Improvements in Apparatus for Enabling a Supply of Gas or other Fluid, or a Current of Electricity, to be Obtained for a Limited Time on Prepayment therefor.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 1st Mar., 1890
Complete Specification Left, 31st Deo., 1890-Accepted, 28th Feb., 1891
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Apparatus for Enabling a Supply of Gas or other
Fluid, or a Current of Electricity, to be Obtained for a Limited
Time on Prepayment therefor.
I, MATTHEW CRANSWICK GREENHILL, of 8, Romola Road, Tulse Hill, in the
County of Surrey, Electrical Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention to be as follows:-
-
My invention has for its object to provide an efficient simple and cheap
apparatus by which a supply of fluid or electricity can be obtained for a given
period only on prepayment therefor by inserting a coin or token into a slot in the
apparatus, the supply being automatically cut off at the expiration of the period
of supply paid for.
I employ water or other liquid or free flowing medium as the controlling or
governing power for determining the duration of the supply and I also employ a
device which on the insertion of a coin or token enables the supply to be turned
on and the liquid level changed whereafter the level of the liquid slowly alters
during the period of supply and when a certain level is reached the coin or
token-freed device again locks the apparatus and the supply is cut off. The
arrangements according to my invention presenting the above features may be
varied. For instance, within a chamber for containing liquid, three pipes are dis-
posed, one of which is connected to the supply pipe of an ordinary gas meter, or if
desired directly to the main supply pipe without the intervention of a meter, the
free end of the pipe within the chamber being automatically opened and closed by
a tap. The second pipe is connected with a water-supply and when gas is
required the water tap is opened either by hand or automatically but only on the
insertion of a coin or a token into an aperture in the enclosing case which releases
or operates the tap, the water being allowed to fall at any predetermined rate into
a perforated cup or receptacle suspended to a pivotted arm secured to the gas tap.
A discharge pipe is adapted to the lower part of the chamber, the tap of which is
actuated by the weight of a token or equivalent. When it is desired to obtain gas.
a token or coin of the requisite value is inserted in the aperture, its weight
actuates the tap of the discharge-pipe and allows the water to run out and the
lever attached to the gas tap being buoyant or having floats secured thereto is
released allowing the gas to enter the chamber and pass thence to the burner. The
weight of water in the perforated receptacle at the end of the lever prevents the
closing of the gas tap until the said receptacle is nearly empty, when by means of
a counterweight the tap is closed. Or I may use two chambers, one fitted within
the other. The inner chamber is a receptacle for liquid and has an opening in the
top to allow of the cistern being filled, and a discharge pipe, the tap of which may,
on the insertion of a coin or token, be turned on or off by hand or automatically as
desired. In the intervening space between the two chambers is disposed the lock-
ing and releasing mechanism. A rod or bolt working in suitable bearings shoots
into a perforation or recess formed in a sliding valve employed to open or close
the onening in the cistern and prevents any movement thereof until the said bolt
is withdrawn by the weight of a coin or token, which, falling upon the end of a
balanced lever depresses it, thus removing the bolt from its recess.
The sliding
valve may now be opened and water or the equivalent introduced into the cistern.
The gas tap is provided with a balanced lever, one end of which is connected to
a crank disposed immediately in the passage of the sliding valve above mentioned

page_text: which latter upon being pulled open depresses the crank and with it the lever
actuating the gas tap thus shutting off the gas during the operation of filling the
cistern. The other extremity of the balanced lever last referred to is provided
with a cup having a hole in the lower part and is disposed immediately beneath
the discharge pipe of the cistern. The water in running from the discharge pipe
flows into the cup, the weight of which depresses the balanced lever and keeps the
gas tan open until the cistern is empty or the water is turned off, when the lever
being relieved of the weight of water, closes the gas tap by means of a counter.
weight. Or I may employ two cisterns for containing the liquid which cisterns
in the normal positions are disposed one above the other in a vertical plane and
are capable of being revolved. A perforated cup is adapted to the end of a lever
which actuates the gas tap for the reception of the liquid flowing from the top
eistern the weight of which liquid keeps the lever depressed and the tap open
until the flow of liquid ceases when the lever is released and the tap closed
by a counterweight. The liquid from the upper cistern is received into the lower
cistern it is therefore obvious that the action of the apparatus can be reproduced
as desired by simply changing the relative positions of the cisterns which can
only be done when the weight of a coin or token releases the mechanism which is
actuated to open the tap.
Instead of the revolving motion above described imparted to two distinct and
independent cisterns I may employ one cistern divided into two compartments and
disposed horizontally having imparted to it an oscillatory motion the difference of
level in the two compartments as the liquid flows from one to the other causing
the gas tap to be opened or closed by means of floats attached to the lever
actuating the said gas tap. The cistern is moved by hand when the mechanism
is unlocked or released by the weight of a coin.
In place of a movable cistern I may fix the same horizontally and employ two
cups or receptacles disposed one at each end of a pivotted rod and moved by hand
on being released by the weight of a coin. The cistern is filled with liquid and
the gas tap is opened by turning a handle in which operation the cup which is
submerged is raised the duration of the supply of gas being determined by the
time occupied in the discharge of the liquid from the cup the float within the cup
falling with the level of the liquid until it is empty when the gas tap closes
and can only be opened again by the insertion of another coin or token."
Or I may use a catch which on the insertion of a coin or token maintains the
supply pipe open and the supply may at the expiration of the proper time be cut
off by means of a cam or the like which may be operated by the change in level
of liquid after the manner herein before indicated.
In employing my invention for supplying a current of electricity a current
switch or commutator for opening and closing the circuit would be substituted for
the gas tap.
Dated the 1st day of March 1890.
J. H. JOHNSON & Co.,
47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., Agents.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Apparatus for Enabling a Supply of Gas or other
Fluid, or a Current of Electricity, to be Obtained for a Limited
Time on Prepayment therefor.
I, MATTHEW CRANSWICK GREENHILL, of 8, Romola Road, Tulse Hill, in the
County of Surrey, Electrical 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:-
My invention has for its object to provide an efficient, simple and cheap
apparatus by which a supply of fluid or electricity can be obtained for a given

page_text: period only on prepayment therefor by inserting a coin or token into a slot in the
apparatus, the supply being automatically cut off at the expiration of the period
of supply paid for.
gas,
I employ water or other liquid or free flowing medium as the controlling or
governing power for determining the duration of the supply, and I also employ a
device which, on the insertion of a coin or token enables the supply to be turned
on and the liquid level changed, whereafter the level of the liquid slowly alters
during the period of supply, and when a certain level is reached, the coin or
token-freed device again locks the apparatus and the supply is cut off. The
arrangements according to my invention presenting the above features may be
varied; for instance, within a chamber for containing liquid, three pipes are dis-
posed, one of which is connected to the supply pipe of an ordinary gas meter, or, if
desired, directly to the main supply pipe without the intervention of a meter, the
free end of the pipe within the chamber being automatically opened and closed by
a tap. The second pipe is connected with a water-supply and when gas is
required, a water tap is opened either by hand or automatically, but only on the
insertion of a coin or token into an aperture in the enclosing case, which releases
or operates the tap, the water being allowed to fall at any predetermined rate into
a perforated cup or receptacle suspended to a pivoted arm secured to the gas tap.
A discharge pipe is adapted to the lower part of the chamber, the tap of which is
actuated by the weight of a token or equivalent. When it is desired to obtain
a token or coin of the requisite value is inserted in the aperture, its weight
actuates the tap of the discharge pipe and allows the water to run out, and the
lever attached to the gas tap being buoyant or having floats secured thereto, is
released allowing the gas to enter the chamber and pass thence to the burner. The
weight of water in the perforated receptacle at the end of the lever prevents the
closing of the gas tap until the said receptacle is nearly empty when, by means of
a counterweight the tap is closed. Or, may use two chambers, one fitted within
the other. The inner chamber is a receptacle for liquid and has an opening in
top to allow of the cistern being filled, and a discharge pipe, the tap of which may,
on the insertion of a coin or token, be turned on or off by hand or automatically as
desired. In the intervening space between the two chambers is disposed the lock-
ing and releasing mechanism. A rod or bolt, working in suitable bearings, shoots
into a perforation or recess formed in a sliding valve employed to open or close
the opening in the cistern and prevents any movement thereof until the said bolt
is withdrawn by the weight of a coin or token which, falling upon the end of a
balanced lever, depresses it, thus removing the bolt from its recess."
The sliding
valve may now be opened and water or the equivalent introduced into the cistern.
The gas tap is provided with a balanced lever, one end of which is connected to
a crank disposed immediately in the passage of the sliding valve above mentioned
which latter, upon being pulled open, depresses the crank and with it the lever
actuating the gas tap. thus shutting off the gas during the operation of filling the
cistern. The other extremity of the balanced lever last referred to, is provided
with a cup having a hole in the lower part, and is disposed immediately beneath
the discharge pipe of the cistern. The water in running from the discharge pipe
flows into the cup, the weight of which depresses the balanced lever and keeps the
gas tap open until the cistern is empty or the water turned off, when the lever,
being relieved of the weight of the water, closes the gas tap by means of a counter-
weight. Or I may employ two cisterns for containing the liquid, which cisterns,
in the normal position, are disposed, one above the other, in a vertical plane, and
are capable of being revolved. A perforated cup is adapted to the end of a lever
which actuates the gas tap for the reception of the liquid flowing from the top
cistern, the weight of which liquid keeps the lever depressed, and the tap open
until the flow of liquid ceases when the lever is released and the tap closed
by a counterweight. The liquid from the upper cistern is received into the lower
cistern, it is therefore obvious that the action of the apparatus can be reproduced
as desired by simply changing the relative positions of the cisterns, which can

page_text: only be done when the weight of a coin or token releases the mechanism which is
actuated to open the tap.
Instead of a movable cistern, I may fix the same horizontally and employ two
cups or receptacles disposed one at each end of a pivoted rod, and moved by hand
on being released by the weight of a coin. The cistern is filled with liquid, and
the gas tap is opened by turning a handle, in which operation the cup which is
submerged is raised, the duration of the supply of gas being determined by the
time occupied in the discharge of the liquid from the cup, the float within the
cup falling with the level of the liquid until it is empty, when the gas tap closes
and can only be opened again by the insertion of another coin or token.
I may also employ one cistern divided into two compartments and disposed
horizontally, having imparted to it an oscillatory motion, the difference of level in
the two compartments, as the liquid flows from one to the other, causing the gas
tap to be opened or closed by means of floats attached to the lever actuating the
said gas tap. The cistern is moved by hand when the mechanism is unlocked or
released by the weight of a coin.
The apparatus which I prefer to employ is illustrated in the accompanying sheet
of drawings in which
Figure 1 is a sectional elevational view of the device showing the disposition of
the various parts, and
Figure 2 is a side elevational view of same with the end of the case removed
and showing the axle, axle bearings and handles in section.
Figures 3 and 4 are longitudinal and transverse sections of a tube and spigot.
This apparatus consists of a tank A A¹ divided into two closed chambers by a
partition or diaphragm B, the upper chamber A¹ being partially filled with liquid.
At the lower extremity of the partition B is fixed a tube a, the ends of which,
extending beyond the sides of the tank, serve as pivots, which latter are mounted
upon the standards c, c', the outer end being furnished with a handle H to allow
of the position of the tank being altered. Within the tube a is fitted a rod or
elongated spigot b, the outer end being provided with a thumb nut 1, and the rear
end is connected with the gas delivery pipe d. The spigot is perforated at e to
correspond with perforations formed in the tube a shown more particularly at
Figures 3 and 4 Figure 3 being drawn on the line of one of the ports, to allow of
the turning on and off of the liquid, which latter, when the handle D is turned
"on," will flow from the upper to the lower chamber. The speed at which the
water flows is determined by the size of the holes in the tube a and spigot b.
When the water reaches the float E, the latter is raised, turning off the gas at that
point. A coin or token being dropped into the channel V through the aperture
in the case, falls against the catch G pressing it back, thus allowing the position of
the tank to be reversed by means of the handle H when the water will flow into
the chamber A¹ and cut off the gas on reaching and raising the float J. The gas
is connected to the apparatus at K by means of a flexible tube attached to a supply
pipe arranged between the points J and E when, by means of another length of
flexible tube, it is connected with the delivery gas pipe . L is a weight attached
to a tap N on the gas pipe d, and is shown resting upon a pin M, which opens the
tap N, but, during the operation of reversing the tank, the weight L will fall
vertically, cutting off the gas until it is again raised by the pin P at the moment.
of the tank being secured by the catch Q. At W, W are disposed pieces of
sponge or other suitable material to serve as filters and prevent the introduction
of grit or dirt entering and clogging the perforations in the tube and spigot b.
In employing my invention for controlling the supply of a current of electricity,
instead of the gas tubes, one of the conductors from the electric generator would
be substituted therefor. Said conductor would be connected to switches or commu-
tators arranged in place of the taps or cocks at the points E and J, a third switch
being disposed at N.
The main conductor is preferably connected to a fixed contact plate against
which rub alternately two contact points connected with the two switches at E

page_text: and J, by which arrangement only one of said switches would be in circuit at the
same time. According to the position of the tanks as shown, the electric current
would pass from the main conductor through the rubbing contacts, above referred
to, to the switch at E, and thence by way of the switch at N to the lamps, the
switch at J being out of circuit. When the position of the tanks is reversed,
the switch at E would be cut out of circuit and that at J brought into circuit.
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:-
First: The improved apparatus for enabling a supply of gas or other fluid or
a current of electricity to be obtained for a limited time on prepayment therefor
substantially as described in reference to the drawings.
Second: In combination with a tank divided into two chambers the employ-
ment of a perforated tube and perforated rod or spigot to form a passage between
the two chambers substantially as and for the purpose set forth and as shown in
Figures 3 and 4.
Third: The means employed for connecting the gas main with the gas
burners, and the turning on and off of same as described with reference to the
drawings.
Fourth-The adaptation to the gas delivery pipe d of an independent tap N
whereby the gas is turned on and off automatically during the reversal of the
position of the tank as set forth and shown in the accompanying drawings.
Fifth The employment of water or other liquid or free flowing medium as
the controlling or governing power as herein described with reference to the
drawings.
Dated this 30th day of Dombor 1904