Improvements in and connected with Recording Apparatus of Automatic Gas Meters and other Automatic or Coin-freed Apparatus.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 12th June, 1897
Complete Specification Left, 14th Mar., 1898-Accepted, 11th June, 1898
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and connected with Recording Apparatus of
Automatic Gas Meters and other Automatic or Coin-freed
Apparatus.
We, CHARLES Grantley BeecheY, of 24, Chapel Walks, City of 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 inven-
tion to be as follows:-
This invention has reference, mainly, to automatic gas meters, in which, upon
and by the insertion of a coin, the meter is or may be set, or so acted upon, as to
pass a given quantity of gas, corresponding with the value of each of the coins
introduced; that is, it is adapted to supply a quantity of gas equal in value to a
single coin, say a penny, when only one penny is introduced, or to supply a quantity
equal to the value of several pence, when a number of pennies are introduced. But,
it has also reference to other automatic apparatus, generally termed coin freed
apparatus, in connection with which the improvements hereafter described can
advantageously be employed.
The chief objects of the present invention are to provide in or in connection with
a gas meter of the kind referred to, a means or improvements by which an efficient
recording of the money introduced, or money worths of gas paid for, is effected,
and also a checking and recording of the collection, and of any and all access to or
action of the drawer or parts into which the coins are delivered, and from which they
are taken, is afforded. These objects will obtain also in whole or in part, to other
kinds of automatic apparatus to which the invention may be applied or used in
connection with.
According to this invention, there is combined in connection with an automatic
gas meter say a meter of the type known as prepayment meter-a recording
diagram chart or means, which is operated by the part moved when setting or
moving the meter on inserting a coin; and a pencil or marker adapted to mark the
chart and record the movement of this part and the insertion of coins. This
diagram chart is arranged to indicate the quantity of money introduced into the
apparatus, corresponding with the money worths of gas for which payment has been
made; and the apparatus is also so adapted, that it indicates, by a special marking,
each time the drawer into which the coins fall and are collected, is moved, or access
is had to the part in which the collection of the coins introduced takes place; so
that, whenever access to this part of the meter is had, the fact is recorded by a
special marking on the diagram chart, and preferably, upon the line indicating the
number of coins introduced, i.e. the money-worths of gas paid for. The apparatus
is also, preferably, so adapted that the money line is in the form of a continuous
line; so that by repeated revolutions of the diagram chart, the recording in each
revolution is clear of that in the former revolution.
The diagram chart consists of a rotating disc, with radial lines dividing the
recording surface into a number of divisions, say from one to twenty, each division,

page_text: in this case, representing one shilling; so that the whole would represent twenty
shillings; that is to say, in the movement from one division to another, twelve
pennies would have to be introduced, and the meter actuated as regards its automatic
parts, twelve times. These divisions will have figures suitably arranged in con-
nection with them in numerical order, from 1 to 20. This diagram chart is carried
upon a suitable metal or other carrier behind it; and will be, with the other parts
of the recording mechanism, enclosed in a suitable case on the meter; and the
case is, in some cases, adapted to be locked and sealed, so that it cannot be tampered
with. In some cases, the chart is arranged behind a glazed window, so that the
whole diagram is open to view of both the consumer and inspector. The marker-
which say
is a suitable pencil-bears upon the diagram chart by gravity or a
slight spring, and is mounted upon a carrier which is moved slowly,
by a screw, on which the carrier is mounted, radially across the face
of the chart; the screw referred to being operated from the same gear,
say, or part which operates, that is rotates, the chart carrier. By this construction,
the line drawn will be separate in each revolution, and will take the form of a
spiral, so that the convolutions do not interfere at all, one with the other, by
repeated revolutions of the diagram. Then in connection with the marker, there
is a means, such as connecting rods, or levers, or the like, operating in combination
with the drawer or cash receptacle referred to, so adapted, that whenever said
receptacle is opened, by the movement of the cash' drawer, door, or other part, the
pencil will have a special movement, and the fact that access has been obtained,
will be recorded by a distinctive mark upon the chart; therefore the chart will
shew, what the value of money in the drawer will have been, each time access has
been had to it, either by the collector or others, for the whole period on which the
diagram chart has been employed on the meter. By these means the whole
diagram and record constitutes a permanent record for checking purposes in itself
and in connection with the gas meter index, by the suppliers of gas; and also,
when the chart is under a glazed window, it is open to view in the meter, and all
that is going on in connection with the cash features in the meter can be seen.
The diagrams may be used continuously for any length of time, which may be
shorter or longer, as may be deemed preferable.
When the apparatus is applied and used in connection with other kinds of
automatic or coin freed apparatus, either all, or some of the characteristics specified,
regarding its action, arrangement, and purposes, may be utilized, accordingly as
they are useful and desirable.
In a modified form of recording apparatus operating according to the manner
herein set forth, in lieu of the diagram and its carrier being of disc form, the
diagram and carrier may be arranged in cylindrical form; but for most purposes
the first above described is preferable.
Dated this 11th day of Tuno 1807
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and connected with recording Apparatus of 4
Automatic Gas Meters and other Automatic or Coin-freed
Apparatus.
We, CHARLES GRANTLEY BEECHEY, of 24, Chapel Walks, City of Liverpool, in
the County of Lancaster, Engineer, and ALBERT TOMLINSON WRIGHT, of 17, Water

page_text: Street, Liverpool, aforesaid, solicitor, do hereby declare the nature of this inven-
tion 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, mainly, to automatic gas meters, in which, upon
and by the insertion of a coin, the meter is or may be set, or so acted upon, as to
pass a given quantity of gas, corresponding with the value of each of the coins
introduced; that is, it is adapted to supply a quantity of gas equal in value to a
single coin, say a penny, when only one penny is introduced, or to supply a quantity
equal to the value of several pence, when a number of pennies are introduced. But,
it has also reference to either automatic apparatus, generally termed coin freed
apparatus, in connection with which the improvements hereafter described can
advantageously be employed.
The chief objects of the present invention are to provide in or in connection with
a gas meter of the kind referred to, a means, or improvements by which an efficient
recording of the money introduced, or moneyworths of gas paid for, is effected,
and also a checking and recording of the collection, and of any and all access to or
action of the drawer or parts into which the coins are delivered, and from which they
are taken, is afforded. These objects will obtain also in whole or in part, to other
kinds of automatic apparatus to which the invention may be applied or used in
connection with.
According to this invention, there is combined in connection with an automatic
gas meter say a meter of the type known as prepayment meter-a recording
diagram chart or means, which is operated by the part moved when setting or
moving the meter on inserting a coin; and a pencil or marker adapted to mark the
chart and record the movement of this part and the insertion of coins. This
diagram chart is arranged to indicate the quantity of money introduced into the
apparatus, corresponding with the money worths of gas for which payment has been
made; and the apparatus is also so adapted, that it indicates, by a special marking,
each time the drawer into which the coins fall and are collected, is moved, or access
is had to the part in which the collection of the coins introduced takes place; so
that, whenever access to this part of the meter is had, the fact is recorded by a
special marking on the diagram chart, and preferably, upon the line indicating the
number of coins introduced, i.e. the money-worths of gas paid for. The apparatus
is also so adapted, that the money line is in the form of a continuous
line; so that by repeated revolutions of the diagram chart, the recording in each
revolution is clear of that in the former revolution.
The diagram chart consists of a rotating disc, with radial lines dividing the
recording surface into a number of divisions, say from one to twenty, each division,
in this case, representing one shilling; so that the whole would represent twenty
shillings; that is to say, in the movement from one division to another, twelve
pennies would have to be introduced, and the meter actuated as regards its automatic
parts, twelve times. These divisions will have figures suitably arranged in con-
nection with them in numerical order, from 1 to 20. This diagram chart is carried
upon a suitable metal or other carrier behind it; and will be, with the other parts
of the recording mechanism, enclosed in a suitable case on the meter; and the
case is, in some cases, adapted to be locked and sealed, so that it cannot be tampered
with. In same cases, the chart is arranged behind a glazed window, so that the
whole diagram is open to view of both the consumer and inspector. The marker―
which say, is a suitable pencil-bears upon the diagram chart by gravity or a slight
spring, and is mounted upon a carrier which is moved slowly, by a screw, radially
across the face of the chart, the screw referred to being operated from the same gear,
say, or part which operates, that is rotates, the chart carrier. By this construction,
the line drawn will be separate in each revolution, and will take the form of a
spiral, so that the convolutions do not interfere at all, one with the other, by
repeated revolutions of the diagram. Then in connection with the marker, there
is a means, such as connecting rods, or levers, or the like, operating in combination

page_text: with the drawer or cash receptacle referred to, so adapted, that whenever said
receptacle is opened, by the movement of the cash drawer, door, or other part, the
pencil will have a special movement, and the fact that access has been obtained,
will be recorded by a distinctive mark upon the chart; therefore the chart will
shew, what the value of money in the drawer will have been, each time access has
been had to it, either by the collector or others, for the whole period on which the
diagram chart has been employed on the meter. By these means, the whole
diagram and record constitutes a permanent record for checking purposes in itself
and in connection with the gas meter index, by the suppliers of gas; and also,
when the chart is under a glazed window, it is open to view in the meter, and all
that is going on in connection with the cash features in the meter can be seen.
The diagram may be used continuously for any length of time, which may be
shorter or longer, as may be deemed preferable.
When the apparatus is applied and used in connection with other kinds of
automatic or coin freed apparatus, either all, or some of the characteristics specified,
regarding its action, arrangement, and purposes, may be utilized, accordingly as
they are useful and desirable.
In the drawings accompanying this Specification, a meter having a recording
mechanism as more specifically described above, is shewn. In these figures, 1 is a
front elevation, partly in section; and 2 is a side elevation, partly in section;
while Figure 3 is a front view, to a larger scale, of a diagram chart.
The meter, to which the apparatus is shewn applied, may be taken to represent
one of the "dry" kinds, having in connection with it an automatic or coin freed
mechanism, in which, upon the insertion of a penny or the like, a handle may be
turned and the meter set or operated, so that it will supply a quantity of gas, of
the value of coins introduced; and when such gas is passed through the meter, it
will become automatically stopped or locked and no more gas can pass until
further coins are introduced into it. In the drawing, a represents the coin slot or
tube, at which the coins are introduced, 6 is the handle by which the automatic
mechanism is operated, and through which the meter can be set. And c is a shaft
on which the actuating handle b is mounted, and through which the parts (which
may be of any known suitable kind) which receive and pass the coin into the cash
drawer or receptacle, is operated. It is from and in connection with this shaft,
that the moving parts of the registering and recording mechanism, according to
this invention, are adapted to be moved. In this mechanism, d is a diagram chart,
which is in the form of a disc; and it is carried upon a revolving carrier disc e;
and this disc e is rotated, from the shaft c through a train of tooth wheels f, to
reduce, appropriately, the rate of movement of the disc e; a shaft g driven by this
train; and a worm h on the shaft g, meshing with and driving a worm wheel j,
connected with the disc e, which it rotates; this shaft g, and substantially all the
recording mechanism, being mounted upon a base plate g¹, fixed upon the meter
body. Through this gearing, it will be seen, the disc e, and its chart, will be
rotated and operated, each and every time the shaft c (which is freed when a coin is
inserted, and at other times locked) is operated. Consequently, by means of the
marker, it will mark and indicate every penny that has been introduced into the
apparatus, whether the gas, for which they constitute prepayment, has, or has not,
been consumed; or, in other words, it is a register or record, shewing the actions
performed by the user of the apparatus, that is the consumer.
To obtain an extended record on the diaphragm, say a record of several pounds
worth of coins introduced, the marker, which marks the chart, is moved radially
across it, while the chart itself moves past the pencil or marker. The marker arm,
which is a spring arm, is designated k, and is mounted upon a sleeve or collar ¹,
which is provided internally with a screw thread, and is supported upon, and moves
bodily along a worm 7, supported by the shaft, this shaft being driven from the
shaft by a worm m, and a worm wheel n on 11. The sleeve or collar ¹, has also
a partial revolving movement about the worm 7, as hereafter described.
The result of arranging the marker in this manner is, that as the disc e revolves

page_text: under the marker point on the end of k, the chart becomes marked; and when e is
rotated, the worm e will also be rotated through the gearing m, n, and the marker
arm k will be moved out from the centre towards the periphery of the chart. Thus
the marking effected by the marker will be a scroll or spiral.
The marker will be pressed up to, and kept in contact with the surface of the
chart by a spring (left out of the drawings to avoid confusion) adapted to act on
the underside of the arm 2, provided on the boss of the sleeve on the opposite
side to k.
In addition to this record, the mechanism constitutes a check and record on the
movement of the cash drawer or till; into which the coins, introduced into the meter,
are passed and paid by the mechanism operated by the handle d. The separate or
additional marking, is effected every time the cash drawer, which is designated o,
is opened by the collector, or-wrongfully-by anyone else; and this is effected
through the bell crank lever p, mounted above the drawer o; a pin or projection o¹,
normally behind the vertical arm of p; a sliding bar q, having a hinged catch or
pawl on its end, normally above or outside the arm ; and a cord connection r,
connecting the lever P, with the bar I. This cord passes over a pulley r¹, and is
attached at its upper end to a pin q, on the bar q. In action, when the drawer o
is pulled out by the collector, in collecting the money from the apparatus, the pin o¹
acts on the lever 2, and pulls its horizontal arm down, thereby pulling down the
cord r, and drawing in the bar q, and its hinged pawl q'; which, being incapable
of moving outwards, beyond its normal position, will draw with it the arm 3, and
so raise the marker on the arm k off the chart; and when the pawl has moved the
arm a certain distance, it will leave it; whereupon the arm and the marker will
suddenly return by the spring referred to, acting upon it, and will mark the chart,
preferably puncturing it by the sharp point of the marker; a rubber or like disc
being provided under the paper chart d to enable the puncture to be effectively
performed. This marking will be made upon the spiral line or scroll being marked,
at the termination of that line, at the moment of opening the drawer o.
In pulling out the drawer o, the pin of will have slipped past the end of the
lever ; and the pin will be placed behind the lever p, when the drawer o is
pushed back again, in the same manner as it slipped past in the former action;
while the pawl q', will slip past and get outside the arm k², in its return action
(which will be effected by a spring) by so arranging it on the bar that it can move
inwards about the hinge, and when clear of the arm, will be pressed out by the
said spring into its normal position.
The chart d is marked with a spiral line, corresponding with the mark of the
marker, and with radial lines, dividing it into sectors, each of which will represent
twelve pennies; and if there be twenty sectors, each complete revolution will be
effected by 240 coins introduced into the meter, and will represent the receipt and
payment of the sum.
It will now be seen that the markings will indicate and record the exact number
of pennies introduced into the apparatus, and the times actuating lever is operated;
and also when, and the exact number of times the drawer is opened; it may,
however, be adapted to indicate the pennyworths of gas paid for, and actually con-
sumed.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this invention,
and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we claim
is:
1. A coin freed or automatic meter, or like apparatus, in which the coins, as
introduced, are passed and paid into the coin drawer or receptacle, wherein the
introduction, and number of coins is registered and recorded by a marker, as and
when introduced, and also the movement of the cash drawer is recorded by and upon
a rotary or revolving diagram chart, moved by or through the mechanism by which
the coins are paid or passed into the cash drawer or receptacle, and by the opening
or movement of such cash drawer or receptacle; substantially as set forth.

page_text: 2. In a coin freed or automatic meter, or like apparatus, a disc diagram chart,
revolved by a part of the automatic mechanism, and a marker for marking said
chart, moved in a radial line across the diagram chart, by a part of said automatic
mechanism; substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
3. In a meter, or like apparatus, of the kind herein referred to, a disc diagram
chart and revolving disc e, revolved by the coin moving or controlling device, and
marking device k having a longitudinal movement; operated and arranged substan-
tially as set forth with reference to, and shewn in the drawings.
worm,
said
4. In a meter, or like apparatus, of the kind herein referred to, the combination
of the diagram revolving disc e, revolving worm 7, and marking device, having a
longitudinal movement upon, and revolving movement about said
revolving movement being effected by and from the cash drawer or receptacle
through intermediate connecting mechanism; as set forth with reference to and
shewn in the drawings, for the purposes specified.
5. The registering and recording mechanism of a meter, or apparatus of the kind
referred to, having parts arranged, constructed, and adapted to operate, particularly
as set forth with reference to and shewn in the drawings.
Data h 10th day of March 1808
CHEESBROUGH & ROYSTON,
Applicants Patent Agents, 15, Water Street, Liverpool.
CHEESBROUGH & ROYSTON,
Applicants Patent Agents, 15, Water Street, Liverpool.