IMPROVEMENTS IN GAS MOTOR ENGINES
Year: 1882

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Maynes of Anderton Street Harpurhey Manchester
in the County of Lancaster for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN GAS
MOTOR ENGINES."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Maynes at the Office
•
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 20th November 1882.
JOHN MAYNES of Anderton Street Harpurhey Manchester in the County of
Lancaster. "IMPROVEMENTS IN GAS MOTOR ENGINES
">
My Invention relates to that class of Motor known as the Gas Engine in which
combustion of Gas produces power premising that almost any inflammable Gas can.
be used.
Firstly, The object of the Invention relates to the means I employ for maintaining
the working part of the Cylinder sufficiently cool for protecting the lubricating
material.
Secondly, Avoiding the loss of heat and pressure now occasioned by the use of
water jackets.
Thirdly, Maintaining the frictional or sealing surfaces of the Cylinder proper at
equally proportionate pressures in accordance to the pressure actuating the piston
at each and every part of the stroke.
Fourthly To construct the Cylinder of the Engine of any size or diameter
within practical limits according to the power required to be developed.
Fifthly Introducing at the proper time and at a minimum cost of power the
proper quantity of compressed cool air for combining with gas which forms the.
charge required for propelling the piston without the said charge being effected in
any way by the heat of the Cylinder.
Sixthly to determine and insure with each stroke of the piston the supply of
the required amount of Gas for combining with the air necessary for the charge in
quantity and sufficient to raise the temperature of such charge to a degree which
will give the pressure and impulse required to the piston for maintaining the Motor
at one regular and uniform speed.
Seventhly, to use the heat abstracted or saved by a Respirator during emission
of the previous charge and clearing of the Cylinder by transferring such heat to
the new charge immediately after its complete introduction to the Cylinder and as
it passes to receive the heat of combustion.
Eighthly, to increase and make more uniform the power of the Engine by the

page_text: employment of an auxillary Cylinder deriving its force from the air employed
to cool the sealing surfaces of the Main Cylinder and which is heated thereby and
then mingles with the spent gases in its course to the said auxillary Cylinder
which Cylinder is worked somewhat in manner similar to that of an Ordinary
Condensing Steam Engine Cylinder.
Ninthly, to enable the Engine to run in either direction by using a secondary or
counter shaft so driven that it will have a continued motion in the same direction
subject to the necessary change producing the altered action thereby maintaining
the Valves and other Motions of the Engine in their consecutive order and time.
Tenthly is to arrange the whole part of the Cylinder to commence working
a set of Hugon Engines with suitable valves for this purpose and also to effect
the necessary changes when sufficient velocity has by this means been obtained
without stopping.
Eleventhly, is to effect the combination of the charge in the cylinder by measured.
quantities of Gas and air received into Chambers from which they are discharged
into other Chambers where after being ignited the said Chambers are closed
pressure thereby accumulating the flame at the right instant of time by the
movement of suitable valves is projected into and ignites the gases in the Cylinder
the products of combustion being subsequently cleared out of the igniting Chamber
preparatory for the readmission of the igniting gases.
Twelfth the object is to avoid the sudden effects of combustion or explosion
which takes place in these Gas Engines immediately the crank has passed its
centre and which subjects the Cylinder to intense heat and pressure and trans-
mitting increased friction to the whole of the working parts of the Engine.
Thirteenth to increase the power of the Engine by reducing the teinperature
of the escaping Air in manner analogous to that of the Steam Engine.
Fourteenth, Facilitating the admission and effect of the lubricating medium to
the frictional sealing surfaces of the piston and Cylinder.
Fifteenth, Constructing the sealing "rings" of the piston of such a form that
they will offer a pressure to the sealing surfaces proportionate to the internal
pressure of the Cylinder.
Sixteenth Protecting the piston from the heat of the Chamber in which
combustion takes place and so keeping it sufficiently cool for making its action
permanently effective.
Seventeenth, reducing the space and passages through which the different supplies
are made and combining the whole in such a manner that solidity and compactness
are attained.
The manner of securing and carrying out the objects herein set forth may be
thus described.
The Cylinder proper of the Engine is formed of an inner and outer Cylinder
between which an annular space is left the inner Cylinder is bored and provided
with a piston from the surface of this piston Cylindrical rings project and a central
dome which are enclosed by an extension of the outer casing and Cylinder which
is also provided with projecting Cylindrical ring similar to those of the piston and
which are arranged so that the ring and dome of the piston will move telescopically
in and between those of the outer Cylinders spaces being left between such rings
which communicate with a thoroughfare in the outer Cylinder through which Air
is admitted.
The outer Cylinder is further provided with an extension beyond the point
from which the rings project forming the annular space for the passage of air, this
further extension is then covered in and provided with a gland or stuffing box
which admits of a hollow shaft sliding therein the said shaft being connected with
and giving motion through suitable means to a respirator or diaphragm which is
driven in manner similar to that of a piston through the space of the said further
extension but not subject to friction. The opposite end of the inner Cylinder
proper in which the piston works is also covered in and provided with a gland or
stuffing box through which the piston rod slides this enclosed end of the Cylinder

page_text: forms an air compressing chamber which is provided with suitable valves for the
admission to and expulsion of air therefrom. A similar arrangement of Cylinders
and parts in connection therewith as those already described are duplicated and
placed in a position reverse to and parallel with the axis of the first set of Cylinders,
so that their combined Action will through the medium of suitable cross heads and
connections give an equal thrust and pull or two pulsations in opposite directions
to the crank thus giving uniformity of action together with compactness and
shortness of passage through which at the right instant of time the charges of
compressed air are conveyed.
The compressed air as produced in the Cylinder is passed direct through suitable
valves and passages into that portion of the opposite or parallel Cylinder divided
from the coinbustion chamber of the same by the respirator or diaphragm before
mentioned.
The charge of compressed cool air admitted into this space which is enlarged as
the moving diaphragm recedes during its backward stroke is shielded by the said
respirator or diaphragm from the hot gases and heat of the combustion chamber.
The diaphragm or respirator is constructed in piston like form the body of
which inside the ring thereof is filled with or composed of a number of layers of
Copper wires forming meshes or fine passages.
Immediately the cool charge of air has been admitted into the before mentioned
Chamber the said diaphragm or respirator is so acted upon as to be drawn through
the same the action of which forces the said charge of cool compressed air through
the meshes of the diaphragm into the combustion or intermediate chamber. The
said air in its passage extracts heat from the respirator so that it enters the said
Chamber in a highly heated state. The diaphragm or respirator is further provided
with cross tubes or burners communicating with valves hereinafter described
through which the Gas is injected and immediately ignited by means of a valve
also hereinafter described as it comes into contact and mixes with the heated air
issuing through the meshes of the diaphragm thus giving combustion and force
for impelling the piston transmitting one stroke the return stroke giving the full
revolution to the crank is effected in like manner by the action of the opposite or
parallel Cylinder and its connections.
The arrangement I employ for keeping those parts of the Engine Cool which
are necessary to maintain it in its proper working condition consist in the
employment of an air pump or cylinder the plunger or piston of which receives
its notion from a counter shaft in order that the action of the plunger of the air
cylinder can be independently transmitted and adjusted to suit the interval of
time in which it has to force cold air to the surfaces which require cooling and
also clear the Cylinder of spent gases, the said Air Cylinder is placed at a somewhat
lower elevation than the Main Cylinders but in a line parallel thereto passages
between such air Cylinder and the annular spaces of the Main Cylinders being so
arranged that as the piston of the Air Cylinder makes its stroke in one direction
it will force cold air into the annular spaces of one Cylinder whilst receiving its
supply of cold air from the atmosphere which with its reverse stroke it drives
into the annular spaces of the other Cylinder and so on alternately.-This forcing
in of cold air to the said annular spaces of the Main Cylinders, extracts the beat
from the telescopic surfaces thereof and also forms as the heated gases of com-
bustion expands an air cushion which prevents such heated gases in the main
Cylinders approaching the sealing surfaces.
The Gas necessary for combustion to heat the charge is drawn from any source
of supply passes into a small Cylinder which is provided with three pistons or
more properly speaking adjustable covers and an intermediate piston, this piston
and the sliding covers are connected by means of suitable mechanism with the
Governor or regulator hereinafter described the action of which so governs the
throw and position of the piston regulating the Gas supply that the space in which
the intermediate piston has to move is either extended or contracted according
to the amount of Gas required relative to and for the power exerted. The

page_text: intermediate piston regulating the supply is independently driven by the Counter-
shaft hereinbefore mentioned and thereby has action transmitted to it at the
instant of time it delivers its charge after compression to the respirator and when
the stroke is commencing. This measured charge of Gas as it issues from the
burners in the respirator is ignited by a flame which is projected through an
aperture or apertures suitably arranged in the Cylinder sides the ignited flame
is produced and projected through the said apertures by the following arrangement
of valves driven by the before mentioned Counter shaft which governs and
maintains the relative action of the various valves one with the other according
to their specific performance.
The igniting is effected by a light or burning Gas which is projected to the
burners of the diaphragm or respirator in the following manner.
I provide each of the main Cylinders with a Chamber or receptacle which is
capable of communicating direct with the interior of the Cylinder it is in con-
nection with or being shut off therefrom by the interposition of a sliding block
through which a thoroughfare or passage is formed. The said sliding blocks are
connected with and actuated by a crank or eccentric on the aforesaid Counter shaft
in such a manner that when the blocks are sliding they will alternately close the
thoroughfares between the said Chamber and the interior of the Main Cylinders
they are respectively connected with and then at the right instant of time open the
same so as to make direct communication therewith.
Each of the said Chambers are supplied with Gas and air through the medium
of two small tubes or Cylinders in which pistons actuated by connection with the
Countershaft before mentioned deliver simultaneously air through one of such
tubes and Gas through the other to the aforesaid Chamber, the gases thus admitted
are ignited by a flame at the instant they are being received into such Chamber
which is allowed to play upon them through an aperture opened for this purpose
by the sliding block during its traverse.-Immediately the ignition has taken place
as described the Chamber is closed by the combined-action of such block-but-
so soon as the thoroughfare in the said block opens the passage between the Main
Cylinder and the Chamber containing the lighted Gas which by ignition has
materially increased its pressure such lighted Gas is projected into the Main
Cylinder and communication with the Chamber is at once cut off, as the block
in its traverse is reversed This projecting of the lighted Gas ignites the charge
of Gas then issuing from the burners of the respirator into the charge of hot air
and so effects the combustion necessary for propelling the main piston.
At the time the igniting charge after being lit is closed in, and increasing its
pressure in the before mentioned Chamber and immediately before it is projected
into the Main Cylinder the duplicate Chamber of the opposite Cylinder is being
cleared out by the passage through it of air the admission thereto and emission
therefrom being controlled by suitably arranged valves the said passage of air
through such Chamber effects the cleansing of the same preparatory to the relighting
of the Jet as in manner hereinbefore described.
The Mechanism regulating and controlling the valves and other parts of the
Engine connected therewith which are employed for effecting the uniformity of
action and change of motion or running of the Engine without interfering with
the regularity of its working may be described as follows:-
The Counter Shaft transmitting motion to the whole system of valves herein
referred to for determining the time and regularity of their action is driven through
the Medium of gearing receiving Motion from the main driving shaft which
communicates and drives a spur wheel running loose on the said Shaft, this spur
wheel is provided and forms one with a bevel wheel which gives motion to and
gears with another bevel wheel running loose on a fixed stud which again engages
with and drives a third bevel wheel on the counter shaft and also running loose
thereon.
The two bevel wheels running loose on the counter shaft as described run in
reverse or opposite directions and are each provided with a catch or pawl which

page_text: engages with a projection or ratchet tooth formed on the counter shaft It will
thus be seen that through the medium of these catches the said counter shaft will
always be running in one direction irrespective of the direction in which the main
shaft of the Engine is running.
The peculiar and novel arrangement of catches and gearing above described
giving Motion to the counter shaft together with the means employed for connecting
such shaft with the Valves giving the gas supply to the main Cylinder are so
actuated as to alter to the necessary extent the action and positions of such valves
and other parts in connection therewith.
In order that the speed of the Engine may be uniformly maintained under
circumstances which would vary the power exerted I drive from the aforesaid
Counter shaft through the medium of bevel wheels or their equivalent an ordinary
centrifugal governor the sliding sleeve of which is connected with a strap fork
actuating the transverse traverse of two straps embracing and passing round two
pairs of cone pullies one strap being open and the other crossed two of the said
pullies which are the drivers are keyed or secured to the spindle of the Governor
driven by the bevel wheels before mentioned the straps passing round these pullies
are held in position by the strap fork and drive two other cone pullies running
loose on a shaft and placed in position reverse to their drivers. The loose cone
pullies are placed on their shaft with their basis towards each other and are provided
with bevel wheels so placed that they gear with and give motion to a pinion
running loose on a radial arm projecting from and forming part of the axis on
which the said loose cone pullies revolve, the said axis so long as a uniform speed is
maintained by the strap fork keeps the strap on the cone drivers in the normal or
central position of the same having equal diameters in which position no disturbance
of the pinion on the radial arm driven by the bevel wheels will take place but
immediately any acceleration or diminution of speed takes place however slight
the mean position of the strap is instantly advanced or receded by the fork deriving
its motion from the sleeve of the centrifugal governor before mentioned. This
alteration of position at once alters the speed of the bevels forming part of the
driven cone pullies running loose on their axil the difference in speed thus effected
causes the pinion secured to the radial arm to move its central or normal
position and so give a part or full turn to the axis from which it projects. The
turn or oscillation thus given to the axis of the loose cone pullies transmits a
corresponding whole or part revolution to a cam secured to such axis The full
revolution of the said Cam would represent the extent of motion given in a right
line to a rod provided with rollers projecting into the groove of the said cam this
rod by suitable connections gives a varying motion to the Cylinder covers
governing and regulating the charge of Gas supplying the main Cylinder as herein-
before described the piston of. such Cylinder being also regulated and governed in
its throw between the adjustable covers thereof by means of a "link" motion in
connection with a second cam secured to and actuated by the axil of the said loose
cone pullies.
In order to facilitate the starting of the Engine in any direction so as to effect
the first few impulses sufficient to give momentum I provide a lever which by
suitable connections will when moved for starting place a three way valve in
position which shuts off the thoroughfare admitting air for compression to the space
under the piston of the main Cylinder before mentioned and open other thorough-
fares through which Gas and air are admitted in lieu of air alone the said mixture
of Gas and Air as they enter such space are ignited by an arrangement of valves
similar in character to those employed previously described for igniting the Gas
charge issuing from the respirator or diaphragm the thoroughfare-for the passage
of compressed air during the starting operation is closed or shut off and exit
thoroughfares are provided through which the spent gases in such air spaces
exhaust themselves.
The first starting of the Engines by this means is similar in principle to that
class of Gas Engine known as the "Hugon This principle of giving the
"

page_text: necessary force for starting is only continued through the first two or three strokes
of the piston sufficient to give momentum to the working parts so that their several
functions may be set in proper order and condition preparatory to the general and
ordinary working being taken up which is then put in action automatically by a
reverse motion being transmitted to the before mentioned starting lever the action
of which places the valve for admitting air and transferring the same when
compressed in their normal positions from which time the working of the Engine is
continued in manner as before mentioned. The burning of the Gas issuing from
the respirator in the main Cylinders is so regulated that a too sudden increase of
pressure will be prevented thereby saving the Cylinders and parts in connection
therewith from undue strain and heat due to compression.
The supply of lubricant to the frictional surfaces of the Cylinders and piston
rings forming the sealing surfaces is effected in the manner following: Conveniently
placed inside the piston and subject to the internal pressure of the main Cylinder
is a small chamber communicating by duct with the source from whence Oil is
occasionally injected thereto and which when received is again forced therefrom by
the elasticity of the pressure of such Chamber through suitable openings to the
interal frictional surfaces which require lubricating.
The source from which the Gas is supplied for the purpose of igniting the various
Chamber jets and the Gas used in connection with the Hugon starting apparatus,
has sufficient pressure communicated to it necessary to support the lights and also
perform the other function required from such Gas.-An arrangement in connection
with the Hugon starting process being provided for mixing with the Gas the
necessary amount of air required for combustion whilst such starting process is in
operation I further provide an automatic gauge regulator which is controlled by
the temperature of the air in the annular space of the combustion chamber near to
the sealing surfaces the object of which is to govern the amount of air compression
which is necessary for keeping such-surfaces cool.
The spent gases on their escape from the main Cylinders are exhausted into a
Chamber or receptacle below the main Cylinders or other convenient place from
which by a suitable exit thoroughfare they escape through the apertures of a slide
valve into an auxilliary Cylinder where they give a pressure to and actuate a piston
working in such Cylinder this said piston is connected to a crank on the driving
shaft, placed at about Ninety degrees in advance of the Crank receiving motion from
the Main Cylinders. The combined forces exerted by the Main Cylinder and the
auxilliary Cylinder through the medium of their piston and connection reduce the
variation of the velocity and force imparted to the driving shaft to the minimum
amount thereby doing away with the necessity of employing heavy fly wheels. The
said auxilliary Cylinder when shut off from the ordinary source of supply at the time
of starting the Engine receives an explosive mixture of Gas and Air in manner similar
to that previously described in connection with the Air Compressing Chamber of
the Main Cylinders and is also provided with an igniting medium similar to the
other sources giving the supply of Gas. I further provide means for cooling the
auxilliary Cylinder by a spray of cold water introduced at the right time in the
opposite ends of such Cylinder alternately the exhaust thoroughfare from this
Cylinder has a valve so arranged that it prevents the inrush of air filling up the
vacuum temporarily formed by the cooling process, the water of the spray
prevented accumulating by the action of a pump which with draws such water
immediately it has effected its purpose.
io
The sealing rings of the piston I construct of triangular section and in two or
more parts the apex periphery of which forms the frictional or sealing surface and
the base the surface receiving the varying pressure created inside the cylinder by
the combustion of Gases thus enabling such rings to offer a pressure proportionate to
the internal pressure of such cylinder.

page_text: DIECIFICATION in pursuance or the conditions of the Letters. Fatent med
by the said John Maynes in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 19th May
1883.
JOHN MAYNES of Anderton Street Harpurhey Manchester in the County of
Lancaster "IMPROVEMENTS IN GAS MOTOR ENGINES."
First, The object of the Invention relates to the means I employ for maintaining
the working parts of the Cylinders sufficiently cool for protecting the lubricating
material.
Secondly. Avoiding the loss of heat and pressure now occasioned by the use of
water jackets.
Thirdly Maintaining the frictional or sealing surfaces of the Main Cylinders at
equally proportionate pressures in accordance to the pressure actuating the piston
at each and every part of the stroke.
Fourthly To construct the Cylinder of the Engine of any size or diameter
within practical limits according to the power required to be developed.
Fifthly: Introducing at the proper time and at a minimum cost of power the
proper quantity of compressed cool air for combining with Gas which forms the
charge required for propelling the piston without the said charge being effected in
any way by the heat of the Cylinder.
Sixthly To determine and insure with each stroke of the piston the supply of
the required amount of Gas for combining with the Air necessary for the charge in
quantity and sufficient to raise the temperature of such charge to a degree which
will give the pressure and impulse required to the piston for maintaining the Motor
at one regular and uniform speed.
Seventhly To use the heat abstracted or saved by a respirator during emission
of the previous charge and clearing of the Cylinder by transferring such heat to
the new charge immediately after its complete introduction to the Cylinder and as
it passes to receive the heat of combustion.
Eighthly; to increase and make more uniform the power of the Engine by the
employment of an auxillary Cylinder deriving its force from the air employed to
cool the sealing surfaces of the Main Cylinder and which is heated thereby and
then mingles with the spent gases in its course to the said auxillary Cylinder which
Cylinder is worked somewhat in manner similar to that of an ordinary Compound
Steam Engine Cylinder.
.
Ninthly to enable the Engine to run in either direction by using a secondary
or countershaft so driven that it will have a continued motion in the same direction
subject to the necessary change producing the altered action thereby maintaining
the valves and other motions of the Engine in their consecutive order and time.
Tenthly, is to arrange the whole part of the Cylinders to commence working as
a set of "Hugon" Engines with suitable valves for this purpose and also to effect
the necessary changes when sufficient velocity has by this means been obtained
without stopping.
Eleventhly is to effect the combustion of the charge in the Cylinder by measured
quantities of Gas and Air received into Chambers from which they are discharged
into other Chambers where after being ignited the said Chambers are closed
pressure thereby accumulating the flame is at the right instant of time by the
movement of suitable valves projected into and ignites the Gases in the Cylinder,
the products of combustion being subsequently cleared out of the igniting Chamber
preparatory for the readmission of the igniting gases.
Twelfthly; the object is to avoid the sudden effects of combustion or explosion
which takes place in these Gas Engines immediately the crank has passed its
centre and which subjects the Cylinder to intense heat and pressure and trans-
mitting increased friction to the whole of the working parts of the Engine.
Thirteenth. to increase the power of the Engine by reducing the temperature of
the escaping air in manner analogous to that of the Steam Engine.

page_text: Fourteenth Facilitating the admission and effect of the lubricating medium to
the frictional sealing surfaces of the piston and Cylinder
Fifteenth Constructing the sealing "rings" of the piston of such a form that
they will offer a pressure to the sealing surfaces proportionate to the internal
pressure of the Cylinder.
Sixteenth. Protecting the piston from the heat of the Chamber in which com-
bustion takes place and so keeping it sufficiently cool for making its action
permanently effective.
:
Seventeenth reducing the space and passages through which the different supplies
are made and combining the whole in such a manner that solidity and compactness
are attained.
In order that the Invention may be well understood and explained in detail I
have hereunto annexed four Sheets of Drawings upon which letters of reference
are marked on corresponding parts on all the Figs: alike.
Sheet 1, Fig: 1. represents a general front elevation of the improved Gas Engine
shewing the Main Cylinders and parts in connection for driving and also for
governing and regulating the supply of Gas according to the power required for
driving. Fig: 2 represents an end Elevation of the same, and Sheet 2, Fig: 3
represents a plan view of the same Sheet 3 Fig: 4 represents a longitudinal section
of one of the main driving Cylinders Fig: 5. represents a section of the valves
regulating the admission of air to the Compressor and combustion chamber the
exhaust thoroughfare also being shewn through which the spent gases pass to the
auxillary Cylinder Fig: 6. represents a detached elevation of the air and Gas
Cylinders and thoroughfares through and by which the inflammable Gas and
igniting flame is forced into the combustion chamber for igniting the incoming
Gas supply, this Figure also represents the arrangement of lever and connections
employed for moving the sliding block which enables the Gases of combustion to be
ignited when starting the Engine at any portion of its stroke. Fig: 6ª represents
-detached portion of-the-igniting-box-and-sliding-block-shewing the manner the
light is maintained for igniting the charge. Fig: 7 represents a vertical section
of the Main Cylinder through the line z, z.
Sheet 4, Figs: 8 and 9 represent front elevation and plan views of the gear
giving an uniform and regular revolution to the countershaft transmitting motion
to the parts regulating and controlling the supply of gases to the combustion
chamber. Fig: 10. represents a plan view of the main cylinder shewing their
position with respect to the valves admitting the compressed air to the com-
bustion chambers of such Cylinders and exhaust therefrom of the spent gases
and also the levers for controlling the valves Fig: 11 represents an end elevation
of Fig: 12.
In the foregoing Figs: a. a are the Cylinders proper of the Engine which are
composed of an inner Cylinder a¹ a¹ between which and the outer Cylinders a. a.
spaces are left.-The inner Cylinders a' are bored and provided with pistons a².
From the surface of these pistons cylindrical rings a³ project and central domes u
which are enclosed by an extension of the outer casings a and an inner Cylinder a³
projecting from the end of the Cylinder a. These Cylinders a. a³ a³ and a³ are
arranged so that the rings a³ and dome a' will move telescopically in and between
the outer Cylinders a and the fixed inner Cylinder a spaces being left between
the moving and fixed dome and cylinders which forms passages for the admission
of air through and from the channel a The outer Cylinders a are further extended
beyond the point from which the rings project formning the annular air spaces
This further extension b which is shewn at Fig: 6 Sheet 3 as a separate Cylinder
secured by flanges and bolts to the Cylinder a is covered in and provided with a
gland or stuffing box b³ which admits of the hollow shaft b' sliding therein. This
gland forms a passage at 6 for the entrance of inflammable Gas into and
through the hollow shaft b¹ to the respirator c'. This shaft b' is connected with
and gives motion through means of the gearing c (seen more clearly on Sheet 2
Fig 3) to the respirator or diaphragm c¹ in manner similar to that of a piston the

page_text: extent of motion so given being equal to the length of the extension 6 less the
depth of the said respirator c¹ which moves freely therein without friction.
The opposite end a7 of the Cylinder a in which the piston a works is covered
in and provided with the gland 2 through which the piston rod a³ slides, these
enclosed ends of the Cylinders a form air compressing chambers which are provided
with the Valves shewn on Sheet 3 at Fig: 5. The supply of air first enters or is
drawn through a pipe (Sheet 4 Fig: 11.) into the box e where as the valve e' is
moved forward by the action of the eccentric cams d' d' or their equivalent it
passes into the thoroughfare e and from thence into the air compressing portion
of the Main Cylinder a¹ the continued movement of the valve e' at this time closes
the inlet thoroughfare es whilst the piston in the Cylinders al compresses the air
so admitted, the further traverse of the valve e¹ when the air is compressed opens
the thoroughfare e² and places it in communication with the thoroughfare in
the valve e which is closed or blocked by the crown valve e' until the determined
compression of air is obtained at which time the port e in the crown valve et com-
municates with the thoroughfare e and so allows the compressed air to be directed
by the pipe (seen more clearly at Sheet 4 Fig 10) through the port or thorough-
fare f' into the space forming the extended portion of the main Cylinder a behind
the respirator c¹.
As the positive stroke to the piston of the Main Cylinder and consequent coin-
pression to the air is completed the three way cock or valve f* (see sheet 4
Fig: 10) which is actuated by a tappet on the beam or cross bar g, closes the
passage f6 in its forward stroke and opens f' into ƒ³ which remains so, during
the first three fourths of the return or negative stroke, thus directing the exhaust
at this time through the respirator which is beated thereby. At this time the
respirator is retiring preparatory to receiving the fresh charge, during the remaining
one fourth of the stroke the three way valve f, having been reversed by a second
tappet on the beamng the remaining portion of the spent gases escape by the
front of the respirator by fe into f³ and so by the valve passage f governed by
the sliding valve e¹ (Fig: 5) into the passage f (see Sheet 3 Fig 5) by the pipe ƒ³
(see Sheet 2 Fig: 3) into f7 and into the auxillary Cylinder v where the expansion
of the spent gases acting on the piston of such Cylinder v assists in giving a
secondary impulse or thrust to the driving shaft o. In order to make this thrust
effective the piston rod of the said Cylinder v is so connected with the driving shaft
that it will transmit a thrust to the same relative to the main driving cranks at
an angular advance of about ninety degrees.
The
The valves of the auxillary Cylinder v are similar in their arrangement to the
inlet and exhaust ports of an ordinary Steam Cylinder motion being given to the
said valves by an eccentric or its equivalent from the countershaft m or n
Cylinder is also provided with a back pressure valve on the exhaust port for the
purpose of closing such port in the event of back pressure taking place when
the expansion of the Gases become reduced below the pressure of the atmosphere.
In order to reduce the back pressure I prefer in some cases to provide a means for
injecting cold water into the Cylinder v which is forced out again through a
suitable valve with each stroke of the piston. A similar arrangement of Cylinders
and parts in connection therewith as those herein described are duplicated and
plared as shewn at Sheet 2 Fig: 3 in a position reverse to and parallel with the
axis of the said first mentioned Cylinders so that their combined action will through
the medium of the coupling beam or bar g and connecting rod h give an equal
thrust and pull or two pulsations in opposite directions to the crank i thus giving
uniformity of action together with compactness and shortness of passage through
which at the right instant of time the charges of compressed air are conveyed.
The compressed air as produced in the manner described in one Cylinder is passed
direct through the valves in manner as aforesaid into the extended portion of the
opposite or parallel Cylinder divided from the combustion chamber of such Cylinder
by the respirator c¹.
The charge of compressed cool air as it is being admitted into this space b

page_text: (which is enlarged as the moving respirator advances) is shielded by the said
respirator from the hot gases and heat of the combustion chamber.
The diaphragm or respirator c¹ seen at Sheet 3 Figs: 4 and 7 is constructed in
piston like form the body of which inside the ring thereof is fitted with or
composed of a number of layers of copper wires forming meshes or fine passages.
Immediately the cool charge of air has been admitted in manner as aforesaid
into the extended portion of the main Cylinder the diaphragm or respirator c' is
acted on as described so as to be drawn through the same the action of which
forces the said charge of cool compressed air through the meshes of the respirator
into the combustion or intermediate chamber. The said air in its passage extracts
heat from the respirator so that it enters the combustion chamber in a highly
heated state The diaphragm or respirator c¹ is further provided with cross
tubes c¹ or burners communicating with valves hereinafter described through which
the Gas is injected and immediately ignited by means of a peculiar construction of
valve arrangement also hereinafter described as it comes into contact with and mixes
with the heated air issuing through the meshes of the respirator c¹ thus giving
combustion and force for impelling the piston a² during the positive stroke the
return stroke giving the full revolution to the crank is effected in like manner by
the action of the opposite or parallel Cylinder and its connections.
The arrangement I employ for keeping those parts of the Engine cool which are
necessary to maintain it in its proper working condition will be understood on
reference being made to Sheets 1 and 2, and the lettered description of the same as
follows. is an air pump or Cylinder the plunger or piston of which receives
motion by reason of its connection with the coupling beam or bar g and does when
in action force cold air through the pipes k¹² to the surfaces in the annular
spaces around the combustion chamber-which require cooling, the cool air thus forced
into those spaces also assists in cleansing the cylinder of such spent gases. The
said air pump or Cylinder k is placed at a somewhat lower elevation than the Main
Cylinders but in a line parallel thereto passages being formed between such
air pumps or Cylinders and the annular spaces of the main Cylinders and are so
arranged that as the piston of the air pump or cylinder makes its stroke in one
direction it will force cold air into the annular spaces of one Cylinder whilst
receiving its supply of cold air from the atmosphere which with its reverse stroke
it drives into the annular spaces of the other Cylinder and so on alternately This
forcing in of cold air to the said annular spaces of the Main Cylinders extracts the
heat from the telescopic surfaces thereof and also forms as the heated gases of com-
bustion expands an air cushion which prevents such heated gases in the main
Cylinder approaching the sealing surfaces of the piston a² and Cylinder a¹.
The Gas necessary for combustion to heat the charge is drawn from any source
of supply through the pipe (see Sheet 2 Fig: 3) and passed into a small Cylinder l¹
which is provided with a piston connected to the regulating Governor u by means
of suitable mechanism hereinafter described, the action of which so governs the
throw and position of the piston regulating the Gas supply that the space in which
the said piston has to move is either extended or contracted according to the
amount of Gas required relative to and for the power exerted. The piston regulating
the supply is independently driven by the countershaft n receiving its primary
motion from the shaft m (see Sheets 1. 2. and 4. through the interposition
of the subsiduary countershaft m¹ connecting rod m² intermediate segmental
rocking lever m² sliding block n and connecting rod me in manner as
follows The rocking lever m³ has its fulcrum on the upright me supporting
the cross shaft m? this cross shaft is provided with bevel wheels and cone
pullies (see Sheet 4 Figs 8 and 9) driven by cone pullies m³ on the main
driving shaft o. This arrangement of mechanism giving motion to and regulating
the Gas supply is so timed that it delivers its charge of inflammable Gas to the
burners of the respirator immediately the compressed cool air has been received
and just as the stroke is commencing. This measured charge of Gas as it issues
from the burners in the respirator c¹ is ignited by a flame which is projected

page_text: through an aperture or apertures suitably arranged in the main Cylinder sides.
The ignited Hame is produced and projected through the said apertures by the
arrangement hereinafter described of valves driven by the before mentioned counter
shaft m through the intermediate shaft n which governs and maintains the relative
action of the various valves one with the other according to their specific
performance. The igniting is effected by a light or burning gas p (see Sheet 3
Figs 6 and 7 which is projected to the burners of the diaphragm or respirator in
the following manner.
I provide each of the main Cylinders with a chamber or receptacle r which is
capable of communicating direct with the interior of the main Cylinders. This
Chamber r is capable of opening or closing its connection with the main Cylinder
through the interposition of the sliding block r¹ seen in detail at Fig: 6* through
which a suitable passage or thoroughfare is formed This sliding block is con-
nected with and actuated by a crank or eccentric receiving motion from the
countershaft n in such a manner that when the blocks of each Cylinder a are
sliding they will alternately close the thoroughfares between the said chambers r
and the interior of the main Cylinder a which they are respectively connected
with and then at the right instant of time open the same so as to make direct
communication therewith.
Each of the before mentioned chambers are supplied with Gas and air through
the medium of two small Cylinders 3. see Sheet 3 Figs 6 and 7 the small
Cylinder receives and supplies the Gas and the large Cylinder the air pistons
in these Cylinders receiving motion from the afore mentioned countershaft n
through suitable connections c¹¹ are so actuated as to deliver simultaneously air
and gas through the pipes to the aforesaid Chamber which are ignited by
the flame P at the instant they are being admitted through the aperture 77 opened
for this purpose by the sliding block ¹.
Immediately the igniting has taken place as described the chamber r is closed
by the continued sliding action of the block but so soon as the thoroughfare in
the said block opens the passage between the Main Cylinder and the Chamber r
then containing the lighted Gas (which by ignition has materially increased its
pressure) such lighted Gas is projected into the main Cylinder and communication
with the chamber is at once cut off as the block ¹ in its traverse is reversed.
This projecting of the lighted Gas ignites the charge of Gas then issuing from the
burners in the respirator the combustion of which is maintained by the charge
of air forced through the meshes of the respirator as it is retiring the increase of
pressure due to the heat of combustion effects the necessary propulsion to the piston
of the main Cylinders.
At the time the igniting charge after being lighted is closed in and increasing
its pressure in the chamber immediately before it is projected into the Main
Cylinder the duplicate chamber of the opposite Cylinder is being cleared out by
the passage through it of air the admission thereto and emission therefrom through
the pipe being controlled by suitably arranged valves the said passage of air
through such chamber effect the cleansing of the same preparatory to the relighting
of the Gas as in manner hereinbefore described
The mechanism regulating and controlling the valves and other parts of the
Engine connected therewith which are employed for effecting the uniformity of
action and change of motion or running of the Engine without interfering with the
regularity of its working will be understood by the following description reference
being made to the drawings on Sheets 1, 2 and 4.
The Countershaft n transmitting motion to the whole system of valves herein
referred to for determining the time and regularity of their action is driven
through the medium of the gearing a receiving motion from the driving shaft o,
this gearing & drives the spur wheel & running loose on the intermediate counter
shaft m. This spur wheel s' is connected by means of the sleeve n¹ with the bevel
wheel 82, which gives motion to and gears with the bevel wheels fixed to and
driving the spindle of the Governor hereinafter described which wheel also gears with

page_text: and drives a third bevel wheel & supported by and running loose on the counter
shaft m.
The two bevel wheels 8 and 8 running loose on the countershaft mas
described run in reverse or opposite directions and are each provided with a catch
or pawl which engages with a projection or ratchet tooth formed on the counter-
shaft m
It will be seen that through the medium of these catches the said
Countershaft m will always be running in one direction irrespective of the direction
in which the main shaft of the Engine is running.-I would here remark that
although I have described the intermediate countershaft m as the shaft first
receiving motion from the main shaft o it forms one with and drives the central
countershaft n by means of a screw slot formed in m which engages with and
drives the central shaft n by means of a stud projecting therefrom into such slot
the purpose of which is hereinafter described together with an alternative
arrangement of driving effecting a similar purpose.
The peculiar and novel arrangement of catches and gearing above described
giving motion to the countershaft m, n and n¹ together with the means employed
for connecting such shaft with the valves giving the Gas supply to the main
Cylinders are so actuated as to alter to the necessary extent the action and positions
of such valves and other parts in connection therewith
In order that the speed of the Engine may be uniformly maintained under
circumstances which would vary the power exerted I drive from the aforesaid
Countershaft m through the medium of the bevel wheels - 8 or their equivalent
as herein described the centrifugal Governor u the sliding sleeve of which is
connected with the strap fork u¹ (see Sheets 2 and 4) actuating the traverse of the
two straps u³ u³ embracing and passing round two pairs of cone pullies u* u³ the
straps being open and the other u³ crossed. Two of the said pullies u* the
drivers are keyed or secured to the main driving shaft o and drive through the
medium of the straps u² and u³ which are held in position by the strap fork u¹
the two other cone pullies u running loose on the shaft m7 the pullies u³ are placed
with their basis towards each other and in a reverse position to their drivers u
and are provided with bevel wheels so placed that they gear with and give motion
to a pinion running loose on a radial arm projecting from and forming part of the
axis m on which the said loose cone pullies u revolve, this shaft or axis m² so long
as a uniform speed is maintained by reason of the strap fork u¹ keeping the
straps u² and us in their central or normal position no disturbance of the pinion
or radial arm driven by the bevel wheels will take place but immediately any
acceleration or diminution of speed takes place however slight the mean position
of the strap is instantly advanced or receded by the fork u¹ deriving its motion
from the sleeve of the Governor u. This alteration of the position of the straps
at once alters the speed of the bevels and cones us running loose on their axil the
difference in speed thus effected causes the pinion secured to the radial arm to
move from its central or normal position and so give a part or full turn to the
axis m from which it projects. The turn or oscillation thus given to the axis m
of the loose cone pullies u³ transmits a corresponding whole or part revolution to a
toothed pinion 7 see sheet 4 Figs: 8 and 9 secured to such axis which engages
with the rack us a revolution of the axis m' and toothed pinion u communicates
to the rack us a motion in a right line which lifts the sliding block m sliding on
the radial arm m³, the lift thus given to this block m by reason of its connection
with the rods m² and m³ before mentioned transmits a varying stroke to the piston
in the Gas supply Cylinder the action of which governs and regulates the charge
of Gas supplying the main Cylinder in the manner and for the purpose herein-
before des:ribed. The varying stroke given to the piston in the Gas supply
Cylinder does by reason of the position of the suspension and curve of the
intermediate radial arm m³ fully compress and clears the Cylinder of its charge
of Gas whatever the variation the stroke of the piston may be.
In order to facilitate the starting of the Engine in any direction so as to effect
the first few impulses to the crank shaft o sufficient to give momentum I provide a
lever w which through its connections w¹w will when moved give a partial

page_text: revolution to the central countershaft n which brings its stud or bowl in the slot
of the countershaft m to the opposite end of the said slot which is timed to give
motion to the various valves and igniting apparatus about Sixty degrees later than
when the Engine is ordinarily working thus allowing a mixture of air and gas to be
drawn into the main and auxillary Cylinders in quantity about one quarter the
capacity of such Cylinder, the valves then enclose such gases which are ignited and
so give the first impulse to the piston of such Cylinders for starting or giving the
first motion to the driving shaft, this effect of blowing through and supplying Gas
and air when starting is produced by the movement of the lever w which through
its connection also gives motion to the valves f placing them in a position which
diverts the exhaust from the main cylinders into the open air through the pipe fo
and also allows the auxillary Cylinder v to draw air through the same pipe, a third
effect obtained by the action of the starting lever w is that it places in position the
plug valve f10, which open the passage connecting the two main Cylinders together,
these plugs are constructed so as to have three chambers, so arranged that in one
position it allows the air to pass from the port e round a bend of an intermediate
plate, dividing the said port e so as to pass into the lower part thereof and thence
to the Cylinder, the said plug when placed in its other position allows air to pass
through a pipe direct to the upper portion of e². The third or lower chamber of
the plug forms a communication between the two Cylinders similar plugs being
provided for this purpose at each end of the said valve box.
The air being thus admitted to the Cylinders the Gas for mixing with the same
is forced by means of the Piston in the Cylinder through the pipes the cocks or
valves of which have been opened by reason of their connection with the lever w.
The Gas so forced and mixed with the air is ignited in manner as before described
when explosion takes place similar supplies and explosions being repeated until
momentum has been obtained to give velocity sufficient to expand the balls and
lift the sleeve of the Governor u which brings a lever 10 into contact with a face
cam, the revolving of this cam through the medium of the said lever forces back
the stud and bowl of the countershaft n in the slot of the countersleeve m the
action of which effects a return of the various valves and their connections to
their normal working positions.
When first starting the Engine provision is made for blowing gas and air into
the ends of the Cylinders in which the explosion is required to take place this
explosion is given in the direction in which it is required the Engine shall run.
This first supply of Gas and air when exploded transmits sufficient impulse to the
driving gear for giving motion to the piston of the Gas Cylinder thus setting in
motion the parts above described in connection with the starting process.
The supply of lubricant to the frictional surfaces of the Cylinders and piston
rings forming the sealing surfaces is effected in the following manner, reference
being had to Sheet 3 Fig: 4. Conveniently placed inside the piston a³ and
subject to the internal pressure of the Main Cylinder a¹ is a small chamber.
communicating by the duct a" with the source from whence oil is occasionally
injected thereto and which when received is again forced therefrom by the
elasticity of the pressure of such chamber through suitable openings to the internal
frictional surfaces which require lubricating.
I further provide an automatic gauge regulator which is controlled by the
temperature of the air in the annular spaces of the combustion chamber near to the
sealing surfaces the object of which is to govern the quantity of compressed air
admitted for keeping such surfaces cool.
Having now described the nature of my Invention and the manner of performing
the same I wish it to be understood in conclusion that what I claim as new and as
of my Invention is
First the arrangement construction and adaptation to the Cylinder of Gas Engine,
of the telescopic sliding rings a³ and dome a forming annular spaces around
the combustion chamber of the Cylinders of such Engine into which air is
formed for beaning the working parts of the Cylinders sufficiently cool for

page_text: protecting the lubricating material which said air forced into such annular
spaces as aforesaid dispenses with the use of water jackets thus avoiding the
loss of heat and pressure now occasioned by their use.
d The novel employment adaptation and combination with the main
Cylinder a of such Engines of an internal Cylinder a' between which and
the Main Cylinders an annular space is left into which a pressure equal to
that of the Main Cylinder is produced at the time the combustion of the
Gas takes place preventing thereby any distention of the internal Cylinder a¹
and so maintain the frictional or sealing surfaces of the Cylinders a¹ at
equal proportionate pressures in accordance to the pressure actuating the
piston at each and every part of the stroke, this method of producing
equal pressure on both the interior and exterior surfaces of the internal
Cylinders a' also enables Engines of this class to be constructed of any size
and power.
The arrangement adaptation and use of the method and parts employed for
introducing at the proper time and at a minimum cost of power the proper
quantity of compressed cool air for combining with the Gas which forms the
charge required for propelling the piston without the said charge being
affected by the heat of the Cylinders and subsequently before combustion
raising the temperature of such air by passing through it the respirator or
diaphragmn in the manner as herein substantially described set forth and
illustrated in the drawings annexed.
h: The parts actuating the valves and pistons which determine and insure
with each stroke of the Engine the supply of the required amount of Gas for
combining with the air_necessary for the charge in quantity and sufficient to
raise the temperature of such charge to a degree which will give the
pressure and impulse required to the pistons for maintaining the motor at
one regular and uniform speed as substantially described herein and shewn
-in-the-drawings-
The employment use adaptation and combination with Engines of this class
of the auxillary Cylinder marked in the drawings for assisting in the
uniform development of power and also materially aiding the starting and
reversing of the Engine in the manner as herein substantially described
set forth and illustrated in the drawings.
The combination of the parts in connection with the countershaft n and m
which at the time of starting transform the Engine into one similar to that
known as a "Hugon" Engine until momentum sufficient has been obtained
to reestablish its character automatically in the manner as herein sub-
stantially described and shewn on Sheet Figs 12 and 13.
th. The arrangement adaptation and combination of the parts in connection
with the main and auxillary Cylinders employed for igniting the gases of
combustion in such Cylinders in the manner as herein substantially described
set forth and illustrated on Sheet 3 Fig: 5.
n witness whereof I the said John Maynes have hereunto set my hand
and seal this the Eighteenth day of May in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and eighty three.
Witness:-
=
THOMAS WRIGLEY
75 Chancery Lane W.C.
JOHN MAYNES. (L.S.)