Means for Operating Coin-prepayment Mechanism of Fluid Meters from a Distance

19,489. Peebles, W. C. Aug. 25. Gas &c., supplying by meter.- The prepayment meter described in Specification 2615/03, is adapted to be operated from a distance so that the meter mechanism may be inaccessible, while the coin mechanism is situated in any convenient position. In the arrangement shown in Figs. 1 and 6, the measuring-out mechanism of the meter, of which one wheel K is shown in Fig. 6, is operated pneumatically or hydraulically. A pawl-arm E is connected to a 'plunger E working in a cylinder E , which communicates by means of a tube E with a second cylinder D' arranged in the coin box. After prepayment, the operator rotates a spindle C by turning a handle G, thereby depressing the plunger D by means of an arm D, the plunger E simultaneously setting forward the wheel K by means of the pawl-arm E . The arm D and the plunger D are returned by a spring. The cylinders and plungers may be replaced by flexible diaphragms. In the arrangement shown in Fig. 8, the pawl-arm is operated by a cord M wound on a pulley M, which is rotated after prepayment by means of a handle G. The cord is preferably encased in a tube, not shown, and the pawl-arm is re-set by a spring. Coin action, mechanical-connexion. - In the form shown in Fig. 1, the coin, resting in front of projections B, B on the spindle C, couples the spindle to a loose sleeve C on which the arm D is mounted. During the rotation of the handle, the coin is moved laterally by a rack G until it escapes from the support B , whereupon it is discharged by a spring G . In a modification, the coin rests in front of the plunger and forms an abutment for a hollow push-rod. In the arrangement shown in Fig. 8, the coin couples half-pockets K , K on the spindles of the operating-handle and pulley respectively. At the completion of the movement, the pulley M is locked by a catch M on a lever M to permit the discharge of the coin, the pocket K returning alone and tripping the catch M by means of a cam N.