Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 12th June, 1895-Accepted, 13th July, 1895
I WILLIAM HENRY GREEN, Engineer, of 19, Bruce Street, Northampton, do
hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be
performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement :-
This invention relates to self starters for gas motor engines, and is applicable to
the class of engines which by the introduction of a volume of gas or vapour into the
working cylinder is then or after compression, made to explode and so propel
the piston by the force generated during the remainder of the working stroke,
and has for its object improved means for allowing a portion of gas to enter the
cylinder (when the engine is at rest), from the gas supply pipe, and an improved
igniting valve or hollow spindle for firing the charge of gas or vapour, also a
simple trigger arrangement for keeping this valve shut and out of action when the
engine has once started.
My invention consists substantially of a hollow spindle with a collar formed
thereon the upper side of which has a face and acts as a stop to prevent same rising
too high, and in the device by which my improved valve is instantaneously closed
when desired to be put out of action, and also dispensing with a cock which quickly
deteriorates by the gas and explosive force acting upon it.
In order to show when and how my invention is brought into action I take the
engine at rest and by any suitable valve allow a portion of gas to enter the cylinder.
The effect of this gas will be to drive out a portion of atmospheric air within
the explosion chamber through the hollow spindle, where it ignites by means of a
light or flame placed at the opening. The gas supply then being shut off will cause
the flame to pass back into the cylinder and explode the charge within, this pressure
causing the valve or hollow spindle to lift and automatically close itself until the
pressure within the cylinder is again lowered to that of the atmosphere. I wish
to distinctly state that I do not claim any novelty in this proceeding except the
construction of such valve and the device by which it is kept closed when out of
action.
I will now proceed with reference to drawings to show the construction of iny
invention
Fig. 1 is a sectional elevation of the igniting apparatus, showing in full size the
hollow spindle.
Fig. 2 is a plan of the screwed bracket or platform which contains the hollow
spindle and supports the gas jet and the rocking lever with trigger device.
Fig. 3 is an end elevation one half size showing trigger and spring.
Fig. 4 is a plan of same.
Fig. 5 is a full size elevation of rocking lever.
Fig. 6 is a plan of same.
Figs. 7 and 8 a side and end elevation of fulcrum joint.
Figs. 9 and 10 a plan and elevation of trigger and spring.
Figs. 11 and 12 a sectional elevation and plan of hollow spindle.
Fig. 13 the apparatus as fixed on the cylinder of engine.
The explosion chamber 1 at one end of the cylinder is fitted with the attach-
ment, Fig. 1 consisting of a small chamber 2 having a communication to the
cylinder 1, a hollow spindle 3 having posts 4. 4 communicating with interior of
spindle and chamber. A flame lave unon the Qvening at snindle at f he ma

page_text: the burner 7. A. platform 8 is provided having on its under side a hexagon cast
on and a portion screwed for fixing into chamber 2. (By boring the hole in the
cylinder sufficiently large however I can dispense with this chamber and allow the
screwed portion of platform to enter cylinder direct.)
9 is a rocking lever (working on fulcrum pin 10) one end of which lever projects
into a slot 11 and raises the spindle 3. In said rocking lever notches are made one
on each side of fulcrum (shown in Fig. 5 at 12 and 13) into which drops the
trigger 14, Fig. 9. when pulled over either way. On the end of the trigger is fixed
a spring 15, or the trigger may be flattened to form a spring of itself; this spring
causes the trigger to remain in either notch as required. I construct these afore-
inentioned parts of any suitable material.
In order to start an engine fitted with my apparatus, the crank is moved over the
inner centre; the gas jet 7 is ignited; the trigger is pulled over and left in the
recess of the rocking lever shown in position at Fig. 1; the hollow spindle is then
free to drop to its lowest position; the gas inlet valve 16 Fig. 13 is then opened,
gas enters the explosion chamber 1 and mixes with the air within and forces a
position out through the opening 6, Fig. 1 through the passage 17 and the ports 4, 4.
When the required mixture is obtained the valve 16, Fig. 13 is closed, causing
the flame at 6 to strike back and enter the cylinder and cause the explosion. The
pressure immediately lifts the spindle 3 and closes the ports 4 4, between the
bottom edge of which and the collar is a ledge or lip 18 which effectively cuts off
all communication. On the return stroke the charge is exhausted through the
valve 18 which is raised by means of a cam fixed on a revolving shaft. When
the pressure is again lowered to that of the atmosphere, the hollow spindle 3 drops
and allows the operation to be repeated. When the engine has attained sufficient
speed, the hollow spindle is then put out of action by keeping it raised by means
of the aforementioned rocking lever and trigger.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that
what I claim is :-
1. In gas motor engines the hollow spindle which when raised cuts off communi-
cation to the cylinder substantially as specified and illustrated.
2. In gas motor engines the rocking lever one end of which works into a slot in
the spindle and lifts it as required, substantially as described and shewn.
3. In gas motor engines the trigger with spring attachment which operates the
rocking lever and puts it in or out of action, substantially as described and
illustrated by the drawings.
Dated this 11th day of June 1895.
HUGHES, SON & Co.,
38, Chancery Lane, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.