Improvements in and relating to the Igniting Arrangements of Hydrocarbon Engines.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 21st July,
Complete Specification Left, 21st Apr., 1899--Accepted, 21st Aug., 1899
Complete Specification Left, 21st Apr., 1899-Accepted, 21st Aug., 1899
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to the Igniting Arrangements of
Hydrocarbon Engines.
I, HUGO WEGELIN, of Augsburg, in the Kingdom of Bavaria, in the German
Empire, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:
My invention relates to the igniting arrangements of hydrocarbon engines in
which an electro-magnetic inductor is employed for the periodic generation of
current to effect ignition as required: and my invention has for its object to
effectively provide for the adjustment of the time of ignition to suit the quality
of the combustible charge the amount of compression and other conditions; and
to provide for the generation of a current of greater or less intensity as may be
required for varying conditions and with different mixtures of gas or vapour
and air.
My invention consists in the provision of an operating tappet or cam for effect-
ing the periodic oscillation or movement of the inductor or armature of the
electro-magnet with an oblique rear edge which may release the inductor or
armature sooner or later as it may be required to effect early or late ignition,
the tappet or cam being capable of longitudinal adjustment for this purpose upon
the shaft upon which it is mounted. The tappet or cam may be at the same time
provided with a cam surface for the operation of the exhaust valve the tappet
or cam being so formed that in any longitudinal position thereof the exhaust
valve shall be operated thereby for exhausting the burnt gases while being also
formed that when it is adjusted into position for effecting late ignition of the
combustible charge it shall at the same time operate to open the exhaust valve
so as to permit of partial discharge of the combustible mixture so that compres-
sion may be reduced or so that no compression shall be effected.
My invention further consists in the provision of the spring which effects the
return of the inductor or armature so as to be capable of adjustment in order
that it may thereby cause the relatively quick or slow return movement of the
inductor or armature and thereby generate a current of relatively small or great
intensity.
My invention is applicable where a continuous current is applied for effecting
the ignition of the explosive charge and in such case the forward or rear edge
of the cam is provided with an oblique edge for contact with or release of a
spring contact piece whereby the electric current may be completed or inter-
rupted so as to effect early or late ignition.
In carrying my invention into effect in the provision of an electro-magnetic
inductor for the periodic generation of current to effect the ignition of an explo-
sive charge I provide upon the crank shaft of the engine a pinion which gears
with a spur wheel having twice the number of teeth so as thereby to effect rota-
tion of the spur wheel and its spindle at half the speed of the crank shaft.
Upon the spindle to which this spur wheel is secured a tappet or cam is pro-

page_text: vided which has an oblique rear edge that releases the arm of the inductor or
armature which it uplifts early or late as it is required for effecting an early or
late ignition, this tappet or cam being arranged upon its spindle so that longi-
tudinal movement may be permitted which may be effected by any suitable
means. The magnetic inductor is mounted in proximity to the tappet or cam
so as to be oscillated in the field of an electro-magnet by means of the tappet or
Instead of providing an oblique edge upon the tappet or cam, the arm of
the inductor or armature may be so provided while the tappet or cam may be
formed with a plain edge and either the arm or tappet or cam may be adjusted.
Instead of providing the tappet or cam adjustable upon its spindle, the arm of
the inductor or armature may be so provided in order that the time of ignition
may be varied as required.
cam.
The tappet or cam which is adjustable upon its spindle has a part of its surface
so formed that upon being adjusted into position for giving late ignition an
exhaust valve operating lever shall be depressed to permit of the partial discharge
of the contents of the cylinder so that the amount of compression may be reduced
or so that compression may not at all be effected and that thereby convenient
means are afforded for starting the engine without compression by the mere
adjustment of the tappet or cam upon the shaft.
I provide for a greater or less intensity of electric current by arranging the
spring which effects the return of the inductor or armature into its normal posi-
tion to be capable of adjustment in tension or compression and this may be
effected when providing a spring to operate the inductor or armature in tension
by any suitable means such as securing one extremity thereof to the arm of a
lever which can be uplifted to any desired position within limits prescribed by
its length so that thereby the tension of the spring may be varied and therefore
the rapidity of the return movement of the inductor or armature and as a conse-
quence the intensity of the current. This may be accomplished in the use of a
spring in compression by such means as providing the pin which carries the
spring, with a cap at one extremity capable of being adjusted into position by
means of a nut upon the screw threaded extremity of such pin so that thereby
the compression of the spring may be adjusted in order that the intensity of the
current may be varied in the manner herein before described.
In carrying my invention into effect when using a continuous current the
tappet or cam may on contact with a spring piece either complete or interrupt
the electric circuit, in which case the forward or rear edge of such tappet or
cam may be provided inclined so that on adjustment of the cam, or the spring
contact that operates in connection therewith, the time of ignition may be varied
as required. In this case also the tappet or cam may be provided with a cam
surface which upon the tappet or cam being adjusted into position for effecting
late ignition shall contact with an exhaust valve operating lever to effect its
depression and partial discharge of the contents of the cylinder.
Improvements in and relating to the Igniting Arrangements of
Hydrocarbon Engines.
I, HUGO WEGELIN, a subject of the Emperor of Germany, and resident of 5
Augsburg, in the Kingdom of Bavaria, in the Empire of Germany, Engineer,

page_text: do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same
is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement:-
This invention relates to hydrocarbon engines and comprises means for effect-
ing ignition of the motive fluid in which a continuous current may be employed
or in which an electro magnetic inductor is employed for the periodic generation
of current to effect ignition as required, and means for effecting the regulation
of the admixture of the explosive charge. The objects of the invention are to
effectively provide for the adjustment of the time of ignition to suit the quality,
of the explosive charge and the amount of compression and other conditions;
and to provide for the generation of current of greater or less intensity as may be
required for varying conditions and with different mixtures of gas or vapour
and air.
The invention consists in one part in the provision of an operating tappet or
cam for effecting periodic making and breaking of the circuit of a continuous
electric current with an oblique rear edge which may break contact sooner or
later as may be required to effect early or late ignition, and in the provision of
an operating tappet or cam for effecting the periodic oscillation or movement of
the inductor or armature of an electromagnet when an intermittent current
is employed with an oblique rear edge which may release the inductor or arma-
ture sooner or later as it may be required to effect early or late ignition; the
tappet or cam or contact being capable of longitudinal adjustment. The tappet
or cam may at the same time be provided with a cam surface for the operation
of the exhaust valve, the tappet or cam being so formed that in any longi-
tudinal position thereof the exhaust valve shall be operated thereby for exhaust-
ing the burnt gases, while being also formed so that when it is adjusted into
position for effecting late ignition of the combustible charge it shall at the same
time operate to open the exhaust valve so as to permit of partial discharge of
the explosive mixture so that compression may be reduced or prevented. The
invention consists in the second part in modified means for effecting the early or
late ignition of the explosive charge by providing the tappet or cam that makes
and breaks contact to rotate with a spur wheel screw geared and deriving motion
from the crank shaft of the engine so that upon the lateral displacement of the
tappet or cam and the integral spur wheel the angular position of that wheel
with the wheel on the crank shaft with which it meshes may be altered so as to
effect the early or late breaking of contact and consequent early or late ignition
of the explosive charge. The invention consists in the third part in the provi-
sion of a spring for effecting the return of the inductor or armature when an
electro magnet is employed to produce an intermittent current for effecting
ignition so as to be capable of adjustment in tension or compression in order that
it may thereby cause the relatively quick or slow return movement of the in-
ductor or armature and thereby develop a current of relatively small or great
intensity as required.
The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which,
Figures 1 and 2 are respectively part side elevation and plan of a motor
applied with means for effecting ignition by the use of a continuous current in
which the spring contact is shown adjustable.
Figure 3 is a plan corresponding to Figure 2 in which the tappet or cam is
shown adjustable instead of the spring contact.
Figures 4 and 5 are respectively part side elevation and plan of a motor
applied with means for effecting ignition by the use of an intermittent current
in which the magnetic inductor is shown as capable of adjustment, while,
Figure 6 is a plan corresponding to Figure 5 of a modification in which the
tappet or cam is shown as capable of adjustment instead of the magnetic inductor.
Figures 7 show respectively plan, end elevation, and perspective plan view of
the tappet or cam employed in the modifications illustrated in Figures 1 to 3.

page_text: Figures 8 and 9 are respectively side elevation and plan of a motor applied
with means for effecting ignition according to a modification in which late or
early ignition is attained on a lateral displacement of the tappet or cam.
Figure 10 is a plan corresponding to Figure 9 in which the tappet or cam
and the integral spur wheel are shown in position for effecting early ignition
in contra-distinction to late ignition which is effected on the adjustment of the
tappet or cam and its integral spur wheel into the position illustrated in
Figure 9.
Figure 11 illustrates in side elevation means for effecting the adjustment of
the tension of the spring employed for returning the inductor or armature
when an electro magnetic inductor is employed for the purposes of ignition.
Figure 12 illustrates a modification in side elevation of the means for effecting
"the adjustment of the spring tension.
In carrying the first part of the invention into effect when using a continuous
current a tappet or cam e is provided integral with or secured to a spur wheel d
rotating upon a spindle mounted upon the engine frame, such spur wheel
gearing with the pinion mounted upon the crank shaft c of the motor a and
having twice the number of teeth as the pinion b. The rear edge f of the
tappet or came is oblique or inclined. The spring contact is provided to
laterally slide within a groove g¹ provided in the bracket 2 secured to the
engine frame so that upon the adjustment of the contact early or late ignition
may be effected, the early ignition being effected on the adjustment of the spring
contact g into the position indicated in full lines in Figure 2, while late ignition
is effected upon its adjustment into the position indicated in dotted lines in that
figure. Integral with or secured to the tappet or came and spur wheel d is a
cam projection provided for the purpose of operating the exhaust valve lever i
by contact with the roller provided at its extremity. The cam projection m
effects the operation of the exhaust valve on the exhaust stroke. Instead of
providing the spring contact g as adjustable the tappet or cam e, spur wheel d
and cams m, n, may be provided so as to be adjustable for securing late or early
ignition. The cam m effects the operation of the exhaust valve on the exhaust
stroke no matter what its lateral position, while the cam projection n operates
the exhaust valve lever only when the tappet or cam is in position for effecting
late ignition.
The position of the parts in Figure 3 illustrates such a modification in design
in which the parts are placed for late ignition and in which the cam projection n
is so disposed as to depress the roller / and exhaust valve operating lever i so
that exhaust may take place on the compression stroke. By such means the
motor, may be readily started without compression while when running at a
reduced load the tappet or cam may be adjusted for late ignition and by such
means the compression wholly or partly prevented.
Upon the adjustment of the tappet or came and connected parts to the posi-
tion indicated in dotted lines in Figure 3 early ignition is effected and the cam
projection n is out of line with the roller and as a consequence the exhaust
valve operating lever is not open on the compression stroke. The cam projec-
tion n may be so inclined or graded as to effect partial opening or a short period
of opening on the compression stroke so as to partially exhaust to an extent
dependent upon the time of ignition.
In carrying the invention into effect in the provision of a magnetic inductor
for the periodic generation of current to effect the ignition of the explosive
charge I provide upon the crank shaft c, as illustrated in Figures 4, 5 and 6,
a pinion b which gears with the spur wheel d having twice the number of teeth
so as thereby to effect rotation of the spur wheel and its spindle at half the
speed of the crank shaft c. A tappet or camo is provided secured to or integral
with the spur wheel d, such tappet or cam having an oblique or inclined rear
edge that releases the arm 9 of the inductor or armature which it uplifts
early or late as it is required for effecting early or late ignition. The arm q

page_text: is provided with an extension q¹ connected to a rod r by which it is returned
to its initial position by any moving part of the engine. The magnetic induc-
tor s is mounted so as to be capable of lateral movement upon the bed s¹ affixed
to the engine frame a and is provided in proximity to the tappet or cam o so
that the inductor may be oscillated in the field of the electro magnets by means
of contact of the tappet or cam o with the arm q. In Figure 5 the arm 9 of
the inductor is shown in position to effect early ignition and it will be understood
that upon adjustment of the electro magnet s into the position indicated by
dotted lines the arm q will effect late ignition. Secured to or integral with the
spur wheel d is a cam projection m provided as in the arrangement illustrated in
Figures 1, and 2 for the purpose of operating the exhaust valve. Instead of
providing for late or early ignition by the adjustment of the arm of the
magnetic inductor the tappet or cam o may be provided as adjustable as illus-
trated in Figure 6, in such a case the pinion is provided of greater width so
that it may mesh with the spur wheel d no matter what its lateral position.
In this arrangement, similarly to that of Figure 3, the adjustment of the tappet
or cam o is simultaneous with that of the cam projections m n so that upon
adjustment thereof for the purpose of securing early ignition the cam projec-
tion n will be out of line with the roller provided on the extremity of the
exhaust operating lever i. Instead of providing for early or late ignition by
such means the arm q may be provided as adjustable upon the spindle of the
inductor.
In carrying the second part of the invention into effect as illustrated in
Figures 8, 9 and 10 of the accompanying drawings instead of the rear edge of
the tappet or cam e being oblique or inclined it is provided straight and the
necessary adjustment for effecting early or late ignition is provided by the
employment of a screw geared pinion and spur wheel & so that in one position
(illustrated in Figure 9) the rear edge of the tappet or cam is in such position
as to effect late ignition, while in the other position (indicated in Figure 10) the
rear edge of the tappet or cam is in such position as to effect early ignition. In
Figures 8 to 10 the arrangement is otherwise the same as that illustrated in
Figures 4 to 6 so that upon adjustment of the tappet or cam for securing early
or late ignition the exhaust valve may be maintained closed or opened partially
or completely as determined by the time of ignition. In Figure 10 complete
compression is permitted while in the arrangement in Figure 9 the exhaust valve
is opened on the compression stroke. It is obvious that screw gear may be
employed for the purpose of making and breaking contact when a continuous
current is employed according to the arrangement illustrated in Figures 1 to 3
of the accompanying drawings. The tappet or cam e may be provided so as to
be adjustable to the spur wheel d.
In carrying the third part of the invention into effect as illustrated in
Figures 11 and 12 of the drawings the spring u employed for effecting the
return of the inductor or armature to its normal position in arrangements such
as those illustrated in Figures 4 to 6 and 8 to 10 of the drawings is made capable
of adjustment and this is effected when providing a spring u to operate the
inductor or armature in tension by securing one extremity of the spring u to
arm q of the inductor or armature spindle while the other extremity of the
spring is secured to one arm of a bell crank lever v, which bell crank lever is
capable of adjustment into a position indicated in dotted lines at ¹ or into such
a position as that indicated in dotted lines at 2. In the first dotted position the
spring is extended and its tension increased so that thereby when the arm q
is displaced on the rotation of the tappet or came and on its release the armature
is returned to its normal position more rapidly and consequently the electric
current generated is of greater intensity. The bell crank lever vis retained in
its uplifted position by any suitable means. The bell crank lever may how-
ever be adjusted into such position as that indicated at so that thereby the

page_text: is provided for the purpose of preventing the arm
Other
spring may be employed to retain the bell crank lever in that position against a
stop such as 3, suitably provided for the purpose.
A spring
being pulled
too far by the spring u. The spring effects the return of the arm into such
a position that it will again be displaced on the rotation of the tappet e.
means may be employed to return the arm g to its initial position after displace-
ment by the tappet e as illustrated in Figure 12. In this case the arm may
have connected thereto a rod at the extremity of which a piston may be
provided sliding within a cylinder which is pivoted at 3 to some part of the
engine frame and carries springs f f respectively acting upon the upper and
lower faces of the piston so as to tend to maintain it in mid position. In
this case the spring f¹ further augments the spring in effecting the rapid
return of the arm. It will be understood that the rod his fastened to the arm q
by means of a pin and slot connection and that a cap h is provided upon the
cylinder through which the rod h passes.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:
1. In hydrocarbon engines means for effecting the alteration of the time of
ignition by the use of an electric current consisting of a tappet or cam having
an inclined or oblique edge which by movement relative to the operating con-
tact with which it engages may time the ignition as required substantially as
described.
2. In hydrocarbon engines means for effecting the alterations of the time of
ignition by the use of an electric current consisting of a tappet or cam having
an inclined or oblique edge and an operating contact capable of adjustment in
relation thereto so that such operating contact may be released sooner or later
on the rotation of the tappet or cam substantially as described.
3. In hydrocarbon engines means for effecting the alteration of the time of
ignition by the use of an electric current consisting of a tappet or cam having
an inclined or oblique edge and capable of lateral adjustment upon its spindle
and a fixed operating contact which may be released sooner or later on the rotation
of the tappet or cam as determined by the lateral position thereof substantially
as described.
4. In hydrocarbon engines means for effecting the alteration of the time of
ignition by the use of a continuous electric current consisting of a tappet or
cam having an inclined or oblique edge and an operating contact capable of
adjustment in relation thereto so that such operating contact may be released
sooner or later on the rotation of the tappet or cam thereby interrupting the
circuit sooner or later on rotation of the tappet or cam substantially as described.
5. In hydrocarbon engines means for effecting the alteration of the time of
ignition by the use of a continuous electric current consisting of a tappet or
cam having an inclined or oblique edge and capable of lateral adjustment upon
its spindle and a fixed operating contact which may be released sooner or later
on the rotation of the tappet or cam as determined by the lateral position
thereof thereby interrupting the circuit sooner or later on rotation of the tappet
or cam substantially as described.
6. In hydrocarbon engines means for effecting the alteration of the time of
ignition by the use of an intermittent electric current consisting of a tappet or
cam having an inclined or oblique edge and an operating arm contact capable of
adjustment in relation thereto so that such operating arm contact may be re-
leased sooner or later on the rotation of the tappet or cam thereby releasing the
electro magnetic inductor sooner or later on rotation of the tappet or cam sub-
stantially as described.
7. In hydrocarbon engines means for effecting the alteration of the time of
ignition by the use of an intermittent electric current consisting of a tappet. or

page_text: cam having an inclined or oblique edge and capable of lateral adjustment upon
its spindle and a fixed operating arm contact which may be released sooner or
later on the rotation of the tappet or cam as determined by the lateral position.
thereof thereby releasing the electric magnetic inductor sooner or later on
rotation of the tappet or cam substantially as described.
8. In hydrocarbon engines means for effecting the alteration in the time of
ignition by the use of an electric current consisting of a tappet or cam having
an inclined or oblique edge, such tappet or cam being secured to a spur wheel
rotating at one half the speed of a pinion mounted upon the crank shaft with
which pinion it meshes so that the rotation of the tappet or cam shall engage
with a contact for completing the electric circuit or generating electric current
upon the compression stroke substantially as described.
9. In hydrocarbon engines means for effecting the ignition of the explosive
charge by the use of an electric current consisting of a device having lateral
adjustment for the alteration in the time of ignition in combination with a cam
for effecting the operation of the exhaust valve lever on the compression stroke
which cam comes into operation when the device is set to effect late ignition
substantially as described.
10. In means for effecting the ignition of an explosive mixture in hydrocarbon
engines by the employment of electric current a tappet or cam integrally formed
with a spur wheel deriving motion from the crank shaft and integrally formed
with a cam operating the exhaust valve lever on the exhaust stroke and with a
cam projection operating the exhaust valve lever when the tappet or cam is
adjusted for late ignitions substantially as described.
11. In means for effecting the ignition of an explosive mixture in hydrocarbon
engines by the employment of electric current a tappet or cam integrally formed
with a spur wheel deriving motion from the crank shaft and integrally formed
with a can operating the exhaust valve lever on the exhaust stroke and with a
cam projection operating the exhaust valve lever when the tappet or cam is
adjusted for late ignitions in combination with a pinion mounted upon the
crank having a relatively great width of teeth and fixed contact engaging with
the tappet or cam substantially as described.
12. In hydrocarbon engines means for effecting the alteration in the time of
ignition by the use of an electric current consisting of a tappet or cam, such
tappet or cam on its rotation engaging with a contact and being integrally pro-
vided upon a spur wheel having screw teeth gearing with a pinion mounted
upon the crank shaft of the engine, such spur wheel and tappet or cam being
capable of lateral adjustment so as to advance or take back the edge of the
tappet or cam thereby securing early or late ignition substantialy as described.
13. In hydrocarbon engines means for effecting the alteration in the time of
ignition by the use of a continuous electric current consisting of a tappet or
cam, such tappet or cam on its rotation engaging with a contact which com-
pletes the circuit of the current and breaks it and being integrally provided with
a spur wheel having screw teeth gearing with a pinion mounted upon the crank
shaft of the engine, such spur wheel and tappet or cam being capable of lateral
adjustment so as to advance or take back the edge of the tappet or cam thereby
securing early or late ignition substantially as described.
14. In hydrocarbon engines means for effecting the alteration in the time of
ignition by the use of an intermitent electric current consisting of a tappet or
cam, such tappet or cam, on its rotation engaging with a contact arm operating
the electro magnetic inductor and being integrally provided upon a spur wheel
having screw teeth gearing with a pinion mounted upon the crank shaft of the
engine, such spur wheel and tappet or cam being capable of lateral adjustment
so as to advance or take back the edge of the tappet or cam thereby securing
early or late ignition substantially as described.
15. In hydrocarbon engines means for effecting the alteration in the time of
ignition consisting of a tappet or cam formed integrally with a spur wheel having

page_text: screw teeth and gearing with a pinion on the crank shaft of the engine in com-
bination with an exhaust cam projection integrally provided with the tappet
or cam so that on the lateral adjustment of the tappet or cam such exhaust cam
projection shall on the compression stroke clear the exhaust valve operating
fever or contact with it as the tappet or cam may be adjusted to give early or
late ignition substantially as described.
16. In means for effecting the ignition of an explosive charge by the employ-
ment of a magneto electric generator means for effecting the alteration in the
strength of the spring by increasing its tension or compression consisting of
a bell crank lever substantially as described.
17. In means for effecting the ignition of an explosive charge by the employ-
ment of a magneto electric generator means for effecting the alteration in the
strength of the spring by increasing its tension or compression consisting of a
bell crank lever in combination with a spring for returning the operating arm
of the magneto electric generator after its displacement by the tappet or cam
substantially as described.
18. In means for effecting the ignition of an explosive charge by the employ-
ment of a magneto electric generator means for effecting the alteration in the
strength of the spring by increasing its tension or compression consisting of a
bell crank lever in combination with opposed springs for the purpose of return-
ing the operating arni of the magneto electric generator after displacement by
the tappet or cam all for the purpose and substantially as described.
19. Improvements relating to hydrocarbon engines substantially as herein-
before described.
LOUD.
MARKS & CLERK,
18, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
13, Temple Street, Birmingham, and
25, Cross Street, Manchester, Agents.