US1725385A - Internal-combustion engine - Google Patents

Description

Aug. 20, 1929. w, WHEELER 1,725,385

INTERNAL COMBUSTI 0N ENGINE Filed May 31, 1923 XNVENTOR B\ C E M ATTORNEY Patented Aug. 20, 1929.

WILLIAM WHEELIZR, OF BROOKLYN, NEIV YORK.

INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINE.

Application filed May 31, 1923.

This invention relates to internal combustion engines, and my improvement is directed particularly to the provision of a heating chamber adapted to be secured to an engine cylinder to receive a portion of the fuel mixture, this chamber serving to contain the spark plug, whose points are thereby located within said chamber, instead of being exposed wit-hin the cylinder.

IVith certain imperfect fuel mixtures, for

example when kerosene or .fuel oil is employed as the fuel, it is diflicult to keep'the spark points clean, so that ignition is faulty, and it is to cure this fault as well as to pro- ]5 vide reliable means for igniting fuel mixture charges in the cylinders that my invention has been devised.

In the main my invention consists of a chamber of approximately globular form,

having a hollow neck portion by which it may be introduced and secured within the usual threaded orifice provided in a cylinder for the reception of the spark plug.

This chamber itself has an orifice for the reception of the spark plug, whose points are thereby held within the chamber in the presence of the charge of fuel mixture therein.

The chamber is composed of copper or other material that is a good absorber and radiator of heat, so that when the engine is in operation a partially isolated Zone of intense heat is created within the chamber. In consequence the combustible character of the quota of fuel mixture within the chamber is enhanced, which in firing has no deleterious effect upon the spark points. The main body of the fuel mixture within the cylinder then instantly receives the flaming charge from the chamber ensuring its thorough combustion. 1

In order that the heated condition of the chamber may be continued for an extended period, I provide it with a spaced surrounding jacket or envelope, the space which is thus enclosed being partially exhausted, the vacuum created serving to retain the heat within the chamber.

Also, to facilitate starting the engine from cold I place a resistance coil within the vacuum space, insulating it from the walls, and connect it in the storage battery circuit.

Other features and advantages of my invention ,will hereinafter appear.

In the drawing:

Figure l is a vertical sectional view illus- Serial No. 642,424.

trating one form of my invention as applied to a cylinder.

Fig. 2 is a section on the line 22 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional View illustrating another form of my invention.

Fig. 4 is a partial section taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 3, and

Fig. 5 is a sectional detail view of a binding post.

In the form of my invention shown in Figs. 1 and 2, let 1 indicate a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine, having the usual threaded orifice 2 for receiving a spark plug. Instead, however, of inserting a spark plug in orifice 2, I insert therein the hollow, threaded end 3 of a globular or other shaped chamber 4, whose upper portion is provided with a threaded orifice 5, in axial alignmentwith engine orifice 2. A spark plug 6 is screwed into orifice 5, with its sparking terminals located within the cham her 4. The interior of chamber 4 is provided with a number of fins 7 that extend inwardly from the Wall surface.

The chamber 4 and fins 7, being composed of copper or material that is a good conduct-or of heat, serve to provide a highly heated zone in said chamber, in the operation of the engine, so that the portion of the cylinder charge entering chamber 4 through the hollow end 3, becomes raised in temperature to a point where it is readily ignited by the spark, even though the mixture had entered the chamber in an unvolatilized state and included heavy grade liquid fuel, such as kerosene or fuel oil. The ensuing effect is that of the ignited charge shooting out through hollow end 3 into the mass of the cylinder charge, causing very complete combustion thereof to take place.

I have also found in practice that the spark points remain quite clean and function most efliciently by reason of the high temperature to which they are exposed in chamber 4. v

In order that the heated condition of chamber 4 may be maintained for an extended period after the engine has ceased to function, I envelope said chamber with an outer wall 8, in spaced relation therewith, and I create a partial vacuum in the interspace, in the manner of a thermos bottle. By this means a heated condition suitable for starting up purposes, is held for a number of hours.

Also the chamber 4; may be provided with v a priming cup 11.

In Figs. 3 and 4 the same elements as those already described are shown and designated by the same reference numerals, excepting that the chamber 4 in this instance is provided with a removable upper portion, here shown in the form of a screw cap 4?. This is for the purpose of having access to the vacuum space to insert therein a resistance coil 12. The coil may be insulated by passing it through insulation blocks 13 which lie between chamber 4 and outer Wall 8, being lodged upon lugs 14. The coil, which may be included in the storage battery circuit, is shown with one terminal grounded at 15, and the other terminal connected with a binding post 16 entered in an insulation plug 17 in the outer wall 8. A gasket 18 between the cap l and the top of walls 4 and 8 effects an air tight joint.

In starting up the engine from cold, a

flow of current through the coil quickly generates sufficient heat in chamber 4 to permit firing the charges.

A lining 19 of insulation material may be provided at each side of the coil to prevent contact with the Wall.

Variations within the spirit and scope of my invention are equally comprehended by the foregoing disclosure.

I claim:

In combination, a heating chamber having means of communication with a cylinder of an internal combustion engine, said chamber provided with spark plug reception means a spark plug engageable with said reception means to expose its Working gap within said chamber, said chamber being jacketed to provide a surrounding vacuum, and electrical resistance means contained between the chamber and jacket for preheating purposes.

Signed at the borough of Manhattan in the city, county, and State of New York this 29th day of May, A. D. 1923.

' WILLIAM WHEELER.

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