IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO TAXIMETERS

1,223,644. Taximeters. GEECEN Ltd. 31 Oct., 1969 [5 Nov., 1968], No. 52400/68. Heading G4T. A taximeter includes first, second and third electrically controlled indicators, e.g. lights, means for energizing the first and second indicators when the taxi is in its "For Hire" or "Hired" conditions respectively, a relay having contacts which are closed only when neither of the first and second indicators is energized, the closed contacts them completing a circuit to energize the third indicator, which corresponds to a "stopped" condition of the taxi. As shown, a shaft 17 of an electric motor (not shown), e.g. motor 28 shown in Specification 956,704, can assume three angular positions representing the "For Hire", "Hired" and "Stopped" conditions of the taxi. These conditions are sensed by contacts 25-28 co-operating with shaped profiles 19-22. In the "For Hire" condition shown and with master switch 37 closed, current from the vehicle battery 15A is fed via sockets 9, 8, switch 37, socket 7, line 30, contacts 25, 28 and lines 33 and 47 to illuminate "For Hire" lights 13, 13A and 13B. Current also flows from line 47 through relay coil 39, to keep switch 40 open, and to earth through "Hired" lights 14, 14A, 14B, the current through which is insufficient to illuminate them. When shaft 17 is rotated to represent the "Hired" condition, lights 14, 14A, 14B are illuminated via contacts 26, 27 and the current through coil 39 runs to earth through lights 13, 13A, 13B without illuminating them. In the position of shaft 17 representing the "stopped" condition, neither contact 27 or 28 touches its profile 21 or 22 so that coil 39 is not energized and switch 40 is closed. "Stopped" indicator 15 is illuminated by current from line 52 and switch 40. The taximeter shown also includes means 60, 61 and lights 16 for bringing into effect and indicating the charging of a different tariff, as described in Specification 1,223,645.