Improvements in Electricity Meters

3031. Little, C. W. G. Feb. 15. Energy meters. -A counting-mechanism N is driven by a friction ratchet gear g from a shaft C while this is returning under the action of a pinion c and a weighted toothed lever e , after being driven in the opposite direction by a short impulse from an arm a on the spindle a of a watt-meter A, the pressure current to which is supplied periodically by a clock switch B. In returning, an arm of the shaft C comes in contact with a stop D, and a loose disc F then slips on a disc fixed on the shaft C, the remaining energy being thus dissipated frictionally without rebound. The shaft C may be allowed to oscillate through more than one revolution, the stop D being moved by the shaft, or other part, into acting position at the proper time. In place of the friction disc F, the shaft may drive a loose disc by means of a pawl during the return motion only, the disc being retarded by passage between the poles of a brake magnet. The toothed lever e is carried on a shaft e , and carries a weight e' secured adjustably by a screw, with graduations and a pointer to indicate its position. An arm x of the shaft e moves a loose pointer to indicate the maximum throw of the shafts e , C during any period. A counter may be connected with the spindle a , or other part, to indicate the number of oscillations made by the watt-meter. The gear c and weighted lever e may be replaced by an open helical cam on the shaft C supporting a roller on an inclined weighted lever, or by a helical spring connecting the shaft C with a fixed point. The clock switch B is preferably electrically self-winding. Current is supplied to the coils on the movable spindle a of the watt-meter through two helical controlling-springs. The arm a engages, through a definite angle, a loose angular catch c adjustable by a radial screw on an arm of the shaft C. The ratchet gear consists of an inclined pawl g , slotted to engage an arm q of a loose gear-wheel H, by which it is carried between two discs g, g fixed on the shaft C, so that the pawl bears obliquely against both discs in their return movement. An adjustable part k of the arm q limits the lost motion of the pawl g allowed by its slot.