764,750. Parking meters. DARK, J. W. March 22, 1955, No. 8240/55. Addition to 726,207. Class 27. The vehicle parking apparatus of the parent Specification, which has removal preventing means controlled by a coin-freed meter, is provided with modified removal preventing means, modified coin mechanism, means for illuminating the interior of the meter and means for recording the amounts paid. A frame a, which can be placed with its longer side abutting the kerb, carries a pivoted spring-loaded plate b between wheel stops j, k and depression of the plate b by the wheel of a car causes a lever d or hydraulic master and slave cylinders, to raise a barrier plate e to prevent forward movement of the vehicle and also closes a switch l so that current is supplied to operate a meter g and raise a further barrier plate f behind the vehicle. The plate f is operated by a motor q driving through reduction gearing h1 a cam j1 at a rate of one revolution in a few minutes. The cam acts through a spring-loaded push-rod k1 and is shaped so that a small further rotation beyond its point of maximum lift will allow the plate f to fall rapidly. Supply of current to the motor is controlled through two circuits, the first circuit running through a delayaction switch o to a switch p operable by the plate f and the second circuit running from the delay-action switch to a switch r on a fee-indicator t1 and then direct to the motor. Depression of the plate b, through a cord m the lever d2 or through electromagnetic means in the circuit of switch l, also engages a clutch p1, o1 by which a clock m1 is connected to the fee-indicator t1 and a clutch x1, y' by which a trip member w1 is connected through gearing e2 and a variablespeed gear-box s1 to coin mechanism shaft f2. The coin mechanism comprises a number of shoots v each having electrical contacts u, w adjustably spaced apart according to the size of coin appropriate to the particular shoot. Each contact w is on a pivoted arm x and the presence of a coin between the contacts closes the circuit of a solenoid y which attracts the arm and releases the coin to a bin n2. Movement of the arm through an adjustable ratchet j2, or through a drum and cord drive, rotates the shaft f2 and a pawl and ratchet g2 causes the separate rotations of shaft f2 according to the values of the coins in particular shoots to be accumulated and fed into the gear-box s1. The output speed of this gear-box s1 may be altered at any predetermined moment during the parking period by a cam r1 driven by the clock and acting on a lever t2, the decrease in final output speed resulting in a reduced motion of the trip member w' and thus requiring the insertion of more coins to give the required movement of the trip member. Insertion of the coins required by the parking period will rotate the trip member to the same position as the fee-indicator has been rotated by the clock and when the contacts are opposite each other a solenoid s attracts the trip member w1 so that a circuit is closed across the contacts r to energize the motor q through the second circuit and, by moving the high point of the cam off pushrod k1, to allow the plate f to fall. In a modified switch, a sector-shaped plate on the trip member operates a switch corresponding to the contacts r. A modified fee-indicator assembly, Fig. 4, includes a gear-wheel a3 meshed with a rack bar b3 capable of being moved vertically, and controlling a separate fee-indicating bar or drum or, alternatively having its edge marked with a scale of fees. A lever c3 carrying a switch d3 is mounted on the rack bar b3 and a movable member consisting of a rack bar e3 movable closely parallel with the bar b3 is meshed with a gearwheel f4 rotatable by the coin shoot mechanisms. Fee-recording apparatus comprises a pen or pencil h3 capable of marking a roll of paper j3 mounted on rollers, one of which is rotatable by a ratchet m3 connected by a cord n to the cord m attached to the wheel plate, so that each depression of the plate moves the roll of paper a short distance. The pen or pencil h3 is attached by a cord g3 to a clock-driven drum p1 and therefore indicates on the roll the period of parking and the fee payable for each parking operation. In order to indicate at a remote point when the plate f is lowered while the wheel plate b remains depressed, a switch f1 on the push-rod k1 is connected to the switch l and controls an external warning means g', either visible or audible, such as a lamp or buzzer. The feeindicator scale is lit by a lamp t and is visible through a window u2. The coin bin n2 is accessible through a hinged door e1 of which the keyhole c1 is normally blocked by a swinging gate b1 until the gate has been moved aside by a solenoid a1 energized by current under the control of a switch z at a remote point. The apparatus may also be adapted for parking cycles, as described in Specification 726,207. Operation.-When a car is driven on to the wheel plate b, the barrier plate e is immediately raised and the cord m engages the clutches p1, o1 and x1, y'. The clock then drives the fee-indicator and also a cam q1 which, after a short delay, closes the switch o and energizes the motor q through the first circuit. When the motor has rotated the cam j1 to raise the barrier plate f, the switch p is opened and the motor stopped. When it is desired to remove the car, the amount indicated on the scale is inserted in the coin shoots v and the trip member is rotated until the closing of contacts r energizes the motor q thus moving the cam to allow the plate f to fall. If the car is not removed within a few minutes, the motor will have rotated the cam to raise the plate f and further coins will have to be inserted to lower it again.
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