GB168614A - Improvements in means for starting internal combustion engines - Google Patents

Abstract

168,614. Goudge, J. A., (Heywood, C. F.). March 12, 1920. Starting.-Compressed air or gas is supplied to the cylinders in turn of a multi-cylinder engine by an engine-driven distributing valve or a series of cam-actuated beat valves, the distributor being arranged to supply a relatively large quantity of starting-fluid to one cylinder on the working stroke and at the same time a smaller quantity to one or two cylinders next in the order of firing. In one form, Fig. 1, a rotary engine-driven valve 9 has a port registering in turn with ports 5 leading through pipes 6 to the individual cylinders. Compressed air or gas is admitted by a pipe 3 and naphtha or hydrocarbon by a pipe 15 and non- return valve 16 to a small valve conduit 14 leading to a port 5 in advance of that to which compressed air or gas is admitted. A screw 17 regulates the admission of air or gas to the conduit 14. The pipes 6 lead to non-return valves on the cylinders, and may be fitted with test cocks. In a modification, the mixture of fuel and air is effected outside the valve chamber 1 and the valve 9, Fig. 8, has slots 33, 34, 35 of different width, which register with ports leading respectively to cylinders on the explosion, compression, and suction strokes. The valve spindle may carry distributor contacts in a primary or secondary igni. tion circuit. In a form comprising cam-actuated lift valves, the cam shaft may be mounted in eccentric bearings so that it can be put out of action when the engine has started, or cam rollers may be mounted on a displaceable rod for interposition between the cams and the valve-rods. The compressed air may be supplied to a container by an engine-driven pump, the inlet valve 37 of which, Fig. 10, is automatically held open when the pressure in the container reaches a certain limit. The valve is opened by a rod 49 actuated through levers 46, 48 by a piston in a cylinder 42 connected to the receiver. The levers 46, 48 work on a fixed pivot 47 and are controlled by a spring 50 to give a snap action. The rod 49 may be in one with the valve 37. The container may alternatively be supplied with burnt gases under pressure from one of the cylinders.