Improvements in Prepayment Mechanism, applicable to Gas, Electricity, and like Meters.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 20th Apr., 1893
Complete Specification Left, 22nd Jan., 1894-Accepted, 14th Apr., 1894
PROVISIONAL. SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Prepayment Mechanism, applicable to Gas,
Electricity, and like Meters.
I, STEPHEN SIMPSON, of Albert Works, Mansfield, in the County of
Nottingham, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:
This invention relates to improvements in prepayment mechanism applicable to
gas, electricity, or like meters, in which a predetermined quantity of gas or other
fluid, or electricity is supplied in exchange for coin, or in which the supply is
continued for a predetermined time.
The object of the invention is to provide simpler and more efficient mechanism
than that hitherto used.
In one method of carrying the said invention into effect I construct a suitable -
frame of any convenient material, preferably brass, or cast iron, arranged. to be
conveniently attached to the case of the meter and formed to carry the coin
controlled mechanism.
To the upper part of this frame I screw or otherwise attach a stud on which
revolves loosely a toothed wheel having say 24 or any other convenient number of
teeth, which wheel has a boss extending to the end of the stud where a suitably
formed pointer or finger is attached. Carried on the boss of this wheel between
it and the finger, and revolving freely, is a wheel having say 25 teeth, or one
more than the other. Between the faces of these wheels a short distance is left
and on each wheel a projecting rim or flange is formed. These rims or flanges
are of the same diameter and have each a slot or groove cut in the periphery for
a purpose to be hereinafter described.
The latter mentioned wheel or second wheel carries a dial on the end of its boss
divided into the same number of parts as there are teeth in the first mentioned
or first wheel, or any convenient multiple thereof, and it is geared into any con-
venient part of the ordinary mechanism of the meter either by the teeth formed
in it, or it may have an additional toothed wheel attached to or connected to it and
the gear is always so proportioned that the said second wheel makes one revolution
for the determined time or quantity of gas or other fluid to be given in exchange
for the coin arranged to be tendered in payment.
Gearing into these two toothed wheels are two smaller toothed wheels (herein-
after termed the first and second pinions) of any convenient size having each the
same number of teeth and revolving loosely ou the same axis, a fixed stud attached
to the frame.
The teeth of one of these pinions preferably the second pinion, is made of
greater width than the wheel into which it gears and in this extra width there
engages a spring pawl, or equivalent device which is pivoted or attached to the
other or first pinion thus ordinarily carrying the two pinions together but allowing
the first pinion gearing into the first wheel to be moved one or more teeth when
required, the second pinion being held stationary by the propelling mechanism of
the second wheel. I move or advance the first pinion by means of a pawi attached
to a short lever, which I hereinafter term the first lever, which preferably
swivels on the same stud or axis as the two pinions. This first lever is held
against a stop by means of a suitable spring when in its normal position, and the
pawl attached is so shaped as to be able to engage with the teeth of the first
pinion, or with the teeth of a ratchet wheel fixed to the same, and has an arm
formed at or about right angles; this arm is connected by means of a link or

page_text: other device to the upper part of a longer or second lever pivoted to a part of
the frame, the upper part of the second lever is formed with a projecting part to
rest on the rims or flanges hereinbefore described, on the first and second wheels,
in which position it is held. by a spring, and when thus held the pawl attached to
the first or short lever is kept clear of the ratchet or other wheel.
A catch or any convenient form of stop lever, is fixed; to the said second lever
so straped as to engage with any convenient part of the mechanism of the meter to
stop the-supply when the quantity paid for is consumed.
may connect the said lever to any suitable form of valve or switch for the
same-purpose..
The lower part of this second lever is extended downwards in a suitable, form
or in some cases a sliding or swinging piece is attached to it and near the said end
of the lever or slide a suitably shaped piece of metal is attached to a rotating
spindle.. The shaped piece of metal has a recess formed in it for holding, a coin,
and is rotated by a spindle, or shaft which revolves in part of the frame and is
extended to the front of the meter.
This spindle or shaft is provided with a handle or lever which turns. without
obstruction except when a coin is in the recess or slot provided. Thus when the
handle is rotated the edge of the coin acts as a cam and comes in contact with
the above mentioned slide or second lever causing the said second lever to move
the pawl of the first or short lever and to engage it with the teeth of the ratchet
or other wheel, and so move the first pinion one or more teeth forward as may be
desired, in which position it is held by means of the spring pawl or other device
hereinbefore mentioned engaging in the second pinion.
The coin is caused to fall by way of a slot provided in the outer case or covering
of the mechanism into the rotating coin holder by means of any convenient.form
of guide or shoot and thence after operating the mechanism to a receptacle
provided for the purpose in any, convenient position.
Instead of causing the coin itself to act as a cam the coin may be inserted
between a cam attached to the rotating spindle or shaft, and the slide or second
lever, so that on rotation of the spindle the coin causes the mechanism to be
operated.
To prevent fraud the coin holder is slotted so that any smaller coin than that
required to be tendered falls through, and into the box without coming into contact
with the other mechanism. The coin of proper dimensions after working the
mechanism by being rotated in the holder is made to pass between the side of the
coin guide and a suitable spring so as to draw the coin out of the holder and
prevent it being fixed in the same, by grease or any like substance. A ratchet
wheel is fixed on the coin holder shaft which engages with a pawl or pawls fixed
to the frame, thus preventing fraud by the operation known as pumping" or
working the coin backwards and forwards, instead of completely round, and on
the frame or in any suitable position is fixed a stop which is held clear of the
ordinary mechanism of the meter in its normal position by means of the herein-
before described stop or device attached or connected to the second lever, operated
by the coin, but immediately the coin holder is rotated with the coin held therein,
thus moving the prepayment mechanism, the stop comes into contact with some
convenient part of the mechanism, and stops the supply of gas, other fluid or
electricity, until the coin is rotated so as to be clear of the mechanism, or falls
into the receptacle provided for the purpose.
A slotted connecting rod or link is attached to the rotating coin holder and also
to the slide or lever with which the coin comes in contact, so that should the spring
which keep the levers in their normal position fail to act, on a coin being passed
through, this link draws the lever into its proper position. The link then merely
slides up and down the slot, upon the coin holder being rotated and has no effect on
the mechanism of the meter.
The second wheel as herein before described is the wheel which is actuated by the
meter or clock work mechanism, and it may be geared directly to the said mechanism,

page_text: or it may be actuated by a reciprocating movement obtained from a crank pin in a
wheel or disc operated by the meter.
The reciprocating arrangement is convenient when it is desired to vary the
volume of gas or other fluid passed, or electricity passed for a coin of certain value,
the reciprocating movement then actuates the second, wheel by a pawl operating in
one direction and slipping freely in the other. The power of varying is obtained
by a slot in a lever which permits a varying stroke to be given to the pawl, and so
allows the variation of the rotation of the said second wheel.
The action of the mechanism is as follows:-
:- When the meter is-stopped and .no
coin has been tendered the herein before described finger-and dial are at zero, and
the grooves or slots in the two rims or flanges on the first and second toothed wheels
are opposite that part of the second lever which rests on the said rims or flanges.
The projection of the second lever has been forced into the two slots or grooves by
means of the springs attached to it, and by thus bringing the stop into operation
the supply is arrested.
On a coin being inserted and passed through by rotating the coin holder the
second lever is drawn out of the slots or grooves in the wheels, and by being
connected to the pawl on the first lever advances the ratchet or pinion and thus by
the first pinion moves the first wheel having the smallest number of teeth one or
more teeth in the opposite direction to which the wheels are rotated by the motion
communicated by the action of supply from the meter. The slots are thus placed
a distance apart, and the said second lever is prevented from being forced into the
same. When the second wheel which has the larger number of teeth (which wheel
is in gear with the mechanism of the meter) has been carried completely round as
the gas or other fluid or electricity is consumed then the slot or grooves in the
wheel are brought opposite again, and the second lever falls into the slots or grooves
and arrests the supply, bringing the pointers to zero on the dial. Any number of
coins may be inserted successively at one time provided the pointer is not carried
round one complete revolution of the dial, when it is obvious the mechanism would
be brought to zero again.
I sometimes provide a stop to come into action and prevent further insertion of
coin after a sufficient amount of coin has been inserted, and also a bell to give
warning when the supply is about to be discontinued through neglect to insert coi:
for a further supply.
In applying my invention to chronographic measuring apparatus I use the same
arrangement of differential wheels, pinions, levers, pawls, coin holders etc. but in
place of utilizing motion as in a meter to work the same I attach to the frame or
supporting part any well known form of spring time measuring mechanism into
which I gear the wheel having the larger number of teeth, always so proportioning
the gear that the said wheel may make one complete revolution in the time that it
is determined a supply of gas or other fluid or electricity, should be given in
exchange for the coin arranged to be inserted for the same.
I also connect the spring by a ratchet, pawls, or any convenient means to the
lever or levers of the mechanism, so that on a coin being rotated by the coin holder,
and operating the mechanism, the spring is simultaneously wound up the required
amount to work the mechanism during the time the supply is prepaid for.
I may apply the herein described mechanism to any kind of wet or dry gas
meter, electric or other meters and also to chronographic measuring apparatus, for
gas, electricity or other fluids, always employing the same or a similar arrangement
of differential wheels, pinions, levers, pawls, coin holders etc. and any well known
stop valve or switch for stopping the supply of gas or other fluid when the supply
paid for is consumed.
TAL:- 10th
☑
A
12000

page_text: .COMPLETE. SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Prepayment Mechanism, applicable to Gas,
Electricity, and like Meters.
I, STEPHEN SIMPSON, of Albert Works, Mansfield, in the County of Nottingham,
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this 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 improvements in prepayment mechanism applicable to
gas, electricity, and like meters, in which a predetermined quantity of gas or other
'fluid, or electricity is supplied in exchange for coin, or in which the supply of gas,
or other fluid or electricity is continued for a predetermined time, in exchange for
such coin. The object of the invention is to provide simpler and more efficient
mechanism than that hitherto used in such apparatus.
The chief feature of my said invention is the provision of differential wheels for
controlling the supply of gas or other fluid, said wheels being used in combination
with a pair of spring-connected pinions which serve to gradually restore the
differential wheels to their initial relative position as the mechanism rotates after
one of said wheels has been turned with respect to the other through an angle
depending on the number of coins passed through the apparatus.
Another important feature of this invention relates to the means employed for
adjusting one of said wheels with respect to the other as the coins are passed
through the apparatus as above indicated.
Other important features of my said invention relate to the mechanism for
adjusting the supply of gas or other fluid or electricity to be supplied for the coin
to be inserted, and to the mechanism for passing the coin through the apparatus.
My said invention also comprises other features of improvement hereinafter fully
described.
Referring to the accompanying drawings,
Figure 1 is a front elevation of a gas meter provided with my improved mechanism
for regulating the supply of gas.
Figure 2. is a section through the upper part of the casing drawn to a larger
scale showing one form of my improved mechanism in front elevation, a part being
shewn in section, and the dial being removed.
Figure 3 is a plan of the parts shown in Figure 2, and showing also the connection
with the ordinary mechanism of the meter.
Figure 4 is a rear elevation of the mechanism detached from the casing.
Figure 4 shows a slight modification of a stop mechanism hereinafter described.
Figure 5 is a side elevation of the silent feed pawl hereinafter described.
Figure 6 is a section of the coin holder, showing the slot for passing small coins
as hereinafter described.
Figure 7 is a plan of a portion of the coin delivery shoot showing the coin-
gripping springs hereinafter described.
Figures 8 and 9 show a locking arm and a locking stop for the meter mechanism
in two different positions both different from the position of said parts shown in
Figure 4.
Figure 10 is a front elevation, and
Figure 11 is a rear elevation of a slightly modified form of the mechanism wherein
weights are substituted for springs to control the feeding levers and a cam is
provided for forcing the coin through the apparatus into the delivery shoot..
Figure 12 is a sectional side elevation of mechanism provided for closing the
coin slit in the casing when a predetermined number of coins have been inserted.
Figure 13 is a side elevation, and
Figure 14 is a plan of a bell and its attachments for giving warning when the

page_text: exhausted or when the time contracted for has nearly expired.
Figure 15 is a side elevation,
Figure 16 is a plan, and
Figure 17 is an edge view of a modified device to prevent the use of the same
coin continuously for fraudulently working the apparatus by a method which is-
known as pumping."
Figure 18 shows in side elevation, detached from the casing, a chronometric
apparatus, that is to say, apparatus which supplies the fluid for a predetermined
length of time.
Figures 19, 20 and 21 show on a smaller scale three positions of the valve of such.
apparatus and its controlling lever hereinafter referred to.
Figure 22 illustrates the application of my improved apparatus for measuring
electricity.
Figures 23, 24 and 25 show three positions of the switch hereinafter described.
Figure 26 illustrates a modification of my apparatus, wherein the weight of the
coin is used solely for liberating the handle to allow of the latter being rotated to.
obtain a supply of fluid.
Like reference-letters denote corresponding parts in all the figures.
Referring first to Figures 1 to 9 A is a frame made of suitable material, prefer-
ably brass, or cast iron, and constructed to be conveniently attachable to the case B.
of the meter, and formed to carry the coin-controlled mechanism.
To the upper part of this frame I fix a stud C on which revolves loosely a
toothed wheel D having say 24 or other convenient number of teeth. The said
wheel D has a boss D₁ extending to the end of the stud and on said boss a suitably
formed pointer or finger E is attached. Carried loosely on the boss of this wheel D
between it and the finger E is a wheel F having say 25 teeth, or one more than
the wheel D. The adjoining faces of these wheels are furnished with projecting
rims or flanges D2, F1 respectively. These rims or flanges are of the same diameter,
and bear against, each other, and have each a slot or groove D³, F' respectively cut
in the periphery for a purpose to be hereinafter described. c is a spring bearing
on the rim D of the wheel D and controlled by an adjusting screw c. This spring.
serves to steady the wheel D which, as above stated, is loose on its spindle.
The wheel F carries on the end of its boss a dial G which is divided into the
same number of parts as there are teeth in the wheel D, or a convenient or suitable
multiple thereof, and it is geared with the ordinary mechanism of the meter either
directly or indirectly by means of an additional toothed wheel formed with. or
connected to it, the gear being so proportioned that the said wheel F makes oue
revolution in the predetermined time during which the apparatus shall be in action,
or while the prearranged quantity of gas or other fluid is being delivered in exchange
for the coin arranged to be tendered in payment therefor. Or the wheel F is driven
by a silent feed clutch as shown in Figures 2 and 5 hereinafter more particularly
described. Gearing into the toothed wheels D, F are two smaller toothed
pinions H, H' of convenient size, having the same number of teeth as each other
It is not
and revolving loosely on a fixed stud H' attached to the frame A.
necessary that the wheel F shall have the number of teeth hereinabove mentioned.
It may have any convenient multiple of such number, provided that the number of
teeth in its corresponding pinion H' is also multiplied in the same proportion. For
example in Figure 10 I have shown the wheel F with 75 teeth, and the pinion H¹
with 36 teeth. This proportion reduces the size of the teeth to very convenient
dimensions suitable to be geared directly with the meter mechanism.
The pinion H' is made of greater width than the wheel into which it gears and
in this extra width there engages a spring pawl H³, or equivalent device which is
pivoted or attached to the other pinion H. This spring ordinarily locks the two
pinions together but allows the pinion H to be turned one or more teeth with
respect to the pinion H' when required, the second pinion H' being meanwhile held
stationary by the propelling mechanism of the wheel F, that is to say, by the

page_text: ordinary meter mechanism. In the drawing, the pawl H³ is shown engaging with
a part of the wheel. H' which is of slightly reduced diameter. I move or advance
the pinion H by means of a pawl I; Figure 4, pivoted at I° to a short lever 11
which preferably swivels on the stud H' that carries the two pinions H, H¹. The
said dever is furnished with a pin I which is normally held against a stop I by
means of a suitable spring 1'. The pawl I is so shaped as to be able to engage
with the teeth of the pinion H, or preferably as shown in Figure 4 with the teeth
of a ratchet wheel H' fixed to the pinion H and is provided with an arm 15 which
is connected by means of a link 1° or its equivalent to the upper part of a longer
Or send lover & picoted at J' to a part of the frame A. The upper part of the
lever J is formed with a book shaped projecting part or finger which bends
round the teeth of the wheel D and rests or bears on the peripheries of the rims or
flanges D, F, herein before described, of the wheels D, F. The lever J is
normally held in this position by a spring J and when so held the pawl I is, by
the link 1, kept clear of the ratchet wheel H*.
A hooked arm Jis provided on the lever J in such a position as to be adapted
to engage with a convenient part of the mechanism of the meter to stop the supply
when the quantity paid for is consumed. For example the hooked arm Jis
adapted in one position to engage with and lock the crank K Figure 3 of the
ordinary meter mechanism. The path of this crank is indicated in Figures 4, 8
and 9 by the dotted lines K°. In the chronometric form of the apparatus herein-
after described I connect this arm to the stop valve for shutting off the supply,
and when applied to an electric meter I connect said arm to a switch as hereinafter
described. I also in some instances as applied to the quantitative measuring
apparatus connect the arm J' to a stop valve so as to open and close the same in
accordance with the movements of said arm.
The lever J is extended below the pivot J and a sliding piece Jo is pivoted
thereto at J. Said piece works in a guide A' formed on the frame A and rests
on a roller J' carried by the said frame.
L is a spindle capable of rotating in a bearing in the frame A. The said spindle
extends outside the casing and is furnished with a handle L' for turning the same.
On the inner end of this spindle is fixed a coin-holder L2 shaped as shown in
Figure 6, that is to say, with a slotted part L³ that allows of coins smaller than
those of the proper size to pass through, and with curved parts L, L to receive
and form a bearing for coins of the right size. The handle L' can be turned in
one direction only, its spindle being furnished with a strong ratchet wheel L' with
which engage preferably double pawls L, L, pivoted to the frame A. Said pawls
are arranged one slightly in advance of the other, and operate alternately in the
well known manner to prevent rotation of the handle in the backward direction.
When a coin L° of the right size is dropped into the holder L, and the handle I'
is rotated, the edge of the coin is brought into contact with the above-mentioned
sliding piece J and is caused to force the same backward, thus turning the lever .)
about its pivot and actuating the lever I'. By this means the pawl I is first put into
engagement with the teeth of the ratchet wheel H' and then caused to turn said
wheel, and so move the pinion H one or more teeth forward as may be desired, in
which position it is held by means of the spring pawl H³ hereinbefore describe l
engaging in the second pinion.
The coin is passed through a slitsee Figure 12 provided in the outer case or
covering of the mechanism and is guided to the rotating coin-holder by means of
a suitable shoot . After operating the mechanism, as above described, the coin
is passed through a delivery shoot M and into a money box or receptacle M'
provided for the purpose.
The coin-holder is, as before stated, slotted so that any smaller coin than that
required to be tendered falls through and into the money box without coming into
contact with the operating mechanism. I prefer that the coin of proper dimensions
after working the mechanism on being rotated in the holder as above described shall
be made to pass between suitable springs N, N Figure 7 in the delivery shoot, which

page_text: 66
springs nip the coin and operate to draw it out of the holder, thus preventing the
same from sticking or becoming fixed by grease or like substance. The coin is
only held by the said springs during a part of the revolution of the handle, and is
forced from between the same by the coin-holder as the latter completes its
rotation. The coin then falls into the money box M¹. The ratchet wheel Lo-and
pawls fixed to the frame engaging therewith prevent the operation known as
pumping" or working the coin backwards and forwards by which an excessive
supply of gas might be obtained by the coin. A further safeguard against :
fraudulent use of the meter is provided by a stop O which is pivoted to the frame A
at O and is weighted and adapted when released to engage and lock the crank K.
This stop is normally held clear of the crank K by means of a pin O' fixed in. the
hooked arm J of the lever J which pin presses on the edge O³ of the stop.
Immediately the coin-holder is rotated with the coin held therein, thus moving the
prepayment mechanism and raising the arm J the stop O is liberated, and a
part thereof comes into the path of the crank K and arrests. said crank thus
stopping the supply of gas, or other fluid, until the coin is so far rotated as to clear
the mechanism and fall into the money box whereupon the lever J is drawn back
by its spring J, and the arm J is depressed again and the pivoted stop is thereby
removed from the path of the crauk, thus allowing the latter to turn. The arm-.J
and the pivoted stop O have each three positions of rest, viz.: (1) as shewn in
Figure 9 where the hook of the arm J is in the path of the crank and operates to
prevent the rotation thereof; (2) as shewn in Figure 8 where the coin is passing
through the machine and the stop O then operates to lock the crank; and (3) as
shown in Figure 4 where the crank is free to rotate, its path lying between the
hook of the arm J and the part 0 of the pivoted_stop O. This position of the
arm J is assumed when the finger J2 of the lever J is resting against the rims or
flanges D F of the wheels D, F. And the position-shown in Figure 9 is assumed
when the notches D³, F2 in the rims D2, F' are opposite each other, and under the.
part J of the lever J, in which position of the said notches the said part J' can
drop thereinto thus allowing the hooked arm J' to descend into the path of the
crank K. I sometimes provide in lieu of the pivoted stop ☐ a catch lever S
Figure 4 pivoted at S₁ and adapted to be controlled by a cam S on the spindle. L.
of the handle L'. Said cam $' moves the lever S into. engagement with the
crank K of the meter mechanism, prior to the disengagement of the hooked arm J₁
from said crank, and releases the crank again when the handle L' has been turned
sufficiently to deliver the coin.
A slotted link P connects a crank pin P¹ in the rotating coin-holder L² with the
slide JS with which the coin comes in contact, so that should the: springs J³, I*
which keep the levers J, I' in their normal positions fail to act, on a coin being
passed through, this link will operate to draw the slide and levers back into their
proper positions. The slot P2 in the link P allows the coin-holder to turn without
effecting the lever J when the latter is in its normal position resting against the
rims D, F of the wheels D, F.
The wheel F is the wheel which is actuated by the meter mechanism, and as
before stated it may be geared directly to the said mechanism, as shown in
Figures 10 and 11, or it may be actuated by a reciprocating movement obtained
from a crank pin in a wheel or disc operated by the meter mechanism, as shown in
Figure 2, as follows, that is to say, Q is an arm loosely mounted on the boss of the
wheel F and connected by a link Q' with a crank pin Q in a wheel Q³ driven from
a suitable rotating shaft of the meter mechanism say the shaft Q° which in some
meters is commonly known as the two-feet shaft. Qis a silent-feed pawl slotted
at Q, as shown in Figure 5, to fit loosely on a circular rim F formed on the side
of the wheel F. The inner end of the pawl Q* rests in a recess Q in the hub of
the arm Q, and its outer end is connected by a spring Q' with a radial arm Q
fixed to the boss of the arm Q. When moved in one direction the pawl grips the
aforesaid rim F and causes the wheel F to travel with it, but when drawn back it
slides over said rim without moving the wheel.

page_text: to
This arrangement is convenient when it is desired to vary the volume of gas or
-other fluid passed, or electricity passed for a coin of certain value. The power of
varying the feed is obtained by connecting the link Q' to a nut Q³ which can be
moved to and fro in a radial slot g in the lever or arm Q by means of a screw q
thus permitting a varying stroke to be given to the pawl. The nut Q3 can be
locked in any desired position to which it may be set by a lock nut
be a lock nut of
When the meter
is stopped and no coin has been tendered, the finger E stands at zero, and the
grooves or slots D³, F" in the two rims or flanges D², F' respectively on the
toothed wheels D, F are opposite that part J of the lever J which rests on
the said rims or flanges. Consequently the said part J of the lever J has been
forced into the slots or grooves by means of the spring J³ thus depressing the.
hooked arm J into the path of the crank K and arresting the supply of gas.
On a suitable coin being inserted and passed through the apparatus by rotating
the coin-holder L³, the lever J is thereby turned and the part J' is drawn out of
the slots or grooves D³, F in the wheels D, F thus unlocking said wheels, and,
at the same time, the pawl I on the lever l' is advanced and caused to turn the
ratchet wheel H thereby turning the wheel D one or more teeth in the opposite
direction to that in which the-said wheel is rotated by the motion communicated
by the meter mechanism. The slots D, F are thus separated a distance equal to
one tooth; and the part J2 of the lever J which extends across the whole space
between the wheels D, F cannot fall into the slots until they are brought together
again, but rests on the rims D², F'. Simultaneously with the aforesaid movements,"
the arm J of the lever J is raised and releases the crank K thus allowing the
meter mechanism to rotate and a supply of gas or other fluid to be obtained.
As before described however, the pivoted stop O or the lever S operates to lock
the crank K until the coin has been delivered into the money box, and the
arm J has so far descended that the part J of the arm J rests on the
flanges D, F of the wheels D, F. When the wheel F which has the larger
number of teeth (which wheel is in gear with the mechanism of the meter) has
been carried completely round as the gas or other fluid or electricity is consumed,
then the slots or grooves in the wheels are brought opposite to each other again,
and the part J of the lever J falls into the slots or groove before mentioned
thus arresting the supply once more. The pointer E is at the same time brought
back to zero on the dial. Any number of coins may be inserted successively at
one time provided the pointer is not thereby carried round one complete revolution
of the dial, and it will be seen that before the slots D³, F2 are brought together
again the wheel F must make as many turns as the number of coins inserted.
.
Figures 10 and 11 show a modified form of my apparatus wherein the silent
feed is replaced by toothed gear for driving the wheel F, and wherein the
springs 1 and Ja are replaced by weights 1 and J* respectively. The arm I³
of the pawl I is also slotted and is connected directly to the arm J by a pin J
fixed in the upper end of said arm. The coin-holder L2 and slide J are also
-dispensed with, and in lieu thereof I have provided a curved extension Jo of the
lever J, in combination with a curved cam-piece L' fixed or formed on the
spindle L of the handle L'. The coin is received between the curved extension .Ju
and the cam-piece L', and when the handle is turned round, the said cam-piece L'
operates to force the coin past the curved extension Jo of lever J into the
delivery shoot, and in so doing turns the lever J and operates the mechanism as
before described. In other respects the mechanism of Figures 10 and 11 is like
that of Figures 2 to 4. The curved extension J° might be used in combination
with the coin-holder L if desired.
I sometimes provide a stop to come into action and prevent further insertion of
.coin after a sufficient number have been inserted. A convenient construction for
this purpose comprises a collar R. Figure 12 that can slide on the boss of the
wheel F. Said collar is furnished with a pin R' which projects through a hole in
the wheel F and is adapted to be operated by an incline R on the wheel D. Said

page_text: incline comes opposite the pin R₁ just before the wheel D has made a complete
revolution with respect to the wheel F and then pushes the pin R¹ outward, and
thus slides the collar R along the boss of the wheel F. This movement of the
collar operates through a lever R', pivoted at R to the frame, to move a slide R³
across the coin slit and so shut said slit and prevent any coins being inserted
thereat, until the wheel D has so far moved backward with respect to the wheel F
as to liberate the pin R¹ and allow the same to be pushed in again by the spring R*
which presses against the collar R.
I also provide in some instances a bell to give warning when the supply is about
to be discontinued through neglect to insert coin for a further supply. Such a bell
is shown in Figures 13 and 14. T is the bell, supported by a frame T which is
pivoted at T to the frame A. T³ is a slotted arm of the frame T' which arm
engages a pin T on the locking arm J of the lever J. When the apparatus is
working, the tail end T of the spring-controlled clapper of the bell is held out of
the path of the crank K, but by slightly depressing the arm J the said tongue
can be brought into the path of the said crank, and the hell will then be rung at
each revolution of the crank. The arm J' is lowered sufficiently for this purpose
just before the complete stoppage of the supply of gas or other fluid by notches or
depressions To provided in the rims D', F¹ of the wheels D and F. The part J³ of
the arm J falls into said notches or depressions just before the notches D³, F
arrive under said part J, and the bell is thereby lowered to such a position that
the tail end of the clapper will be struck by the crank K and the bell thus rung as
the said crank rotates.
"
The device illustrated in Figures 15 to 17 is another means used in some instances
in lieu of the pawls L, L to prevent the operation known as pumping." It
consists of a bracket S hinged at S' to the frame, and having ratchet teeth S with
which engages a tooth S³ formed on the extension Jº of the lever J so as to permit
of said lever moving in one direction only while so engaged. In order to release
the lever J to allow it to return after the coin has been delivered, I provide a
pin L ou the cam piece L' which pin at the proper moment in the rotation of the
handle L' engages an incline S formed on an arm S' of the bracket S and swings
said bracket backwards thus releasing the arm J and allowing it to return to rest
on the rims of the wheels D and F.
In applying my invention to chronometric measuring apparatus I use the same
arrangement of differential wheels, pinions, and levers, substantially as above
described but in lieu of utilizing the meter mechanism to work the same I provide
any well known form of spring time measuring mechanism controlled by a pendulum,
or preferably by a balance. I gear the wheel F with this time measuring
mechanism, always so proportioning the gear that the said wheel may make one
complete revolution in the time during which a supply of gas or other fluid or
electricity should be given in exchange for the coin arranged to be inserted for
the same. Such a device is shewn in Figure 18. U is the supply pipe for gas or
other Huid. U is a stop-cock. U is a modified double beat stop valve controlled
by the coin-freed apparatus. The arm J is connected to the spindle U³ of the
valve Us preferably through the intervention of a spring U. The said arm J is
also connected by a link V, arm V', pawl V' and ratchet wheel V³ with the drum
of the main spring W of the clock mechanism, so that when the arm J* is raised
it operates to partially wind up the spring of the clock mechanism and so provide
the requisite power for keeping the clock-work in motion. An arm V is also
provided to ensure that the clock mechanism shall be started whenever the arm .J*
is raised. Said arm may be conveniently connected to the arm V₁ and arranged
to move the pendulum to one side when the latter is raised, and when the arm V
is lowered it releases the pendulum and the latter then commences to swing. The
double beat valve U serves not only to close the supply pipe when the arm J
is in its lowest position, that is when the supply paid for is exhausted, but also
when the said arm is in its highest position, that is when the coin is passing
through the apparatus. It is impossible therefore to obtain a supply of gas or
B

page_text: other fluid until the coin has passed quite through the apparatus. The three
positions of the valve and of its controlling levers are shown in Figures 19, 20
and 21, the same corresponding with the three positions of the arm J* and stop O
illustrated respectively in Figures 9, 4 and 8. U is an arm attached to the stop
cock U' and traversing the path of the pendulum. When the cock is open, the
arm is removed out of the way of the pendulum and the latter is free to swing, but
when the cock is shut the said arm operates to stop the pendulum. The consumer
has thus a means of stopping the clockwork when he is not using any fluid.
Figure 22 shows the application of the same device for measuring electricity.
The arm Jis connected by a link Z to a switch Z' and serves to switch the current
on and off by its movements. Its three positions corresponding with those of the
valve in Figures 19, 20, and 21 are shown in Figures 23, 24 and 25. The means
for stopping the pendulum simultaneously with the supply consists of an arm 7³
attached to the switch Z, which arm arrests the pendulum when the switch is
turned off. As in the device shown in Figure 18 an arm is provided to swing the
pendulum to one side when the arm J moves upward to ensure that the
pendulum shall be started when the arm J* descends again. It is obvious that
the above mechanism can be applied to clockwork having a balance wheel in lieu
of a pendulum.
n
In a modification of my invention, instead of using the coin as a direct part of
the mechanism for actuating the differential wheel Ď, I merely use it to liberate
the handle L' as follows, that is to say, a Figure 26 is a loaded catch lever for
locking the handle by means of its hook a' engaging a corresponding hook on the
spindle L. This lever is pivoted at a² and projects into the coin shoot . The
coin delivered into the said shoot falls on the end of said catch lever and
by its weight overcomes the loaded end, depresses the catch lever, and passes
through into the delivery shoot. A pin a fixed in the end of the catch lever
projects through a slot at in the side of the shoot. When the catch lever is
depressed, the said pin a³ turns and slides past a weighted catch a which
catch operates to prevent the lever a from returning so that the handle Lis
not locked again. The handle is connected to the lever J by a slotted link 6 and
is connected with the catch a by another slotted link a°; when the said handle is
turned to move the wheel D, the link a operates to raise the catch a and thus
allows the catch lever a to return to its normal position wherein it locks the handle.
The slot in the link allows of the required movement of the lever J independently
of the handle L'.
I may apply the herein described mechanism to any kind of wet or dry gas
meter electric or other meters and also to chronometric apparatus for gas,
electricity or other fluids, always employing the same or a similar arrangement of
differential wheels, pinions, levers and pawls and any well known stop valve or
switch for stopping the supply of gas or other fluid when the supply paid for is
consumed.
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 coin-freed apparatus, wheels so constructed and geared together as
to constitute a differential system whereby in the rotation thereof caused by the
meter or clock mechanism one wheel is made to gain on the other, for the purpose
specified.
2. The companion notches or grooves in the flanges or rims of the said
differential wheels, in combination with the coin-operated lever which is caused to
engage said notches or grooves when the same are in line, substantially as, and for
the purpose, specified.
3. In the differential system of wheels referred to in the first claiming clause,
the spring-connected wheels so constructed and arranged as to admit of one being
turned relatively to the other, for the purpose specified.

page_text: 4. The combination, with the said spring-connected wheels, of means for turning-
one of the same with respect to the other comprising the ratchet wheel and pawl
and the coin-operated lever connected with the pawl by a link, or by a piu and slot,.
substantially as described, for the purpose specified.
5. The combination with the mechanism of the last preceding claim of the
slotted coin-holder constructed and operating substantially as described, for the
purpose specified.
6. The combination with the coin-holder of the spring-device for preventing
the coins sticking in the coin-holder, substantially as described.
7. The combination, with the differential wheel-mechanism, of means for
adjusting the speed thereof with respect to the meter or clock mechanism for the
purpose of regulating the supply of fluid.
8. The combination, with the differential wheel mechanism, of the silent-feed
device, constructed and operating substantially as described.
9. The combination, with the coin-freed differential wheel mechanism, of the
rotary cam connected with the handle for forcing the coin through to the delivery
shoot, substantially as described.
10. The combination, with the coin-freed differential wheel mechanism, of the
device for liberating the operating handle, constructed substantially as described
with reference to Figure 26, for the purpose specified.
11. The combination, with the coin-operated locking lever J, of the pivoted'
stop O, substantially as, and for the purpose, specified.
12. In coin-freed apparatus having the differential wheels herein described, the
modified form of locking device for arresting the supply of fluid while the coin is
passing through the apparatus consisting of a catch controlled by a cam connected.
with the operating handle, substantially as described.
13. The combination, with the operating handle, of the slotted link P to ensure
the return of the lever J to its initial position after the same has been displaced
by passing a coin through the machine, substantially as described.
14. The combination, with the coin-freed apparatus having the differential
wheels hereinabove described, of the means for closing the coin slit when a
predetermined number of coins have been inserted, substantially as described.
15. The combination, with the coin-freed apparatus herein described, of an
audible signal device which is operated when the supply contracted for is nearly
exhausted, substantially as described.
16. In coin-freed chronometric apparatus having a differential wheel system
such as herein described, the combination with the coin-operated lever J of the
valve U2, or switch Z', substantially as, and for the purpose, specified.
17. In coin-freed chronometric apparatus having a differential wheel system
such as herein described, the means for winding up the spring of the clock-
mechanism, with or without the means for starting the pendulum or balance,
substantially as described.
18. The combination, with a chronometric coin-freed apparatus having a
system of differential wheels such as herein described, of means for stopping the
clock-work when the supply is cut off, substantially as, and for the purpose,
specified.
19. The apparatus constructed substantially as described with reference to the
accompanying drawings, and operating as, and for the purposes, specified.
Dated this 22nd day of January 1894.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.