IMPROVEMENTS IN AIR AND GAS MOTORS AND APPARATUS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF GAS THEREFOR
Year: 1883

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to George William Weatherhogg of 169 Wandsworth Road,
Wandsworth in the County of Surrey, Engineer for an Invention of
IMPROVEMENTS IN AIR AND GAS MOTORS AND APPARATUS FOR THE PRODUCTION
OF GAS THEREFOR
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said George William Weatherhogg
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 30th January 1883.
GEORGE WILLIAM WEATHERHOGG of 169 Wandsworth Road Wandsworth in the
County of Surrey Engineer IMPROVEMENTS IN AIR AND GAS MOTORS AND
APPARATUS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF GAS THEREFOR
My Invention relates firstly to Motor Engines of the kind in which one or more
pistons in a cylinder or cylinders is moved by the pressure resulting from the
combustion of a mixture of air and gas or vapour admitted into the cylinder either
at atmospheric pressure or a compressed state.
In engines of this kind especially the latter it has been usual to employ an air
compressing piston to force the inflammable mixtures into a reservoir or combustion
chamber from whence the combustible charges were admitted into and fired in the
explosion cylinder, or to force the mixtures direct into the chamber of the
explosion cylinder, and sometimes the mixtures were fired in the reservoir previous
to being admitted into the explosion or expansion cylinder, and it has been found
that either of these methods are open to serious objections inasmuch as after an
explosion occurs considerable difficulty arises in cleansing the cylinder and com-
bustion chamber for the next explosion and where but a single piston is employed,
as in the "Otto" Engine a special stroke must be employed to cleanse the cylinder
and combustion chamber before another explosion can be obtained.
To remedy this evil and to enable me to obtain an explosion, every outstroke of
the piston of a reciprocating engine I employ two combustion chambers or
reservoirs for each explosion cylinder, the combustible charges being alternately
admitted into one of the combustion chambers and from thence into the explosion
TD 077

page_text: or expansion cylinder and fired either by an electric spark or a gas flame (hereafter
more fully explained) during which time the other combustion chamber is being
cleansed from the residual products of a previous explosion.
Various arrangements may be adopted for operating according to this method;
Thus according to one arrangement I employ a special piston for charging and
cleansing the combustion chambers respectively, the said piston being either worked
in a separate cylinder or in the explosion cylinder itself.
In another arrangement the combustion chambers may be alternately clearsed
by an induced current of air or steam. Or the air or steam may be simply blown
through the chambers by any known means. The cylinders being constructed so
that the pistons are placed concentrically one within the other or they may be in
line with each other the cylinders being of the same diameter throughout they may
be placed alongside, or they may be made of two diameters and placed in line
or bolted end to end similar to those described in my previous patents especially
the one No 4402-1881, which form of cylinder I preferably employ.
The combustion chambers may be either cast in one with the cylinder or form
separate parts of the same when cast upon the cylinder each chamber is provided
with inlet and outlet valves, the inlet valves alternately admitting both the com-
bustible and cleansing charges. When made separately I preferably make the two
chambers in one casting and place the same across the explosion end of the
cylinder and employ the flat valves for performing the working of the engine one
of the valves being placed between the explosion cylinder and the combustion
chambers and the other upon the outer end of the combustion chambers the outer
valve being employed for igniting the combustible charges; upon the outer side is
placed an outer cover' containing a constant flame for igniting the combustible
gases, the whole being held to the cylinder cover by springs and set screws in the
ordinary manner. The valves may be made to educt the products of combustion
from the main cylinder and combustion chambers or ordinary lift valves may be
employed therefor. They may be made to work with either a reciprocating rotary
or semi rotary motion from a counter shaft geared to the crank shaft of the engine
in the ordinary manner. Or instead of placing the valves as last described they
may be placed so as to work upon each other the whole held to the cylinder end
plate. Or lift valves may be employed therefor.
In a modification of this arrangement I sometimes leave a space at the end of
the cylinder of larger diameter than the expansion part of the cylinder the said
space being bored in line with the cylinder within which is placed a plate or cover
having ports in the same for admitting the mixtures and I form the combustion
chambers so as to fit this space and turn freely therein I then place the ignition
valves and cover on the outer end the whole being held up to the cover as before-
In this arrangement the valves and the combustion chambers each have either a
continuous or semi rotary motion imparted to them by the gearing before described,
the combustion chambers having a motion equal to the valves, The following
description of working and cleansing the combustion chambers with the above
described form of cylinder which fully sets forth this part of the invention is as
follows: Upon an outstroke of the pistons a combustible charge of air and gas is
drawn into the central Annular space and is compressed into one of the combustion
chambers by the next instroke during which instroke atmospheric air is sucked
into the front compartment of the annulus and upon the next outstroke the valves
open communication with the explosive charge in the combustion chamber and the
explosion cylinder firing the charge and propelling the pistons outwards and at the
same time drawing in fresh combustible charges into the central annulus, the valves
at the same time opening a communication with the empty combustion chamber
and the front end of the annulus chamber thus forcing the air previously drawn
into that compartment through the said combustion Chamber and exhaust pipe so
as to clean out that chamber for the next combustible charge, And in order to
prevent the explosive mixture rushing by the piston into the Annulus and cause
premature firing of the next combustible charge, then being drawn therein, I form

page_text: a passage around the front end of the expansion chamber of the explosion cylinder
between it and the annulus-the said passage communicating with the combustion
chambers and the front anuulus so that as the air is being forced into the combus-
tion chamber it first traverses this passage and takes away any sparks which may
lodge therein, the air at the same time tending to keep the cylinder and pistons
cool. It will he observed that by this arrangement the piston in the explosion
cylinder on the return stroke forces the exhaust products out of the cylinder,
whilst the residual products from the same explosion are forced out of the combus-
tion chamber during the next outstroke as before described. Thus two separate
periods of exhausting the products are constantly made for every explosion, The
size of the combustion chambers will determine the pressure of the combustible
charges previous to explosion for instance if they are each made equal to the whole
capacity of the cylinder less the cube of the piston then no compression will occur-
but I preferably proportion the chambers so that the gases are compressed from
two and a half to three atmospheres--the mixtures of the gases being arranged
accordingly the proportions for which are now well known to Gas Engineers and
others. When it is desired to utilise the products of combustion as described in
my previous patent No 4402 I collect the heat by means similar to those therein
described which will be understood without further description here, but work the
engine as described in the present arrangement, and in order to obtain a second
expansion so as to employ the non-combustible working fluid in the engine, I
employ an air or steam chest which holds sufficient of the fluid for one stroke of
the piston this chest opening into the cylinder by means of a valve; or preferably
the passage is inade so as to open direct into about the middle portion of the
cylinder another valve communicating with the reservoir or fluid regenerator, and
the exhaust before an explosion occurs, the chest is then filled with the fluid from
the generator direct through the valve opening this opening closing slightly
before the piston uncovers the port leading into the chest-so that when the piston
uncovers the passage the two inixtures unite and further assist in propelling the
pistons this method as it were sealing up a charge of the non combustible fluid in
the chamber so that the mixture may enter the chest at any pressure prior to tho
mixing of the two fluids being precisely the same principle of action as described
in my previous patent excepting that the charge is not directly adınitted upon a
piston separate air and water pumps are also here employed. The engine may be
made double acting by duplicating the cylinders, Or the special construction of
compound cylinder as described in my patent No 4402 may be advantageously
applied therefor. An explosion being effected alternately on each side of the
central partition every stroke of the piston the passages of the valves being
arranged accordingly. The circular valves therein shewn conveniently acting as
combustion and ignition valves.
In gas motor engines considerable difficulty exists in keeping the working pistons
tight after they have been in use some time and especially of the kind where the
combustible charges are drawn in or compressed on the opposite side of the power
piston during the expansive stroke of the engine, the ignited mixtures passing the
piston and igniting the mixtures in the wrong compartment. In order to remedy
these defects I employ small poppet pistons or ring tighteners a number of which
in a reciprocating engine radiate from the centre of the pistons a small bore hole
opening through the combustion side of the piston to the under side of the poppets
so that the force of the explosions drive the poppets outwards causing the rings to
expand aud thus tighten the joints.
In starting compression gas motor engines the work of compressing the charge
by hand is somewhat heavy in large engines, the method usually adopted being
to release the pressure by allowing a portion of the charge to blow away
unconsumed sometimes wasteing several charges of gas before the engine can be
got to work, To remedy this defect I now purpose to divide the charge into two
separate chambers thus increasing the volume reducing the compression and saving
the gas, This may conveniently be done by forcing the charge into the two

page_text: combustion chambers, the valves being arranged accordingly, but I preferably
employ an auxiliary chamber formed so as to communicate with the cylinders by
an opening or port leading therein arranged so that when the engine is started to
work communication is shut off with the auxiliary chamber by a slide or cock.
In adapting this part of my Invention to Gas Motors having a continuous or
rotary motion I effect the object by constructing an engine with cam shaped,
circular, or other formed pistons the cylinders having either fixed or moveable
abutments similar in form to rotary steam engines but constructed to work in
conjunction with a separate combustion chamber, or chambers, arranged so that
they are mechanically cleansed or blown through by a current of air or steam after
each explosion thereby ensuring certainty of action, the arrangement of such an
engine may be variously modified Thus:-According to one arrangement a
cylinder is for this purpose provided with two combustion chambers having valves
with suitable ports and passages arranged for the induction and eduction of the
combustible charges and waste products. The charges are first drawn into the
cylinder by its piston during one revolution and from thence forced into one of
the combustion chambers from whence it is readmitted into and fired in the upper
compartment of the cylinder propelling the piston the next revolution the com-
bustion chambers being alternately cleansed and employed as before described.
The size of the combustion chambers determining the pressures of the combustible
charges previous to ignition, The valves are arranged so that during the time the
combustible charges are being forced into the reservoirs or combustion chambr
atmospheric air is admitted to the upper or induction side of the piston!
preventing a vacuum being formed therein by this arrangement an explosion m
be made every alternate revolution but by applying two such cylinders side
side, or in the same axial line an explosion may be obtained every revolution tw
combustion chambers only being employed therefor, Or the combustible charges
may be admitted into one or each cylinder from the reservoirs or combustion
chambers in a compressed state either by a special compressing piston or injecting
paratus, hereafter more fully explained so that an explosion may be obtained
very revolution in each or in a single cylinder. It will be observed that by
combining a continuous rotary cylinder with separate combustion chambers that
nearly the whole of the cylinder space is available for expansion thus rendering
this type of engine more economical as well as certain in its action than heretofore
My Invention relates secondly to improvements in the construction of the
ignition valves of gas motor engines and consists in the arrangement of the
passages in connection therewith for effecting the ignition of the combustible
charges.
The ignition slide which may be worked either vertically or horizontally, is
provided with an ignition chamber and a gas mixing chamber. The cover of the
slide has a chinney formed on it in which burns an ordinary gas jet, for lighting
the igniting flame through an opening in the cover at fixed intervals, and a gas
chamber which has a small hole drilled into the chamber opening on to the slide
face. In order to ignite the charges in the cylinder the mixing chamber of the
slide is brought opposite to the small gas hole in the cover which fills the mixing
chamber with gas and from which there is no outlet for some considerable period
of time during which the piston of the cylinder has taken in nearly the whole of
its combustible charge and brought the igniting chamber opposite to the gas jet in
the chimney, also shut off the gas supply from the slide cover and opened a com-
munication with the gas mixing chamber and the combustible charge in the
cylinder or the combustion chamber by means of a small passage, the slide about
this period also opening a communication with the gas mixing chamber and the
ignition chamber by means of a small passage formed in the cover of the slide,
admitting sufficient gas to cause a flame therein, the compression of the combustible
charge then commencing a portion of the mixture is driven into the gas mixing
chamber of the slide mixing with the gas previously admitted therein, the combustible
mixtures being forced into the igniting chamber through either very small openings

page_text: or a layer of wire gauze which prevents the flame entering tho mixing chamber,
the flame continuing to increase in intensity until the completion of the compression,
another small passage or chimney preferably shielded with wire gauze, opening
outwards from the igniting chamber allowing a portion of the flame to pass through
that chamber into the passage so as to ensure combustion during nearly the whole
compression of the flame, Shortly before the explosion occurs the igniting chamber
is closed from the atmosphere, and the superior pressure of the mixture continuing
for a time in the mixing chamber and passages, the valve still moving onwards
the igniting flame is forced into the ignition port of the cylinder exploding the
gases therein, the ignition and mixing chambers being clensed from any residuum
after an explosion when the whole operation is repeated.
It will be understood that the igniting flame is not fed with pure gas, but
maintained by the combustible mixture constituting the combustible charge, thus
resulting in economy of gas and the prevention of the pressures blowing up the
gas supply pipe, a difficulty frequently occuring in other forms of gas motors."
I sometimes employ an inner slide working in conjunction with the ignition
slide by which means the combustible charges are admitted from the combustion
chambers into the power cylinder. the valves may also have ports and passages
formed in them for taking in the combustible charges, they being operated by
gearing arranged so as to ignite the charges once, or every alternate revolution of
the engine as desired. This arrangement may be advantageously employed in the
gas motor described in my previous specification No 4402-1881 or for any other
form of gas motor.
In some engines of the kind referred to in my previous specification No 4402
of 1881 wherein steam compressed air or both are employed, When taking in the
combustible charges into the annulus or a separate cylinder when two are employed
the exhaust valve of the explosion cylinder is described as being held open during
the outer and also part of the next instroke which to some extent causes conden-
sation by the cooling of the cylinder and thus preventing perfect combustion of
the next combustible charge therein I now modify that arrangement by closing the
exhaust valve on that particular outstroke and form a passage in the slide valves
(wher the latter are employed) whereby compressed air or steam is admitted into
that compartment imparting an impulse to the pistons during that particular
outstroke the exhaust opening to allow the spent fluid to escape on the return
stroke, the combustible charge being afterwards admitted therein and fired on the
next outstroke as before. In the single acting compound air and gas motor
described in the before mentioned specification No 4402 of 1881 when the cylinders
are placed alongside each other and trunk pistons employed I preferably arrange
the pistons of the exploding cylinder so as to act as the air and water pump and
the front part of the compressing pump or second expansion cylinder I employ for
admitting working charges of compressed air or steam or each combined by which
means power is imparted to the engine every stroke of the pistons. Or I may
employ one trunk only admitting a charge of compressed air or steam during the
compressing stroke of the engine the next stroke taking in a charge of air and
water alternately as desired. In either of which arrangements the slide valves are
placed so as to work upon a water jacketed facing plate forming the end cover of
the engine. In the aforesaid specification N° 4402 of 1881. The air or steam
valve and the combustible gas supply valve are described as being made to work
in one casting which in the latter form of engine is not convenient to do. I now
modify that arrangement the gas and air valves both being made in separate
castings and bolted to the back end plate of the engine the air valve box forming
the governor stand of the engine In order to regulate the engines I employ an
improved form of governor of the "Broel" type but arranged so that the centre
weight revolves upon a sleeve which forms the driver the said sleeve preferably
being made in two pieces and halved together one end of which has lugs which
drives the centre weight and lovers the other end having a gear wheel gearing into
the driving wheel this inner sleove revolves upon a stationary spindle and is kept

page_text: in its place by a collar upon the spindle the top cross-piece of the governors also
revolves upon the spindle the upper part of which forms a lubricator for oiling the
apparatus by which arrangements the governors are firmer more sensative and
durable and the wearing parts more easily replaced than before.
According to the present Invention the gas supply box is made so that the outer
end of the valve spindle projects somewhat beyond the box upon which is placed
a rocking lever one end of which is connected to the governors the other forming
a small point fitting upon a corresponding point in a striking bar arranged so that
when the engine exceeds its normal speed the rocking levers rise and miss the
striking bar thus preventing a charge of gas passing into the engine.
My Invention further relates to apparatus for generating explosive and
inflammable gas from gasoline or other hydrocarbon oils or spirits and applying it
in conjunction with heated compressed air or steam for the production of motive
power.
I construct a gas generator producing inflammable or explosive gas at such
pressures as will enable me to work an engine at the pressure produced by the
apparatus, or by the compression of the engine as desired, For this purpose I
provide an apparatus which injects the gasoline or other oils into the explosion
compartment of the engine where it is exploded or consumed in the ordinary
manner, The apparatus consists partly of a tubular box or casting so formed that
heated compressed air or steam taken from a reservoir or generator, preferably
connected to the engine, is first admitted into it by a valve controlled by the
governors of the engine the valve being so arranged that when the engine exceeds
its normal speed it checks the supply of air or steam to the apparatus and thus
prevents the generation of gas, The air or steam on entering the tubular box is
admitted through a very small opening controlled by a slide or needle valve operated
by the pressure of the gases, Another inlet into the box is provided for the
admission of the gasoline or oils which is also adjustable by a valve, The gasoline
or other oils or spirits being placed apart from the apparatus but connected by a
tube so that all danger from explosion is prevented, I also provide a snifter valve
which admits fine streams of atmospheric air into the apparatus, Connected to
the tubular box is an evaporating chamber upon or connected to which is a small
gasometer or regulator the two chambers being separated by a sinall ball or similar
valve, The evaporating chamber is also connected to the engine suction pipe and
is further provided with a pipe for letting out condensed water the pipe being
trapped so as to prevent any gas escaping therefrom.
The action of the apparatus is as follows:-Upon heated atmospheric air or
steam, or both, being let into the valve box through the needle valve opening the
mixture passes into the evaporating chamber causing a partial vacuum in the
tubular box which draws in a small portion of the gasoline or oils and when
required a small quantity of atmospheric air through the passages before referred
to (this depending whether the apparatus be worked wholly by compressed air in
this case it will not be necessary to adinit further air amongst the mixtures) The
heat of the steam or heated air is taken up by refrigeration caused by evaporation
of the gasoline oils or spirits in the evaporating chamber the latter preferably
being provided by a series of partitions, trays, chains or other obstructors for
collecting the water caused by the refrigeration previous to the gases passing into
the engine. During this action a portion of the gases pass into the gas regulator
maintaining a pressure therein, the regulator is made of sufficient size to maintain a
constant flame for working the engine and is connected by suitable weights and
levers to the slide or needle valve arranged so that when the pressure of the
gas becomes too great, caused by too rapid refrigeration the regulator rises and
automatically closes the needle valve opening further checking the production of
gas; The adjustments being such that gas of any required density may be made
with the apparatus, the supply continuing with but slight variation notwithstanding
the intermittent working of the engine. Although I have stated that heated
compressed air combined with or without steam may be employed to work the

page_text: engine I may with the richer hydrocarbons work the apparatus with cold air but
not so economically the cold air being either forced or sucked through the apparatus
by the engine which plan in most cases I adopt to start the engine to work. I
heat the air or generate the steam by the waste heat caused by the explosions the
regeneration of which in most cases I find sufficient when properly collected to
generate a low pressure of steam generating the gas required for working the
engine, a little cold water being forced into the heat collector or regenerator along
with the atmospheric air, or extraneous heat may be applied therefor. The
apparatus is connected to the combustion chamber of the engine by suitable piping,
and is especially applicable to the rotary engine before referred to or other quick
running engines the gases being thus generated at high pressures readily entering
the combustion chambers.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said George William Weatherhogg in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 30th July 1883.
GEORGE WILLIAM WEATHERHOGG of 169 Wandsworth Road, Wandsworth, in the
County of Surrey Engineer IMPROVEMENTS IN AIR AND GAS MOTORS AND
APPARATUS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF GAS THEREFOR
My Invention relates to motor engines of the kind in which one or more pistons
in a cylinder or cylinders is moved by the pressure resulting from a mixture of
air and gas or vapour admitted into the cylinder either at atmospheric pressure or
in a compressed state In engines of this kind especially those worked by
compression it has been usual to employ an air compressing piston to force the
inflammable mixture into a reservoir or combustion chamber whence the
combustible charges are admitted into and fired in the explosion cylinder or to
force the mixture direct into the chamber of the explosion cylinder Either of
these methods are open to serious objection inasmuch as after an explosion occurs
considerable difficulty arises in cleansing the cylinder and combustion chambers for
the next explosion and if a reservoir be used premature firing is liable to occur
therein and where but a single piston is used a special stroke must be made to
cleanse the cylinder and combustion chambers before another explosion can be
obtained To remedy this evil and adapt this part of my invention to gas Motors
having a continuous or rotary motion which I prefer to first describe I effect the
object by constructing an engine with cam shaped circular or other formed pistons
similar somewhat to rotary steam engines but constructed to work with a separate
combustion chamber or chambers arranged so that they are mechanically cleansed
or blown through by a current of air after each explosion thereby ensuring
certainty of action The arrangement of such an engine may be variously modified
Thus referring to the annexed drawings Fig. 1 sheet 1 is a side elevation of a
single-acting engine Fig. 2 an end elevation Fig. 3 is a sectional elevation through
line A. B. of Fig. 1 The same reference numerals indicating similar parts in all
the figures As here shewn the cylinder (1) is provided with a revolving drum (2)
which is keyed upon the driving shaft (4) and runs in bearings placed eccentrically
to the centre of the cylinder The cylinder is divided by a partition piece (3) which
is held up to the revolving drum by a tapering key adjustable from the exterior
of the cylinder. (5) is a sliding piston with jointed ends one end of which bears
against the wall of the cylinder and the other upon the central ring (6) this ring
may be made solid but I preferably cut the same and expand it by means of a
stationary shaft fitted with born pieces having inclined surfaces which fit upon
corresponding inclines formed on the ring the shaft projecting through the cover
is turned by a wrench which expands the ring and so tightens the joints of the
sliding piston the whole being held by lock nuts as shewn. (7) is the combustion
chamber (8) the exhaust valve (9) the induction and eduction valve and (10) the
ignition valve the two latter valves are held to their seatings by springs and jam
nuts as shewn they are driven by separate rods connected to a double crank
shaft (12) which is geared to the driving shaft in the proportion of three to one.
The exhaust valve is operated by a cam (11) upon the crank shaft The cylinder
and combustion chambers are water jacketed The revolving drum is made hollow
so as to communicate with the water jacket by small holes which admit water
therein for the purpose of keeping the drum and valves cool. The bed plate upon
which the engine is bolted is made of box form as shewn in fig. 1 for the purpose
of being enabled to fill it with water the weight of which assists in steadying the

page_text: engine In order to prevent leakage in the cylinder the revolving drum is held up to
the cylinder cover by an adjustable rubbing plate (14) which is adjusted by springs
and hand screws (15) also with set screws (16) the set screws being provided with
a milled edge for preventing any excess of friction by undue pressure upon the
rubbing plate The sliding piston is further tightened by means of small holes
being bored in the slider (5) into which are fitted poppet pistons (17) bearing upon
the ends of the slider a small opening (18) communicates with the interior of the
slider and the combustion chamber admitting the pressure of the gases therein the
combined area of the poppets exceeding the area of the slider acted upon laterally
by the pressures thus tending to drive the slider against the wall of the cylinder.
To operate the engine the combustible and non-combustible charges are drawn
or admitted into the cylinder through a port (20) the gas or vapour first passes
through valve (21) into a mixing chamber (22) where it issues from a perforated
pipe and mingling with the atmospheric air admitted by passage (23) becomes a
homogenious explosive mixture which is admitted into the cylinder by the slide (9)
during the whole or any portion of the revolution as desired. The gas or vapour
valve is operated by a jointed lever (24) striking a lifting bar (25) one end of
which is connected to the governor lever the lifting bar raises the lever (24) at
the time of taking in the combustible charge after which the gas or vapour
supply is cut off and the drum (2) commences the second revolution the slide (9)
during that period being in the position shewn in Fig. 4. The piston or slider (5)
of the drum then compresses the combustible charge into the combustion chamber
through the passage (26) and simultaneously draws in a fresh charge of atmospheric
air through the passage (20) (or steam may be admitted and expanded therein
the passages of the valves being arranged accordingly)
The drum having.
completed the second revolution and uncovered the port (20) the compressed
charge then expands into the space (27) of the drum and cylinder which for the
time being constitutes a second combustion chamber The charge is then ignited
in the chamber (7) by the ignition valve (10) hereafter more fully explained which
ignites the gases in the cylinder causing a rapid expansion which propels the
piston forward and simultaneously exhausts the air or steam admitted into the
cylinder during compression of the combustible charge through passage (26) and
through the port in the slide thence by way of passage (28) into the exhaust
pipe and whilst the piston is passing over the port (26) the exhaust valve (8)
lifts allowing the products of combustion to escape from the slide into the
combustion chamber (7) and from thence underneath the exhaust valve into the
atmosphere when upon the next revolution-the exhaust valve remaining open-
a fresh combustible charge is taken into the cylinder through the passage (20)
and the residual products of the previous explosion are simultaneously swept
from the cylinder through the combustion chamber escaping through the exhaust
valve into the atmosphere thus causing two periods of exhausting the products
after which the lift valve closes and the compression of the combustible charge
again commences. Instead of allowing the air drawn into the cylinder during
compression of the combustible charge or the exhaust products of steam to pass
through the passage (28) into the atmosphere I sometimes utilize the same by
forcing it into a reservoir or generator for the purpose of generating combustible
gas as hereafter more fully explained, or the air may be employed for cooling
blowing or exhausting purposes the size of the combustion chambers determining
the pressure of the gases previous to explosion but I preferably so proportion the
chambers that the gases are compressed therein equal to from two and a half to
three atmospheres the mixture of the gases being arranged accordingly the
proportions for which are now well known to gas Engineers and others. When
the engine exceeds its normal speed the lever (24) operating the gas valve is drawn
from the striking bar thus either lessening or wholly cutting off the charge of gas
as desired, or the gas or vapour supply valve may be operated by a cam or eccentric
from the shaft (12) as desired. When hydrocarbon gas is employed the arrange-
ments for admitting the combustible gas or vapour are preferably attached to the

page_text: generator as hereafter explained and illustrated in Fig. 5. The following table
denotes the combined action of the gases and atmospheric air in the cylinder during
one cycle of operations
1st rev'
2nd rev
3rd rev'
Taking in combustible charge and
Blowing through the combustion chamber
Taking in atmospheric air and
Compressing the combustible charge into the combustion chamber
Expanding the combustible charge and
Blowing air through the passage (28) or its equivalent
Fig. 6 Shews sectional plan of a double cylinder engine with separate 1
combustion chambers In this arrangement twice the number of explosions are
given in the same time as in the preceding arrangement each cylinder is arranged
to work independently of the other the driving shaft projecting through the outer
covers The drums are each held up to the central partition plate by separate
rubbing plates and set screws as before described The combustion chambers each
have a combined slide and ignition valve with separate exhausts as before
The slide valves contain the igniting and gas cells presently to be explained and in
some cases I may employ three such cylinders each acting in combination or
separately as desired.
In order to obtain an explosion every outstroke of the piston and to effectually
clean out the cylinder and combustion chamber in a reciprocating engine I employ
two combustion chambers for each explosion cylinder the combustible charges being
alternately admitted into one of the combustion chambers thence into the expansion
compartment of the cylinder said charges being fired either by an electric spark or
a gas flame during which time the other combustion chamber is being cleansed
from the residual products of a previous explosion. Various arrangements may be
adopted for operating according to this method, thus-An engine with a cylinder
equal to twice the length of the stroke of the same or of two diameters placed end
to end similar to those described in my previous patent N° 4402 of 1881. The
combustion chambers may be either cast in one with the cylinder or form separate
parts of the same each chamber being provided with inlet and outlet valves for
performing the working functions of the engine said valves being operated by
gearing from the crank shaft suitably arranged therefor I sometimes form a space
at the inner end of the cylinder of larger diameter than the expansion part of the
cylinder the combustion chambers are made to fit this space and turn freely therein
they may be made either in one casting or work separately. Upon the end of each
chamber is placed a valve and cover having ports and passages suitably arranged
for working the engine, the whole being held up to their faces by set screws in the
ordinary manner. The following description of working and cleansing the com-
bustion chambers with this form of cylinder is as follows:-Upon an outstroke of
the pistons a combustible charge is drawn into the annular space and compressed
into one of the combustion chambers by the next instroke during which time
atmospheric air is sucked into the front compartment of the annulus and upon the
next outstroke the valves open a communication with the combustible charge in
the explosion chamber and the piston of the explosion cylinder firing the charges
and propelling the pistons outwards and at the same time drawing in a fresh charge
of air and gas into the annulus the valves also opening a communication with the
empty explosion or combustion chamber and the front end of the piston in the
anuulus chamber thus forcing the air previously drawn into that compartment
through the said empty combustion chamber and exhaust pipe so as to clean out
that chamber for the next combustible charge, and in order to prevent the explosive
mixture rushing by the piston into the annulus and cause premature firing of the
next combustible charge then being drawn therein I form a passage round the front
end of the cylinder between it and the annulus the said passage communicating
with the combustion chambers and the front annulus so that as the air is being
forced into the combustion chambers it first traverses this passage and takes away

page_text: any sparks which may lodge therein the air at the same time tending to keep the
cylinder and pistons cool. It will be observed that by this arrangement the piston
in the explosion cylinder forces the exhaust products out of the cylinder on the
return stroke whilst the residual products from the same explosion are forced out
of the combustion chamber during the next outstroke-Thus two separate periods
of exhausting the products are made for every explosion the size of the combustion
chambers determining the pressure of the combustible charge as before described.
In gas motor engines considerable difficulties exist in the keeping the working
pistons tight and especially of the kind where the combustible charges are drawn in
or compressed on the opposite side of the power piston In order to remedy this defect
in a reciprocating engine I employ small poppet pistons similar to those herein-
before referred to these pistons radiating from the centre of the main piston a small
bore hole opening from the combustion side of the piston to the underside of the
poppets which are acted on by the pressures as before described.
In starting compressed motor gas engines the work of compressing the charge
by hand is somewhat heavy in large engines. The method usually adopted being to
release the pressure by allowing a portion of the charge to blow away unconsumed
sometimes wasting several charges of gas before the engine can be got to work.
To remedy this defect I divide the charge into two separate chambers thus increasing
the volumes reducing the compression and saving the gas, said chambers communi-
cating with the cylinder by an opening or port arranged so that when the engine
has started to work communication is cut off from the auxiliary chamber by a slide
or cock. In some engines of the kind referred to in my previous specification
No 4402 of 1881 wherein steam or compressed air or both are employed when
taking in the combustible charges into the annulus or into a separate cylinder when
two are employed the exhaust valve of the explosion cylinder is described as being
held open during the outer and also part of the next instroke which to some extent
causes condensation by the cooling of the cylinder and thus preventing perfect
combustion of the next combustible charge therein I now modify that arrangement
by closing the exhaust valve on that particular outstroke and form a passage in the
slide valves whereby compressed air or steam is admitted into that compartment
imparting an impulse to the piston during that particular outstroke the exhaust
opening to allow the spent fluid to escape on the return stroke the combustible
charge being afterwards admitted therein and fired on the next outstroke as before.
In order to regulate the gas or vapour supplies I employ an improved form of
Governor as shewn in Figs. 1 and 2. but arranged so that the centre weight revolves
upon an inner sleeve which forms the driver said sleeve preferably being halfed
together one end of which has lugs formed thereon for driving the centre weight
the lugs sliding in channels formed in the weight the other end having a pulley or
gear wheel gearing into another wheel and pulley keyed upon the driving shaft.
The inner sleeve revolves upon a stationary spindle the top cross bar of the
governors revolve upon the stationary spindle the upper part of which forms a
Lubricator by which arrangements the governors are firmer more sensative and
the wearing parts are more durable and more easily replaced than others now
in use.
The invention relates further to improvements in the construction of the ignition
valves of air and gas motor engines and consists in the arrangement of the
passages in connection therewith for effecting the ignition of the combustible
charges.
The ignition slide which may be worked either vertically or horizontally is
provided with an ignition chamber and a gas mixing chamber the cover of the
slide has a chimney formed on it in which burns an ordinary gas jet for lighting
the igniting flaine through an opening in the cover at fixed intervals and a gas
chainber which has a small hole drilled into the chamber opening onto the slide
face. Fig. 4 shews the valve and combustion chamber in section the section of the
valve is taken on lines X X of Fig. 7 which are outer views of both faces of
the valve and of the valve facing on the combustion chamber on lines Y Y-

page_text: of Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 shew inside facing of the valve cover. The valves as
shewn are arranged to operate the rotary cylinder. In order to ignite the com-
bustible charge the mixing chamber (30) of the slide is brought opposite to the
small gas hole (31) in the cover which fills the mixing chamber with gas and
from which there is no outlet for some considerable period of time during
which the piston of the cylinder has taken in its combustible charge and brought
the igniting chamber (32) opposite to the gas jet in the chimney also shut off
the gas supply from the hole (31) and opened a communication with the gas
mixing chamber and the combustible charge in the combustion chamber by
means of small openings (33) and a small passage (34) in the slide facing the latter
being so small that the flames upon ignition of the charge will not traverse through
it. The slide about this period also opening a communication with the gas mixing
chamber and the ignition chamber by means of a small L shaped passage (35)
formed in the cover of the slide admitting sufficient gas into the ignition chamber
to cause a flame therein. The combustible charge due to compression issues
through the passage (34) and small openings (33) into the mixing chamber
mingling with the gas previously admitted therein. The latter openings being
increased in size nearest to the igniting chamber or they may be made into an
open wedge shaped port so as to gradually increase the volume and density of the
gases admitted therein which continue to flow with intensity until the time for
ignition of the combustible charge occurs shortly before which the igniting
chamber is closed from the atmosphere by the traverse of the slide and the
igniting flame brought opposite to the port (36) of the combustion chamber
instantly exploding the gases therein. Another small passage or chimney (38)
opening outwards from the igniting chamber by openings (39) allows a portion of
the flame to pass through that chamber assisting in ensuring combustion during
nearly the whole compression of the igniting flame and also serves as an outlet for
the residual products of combustion from the igniting and mixing chambers of the
slide after each explosion. I would here remark this outlet on the cylinder facing
may be dispensed with by making a small opening through the valve leading into
the gas flame chimney for blowing out the residual products which forms an
important part in this part of the invention towards the efficiency of the apparatus.
After each explosion the slide traverses upwards until such times as the mixing
chamber is brought into communication with the ignition port of the combustion
chamber by means of a small passage (40) as shewn in Fig. 7 pure air being then
blown through the combustion chamber by the working piston a jet of which is
blown through the mixing and igniting chamber when the valve is in the position
shewn in Fig. 4 as indicated by the arrows cleansing these chambers for the next
igniting charge thereby ensuring greater rapidity of action than could be otherwise
attained. It will be understood that the igniting flame is not fed with pure gas
but maintained by the combustible mixture constituting the combustible charge
thus resulting in economy of gas and the prevention of the pressures blowing up
the gas hole a difficulty frequently occuring in other forms of gas motors And
that instead of the gases first commencing to flow into the ignition chamber by
way of a single passage (35) this passage may be dispensed with they may be
forced through several small openings direct from the mixing into the igniting
chamber preferably shielded with wire gauze thus preventing the passage of
the flame therein. These improved ignition arrangements combined with an
eduction slide are applicable to the rotary engine herein described and are equally
applicable to other forms of gas motors if timed to explode the charges accordingly.
My Invention relates thirdly to apparatus for generating explosive and inflammable
gas from gasoline or other hydrocarbon oils or spirits and applying it in con-
junction with heated compressed air or steam for the production of motive
power. I construct a gas generator producing inflammable or explosive gas at
such pressures as will enable me to work an engine at the pressure produced by
the apparatus or by the compression of the engine as desired. The apparatus
is shewn in Figs. 5 and 10 Sheet 2 of the accompanying drawings they

page_text: being sectional elevations of same. The apparatus consists partly of a tubular
box or casting having a compressed air or steam chamber which is connected
by piping to a reservoir or steam generator not shewn in the drawings, but
made of any known construction and preferably connected to the engine so as
to utilize the waste heat therefrom or the steam for working the apparatus may be
obtained from extraneous sources and when but atmospheric air is employed I
preferably moisten the air with water. Upon heated compressed air or steam or
both being let into the air or steam chamber (42) it passes through a small cylinder
(44) with a contracted orifice. Within the cylinder is a small piston (45) which has a
sliding motion to one end of the piston is connected a coned or needle valve which
slides through the contracted orifice the other end being attached to a spindle
passing through the chamber and held in position by a spring (46) The air or
steam on leaving the contracted orifice passes through the apparatus by way
of tube (47) into an evaporating chamber (48) and in passing over the bell mouthed
orifice (49) injects a small quantity of the gasoline or other hydrocarbon oils or
spirits into the evaporating chamber (48) by way of the passage (50) adjustable
by a valve as shewn. The heat of the air or steam is taken up by refrigeration
caused by the evaporation of the gasoline oils or spirits in the chamber (48) pro-
ducing an hydrocarburet of either an explosive or inflammable nature as desired,
(54) is a box placed underneath the evaporating chamber for collecting any water
which might accrue therein the box communicating with the chamber by small
openings and is trapped by a pipe as shewn for preventing any escape of gas
therefrom. When the apparatus is worked by the aid of steam I provide a box (51)
in which are placed snifter valves through which atmospheric air is injected along
with the steam into the evaporating chamber But when the apparatus is worked
by compressed air then the air box and snifter valves may be dispensed with.
Connected to the evaporating chamber is a small gasometer (52) which floats in
liquid similar to an ordinary gas governor the two chambers are connected by a
pipe upon the upper end of which a ball or lift valve (53) is weighted to the
pressure of the gases. This gasometer is mainly for the purpose of keeping a
constant and steady supply of inflammable gas for feeding the igniting flame of
the motor it being well known that gas motors cannot be conveniently worked
from the same service owing to the suction of the engine which so fluctuates
the gas as to put out the igniting flames. The explosive gases pass from the
evaporating chamber through suitable pipes direct to the engine or through a lift
valve (54) it being opened at suitable times by the mechanism of the engine for
adınitting the combustible charge The valve (53) being so weighted as to close
whilst the gases are passing into the engine which prevents fluctuation of the gas
in the gasometer at that period. In order to control the supply of compressed air
or steam to the apparatus I employ a throttle valve (43) preferably of conical form
placed so as to have a sliding motion upon the spindle of the piston valve (45) and
connected to the governors by a lever (54) arranged so that when the engine
exceeds its normal speed it checks the supplies and thus prevents the generation
of gas and in order to further regulate or control the generation of gas when the
pressure of air or steam becomes too great the needle valve opening is automatically
closed or partly closed against the pressure of the spring (46) by the pressure of
the compressed air or steam acting on the piston of the needle valve, the adjust-
ments being such that gas of any required density and pressure may be obtained.
cases the apparatus may be advantageously adjusted to generate an
explosive and combustible mixture of sufficient density and pressure to work a
gas motor without further compression of the combustible charge the charges thus
readily entering the combustion chambers of the engine in a compressed state and
when so arranged I preferably inject a portion of the pure or lighter gasoline oils
or spirits into the chamber (52) either by the aid of the pressure of the gases from
the apparatus or by compressed air or steam or by capiliary attraction for the
purpose of further enriching the gas therein so as to obtain a pure light for the
igniting flames and although I have stated that gas of any quality may be made
In some

page_text: by the apparatus for working an engine yet it will be evident that by the separa-
tion of the chambers (48) and (52) that the gas in the chamber (52) may be
employed for other illuminating purposes. The gasoline or other oils or spirits are
placed apart from and connected to the apparatus by piping arranged so that all
danger from explosion is prevented. Although I have hitherto described the
apparatus as for the purpose of working by the aid of hoated compressed air or
steam or both I may with the richer hydrocarbons work it with cold air the latter
being simply blown through the apparatus by way of chamber (42) the air valves
being dispensed with but when the pressure of the gas increases by too rapid
refrigeration then the needle valve orifice is closed by the rising of the gasometer
it being connected by auxiliary levers to the spindle of the valve for this purpose.
I am aware that it has been proposed to generate hydrocarbon gas both for the
purpose of illuminating and working gas engines by means of mixing such gas or
spirits with atmospheric air or compressed air and steam and that such may be
made explosive or illuminative at will by mixing more or less of the oils or gases
together but the main cause of failure hitherto were the irregularity of the evapora-
tion of such oils or spirits. In arranging the rotary engine so that an explosion
may take place every alternate revolution I connect the same to the gas generator
before described it being connected to an air reservoir or steam generator the
arrangements being such that the combustible charges are admitted into the
cylinder and combustion chamber in a compressed state the valves being suitably
arranged and geared two to one therefor. The following table denoting the action
of the gases and atmospheric air in the cylinder during one cycle of operations
Expanding a combustible charge previously admitted into the cylinder
1st rev.
and combustion chamber by the gas apparatus before referred to and
blowing atmospheric air into the reservoir or steam chamber.
2nd rev. Taking in atmospheric air and exhausting or blowing air through the
1 cylinder and combustion chamber.
It will be understood that in the latter arrangement hydro carbon gas may be
employed for working the apparatus and engine or hydro carbon compounds in
combination with hydrogen. Having thus fully described my invention and the
manner in which the same is or may be employed I claim-First The mode of
working Rotary air and gas motors by admitting to the cylinder on one side of
the piston an explosive charge of air and gas and exhausting from the other side
of the said piston atmospheric air or the residual products of a previous explosion
as the case may be from the cylinder and combustion chamber during one revolu-
tion, then taking in a fresh charge of atmospheric air or steam and compressing the
aforesaid combustible charge into the combustion chamber during the next or
second revolution so that the compressed charge when iguited propels the piston
and exhausts the atmospheric air or steam previously admitted into the cylinder
during the third revolution substantially as herein described. Second The general
arrangement and construction of Rotary Air and Gas Motors with a single cylinder
and separate combustion chamber whereby an Explosive charge is admitted into
the combustion chamber during one revolution said charge being partially admitted
into the cylinder and fired the next revolution and the residual products expelled
from the cylinder and combustion chamber during the next revolution substan-
tially as herein described in reference to Figs. to 4 of the drawings annexed.
Third. Tightening and adjusting the joints and rubbing surfaces of the cylinder
and pistons of air and gas motors substantially as and for the purposes herein
illustrated and described. Fourth. The mode of working Rotary air and gas
Motors so that an explosion takes place every alternate revolution substantially as
berein described. Fifth. Duplicating the cylinder and combustion chambers of
Rotary Air and Gas Motors substantially as herein illustrated and described.
Sixthly The construction and mode of working the Ignition Apparatus whereby
the igniting flame is gradually supported or increased in intensity during nearly
the whole time of its travel towards the ignition port and blowing the passages
through previous to receiving the gas for ignition substantially as and for the

page_text: purposes herein illustrated and described. Seventhly. The construction and mode
of working a Gas Generator whereby the supplies are regulated by the Governor
of the Engine to which it is attached and the pressures of the gases regulated by
the needle valve apparatus substantially as herein Illustrated and described.
Eighthly. The construction and mode of working a Gas Generator in which the
refrigerating chamber and Gas Holder are separated by means of a valve sub-
stantially and for the purpose herein described.
In Witness whereof I the said George William Weatherhogg have hereunto set
my hand and seal this thirtieth day of July in the year of our Lord One Thousand
Eight Hundred and Eighty Three.
GEORGE. W. WEATHERHOGG (L.S.)