US3845283A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fourth wheel for three-wheel counters
Assignee: Sunoco Inc
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Filing: 1974-02-14
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Granted: 1974-10-29
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Expires: 1994-02-14
Abstract
Abstract For increasing the ''''sale'''' or ''''cost'''' registering capacity of a conventional three-wheel register (counter) used in gasoline dispensers, a fourth partial wheel is provided by means of a plate which can be inserted in the register and which is arranged to be driven (i.e., rotated) from the highest-order cost wheel of the register. The fourth-wheel mechanism is relatively simple and inexpensive, such that it can be readily added to operating registers in the field.
Inventors
- 👤 E Young
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 21:41
CPC Classifications
B; B67; B67D; B67D7/00; B67D7/06; B67D7/08; B67D7/22; B67D7/224; B67D7/225
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
111 words
For a counter with an array of identical ordered number wheels each having a driving gear segment adapted to be used in transferring a count from a number wheel of lower order to the number wheel of next higher order: an arrangement for increasing the maximum count-indicating capability of said counter beyond that provided by said array, comprising a plate mounted for rotation adjacent the number wheel of highest order in said array, said plate bearing numerical indicia; and a pawl pivotally attached to said plate and having a portion engageable by the driving gear segment on said highest order wheel to cause rotation of said plate through a predetermined angle.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
111 words
For a counter with an array of identical ordered number wheels each having a driving gear segment adapted to be used in transferring a count from a number wheel of lower order to the number wheel of next higher order: an arrangement for increasing the maximum count-indicating capability of said counter beyond that provided by said array, comprising a plate mounted for rotation adjacent the number wheel of highest order in said array, said plate bearing numerical indicia; and a pawl pivotally attached to said plate and having a portion engageable by the driving gear segment on said highest order wheel to cause rotation of said plate through a predetermined angle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
Arrangement recited in claim 1, including also means carried by said pawl for causing disengagement of said pawl from the driving gear segment on said highest order wheel upon rotation of said plate through said angle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
Arrangement of claim 2, wherein said means comprises an integral tab on said pawl which engages a fixed abutment to pivot said pawl relative to said plate and also relative to the driving gear segment on said highest order wheel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
Structure recited in claim 1, including also a resetting gear releasably coupled to said highest order number wheel and driven to cause resetting of said last-mentioned number wheel, and yieldable friction means coupling said plate to said gear.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
Structure of claim 4, wherein said friction means comprises a pair of friction blocks mounted on said plate and engaging the teeth of said gear.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
Arrangement recited in claim 1, including also means normally biasing said pawl tO a position such as to be engaged by the driving gear segment on said highest order wheel.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
Arrangement defined in claim 6, including also means carried by said pawl for causing disengagement of said pawl from the driving gear segment on said highest order wheel upon rotation of said plate through said angle.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
43 words
Arrangement of claim 7, wherein the means for causing disengagement comprises an integral tab on said pawl which engages a fixed abutment to pivot said pawl relative to said plate and also relative to the driving gear segment on said highest order wheel.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
51 words
Structure of claim 8, wherein the mechanism for transferring a count from a number wheel of lower order to the number wheel of next higher order includes a transfer pinion mounted rotatably on a shaft and driven by the corresponding driving gear segment; and wherein said fixed abutment comprises said shaft.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
61 words
Structure recited in claim 1, including also a resetting gear releasably coupled to said highest order number wheel and driven to cause resetting of said last-mentioned number wheel, yieldable friction means coupling said plate to said gear, and means normally biasing said pawl to a position such as to be engaged by the driving gear segment on said highest order wheel.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-10-28 | 1978-04-29 | 1978-10-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-10-28 | 1982-04-29 | 1982-10-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-10-28 | 1986-04-29 | 1986-10-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |