Improvements in and relating to Apparatus for the Supply or Delivery of Fluids in Exchange for Coins Inserted therein.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 6th Oct., 1893
Complete Specification Left, 29th Nov., 1893-Accepted, 20th Jan., 1894
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Apparatus for the Supply or
Delivery of Fluids in Exchange for Coins Inserted therein.
I, WALTER STAPLES, of 109 Lavender Road, Clapham Junction, in the County
of Surrey, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:
My invention relates to apparatus for the supply or delivery of fluids in
exchange for coins inserted in the said apparatus, and is chiefly designed to
improve the construction and increase the efficiency of apparatus, such as that
described in the Specifications of my former Letters Patent No. 10,381 of 1888
and No. 14,372 of 1892, for the supply or delivery of gas to consumers in
predetermined quantities on prepayment therefor.
My said invention comprises improved means for adjusting the apparatus so
that the quantity of gas delivered through the meter in exchange for each coin
can be readily varied by an inspector or other authorized person when necessary,
as, for instance, when any change takes place in the ruling price of gas.
Another important feature of my present invention is the provision of suitable
means whereby the quantity of gas which will be delivered in exchange for each
coin inserted, can be ascertained or checked by an inspector or other authorized
person, without the necessity of putting the meter-mechanism in action for this
purpose. By these means, the adjustment of the apparatus, as above mentioned,
to vary the quantity of gas delivered in exchange for each coin, can be very
accurately determined.
My said invention also comprises the provision of suitable means whereby the
opening of the valve which controls the flow of gas through the meter and the
simultaneous disengagement of the valve-operating lever from the notched disc
hereinafter mentioned, will be effected before the coin commences to operate or
adjust the quantity-mechanism; also improved means for preventing the with-
drawal of a coin after the same has once been inserted and the external operating
lever turned as hereinafter mentioned.
My said invention further comprises improvements in the quantity-mechanism
and in the means for operating or adjusting the said mechanism through the
medium of a coin inserted into the apparatus; and it also comprises other
improvements hereinafter mentioned.
In my improved apparatus, I find it advantageous to employ a rotary slotted
cylinder or cylindrical coin-pocket adapted to receive the coin from a suitable
coin-chute. To prevent the withdrawal of a coin after the same has dropped into
the coin-pocket and the latter has been turned through such an angle as to move
the coin from beneath the coin-chute, I provide a ratchet-wheel and one or more
pawls in connection with the said slotted cylinder or coin-pocket, so that the said
cylinder or coin-pocket must always be rotated in the same direction, that is to
say, it can only be turned in the required direction to operate or adjust the
quantity-mechanism through the medium of the coin, and, after the said coin has
dropped into a suitable receptacle provided in the apparatus, the said cylinder
must be further rotated in the same direction, instead of being turned back as
heretofore. To prevent injury to the ratchet-wheel and pawl or pawls by the
forcible turning of the handle in the reverse direction, I sometimes screw the said
handle upon the axle or trunnion of the cylinder in such a manner that the said
handle will be unscrewed when turned in the wrong direction.
My improved quantity-mechanism is arranged in combination with a suitable

page_text: valve for controlling the flow of gas through the meter; this valve may be a
slide-valve such as is described in my said former Specification No. 14,372; 1
prefer, however, to use a drop valve; I connect the said valve to a pivoted lever,
the movement of which is controlled by a notched disc arranged to be turned in
one direction by the operating handle through the medium of a coin, and in the
reverse direction by the meter-mechanism through suitable gearing. The said
pivoted lever rests upon a second pivoted lever provided with a pin or projection
adapted to rest either on the periphery or in the notch of the said disc.
arm which
In order to lift the pin or projection on the second lever out of the notch, and
open the valve, before the coin commences to operate the quantity-mechanism, I
provide on a stop-lever such as is described in my said former Specification
No. 14,372 for arresting the motion of the meter-mechanism, an
extends upward to the underside of the second pivoted lever, and which lifts
the two pivoted levers when the operating handle is turned, thereby opening the
drop or other valve and disengaging the said pin or projection from the notch in
the disc. By this means, I ensure the delivery of the full quantity of gas for
every coin inserted in the apparatus, as the said arm and notch can be so formed
that the valve will be closed when, but not until, the full quantity of gas has been
delivered in exchange for the last coin inserted in the apparatus.
The said valve is closed by the notched disc being turned back to its original
position by the action of one or more tappets formed on or attached to the worm-
wheel shaft of the meter-mechanism substantially as described in my said former
Specification No. 14,372; the pin or projection on the second lever then falls into
the notch in the disc and thus permits the closing of the valve by gravity or by a
spring or in any other convenient manner.
To provide for operating or adjusting the quantity-mechanism, and at the same
time to enable the quantity of gas supplied per coin to be readily varied according
to the ruling price of gas, I pivot a bell-crank-lever to the frame of the apparatus
in such a manner that one arm of the said lever will be acted upon by the coin
during a portion of its movement, the other arm being provided with a pin
working in a slot in a link or bar connected with a feed-lever pivoted on the axis
of a friction wheel or a dise provided with a roughened or milled edge, this wheel
or disc being mounted on the arbor of the above mentioned notched disc. The
said arbor also carries a spur-wheel connected with a train of wheel-work
terminating in a ratchet-wheel arranged to be intermittently rotated by the
aforesaid tappet or tappets on the worm-wheel spindle of the meter-mechanism.
The lever pivoted about the axis of the said friction wheel, is provided with a
pivoted arm or pawl, the end or palm of which is faced with wood or other suitable
material and is adapted to engage with the roughened or milled periphery of the
said friction wheel; the said pawl and the arm or lever carrying the same are
arranged to rest upon one or more pins or studs attached to the frame of the
apparatus, in such a position as to be out of engagement with the said wheel, except
when acted upon by the aforesaid bell-crank-lever. In place of the roughened or
milled wheel and the wood-faced pawl, I sometimes use a nipping-lever or silent
feed of any suitable description in combination with a wheel or disc, my object
being to provide for permitting the engagement of the feed-lever with the wheel
or disc in any position of the latter, notwithstanding variations in the stroke or
travel of the said feed-lever.
I provide for varying the quantity of gas supplied per coin, by increasing or
decreasing the amount of lost motion in the joint between the aforesaid bell-crank-
lever and the link connecting the same with the feed-lever. For this purpose, I
preferably form a slot in the link to receive a pin or stud on the bell-crank-lever,
and I arrange an eccentric or cam in such a manner that it may be readily turned
or adjusted to lengthen or shorten the movement of the said pin or stud in the said
slot. The said eccentric or cam is arranged in combination with a pointer which
indicates on a graduated scale approximately the quantity of gas per coin for which
the mechanism is adjusted.

page_text: To provide for rapidly and conveniently checking the adjustment of the
apparatus or ascertaining whether the same has been correctly adjusted to supply
the desired quantity of gas per coin, without the necessity of putting the meter in
action for this purpose, I find it advantageous to provide a sliding spring rod or
bar carrying a suitable pawl and arranged to be operated by hand in such a manner
as to reproduce the action of the tappet or arm of the meter-mechanism on the
terminal ratchet-wheel of the quantity-mechanism. When it is desired to ascertain
whether the apparatus is correctly adjusted, a coin is inserted into the coin-pocket
and the handle is operated, thus causing the notched disc of the quantity-mechanism
to be turned through a certain angle; the sliding rod or bar is then repeatedly
depressed and released until the quantity-mechanism is moved back to its original
position and the controlling valve is closed, the number of depressions of the said
rod or bar necessary to effect this, being noted; the number of depressions of the
sliding rod or bar corresponding to each turn of the worm-wheel shaft of the meter,
and the number of cubic feet of gas passing through the meter for each turn of the
said worm-wheel shaft being known, the accuracy of the adjustment can be easily
checked. A sealed cap or cover is, if desired, provided over the aforesaid rod or
bar, to prevent the operation thereof except by the inspector or other authorized
person, who must break the seal to obtain access to the said rod or bar, and has
then to apply a fresh seal to the said cap or cover.
In some instances, I make the notch in the disc for controlling the closing of the
valve, with a stepped edge, so that timely notice will be given to the consumer, by
the partial closing of the valve and the consequent diminution of the flame or
flames in use, that the prepaid quantity of gas has nearly been consumed.
I sometimes provide a stud or stop against which the coin will strike when the
cylindrical coin-pocket has been turned through a predetermined angle, so as to
prevent the complete revolution of the said coin-pocket until the coin has dropped
therefrom, thus preventing fraudulent use of the apparatus.
Dated the 6th day of October 1893.
D. YOUNG & Co.,
11 & 12, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION..
Improvements in and relating to Apparatus for the Supply or
Delivery of Fluids in Exchange for Coins Inserted therein.
1. WALTER STAPLES, of 109, Lavender Road, Clapham Junction, in the
County of Surrey, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in
what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascer-
tained in and by the following statement :-
My invention relates to apparatus for the supply or delivery of fluids in exchange
for coins inserted in the said apparatus, and is chiefly designed to improve the
construction and increase the efficiency of apparatus, such as that described in the
Specifications of my former Letters Patent No. 10381 of 1888 and No. 14372 of
1892, for the supply or delivery of gas to consumers in predetermined quantities on
prepayment therefor.
My said invention comprises improved means for adjusting the apparatus so that
the quantity of gas delivered through the meter in exchange for each coin can be
readily varied by an inspector or other authorized person when necessary, as, for
instance, when any change takes place, in the ruling price of gas.
Another important feature of my present invention is the provision of suitable
means whereby the quantity of gas which will be delivered in exchange for cach
coin inserted, can be ascertained or checked by an inspector or other authorized

page_text: person, without the necessity of putting the meter-mechanism in action for this
purpose. By these means, the adjustment of the apparatus as above mentioned, to
vary the quantity of gas delivered in exchange for each coin, can be very accurately
determined.
My said invention also comprises means whereby, in the turning of the exterior
operating handle, a stop will be moved into such a position as to prevent the action
of the meter, and, at the same time, the opening of the valve which controls the
flow of gas through the meter, and the disengagement of the valve-operating lever
from the notched disc hereinafter mentioned, will be effected before the quantity-
mechanism can be operated or adjusted through the medium of a coin; also
improved means for preventing the withdrawal of a coin after the same has once
been inserted and the external operating lever turned as hereinafter described.
My said invention further comprises improvements in the quantity-mechanism
and in the means for operating or adjusting the said mechanism through the medium
of a coin inserted into the apparatus; and it also comprises other improvements
hereinafter set forth.
In the accompanying drawings I have shown how my said invention may be
conveniently and advantageously carried into practice.
Figure 1 is a plan, partly in horizontal section, showing one form of my improved
apparatus,
Figure 2 is a vertical section on the line a, x, Figure 1,
Figure 3 is a vertical section on the line ¹, x', Figure 1,
Figure 4 is a vertical section on the line 2, 2, Figure 1, and
Figure 5 is a similar view to Figure 2, some of the parts being removed and
other parts being shown in a different position.
Like letters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.
A, A¹ indicate the meter-case, which is provided with a supplementary
casing A³, my improved mechanism being arranged (as in the apparatus described
in my said former Specifications) partly in the upper portion A' of the said
meter-case and partly in the supplementary casing A³.
a is the coin-slot, which is formed in a metal piece a' secured in the casing A³.
b is a rotary slotted cylinder or cylindrical coin-pocket arranged beneath the
coin-slot and adapted to receive a coin as at B. The coin-pocket bis mounted
on a shaft b¹ supported in suitable bearings a² and arranged to be rotated by means
of a handle c outside the casing A³.
a,
C
To prevent the withdrawal of a coin after the same has been dropped into the
coin-pocket and the latter has been turned through such an angle as to move
the coin from beneath the coin-slot a, I fix on the shaft a ratchet-wheel d, and
combine therewith pawls d' which are held in engagement with the said ratchet-
wheel by a divided spring d², one pawl being longer than the other sc that the
distance between the ends of the two pawls is approximately equal to half the
pitch of the ratchet-wheel.
b
The cylinder or coin-pocket & must, therefore, always be rotated in the same
direction, that is to say, it can only be turned in the required direction to operate
or adjust the quantity-mechanism through the medium of the coin, and, after the
said coin has dropped into a suitable receptacle provided in the casing A', the said
cylinder must be further rotated in the same direction instead of being turned back
as heretofore. By the use of the two pawls arranged as above described, I am
enabled to prevent the turning back of the coin-pocket 6 through any appreciable
distance and at the same time to obviate the necessity for employing ratchet-teeth
of very fine pitch.
I sometimes find it advantageous to form a plain portion d³ on the periphery of
the ratchet-wheel d so as to obviate any liability to jamming of the coin, whilst
falling, between the lower end of the coin-slot a and the entrance to the rotary
coin-pocket by reason of a premature movement of the handle c.
To prevent injury to the ratchet-wheel d and pawl or pawls d¹ by the forcible
turning of the handle c in the reverse direction, screw the said handle upon the

page_text: shaft, as shown by dotted lines in Figure 1, so that the said handle will be
unscrewed when turned in the wrong direction.
F is a drop-valve for controlling the flow of gas through the meter. This
valve is arranged in a gas-tight casing or cylinder e, closed at its upper end by a
flexible diaphragm e' secured to the upper end of the said cylinder by a ring e
attached thereto by screws or other convenient meaus; the said diaphragm is
secured to the stem or spindle F' of the valve F by a clamping nut and
collar e; or other suitable means may be provided for permitting the operation
of the said valve from the exterior of the gas-tight casing e. The spindle F¹ of
the said valve is connected to a lever f, pivoted at to an extension of the
ring e, the movement of which lever is controlled as hereinafter described by a
notched disc or quantity-wheel g fixed upon an arbor gl. The lever extends
across and rests upon another lever h pivoted at ' to the frame D of the quantity-
mechanism, and provided with a pin or projection adapted to rest either on the
periphery or in the notch g of the disc g.
i is a stop-lever such as is described in my said former Specification No. 14,372
for arresting the motion of the meter-mechanism, by the movement of the rod i*
into the path of the revolving arm E of the meter-mechanism. The said lever i
is provided with an arm i which extends upward nearly to the underside of the
pin on the pivoted lever h, so that, when the operating handle c is turned and
the lever i is actuated by a pin in the ratchet-wheel , the arm i will lift the
levers and f, thereby opening the valve F and releasing the notched disc g.
kis a ratchet-wheel which is arranged to be rotated step by step by suitable
tappets k formed on or attached to the worm-wheel shaft of the meter-mechanism,
substantially as described in my said former Specification No. 14,372, for the
purpose of turning the quantity-wheel g back to its original position.
m, m' indicate a bell-crank-lever pivoted at m to the frame D in such a manner
that the arm m of the said lever will be acted upon by the coin B during a portion
of the movement thereof with the coin-pocket b, as shown in Figure 5. The
other arm is provided with a pin m² working in a slot in a link or bar n
connected with a feed-lever o pivoted on the arbor g', on which is also mounted a
friction-wheel or disc p provided with a roughened or milled edge. The said
arbor also carries a spur-wheel 7 connected with a suitable train of wheel-work,
which, like that described in my said former Specification No. 14,372, comprises a
suitable friction-clutch 7', and terminates in a ratchet-wheel k. The lever o is
provided with a pivoted arm or pawl r having an end piece or palm of wood or
other suitable material adapted to engage with the roughened or milled periphery
of the friction-wheel p; the pawl and the lever o carrying the same are arranged
to rest upon pins or studs o', o in the frame D in such a position as to be out of
engagement with the friction-wheel p except when acted upon by the bell-crank-
lever m, m'.
In place of the roughened or milled wheel and the wood-faced pawl, I can, if
desired, use a nipping-lever or silent feed of any suitable description in combination
with a wheel or disc, my object being to provide for permitting the engagement of
the feed-lever o with the wheel or disc p in any position of the latter, notwith-
standing variations in the stroke or travel of the said feed-lever.
I provide for varying the quantity of gas supplied per coin, by increasing or
decreasing the amount of lost motion, in the joint between the aforesaid bell-crank-
lever and the link n connecting the same with the feed-lever o.
For this purpose
I preferably arrange in the end of the link n, a set-screw n* provided with a
lock-nut n so that the said screw may be readily turned or adjusted to lengthen or
shorten the movement of the said pin or stud m² in the said slot n', and can then
be locked in position by the nut n³. In some cases, the set-screw is arranged in
combination with a pointer which indicates on a graduated scale approximately the
quantity of gas per coin for which the mechanism is adjusted. I prefer, however,
to determine the correct adjustment of the same by trial as hereinafter described,

page_text: It is obvious that other suitable means may, if desired, be adopted for varying
the travel of the pin m³ in the slot n¹.
To provide for rapidly and conveniently checking the adjustment of the apparatus
or ascertaining whether the same has been correctly adjusted to supply the desired
quantity of gas per coin, without the necessity of putting the meter in action for
this purpose,
I find it advantageous to provide a sliding spring rod or bar s
carrying a suitable pawls and arranged to be repeatedly operated by hand against
the pressure of a spring t, in such a manner as to reproduce the action of the
tappet or arm of the meter-mechanism on the terminal ratchet-wheel k of the
quantity-mechanism.
.The operation of the improved apparatus above described is as follows, that is to
sayTo adjust the quantity-mechanism, a coin B is inserted in the coin-slot a
and falls into the slotted cylinder or coin-pocket b, or upon the periphery of the
said coin-pocket, in which case the latter is turned by means of the handle c until
its slot is brought beneath the coin-slot a, thus permitting the coin to fall into the
said coin-pocket . The coin-pocket is then turned in the direction indicated by
the arrows in Figures 2 and 5.
the
In the first part of the rotary movement of these parts, the pin acts upon
lever and turns the same about its pivot, thus raising the rod i* into the path
of the arm E and preventing the movement of the meter-mechanism, and, at the
same time, lifting the levers and through the medium of the arm so as to
In the further rotation of
disengage the pin 2 from the notch g of the disc g.
the handle c and coin-pocket b, the coin B acts upon the lever m, m' as shown in
Figure 5, and, through this lever and the link n, imparts an angular movement
to the feed-lever o. In this angular movement of the lever o, the pawl r, rl is
pressed against and thus caused to engage with the roughened or milled edge of
the wheel p, and this wheel and the disc g are turned through a small angle, this
motion being permitted by the friction-clutch ', substantially as described in my
said former Specification No. 14,372. The angular movements of the lever o and
wheel p may be increased or diminished by adjusting the screw n³, such movements
being determined by the position of the screw relatively to the pin m². The
coin B drops from the coin-pocket b, when the latter is inverted, into a suitable
receptacle provided in the casing A², a stop being provided for preventing the
complete revolution of the said coin-pocket until the coin has dropped therefrom.
The coin-pocket must be turned through a complete revolution and another coin be
dropped therein, before any further adjustment of the quantity-mechanism can
be made.
As soon as the pin is moved out of engagement with the lever i, this lever
resumes its original position, thus permitting the action of the meter-mechanism,
and, at the same time, allowing the pin 2 of the lever to rest upon the periphery
of the notched disc g.
In the operation of the meter-mechanism, the notched disc g is turned in the
reverse direction to that in which it was turned by the pawl r,, and, as soon as
the quantity of gas for which prepayment has been made has been consumed, the
pin will drop into the notch 92, thus permitting the automatic closing of the
valve F.
By providing for the lifting of the pin out of the notch before the coin
commences to act upon the bell-crank-lever m, m', I am enabled to make the
notched disc in such a manner that it will hold up the levers and f until practically
the whole of the gas paid for has been consumed, and will then permit the sudden
drop of these levers and of the valve F. I thus ensure the delivery of the full
quantity of gas in exchange for every coin inserted in the apparatus.
In some instances, I make the notch in the disc g with a stepped edge, so that
timely notice will be given to the consumer, by the partial closing of the valve F
and the consequent diminution of the flame or flames in use, that the prepaid
quantity of gas has nearly been consumed.

page_text: When it is desired to ascertain whether the apparatus is correctly adjusted, n
coin 13 is inserted into the coin-pocket and the handle c is operated, thus turning
the notched disc g through a certain angle; the sliding rod or bar s is then
repeatedly depressed and released until the quantity-mechanism is moved back to
its original position and the controlling valve F is closed, the number of depressions
of the rod or bars necessary to effect this, being noted-; the number of depressions
of the sliding rod or bar corresponding to each turn of the worm-wheel-shaft of the
meter, and the number of cubic feet of gas passing through the meter for each turn
of the said worm-wheel-shaft being known, the accuracy of the adjustment can be
easily checked. A sealed cap or cover u is, if desired, provided over the aforesaid
rod or bar, to prevent the operacion thereof except by the inspector or other
authorized person, who must break the seal to obtain access to the said rod or bar,
and has then to apply a fresh seal to the said cap or cover.
I can, if desired, use a slide-valve such as is described in my said former
Specification No. 14,372, or other suitable valve, for controlling the flow of the
gas through the meter. I prefer, however, to employ a drop valve as shown in the
drawings.
It is evident, moreover, that I can otherwise somewhat modify the construction
of my improved apparatus without departing from the nature of my said invention.
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. An apparatus for the supply or delivery of gas or other fluids in exchange
for coins inserted therein, which apparatus is provided with suitable means whereby
the adjustment of the mechanism to regulate the quantity of gas or other fluid
delivered in exchange for each coin, may be readily and accurately determined or
checked without putting the meter in action.
Second. The combination, with a valve for controlling the flow of gas through
the meter. of a notched disc or quantity-wheel and means for setting or adjusting
the same through the medium of a coin inserted in the apparatus, a lever for
opening the said valve, supported upon the notched disc, and a ratchet-wheel which
is connected by a train of wheels with the said notched disc and to which inter-
mittent or step-by-step rotary motion is imparted by the meter, substantially as
hereinbefore described.
Third. The combination, with the ratchet-wheel connected by a train of wheels
with the notched disc or quantity-wheel and arranged to be rotated step by step by
the meter, of a suitable device whereby the said ratchet-wheel may be conveniently
rotated by hand, substantially as, and for the purpose, set forth.
Fourth. The combination, with the lever for opening the controlling valve and
with the notched disc or quantity-wheel on which the said lever is supported, of
the means whereby, in the turning of the exterior operating handle of the
apparatus, a stop will be moved into such a position as to prevent the action of the
meter, and the said lever will be simultaneously moved to release the said disc or
wheel before the coin commences to act upon the mechanism for setting or adjusting
such disc or wheel, substantially as, and for the purpose, above specified.
Fifth. The combination, with the notched disc or quantity-wheel, of a milled
wheel, a pawl carried by a pivoted feed-lever and adapted to engage with the said
milled wheel when pressed against the same, and adjustable mechanism for moving
the feed-lever through a variable angle by means of a coin inserted in the apparatus,
substantially as, and for the purposes, set forth.
Sixth. The combination of the cylindrical coin-pocket provided with the handle
for rotating it, the ratchet-wheel on the axis thereof, and the spring pawls to
engage with the said ratchet-wheel, substantially as, and for the purposes, above
specified.
Seventh. The combination of the drop-valve, the lever connected therewith, the
notched disc or quantity-wheel, and the lever extending beneath the valve-lever

page_text: and provided with the pin or projection resting on the said disc or wheel, as, and
for the purposes, set forth.
Eighth. The combination, with the notched disc or quantity-wheel, of adjustable
mechanism for turning the said disc or wheel through a variable angle in one
direction by means of a coin, suitable means whereby the said disc or wheel will be
intermittently turned in the reverse direction by the meter, and a device for
reproducing the action of the meter upon the said disc or wheel by hand, sub-
stantially as herein before described and for the purposes specified.
Ninth. The employment, in an apparatus of the kind or class hereinbefore
referred to, of a disc or quantity-wheel having a stepped notch, as, and for the
purpose, specified.
Tenth. The improved apparatus constructed and combined with a gas-meter
substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings and
operating as, and for the purposes, above specified.
Dated 29th day of November 1893.
D. YOUNG & Co.,
11 & 12, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.