Improvements in Hydrocarbon Motors and in the Method of their Application for the Propulsion of Tricycles and other Light Vehicles.
Year: 1887

page_text: Improvements in Hydrocarbon Motors and in the Method of their
Application for the Propulsion of Tricycles and other Light
Vehicles.
1, EDWARD BUTLER, Sandleford Newbury Berks, Engineer and Draughtsman do
hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
The Improvements comprised in this invention more particularly relate; to the
construction design and application of hydrocarbon motors for the purpose of starting,
propelling and controlling tricycles and other light vehicles.
To a motor or motors in which there is imparted an impulse for each alternate
stroke and in which the power is exerted in proportion to the volume of hydro-
carburetted air inspired; at each stroke of same and in combination with which are
synchronously moving hand or automatical regulating valves with rotary distribution
valves and intermediate pressure chambers.
To the method of starting these motors by opening communications from the
pressure chambers unto the impelling or combustion ends of the cylinders by means of
the said synchronously moving valves.
To the method of hydrocarburetting atmospheric air to a determined degree of
saturation, which is constant for any varying volumes of air inspired by the motor or
motors;
And in which there are no mechanically moving parts.
To the methods of the application of two, or more motors to different types of
tricycles, in which their motive power is communicated thro connecting rods direct
unto the cranks of the shaft of the driving wheel or wheels; altogether without the
intervention of any toothed gearing, chains, belts, or clutches; and in which there
are no fly-wheels used, the necessary momentum being derived from the motion
of the vehicle communicated to and by the adhesion of the said driving wheel
or wheels.
All these improvements substantially as and for the purpose hereinafter described
and fully set forth.

page_text: As my invention more particularly relates to the propulsion of tricycles and other
light vehicles.
I, herewith fully describe the construction and method of the operation of my hydro-
carbon motors, more especially in their application to and combination with different
types of tricycles suitable for carrying one, two, or more riders.
I use preferably a combination of a pair of these motors, and arrange and construct
them in conjunction with and relation to the different types of tricycles, so as to bring
them under the immediate control of the rider steering same.
These Motors have, and as applied for the aforesaid purpose, cylinders in which
move reciprocating pistons, having an impulse imparted to each of them at every
revolution of the crankshaft; and in which as hereinafter described each of the said
pistons can be either caused to impart a full or a more or less forcible impulse at
every alternate stroke of same. According to the description of the roads, gradients,
etc.. and the desired speed of the vehicle.
The Starting of these vehicles is effected automatically by the rider opening
communication from said motors to intermediate storage chambers; into which is
compressed a suitable pressure of hydrocarburetted air. This pneumatic energy
being stored up and maintained by a combination of hand regulating valves with
distributing valves; in connection with the compression ends of the cylinders, the
storage intermediate pressure chambers, and the combustion ends of the cylinders.
Thereby dispensing with the use of a separate air pump for the aforesaid purpose.
The motor cylinders are fitted at both ends with rotary distributing valves.
At the compression end of each of said cylinders, a rotary valve having
duplicate admission and emission ports, admits at each half of its revolution a
portion of hydrocarburetted air at the proper period of the inspiration stroke of the
compression piston ;-the said portion of air previously passes thro and is
regulated by a hand valve in connection with the said admission ports of the
aforesaid valve.
At the inspiration stroke of the said compression piston, the inspired hydrocarburetted
air is expelled thro the emission ports of said distributing valve; whence it is
conducted at a suitable pressure into the aforesaid intermediate storage chamber.
From this chamber the said air is admitted thro a second handregulating valve,
(which is connected to, and is moved synchronously with the aforesaid first) into
the second rotary distributing valve; whence it is admitted thro the admission ports
of same, and at the proper period into the combustion end of the cylinder.
Both of the said band regulating va.ves are connected to and move synchronously
with one another, and are under easy control of the rider; and so regulate it, that
the volume of hydrocarburetted air admitted thro the hand valve in connection with
the rotary distributing valve at the compression end of the cylinder can either be
diminished or augmented, which result is followed by a corresponding decrease or
increase of the hydrocarburetted compressed air admitted by the second hand-regulating
valve into the second rotary distributing valve; whence it passes thro admission ports
of same into the combustion end of cylinder.
Whereby is maintained a suitable determined pressure of the hydrocarburetted air
contained in the aforesaid intermediate chambers; and there is preferably one of these
chambers in connection with each cylinder.
The cycle of operations is-
Firstly. The admission of a greater or less volume of hydrocarburetted air by the
first handregulating valve into the first distributing valve; thence its passage thro the
admission ports of said valve into the compression end of the cylinder.
Secondly. The said inspired volume of air is expelled by the return of the piston to
said end of cylinder, thro the emission ports contained in the same valve; whence it is
conducted into the intermediate pressure chamber.
Thirdly. The admission of correspondingly more
carburetted air by the second hand regulating valve into the second distributing
or less compressed hydro-
valve; thence its passage thro the admission ports of said valve, into the combustion
end of cylinder; whereto the said admission is cut off at or about one fourth of

page_text: the period of the working or outstroke of the piston in the said cylinder; when
immediately after an electric circuit is completed, the same being suitably effected by
means of commutating bars on the end of the spindle of one of the distributing valves;
thereby causing a current of electricity to pass between two platinum wires, suitably
situated in the combustion end of the cylinder.
The admitted charge becomes thus ignited and undergoes combustion, when the
increase of volume due to the expansion of the gases impels the piston to the end of
its stroke.
Fourth. At this period the exhaust ports contained in the said second distributing
valve, release the pressure of the products of combustion; when by the return stroke
of the piston, which travels to within a small distance of the end of the cylinder; the
said products of combustion are almost completely expelled.
And thus is performed the cycle for one revolution of each motor.
The aforesaid intermediate pressure chambers are constructed of a cylindrical
form and are each situated in and surrounded by a second and larger cylindrical
chamber; and into the annulus thus formed, are conducted the hot products of com-
bustion, where they part with a portion of their thermal energy in heating and
more thoroughly vaporising the hydrocarburetted mixture contained in the said inner
cylindrical chamber, thus making it more highly explosive.
The said products of combustion are thence conducted into an economising and
silencing chamber; wherein is situated a coil of pipe or other suitable means for
conveying air to the carburetter; the said chamber is also fitted with an inner lining
of asbestos or other non-resonant material, whereby the incoming air is heated and the
waste gases escape noiselessly into the atmosphere.
The aforesaid Hydrocarburetter is an entirely novel apparatus for effecting an
intimate admixture of atmospheric air with petroleum or any other hydrocarbon to a
suitably determined degree of saturation as it is inspired by the motor or motors.
And consists principally of two parts, the first having connected to it at one end, the
induction pipe leading from the economiser; and is at the other end reduced in area,
somewhat to the shape of a venacontracta; a moveable taper plug is also used in con-
nection with the savie, for the purpose of diminishing or augmenting the area of the
said reduced orifice.
This part screws into another having a chamber whose internal diameter is at
this end a little larger than the external diameter of the end of the first part con-
taining the said venacontracta, and projects into the other part for a short distance ;
thereby suitably forming between them an annular space;-and leading into this
annulus is a small aperture, thro which is induced the necessary quantity of
petroleum or other suitable hydrocarbon; the said quantity being regulated by a
conically seated screw valve, having a hole thro its length for the passage of a
fine stream of air, which mixes with the oil as it passes the said valve and
causes it to flow into and around the said annular space in the form of a spray.
This finely divided spray is hence by reason of the flow of air, that issues from the
said contracted orifice, induced to follow, when they together rush into an
enlarged continuation of the said chamber; wherein subsists a partial vacuum the
air therein becoming more intimated incorporated with the partially vaporised spray.
The air thus hydrocarburetted is now conducted thro pipes leading into the aforesaid
hand valves for the purpose of being regulated in its admission to the distributing
valves of one or both of the aforesaid compression cylinders.
;
A small pipe communicates from the petroleum reservoir (the same being of as
shallow a description as is convenient) to the aforesaid conically seated petroleum
valve and the portion of the said pipe passing down into the oil contained in said
reservoir is so flattened that by reason of capillary attraction a uniform level of the
oil is maintained in the pipe for whatever quantity of petroleum there is contained in
the said reservoir.
In this apparatus it is so that the vacuum is diminished or augmented directly in
proportion to the volume of air drawn thro the aforesaid contracted orifice into
the vacuum chamber; and consequently the amount of spray injected varies in the

page_text: same proportion; and the air becomes thus impregnated to the same determined
degree of Saturation, for whatever volume of same that is inspired by the motor or
motors.
Thus it will be seen that the speed and power of the motors are regulated by
throttling the inspiration of said hydrocarburetted air to one or both compression
cylinders; in combination with a proportionate variation in the amount of the admission
of same to the combustion ends of the cylinders.
By the foregoing description of motors it will be seen that they are particularly
adapted for the propulsion of tricycles and other light vehicles in the manner set
forth.
And for this purpose the aforesaid synchronously moving regulating valves are
connected to levers within easy reach of the rider and so enable the vehicle to be
started, stopped or propelled at any desired speed and at the will of the rider.
A filtering apparatus is used for the purpose of arresting all particles of dust that
may be suspended in the air while travelling over dry loose roads.
In order that the Cylinders shall not become over heated, they are suitably sur-
rounded by thin sheet metal, and unto the annular spaces thus formed is connected by
pipes a small water reservoir and in combination with which are a series of pipes
exposed to the draught caused by the motion of the machine wind, etc., for the purpose
of condensing the steam generated from the water surrounding the cylinders; when it
gravitates into the reservoir, whence by suitable circulating-pipes it is reconveyed
into the spaces around the cylinders as it therein becomes evaporated.
I apply these Motors substantially as herein set forth to tricycles differently arranged
and constructed for carrying one, two, or more riders.
And I adopt an arrangement and design of tricycle for the purpose of carrying one
rider; having two steering wheels in front and one driving wheel behind; these are
preferably of a small diameter-And unto two cranks on the shaft of said driving
wheel are connected by return rods the pistons of a pair of the before described motors;
one being situated at either side of the said driving wheel.
Motion is communicated to the aforesaid four rotary distributing valves, by means
of two chains running on sprocket wheels attached to the spindles of said valves
and on spocket wheels attached to the crank shaft situated one at each side of the
driving wheel The revolutions communicated to these valves being preferably half
that of the driving wheel shaft; for which purpose the ports in same are made in
duplicate, as herein described.
The Seat for the rider is situated at a suitable height over the centre of the vehicle
and conveniently near to which are situated two hand levers in connection with the
aforesaid regulating valves; as and for the purposes set forth.
The two front wheels revolve on axles which are constructed in combination with
apparatus similar to a bicycle steering head; in such a manner that the axle of
each wheel moves on a separate centre of its own; and in combination with
these are suitably connected two rocking steering levers, fulcrumed unto the frame
and having their motion communicated to each of the said wheel axles by a suitable
connection and thereby enabling the rider to effectually steer and control the
motion of the tricycle.
On one side of the footboard there is a foot lever connected by a suitable means
for raising the driving wheel off the ground, for the purpose of starting the vehicle
against a steep gradient; it also serves as a convenient means for disconnecting the
motion of the motors at any time from that of the vehicle.
On the other side of the said footboard there is situated a second footlever
suitably connected to band brakes and for applying same to both of the steering
wheels.
All the moving parts of the before described tricycle may be enclosed by a suitable
covering for the purpose of excluding the weather, dirt, and dust.
The arrangement and design of vehicle I adopt for two, or more riders; is also a
tricycle; and it has one wheel in front suitably connected to two ordinary bicycle
handle bars for the purpose of steering.

page_text: And two wheels behind which are attached to one shaft having two cranks; and
unto these are suitably connected the pistons of two of the before described hydrocarbon
motors, for communicating rotation to same.
The cylinders of which are each situated in a vertical plane and are below the crank
shaft of the said driving wheels.
The method of communicating said motion of the pistons to that of the driving
wheels shaft, is by a novel arrangement and for this purpose the cylinders are
situated with their vertical axes behind the crankshaft and away from the centres
of the said cranks, in the direction of the centre of the vehicle.-So to enable the
upper ends of the cylinders to be situated close up to the said driving shaft; In
order that the driving wheels attached thereon can thereby be of a smaller diameter.
In the aforesaid arrangement of the cylinders, their piston rods pass up behind said
driving shaft; where, at a suitable height they are attached to suitable crossheads,
which move within cylindrical guides, and are connected by cranked rods to the
crankpins of said shaft.
These rods are connected to the crankpin-bearings at one end by ball and socket
joints, and at the other end to the crossheads in the usual way.
The said method of connecting the rods to the cranks is for the purpose of accommo-
dating them to the motion resulting thereby-the said motion will also communicate a
part rotation to the crossheads and pistons; and said rotation of the pistons may be
utilized for distribution purposes in combination with ports in same corresponding to
suitable passages in the cylinders.
I adopt however for this tricycle the same combination of distributing and regulating
valves as hereinbefore described.
For disconnecting the motors from communicating their motion to the vehicle as
and for the before mentioned purposes, I adopt the previously described method of
raising the driving wheels from the ground.
The Seats for the riders are situated before and behind the driving wheels
shaft-Said seats each accomodating one or two persons according to the width of
the vehicle.
The Steering handle bars are situated at a suitable distance from the front seat.
The valve levers for regulating the motors, and together with a foot lever for
raising the driving wheels for the purpose of disconnecting the motion of the motors
from the vehicle.
And a footlever for operating band brakes and applying same to the driving wheels;
are also arranged within suitable distances of the front seat.
So that the vehicle is under the immediate control of the occupant or occupants of
the front seat and the occupant or occupants of the back have no particular function
to perform in the operation of the vehicle.
Dated this Fourteenth day of November 1887.
EDWARD BUTLER,
Sandleford, Newbury, Berks.

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Hydrocarbon Motors and in the Method of their
Application for the Propulsion of Tricycles and other Light
Vehicles.
I, EDWARD BUTLER, of Sandleford, Newebury, in the County of Berkshire,
Engineer, 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 improvements in hydrocarbon motors and in the method of
their application for the propulsion of tricycles and other light vehicles.
In a hydrocarbon motor according to this invention the motor piston receives an
outward impulse at every alternate stroke due to the ignition, explosion and expansion
of a combustible mixture of hydrocarbon vapour and air drawn into the motor
cylinder, the explosions always taking place on the same side of the piston, namely, at
the rear side or that opposite to the side to which the piston rod is connected.
The inward stroke of the piston is effected by the momentum of the fly wheel or by
the vehicle to which the motor is applied.
The mixture of hydrocarbon vapour and air is drawn into the front end of the
cylinder during the instroke of the piston which at the same time expels from behind
it the waste products of the previously exploded charge.
The combustible mixture of hydrocarbon vapour and air may be produced by means
of any suitable apparatus, but it is advantageous to effect the mixture by the inspira-
tion of air through the hydrocarburetting device hereinafter described and called a
"carburetter."
The motor cylinder may be provided at each end with a rotary distributing valve
having duplicate admission and emission ports.
The first rotary valve, or that at the front or compression end of the cylinder,
admits, at each half of its revolution, and at the proper period of the inspiration or
instroke of the piston, a quantity of carburetted air to the front or compression end of
the cylinder.
On the outstroke of the piston, the charge of carburetted air previously drawn in is
compressed, and then expelled through the emission ports of the said rotary distributing
valve into a pressure storage chamber, whence it is admitted through the admission
ports of the second rotary distributing valve, at the proper moment, into the cylinder
and behind the piston.
Hand regulating valves may be arranged between the carburettor and the first
rotary distributing valve; between the first rotary distributing valve and the storage
chamber and between the storage chamber and the second rotary distributing valve,
for the purpose of controlling the speed and power of the hydro-carbon motor as
hereinafter explained.
The cycle of the improved motor comprises the following operations or stages:-
1st. The admission of a greater or less volume of carburetted air by the first hand
regulating valve through the admission ports of the first rotary distributing valve into
the front or compression end of the cylinder during the instroke of the motor piston.

page_text: 2nd. The compression by the return or outstroke of the piston of the carburetted air
so admitted and the expulsion thereof through the emission ports of the first rotary
distributing valve, and through the second hand regulating valve into the storage
chamber located between the rotary distributing valves.
3rd. The admission by the third hand regulating valve of a suitable quantity of
compressed carburetted air from the storage chamber through the admission ports of
the second rotary distributing valve into the rear end of the cylinder and behind the
piston. This admission of carburetted air to the rear end of the cylinder is cut off
when the piston has performed about one-sixth of its outstroke, and immediately after-
wards the charge is ignited by any convenient means as for example by means of an
electric current as hereinafter described, the expansive force of the gases impelling the
piston to the front or onter end of the cylinder; the piston during its outstroke,
compressing the combustible charge previously drawn into the front end of the
cylinder by the preceding instroke of the piston.
4th. At the end of the outstroke the exhaust ports of the second rotary distributing
valve are opened to the rear end of the cylinder and the products of the exploded
charge are almost completely expelled by the piston on its return or instroke.
In order that the nature of this invention may be more readily understood, reference
is made to the annexed sheets of illustrative drawings in which :-
Fig. 1 is a longitudinal sectional elevation through one of a pair of hydro-carbon
motors constructed according to this invention, the motors being shewn applied to a
tricycle.
Fig. 2 is a half plan shewing one of the motors and so much of the tricycle as is
necessary to illustrate the application of the motors thereto.
Figs. 3 and 4 are vertical sections of one of the motors on the lines A B and C D
respectively of fig. 1.
Fig. 5 is a transverse section of one of the rotary distributing valves and its casing
together with part of the motor cylinder.
Fig. 6 is an end view of the said valve.
Figs. 7 and 8 are similar views to figs. 5 and 6 shewing the other rotary distributing
valve and attached parts.
Figs. 9 to 12 shew diagrammatically in vertical section the successive positions of
the three hand regulating valves 9, 10 and 11, for starting and stopping the motor,
and charging the storage chamber.
Fig. 13 is a longitudinal vertical section of a carburetting device according to this
invention; it is shewn applied to the top of a hydrocarbon reservoir, also shewn in
section and below which is arranged an air purifier and heater.
Fig. 14 is a section of the carburetting device and hydro-carbon reservoir taken in
a plane at right angles to fig. 13, the air purifier and heater being shewn in
elevation as before.
Fig. 15 illustrates in longitudinal vertical section a modified form of carburetting
device; and
Fig. 16 illustrates partly in section and partly in clevation another modified for
thereof.
Referring to figs. 1 to 12b which illustrate the construction of one of a pair of
hydro-carbon motors shewn applied to a tricycle according to this invention:-1 is the
cylinder of one of the motors; it is provided at its front or inspiration and
compression end 12, and at its rear or ignition end 1 with rotary distributing valves 3
and 6 respectively. The valve 3 is formed with duplicate admission ports 4, 4
arranged opposite to each other and also with duplicate and oppositely arranged
emission ports 5, 5. The valve 6 is constructed with similar admission ports 7, 7 and
exhaust ports 8, 8. By the construction described the pressure of carburetted air on
opposite sides of each valve is balanced both longitudinally and transversely.
These valves which are arranged with their axes at right angles to that of the motor
cylinder 1 and below the same as shewn, are caused to revolve by suitable gearing at
half the speed of the crankshaft.
At one end of and below the rotary distributing valve 3 is arranged a hand regulating

page_text: plug valve 9 (fig. 3) which serves to control the flow of carburetted air from a car-
burettor (of which a suitable form is hereinafter described) through a pipe 16 to the
admission ports 4 of the distributing valve 3. A second hand regulating valve 10
(fig. 3) similar to the valve 9, arranged at the other end of and below the valve 3
serves to control the passage of compressed carburetted air from the motor cylinder
through the exit ports 5 of the valve 3 and through a pipe 10ª to a storage
chamber 12.
A third hand regulating plug valve 11 arranged at one end of and below the
rotary distributing valve 6 (fig. 4) serves to control the flow of the compressed
air charge from the storage chamber 12 through a pipe 12ª, and the admission
ports 7 of the valve 6, to the rear end of the motor cylinder. 33 is a casing con-
taining a number of superimposed sheets of gauze 33"; it is arranged between the
hand regulating valve 11 and the storage chamber 12.
These sheets of gauze serve to prevent "back-ignition" when the charge in the
motor cylinder is ignited as well understood. The end of the pipe 12ª is arranged to
extend a short distance above the bottom of the casing 33 and is covered with a sheet
metal bonnet 33 above which are arranged a series of guaze bonnets 33°.
The bonnets rest upon the bottom of the casing in which is placed liquid hydro-
carbon which will become diffused over the guaze bonnets by capillary action.
The arrangement is such that carburetted air will be caused to pass through the
liquid hydro-carbon and become further carburetted on its way to the rear end of
the motor cylinder thus compensating for any hydro-carbon that may have become
condensed from the air by passing through the motor and attached parts at starting
and whilst they are cold.
The regulating valves 9, 10 and 11 are suitably connected with one another and so
arranged that they may be caused to move synchronously by means of a hand lever.
Two hand levers 45-46 are shewn in fig. 1, one for the set of valves 9, 10 and 11
for each motor.
By means of these hand levers the volume of carburetted air admitted through the
regulating valve 9 and rotary distributing valve 3 to the front or inspiration and
compression end 1" of each motor cylinder can be either diminished or increased at
will. At the same time the quantity of the charge of carburetted air admitted by the
regulating valve 11 from the storage chamber through the admission ports 7 of the
rotary distributing valve 6, to the rear or combustion end 1 of the motor cylinder
will be correspondingly diminished or increased, as the case may be.
By thus throttling or cutting off the supply of carburetted air to the front end of
the motor cylinder during the instroke of the piston, and correspondingly varying the
admission of the compressed charge to the rear end of the cylinder and behind the
piston, the speed and power of the motor may be regulated at will or the motor
may be stopped and started as required. Figs. 9 to 12b illustrate the relative
positions of the valves 9, 10, and 11 at four different stages of the cycle of
operations of each motor. In these figures the passage a leads from the
carburettor; the passage leads to the first rotary valve and passage b' leads
from the said rotary valve; c leads to the storage chamber 12 and c¹ leads from said
storage chamber; and d leads to the second rotary valve. e is an opening in the casing
of the valve 10 whereby the interior thereof may be placed in communication, at certain
periods, with the atmosphere. In figs. 9, 9" and 9b the valves 9, 10, and 11 are shewn
in the relative positions they occupy for stopping the motor, the valves being each
closed. Figs. 10, 10%, and 10° shew the relative positions of the valves when charging
the intermediate or pressure storage chamber. In this case the valve 9 is opened to
allow carburetted air to be drawn into the front end of the motor cylinder; the
valve 10 is opened to allow of the compressed carburetted air passing from the said
motor cylinder into the storage chamber; and the valve 11 is closed.
Figs. 11, 11, and 11 shew the relative positions of the valves for the normal
working. In this case the three valves are open the extent of opening depending upon
the speed or power required. Figs. 12, 12ª, and 12° shew the relative positions of
the valves when starting the motor.

page_text: To start the motor, the valves 9, 10, and 11 are first caused to assume the relative
positions shewn in figs. 10, 10", and 10%, and the motor is operated (or when applied
to a vehicle, the same is propelled) by hand or otherwise until a suitable pressure is
obtained in the pressure storage chamber. The valves 9, 10, and 11 are then caused
by hand to assume the positions shewn in figs. 12, 12", and 12 in which the valve 9
opens communication between the carburettor and the first rotary distributing valve;
and the valve 10 closes the communication with the storage chamber and opens com-
munication between the atmosphere and the front end of the motor cylinder in order
to relieve the front end of the piston from pressure at starting.
The valve 11 is opened to allow of the admission of a compressed charge from the
storage chamber to the rear or combustion end of the motor cylinder, the pressure of
which is sufficient to start the motor, and the vehicle to which it may be applied.
When the piston has made about one fifth of its outstroke, the explosive charge is
ignited, as hereinafter mentioned and the motor set in action. In lieu of a rotary
valve 3 for controlling the passage to the front end of the motor cylinder, a valve of
other suitable construction may be employed if desired. The storage chamber may
be constructed of a casing 12* of cylindrical form, and, as in the example shewn, be
surrounded by an outer casing in such a manner as to leave an intermediate space 13
into which the bot exhaust products of combustion are led from the rear end of the
cylinder by a pipe 11°. The inner chamber 12 is provided with perforated baffle
plates 12 secured to the casing; these plates serve the double purpose of keeping the
compressed charge of air and hydrocarbon therein well mixed and of heating the same
by the heated exhaust products of combustion, the plates being heated by conduction
from the casing 12*.
By the use of this storage chamber the particles of hydro-carbon suspended in the
air with which they are mixed are heated and consequently further vaporized, their
precipitation or deposition from the air being thereby prevented.
When two motors are coupled to a crankshaft common to both as in the example
shewn, a single storage chamber may be employed for the two motors, but it is
preferred to use a separate storage chamber for each motor cylinder.
The exhaust products of combustion are led by a pipe 34 from the space 13
surrounding the storage chamber 12, to an air heater 32 (a construction of which is
hereinafter described) whence they escape noiselessly into the atmosphere by a
pipe 35.
Figs. 13 and 14 illustrate a carburetting device constructed according to this
invention and having for object to produce an intimate mixture or mingling of
atmospheric air with a liquid hydrocarbon such as petroleum oil. This carburetting
device comprises two casings 14 and 15, whereof the casing 14 is in the form of a
hollow cone open at both ends, and secured at its smaller or nozzle shaped end to the
smaller end of the casing 15 which has connected to its other or enlarged end the
pipe 16 which serves to conduct the carburetted air from the casing 15 to the first
hand regulating valve 9 hereinbefore mentioned.
The smaller or nozzle end of the casing 14 projects into the smaller end of the
casing 15 and is so arranged with reference thereto as to leave an annular space 17
between the two as shown.
Leading into this annular space is a small aperture 18 through which the hydro-
carbon is induced to flow by the inducing action of a current of air drawn in at the
larger end of the casing 14 and flowing through the nozzle 14ª thereof by the
exhausting action of the motor cylinder, the exhaustion taking place through the pipe 16.
The induced flow of hydro-carbon may be regulated by means of a conically seated
screw valve 19 which if provided with a hole 20 throughout its length for the passage
of a fine stream of air which enters at 21 and mixes with the oil as it passes the end
of the valve 19 and causes it to flow into and around the annular space 17 in the form
of spray. This spray is drawn by the current of air flowing through the nozzle 14*
into the enlarged chamber within the casing 15 where there exists a partial vacuum
and in which the air becomes intimately incorporated with the partially vaporized
spray. The air thus carburetted is drawn off through the pipe 16. The casing 15 is
B

page_text: provided with an outer extension for the attachment thereto of the pipe 16 and with
an inwardly projecting tubular extension 22 which has the object of facilitating the
intermingling of the air and hydro-carbon spray. A baffle plate or plates may be
arranged within the casing 15 and in front of the pipe 16 with the same object.
The flow of air through the nozzle end of the casing 14 may be regulated by means
of a plug 23 which can be adjusted by a set screw 23" to increase or diminish the area
of the nozzle opening as required. The end of the plug 23 within the casing 15 is
made of gradually increasing diameter as shewn, for the purpose of causing the con-
centric streams of air and hydro-carbon spray to unite into a single annulus of
combined air and spray before entering the enlarged chamber within casing 15. The
plug 23 may be held in its adjusted position by a spring 24 the action of which is
such that the greater the inspiration or exhausting action of the hydro-carbon motor,
the more the plug will be drawn forward against the action of the spring 24 and thus
allow a greater quantity of air to pass through the nozzle 14ª. When the inspiration
of the motor decreases the plug will be drawn back by the spring so as to decrease the
nozzle opening and diminish the supply of carburetted air. The carburetting device
or inspirator is enclosed in an air and dust tight casing 25 below which is arranged a
vessel 27 containing petroleum oil or other suitable liquid hydrocarbon. Into this
reservoir dips a tube 28 which is open at its lower end and is attached to the shell of
the vessel 27 in any convenient manner.
Within the tube 28 is a cylindrical plug 29 turned to a diameter slightly smaller
than the inside diameter of the tube 28 so as to leave a narrow intermediate
annular space in which by reason of capillary action a constant level of liquid will
be maintained within the tube 28 independently of the level of the liquid in the
reservoir.
The same object may be attained by allowing the pipe 30 (hereinafter referred to)
to dip freely into the oil in the reservoir, its lower portion being enlarged and suitably
flattened.
The plug 29 is secured at its upper portion to the tube 28 and is made of reduced
diameter at 29ª so as to leave an annular recess between the plug 29 and the
tube 28 into which recess the hydro-carbon flows.
From this annular recess a tube 30 serves to conduct the oil to the annular
recess 19ª surrounding the lower end of the valve 19, whence it passes by the hole 20
(controlled by the plug valve 19) into the annular space 17 of the inspirator. A
gauze casing 28 surrounds the capillary tube 28 for the purpose of arresting dirt
The air to be carburetted is drawn in through a suitable air purifier 31 which
may comprise a casing containing suitable air filtering material such as coarsely
woven horse hair, capable of being readily removed for the purpose of being cleaned
etc.
or renewed.
The air thus freed from dust etc. passes through an air heating device 32 which
may consist of a casing into which the hot exhaust products of combustion are led
from the motor, and in which is arranged a coil or series of pipes through which the
air
passes, afterwards entering the casing 25 by a tube 26.
In the modified form of inspirator or carburetting device shewn in Fig. 15 the
plug 23 tapers to a point in the axis of the nozzle and is adapted to be moved in and
out by means of a handle 23b. The nozzle 14" is in the form of two hollow trun-
cated cones having their smaller ends adjacent.
The mixing chamber within the casing 15 is made of a more elongated form than
that shewn in fig. 13 and the inwardly projecting tubular extension 22 is closed at
its inner end and made of conoidal shape ending in a point as shown. The currents
of air and hydrocarbon spray are thus caused to be effectually broken up and inter-
mingled, the mixture passing through narrow slots 25 in the extension 22 into the
pipe 16.
The slots 25 also assist in mixing the air and hydrocarbon. The current of air
passing through the holes 21 and 20 of the valve 19 may be regulated by means of a
set screw 19b as shewn.
The plug 23 may also be operated to more or less diminish the area of the nozzle

page_text: a portion of the casing 14 and with a handwheel by which it may be operated from
the exterior of the casing of the apparatus.
In fig. 16 the casing 14 is closed, the air to be carburetted being conducted to
the interior thereof by the pipe 26.
In this case the casing 25 shewn in fig. 13 is dispensed with.
The inspirator or carburetting device may be enclosed in a chamber and be heated
by the hot exhaust products of combustion from the motor instead of being heated by
the hot air as shewn.
In this case the pipe 26 should be connected directly to the larger or inlet end of
the casing 14 as shewn in fig. 16.
With the carburetting devices shewn it will be seen that the degree of vacuum
or inducing force and consequently the rate of flow of hydro-carbon will diminish or
increase in direct proportion to the volume of air drawn through the nozzle 14ª by
the exhausting action of the piston and that consequently the amount of spray injected
varies in the same proportion.
The air will thus be always carburetted to the same degree depending upon the
adjustment of the valve 19 and the plug 23, when this is used, whatever be the speed
of the motor.
A suitable device for igniting the compressed charge of carburetted air in each
motor cylinder may consist of a pair of platinum wires 36 arranged to project into
and insulated from the rear end of the motor cylinder and electrically connected to
a suitable generator of electricity such for example as a dry plate battery in combina-
tion with an induction coil. By rapidly making and breaking the circuit at the
proper time, by any suitable means as well understood, sparks will be caused to pass
between the platinum points, and ignite the charge.
If a dynamo electric generator be used to generate a current for effecting the
ignition of the charge then in lieu of the preceding arrangement a long stiff metallic
wire is placed in connection with one pole of the generator, the other pole of
which is placed in connection with the motor cylinder and consequently with the
piston therein.
The wire is insulated from the motor cylinder and is so arranged as to project into
the same to such an extent as to enter a hole formed in the piston and bear against
the interior thereof when the same is at the end of its inward stroke.
The length of the wire is such that when the piston has made about one
fifth of its outstroke the connection or circuit between the wire and piston will be
broken with the formation of electric sparks which will ignite the charge in the
motor cylinder.
The improved tricycle to which hydro-carbon motors constructed according to this
invention are shewn applied in figs. 1 and 2 is designed to carry one rider and has
two front steering wheels 37 and one rear driving wheel 38.
Two motor cylinders are used as hereinbefore mentioned and they are arranged
horizontally side by side, one being on each side of the driving wheel.
Each motor piston 2 is connected by a return connecting rod 39 to a crank 40 on
the shaft 41 of the driving wheel.
The necessary rotary motion is communicated to each pair of rotary distributing
valves 3 and 6 by means of a chain 42 running on sprocket wheels 43, 43ª mounted
on the spindles of the said valves (figs. 3 and 4) and on a sprocket wheel (not shewn)
mounted on the crankshaft 41. The seat 44 for the rider is situated at a suitable
height over the centre of the vehicle and near it are arranged the two hand levers 45
and 46 hereinbefore mentioned for operating the hand regulating valves 9, 10 and 11.
Each steering wheel is mounted to revolve freely upon a spindle 37" formed
with a head 37 which is pivotted at the opposite ends of a fixed vertical spindle 37°.
This spindle is fixed at right angles to a horizontal shaft 39ª fixed to the framing of
the vehicle. The two heads 37 are connected to steering handles 50, by lever
mechanism the construction of which is such that the wheels may be turned side-

page_text: ways about the axis of the spindles 37b as centres. The steering levers 50 fulcrumed
on the tricycle frame at 51, enable the rider to effectually steer and control the
motion of the tricycle. The steering wheels are caused to move together by means of
the arms 52 and rod 52ª.
Above the footboard 53 is arranged a foot lever 54 fulcrumed on the frame
at 55 and connected by an arm 56 and rod 57 to arms 58 which are fulcrumed
at their other ends to downwardly projecting extensions 58ª of the frame or crank-
shaft bearings. The arms 58 carry a roller or runner 59. On depressing the foot
lever 54 the roller 59 is pressed down and the driving wheel 38 is thereby raised
off the ground.
By thus raising the driving wheel the motor piston may be set in action by the
pressure of the carburetted air at starting, in cases where the resistance of the road
to rotation of the driving wheel may be too great for the starting to take place.
The raising and lowering mechanism also serves as a convenient means for tempor-
arily stopping the vehicle as for example in a crowded thoroughfare without
the necessity of stopping and starting the motors by the operation of the hand
levers 45-46.
Above the foot board there is placed another foot lever 60 which is suitably
connected to brake straps 61 for applying a brake to the steering wheels. To prevent
overheating of the motor cylinders they are each provided with a water jacket 62
in connection with a water reservoir 63. The steam generated in the jacket may be
condensed by being caused to pass through any suitable condensing device, such as a
series of tubes exposed to the atmosphere.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature, of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
1 claim is
1. In a hydro-carbon motor having a cycle of operations substantially as herein-
before described, providing a rotary distributing valve or valves for controlling the
passage to one end or both ends of the motor cylinder the said valve or valves being
constructed with two oppositely arranged inlet passages and two oppositely arranged
outlet passages substantially as hereinbefore described for the purposes set forth.
2. In a hydro-carbon motor having the cycle herein before described and
provided with valves for controlling the distribution of the carburetted air or
explosive mixture, the use of synchronously actuated regulating valves, constructed
and arranged substantially as hereinbefore described and shewn for the purposes set
forth.
3. The combination with a hydro-carbon motor and a reservoir of hydro-carbon of
an inspirator or carburetting device constructed with an air nozzle surrounded by
an annular space and with oil and air passages the arrangement being such that a
mixture of air and hydro-carbon is first induced to enter the said annular space
by the action of air passing through the nozzle and is afterwards caused to issue
around the nozzle and become mixed with the said air substantially as hereinbefore
described.
4. In combination with a hydro-carbon motor, my improved inspirator or carbu-
retting device constructed as hereinbefore described with reference to and illustrated
in figs. 13 and 14 of the drawings annexed whether with or without the air purifying
and heating device.
5. In combination with a hydro-carbon motor, my improved inspirator or carbu-
buretting device constructed as herein before described with reference to and illustrated
in fig. 15 of the drawings annexed whether with or without the air purifying and
heating device.
6. In combination with a hydrocarbon motor, my improved inspirator or carbu-
retting device constructed as hereinbefore described with reference to and illustrated
in fig. 16 of the drawings annexed whether with or without the air purifying and
heating device.

page_text: 7. My improved hydro-carbon motor with the pressure storage chamber and
inspirator or carburetting device all constructed arranged and operating substantially
as hereinbefore described with reference to and shewn in figs. 1, to 14 inclusive of
the drawings annexed.
8. My improved combined hydro-carbon motor and light vehicle constructed
arranged and operating substantially as hereinbefore described.
9. Providing a light vehicle constructed with a hydro-carbon motor with means
substantially such as herein described for raising the driving wheel off the ground
for the purposes set forth.
Dated this 15th September 1888.
EDWARD BUTLER.
Per W. Lloyd Wise,
46, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C.,
Agent for the Applicant.