APPARATUS FOR METERING AND DISPENSING GAS

摘要

An apparatus for metering and dispensing gas, comprising a shut-off device (2) for the gas to be consumed, means for receiving consumption signals corresponding to the gas consumption, a card reader (4) for reading data cards storing data corresponding to a predetermined quantity of gas and a control unit (62) having a microprocessor for controlling the shut-off device (2). According to the invention the shutt-off device (2) comprises a valve (74) to be inserted into a conduit of the gas, said valve (74) having a housing (17) and being actuated through a low friction moving mechanism (46) by a stepping motor (15), said stepping motor (15) being located outside the housing (17) of the valve (74), and there is a sealed magnetic coupling (16) to transfer rotation between the stepping motor (15) and the moving mechanism (46), said stepping motor (15) being controlled by the control unit (62) according to the gas consumption and to signals read from a data card.