Improvements in Coin Freed or Actuated Gas or similar Meters.
Year: 1898

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION,
Improvements in Coin Freed or Actuated Gas or similar Meters.
We, CHARLES GRANTLEY BEECHEY, of 17, Juniper Street, Bank Hall, Liverpool,
in the County of Lancaster, Engineer, and ALBERT TOMLINSON WRIGHT, of 17.
Water Street, Liverpool aforesaid, Solicitor, do hereby declare the nature of
this invention to be as follows:-
This invention has reference to that class of gas meters which, by inserting a
coin into the coin carrier, and rotating it, a mechanism will be actuated which
sets the meter to supply a quantity of gas, of the value of the coin introduced;
and when the gas so paid for has been consumed, the movement of the meter in
passing the gas will work back certain parts and shut off the gas and lock the
meter.
According to this invention, the mechanism is so arranged and adapted, that
it can be operated, and the meter set to supply gas by the introduction of either
pennies or halfpence, that is, for coins of a given metal having different sizes
and values. For instance. if a halfpenny be introduced, the mechanism will
be set so that the meter will supply a halfpenny worth of gas; and when a penny
is introduced, it will supply a penny worth.
The carrier is in the form of a small cylinder with a transverse slot or chamber,
parallel with and say through-the axis, into which slot coins fall or move
when introduced at the entrance slot of the meter. The coin rests, when first
introduced, on a suitable support; and when the carrier is rotated, it is forced
inwards or displaced in the slot of the carrier by an inclined bar or bars. so
disposed in relation to the carrier that as it revolves, the back edge of the coin
will bear on the displacer bar or bars, and it will be forced forwards out of the
slot on the opposite side. Hence, if there be any sticky matter on the coin, it
will not stick in the slot, as it is positively pressed out. As this coin is pressed
through the slot of the carrier, its projection on the opposite side increases, and
at this edge it acts upon a tappet, preferably in the form of a wheel, on a lever
or arm, (whose return action is effected by a weight or spring) and having a pawl
or the like engaging with a tooth wheel, constituting the primary actuated or
setting wheel of the mechanism. Connected with, or on this toothed wheel-whose
plane say, is vertical, and its axis parallel with that of the carrier-there is an
inclined projection working in connection with a pin or arm on a shaft concentric
with the axis of this wheel, and by which the shaft is given longitudinal move-
ment in either direction. And through it, by suitable levers or connections the
gas governing valve is opened when the apparatus is used after having been
stopped by all the gas paid for having been consumed: and the slot closed when
the full complement of coins which the mechanism is adapted to receive, has been
introduced. For instance when the latter condition prevails, the spindle will he
pulled or pressed outwards, at which time the pin will bear on an outer incline.
While the coins are being introduced, and the valve is open, there would be no
movement of the shaft: and when the gas paid for is all consumed, the coin passes
into an inclined slot. When the meter begins to pass gas by it being consumed
at the burner, the pin of the spindle leaves the inclined part on the setting wheel

page_text: (or a flange thereon) and when all the gas paid for is consumed, the pin enters
the inclined slot in the wheel, which acts on the spindle pin, forces and moves the
shaft longitudinally, and closes the valve.
The teeth of the primary setting wheel are so proportioned, and the diameter
of the coin carrier and parts connected with it, are so proportioned, that the
amount of coin, in the case of a half-penny, projecting from the carrier slot will
move the main setting wheel one tooth's distance, whilst the amount projecting
in the case of a penny will move it twice this amount, and move the wheel the
distance of two teeth.
In front of the setting wheel, there is a dial and stationary pointer, the dial
revolving with the wheel, and passing the pointer. The dial shews, or is marked
to shew and indicate, the number of penny-worth's of gas paid for and uncon-
sumed which exist at any moment.
The spindle having the travelling pin and longitudinal movement referred to,
is revolved by the meter in passing gas through a suitable train of toothed wheels
with price change gear therein, the toothed wheel on the spindle being loose, but
working the spindle by a dog or carrier on the wheel, acting on a pin on the axle,
and so arranged as to allow of longitudinal movement of the spindle.
When all the gas paid for has been consumed, the pin or projection on the
shaft, working in connection with the primary setting wheel, will come in con-
tact first with the outward inclined part on the projection first referred to, which
will cause the shaft to move longitudinally, and close the gas valve.
The slot closing lever, in one case, as well as a lever for operating the gas valve,
are moved by a small disc or wheel which works through the forked ends of these
levers. Then when the gas valve is shut by its lever, the slot will be open; and
the opening is effected by its lever when gas is used after the complement of coins
has been introduced.
A ratchet wheel and pawl are provided on the coin carrier to prevent the carrier
being turned backwards; and the said ratchet wheel is also provided with special
gaps or recesses at two points, to hold the carrier, so that its slot is coincident
with the main coin slot or tube. There is also provided a projection in the path
of the coin, which the coin would come up against, so long as it is not discharged
from the carrier; and it prevents a second actuation of the mechanism by the
same coin.
There is provided in connection with the pawl and primary setting tooth wheel,
a pawl locking device, consisting, say, of a projection on the frame of the appara-
tus under which the end of the pawl comes when at the outer end of its stroke.
By this means, the pawl cannot be jerked out of contact with the wheel by sudden
movement, and so the wheel is locked at the end of the normal movement by its
own pawl.
A further characteristic under this invention is the employment of a spring
in connection with the primary setting wheel, actuated through the hand operated
part, and which is coiled up and put under strain or stress when actuating the
meter, while it is adapted to assist the meter when passing gas, so that the auto-
matic mechanism does not put any extra work on the meter. Or, the spring may
be of such a strength as to assist in driving the meter, so as to increase the pres-
sure of gas supplied through it.
In one case, one end of a coil or bent spring would be connected with the setting
wheel actuated by the hand, and the other with a shaft or part driven by the
meter, so that when the spring is put under tension or stress, at one end, this
stress or tension is transmitted through the other end to the part of the mechan-
ism driven by the meter.
Dated thin oond day of Dannushan 1000

page_text: Improvements in Com Freed of Actuated as Of Dimal
We, CHARLES GRANTLEY BEECHEY, of 17, Juniper Street, Bank Hall, Liverpool,
in the County of Lancaster, Engineer, and ALBERT TOMLINSON WRIGHT, of 17,
Water Street, Liverpool aforesaid, Solicitor, 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 has reference to that class of gas meters which, by inserting a
coin into the coin carrier, and rotating it, a mechanism will be actuated which
sets the meter to supply a quantity of gas, of the value of the coin introduced;
and when the gas, so paid for, has been consumed, the movement of the meter
in passing the gas will work back certain parts and shut off the gas, and lock the
meter.
According to this invention, the mechanism is so arranged and adapted, that
it can be operated, and the meter set to supply gas by the introduction of either
pennies or halfpence, that is, for coin of a given metal having different sizes and
values. For instance, if a halfpenny is introduced, the mechanism will be set so
that the meter will supply a halfpenny worth of gas; and when a penny is
introduced, it will supply a penny worth.
The carrier is in the form of a small cylinder with a transverse slot or chamber,
parallel with and say through-the axis, into which slot coins fall or move when
introduced at the entrance slot of the meter. The coin rests, when first introduced,
on a suitable support; and when the carrier is rotated, it is forced inwards or dis-
placed in the slot of the carrier by an inclined bar or bars, so disposed in relation
to the carrier that as it revolves, the back edge of the coin will bear on the dis-
placer bar or bars, and it will be forced forwards out of the slot on the opposite
side. Hence, if there be any sticky matter on the coin, it will not stick in the
slot, as it is positively pressed out. As this coin is pressed through the slot of the
carrier, its projection on the opposite side increases, and at the edge it acts upon a
tappet on a lever or arm, (whose return action is effected by a weight or spring)
and having a pawl or the like engaging with a tooth wheel, constituting the
primary actuated or setting wheel of the mechanism. Connected with this
toothed wheel--whose plane, say, is vertical and its axis parallel with that of the
carrier-there is an inclined projecting device working in connection with a pin
on this wheel, and by which the shaft is given longitudinal movement in either
direction. And through it, by suitable levers or connections, the gas governing
valve is opened when the apparatus is used, after having been stopped by all
the gas paid for having been consumed; and the slot is closed when the full com-
plement of coins which the mechanism is adapted to receive, has been introduced.
For instance, when the latter condition prevails, the spindle will be pulled or
pressed outwards.
The teeth of the primary setting wheel are so proportioned, and the diameter
of the coin carrier and parts connected with it, are so proportioned, that the
amount of coin, in the case of a half-penny, projecting from the carrier slot will
move the main setting wheel one tooth's distance; whilst the amount projecting
in the case of a penny will move it twice this amount, and move the wheel the
distance of two teeth.
In front of the setting wheel, there is a dial and stationary pointer, the dial
revolving with the wheel, and passing the pointer. The dial shews, or is marked
to shew and indicate, the number of penny-worth's of gas paid for and consumed
which exist, at any moment.

page_text: The spindle which is operated by the travelling pin, and having longitudinal
movement referred to, is revolved by the meter in passing gas, through a suitabie
train of toothed wheels, with price change gear therein, the toothed wheel on the
spindle being loose, but working the spindle by a carrier on the wheel, acting on
the said spindle, and so arranged as to allow of this longitudinal movement.
When all the gas paid for has been consumed, the pin or projection working
in connection with the primary setting wheel, will cause the shaft to move longi-
tudinally, and close the gas valve.
The slot closing lever, in one case, as well as a lever for operating the gas valve,
are moved by a small disc or wheel which works through the forked ends of these
levers. Then when the gas valve is shut by its lever, the slot will be open; and
the opening is effected by its lever when gas is used after the complement of coins
has been introduced.
A ratchet wheel and pawl are provided on the coin carrier to prevent the carrier
being turned backwards. There is also provided a projection in the path of the
coin which the coin would come up against, so long as it is not discharged from
the carrier; and it prevents a second actuation of the mechanism by the same coin.
There is provided in connection with the pawl and primary setting tooth wheel,
a pawl locking device, consisting, say, of a projection on the frame of the appara-
tus, under which the end of the pawl comes when at the outer end of its stroke.
By this means, the pawl cannot be jerked out of contact with the wheel by
sudden movement, and so the wheel is locked at the end of the normal movement
by its own pawl.
A further characteristic under this invention is the employment of a spring
in connection with the primary setting wheel, actuated through the hand operated
part, and which is coiled up and put under strain or stress when actuating the
meter, while it is adapted to assist the meter when passing gas, so that the auto-
matic mechanism does not put any extra work on the meter. Or, the spring may
be of such a strength as to assist in driving the meter, so as to increase the pres-
sure of gas supplied through it.
In one case, one end of a coil or bent spring would be connected with the setting
wheel actuated by the hand, and the other with a shaft or part driven by the
meter, so that when the spring is put under tension or stress, at one end, this
stress extension is transmitted through the other end to the part of the mechan-
ism driven by the meter.
The drawings hereto annexed illustrate the invention, the nature of which
is above described, applied to a gas meter. In these drawings, Figure 1 is a
sectional front elevation, Figure 2 is a side elevation, and Figure 3 is a plan of
the apparatus. Figure 4 is an outside view shewing a part of the reverse side
to that shewn in Figure 1. Figure 5 is a face view of the dial or indicator, shew-
ing the pennyworths and half-pennyworths of gas unconsumed, and for which pre-
payment has been made.
The mechanism illustrated can be placed anywhere that may be suitable in
connection with the meter it is used on; and which, necessarily, in different
applications will vary as to position and relative arrangement of parts.
Referring to the drawings, a is the carrier in the form of a small cylinder,
mounted by the spindle a at either end in the frame plates b, and having a
slot a through it, into and through which the coins introduced in to the meter
pass. c is a slot or opening through the entrance piece e¹, into which the coins
are placed when introducing them into the mechanism. d is a bar, called the
displacer bar, for moving the coin--designated in the drawing-when turned
in its carrier. e is a lever or arm, the free end of which is disposed near the
carrier barrel a, the other end being mounted on a fulcrum el. is a counter
balance weight on the arm fulcrum e', for bringing the arm e to its normal posi-
tion, namely, up against the carrier a, as shewn in the drawings; and e³ is a pawl
one for actuating the ratchet wheel for setting the meter. This ratchet wheel

page_text: is designated f, and is mounted and revolves in the outer frame plate b, and has
attached to its outer end the dial g.
The action of this portion of the mechanism is as follows:-
-
When a coin is introduced through the slot c, into the carrier a, (whose posi-
tion normally is that shewn, and is maintained by a spring and stop-pin a³¹y
this coin falls through the slot in a, and rests on the lower end of the bar d.
Then the barrel carrier a is revolved by the user from outside by a suitable
handle the effect of which is that the lower end of the coin is pressed by the
bar and is displaced from its position, and moves through the carrier slot and
acts on the upper part or head of the arm e, pressing it away from the carrier.
This bar is so shaped-as may be seen by the drawing-and the carrier a and
the arm head e are so disposed in relation to each other, that when the carrier
has revolved about a quarter of a revolution, the coin will have been forced
through it, or displaced to the limit of the stroke, or the amount it is desired,
and the arm e will have been moved a maximum amount. This amount, in the
case of a penny being introduced, will be such as will move the ratchet wheel f
the distance equivalent to the pitch of two of its teeth; and this will move the
dial past the pointer (hereafter referred to) a distance equivalent to one division,
representing one pennyworth of gas. That is, for the movement of this cam
wheel this amount, the meter will have been set to supply a pennyworth of gas.
If, on the other hand, the coin be a half-penny, then, by the action referred to,
the arm e will be only moved half the amount of that effected by a penny; and
hence the wheel f is only moved a distance equal to the pitch of one tooth from
another and this will move the dial half a unit, representing a half pennyworth.
Consequently it will be seen that each movement of the wheel for an amount
of a revolution equal to the pitch of its teeth represents the prepayment of a half
penny, and the setting of the meter to supply a half-pennyworth of gas.
When the carrier a has revolved nearly half a revolution, the coin comes free
of the arm e, and will fall out of the carrier into a suitable receptacle below,
namely, a till or cash-box. And when once a coin has been introduced and
partially rotated, the carrier a cannot be turned back until a complete and proper
stroke has been made, and the coin has fallen into the cash receptacle. This is
effected by employing a circular rack wheel h on the spindle at of the carrier,
and by a pawl h, with a weight at the outer end, the weight normally pressing
the pawl towards the rack; and the action is that when the rack his turned-
which is done when the carrier is actuated-the pawl engages with the teeth
of h, and prevents its return. This pawl, however, is kept out of contact with /
when the arm e is in its normal position of rest, by a pin et, which presses on a
pin on the horn on the pawl ¹, but when the arm e is moved away, the pin
is free, and the weight h² moves the pawl into engagement with h. Therefore,
after a prepayment action, the return of the arm e by its weight e moves the
pawl away from h, and so allows the spring to revolve the carrier a back
again to its normal position, thereby bringing the pin up against the stop
piece c¹.
The mechanism affected by the action of these parts, and that operated by the
meter in passing gas, will be now described. This mechanism comprises a tooth
wheel, the spindle or axle of which is mounted in the boss or hub f¹ of the
wheel f an arm or tappet j fixed on a spindle j¹, carried on the wheel i by
brackets a spindle connected with the gas valve; and an arm 7, also fixed
on the spindle, and. engaging with the spindle k, by its end, which fits and
works in a slot therein. The tappet works through an opening
in the wheel i, as shewn, and acts in conjunction with a pin m
carried from the ratchet wheel f by a bracket m¹ and the shaft k
is carried at one end. loosely in the hub of the wheel i, the other end being at-
tached to a lever n which operates the gas supply valve which is controlled by
the mechanism. This valve is designated o, and is shewn open in the drawing.

page_text: The spindle of the wheel is carried through the dial g, and at its outer end
is furnished with a pointer p, which works in connection with the dial g.
The action of these parts is this:-Assuming the indicator on the dial to be at
zero, and no gas has been paid for by the introduction of a coin, the tappet j will
be at one end of its stroke, and pressed up against the metal at the left hand end
of the slot ; and in this position the arm will be at the inner end of its stroke,
and have moved the shaft k towards the wheel i, so closing the gas valve o. In
this position, obviously, no gas can pass. Then when a coin is
introduced, and the ratchet wheel f is moved in the manner above
referred to, the movement of this wheel will take the pin m away from the left
hand arm of the tappet j; the result of which is that the spring o', or the pres-
sure of gas, will act upon the valve o, pulling the shaft longitudinally, and mov-
ing the arm (by the metal at the end of its slot), and so, through the spindle j',
moving the arm j; that is, this arm will follow the pin m as it moves away from
it. When the valve has been completely opened, the tappet j will not move fur-
ther. However, if the spring o could not remove the tappet, the pin m itself
would come in contact with the right hand arm of the tappet, and move it into
the position stated, and open the gas valve.
I
By this movement of the wheel f, the dial g, which is connected with it, will
be moved; and so the dial or indicating means will indicate the amount of gas
paid for. If further coins-pennies or half-pennies-are introduced at this time,
the wheel is revolved, and the pin m will revolve with it, until the latter has
made a complete revolution; viz., the wheel f has received movements equiva-
lent to the pitches of its 24 teeth. When the pin m has nearly completed this
revolution, it acts upon the back of the tappet j, and moves it still further; and
so through the arm 7 displaces the shaft longitudinally, further. But, in so
doing, flange on the shaft & comes up against the jaw of the bell crank
lever r, and moves this lever over, and the opposite end of this bell crank lever
being entered through the piece c, moves it across the slot c and closes the slot,
so that no more coins can be introduced into the apparatus. This bell crank
lever, being normally kept in position by a spring t, which is carried from
the frame b, by the bracket t, it will be seen that when the tappet leaves the
pin m (which it does when the meter supplies gas), this spring will, through the
lever r, press the shaft back into the normal position; that is, the position
when the slot is open, as shewn in the drawing.
In the action of passing gas, for which pre-payment has been made the wheel i
is moved by a tooth wheels, and suitable gearing driven by the meter say from
the counting mechanism thereof; and it is moved in the same direction as the
ratchet wheel f. And, as the tappet j and arm 1, and their spindle j₁ are carried
by this wheel, they move with it bodily; and, therefore, follow the pin m
which had been moved away from in the prior action of the coin operating
mechanism; and this will revolve also the part of the shaft with which the
arm is engaged, a suitable loose joint being provided at to allow of this. As
gas is thus consumed, the instant the wheel begins to move, the indicator p
which is connected with it, will move over the dial g in the opposite direction to
that in which the dial is numbered towards zero. Then when practically all the
gas paid for has been consumed, the left hand arm of the tappet will come in
contact with the pin m (which will then be stationary) and so this tappet will be
moved about its hinge, and it will be held, and as the wheel i revolves further,
it will cause the shaft through the arm to be moved inwards and close the gas
valve. Assuming that the meter still passed gas, the mechanism would not be
broken, as the wheel would carry the tappet on and force the wheel f round.
In the application of the invention to different purposes, as for instance to
electricity, the apparatus will be modified to suit the modified conditions of
application, and therefore, the invention is not restricted to the parts particu-
larly as shewn and specified. It is also to be stated that as regards the parts by

page_text: which motion between the ratchet wheel f and the shaft k is effected, this con-
stitutes no part, per se, of the present invention.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what
we claim is: -
1. A coin freed or actuated meter adapted to be worked substantially as set
forth, by or through the introduction or the prepayment of pennies, and half-
pennies or the like, by the different sizes of these coins; for the purposes
specified.
2. In a prepayment or coin freed or actuated meter operated by pennies or
half-pennies or the like, the employment in connection with the coin carrier
and mover, of means by which the position of the coins in the said carrier is
changed or displaced when operated, and by the varying displacement of either
pennies or half-pennies introduced the mechanism will be actuated and set to
supply or pass a quantity of fluid or current of the value of one or the other;
substantially as set forth.
3. In a pre-payment or coin freed actuated meter, the combination with the coin
carrier a, and ratchet wheel f, and indicator, of means for displacing and pro-
jecting the coins through the carrier by acting on one edge thereof; and an arm,
lever, or equivalent device, for operating said ratchet wheel, arranged and
adapted to be actuated by the part of the coins moved through the said carrier;
substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
4. A meter mechanism having parts constructed and adapted to operate par-
ticularly as set forth and shewn in the drawings.
Dated this 21st day of October 1899
CHEESBROUGH & ROYSTON,
Applicant's Patent Agents, 15, Water Street, Liverpool.