| 摘要 |
A coin operated meter has a housing with a coin box, coin return and clock mechanism located within the housing. The clock mechanism is wound by the successive insertion of coins within the meter. An escrow support mechanism within the housing selectively retains releaseably at least one escrow coin in the housing, directs the escrow coin to the coin box or returns the escrow coin to a parker. A programming mechanism actuates the escrow support mechanism in response to movement of the clock mechanism to selectively and automatically pass the escrow coin to the coin box. An escrow release mechanism permits return of the escrow coin when the parker returns to the meter prior to the expiration of the prepaid time. The escrow release mechanism is coupled to an escrow lock to prevent unauthorized release of the escrow coin. In this manner, the retention of the escrow coin automatically permits the meter to charge a higher parking rate fee for overtime parking without monitoring by the local authorities.
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