IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO GAS ENGINES
Year: 1885

page_text: I, ALBERT TREETON, of 30, Colchester Street, Leman Street, Whitechapel, in the
County of Middlesex, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of my Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO GAS ENGINES," to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to certain improvements in or relating to gas engines, and
consists, essentially, in a novel and improved method and means of generating or
developing a gaseous motive agent applicable for the purpose of the Invention
from benzoline or other suitable hydro-carbon liquids, and in the construction and
arrangement of engines in such a manner as to be suitable for the motive agent
thus produced.
In accordance with the present Invention, the motive agent to be employed in
actuating the engine is generated or developed by charging atmospheric air with
benzoline or other suitable hydrocarbon vapor in the novel manner hereinafter
described.
The benzoline or other liquid is contained within a closed vessel, into which is
led to any required distance below the level of the said gaseous liquid one or more
pipes open at their outer ends to the atmosphere, and from which is led at a part
above the level of the gaseous liquid one or more pipes leading to the cylinder or
that part of the engine where the gas thus developed or generated is to be utilized.
In order that the action of the apparatus and generation of gas shall remain
constant and uniform, so far as can be conveniently attained, the level of the
gaseous liquid in its said container is kept practically constant; and to attain this
end, convenient means consist in a reservoir of the same liquid, and which is filled
therewith, and hermetically sealed, and the bottom of which is placed at about the
desired level of the gaseous liquid in its container, and communicates therewith
at about such level by means of a small pipe provided with a stop cock, and
continues to supply the same until it is itself exhausted.
There is or may be further combined with this apparatus, a like arrangement of
parts but in which the contained liquid consists of water, and the outlet pipe from
the container of which is led into the outlet pipe from the container of the
gaseous liquid, and this combination is effective in balancing the operation of this
latter container, and in providing a means of further combining air with the
already charged gaseous air, and each of the said outlet pipes is or may be provided
with a stop cock so that any desired proportionate admixture may be obtained.

page_text: This apparatus is rendered self acting in the operation of the engine in exhausting
the said outlet pipes from the said containers, which causes the gas-charged air
therein to be drawn to the cylinder or where it will be utilized, and causes the
atmospheric air to descend the said pipes and ascend through the liquids in the
containers, keeping the apparatus in constant action.
The engine may be so constructed as that the gas thus generated or developed
may be used as it is supplied at ordinary pressure; or suitable for its being
operated thereby after being compressed; or as compound or high and low pressure
engines; the power being developed by causing the gaseous mixture to explode
by the application of a flame or of electricity, and being exerted upon one or both
sides of a piston or pistons contained within a cylinder or cylinders in an ordinary
manner.
The gaseous mixture generated as aforesaid may be used with great advantage
in operating compound engines; according to a convenient arrangement by which
important advantages are obtained, the gas after having been utilized in the high
pressure cylinder is exhausted into a suitable receiver and is there combined with
the steam or vapor produced by injecting a spray of water onto the outside of the
high pressure cylinder in the space between it and a surrounding jacket for the
primary purpose of cooling the cylinder, and which steam or vapor produced by
the action of the hot surface of the high pressure cylinder upon the said spray of
water is also led into the said receiver, and there combines with the exbaust from
the high pressure cylinder, and generates a mixture which is led into the low
pressure cylinder and there utilized in operating the piston therein.
An especial advantage of this method of cooling the high pressure cylinder is
that the present use of large water tanks for keeping the said jacket constantly
supplied with cool water is avoided, and another important advantage is that by..
the improved method described a power is or can be produced, and which can be
applied with advantage in the low pressure cylinder.
In order to obtain a light strong construction of engine, and dispense with the
heavy castings at present used, I prefer to make the cylinders of steel or of
wrought iron lined with a suitable metal.
DAY, DAVIES & HUNT,
Agents for the Applicant.

page_text: I, ALBERT TREETON, of 30, Colchester Street, Leman Street, Whitechapel, in the
County of Middlesex, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said 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 certain improvements in or relating to gas engines, and
consists, essentially, in a novel and improved method and means of generating or
developing a gaseous motive agent applicable for the purpose of the Invention from
benzoline petroleum or other suitable hydro-carbon liquids, and in the construction
and arrangement of engines in such a manner as to be suitable for the motive agent
thus produced.
The said Invention is illustrated on the accompanying drawings; in which
Fig. 1, represents, (in an extended view for facility of comprehension,) our
improved method of generating the motive agent by charging atmospheric air with
benzoline or other suitable hydro-carbon vapor automatically by the action of the
engines; showing the connection of the latter with the generator of the motive
agent. This Figure also represents a side elevation, and Fig. 2, represents a plan
view, of the improved construction of engine, representing the parts thereof to
which our improvements especially relate.
Fig. 3, is a transverse section of the cylinder through the exhaust.
Fig. 4, is a sectional view, on an enlarged scale, of one of the firing arrangements
illustrated in Fig. 2, and Figs. 5, and 6, are detail and sectional views, also on an
enlarged scale, of the governing arrangements in part illustrated in Figs. 1, and 2.
On the accompanying drawings, 1, represents a horizontal water-jacketted
cylinder open at the end opposite the crank shaft, 2, which is driven by a
connecting rod, 3, leading from the piston, 4, to the crank, 5, all in a usual
manner.
6, represents a container of air which by the operation of the engine as herein-
after described has been caused to become charged with hydro-carbon vapor and is
then in an inflammable and explosive condition.
7, represents a governing inlet which is adapted between the outlet, 8, from the
motive agent container, 6, and the inlet, 9, into the cylinder, 1.
10, represents a charging chamber in which the air is charged with the hydro-
carbon vapor, and, 11, represents a reservoir of the hydro-carbon liquid.
The reservoir, 11, consists of an ordinary metal vessel having a screw cap, 12, or
other convenient means of hermetically closing its inlet at the top, and a gauge, 13,
at its side running from top to bottom, and a controllable outlet, 14, at its bottom.
The charging chamber, 10, also consists of an ordinary metal vessel, and is set
lower than the reservoir, 11, a distance equal to the depth of liquid required to be
k in the charging chamber, this depth of liquid is kept constant by means of a
ball valve, 15, or other convenient means, and the chamber is adapted with a
gauge, 16, of an extent sufficient to show the depth of the contained liquid. This
chamber is also divided by a partition, 17, which is open or perforated at the
bottom, 18, and prevents any commotion of the liquid in the one compartment from

page_text: affecting the liquid in the other compartment of the chamber. This chamber is
also provided with a safety valve, 19, of a like construction to that shown as
applied to the container, 6, and consisting of a weighted or spring valve, 19,
enclosed in a perforated case, 20. Within the chamber there depends a series of
air inlet pipes, 21, which lead from the open air or from a common air main, 22, to
any desired distance below the surface of the hydro-carbon liquid in the chamber.
The chamber, 10, is connected at its top part with the container, 6, by
means of a pipe, 23, which depends into the latter and is provided with a self
acting valve, 24, which prevents any back pressure into the chamber, 10.
In the modification represented, the container, 6, is provided with a quantity of
paraffine oil or liquid by means of a controllable inlet, 25, the depending pipe, 26,
from which dips below the surface of the contained liquid, which is kept at about
a constant level by an overflow outlet, 27, which can be operated when desired.
The whole of the said motive agent generating apparatus is in the practical
construction of the apparatus arranged within the bed of the engine so that the
apparatus herein described is complete.
In the action of the apparatus hereinafter described, the next forward movement
of the piston, 4, after each exhaust of the cylinder, 1, is effective in tending to
cause a vacuum behind it between it and the only inlet or inlets into the apparatus
and which consists of the said air inlets, 22, 21, or, 25, also if it should be in use,
and consequent upon this, the vapor charged air in the container, 6, follows
through the connection, 7, into the cylinder behind the retreating piston, equili
brium being restored by an inflow of air through the pipes, 21, into the chamber,
10, in passing into which it escapes in bubbles through the contained benzoline or
.bydro-carbon liquid and thus becomes sufficiently charged with vapor, and then
passes through the pipe, 23, into the container, 6, ready for the next like stroke of
the piston.
The vapor laden air may be taken direct from the chamber, 10, or it may be
passed through the container, 6, as aforesaid, and in the latter case it may be
enriched if required by air charged with the vapor of the contained paraffine liquid,
the air being drawn through the said controllable inlet, 25, and down its depending
pipe, 26, and through the paraffine liquid at the said stroke of the piston. The
inlet, 25, of the pipe, 26, is closed and perforated, and is surrounded by a cup, and
is provided with a tap as shown, which latter in starting the engine is closed, and
is or may be opened when the engine has got its speed up.
Or water may be placed in the container, 6, so that a further admixture of
air may be caused to take place with the vapor laden air entering from the
chamber, 10.
Any desired proportionate admixture of the air and vapor may be obtained by
means of stop cocks adapted to the air inlet pipes, and by adjusting the air inlet
pipes to dip more or less into the hydro-carbon liquid in the chamber, 10, or by
the means above referred to as applied to the container, 6.
Or in lieu of causing the generation and flow of the motive agent by suction,
the operation of the engine may be caused to effect it by pumping the air through
the chamber, 10, into a container, 6, from which it may be drawn as aforesaid.
The connection, 7, is provided with a valve, 28, at its inlet and with a valve, 29,
at its outlet, both of which valves open automatically upon the piston making its
said outward stroke and close immediately it begins to return to compress the
contained explosive charge which is thus enclosed in the cylinder, 1, between the
piston, 4, the valve, 29, and the valves, 30, 31, of the firing and exhaust arrange-
ments hereinafter referred to, and which are in turn operated at the proper times.
Thus at the said forward stroke of the piston, the valves, 29, 28, 24, all
automatically open, and the said indrawing action of the charge occurs and
immediately the piston begins to return and compress the charge all the said
valves automatically close, and when the piston has completed its back stroke the
compressed charge is ready for being fired,

page_text: Any back flash or back pressure is prevented by the said valves 29, 28, 24, the
said valves, 19, also affording instant relief.
The firing is effected at the proper time preferably by electricity or by the.
arrangement illustrated in Fig. 4. Both devices are shown as applied in position
for use in Fig. 2. In the arrangement illustrated at, 32, two electric wires, 33; in
connection with a convenient electric battery are inserted in an insulating packing
of asbestos, 34, between the outlet from the connection, 7, and the inlet into the
cylinder, 1, and any suitable circuit closer (not illustrated) is also arranged in a.
convenient position to be operated upon by a cam (not illustrated) upon a driven
shaft, 35, at the time the said return movement of the piston is completed, so as
to close the electric circuit and cause the explosion of the charge which drives the
piston outward. In the modification shown in the enlarged view, Fig. 4, 30,
represents a firing valve, which at the said time and by means of a lever, 36, is
raised by a cam, 87, on the shaft, 35, and then permits a small portion of the
compressed charge to pass into a closed tubular part, 38, which is kept by a lamp
or jet of flame, 39, at a sufficient heat to instantly explode the charge. At the end
of such stroke of the piston, the exhaust valve, 31, is lifted by means of a cam, 40,
on the shaft, 35, and a lever, 41, centred at, 42, and is kept open until the cycle
of operations is completed by the return of the piston to its starting point.
These two outward movements and two return movements of the piston are
caused to effect the desired movements of the said valves, 30, 31, at the proper
times by means of the gearing, 43, connecting the crank shaft, 2, with the shaft, 35,
two revolutions of the former causing one revolution of the latter.
In lieu of the valve, 29, lifting automatically as aforesaid, it may be lifted by the
operation of the engine by means of a cam (not illustrated) on the shaft, 35, acting
directly or by means of an intermediate lever upon a depending extension, 58, of
the valve, such extension being provided with a spring, as dotted, to ensure the
immediate return of the valve to its seat at the proper time.
44, represents the governor which is carried by a convenient bracket, 45, and is
driven from the shaft, 35, by gearing, 46. The bracket carries a sleeve, 47, in
which works a shaft, 48, in connection with a bifurcated arm, 49, operated by the
rise and fall of the governor bills, and with an arın, 50, to which is connected a
rod, 51, which leads to and actuates an air inlet valve, 52, adapted to the said
governing inlet connection, 7. The arrangement is such that upon the engine
attaining too high a speed, the balls rise and withdraw the rod, 51, which by a
pin, 53, actuates a lever, 54, centred to the connection, 7, and thus lifts the air
inlet valve, 52, and the lever is retained in such raised position and the said valve
is kept from off its seat by a notched falling piece, 55; air is thus freely admitted
to the cylinder, 1, until the speed of the engine again falls, when the rod, 51,
thrusts the notched piece, 55, back, when the air inlet valve instantly falls or is
caused to fall onto its seating, when the normal and hereinbefore described
operation of the engine proceeds.
The action of the engine can be at any time stopped by raising the valve, 52,
which causes air to be drawn into the cylinder.
The governor is adapted with an inner spring, 56, and with a bearing screw
and nut, 57, so that a greater or less resistance may be given to the rise and fall
of the balls, and the speed of the engine may be regulated accordingly.
The generating apparatus herein before described may also be used as self acting
means of enriching or regulating a supply of coal gas used as the motive agent,
and in such case the liquid in the reservoir, charging chamber and container may
be either paraffine oil or liquid, or water, the gas being drawn through the said
contained liquid by the operation of the engine in the manner hereinbefore
described.
The arrangement of the parts actuated as aforesaid from the crank shaft may be
so modified as that the vapor laden air may be used at ordinary pressure, being
supplied to the cylinder and exploded at each forward stroke of the piston.

page_text: 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. The herein before described improved method of generating or developing a
gaseous motive agent applicable for the purpose of the Invention, by charging
atmospheric air with benzoline or other suitable hydro-carbon vapor automatically
by and as it is required for the action of the engine and by means operating
substantially in the manner herein before described.
2. The combination of the reservoir, 11, charging chamber, 10, and container, 6;
when such parts are adapted connected and operated as herein set forth.
3. The combination of the reservoir, 11, and charging chamber, 10, when such
parts are adapted connected and operated as herein set forth.
DAY, DAVIES & HUNT,
Agents for the Applicant.