IMPROVEMENTS IN GAS MOTOR ENGINES
Year: 1884

page_text: I GEORGE WILLIAM WEATHERHOGG Mechanical Engineer of 41 Spring Gardens
Charing Cross Westminister in the County of Middlesex do hereby declare the
nature of my invention for IMPROVEMENTS IN GAS MOTOR ENGINES to be as
follows:-
My Invention has for its object by an improved mode of working to improve
and simplify the construction and increase the economy of Gas Motor Engines or
Motors operating with combustible gas or vapour.
In Gas Motor Engines hitherto constructed considerable difficulties arise in
cleansing the working cylinders and combustion chambers from the residual
products of a previous explosion especially when an impulse is made every
outstroke of the engine, causing what is known as back explosions-being
premature ignitions of the combustible charge-which causes an engine to work
unsteady and creating unnecessary wear and tear of the working parts.
Another defect is the waste of gas occasioned by blowing away a portion of the
gaseous charge through the exhaust.
And another defect is the enormous loss of power occasioned by the waste heat
arising from the combustion of the gases which pass through the exhaust and sides
of the cylinder.
To remedy these evils in a Gas Motor Engine I so arrange the engine that the
combustible gas when most liable to premature ignition is kept apart or separate
from the working cylinder until such times as it is cleansed of the residual products
left from the previous explosion which separation is effected by means of an
auxiliary air pump and valves suitably arranged therefor.
In this arrangement I arrange the air pump so that at the proper times it causes
the combustible gas or vapour to flow into the working cylinder: But I do not
draw in or permit the gas or vapour to enter into the chamber of the air pump.
The combustible gas or vapour before entering the working cylinder is first
admitted into a separate reservoir-here termed the gas chamber-which may
either be formed upon the cylinder or placed apart therefrom. This gas chamber
is made adjustable for admitting more or less gas or vapour therein and arranged
so that it holds but one combustible charge for each explosion.
The air pump may be placed alongside but preferably in the same axial line of
the working piston, the pistons of each being coupled together by a rod or trunk
and connected with the crank shaft by a single connecting rod in the manner
described by me in my patent No 3972, 1878,

page_text: In order to operate an engine thus arranged gas or vapour sufficient for a charge
is let into the gas chamber by means of a valve upon turning the fly wheel so as to
give an outstroke to the pistons. A charge of atmospheric air is simultaneously
drawn into the air pump a small portion of which upon the return stroke is
generally blown through the exhaust of the engine, The air passing through
suitably arranged passages in its exit from the air pump by way of a valve or
valves controlled by the mechanism of the engine. When the exhaust outlet is
closed the air continues to flow from the air pump through a portion of the passago
by way of the controlling valves, last named, which instantly diverts the air current
causing it to pass into the working cylinder by way of the gas chamber through
small openings forcing the gas or vapour contained therein through perforated
plates and check valves into the combustion end of the working cylinder. The air
and gas issueing in finely divided streams through the openings intermingles together
so as to form an homogeneous explosive mixture with the air in the cylinder
constituting the combustible charge therein. When upon or nearly at the com-
mencement of the outstroke communication being in the mean time cut off from
both the gaschamber and air pump the charge is fired, The said charge being of
such a nature by admixture of gas or vapour and air-the component parts of
which are now well known in the trade-that combustion is practically complete
within two tenths of the stroke of the piston from time of ignition permitting of a
rapid expansion which forces the pistons outwards, their return stroke being
effected by the impetus given to the fly wheel during which time the exhaust
products are ejected from the cylinder. Upon the commencement of the working
stroke the air pump draws out the portion of air or air and gas remaining in the
gas chamber causing a partial vacuum therein. The air controlling valves then
close the gas chamber and the gas supply valve, which has a positive motion
imparted to it by the action of the engine, opens allowing the gas or vapour to
enter the gas chamber for the next succeeding charge. The air pump is then closed
from the gas supply the pump piston uncovering an air port and valve which
supplies the pumping chamber with air to the termination of the stroke.
Instead of employing a special air inlet valve for this purpose I sometimes admit
air to the air pump through suitable openings formed in the ignition slide, The
air controlling valves are arranged so that more or less atmospheric air passes from
the air pump through the exhaust as desired, by which means the engine may be
worked with a variable compression according to the quality, quantity and nature
of the gas or vapour employed and with an economy of gas which increases in
proportion to the compression, The greater the compression the higher the grado
of expansion obtained with a proportionate increase of power. It hence follows
that the gas does not come in contact with the air until such times as the working
cylinder is cleared of the exhaust and residual products rendering the waste of the
gas charge nil. It will be obvious that in addition to the air remaining in the air
pump the working cylinder is also filled with atmospheric air more or less pure
forming a portion of the next combustible charge into which the remainder is
driven from the air pump along with the gas or vapour. When the gas or vapour
employed is rich in hydrogen then the controlling valves are set so that a small
quantity only of the air in the air pump is lost in blowing through but whon poor
gas such as water gas is used then a considerable portion of air may be blown away
through the exhaust the gas chamber being increased in the same ratio. This
arrangement admits of engines being worked by all kinds of gases without specially
constructing them to suit any special mixture or quality. I may also use a second
gas chamber when it is necessary to prevent the gas from fluctuating, as described
by me in a previous patent-the one feeding the other. When the combustible
charges are admitted into the working cylinder by means of check valves the charge
is preferably fired by a small gas flame and ignition slide which may be made
either round or flat it being hold up to the facing by an ordinary cover and set
screws and operated either by an eccentric from the crank shaft or from a counter
shaft geared thereto. The slide has an ignition port formed therein which is fed

page_text: with combustible gas from a portion of the gas charge at suitable times through
small passages leading from the gas chamber the quantity being regulated by a
cock or adjusting screw.
The gas is ignited by a master burner in the usual manner.
Instead of admitting the combustible charge into the cylinder by means of a
check valve as above described I sometimes form two ports in the ignition slide and
also in the cylinder facing for this purpose. When so arranged the cover of the
slide is made with a double-ported passage. For supplying air to the air pump in
lieu of the air valve before referred to I cut a third or additional port in the valve
cover and cylinder facing. The valve ports deliver the air to the pump at such
times as they are not delivering the combustible charge. Or the passage may be
formed in the slide instead of the valve cover. A small hole is drilled in the
slide which communicates with the combustible gas supply passage when the main
supply is cut off in order to support combustion to the igniting flame until the
chare is fired.
The speed of the engine may be regulated by any form of governor The governor
being connected to a lifting bar upon which are placed sliders so arranged that
when the engine exceeds its normal speed the sliders prevent the air controlling
valve before referred to being opened and at the same time lifts the valve of the air
pump (or the exhaust valve when an air valve is not employed) which causes the
charge of air in the air pump to pass out by the air valve instead of its passing
through the gas chamber thus preventing an explosion. The charge in the gas
chamber not being emptied until such times as the air controlling valves again open.
The sliding bar has a positive motion imparted to it by the engine in addition to
the action of the governor.
The cylinders may be made in duplicate and for the smaller sized engines I
prefer to form the bed plate so that the connecting rod may couple direct to the fly
wheel in order to save the expence of a double crank or disc plate. The engine
may be used for locomotive purposes when combined with a gas producer.
In order to save some of the heat which would otherwise pass away through tho
sides of the cylinder, or, by the exhaust I employ either the cooling water or
steam generated therefrom, But I only admit the water or steam into the working
cylinder at such times as when an excess of heat arises from the combustion of the
combustible charges. In order to effect this object so that any excess of heat shall
not sencibly affect the regular working of the engine. The engine being provided
with an ordinary water jacket and circulating tank. I further connect to the
engine a casting or box divided into two chambers each having a valve fitted
therein. One valve automatically opens from the water jacket and the other
mechanically opening into the working cylinder every working outstroke of the
piston, This latter valve is placed so that it communicates with the cylinder at
about two tenths of the pistons outward stroke and has an intermittent motion
imparted to it by the action of the governors. The other valve is weighted equal
to the pressure or head of water in the supply or circulating tank, This latter
valve chamber having an overflow pipe leading to the tank or a drain pipe as
desired. A communication is made between the two chambers by a passage
containing a stop cock or regulating valve.
The action of the Apparatus is as follows-Upon starting the engine to work it
works a short time in the ordinary manner until such times as the waste heat
begins to boil the water in the jacket by the evolution or swelling of which the
weighted valve is lifted permitting circulation to commence after which a portion
of this water (or it may be vapour of steam) find its way into the other valve
chamber, the valvo of which being arranged so that it delivers a charge of water
or vapour into a recess of the cylinder, preferably the exhaust chanuel, at a time
when the piston covers the outlet and upon the outstroke, when the piston uncovers
this outlet or recess the products of the combustible charge--which would be still in
a glowing state, instantly take up the water or vapour and converts the same into
steam or a gaseous vapour assisting expansion and producing an increase of power

page_text: thereby. This action continuing until such times as the temperature of the cooling
water falls when the weighted valve closes and no more water is admitted until a
further excess of heat causes it. A few charges of water or vapour thus admitted
will however cause an increase of speed when the governors shut off the gas charge
or charges and also the water or vapour supplies to the cylinder until the normal
speed is regained, The action being then repeated as before, providing that the
temperature of the water is still in excess, if not the engine is worked by gas alone
until the temperature again rises, acting as before.
In a modification of this arrangement, by placing an overflow pipe so that its
upper end has an opening slightly above the level of the head of water and
the other end connected to the water or vapour inlet valve of the cylinder, the
evolution of the water will cause the pipe to fill and supply water to the cylinder
as before.
By these special arrangements economy is promoted in two ways Firstly by
the waste heat being utilised in the production of steam and Secondly by limiting
the expenditure of gas in reducing the number of explosive charges whenever the
normal power of the engine is maintainable by the help of the said steam.
In some cases such as where very large engines are employed I may dispence
with the arrangement of a circulating tank, The water in such case being injected
into the jacket and steam generated therein the weighted valve being loaded in
excess of the pressure in the cylinder.
Having thus fully described my Invention so far as I am at present enabled to
do, I would here remark without confining myself to any special claims for same
until the fileing of my complete specification that what I believe to be novel and
original in Gas Motor Engines is-
1st, By the employment of a separate gas chamber whereby back explosions, or
premature ignitions are prevented, as well as any loss from the gaseous charges
being partly blown through the exhaust. 2nd By the arrangement described in
which part of the waste heat is utilised by automatically regulating the supplies of
water or steam to the working cylinder by the temperature of the circulating water
itself instead of solely by mechanical means as heretofore.
1
31 1000

page_text: I GEORGE WILLIAM WEATHERHOGG of 41 Spring Gardens Charing Cross West-
minister in the County of Middlesex Engineer do hereby declare the nature of
my invention for IMPROVEMENTS IN GAS MOTOR ENGINES and in what manner the
same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement:-
My Invention has for its object by an improved mode of working to improve and
simplify the construction and increase the economy of Gas Motor Engines operating
with combustible gas or vapour.
In Gas Motor Engines hitherto constructed considerable difficulties have arisen
in cleansing the working cylinders and combustion chambers from the residual
products of a previous explosion especially when an impulse is made every
outstroke of the engine-causing what is known as back explosions, being pre-
mature ignitions of the combustible charge, which makes an engine work unsteady
and creating unnecessary wear and tear of the working parts, Another defect is
the waste of gas occasioned by blowing away a portion of the combustible gaseous
charge through the exhaust and another defect is the enormous loss of power
occasioned by the waste heat arising from the combustion of the gases which pass
through the sides of the cylinder and exhaust.
To remedy these evils in a Gas Motor Engine I arrange the engine so that the
combustible gases when most liable to premature ignition is kept apart from the
power or working cylinder until such times as it is cleansed from the residual
products of a previous explosion. The separation being effected by means of an
auxiliary piston or air pump and valves suitably arranged therefor. The air pump
may be placed alongside but preferably in the same axial line of the working
cylinder and connected together by a rod or trunk as shewn.
In this arrangement I do not draw in or permit the gas or vapour to enter into
the chainber of the air pump. The gas or vapour before entering the working
cylinder is first admitted into a separate reservoir or gas chamber which may either
be formed upon the cylinder or placed apart therefrom. This chamber may be
made adjustable for admitting more or less gas or vapour therein and is arranged so
that it holds but one charge of gas or vapour for each explosion.
And in order that my said Invention and the manner of performing the same
may be more fully understood I hereunto append 4 Sheets of explanatory Drawings
to be hereafter referred to and representing two forms or modifications of my
Invention shewing the application of the improvenients arranged in both vertical
and horizontal forn with a single-acting power cylinder combined with an air
pump for operating with ordinary coal gas, hydrocarbon gas or other combustible
vapour.

page_text: and the exhaust, being a section through line A. B. Figure 5 is a section through
line CD shewing the air and gas valve chambers, Figure 6 is a sectional elevation
of the same through line E F. Figure 7 is an end view of the cylinder with the
working slide removed shewing the air and gas ports, and Figure 8 shews the
inner and outer facings of the working slide whilst Figures 9 and 10 on Sheets 35
and 4 shew a modification of the Invention applied to an engine of the vertical
type, The other figures representing detail of the Invention, The same reference
numerals being used to mark the same or like parts wherever they are repeated.
In the arrangements shewn in the Drawings the power cylinder 1 and air pump 2
are both placed in the same axial line having a water jacket formed thereon for 1
utilising some of the waste heat-as hereafter more fully explained-The pistons 3
and 4 being coupled to the driving shaft by a connecting rod 6, The inner or
fireing end of the power cylinder is provided with the usual clearance space or
combustion chamber 7 to which-in the horizontal form-are cast the valve
chambers, This casting along with the cylinder may be cast in one, but is
preferably bolted to the cylinder in which is fitted a liner 8, when not cast solid.
The gas or vapour supply passes through a gas cock 9 into the gas bag and the
gas chamber 10 by way of a passage 11 leading into a cylindrical chamber 12 in
which is fitted a composite plug or piston valve 13, This valve may be cast in
one, or made of a series of plugs or rings as shewn. It is operated by a cam 14:
and levers 15 from a second motion shaft 16-in Fig 1-and driven by a pair of
mitre wheels geared to the crank shaft and is for the purpose of controlling and
regulating the air and gas supplies to the power cylinder-hereafter moro fully
explained The exhaust products pass through openings 17 into an annular
chamber leading to the valve 18 which is held open at suitable times by the cam i
and lever 19. The air is taken through the port opening 20 and passes to the air
pump by way of the cylindrical chamber 12 and passage 21.
With the view of diminishing or preventing the production of sound by the
suction of the air pump I provide a bell mouthed casting having a perforated
bottom it being bolted over the air inlet port 20 and which may contain layers of
perforated wood wire gauze, indiarubber, paper, or other material for the air to
pass through on its way to the cylinder, shewn in Fig 5.
The valve slide 21-as shewn in Fig 1-serves for ignition and admission of the
air, and air and gas, and water or vapour supplies to the power cylinder and is
operated by a small connecting rod 22 geared to the second motion shaft 16 and
kept up to its facing by a covering plate 23 which is held by hand springs and jam
nuts in the usual manner. The slide is provided with a chamber 32 having doublo
ports opening into corresponding passages in the valve facings for the passage of
air and the combustible mixture into the combustion chamber, The slide has an
ignition chamber 24 formed therein which is fed with combustible gas from the gas
chamber 10, The gas passing through a small passage or pipe 25 into a narrow
channel 26 formed in the slide facings from whence it issues at suitable times into
the ignition chamber by way of a small passage 27 drilled in the slide, The
quantity being regulated by a cock or valve 28 and is ignited through the
opening 30 by a master burner placed in a chimney or cover 29. the ignitions
occuring at such times as when the ignition port is brought before the flame. In
order to more effectually maintain combustion in the igniting chamber until the
fireing of the combustible charge, which is effected when the port of the ignition
chamber is brought into communication with the passage 31 leading into the
combustion chamber some portion of the combustible mixture passes through a
small hole 33 leading from the air and gas chamber 32 into the ignition chamber 24,
which assists in maintaining combustion therein, and also prevents the chamber
from chokeing up with residual products, said chamber being thus cleansed by the
air pump through the hole 33 after each explosion, This small hole may be fitted
with an adjusting screw and shielded with wire gauze as shewn in Fig. 1. In
some cases such as where very large engines are employed it will be found
advantageous to dispence with the air and gas passage 32 of the valve slide and

page_text: admit the air and gas into the cylinder by means of a check valve-not shewn in
the drawings--said valve being placed between the piston valve 13 and the com-
bustion chamber communicating therewith by a suitably arranged passage. By
the latter arrangement the ignition slide would be kept very small, it then serving
for igniting purposes and the water supply only.
With the view of diminishing or preventing overheating of the valve slide 21
which is more liable to occur with some kinds of gas than others especially when
hydrocarbon gas is used-I sometimes make the slide very thin, say 5/8ths thick, and
form the chambered part of the passage 32 in the cover of the slide The gaseous
supply for maintaining combustion is then taken through the cover of the slide by
way of a small passage 33ª covered with fine platinum gauze wire which is held in
position in or by an adjusting screw, as shewn in Fig 1.
In the latter arrangement the air supply may be taken through the slide and
facings of the slide instead of through the port 20, before referred to, The air
passing through additional ports formed in the cover and slide facings as shewn
by dotted lines in Figs 1 and 7 to the air pump, cold air is thus constantly passing
through the valve and valve cover which has a tendency to keep them cool.
In operating the engine the speed may be regulated by any suitable form of
governor, the one shewn in the Drawings is arranged to be driven by a belt from
the pulley 34 and being described by mo in a previous patent will require no
further description here. For regulating and admitting the air and gas or vapour
supplies into the engine the governors are connected by levers 36 and 37 to a
lifting bar 35 formed upon the spindle of the composite valve 13. which is held
stationary by a spiral spring during certain periods of working the engine.
A slider or toggle piece 38 is connected to the lifting bar 35 by a joint and pin
and has a swinging or sliding motion imparted to it by the governors. The
lever 15 strikes the piece 38 which lifts the composite valve 13 when the engine is
at work and when the engine suddenly exceeds its normal speed the governors slide
or swing the piece 38 out of the way of the lever 15 which then prevents the
valve 13 being lifted and simultaneously opens a connection with the air pump and
air supply port 20 charging the cylinder with pure atmospheric air, during which
interval the gas chamber 10 remains charged with gas for forming the next com-
bustible charge and the supply of gas is in consequence cut off for one or more
strokes when upon the normal speed being regained the governors replace the
piece 38 permitting the valve 13 to reopen the gas chamber for working the engine.
But if it is desired to obtain greater regularity of the engine the arrangements
permit of the gas being checked, or throttled, as it passes into, the gas receiver or
chamber 10 whereby it would become more attenuated so that while doing less
work the engine may be supplied with less gas. It is obvious that if the gas cock 0
or a similar passage were nearly closed the gas could not enter rapidly enough to
fill the gas chamber 10 when the engine is in full work; Therefore if half or a
smaller portion of the full combustible charge be sufficient, at any time, to produce
the required explosive effect then the gas should be sufficiently throttled to admit
of half or a smaller charge of gas into the gas chamber 10 any excess of air-
previously admitted to the air pump-than what is required for an explosive
mixture being blown through the exhaust until such times as the requisite mixture
and pressure is obtained for producing an explosion, The governors then acting
upon the exhaust valve which is held open a longer or shorter period to take away
the surplus air from the air pump, The cams being arranged whereby the gas
chamber remains closed until such times as sufficient air has passed through the
exhaust so as to produce an explosion in proportion to the power developed by the
engine, But if the engine commences to race then the gas supply is in all cases
fully cut off. For this arrangement of cams see Fig 11 and slider 38. Upon
starting the engine to work the gas cock. 9 is opened permitting the gas chamber 10
to fill with gas or vapour, the master burner is lighted and the governors aro
temporily held up by a trip piece 39 shewn in Fig 2 which presses against the
lever 36 thereby permitting the engine to be turned somewhat sharply by hand

page_text: without working the valve 13, during which time no compression would arise, and
no gas pass into the cylinder; When the trip piece is released, the governors
further rise, permitting gas to enter the combustion chamber for working the
engine and upon a return stroke of the power pistons the valve 13 in rising would
close the port 20 and also the gas passage 11 and open a communication with the
gas chamber 10 and air passages 20 and 21 during which time the air pump piston
would have blown a portion of pure air into the combustion chamber by way of
passages 21 and 43, the air more fully displacing any residual products which
might be left therein, The sudden expansion of the air by the heat of the com-
bustion chamber sufficiently augments its volume not only to expel the gases
through the exhaust but also to cause pure air to flow therein, The remainder of
the air is then forced from the air pump through the passage 40 of the gas chamber,
The air and gas then both passing through a perforated plate 41 intermingle
together leaving the gas chamber by way of passages 42 and 43 and entering the
combustion chamber through passage 31 by means of the passage 32 of the valve
slide is there met by a counter charge of air which is driven into it by the power
piston-Thus forming an homogeneous combustible charge of the whole during
which time the valve 13 would have risen and closed the gas supply, as shewn in
Fig 6 and the pistons have completed their instroke. The valve slide being then
about opening to fire the charge-as shewn in Fig 1—The charge being of such a
nature by admixture of gas or vapour and air-The component parts of which
are now well known to those in the trade-that combustion is practically complete
within or at about two tenths of the stroke of the power pistons from the time of
ignition-Thus permitting a rapid expansion which forces the pistons outwards,
their return stroke being effected by the impetus given to the fly wheel, during a
portion of which time the exhaust products are ejected from the cylinder through
the valve 18. assisted by the air blown from the air pump before referred to, but
previous to its coming in contact with the gas or vapour in the gas chamber:-
Thereby preventing the liability of wasting any portion of the gas required for the
next combustible charge. Upon the commencement of the second working stroke
the air pump first draws out any portion of air or vapour remaining in the gas
chamber 10, the suction being sufficient to create a partial vacuum therein, The
valve 13 also having lowered sufficient to close the passages 40 and 42 and opens
the gas passage 11 when the gas will readily flow into the chamber 10 for the next
charge By which arrangement one explosion per revolution is obtained for every
working outstroke of the engine. The cam of the exhaust valve is provided with
one or more prolongations when a variable compression is required, which not only
enables the engine to explode with small charges but permits of its being worked
with various kinds and quality of gas or vapour, as shewn in Fig 11.
=
--
With the view of cheapening the general construction of the smaller powers
I preferably arrange the power cylinder in a vertical form the base plate and other
parts being arranged so that the connecting rod may couple direct to the fly wheel,
which may be placed overhead, or below the power cylinder as shewn in Figs. 9
and 10. in which arrangement the composite valve 13 and the exhaust are placed
on opposite sides of the cylinder, The gas chamber 10 is then preferably formed
in the upper part of the valve chainber 12 the gas being let into the chamber by
the separate valve 5 as shewn, but all acting in the manner before described. This
arrangement admits of the valves being worked direct from the driving shaft.
The power cylinders may be made in duplicate, when so constructed I arrange
the driving cranks so that each power piston makes its outstroke whilst the other
is making its instroke, and compressing the charge for the next explosion. The
composite valve and other parts being duplicated where necessary in which case
two explosions per revolution may be obtained.
The mode of operating the composite piston valves 13 and their relative action
upon the air and power pistons will be more fully understood on reference to
Fig 11 in which the cam for operating the valves is shewn divided into 16 equal
parts representing one cycle of operations, equal to one revolution of the engine

page_text: being sixteen periods of time, The arrows shewing the traverse of the cam.
Numbers 12 and 4 represent respectively the two extremes of stroke of the air
and power pistons and 8 shews the relative position of the crank pin of the valve
slide at fireing point, The part 8 to 12 represents the motion of the cam during
the time that the air pump will exhaust the gas chamber, the part from 12 to 13
the motion in which gas or vapour enters the gas chamber and fresh air enters the
air pump, 13 to 16 the motion in which the air supply is closed and the outstroke
of the pistons are complete, the part from 16 to 4 the motion during which the
products of combustion are expelled from the cylinder and fresh air blown into
the combustion chamber, and 4 to 7 is the motion during compression of the com-
bustible charge, whilst 7 to 8 shews when the crank of the power piston turns the
centre and the fireing point is again reached, the cycle being then complete.
In order to save some of the waste heat, which would otherwise pass away
through the sides of the cylinder or by the exhaust, I employ the cooling water, or
steam generated therefrom, in the power cylinder amongst the combustible gases
for increasing the power of the engine-But only admit the water or steam into
the cylinder at such times as when an excess of heat arises from the combustion of
the combustible charges. To effect this object so that any excess of heat shall not
sensibly affect the regular working of the engine I connect a tank or service
pipe 56 for supplying water to the jacket casing of the engine, arranged so that
circulation may be promoted in the usual manner. Upon the jacket casing is
placed a weighted valve 44 opening outwards from the water jacket spaces 45, said
valve is weighted to suit the head or pressure of the water supply, as shewn in
Figs 4 and 3. 46 is an overflow pipe and 47 is a pipe leading into an opening 48
in the valve slide facings, shewn in Fig 7, which periodically supplies a chamber 49
of the valve slide with water or steam. When the engine has been somo little
time at work the heat given off by combustion begins to boil the water in the
jacket, sometimes forming a slight pressure of steain therein, by the evolution or
pressure of which the valve 44 is lifted permitting circulation to commence after
which a charge of water or vapour of steam is taken into the chamber 49 from the
opening 48 and brought opposite the air and gas passage 31 of the combustion
chamber when the pistons have made about 2/10ths of their outward stroke:-The
combustion of the combustible charge being then practically complete-but still in
a glowing state-and at a temperature of some 1000° centigrade, would instantly
take up the water, or steam vapour, and convert the same into a gaseous vapour
increasing the expansion to the termination of the stroke and producing an increase
of power thereby.
This action continuing until such times as the temperature of the cooling water
falls to its normal condition when the weighted valve closes and no more water or
steam is admitted into the cylinder until a further excess of heat causes it.
A regulating tap-not shewn in the drawings-is placed upon the pipe 47 per-
mitting more or less water or steam, as the case may be, to enter the cylinder, any
surplus escaping by the overflow pipe 46. A few charges of water or steam thus
admitted into the combustion chamber will cause an increase of power when the
governors shut off the gas and water supplies thereby preventing any irregularities
by the intermission of the steam.
Instead of feeding the water supply to the combustion chamber by means of the
valve slide 21 I may use a lift or mushroom valve, by the aid of which pipe 47
delivers the water or steam into the power cylinder, This valve being arranged so
that by connecting it to the lever or lifting bar of the composite valves, it remains
closed when the engine is not exploding, the water or steam being then delivered
either into the exhaust chamber of the cylinder or an opening specially made
therefor.
Economy is thus promoted in two ways 1stly:-By the waste heat being utilised
in the production of steam and 2ndly-By limiting the expenditure of gas in
reducing the number of explosive charges whenever the normal power of the engine
is maintainable by the help of the said steam,

page_text: By the admission of water or steam into the power cylinder in the manner
described the formation of sparks is to a great extent prevented by the con-
densation of the gaseous products which also materially assists in exhausting the
power cylinder and combustion chamber from the residual products of a previous
explosion and saves considerable wear and tear of the working parts.
Although I have in the above description alluded to the gases as being com-
pressed previous to combustion but the means herein described for utilising the
waste heat are equally applicable to gas engines in which the gases are burnt,
without compression, Or to other forms of compression gas motor engines than
herein described.
It should also be observed that the gas inlet valve 5-herein before referred to-
opens by the pressure of the gas and its own weight to supply the gas chamber 10
and closes the supply when the composite valve 13 commences to rise aided by a
light spring as shewn, thus more fully preventing any inrush of air into the gas
bag or service supply in case of leakage of the composite valve 13, But the gas is
equally cut off by the composite valves which may if necessary be provided with
spring rings to ensure their tightness.
Lastly I wish it to be understood that I lay no claim to the separate use of an
air pump as a compression pump, to admitting atmospheric air into the power
cylinder for expelling the residual products, to mechanically admitting water or
steam to the power cylinder, or to regulating the engine by means of a full supply
of gas or none, as I am aware that such are not in themselves individually novel.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
Invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is
First The method substantially as herein described of supplying the com-
bustible charge of a gas motor engine, that is to say, exhausting the products of
combustion and compressing by the one instroke of the air and power pistons a
charge of gas or vapour from a separate gas chamber, or reservoir, into the
combustion chamber of the power cylinder together with, and by means of charges
of air from a separate air pump, the air being drawn therein by its previous
outstroke and partly forced through the gas chamber, along with the gas or vapour
contained therein, into the combustion chamber where it is met by a counter charge
of air which is driven into it by the power piston so as to intermix therewith and
which when ignited propels the pistons outwards, the air pump exhausting the
reservoir or gas chamber which refils with gas or vapour for the next explosion,
the instroke being effected by the impetus given to the fly wheel, so that power
may be obtained every outstroke of the engine.
Second-The combination of the power and air cylinders with the reservoir or
gas chamber, the said cylinders with their accessories being constructed, arranged,
and operating substantially as hereinbefore described.
Third: The herein before described combination of parts for regulating and
controlling the admission of the combustible gas or vapour, and atmospheric air
supplies to the power cylinder by means of the composite valve (13), controlled by
the governor so that when the speed of the engine increases the combustible charge
is reduced, or fully cut off as the case may be.
Fourth-The arrangement of the air cylinder and gas chamber, and valves
working in connection therewith, so that when the whole, or any portion of the
atmospheric air is blown from the air pump in order to reduce the charges, or to
assist in exhausting the products, the air is kept entirely apart from the reservoir,
or gas chamber containing the next gas charge, until such times as when the
proper quantity of air is required for forming the said combustible charge, sub-
stantially as and for the purpose hereinbefore described.
Fifth The combination of the parts of the valve slide (21) covering plate (23)
and gas chamber (10) with the passage (31) or 33ª for effecting ignition in the
power cylinder substantially as herein described.

page_text: Sixth-The device for admitting water or steam into the power cylinder by the
loaded valve and the port and chamber (49) of the valve slide-or its equivalent-
substantially as herein described.
Seventh-The modification of the valve slide as shown in Figure (8) of the
accompanying Drawings.
Eighth The modification of the arrangement for engines of small power as
herein before described and shewn in Figures 9 and 10 of the accompanying
Drawings.
Nineth-Automatically regulating and controlling the supplies of water or
steam to the power or working cylinder of a gas motor engine substantially as and
for the purpose herein before described.
GEORGE WILLIAM WEATHERHOGG.