Improvements in Coin-freed Electricity Meters.
Year: 1897

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Coin-freed Electricity Meters.
I, FRANCIS CHARLES RAPHAEL, of 1, Salisbury Court, Fleet Street, London, E.C.,
in the County of Middlesex, Electrician, do hereby declare the nature of this inyen-
tion to be as follows:-
:-
One class of coin-freed electricity meter is that in which on the insertion of a coin
or token (or on the insertion of a coin or token and in addition moving a handle
pressing a button or performing a similar action) a clock-work movement is started
or is wound up and started and at the same time a connection is made allowing
an electric current to be obtained from the terminals of the instrument; this clock-
work after running a predetermined time automatically breaking the connection
and thus stopping the current.
My invention consists of an arrangement whereby the time that elapses between
the connection and disconnection above referred to is varied according to the
number of lamps or other apparatus being supplied with electric current or accord-
ing to the amount of current or electrical energy supplied. My apparatus is shown
diagrammatically in the figure. The spindle A is turned by means of the clock-
work already referred to when the meter is in action. By means of toothed wheels
placed on the spindles A and B the spindle B is turned when the spindle A turns.
In the position shown in the figure the meter is not in action. If the spindle B
is drawn slightly to the left the toothed wheel C will gear with the toothed wheel D
causing the spindle B to rotate at a certain speed if A is rotating. If the spindle B be
drawn further to the left until the wheels E and F are in gear the spindle B
will rotate at another speed. Similarly when drawn still further to the left so
that the wheels G and H are in gear it will have another speed. In this way by
using a suitable number of toothed wheels a considerable number of different speeds
may be given to the spindle B for the same speed of the spindle A. In the figure
four pairs of wheels are drawn so that four different speeds can be employed.
Now I cause the spindle B to be so influenced by the current flowing through the
meter that the position of the wheels it carries with regard to the wheels on A
is adjusted by that current. I effect this by the coil and plunger method shown
diagrammatically in the figure or by any other of the known methods of causing
a current to produce a mechanical motion whose amount depends on the strength
of that current or on the product of the current and voltage. When for instance
I desire to construct the apparatus for metering current to either one two three or
four lamps of the same size according to the will of the consumer I proportion
the wheels the coil and the apparatus generally so that when current sufficing only
for one lamp flows through the coil the wheels C and D are in gear and the
spindle B rotates at a certain speed; when current sufficing for two lamps is pass-
ing through the coil the wheels E and F are in gear and the spindle B rotates
twice as fast as when C and D are in gear; when current sufficing for three lamps
is flowing through the coil the wheels G and H are in gear and the spindle B
rotates three times as fast as when C and D are in gear; when current sufficing for
four lamps is flowing through the coil the wheels K and L are in gear and the

page_text: spindle B rotates four times as fast as when C and D are in gear; when no current
passes through the coil the spindles are not in gear; when more current than is
necessary flows through the coil the current is automatically switched off.
By suitably proportioning the parts I apply this system to any number of lamps
or any number of currents of different values not necessarily in arithmetic pro-
gression. Also I need not necessarily vary the speeds proportionately with the
current if for example it is desired to charge at a lower rate per ampere-hour watt-
hour or lamp-hour the greater the current or number of lamps used. By suitable
windings and adjustments I may make the rates of rotation vary with varying
power instead of merely with varying current.
When the spindle B has rotated a certain amount previously fixed by the pur-
pose for which the meter is intended and the dimensions of the instrument and its
parts it automatically breaks the circuit of the current. I cause this to be done
either by mechanical or electrical means. One method which I have shown in the
figure is by electrical means. The insertion of the coin and the accompanying
movements turn the spindle B so that the arm or cam M fixed to the spindle B is
in a certain starting position. The mechanism for doing this is not shown in the
figure. The parts of the apparatus are so proportioned that when the number of
ampere-hours or lamp-hours to be supplied for the coin inserted has been reached
the projection or cam M causes a spring N to touch another contact-spring P and
thereby closes the circuit of an electrical switching-off mechanism. This mechan-
ism may be an electromagnetic attachment to a catch which holds the switch
down the electromagnet when energised releasing the catch. Or it may be any
other mechanism to the same end. It is not shown in the figure.
In some cases I add a ratchet-wheel and ratchet in connection with the arrange-
ment for starting the meter so that one or more coins can be put in and the start-
ing position of the cam and therefore the amount of energy distributed depends
on the number of coins put in each time. .
I also may add a means to automatically disconnect the circuit of the current
supplied when it exceeds the maximum for which the instrument is intended. One
way of doing this is by a fuse; another way is by an automatic cut-out of any of
the known types. The way I prefer is by the arrangement shown diagrammatically
in the figure. When the current exceeds by. a certain amount the maximum for
which the apparatus is intended the washer R which is fixed on the spindle B
presses the contact-spring S against the contact T and thus closes the switching-
off circuit. I may also add an indicator or counting mechanism to this latter
appliance or to any other part of the apparatus.
It is not necessary that the clockwork be started only on the insertion of the coin.
In some cases I prefer to arrange that the clockwork shall be continuously running
being wound periodically by hand or by current from the, mains.
Dated this Eleventh day of September 1897.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
improvements in Coin-Ireed Electricity Meters.
I, FRANCIS CHARLES RAPHAEL, of 1, Salisbury Court, Fleet Street, in the City
and County of London, Electrician, 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:-
My invention relates to certain improvements in coin-freed electricity meters,
and refers to a type or class in which on the insertion of a coin or token, (with or
Improvements in Coin-Ireed Electricity Meters.
I, FRANCIS CHARLES RAPHAEL, of 1, Salisbury Court, Fleet Street, in the City
and County of London, Electrician, 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:-
My invention relates to certain improvements in coin-freed electricity meters,
and refers to a type or class in which on the insertion of a coin or token, (with or

page_text: without the movement of a handle, button or the like) a clock train is started, or
is wound up and simultaneously started, and at the same time a connection is
made allowing an electric current to be obtained from the terminals of the instru-
ment; said clock train after running a predetermined time automatically break-
ing the connection, and thus stopping the current. The object of my invention is
to provide an arrangement whereby the time that elapses between the connection
and disconnection above referred to is varied according to the number of lamps
or other apparatus being supplied with electric current, or according to the amount
of current or electrical energy supplied.
In order that my invention may be the better understood I may refer to the
drawing appended to my Provisional Specification, Figure 1 which shows the
apparatus diagrammatically. The drawing, Figure 2, hereto appended, shows a
step by step compensator adapted to vertical or other planes.
In carrying my invention into effect the spindle A is rotated by the clock train
before referred to, when the meter is in action but I may as an alternative place
these spindles in a vertical position, or at any angle thereto using counterweights
or springs to compensate the weight of the acting spindle and its connections.
Toothed wheels C, E, K, J upon the spindle A, and D, F, H, L upon B cause the
rotary motion of A. to be transmitted to B. In the position shown by the figure
the meter is not in action. If the spindle B is drawn slightly to the left the toothed
wheel C will gear with the toothed wheel D causing the spindle B to rotate at a
certain speed relatively to the rotation of A. The toothed wheels are graded so as
to present different ratios in the transmission of motion. Thus, if the spindle B
be drawn further to the left until the wheels E and F are in gear the rate of rotation
of B is greater. And by a further movement in the same direction the speed of
the spindle B may be varied indefinitely according to the number of wheels of
varying diameter caused to engage with each other, although in Figure 1 only
four such combinations are shown.
The spindle B is influenced by the current flowing through the meter in such a
manner that the wheels D F H L carried upon it are caused to engage with the
wheels C E G K upon A by a movement in the direction of the plane of its axis.
This is effected by a solenoid coil and plunger, as shown by the drawing, or by
an electro-magnet, or any of the known methods whereby an electrical current may
produce a mechanical movement, the amount of which is in direct proportion to
the strength of said current, or on the product of the current and voltage (C× E).
When for instance I desire to construct the apparatus for metering the electric
current to either one two or more lamps of the same calibre according to the will
of the consumer, I proportion the wheels, coil and the apparatus generally so that
when current sufficing only for one lamp flows through the coil, the wheels C
and D are in gear and the spindle B rotates at a certain speed; but when the
current necessary for energizing two lamps is passed through the coil, the wheels E
and F are in gear, and the rate of rotation of B is increased proportionately. When
the necessary current for three lamps is flowing through the coil, the wheels G
and H are brought into gear, and the spindle B rotates three times as fast as
when C and D are in gear Similarly when K and L are in gear the spindle B
rotates at a speed four times faster than when C and D are in gear. When no
current passes through the coil the spindles are not in gear and consequently
inoperative. When an excess of current flows, it is automatically switched off.
By suitably proportioning the several parts I may apply the system of measure-
ment to any number of lamps, or any number of currents of different values not
necessarily in arithmetic progression. Also I need not necessarily vary the speeds
proportionately with the current, if for example it is desired to charge at a lower
rate per ampere-hour, watt-hour, or lamp-hour the greater the current or number
of lamps used.
By suitable windings and adjustments I may make the rates of rotation vary
with varying power instead of merely with varving current.
When the spindle B has rotated to a predetermined amount according to the

page_text: calibre of the meter, the circuit is broken automatically. This may be accom-
plished either by electrical or mechanical means. The act of inserting the coin
and the resulting movements turn the spindle B to its starting position. Any
coin freed appliance may be used to effect this movement, therefore I have not
shown it by the figure, nor do I specialise any such device.
The several parts of the apparatus are so proportioned that when the number of
ampère-hours, or lamp hours to be supplied for the coin inserted has been reached,
the cam M causes a spring N to touch another contact spring P, and thereby closes
the circuit of an electrical switching off mechanism which forms no essential part
of my invention. Preferably it may consist of an electromagnetic attachment to
a catch or pawl holding the switch down, and which when energised may release
said catch.
In some cases I may add a ratchet wheel, and ratchet in connection with the
arrangement for starting the meter so that one or more coins can be put in and the
starting position of the cam and therefore the amount of energy distributed depends
upon the number of coins put in each time.
I may also add an appliance for the purpose of automatically disconnecting the
circuit of the supply current when it exceeds the maximum for which the instru-
ment is intended. "One method of doing this is by employing a fuse, and another
is by using an automatic cut out of any known type. Preferably, however I
employ the arrangement shown diagrammatically by Figure 1. When the supply
current exceeds the maximum for which the apparatus is intended, the collar R,
fixed on the spindle B presses the contact spring S against the contact T and thus
closes the switching off circuit. I may also add an indicator or counting apparatus
to this latter appliance, or to any other part of the device according to my inven-
tion.
If the coil, or solenoid and plunger method for moving the spindle B, be used,
it is preferable to make said plunger of soft or laminated iron, and insulate it
magnetically from said spindle B. The controlling force which keeps said spindle B
in its normal position, in which it does not gear with the spindle A, may be a
spiral spring as shown by Figure 1, but I prefer to modify this, and reduce the
friction of contact by rotating the spindle between centres, or ball, or antifriction
bearings. In this case the bearings are carried in a frame, and are moved by the
solenoid or magnet, the spindle being fixed, and the direction of said motion being
parallel to the axis of said spindle.
In order that the toothed wheels upon the spindles A and B may engage with
cach other in the sequence hereinbefore described I may chamfer the teeth, or
provide a certain amount of freedom upon the entering edges. I also provide a
step by step counterpoise, shown by Figure 2, appended to the Complete Specifica-
tion, and may be adapted in the case of a vertical arrangement of the spindles A
and B. In the figure a is a rod connected to the spindle B, or to the bearings
thereof (when the spindle is provided with only a rotary, and no lateral movement).
The supply current tends to raise a, which terminates with a disc e. Weights bed
are placed on shelves f as shown in the figure and have each a hole to allow of the
passage of the rod a but not of the disc e. The ratio of the weights b, c, d, and
the winding of the solenoid or magnet are proportioned as follows in a meter
designed for 1, 2, 3, or 4 lamps. When current sufficient for one lamp flows
through the coil, it is sufficiently energised to lift the spindle B (or the bearings),
but not sufficiently magnetized to raise the weight d. When the current for two
lamps is flowing d is raised, but not c and so on. I may extend the series to any
extent, and by means of a cord and pulley, or other like device I may adapt the
aforesaid weights to a spindle placed horizontally.
In constructing the clockwork movement or train either of the two alternative
systems may be followed. One is that the clockwork is normally at rest and the
action of inserting a coin or token (with or without a second movement operating
a handle, pressing a button or the like,) the clockwork is started, or wound up and
started, the current is switched on and B brought to its starting position. In this
.

page_text: case the meter will only be run for a predetermined maximum time for the insertion
of each coin or token aforesaid, whether the lamps of the circuit beyond the meter
are switched on or not. The alternative method is to keep the clock train con-
tinuously running, it being wound periodically by hand, or by means of a motor
actuated by the main current. In both cases I provide a device for closing the
switching off circuit as soon as the clockwork stops; it may consist of a contact
piece upon some part of said clockwork making electrical contact with a spring,
pin or the like, so as to close the switching off circuit.
I prefer to use in addition a bell to warn the consumer shortly before the current
18 switched off. I do this by adding two contacts to the clock train, one slightly
in advance of the other which controls the switching off circuit, and another in
advance of the switching off contact when the clock train stops. Either of these
closes an ordinary electric bell circuit.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is:-
First. In a coin freed electric meter the combination and arrangement of two
spindles, one of which is actuated by a clock train, and the other moved laterally
in the plane of its axis by the action of the current to be measured, and in pro-
portion to the strength thereof, a series of toothed wheels suitably graded com-
municating the motion from one spindle to the other, substantially as herein
described and shown by the appended drawings.
Second. In a coin freed electric meter the method of and means for establishing
an electrical connection by means of which the current may be switched off when
the driven spindle attains a predetermined position, or has revolved a predeter-
mined number of times, as herein described.
Third. In a coin freed electric meter the employment of a washer or collar R
in combination with a contact device T S substantially as and for the purposes
herein described with especial reference to Figure 1 of the appended drawings.
Fourth. The construction and employment of a step by step counterpoise, in a
vertical or horizontal coin freed electric meter, substantially as shown by Figure 2
of the appended drawings, and herein described.
Fifth. In a coin freed electric meter the combination of parts and arrangement
whereby the clock train is stopped at a given time, substantially as herein
described,
Sixth. A coin freed electricity meter substantially as herein described and shown
by the appended drawings.
une 1898.
FREDK. WALKER,
73, St. Stephen's Road, Upton l'ark, London, E.,
Agent for the Applicant.