IMPROVEMENTS IN AND CONNECTED WITH GAS ENGINES
Year: 1880

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Charles Linford, of Sidney Street, Leicester, in the County
of Leicester, Gas Engine Manufacturer, for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS
IN AND CONNECTED WITH GAS ENGINES."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Charles Linford at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 24th January 1880.
CHARLES LINFORD, of Sidney Street, Leicester, in the County of Leicester, Gas
Engine Manufacturer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND CONNECTED WITH GAS ENGINES."
This Invention relates to and consists in a novel arrangement of appliances,
which in double acting engines give an impulse to each one and a half revolution of
the crank shaft, and in a single acting engine one impulse to every three
revolutions of the crank shaft; this is effected in the following manner :-
I use a cylinder, piston, and crank as in an ordinary steam engine; the cylinder
has at each end a space wherein the piston does not travel to be used as a com-
pressing and igniting chamber; each chamber has suitable ports and valves for
mixing, for exhausting, for igniting, and for regulating the supply of gas.
In practice, supposing the piston to have been driven to one end of the cylinder
by the impulse, upon its return it will drive out on one side through suitable
valves the residues of the previous charge, and on the other side through suitable
valves a mixture of gas and air; upon its return the charge will be compressed,
whilst on the other side of the piston (the exhaust valve remaining open) air only
is driven in. Upon the piston completing its stroke, the charge previously
admitted is compressed into the space before mentioned at the end of the cylinder,
where it is ignited by any convenient method by gas flaine, electricity, or any
known method. The piston will then be impelled outwards, driving out the charge
of air in the other side through the exhaust or other valve or valves, when having
completed its out stroke the exhaust valve is closed and a mixing valve, as at the
other end, is opened, and during the whole of the instroke a charge of gas and air
is drawn, whilst, as before stated, the residues of combustion of the previous charge
are expelled through an exhaust valve, and the operation is repeated as at the
other end of the cylinder; thus I obtain two impulses in three revolutions in a
single acting engine.

page_text: When the exhaust stroke has been completed, the piston returns and draws a
supply of air through the exhaust valve, which remains open for the purpose. The
piston then goes forward again and exerts a pressure upon the air, pushing a
portion of it through the exhaust and a portion through the inlet valve, which is
opened to admit it. By this means I ensure a blowing out or positive removal of
any fire or refuse that may have remained after the last explosion, and before a
fresh charge of combustible fluid can be drawn in.
To govern this engine I use an ordinary governor as in a steam engine, but with
a novel arrangement of links and lever having independent action between the gas
supply valve and the cam.
purpose arranging the mixing chamber in the seating of the valve instead of in
the valve itself, the gas supply to this chamber being regulated by a distinct slide
actuated by the gas admission valve.
To ensure the charge being properly distributed in the combination chamber I
use a trumpet mouthed pipe leading from a side supply regulated by the valve last
mentioned.
The port by which the air is supplied is connected by a pipe to the exhaust
delivery.
In a cylinder provided with two pistons which move away from each other
under the force of the explosion, I fit a double nozzled pipe to lead the gaseous
fluid to the centre; one nozzle is above and one is below a partition plate, around
the edge of which a clearance is left as not to divide the charge.
The piston is metallic, and consists of piston block and cover as in an ordinary
steam engine piston. The rings or packing segments consists of two or more rings
of metal, and their expansion is effected by a series of curved springs made to wedge
between the two inside rings to expand them laterally and radially, the other two
points pressing upon the outer and inner edge of the rings to balance them, and to
ensure their steadiness. The inner side of these curved springs have their four
points in straight line one with the other, to enable an inner spring made of plain
spring steel to be expanded by a lever. The inner spring is coiled round the piston
block, and has a space between them; a stop is formed upon the piston body
serving as a rest for one end of the before mentioned spring, the other, end
terminating opposite an opening in the piston blocks, wherein works a small lever
attached to a spindle passing through the piston block, whereby the lever can be
actuated from outside the piston for expanding the rings.
Another method of ensuring the lateral expansion is, a spring of round or flat
steel is inserted between the two central rings, which are grooved or channeld to
receive them, or a member of spiral volute or segments of the before mentioned
springs may be employed; the radial expansion is effected by a metal ring cut into
three or more segments, behind which is the expanding ring as before mentioned,
and operation of expanding is as last stated.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Charles Linford in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 24th July
1880.
CHARLES LINFORD, of Sidney Street, Leicester, in the County of Leicester, Gas
Engine Manufacturer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND CONNECTED WITH GAS ENGINES."
This Invention relates to and consists in a novel arrangement of appliances
which in double acting engines give an impulse to each one and a half revolution
of the crank shaft, and in a single acting engine one impulse to every three
revolutions of the crank shaft; this is effected in the following manner :-
I use a cylinder, piston, and crank, as in an ordinary steam engine; the cylinder
has at each end a space wherein the piston does not travel to be used as a com-
pressing and igniting chamber; each chamber has suitable ports and valves for
mixing, for exhausting, for igniting, and for regulating the supply of gas.
In practice, supposing the piston to have been driven at one end of the cylinder
by the impulse, upon its return it will drive out on one side, through suitable
valves, the residues of the previous charge, and will draw in on the other side,
through suitable valves, a mixture of gas and air. Upon its return the charge will
be compressed, whilst on the other side of the piston (the exhaust valve remaining
open) air only is drawn in. Upon the piston completing its stroke the charge
previously admitted is compressed into the space before mentioned at the end of
the cylinder, where it is ignited by any convenient method by gas flame, electricity,
or any known method. The piston will then be impelled outwards, driving out
the charge of air from the other side through the exhaust or other valve or valves,
when having completed its outstroke the exhaust valve is closed, and a mixing
valve, as at the other end, is opened, and during the whole of the instroke a
charge of gas and air is drawn, whilst, as before stated, the residue of combustion
of the previous charge are expelled through an exhaust valve, and the operation is
repeated, as at the other end of the cylinder; thus I obtain two impulses in 3
revolutions in a single acting engine.
When the exbaust stroke has been completed the piston returns and draws a
supply of air through the exhaust valve, which remains open for the purpose. The
piston then goes forward again and exerts a pressure upon the air, pushing a
portion of it through the exhaust, which is opened to admit it. By this means I
ensure a blowing out or positive removal of any fire or refuse that may have
remained after the last explosion and before a fresh charge of combustible fluid can
be drawn in.
To govern this engine I use an ordinary governor, as in a steam engine, but with
a novel arrangement of links and lever having independent action between the
gas supply valve and the cam.
To insure the charge being properly distributed in the combustion chambers I
may use a trumpet mouthed pipe leading from a side supply regulated by the valve
last mentioned.
In a cylinder provided with two pistons which move away from each other
under the force of the explosion I fit a double nozzled pipe to lead the gaseous
fluid to the centre, one nozzle is above and one is below. In some cases I fit a
partition plate on the tube, and a clearance around the edge as not to divide the
charge.
My Invention is exemplified in the annexed Drawings,-
First. In a single piston cylinder, Figure 1, for firing alternately at the two ends
of the cylinder.
Secondly. In a two piston cylinder, Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, for firing at the centre
thereof.
Thirdly. In a single piston cylinder, Figures 7 and 8, for firing at one end only.

page_text: Fourthly. In a coupled cylinder gas engine, Figures 9 and 10, for firing at the
same end of the cylinder alternately.
Fifthly. In an engine, Figures 11 and 12, in which a pump for drawing in and
transferring a combustible charge into an adjoining cylinder on out stroke of
working piston, on return stroke of which the charge is compressed, then fired and
expanded, the exhaust being transferred to pump cylinder that the working cylinder
may take in a scavenger charge and the pump piston force the residues through
the exhaust pipe, which opens for the purpose. After the discharge of the exhaust
from the pump a scavenger charge is taken therein to clear it of any refuse that
may remain in.
Sixthly. In an engine, Figures 13 and 14, and in Figure 15 on enlarged scale, for
drawing and discharging the scavenger charge of air into and from one side of
piston after each expulsion of combustible charge, and also another scavenger
charge of air on opposite side of piston after each exhaust of residues of combustion,
in the whole of which appliances for the admission of gas and air as a combustible
body during the travel of the piston or pistons in one direction is governed, the
compression of the said charge (gas and air) during the return stroke of the piston
or pistons, the firing of the said charge during their next travel, the exhaust of the
residues of combustion during the next travel of the piston or pistons, the admis-
sion of a distinct column or current of atmospheric air from the atmosphere, and
free from any admixture of gas during the next travel of the piston or pistons, and
then the exhaust of the said column or current of atmospheric air during the next
travel of the piston or pistons, before the next body of gas and air is admitted to
the cylinder or cylinders. The admission and emission of the distinct column or
current of atmospheric air into and from the cylinder or cylinders after and following
each exhaust of the residues of combustion being to scavenger or wash out any
debris or refuse portions which may be left in the cylinder or cylinders after the
usual exhaust of the spent explosive charge or of the live explosive charge, as
referred to under "sixthly."
I wish it to be understood that the appliances or arrangements hereafter referred
to and shown in the accompanying Drawings are what I consider the best by
which my Invention can be carried into practice, but I do not limit myself thereto
nor to the use of them only to the engines shown, because they can in modified
forms, arrangements, or positions be adapted to other styles of gas engines, and in
some cases to existing gas engines. In all cases however I make what I term a
"triple cycle" action, consisting of one and a half revolution of the crank shaft to
each impulse of the piston in double acting engines, or three revolutions of the
crank shaft to each impulse of the piston or pistons in single acting engines.
For the purposes of my Invention I fit on the side of the slide valve seating or
adjacent thereto a box A containing a valve B, Figures 5, 9, 16, 17, and 18,
which is a sett open valve, that atmospheric air may freely pass in the port C of
the slide D and mixing chamber E, and mix with the gas as it enters the main
port F, the valve B within the box closing at the return of the piston or
pistons G, G, that the air shall be driven out through the exhaust H, shown
enlarged Figure 19, which shows the exhaust valve I and box J as I purpose to
arrange them.
The box J has two bell valves K, L, and the tappet valve I. Both the bell
valves K, L, are free to drop upon their seats and lift one K, when the tappet
valve I opens to allow the exhaust to pass away, the other L opens by the suction
of the piston when the exhaust pipe and passage H have to serve as the scavenger
or air supply pipe, which it does by the valve L opening and the valve K closing;
the air feed pipe M having a branch N for feeding the seating box A with air for
the combustible charge in C, E, and F, the gas froin supply pipe P passing through
rectangular cavity Q in cover R, Figure 20, and through perforations a, a, in
slide D, to E and F. To the free end of the pipe M, which is attached to the exhaust
valve box J, I fit an air bell S, within which I arrange (a conical shaped bason T,
see Figure 21, and within this and forming part of the pipe end is a nozzle U, that

page_text: the air has first to pass under the edge of the bell (this being fastened to the
engine frame for convenience), then over the edges of the bason into the nozzle
before it enters the pipe M.
In the special form or construction of gas engine with two pistons within the
cylinder, as in Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the accompanying Drawings.
The engine is substantially that patented by me in the year 1879, No. 1500,
with beams and levers, but with my detail improvements before referred to added
to enable it to work on my triple cycle system.
W is the cylinder; G, G, the two pistons working therein. These pistons when
moved apart from each other draw a supply of gas and air from the mixing
chamber E of the slide D through the pipe F (see Figure 3), that the charge so
drawn in during the whole outward motion of the piston is led above and below
the pipe into the central portion of the cylinder W for the better distribution of
the charge within it. This pipe may have a plate or diaphragm X on it, as in
Figure 22, with a clearance around the edge as not to completely divide the charge.
The slide D, shown separately in Figures 16, 17, and 18, is then moved by the
lever Y and rod Z from the second motion shaft b as to close the passage cand
shut off the supply. The pistons G, G, then approach each other through the
action of the crank shaft d under the momentum of the fly wheel e to compress
the charge within the enlarged portion ƒ at the centre portion of the cylinder W,
the piston being then brought into the position shown by the sectional view
Figure 3. At this instant the slide D is moved to bring an shaped passage g
opposite the central pipe F that a portion of the compressed charge which is within
the cylinder W and pipe F may pass into the cavity h and into an augled slot i in
the cover R, as to bring the tail of the slot i to coincide with a cavity or holo
within which a small gas flame from the pipe j is burning, and by which the
explosion of the charge is established, the two pistons being impelled apart
thereby. By the particular shape of the cavity and the angled slot a pressure
is created, and the flame is injected into the port F. k is the outside gas pipe
whose flame is shielded by the chimney L.
After the explosion has spent itself by driving the pistons G, G, to the top and
bottom of the cylinder W they return to drive the residues of combustion
through box J, under valve K, which lifts into the exhaust pipe H and away
to the atmosphere.
The slide D then moves to bring its aperture C opposite the air chamber c, and
the aperture m opposite the pipe F, the gas passage Q being still cut off, that a
distinct current of atmospheric air (unsophisticated) may be drawn through the
valve L in the exhaust box R by the receding action of the pistons to fill the
cylinder with the scavenger charge, the valve I being kept open by the tappet
lever n riding on the cam p arranged upon the second motion shaft b.
The flap valve B is arranged that any portion of the exhaust of the residues of
combustion of the spent charge acts upon the back of it and closes it; the same
also happens when the exhaust of the "scavenger" takes place, so that not only is
the cylinder cleared of all remaining particles of the spent charge residues but the
exhaust pipe also.
It will be seen by the shape of the cam p of the second motion shaft in Figure 4
that the exhaust valve is kept open during nearly one half of the rotation of the
shaft b, that is, during the ordinary exhaust the filling of the cylinder with
atmospheric air and the discharge of the scavenger air from the cylinder, the
exhaust valve I then closing under the action of its spring q, and the gas inlet Q
opening through the cam r and tappet levers 8, 8, causing the cone pint to move
from its seat, the pistons G, G, at this time just commencing their outward stroke to
draw in a fresh charge of air and gas, which commingles in the mixing chamber E
and pipe F previous to passing through the central apertures u, u.
The cylinder is provided with a water jacket v; w being the pipes leading to and
from the water tank in the usual manner for cooling the cylinder.
The diagram, Figure 23, illustrates clearly my 3 to 1, or, as I term it," the triple

page_text: cycle" system, which is the sole object of my Invention, whether it be carried into
practice in or to single or to double acting gas engines, by the arrangements shown
in the annexed Drawings, or by any other equivalent arrangement in them or in
any other form of gas engine, whereby between the exhaust of the residues of one
combustion and the admission of a fresh charge of combustible gas into the cylinder,
a distinct and separate charge of atmospheric air is mechanically and without the
use of pumps admitted and discharged from the cylinder, and through the ordinary
exhaust to scavenger, wash out, or clear the cylinder and exhaust of any remaining
refuse which may be left therein by the imperfect exhaust of the previous charge,
as previously described.
Triple Cycle System
1 to 2 represents the admission of gaseous mixture to cylinder during
outstroke of working piston or pistons.
2 to 3, compression of the charge during the return stroke.
3 to 4, expansion of the charge after ignition during next out-stroke.
4 to 5, exhaust of residues of combustion by next return stroke.
5 to 6, admission of atmospheric air to destroy any remaining fire.
6 to 1, exhaust of atmospheric air during next instroke and previous
to admission of combustible charge, as described for 1 to 2.
1 to 3 indicates first revolution of crank shaft.
3 to 5, second revolution of crank shaft.
5 to 1, third revolution of crank shaft.
Figure 24 represents detail views of modified arrangements of gas supply
opening and closing apparatus which may be employed with my triple cycle gas
engines instead of that shown in Figure 4, if desired.
Figure 25 shows the arrangement of gas pin and cone as applied to horizontal
engines such as I represent at Figures 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, and 14, and Figure 26 shows
the slide seating and cover in section for same.
Figure 27 represents a sectional view of a modified arrangement of of air box,
this being specially suitable for the horizontal type of engines.
J is the box; N is the outlet leading to the slide D; L is the back pressure
valve to prevent the air blowing back from the cylinder; T is the reduction cone
or aspirator, or inlet valve, leading to outlet M; K is the valve for feeding the air;
X', the chamber; N', the suction pipe for supplying box, the air entering by L'.
Figures 11 and 12 represent a novel construction of horizontal gas engine (triple
cycle) in which an additional cylinder W₁ to serve as an air pump and exhaust
receiver is fitted. The pistons G, G¹, in the positions shown, the air pump W¹ is
say charged with combustible fluid (air and gas) through the mixing valve D.
Upon the piston G being moved forward by the momentum of the fly wheel e on
its outer stroke the piston G¹ will make its return stroke, and the charge of com-
bustible will pass by the passage x, cavity y, in the valve D' and port to the
cylinder W, the piston G going outwards during this intake; the piston G then
returns and pushes the combustible charge back into the cylinder W¹, by the
branches ¹, the passage x, cavity y, having been closed during this movement; the
next stroke of piston G¹ transfers the combustible charge in the chamber f (com-
pressed), the slide D' then moving to bring the internal flame in chamber a¹ into 4
proper position for firing said charge.
By the expansion of this charge the piston G is impelled outwards, the piston G¹
at same time making its instroke, at which moment a valve will be lifted by a cam
of the second motion shaft b and a communication formed between the two
cylinders W, W₁. G¹ then makes its instroke and G its outstroke, the exhaust a
residues of combustion being transferred to the cylinder G¹. Just before G com-
pletes its outstroke an extra valve is opened, communicating with the port; the
exhaust being open a free passage to the atmosphere is obtained.
Figures 13 and 14 show a single cylinder engine, with extra ports and passages,
to enable a distinct charge of atmospheric air to be taken in at the back of the 5
piston after the transfer of the combustible charge therefrom to the opposite or
compression and firing side of piston, and also after the transfer of the residues of

page_text: combustion to the back of the piston, also to the chamber f and cylinder in front of
piston after the expulsion of the residues.
In this arrangement, supposing the explosion chamber f of the cylinder W to be
charged with compressed gas, and the chamber at the back of the piston to contain
the scavenger charge which has entered by the port, the ignition and consequent
expansion of the charge in fwill force the piston outwards and push said scavenger
charge out into the atmosphere through. The valve D then shifts, and as the
piston G goes forward for the exhaust of the residues of combustion the chamber at
the back becomes filled with combustible gas by the slide D shifting again and
opening the passages C, E, and F. The receding of the piston then draws in a
scavengering charge of air in f and pushes the combustible charge from its back
partially compresses into the chamber until the piston G has made the next stroke
to exhaust the scavenger charge from f, the next outward stroke of the piston
taking the charge of combustible mixture from the chamber previous to its after
compression in f, and the firing as before explained.
The two slides D and D¹ are coupled and are operated by the second motion
shaft by the 3 to 1 gearing on it, and on the main or crank shaft..
Having now described the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the
same is to be performed, I declare that I claim,―
First. The employment of a distinct and separate current of atmospheric air as
a scavenger for washing out or clearing the cylinder of a gas engine (single or
double) from any remaining residues of combustion after the usual exhaust, said
separate current of air being sucked into and discharged from the cylinder by the
working piston or pistons without the aid of pumps or other extraneous appliances
or apparatus for charging the cylinder with said air, as described and substantially
as shown in the annexed Drawings.
Secondly. Making a gas engine (single or double) with a 3 to 1 arrangement of
apparatus as part of same engine, whereby atmospheric air is employed as a
'scavenger" between the usual exhaust and the admission of a fresh explosive
charge, as described and indicated by the annexed Drawings.
$
Thirdly. The special port in slide valve, the particular slot i in cavity of
cover in combination with "sett" valve, by which my 3 to 1 system is carried into
practical operation in gas engines (single and double), as described.
Fourthly. Fitting a "sett open" valve in the air supply leading to the air port
of a gas engine valve seating, as described and substantially as shown in the
annexed Drawings, Figures 16, 17, and 18, said valve closing only on the
expulsion of the scavenger charge which passes through the usual exhaust.
Fifthly. The particular form or shape of the gas and air mixing chamber E in
the slide C, and especially the shaped aperture g in said valve, as shown at
Figures 16, 17, and 18 of the annexed Drawings for the purposes set forth.
Sixthly. The angled slot i in combination and as part of cavity
cover of a gas engine, as and for the purposes set forth.
in the slide
Seventhly. The particular construction and arrangements of parts composing a
gas engine, shown in Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6, also the arrangements shown at
Figures 7, 8, 9, and 10 with triple cycle, or 3 to 1 action, as described.
Eighthly. The particular arrangement of single piston cylinder with ports and
passages with trumpet mouthed inlets, as shown at Figure 1 of the annexed
Drawings; also the double piston with trumpet mouthed inlet at centre, as shown
at Figure 2 thereof, for the purpose set forth.
Ninthly. The doubled nozzled pipe for leading the gaseous mixture to centre of
a gas engine cylinder, as described and substantially as shown at Figures 3 and 22
of the annexed Drawings.
Tenthly. The particular construction or arrangement of gas engine and air
pump, acting also as exhaust receiver in combination, as shown at Figures 11 and
12 of the annexed Drawings, and acting in the manner described.
Eleventhly. The particular arrangement of exhaust box and valves, shown at

page_text: Figure 19; and also the air box, shown at Figure 27 of the annexed Drawings,
acting in the manner described.
Twelfthly and lastly. I claim the particular construction or arrangement of
single piston gas engine, shown at Figures 13, 14, and 15 of the annexed Drawings,
and acting in the manner described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Charles Linford, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Twenty third day of July, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and eighty.
Witness,
H. GARDNER,
Patent Agent,
40, Fleet Street,
London.
CHAS, LINFORD. . (L.S.)