Improvements in and relating to Prepayment Sale and Delivery Mechanism.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 13th Feb., 1891
Complete Specification Left, 14th Aug., 1891-Accepted, 24th Oct., 1891
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Prepayment Sale and Delivery
Mechanism.
We, JAMES FEATHAM SAWER and JAMES LYON PURVES trading as Sawer &
Purves at Garratt Street Works Oldham Road, Manchester as Meter Manu-
facturers and JOHN HOPE PURVES of 24 Varley Street, Oldham Road, Manchester
in the County of Lancaster, Manager, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
to be as follows:-
Our invention relates to that class of mechanism which is employed to deliver
articles or commodities after the value thereof has been prepaid in coin or its
equivalent. Our invention has for its object an improvement in the method of
receiving and releasing the coin or its equivalent and to the mode by which the
delivery mechanism is actuated. The improvement partly consists in the con-
struction of mechanism in such a manner that the effect of its operation can be
varied at will so as to give a greater or less range of action to the parts by which
the delivery of the commodity sold is effected.
In carrying our said invention into effect we enclose the various parts in a
suitable case or framing which can be fixed in or attached to any convenient place.
Within the case or frame we provide a disc with a cylindrical flange, hereinafter
called the coin disc, attached to or forming part of a spindle arbor or shaft which
passes through and is borne by the framing. Upon the shaft we also mount an'
eccentric disc enclosed within the coin disc and provided with a boss extending
through the framing and surrounding the shaft or arbor. To the outer end of this
boss an arm is cast or attached by means of which the position of the centre of the
eccentric in a circle described through it from the centre of the shaft can be
regulated at will. We provide suitable means by which the said arm and its
attached eccentric can be locked in any desired position. The end of the shaft.
without the case has fastened on or attached to it a handle by means of which the.
shaft and the coin disc can be rotated from outside the case.
In the flange of the coin disc a slit is formed which is wide enough to receive the
coin freely and maintain it in position when it is introduced through a slot formed
in the case or frame. The slit in the coin disc penetrates the flange of the disc.
and would allow the coin to fall freely through it if the coin disc did not enclose
the eccentric. When a coin is introduced it drops through the slot in the case into.
the slit in the coin disc and continues to fall until it rests on the edge of the.
eccentric. When the coin so rests on the eccentric which it does when the parts
are in position to receive a coin from without the case, the edge of the coin is
nearly level with but does not protrude beyond the periphery of the coin disc.
When the handle hereinbefore named is turned so as to rotate the coin disc the
coin is carried with the coin disc and is gradually pushed out beyond the periphery
of the coin disc until it reaches a certain point when the coin falls from the slit
into a receptacle provided to receive it. The completion of the revolution of the
coin disc brings the before mentioned parts into their initial position until which
time no further coin can be received. The coin disc is prevented from being turned.
back at any period of its revolution by means of the engagement of a rack formed
upon it with a pawl suitably hinged.
A lever having freedom of oscillating movement is mounted on a pin or stud
attached to the casing. The lever is in such a position that as the coin is carried
round with the coin disc and is protruded beyond its periphery it causes the lever.

page_text: to oscillate upon its centre. The extent of the oscillatory movement of the lever
will be proportionate to the extent of the protrusion of the coin beyond the
periphery of the coin disc. We joint to the oscillating lever a second lever rack,
or rod, hereinafter called the communicator, by means of which we communicate
the motion of the oscillating lever to the sale and delivery mechanism.
The mechanism hereinbefore described constitutes the prepayment portion of our
invention and also actuates or gives motion to the sale and delivery portion of the
machine. It is obvious that this mechanism may be adapted to deliver any kind of
goods or commodity, but our invention has special reference to the application of
the said mechanism to the sale and delivery of gas.
In adapting the said mechanism to the purpose of delivering gas we attach the
frame or case containing the mechanism to a meter in some convenient position and
construct a tube by which the gas can be passed from the meter and the inlet or
outlet of which can be closed by means of a valve actuated in a manner as herein
after described. We form upon the communicator a toothed rack with which a
spur pinion engages so that the traverse of the communicator in either direction
rotates the pinion. The pinion is fixed upon the boss of a crank mounted on the
end of a screwed spindle hereinafter mentioned, the crank being rotated or oscillated
in either direction according to the direction of the traverse of the communicator.
On a pin fixed in the crank a pawl is mounted loosely and is pressed by means of a
spring into gear with the teeth of a ratchet wheel fast upon a spindle suitably
borne by a light frame attached to and enclosed within the casing. The spindle is
screwed or threaded for a part of its length and has upon it a spur wheel the eye
of which is threaded to correspond. The spur wheel is carried in a light frame or
carriage hereinafter called the carriage which is loosely mounted on a rod or rods
parallel with the screwed spindle so that the rotation of the screwed spindle or wheel
gives a longitudinal traverse to the carriage. The teeth of the spur wheel engage
with the teeth of a pinion which is also formed on or borne by a spindle revolving
in bearings in the frame and which has its axis parallel to that of the screwed
spindle. A worm wheel is fixed on the spindle of the pinion with which a worm on
an arbor suitably placed and carried engages. The worm is rotated by some
convenient means from the meter and the rotation of the working parts of the meter
while gas is being delivered is thus communicated to the hereinbefore mentioned
parts. We also provide suitable mechanism by which the completion of the
revolution of the coin disc so as to bring it into position to receive another coin
restores the communicator and oscillating lever to their initial or normal position.
When the screwed spindle is rotated by reason of the oscillation of the hinged
lever actuated by the coin, the carriage is moved a proportionate distance longi-
tudinally along the rod or rods on which it is mounted. A pin is fastened in the
carriage and takes into a slot in a hinged lever or bar. The slot in the said lever
or bar is straight for the greater part of its length but at one end has a shorter
part at an angle to the straight portion. This end of the bar is connected in some
convenient manner to the gas valve herein before mentioned which rests upon a seating
formed in a tube coupled to the meter and enclosed within a chamber. The pin in
the carriage moves always in the same plane and according to the direction of its
traverse opens or closes the valve. So long as the pin remains in the straight
part of the slot no motion is communicated to the valve and it is only when it
enters the angular portion that the valve is operated. When the valve is opened
the meter begins to deliver gas and the rotation of the working parts through
the gearing herein before described commences to bring the carriage back to its
initial position. When the carriage reaches its initial point the valve is closed and
the supply of gas is stopped.
We form the slot in the bar of such a length that it allows of a predetermined
maximum volume of gas being paid for. We also provide in connection with our
invention a locking apparatus by which after the predetermined maximum volume
of gas has been paid for the coin disc can be locked so that no more coins can be
received until the value of one of the coins. prepaid has been consumed. We also

page_text: provide an indicator by means of which the quantity of gas paid for but unconsumed
can be ascertained this being actuated from the carriage..
Dated this 13th day of February 1891
JAMES FEATHAM SAWER.
JAMES LYON PURVES.
JOHN HOPE PURVES.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Prepayment Sale and Delivery
Mechanism.
We JAMES FEATHAM SAWER and JAMES LYON PURVES trading as Sawer &
Purves at Garrett Street Works Oldham Road Manchester as Meter Manufacturers
and JOHN HOPE PURVES of 24 Varley Street Oldham Road Manchester in the
County of Lancaster Manager 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:-
Our invention relates to that class of mechanism which is employed to deliver
articles or commodities after the value thereof has been prepaid in coin or its equiva-
lent. Our invention has for its object an improvement in the method of receiving
and releasing the coin or its equivalent and to the mode by which the delivery
mechanism is actuated. The improvement partly consists in the construction of
the mechanism in such a manner that the effect of its operation can be varied at
will so as to give a greater or less range of action to the parts by which the delivery
of the commodity sold is effected.
And in order that our said invention may be the better understood and the more
readily carried into effect we have hereunto appended sheets of drawings wherein
Fig. I is a front view of a gas meter with our mechanism attached.
Fig. 2 is a right hand side view of the same.
Fig. 3 is a front elevation of the mechanism with the front of the case removed.
Fig. 4 is a back elevation of the mechanism in partial section.
Fig. 5 is a plan view of the mechanism with the top of the case removed.
Fig. 6 is a front view of the slotted bar and its connection with the valve in the
position it is in when the valve is opened.
Fig. 7 is a similar view of the slotted bar when the valve is closed.
Fig. 8 is a section through the coin disc eccentric and eccentric arm.
Fig. 9 is a transverse section through the line 1, 1, in Fig. 3.
Fig. 10 is a transverse section through the line 2, 2, in Fig. 3.
Fig. 11 is an end view of a modification of our invention through the line 3, 3 in
Fig. 12 and
Fig. 12 is a section through the line 4, 4 in Fig. 11.
We
The reference letters relate respectively to the same parts in all the drawings.
In carrying our said invention into effect we enclose the various parts in a
suitable case or framing A which can be fixed in or attached in any convenient
position and which may be constructed in one or more pieces as desired.
may also so construct the case A that it will cover up or enclose the hand
wheel E, and the arm D2. As shown in Fig. 1 and 2 our mechanism is attached
to the frame of an ordinary dry gas meter but if the mechanism or any portion
of it is applied to the purpose of delivering any commodity other than gas
the frame can be fixed in a suitable position to effect its purpose. Within the
case A we provide a disc B with a cylindrical flange B₁ herein called the coin
disc, attached to a spindle C passing through and borne by the frame A.
Upon C as shown more particularly in Fig. 8 we mount an eccentric D
enclosed within the coin disc B and provided with a boss D' extending through
the frame and surrounding the spindle C. To the outer end of the boss D' an

page_text: arm D2 is cast, or attached, by means of which the position of the centre of
the eccentric in a circle described through it from the centre of the shaft can
be regulated as desired. To enable the position of the eccentric when once
established to be maintained we provide means such as a screw D³ by which
the arm D' is locked and the head of the screw D³ can be sunk into the arm D
so as to permit of a seal being inserted or the arm may be locked and sealed
by any well known method such as is commonly used in connection with this class
of mechanism. We also fix to the case an indicator shown in Fig. 2 by which
the position of the eccentric can be readily fixed to enable the mechanism to
be so operated as to deliver a certain definite quantity of gas or other commodity.
It will be readily understood that instead of an eccentric a cam of suitable shape
may be used and it may be adjusted in a similar manner but we prefer to employ
an eccentric. The end of the spindle C which is without the case A may have
fastened on or attached to it a hand wheel E, or handle by means of which
the coin disc B can be rotated. We form the coin disc B with a toothed
rack B on its edge with which a detent pawl B³ shown in Figs. 9 and 10
engages for the purpose as hereinafter described.
In the flange of the coin disc B a slit B is formed which is wide enough to
receive the coin A³ freely and maintain it in position when it is introduced
through a slot A' formed in the case A. The slit B penetrates the flange B
and would allow the coin to fall freely through it if the coin disc B did not
énclose the eccentric D. When a coin is introduced it drops through the slot A¹
into the slit B when the latter is below the slot A' and continues to fall until it
rests upon the edge of the eccentric D as shown in Figs. 3 and 9. When the coin A³
is in this position which it assumes when the parts are in a position to receive a
coin introduced into the slot A' the edge of the coin A is nearly level with but
does not protrude beyond the periphery of the flange B'. When the handle or
wheel E is turned so as to rotate the coin disc B the coin A2 is carried round
with B and is by reason of the position of the eccentric D gradually pushed
out beyond the flange B' until when the coin disc B has made half a revolution
the coin A2 falls out of the slit B into a drawer F provided for its reception.
The drawer F can be locked or sealed as at F¹ by a stamped seal in the manner
which is well known and which is common to many appliances of this nature.
It will be obvious that the extent of the protrusion of the coin A beyond the
flange B¹ will be entirely regulated by the position of the centre of the eccentric
about the centre of the spindle C and may be arranged so as to be greater or
less as desired by setting and securing the arm D2 as hereinbefore described.
After the fall of the coin A' the revolution of the disc B brings the slit B
again under the slot A¹ so as to permit of the introduction of another coin.
In order to prevent the insertion of a coin and its removal after it has performed
its work but prior to its discharge into the drawer F by the introduction of a
wire or other similar device and in order also to prevent the mechanism actuated
by the coin being operated by any other means we bring the bottom end of
the slot A close to the periphery of the disc B so that while allowing the
disc B to rotate freely no instrument can be passed within the case
We also form on the coin disc B a toothed or ratchet surface B' with which a
detent pawl B³ kept in position by gravity or by a spring engages and which
while permitting the forward movement of the disc B entirely prevents its
being turned back and ensures the discharge of the coin A into the drawer F
in the manner described. In the modification shown in Figs. 11 and 12 the
coin disc B is geared with a pinion G fixed on the end of a short, spindle G¹
borne by the frame A and having a handle G fixed on the other end by
which it can be rotated from without. The pawl B³ is applied in this modifica-
tion in a similar manner to that previously described.
or frame.
We arrange a lever H in a position adjoining the coin disc B and hinge it
on a pin H or in a similar manner so that it has freedom of oscillatory

page_text: movement. The pin H¹ is fixed in or attached to the casing. The position of the
lever H relatively to the coin disc B is such that when the coin A is protruded
beyond the periphery of the coin disc in its rotation with the coin disc as herein-
before described and as shown in Fig. 10 when the coin disc has made a quarter of
a revolution it presses upon the lever H and causes it to move upon its centre. The
extent of the movement communicated to H will be proportionate to the extent of
the protrusion of the coin A² beyond the periphery of the coin disc this being
regulated by the eccentric D in the manner hereinbefore fully described.
joint or couple to the oscillating lever H a bar rod or lever I hereinafter called
the communicator by means of which we communicate the motion given to the
lever H to the delivery portion of the mechanism.
We
The mechanism just described constitutes the prepayment portion of our
invention and we obtain the power required to operate the delivery mechanism
by means of it. It is obvious that by connecting the communicator I in some
convenient manner to the unlocking, locking or delivery portion of sale mechanism
its movement can be utilised to deliver many commodities. For instance if the
communicator I was caused by means of a pawl attached to it to give a certain
forward movement to a barrel containing cigars or cigarettes these articles could
be delivered by means of a shute one two or more at a time in the well known
manner. The stroke of the communicator could similarly be used to actuate a
piston by which a quantity of liquid or fluid could be delivered and by varying
the stroke the quantity delivered could be regulated as desired. In this
application the suction set up during the return stroke could be utilised to refill.
the cylinder or vessel preparatory to a fresh delivery. There are many similar
applications which will be easily understood and carried out by any mechanic
conversant with this subject but we do not now more particularly specify them.
Our invention has special application to the delivery of gas and in showing how
the motion of the communicator I obtained in the manner hereinbefore fully
described can be utilised to operate delivery mechanism we fully describe and
illustrate its application to the purpose of controlling the delivery of gas from
a gas meter.
In adapting the prepayment or operating mechanism to the purpose of controlling
the delivery of gas we attach the case containing the said mechanism to a gas meter
in some convenient position as for instance shown in Fig. 1. We provide a suitable
tube J by which the gas after it has passed through and been measured by the
meter can be delivered into the service pipe as shown by the arrows in Figs. 3 & 4.
If desired the mechanism may be applied to the inlet tube by which the gas is
admitted to the meter but it is more convenient to apply it to the outlet pipe. A
valve seating K is formed at the orifice through which the gas passes from the
meter on which a valve K¹ rests when the exit is closed. The valve K¹ is attached
to a lever L' fastened on the short arbor L on the other end of which is a lever L'
by means of which a connection is established with the parts controlling the delivery
of gas.
This part of the mechanism is best shown in the detailed views in
Figs. 6 & 7.
In order to prevent the gas coming into contact with the mechanism the valve
seating and exit orifice are preferably enclosed within a special chamber M through
one of the walls of which the arbor or spindle L is passed a stuffing box M' of
ordinary construction being employed to prevent the leakage of gas. The
lever L is coupled by the connecting rod M² to the bar N controlled and con-
structed as hereinafter described.
The communicator I when employed for the purpose of transmitting the necessary
power for actuating the mechanism controlling the delivery of gas is formed on its
edge with a toothed rack I and is suitably guided so as to engage constantly with
the small spur pinion I. The pinion 12 is fixed upon the boss of a small disc or
crank O which is loosely mounted upon one end of a threaded spindle P borne by
and rotating in two frames p p. The disc is provided with a pin O¹ on which a
small pawl O is freely placed the pawl O' being pressed by means of a spring O'

page_text: into gear with the teeth of a ratchet wheel R fixed on the end of the spindle P and
placed alongside or within the disc O. The spindle P is threaded for the greater
part of its length between the frames and has necks formed upon it or is
otherwise constructed so that while having freedom of rotatory motion it has no
longitudinal movement the end thrust being taken by the bent or star spring Pl.
Upon the threaded portion of the spindle P a spur pinion Q is placed having its
eye threaded to correspond with and fit on the spindle P. The pinion Q is carried
in a frame or carriage S in such a manner that it can rotate freely but cannot
traverse longitudinally without also traversing the carriage S in the same direction.
The carriage S is formed with a slot in its central position within which the
wheel Qis placed and is guided at each end by guide rods S' S² the axes of which
are parallel to the axis of the spindle P and which pass through holes of suitable
size formed at each end of the carriage S. In this way the rotation of the spindle P
or of the pinion Q results in a longitudinal traverse of the carriage S in a direction
controlled by the direction of the rotation of the spindle P or pinion Q. The end
of the carriage S has fixed in or formed on it a pin or tail T which takes into the
slot N formed within the bar N hereinbefore mentioned. The slot N' is formed
within the bar N in such a manner that for the greater part of the length of the
bar N the slot N is straight but at one end as shown at N' it is given an angular
disposition to the straight portion being arranged to take an upward direction for a
short distance. The bar N is hinged at its other end at T¹ in such a position that
when the pin T is engaged with the straight portion of the slot N¹ the centre line
of the latter is in a plane coincident with or parallel to a horizontal plane through
the axis of the spindle P as shown in Fig. 6.
We may so dispose the mechanism that the spindle P would be normally vertical
in which case the before mentioned planes would also be vertical the essential
feature being the preservation of the coincident or parallel relation of the two
planes.
A long pinion U is borne by the frames p and has its bearings arranged at
such a distance from the centre of the spindle P that it is constantly in gear with
the pinion the axis of the pinion U being therefore parallel to the axis of the
spindle P. The pinion U has one of its ends geared by means of suitable gearing
such as the worm wheel U₁ and worm U2 shown to some convenient moving part of
the meter such as the indicator spindle by which means when the latter is rotated
a rotary motion is given to the pinion U and by it communicated to the
pinion Q.
The operation of the mechanism described for the purpose of controlling the
delivery of gas after a coin has been put into the slot A' is as follows:-The
coin A2 passes through the slot A¹ into the slit B formed within the flange B¹ of
the coin disc B and continues to fall until its lower edge rests upon the eccentric D
at which time its upper edge is a little below the upper opening of the slit B. The
coin is thus held in a vertical position and the mechanism is in position for com-
mencing the operation. The coin disc B is rotated by means of the hand wheel E
or handle G2 and as the rotary movement is continued the coin A2 is protruded
beyond the periphery of B¹ to an extent which is regulated by the position of the
eccentric D. By adjusting and locking the eccentric D in position by means of
the arm D and screw D³ the coin may be protruded to a greater or less extent so
that the controlling mechanism will cause to be delivered varying volumes of gas
or other commodity in accordance with the setting of the eccentric. It will be
obvious that the variation which can thus be obtained will be limited by the throw
of the eccentric and in cases where the variation in the number of cubic feet to be
delivered in exchange for the coin exceeds that for which the eccentric has been
constructed an eccentric of a different throw or a suitably shaped cam could be
substituted. This would in most cases be the most convenient course but it is not
absolutely necessary as by duly proportioning the throw of the eccentric a greatly
varying range of action can be obtained which is sufficient for most purposes.
As the coin A' which is gradually protruded in the manner described is carried

page_text: round by the disc B in its rotation it presses against the lever H and causes it to
oscillate upon the pin H' to an extent in accordance with the protrusion of the
coin A. The oscillatory movement of H causes the communicator I to make a
corresponding movement and as the rack I¹ engages with the pinion I the latter is
also rotated. In this way a partial rotation is given to the disc O and the pawl O2
borne by the latter is caused to engage with the teeth of the ratchet wheel R which
is similarly rotated. The wheel R being fixed upon the spindle P the latter is also
rotated within the pinion Q. As the pinion Q cannot be rotated by the rotatory
movement of the spindle P the thrust exercised upon the eye of Q by P in its
rotation causes the carriage S to be moved forward longitudinally. The pin or
tail T in the carriage S is thus traversed along the slot in the bar N.
Assuming the ineter to be at rest and the valve K' to be upon the seat K the
pin or tail T is at the end of its inward traverse and is in the angular portion N* of
the slot N in the bar N as shown in Fig. 7. When in this position the pin T
draws the bar N downwards so that the plane through the centre of the slot N' is
angularly disposed to the horizontal plane hereinbefore mentioned as drawn through
the axis of the spindle P. The pressure thus exerted upon the free end of the
bar N acting through the connecting rod M² levers L' L' and arbor L upon the
valve K¹ forces the latter upon its seat. The relative position of the bar N when
the valve is closed is shown diagramatically in Fig. 7.
When the forward movenient of the carriage S is made consequent upon the
operation of the lever H by the coin A2 in the manner described the pin T is caused.
to move in a horizontal direction and lifts the end N2 of the bar N. This causes
the valve K¹ to be raised from its seat and allows of the passage of gas through the
pipe J.
If only one coin is paid in and used to operate the mechanism the rotation
of the long pinion U from the moving parts of the meter as hereinbefore described
at once rotates the pinion Q upon the spindle P and causes the carriage S to move
backwards towards its initial position which is the one nearest the right hand frame
as shown in Fig. 7. As the carriage S makes the movement just described the
pin T travels along the angular portion N2 of the slot N' and gradually draws
he valve K¹ down upon its seat. There is an important advantage to be gained
by the gradual closing of the valve as the meter is slowly brought to rest and the
diminishing volume of gas passed through the pipe J. gives warning to the
consumer of the approaching close of the valve.
When it is desired to obtain by means of the apparatus described a larger volume
of gas than can be paid for by one coin without waiting for the consumption of the
volume of gas delivered in exchange therefor a number of coins equal in value to
the volume of gas desired can be introduced successively and discharged in the
manner hereinbefore described. It has hitherto been the practice to provide for
the introduction of a definite maximum number of coins after the introduction of
the last of which the apparatus is locked so that no more can be paid in until such
a volume of gas has been passed through the meter as represents the volume
delivered in exchange for one coin. We prefer instead of locking the apparatus
when a certain number of coins has been paid in to lock it when the parts are in
such a position as to ensure the passage of a predetermined maximum volume of
gas before the valve is closed by the return movement of the carriage in the manner
hereinbefore described. The traverse of the carriage S along the bar N is therefore
continued as shown in Fig. 6 so long as the operation of the parts by successive
coins is effected, the bar N being made of sufficient length for this purpose. The
carriage S is moved by the operation of the first coin in the manner hereinbefore
described so that the pin T is traversed along the angular portion N2 of the slot N¹.
and the continuation of the traverse of the carriage S caused by the operation of
the delivery mechanism by every additional coin introduced into the coin disc in
succession as previously described causes the pin T to move along the slot N¹ in the
bar N. As soon as the pin enters the straight part of the slot N¹ the latter.is
brought into the parallel position with the axis of the spindle P as hereinbefore
described and any further movement of the carriage S does not affect the position.

page_text: of the bar N. The result is that the valve K¹ having been opened by the action of
the pin T upon the bar N during its traverse along the angular portion N' of the
slot N remains fully open during the whole period in which the pin T remains in
the straight part N¹ of the slot. When the carriage S is caused to make its return
or backward movement by means of the rctation of the long pinion U in the manner
herein before described the valve K₁ remains open until the pin T again enters the
angular portion N2 of the slot in N when the valve begins to be slowly closed.
We proportion the pitch and size of the various wheels screws and other operating
parts so that their velocity or the extent of their movement or rotation will cause
a definite traverse of the carriage S and will in this manner so control the volume
of gas delivered that the predetermined volume will be passed through the meter
in exchange for the coin or coins prepaid in the manner herein before described.
In order to prevent more than a predetermined maximum volume of gas being
paid for by a number of coins which are prepaid successively without waiting for
the carriage S to be brought back to its initial position we utilise the traverse of the
carriage to oscillate or rock a lever V one end of which is attached to the carriage
the other end coming into the path of a hinged stop V1 which is thus pushed into
contact with a screw W in the coin disc B and thus prevents any further move-
ment of the latter. We utilise for this purpose the screw Wit being also
employed for the purpose hereinafter fully described but it is obvious that a special
projection may be formed upon the coin disc for the same purpose or that the
hanging stop V₁could be dispensed with and the end of the lever V brought
directly within the path of the stop. We arrange that the end of the lever V and
the stop shall not come into contact until the required number of coins necessary
to prepay the value of the predetermined maximum volume of gas has been paid
into the coin dise and delivered into the drawer but we so adjust the lever V that
the coin disc shall deliver the last coin into the drawer but cannot afterwards
complete its revolution in order to assume a position to receive another coin. The
coin disc B being held by the detent catch B³ as hereinbefore described cannot be
turned back and it is not therefore possible to introduce an additional coin until the
carriage has been moved backwards the required distance during the delivery of
the predetermined volume of gas in exchange for one coin. In order that the
consumer may if he desires it ascertain the quantity of gas remaining unconsumed
of the amount for which payment has been made we may fix upon the arbor on
which the lever V oscillates or otherwise actuate from the carriage a small lever
or pointer the point of which traverses over a graduated scale V³ whereon is
indicated the cubic feet of gas which are supplied in exchange for the coins. The
indicator may or may not be applied but except as a matter of convenience we
attach no importance to its use and we do not claim it as novel or as an essential
portion of our invention.
In order to ensure the return of the coin operated lever H to its initial position
we couple the lever H and the coin disc B by means of a light slotted connecting
rod W held to the disc B and lever H by screws or pins WW2. In this way the
lever H has perfect freedom of movement during its operation by the coin but is
during the continuance of the rotation of the coin disc brought back to its initial or
operative position. The return movement of the lever H may if desired be obtained
or aided by a spring. The return oscillation of the lever H is accompanied by a
like return movement of the communicator I and the spur pinion 12 and disc O are
also rotated in a contrary direction the pawl 0 being brought back so as to be
ready to reengage with a tooth in the ratchet wheel R when the communicator I
again makes its forward stroke.
It is obvious that instead of obtaining both the upward and downward movement
of the valve by means of a slotted bar constructed like that hereinbefore described
the movement of the carriage can be utilised to raise the bar and open the valve
only and that the valve could be arranged to be closed by a spring or weight which
would ordinarily exercise a downward pressure on it. In this case the pin or tail T
in the carriage S could be made to engage with the lower edge only of the bar N

page_text: the profile of which would be made similar in shape to the slot N₁ and a constant
connection between the edge of the bar N and the tail T would be maintained by
the pressure of the spring or weight. It is also obvious that although our invention
is shown as applied to a dry meter it is equally applicable to wet meters or to water
meters or other similar purposes.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what
we claim is.
1st. The combination construction and arrangement of an apparatus for controlling
the delivery of a predetermined volume of gas or other liquid or fluid in exchange
for a prepaid coin or prepaid coins substantially as hereinbefore described and as
illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
2nd. In an apparatus for effecting the delivery of gas or other commodity after
the value thereof has been prepaid in coin the hereinbefore described means (for
producing and communicating the movement required to operate the mechanism
used to deliver the commodity) consisting of a coin receiving disc an enclosed
eccentric a hinged lever and a connecting rod or communicator all arranged and
constructed substantially in the manner hereinbefore set forth and as illustrated by
the accompanying drawings.
3rd. In an apparatus for delivering a predetermined volume of gas or other
liquid or fluid in exchange for prepaid coin the mechanism used to control the
delivery of the gas by opening and closing a valve consisting of a threaded spindle
rotated in one direction by the movement of the communicator a pinion with a
threaded eye, a sliding carriage, a pin fixed in the carriage, a slotted hinged bar
coupled to the gas valve and a long pinion gearing with the pinion with a threaded
eye and rotated from the moving parts of the meter mechanism substantially as
hereinbefore described and as ilustrated by the accompanying drawings.
4th. In an apparatus for controlling the delivery of a predetermined volume of
gas or other liquid or fluid in exchange for prepaid coin the use of a hinged bar
coupled to the gas valve the position of the bar being controlled by the movement
of a carriage all constructed and arranged for the purpose as set forth and in the
manner substantially as herein described and as illustrated in the accompanying
drawings.
5th. The employment in prepayment sale and delivery mechanism of an eccentric
enclosed within a coin receiving disc constructed and arranged for the purpose and
in the manner substantially as hereinbefore described and as illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
Dated the 13th day of August 1891.
JAMES FEATHAM SAWER,
One of the Applicants.