GB611247A - An improved method and apparatus for running-in or conditioning internal combustion engines - Google Patents

Abstract

611,247. Running in engines after assembly. AUSTIN MOTOR CO., Ltd., LORD, L. P., HOLBECHE, H. W., and COLEMAN, S. March 28, 1946, No. 9568. [Class 122 (iii)] A process for conditioning internal-combustion engines consists in mounting the engines radially on a table 10 which is rotated slowly by an electric motor 21, through a speed reduction gear 20, connected to a spur-wheel 18 secured to a socket 17, which bears in a hollow spigot 16 mounted on a base 15. The engines are driven preferably by a single motor 27, the power being transmitted through a hollow shaft 32 within the spigot 16 by bevel gearing 30, 31 and 33, the latter meshing with a set of bevel pinions 35, each of which is keyed to a driving shaft of one of a set of clutch boxes 36, the shafts of which are coupled to each engine crank-shaft by means of a clutch member 38 and a coupling 37. A chamber 39 is fed with lubricating oil from a reservoir 40 by way of the hollow shaft 32 and an oil pressure chamber 41 above is fed from a pipe 42 to which is secured a cam plate 44, the periphery of which engages the stems of a set of oil valves 45 communicating with a set of oil pipes 46 leading to pipe couplings 47 one of which is connected to each engine. To each cradle 23 there is provided an extending lever 53 having a roller 55 at its lower end in contact with a cam block 56. A link rod 57, pivoted to the lever 53 is itself pivoted to a shaft 58 which operates a fork in the clutch-box 36 to move a clutch member 60 out of engagement with a driving clutch member 61. The drive is restored by the roller 55 bearing against a second cam block. When each engine approaches the unloading position the respective roller 55 encounters the block 56 and the drive to the engine is uncoupled. The stem of the respective valve in the chamber 41 at the same time enters a recess in the cam 44, thereby cutting off the oil supply. Oil is returned to the sump from the engine crank-case by way of a recess in the cradles 23 and trays 73 and 74.