of disuse, as shown in Fig. 5.
When it is desired to obtain say one penny-worth of gas, the handle 27 is pulled
forward as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, returning the lever 30 to its normal position
by the catch 26* (Figs. 3 and 4) and the penny is inserted, falling into the cradle
frame 26; the knob 27 is then pushed back and the penny is carried backward by
the frame 26, which is fast on the spindle 28, the penny sliding on the fixed
plate 29, until it arrives at an opening at the back, through which it falls. On
its passage from front to back, the penny engages with the lever 30, which is
pivoted loosely on the spindle 28, the penny coming in contact with a projection 30*
on the lever 30, which is moved backward by the penny a certain distance until it
drops out of the cradle frame 26. The fixed frame 29 is formed with ratchet,
teeth 29 for preventing the handle or knob being returned before the completion of
the full throw of the cradle.
In order to prevent gas being obtained surreptitiously an inclined face 57 is
formed on an extension of the cradle frame 26 so that when the knob 27 is given
its full throw and allowed to remain in that position, the inclined face lifts a
rod 58 (Fig. 2) pivoted at 59. This rod 58 lifts a catch bar 60 shown in elevation.
at Fig. 2 out of contact with the tangent arm 61 of the usual gas meter

page_text: mechanism, and allows the same to travel.
If the knob is not given its full throw,
the catch bar will not be raised, and will, consequently, arrest the motion of the
arm 61, and prevent gas being supplied although the supply valve may be open.
A wire is fixed under the fixed plate 29 to prevent half-pennies falling through
before the completion of the full throw of the cradle. the wire holding the
half-penny against the serrations. The construction of the lever 30 is shown in
elevation in Fig. 3, and in plan in Fig. 4. 30 is a slot in the lever 30 in which a
pin 17", attached to the lever 17, works. A boss on the lever 30 carries a finger 31
which works in the fork 32 of a bell crank lever 33 for actuating the cash
indicating mechanism shown in elevation in Fig. 3 and in plan in Fig. 6. The
other end of the lever 33 carries a fork 34, in which a pin 35 engages. This pin
is attached to a pawl 35ª, and ratchet wheel 36, attached to a spindle 37, upon
which an index hand is fitted, in combination with a dial, to indicate the pence or
half-pence. The spindle 37 is fitted with an arm 37 working in a fork 37b, which
works a pawl 38 and ratchet wheel 39 on the spindle 40; which spindle is fitted
with an index hand to indicate shillings. In like manner the spindle 40 is fitted
with similar appliances to operate the spindle 41, au index hand attached to 41
being fitted to indicate pounds.
When the knob 27 is moved backwards to the position shown in Fig. 5. after the
insertion of the coin, the lever 17 is carried backwards by the pin 17ª of the lever 17.
The pawl 18, attached to the same lever, carries back the wheel 13 a certain distance,
by engaging its ratchet teeth. This distance and the number of ratchet teeth
operated upon, depends upon the relative positions of the sector caliber plates 14, 11,
which throw the pawl out of gear with the ratchet teeth of the wheel 13, when in
contact with the pawl. The pawl 18 is preferably formed with a projecting contact
piece 18 which, coming in contact with the curved edges of the caliber plates,
causes the pawl to be thrown out of gear with the ratchet wheel 13. Fig. 4A shows
underside and side views of the pawl, 18 being the acting tooth of the pawl. The
number of cubic feet of gas delivered in return for the coin is limited by the distance
apart of the caliber points 14.
The valve-operating mechanism may be of any suitable construction, but I have
obtained satisfactory results by employing the arrangement shown in Figs. 14, 15,
16, and 17. Fig. 14 is a plan with portions of the frame removed for greater
clearness. Fig. 15 is a side view and Figs. 16 and 17 are detail views. 42 is a
bar connecting the stop movements with the valve-operating arm 43. 44 is the
recess in the ratchet wheel 13. 62 is a lever arm loosely mounted on the spindle 11.
This lever arm carries a stop or block 63 formed with a projection 64 on its under-
side capable of engaging with the recess 44 in the ratchet wheel 13, the outer
end 65 of the lever arm being suitably jointed to the bar 42. When the
projection 64 is in the recess 44, the valve is closed and no gas passes; but when
the wheel 13 is rotated by the pawl 18, as above described, the recess 44 with
which the block on the lever arm is engaged, turns with the wheel, drawing the
arm 42 with it, and thus opening the supply valve; and ultimately the recess 44 is
moved away from the block 63, the projection 64, having an inclined face,-(or the
recess 44 having an inclined face)-whereby they are disengaged; the block being
retained upon the face of the wheel and holding the valve in its open position.
Conveniently the block 63 is so shaped, or provided with a slot 67, engaging with
a stop 66 on the frame, that, when drawn out to the full limit and raised upon the
face of the wheel, the slot prevents its returning until, upon the return of the
wheel, the projection 64 upon the block entering the recess, the stop 66 is released
from the slot 67, and, as the wheel turns back, the valve is closed.
In Fig. 7 the valve is shown in plan, and, in Fig. 8, in elevation. The spindle is
fitted with two radial arms 45, which slide in inclined grooves 46, as shown,
whereby the angular motions of the arm 43 cause the valve to lift and close. 47 is
a small chamber provided for the reception of any condensed fluid.
In Fig. 9 a modification of the valve is shown, partly in section. The radial
arms 45 slide upon inclined faces 46. The spindle is also fitted with two pins 53

page_text: which engage in slots 54, cut in a hollow boss 55, fast on a spindle 50, passing
through a stuffing box, and to which the valve arm 43 is attached. This arrange-
ment prevents the valve-arm-spindle rising or falling when the radial arms are
caused to travel upon or in the inclined faces or grooves, on opening or closing the
valve. This arrangement is also equally applicable to the valves shown in Figs. 7
and 8.
48 is a link pivoted to the nut 16, having a forked end 49 to receive a pin
attached to an index hand 50 pivoted at 51. The index hand 50 and scale can be
seen through a glazed opening 52, whereby the regulated amount of gas to be
obtained by prepayment may be exposed to view.
After performing its function, the penny drops out of the cradle into the
receptacle provided to receive it; the cradle frame being hung upon the same centre
as the lever 30, the coin operates the mechanism throughout its travel, as
herein before described. Should a halfpenny be inserted instead of a penny, it will
engage with a lower portion 30° of the lever 30, so arranged that the movement of
the handle 27 and cover plate will only move the pawl 18, and toothed wheel 13,
through a distance equal to one half of that which it would receive if a penny had.
been inserted.
The mechanism may be arranged to operate with coins other than those before
mentioned or in addition thereto, and the proportions may be varied, as it is not
necessary that one coin should be twice the value of another.
For example Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the lever 30, and Fig. 11 a front
view, showing the lever adapted for use with pennies, half pennies and farthings.
30 is the projection for the pennies, 30° for the half-pennies, and 30 for the
farthings. These points or projections are regulated to the exact proportion of
the travel of the lever; for instance, the projection 30" for pennies moves a
distance equal to the whole travel of the lever at this point; the projection 30° for
half-pennies moves a distance equal to one half of the last-mentioned travel, and
the projection 30d for farthings moves one quarter of the travel of the projection 30*
for pennies. It will be understood that the variations of the diameters of the coins
in conjunction with the relative positions of the projections, operate the mechanisın
in their proper proportions, and, as all the coins slide on the same fixed plate or
guide 29 the variations in the diameters of the coins prevent them engaging with
any but their proper projections. In all cases the cradle is suitably slotted to
accommodate the projections for larger coins than that inserted in the slot. For
instance, when, say, a farthing is inserted, the cradle carrying the farthing is
moved up to the projection 30, which engages with the farthing; but the other
projections 30 and 30° protrude through and over the cradle. Figs. 12 and 13
show the projection arranged to take 5s. pieces at 30%, 4s. at 30°, 2s. 6d. at 30°,
28. at 30, 1s. at 30%, and 6d. at 30%. These proportions may be obtained as follows:-
Divide the travel of the lever at this point into ten equal parts; then, as the whole
or 18ths of the travel is the travel of the 5s. piece, it is clear that each tenth
represents 6d., and the divisions, as marked off in Fig. 12, are thus readily obtained;
for instance 4s. = Toths, 2s. 6d.
16ths, 2s.
= fiths, 1s. = ths, and 6d. 15th,
the drum being suitably geared to suit the amount of gas to be obtained from the
coins of different values. I have shown a method of operating with the coins
dropped vertically into the cradle, but it is obvious that the principle of my
invention may be carried out by inserting the coins horizontally or otherwise.
=
=
Any other suitable forms and arrangements of cash-indicating and consumption-
indicating mechanism may be employed, instead of those above described, in
connection with my improved apparatus for the purpose aforesaid.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is
1. In prepayment gas meters, the application and use of apparatus so constructed
and arranged as to be capable, automatically, of delivering predetermined and

page_text: varying quantities of gas, proportional to and in exchange for, coins of different
values and diameters, inserted in the slot, substantially as hereinbefore described.
2. The construction and arrangement of prepayment gas meters having a cradle
or other receptacle for receiving coins of various denominations, the specified coin
being carried by the externally moved cradle or receptacle, so as to operate upon
a lever or equivalent device connected with another lever carrying a pawl, which
operates upon a ratchet toothed wheel fitted with radial caliber plates, capable of
being regulated externally, the pawl being thrown out of gear and ceasing to
operate the wheel when in contact with the caliber plates, substantially as
hereinbefore described and illustrated by the drawings.
3. In prepayment gas meters, the combination of a barrel or drum 10, bearing a
scale upon its periphery, visible through a suitable opening in the case or gallery
plate, to show the amount of gas prepaid, substantially as and for the purposes
hereinbefore described and illustrated by the drawings.
4. In prepayment gas meters, the method of and combination of means and
appliances for opening and closing the gas supply valve, substantially as
herein before described and illustrated by the drawings.
5. The improved pre-payment gas meter constructed and operating substantially
as and for the purposes described.
Dated 10th January 180%
GEO.
DOWNING,
8 Quality Court, London, W.C., Agent.