IMPROVEMENTS IN GAS AND WATER MOTOR ENGINES AND IN GAS MOTOR ENGINES
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Richard Hallewell, of the Firm of Messieurs Hallewell,
Bentley, and Company, of Blackburn, in the County of Lancaster, Engineer, for
the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN GAS AND WATER MOTOR ENGINES AND
IN GAS MOTOR ENGINES."
Sealed the 22nd June 1877, and dated the 23rd December 1876.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Richard Hallowell at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 23rd December 1876.
RICHARD HALLEWELL, of the Firm of Messieurs Hallewell, Bentley, and Company,
of Blackburn, in the County of Lancaster, Engineer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN GAS AND
WATER MOTOR ENGINES AND IN GAS MOTOR ENGINES."
My Invention relates,―
Firstly. To a combined gas and water motor engine. One form of construction com-
prises a main and minor cylinders of syphon form. Upon the minor cylinder is a third
cylinder containing a loose piston. Between the junction of the lesser cylinders is
the explosion chamber. The main cylinder is open at the top, and contains a piston
connected by piston rod with the crank of the engine shaft. The cylinder containing
the loose piston is provided with a valve or valves for the discharge of air therefrom
during the upward movement of the piston, and for the re-admittance of air during
the descent thereof.
In some cases I employ a piston rod and clip, herein-after described, for holding
the piston in its raised position.
A portion of the main and minor cylinders under the piston and below the
explosion chamber is occupied by water, whilst the loose piston rests upon the
inner rim or top of the minor cylinder and immediately above the explosion
chamber.
The action is as follows:-When the main piston is raised and the crank is
nearing its highest centre of motion, the explosion of gas and air is effected, and the
loose piston is forced upwards, and is momentarily held or trapped in its raised
position by the action of the valves referred to, or by clip apparatus. The partial
vacuum caused by combustion is now to be destroyed by the ascent of water, which
is forced downwards in the main and upwards in the small cylinders by the main
piston in its downward stroke, the motion being given to the latter through atmo-

page_text: spheric pressure. The main piston and crank are now at the lowest position, and
so soon as the crank has passed its lowest centre, the "loose" piston is released, and
together with the water descends, the weight of which acts directly on the under
face of the main piston, forcing it upwards. Meanwhile the water and pistons have
resumed the original positions in readiness for the next explosion of air and gas.
A modification of this engine is to invert the main cylinder, and having all the
cylinders vertical or lineable.
The presence of water within the explosion cylinder tends also to more rapid and
complete condensation of the residue of combustion, provision being also made for a
slight discharge of water at each stroke, and an inlet of fresh water.
Secondly. To an improved construction of piston comprising a loose piston, a loose
piston containing an internal piston, which on the latter being acted upon by the
atmospheric pressure (after the explosion), expands arins and clutches, which suspend
the piston in its raised position as necessary.
Thirdly. To the class of engine having two pistons and two piston rods, and in
which it is necessary the loose piston and rod should be suspended or held momen-
tarily, as is well understood.
For the purpose of suspending and holding and for releasing the piston and rod
I employ means and appliances as follows:-A clip or pair of hinged jaws embrace
loosely the piston rod. The outer or projecting ends of the clip or jaws are con-
nected by a spindle, one end of which is chased. Upon the spindle is a pinion
wheel and a catch wheel. A portion of the piston rod is provided with teeth,
forming a rack gearing with the pinion referred to. When the piston rod is forced
upwards or outwards, the pinion and catch wheel are caused to rotate loosely on the
spindle. On the piston rod tending to descent, the catch engages with the catch
wheel, and the latter and pinion and spindle receive a partial turn; the screw on the
spindle brings the outer portions of the clip or jaws nearer to each other; the latter
grip the piston rod securely until by a rod operated from the cam or engine shaft
the catch is knocked off and the piston rod released by the expansion of the jaws;
or the chased spindle for closing the jaws may be turned by means of friction
pulleys operated by the piston rod, against which the pulleys bear; or the spindle
inay be turned and the jaws closed by the action of a radial arm working in the
groove of a friction pulley. On the pulley rotating, the end of the radical arms
nearest the centre of the pulley comes in contact with a projection on the spindle,
the arm becomes locked and carries the projection on the spindle with it, so turning
the screw and closing the jaws. A projecting finger on the other or outer end of
the radical arm is acted upon by a rod from the cam or engine shaft and so released,
and the jaws open, freeing the piston rod.
Another apparatus for effecting the like object consists of a pair of jointed arms,
one on each side of the piston rod; the arms terminate by V clips, the piston rod
being square, and set angles opposite the V clips. The joints or centres of motion
upon which these clips work are below the point of contact of clips and piston rod,
so that whilst the latter is free to move upward or outward between the clips, it
cannot move downwards or inwards, because the V clips wedge and securely hold
and bind the rod until they are raised by rods or other contrivance from the cam or
other going part of tho engine.
Another modification is that the loose ends of the jointed rods are provided with
Vor angle pieces; these are opposite to V or angular grooves cut longitudinally in
the friction rod.
Another arrangement of mechanism for suspending the piston by holding the
piston rod consists of a wedge or wedges, the inner face of which is semicircular, or
of form corresponding to the shape of the piston rod. The wedge or wedges work
in a guide or guides, and is or are held in position for preventing the downward
movement of the piston rod by a spring. When the piston is to descend, a rod from
the cain or engine shaft lifts the wedge or wedges, and holds it or them clear of the
shaft piston rod.
Another modification consists of arms centered at one end, the opposite ends

page_text: having eyes or rings through which the piston rod works. Springs are applied to
the rings, so as to cause them to bind upon and hold the rod on its tendency to
descend. When the piston and rod are required to descend, a rod operated from the
cam or engine shaft will ease the springs and rings, whereon the rod and piston are
free to descend, being released from the binding action of the rings.
In the class of engines having loose piston and piston rods, on the descent of the
loose piston and rod a disc on the upper end of the rod enters a cavity in a recep-
tacle supported by a cross head; the air in the cavity is compressed by the disc on
its descent and so forins a cushion, and prevents concussion of the metallic parts.
The Invention further relates to improved means of operating the lever for lifting
the piston so as to form the explosion chamber, and for knocking off the catch of a
studded disc for holding the exhaust port during the discharge of the residue of
combustion, as described in the Specification of Letters Patent, No. 2820, A. D. 1875,
granted to the present applicant.
I attach to a boss on the valve spindle two cams, which as the spindle revolves come
in contact with antifriction pulleys carried by a rod connected with an arm of the
lever shaft for lifting the piston. The cains raise the rod referred to, and so through
the arm and shaft the piston lever is operated. Meanwhile the upper end of the
rod will when raised come in contact with the catch of the stud wheel (the studs I
make flat on one side) and knock off the catch. The motion of the disc valve will
then be arrested during the discharge of the residue of combustion.
Instead of the flap valve composed of metal described in the Specification referred
to, I employ a flap composed entirely of india-rubber or other light clastic substance,
or I perforate the outer diameter of the cylinder near the top, and place an elastic
band around and over the perforations, so that the air is readily expelled during
the upward motion of the piston, and excluded during its descent.
The valves of gas and air engines I construct as follows:-I employ circular or
disc valves having rotary motion. There is a cell or chamber provided for the air
and gas, which are supplied thereto by means of an air pipe or air way and flap
valve. In the air way or passage is the gas supply pipe, which latter is plugged at
the end and perforated, so as the more to soparate and defuse the gas amongst the
air. A central cell or chamber contains pure gas for the purpose of firing, and which
is conveyed by the disc and a curved hole therein and through the continued removal
of the valve to the explosion port.
A valve of similar construction to the one above described I make larger, so as to
admit of duplicate sets of chambers, so that for one revolution of the disc there may
be more than one explosion. The motion of the disc is intermittent, being operated
by lever and catch motion, notches being formed around the periphery of the valve
or around a boss thereon.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Richard Hallewell in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 23rd June
1877.
RICHARD HALLEWELL, of the Firm of Messieurs Hallewell, Bentley, and Company,
of Blackburn, in the County of Lancaster, Engineer. IMPROVEMENTS IN GAS AND
WATER MOTOR ENGINES AND IN GAS MOTOR ENGINES."
My Invention relates,-
Firstly. To a combined gas and water motor engine. One form of construction
comprises a main and minor cylinders of syphon form. Upon the minor cylinder
is a third cylinder containing a loose piston. Between the junction of the cylinder
is the explosion chamber. The main cylinder is open at the top, and contains a
piston connected by piston rod with the crank of the engine shaft. The cylinder
containing the loose piston is provided with a valve or valves for the discharge of

page_text: air therefrom during the upward movement of the piston, and for the re-admittance
of air during the descent thereof.
In some cases I employ a piston rod and clip, herein-after described, for holding
the piston in its raised position.
A portion of the main and minor cylinders under the piston and below the
explosion chamber is occupied by water, whilst the loose piston rests upon the
inner rim or top of the ininor cylinder, and immediately above the explosion
chamber.
The action is as follows:-When the main piston is raised and the crank is
nearing its highest centre of motion, the explosion of gas and air is effected, and
the loose piston is forced upwards, and is momentarily held or trapped in its raised
position by the action of the valves referred to, or by clip apparatus. The partial
vacuum caused by combustion is now to be destroyed by the ascent of water, which
is forced downwards in the main and upwards in the small cylinders by the main
piston in its downward stroke, the motion being given to the latter by atmo-
spheric pressure. The main piston and crank are now at the lowest position, and
so soon as the crank has passed its lowest centre, the "loose" piston is released,
and together with the water descends, the weight of which acts directly on the
under face of the main piston, forcing it upwards. Meanwhile the water and
pistons have resumed the original positions in readiness for the next explosion of air
and gas.
A modification of this engine is to invert the main cylinder, and having all the
cylinders vertical or lineable.
The presence of water within the explosion cylinder tends also to more rapid and
complete condensation of the residue of combustion, provision being also made for a
slight discharge of water at each stroke, and an inlet of fresh water.
Secondly. In the class of engine having two pistons and two piston rods, and in
which it is necessary the loose piston and rod should be suspended or held momen-
tarily, as is well understood.
For the purpose of suspending and holding and for releasing the piston and rod I
employ means and appliances as follows:-Arins centred at one end, the opposite
ends having eyes or rings through which the piston rod works. Springs are applied
to the rings, so as to cause them to bind upon and hold the rod on its tendency to
descend. When the piston and rod are required to descend, a rod operated from the
cam or engine shaft will ease the springs and rings, whereon the rod and piston
are free to descend, being released from the binding action of the rings.
The valves of gas and air engines I construct as follows:-I employ circular or
disc valves having rotary motion. There is a cell or chamber provided for the air
and gas, which are supplied thereto by means of an air pipe or air way and flap
valve. In the air way or passage is the gas supply pipe, which latter is plugged at
the end and perforated, so as the more to separate and defuse the gas amongst the
nir. A central cell or chamber contains pure gas for the purpose of firing, and which
is conveyed by the disc and a curved hole therein and through the continued move-
ment of the valve to the explosion port.
A valve of similar construction to the one above described I make larger, so as to
admit of duplicate sets of chambers, so that for one revolution of the disc there may
be more than one explosion. The motion of the disc is intermittant, being operated
by lever and latch motion, notches being formed around the periphery of the valve
or around a boss thereon.
My Invention relates,―
Firstly. To a combined gas and water motor engine, the construction and action
of which will be understood on reference to the Drawing, Sheet 1 shewing engine
in sectional elevation. One form of construction comprises a main and minor
cylinders 1 and 2 of syphon form. Upon the minor cylinder is a third cylinder 3
containing a loose piston 4. Between the junction of the cylinders 2 and 3 is the
explosion chamber 5. The main cylinder 1 is open at the top, and contains a
piston 6, connected by piston rod 7 with the crank of the engine shaft 8. The

page_text: cylinder 3 containing the loose piston is provided with a valve or valves 9 for the
discharge of air therefrom during the upward movement of the piston, and for the
re-admittance of air during the descent thereof.
In some cases I employ a piston rod and clip, herein-after described, for holding
the piston 4 in its raised position.
A portion of the main and minor cylinders under the pistons 6 and 4 and below
the explosion chamber is occupied by water, whilst the loose piston 4 rests upon tho
inner rim or top 10 of the minor cylinder 2, and immediately above the explosion
chamber 5.
The action is as follows:-When the main piston 6 is raised and the crank 8 is
nearing its higest centre of motion, the explosion of gas and air is effected, and
the loose piston 4 is forced upwards, and is momentarily held or trapped in its
raised position by the action of the valve 9 referred to, or by clip apparatus. The
partial vacuum caused by combustion is now to be destroyed by the ascent of water,
which is forced downwards in the main and upwards in the small cylinders by the
main piston 6 in its downwards stroke, the motion being given to the latter through
atmospheric pressure. The main piston 6 and crank 8 are now at the lowest posi-
tion, and so soon as the crank has passed its lowest centre, the "loose" piston 4 is
released, and together with the water descends, the weight of which acts directly on
the under face of the main piston, forcing it upwards. Meanwhile the water and
pistons have resumed the original positions in readiness for the next explosion of air
and gas.
A modification of this engine is to invert the main cylinder, and having all the
cylinders vertical or lineable.
Secondly. To the class of engine having two pistons and two piston rods, and in
which it is necessary the loose piston and rod should be suspended or held momen-
tarily, as is well understood.
For the purpose of suspending and holding and for releasing the piston and rod I
employ means and appliances illustrated by Drawings on Sheet 2, consisting of
arms 11 supported at one end, the opposite ends having eyes or rings 13, through
which the piston rod 14 works. Springs 15 are applied to the rings, so as to cause
them to bind upon and hold the rod on its tendency to descend. When the piston
and rod are required to descend, a rod 16, operated from the cam or engine shaft,
will by means of the levers 17 and sliding ring 18 ease the springs 15 and rings 13,
whereon the rod 15 and piston are free to descend, being released from the binding
action of the rings.
Having thus fully described the nature and particulars of this my said Invention,
I would have it understood that I lay no claim per se to the use of water cylinder in
connection with a gas engine, but what I do claim is,―
Firstly. The construction of engine shewn on Sheet 1, comprising fast piston C
and loose piston 4, operated and operating in manner herein described.
Secondly. The use and employment of the binding eyes or rings 13, in manner and
for the purpose herein described.
Thirdly. I claim the construction of circular disc valves having the chambers
and ports for conveying the air and gas, in the manner shewn in Sheet 3 of the
Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said Richard Hallewell, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-second day of June, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven
Witness,
WALTER BRIERLEY,
Patent Agent,
Halifax & Blackburn.
RICHARD HALLEWELL. (L.S.)