US662169A - Engine operated by fluid under pressure. - Google Patents

Description

No. 662,!69. Patented Nov. 20, I900.

G. GEUDER.

ENGINE OPERATED BY FLUID UNDER PRESSURE. (Application filed May 23, 1900.) (No Model.) 4 Sheets-Sheet l.

19 19 I IINIVENTO'H I YIA77'OHNEYS m2 Noam: PEYERS co. wm'aumu. \VASHINGTON, D c.

No. 662,l69. Pafented- Nov "'20, I900. .s. GE-UDER. ENGINE OPERATED BY FLUID UNDER PRESSURE.

(Application filed May 23, 1900.)

(No Madel.) 4 Sheets-Sheet 2.

W/TNESSES INVENTOH THE NORRIS PETERS co, wow-urns WASHINGTON, u. c.

No. 662461 Patented- Nov. 20, I900.

a. GEUDER. ENGINE OPERATED BY FLUID UNDER PRESSURE.

(Applies/Lion filed May 23, 1900.

4 Shee tsS heet 3.

(No Model.)

2 /,v VENTOI? A 770/?NEY6 @lifi fg M 6 n5: rgppms vzvsns cc. PuoTc-uwo, WASMNGTON D c.

Patented Nov. 20, I900.

6. esunan. E ENGINE OPERATED BY FLUID UNDER PRESSURE.

'. (Application filed May 23. 1900.) Q

4 Sheets-Sheet 4.

(No Model.)

IN VENTOH in: Noams warms co wow-mum. wasnmmon, n. c.

on line III III, Fig. II.

GOT'ILIEB GEUDER, OF CLEVELAND, OHIO.

ENGINE OPERATED BY FLUID UNDER PRESSURE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent N 0. 662,169, dated November 20, 1900.

Application filed May 23, 1900. Serial No. 17,736. (No model.)

To all whom it Hung concern:

Be it known that I, GOTTLIEB GEUDER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Cleveland, in the county of Ouyahoga and State of Ohio, have invented new and useful Improvements in Engines Operated by Fluid Under Pressure, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in engines operated by fluid under pressure, and more especially to an engine operated by intermittent explosions and the resulting expansion of an ignitible and explosive gas or fluid.

The object of this invention is to provide an engine of the character indicated that is simple and durable in construction, reliable in its operation, that is exceedingly cleanly, that is light and requires little room, that is economical, and has a comparatively large capacity.

With this object in view, and to the end of realizing other advantages hereinafter appearing, the invention consists in certain features of construction and combinations of parts hereinafter described, and pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure I is atop plan of an engine embodying myinvention. Fig. II is a side elevation, mostly in vertical longitudinal section,on line H II, Fig'. I, but the cylinders a and a of the engine are shown in central longitudinal section. Fig. III is a top plan, mostlyin horizontal section, Fig. IV is a vertical section on line IV IV, Figs. I and II, looking in the direction of the arrow. Fig. V is a vertical section on line V V, Figs. I and II, looking in the direction of the arrow. Fig. VI is an enlarged section in detail on line VI VI, Figs. I and V.

Myimproved engine comprises two cylinders a and a, that are arranged, preferably, horizontally and approximately end to end and the distance apart required to accommodate the location and operation between their inner and adjacent ends of the cranks b of the engine-shaft b, that is supported in any approved manner and arranged at right angles to the cylinders and centrally between the aforesaid ends of the cylinders. The cranklorining portion of the engine-shaft is contained within and surrounded by a case 0. The chambers of the cylinders, at the inner and adjacent ends of the chambers, connect with the chamber 0' of the case 0. Each cylinder a is provided internally with a piston d, that is arranged to operate within and. endwise of the chamber of the said cylinder, and the shaftb has two cranks b and b,that are operatively connected with the different pistons, respectivelythat is, each piston cl is operatively connected bya pitman d with acrank b of the shaft. Each cylinder is provided with a fluid-pressure-receiving port or inlet a and a lateral exhaust-port a arranged a suitable distance apart, and the port a is formed in the head a, with which the outer end of the cylinder is provided, whereas the port a is formed in the shell of the cylinder about midway between the ends of the cylinder and communicates with the exhaust-pipe e. The exhaust-ports of both cylinders are arranged at one and the same side of the engine, so as to conveniently accommodate the provision of an exhaust-pipe in common for both of the said ports.

Next above the top of the case 0 is a chamberf, formed within a case J, that is rigid with the case 0.

The port a of the head a of each cylinder 01, is formed, preferably, in the upper portion of the said head, and the ported portion of the said head is preferably enlarged outwardly and upwardly, so as to form the lug a to accommodate the extension of the port or inlet a first outwardly and upwardly from the chamber of the connected cylinder and thence upwardly and inwardly through the said lug, and the surrounding wall of the said port at the ports outer end is screwthreaded'and engaged by the lower and outer end of a pipe 9, that extends upwardly and inwardly from the said 'port toward the central portion of the engine over and longitudinally of the connected cylinder. The two pipes g and g, that are in open relation, as

already indicated, with the pressure-receiving end of the different cylinders respectively diverge toward the connected cylinders and at their upper or inner and adjacent ends are in open relation with opposite ends, respectively, of the chamberf of the casef.

IOO

The chamber 0 of the case '0' constitutes a mixing-chamber wherein inflammable gas or fluid and air are mixed. The arrangement of parts is such that the pistons of both cylinders move toward or from each other during the operation of the engine, and obviously the cranks of the engine-shaft, connected with the different pistons, respectively, are oppositely arranged-that is, arranged on opposite sides, respectively, of the shaft-and are instrumental in simultaneously and very thoroughly stirring, and thereby mixing, the air and gas or gaseous fluid supplied to the chamber-c.

An upright port 0 (see Figs. II and V,) that is formed in the top of the case 0, continuously communicates at its lower end with the chamber 0 and has its upper end formed in the casef and connecting with the cham ber f. The port 0 is adapted to conduct the explosive mixture from the chamber 0' to the chamber f.

The supply of fluid to the chamber f is controlled by a valve 7", that is arranged within the said chamber, and in its closed position engages the seat-forming annular shoulderf formed upon one of the side walls of the said chamber at the discharging end of the port 0 A suitably-applied spring r acts to retain the valve 1" in its closed position, and the arrangement of the parts is such that the suction created within the chamber 0 during the outward movement of the pistons in the direction of the pressure-receiving ends of the cylinders shall act to retain the valve 7' in its closed position; but obviously not only the chamber 0 of the case 0, but the connected portions of the chambers of the cylinder, are supplied, as hereinbefore indi cated, with fluid during the said outward movement of the pistons, and consequently the inward propulsion of the pistons toward the chamber 0 by the impact of expanding fluid against the faces of the pistons will re.- sult in forcing fluid from within the said chamber 0 into the port a, so as to open the valve 1" against the action of the spring 1", and thence into the chamberf' and thence into the comparatively small chamber h,that is arranged above and connected with the chamber f and wherein the ignitible fluid is compressed and then ignited and exploded.

Means for igniting, and consequently exploding, the compressed body of explosive mixture or fluid is provided and comprises, preferably, the aforesaid ignition-chamber it, that is formed, preferably, within a case it, that is arranged, preferably, a short distance above and supported from the case f. Preferably the case It has a downwardly-extending tubular member 7L2, thatis in open relation at its upper end with the chamber h and communicates at its lower end with the chamber f. Preferably the member It has its lower end screw-threaded externally and screwed into a correspondingly-threaded hole formed in the top of the case f. A wall 71. of

scaled be comparatively thin and at the same time ably withstand a continuous exposure to a flame issuing from a burner 76 during the operation of the engine. The said wall it constitutes when sufliciently heated the fluid-igniting wall of the said chamber. The chamber h (see Fig. V1) is formed, preferably, within the lower portion of the case between the member h and the igniting-wall 71. and the wall 77. is removably held in place by the internal annular flange 1 of at until against the edge of the cases outer or adjacent end, that is screw-threaded externally to receive the nut. The wall h can consequently be readily removed and replaced, if necessary, by unscrewing the nut '6 from the engaging end of the case h.

The burner may be of any approved construction and (see Fig. II) comprises, preferably, a laterally-perforated tube 70, that extends into suitable proximity to the wall It and is rigid with a suitably-supported valvecasing k that is provided with an inlet k for inflammable gas or liquid fuel and has a valved passage-way leading from the said inlet to the chamber of the tube It and has its valve 70 arranged and operated in any approved manner. Upon opening the valve 70 of the burner 7t, and thereby admitting the fuel to the explosion-chamber of the tube 70 and thereupon lighting the fuel within the said chamber, the resulting flame issuing from the free end of the tube 70 impinges against the wall 71. of the chamber h, and consequently results in the ignition and explosion of any compressed body of ignitible and explosive fluid supplied to the said chamber h, and instantaneously with or upon the explosion of fluid within the said chamber h the ignitible and explosive fluid within the chamberf and the connected pipes Q will of course also be exploded and expanded. The arrangement of the parts is of course such that the pistons of both cylinders shall be within the pressure-receiving ends of the cylinders at the time of the explosion and ready or approximately ready to receive the impact against their faces of lhe expanding fiuid conducted to the piston-faces from the pipes 9 through the ports 65*, as hereinbefore described.

By the construction hereinbefore described it will be observed that both cylinders are provided with a common explosion-chamber, that the pistons of both cylinders are simultaneously operated upon by the expanding fluid, and that the arrangement of the parts is such as to render the construction simple and light and reduce the heating of the cylinders to a minimum.

The top wall of the case 0 is provided also with an upright port or passage-way 0 that is adapted to establish open relation between the chamber a of the said case 0 and the chamber Z of the case l, that is formed upon and rigid with the case 0. The upper end of the port 0 is formed within the case Z. (See Fig. IV.) One of the pipes g extends through the chamber-Z, and a tube m (see Fig. 11) surrounds and extends longitudinally of and is larger in transverse section or end elevation than the said pipe 9, so as to form an annular space or chamber m around the said pipe The tube in is open at its outer end and has its inner end screw-threaded externally and engaging the correspondingly-threaded surrounding wall of a bore Z with which one end of the case Z is provided, and the chamberm has its inner end communicating with the chamber Z. The inner end of the tube m, preferably at the top of the latter, is provided with an aperture or inlet m (see Fig. II) for supplying inflammable gas or liquid fuel to the chamber m. The inlet m is in open relation with the discharging end of a passageway 0, formed within and extending through a suitably supported valvecasing o and adapted to receive and conduct the gas or fluid to the aforesaid chamber m, and the casing 0 is provided with a suitably-operated valve 0 for regulating the supply of the said fuel.

Air enters the outer end of the chamberm during the operation of the engine, and the said air and the fluid supplied through the valve-casing o are conducted to the chamber Z, wherein they com mingle. Obviously liquid fuelsuch, for instance, as gasolene-supplied at inlet m will vaporize instantly, because it is exposed not only to the air within the chamber m, but to the heat radiating from the pipe g, that extends through the chamber Z and the commingling air and gas or gaseous fluid or vapor are conducted from the chamber Z by the port 0 into the chamher 0' of the case 0. The surrounding Wall of the port 0 is provided at its upper end with a downwardly-facing valveseat-forming annular shoulder 0 that is arranged to be engaged by the valve 25 in the closed position of the latter. A suitably-applied spring t acts to retain the valve 25 in its closed position, and the arrangement of parts is such that the suction created Within the chamber 0 during the outward movement of the pistons in the direction of the pressure-receiving ends of the cylinders shall result in the opening of the valve i against the action of a spring t and draw a fresh supply of commingling air and gas or vapor into the said chamber.

By the construction hereinbefore described it will be observed that the mixingchamber c is formed between and connected with the posite or discharging end portion of the passage-way; that the said valve is normally held closed and is opened by suction created within the mixing-chamber du ring the outward movement'of the pistons of the cylinders; that a valved passage-way for conducting the explosive mixture from the mixingchamber a to the explosion-chamber h is provided and comprises the port 0 and the chamberf; that two other passage-ways, comprising the pipes g and g, lead from the last-mentioned valved passage-way to the cylinders; that the valve r01": the last-mentioned valved passage-way is arranged between the receiving end of the said passage-way and the aforesaid cylinder-connected passageways, and that the said valve 1" is normally closed, but opened by forcing mixture from the mixingchamber into the said valved passage-way by and during the inward movement of the pistons.

The arrangement of the fluid-pressure-receiving port and the exhaust-port of each cylinder is such that the said cylinders will exhaust at the end of each inward stroke of the piston of the cylinder and the piston-actuating fluid continues in its course after entering the cylinder toward the exhaustport without diversion or backward movement thereof.

It will be observed that the cylinders of the engine hereinbefore described having a common explosion-chamber, as already indicated, have their pistons acted upon simultaneously by each explosion. The pistons of both cylinders move simultaneously toward or from each other. A fresh supply of the explosive fluid is drawn into the mixingchamber 0 during each outward movement of the pistons. A fresh supply of the explosive mixture is forced into the explosionchamber during each inward movement of the pistons, and the said mixture is compressed and exploded within the said chamber. An impact against the pistons is obtainable preparatory during each inward movement of the pistons. Cleanliness within the explosion-chamber and the connected chambers or passage-ways is maintained. Strong and regular explosions are obtained and undue heating of the cylinders is materially avoided.

The casing h of the explosion-chamber opposite the inner surface of the fluid-igniting wall It and above the said chamber, as shown more clearly in Fig. VI, is provided with a bore 7?, that is engaged by an endwise-shiftable plug p and has its fluid-receiving end in open relation, as at 77;, Fig. V1, with the explosion-chamber h. The plug 1) is movable inwardly and outwardly. The bore 71 forms a chamber for receiving the spent gases remaining in the explosion-chamber and adjacent end oi" the connected passage-way preparatory to each supply of fresh explosive mixture to the explosion-chamber. The said supply of explosive mixture will not be exploded until it has been heated within the explosion-chamber to the extent required to cause combustion of the mixture, and obvi ously the time at which the explosion will take place will be retarded or accelerated according as more or less spent gases and airare permitted to remain within the explosionchamber. Obviously a larger or smaller quantity of the spent gases and air are permitted to escape into the chamber 71, from the explosionchamber during the compressing stroke or inward movement of the pistons of the cylinders according as the capacity of the said chamber 72. is enlarged or diminished, and the capacity of the said chamber 71' is regulated by a plug 19, (see Fig. V1,) that consists, preferably, of a cylindrical metallic piece screw-threaded externally, as at p, and engaging the correspondiugly-threaded surrounding wall of an extension of the bore or chamber h. The plug 19 is provided with a handle 19 for turning the same, and the plug is actuated inwardly or outwardly, soas to enlarge or decrease the capacity of the chamber it according as it is turned in the one direction or the other. Successive explosions take place more or less rapidly, therefore, according as the size of the chamber h is increased or decreased, and the exact time at which the pistons of the cylinders shall be operated upon to the best advantage is readily and reliably determined.

Quantities of the spent gases resulting from any one explosion and remaining in the pipes g do not interfere with the operation of the engine, but, contrarily, aid in preventing overheating of the cylinders, because they are forced into the cylinders in advance of the next charge of active and expanding fluid resulting from the next succeeding explosion, and the said succeeding charge of active fluid obviously does not come in directcontact.

with the pistons of the cylinders.

The valve 15 (see Fig. IV) has a stem 29 extending upwardly through an upright guideforming post or arm Z formed upon the case I. The spring t is a spiral spring mounted upon the guide Z and confined between the case Z and the sleeve 25 that is slidably mounted upon the outer end of the guide Z The sleeve t extends a suitable distance beyond the guides outer end, so as to form an annular chamber i within the sleeve around the valve-stem. The sleeve t embraces the guide l in any position of the valve 25. The valve-stems outer end is screw-threaded externally and engaged by a nut i that bears against the outer side of an internal annular flange t formed upon the outer end of the sleeve 6 A cushion-such, for instance, as a washer i of rubber or other elastic material is mounted upon the valve-stem t at the inner side of the flange (7. Obviously by means of the nut i the tension of the spring t can be regulated. The distance between the washer i and the outer end of the guide Z is the exsaid guide.

f in any position of the valve 7'.

eeaiee tent of the shiftability of the valve t from its seat during the operation of the engine.

The construction and operation of the valve 0' is substantially the same as the construction and operation of the valve t, already described, and is as follows: The valve '1' (see Fig. V) has a stem r extending through a guide-forming arm f formed upon the case f. The spring r is a spiral spring confined upon the guide f between the case fand the inner end of the sleeve rfithat is slidably mounted upon the outer end of the guide f The sleeve 1" extends a suitable distance beyond the outer end of the guide f so as to form an. annular chamber 7 within the said sleeve around the valve-stem at the outer end of the The sleeve 1' embraces the guide The outer end of the valve-stem r is screw-threaded externally and engaged by a nut 0", that bears against the outer side of an internal annular flange 1, formed upon the outer end of the sleeve 1". A cushion--such, for instance, as a washer T of rubber or other elastic material-is mounted upon the valve-stem r at the inner side of the flange r of the sleeve 1. Obviously by means of the nut r the tension of the spring 0" can be regulated. The distance between the washer r and the outer end of the guide f is the extent of the shiftability of the valve 0 from its seat during the operation of the engine.

The case h to avoid waste of heat is contained within the lower portion of an upright case or shell 8, that is mounted or formed upon the case f, open at its upper end and provided with a lateral aperture 8 to accommodate the location and operation of the member is of the burner 70.

I would remark also that although an engine having two cylinders, as hereinbefore described, is preferred my invention is not limited to such construction,and,for instance, the left-hand cylinder might be rendered inoperative by disconnecting the pitman or rod of the piston of the said cylinder from the engine-shaft, and the bore of the case f, that is engaged by the pipe g, leading to the said cylinder might be plugged or closed, without rendering the engine inoperative and without departing from the spirit and purpose of my invention.

What I claim is- 1. The combination, with two cylinders arranged a suitable distance apart, and each provided with a fluid-pressure inlet, means for exhausting the cylinders,the engine-shaft,

eratively connected with the shaft, and a chamber formed between and connecting with the inner or adjacent ends of the chambers of the cylinders, of a valved fluid-supply passage-Way leading to the said intermediate chamber, an explosion-chamber in open relation with the fluid-pressure inlet of each cylinder, a valved passage-way leading from the .pistons arranged within the cylinders and opaforesaid intermediate cylinder-connecting chain berto t he explosion-chain ber,and means for effecting the ignition and explosion of the explosive fluid within the explosion-chamber.

2. The combination, with two cylinders arranged a suitable distance apart longitudinally and each provided with a fluid-receiving port or inlet and an exhaust-port arranged a suitable distance apart, the pistons within the cylinders, the engine-shaft arrangei'l between the inner or adjacent ends of the cylinders and operatively connected with the pistons, and the case surrounding the pistonconnected portion of the shaft and having its chamber connected with the inner or adjacent ends of the chambers of the cylinders, of asuitably valved fluid-supply passage-way leading to the chamber of the said case, an explosion-chamberarranged externally of the said case and cylinders and in open relation with the aforesaid inlet of each cylinder, a suitably valved passage way leading from the chambers of the aforesaid case to the explosion-chamber, and means for effecting the ignition and explosion of the explosive fluid within the explosion-chamber, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

3. The combination, of two cylinders arranged a suitable distance apart longitudinally and each provided withafluid-pressure inlet, means for exhausting the cylinders, the engine-shaft between the inner and adjacent ends of the cylinders, the pistons within the cylinders and operatively connected with the shaft, a chamber connected with the inner and adjacent ends of the chambers of the cylinders, the fluid-supply passage-way leading to and connected with the said connectingchamber, a valve within the said passage-way, which valve is normally closed and adapted to be opened by suction created within the aforesaid connecting-chamber, means acting to retain the valve in its closed posit-ion, an explosion-chamber wherein ignition and explosion of the fluid are effected, means for effecting the ignition and explosion of the explosive fluid within the explosion-chamber, a passage-way leading from the aforesaid cylinder-connecting chamber to and connecting with the explosion-chamber, a valve within the last-mentioned passage-way and normally closed and adapted to be opened by compression of the fluid within the cylinder-connecting chamber, means acting to retain the last mentioned valve in its closed position, and passageways leading from the last-mentioned passage-way, at a point between the explosion-chamber and the valve of the said valved passage-way, to the inlets of the cylinders, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

4. The combination of two cylinders arranged a suitable distance apart longitudinally and each provided with a pressure-receiving port or inlet and an exhaust-port arranged a suitable distance apart, the engineshaft between the inner and adjacent ends of the cylinders, the pistons within the cylinders and operatively connected with the shaft, the case surrounding the pistonconnected portion of the shaft and having its chamber connected with the inner and adjacent ends of the chambers of the cylinders, the fluidsupply passage-way leading to and connected with the chamber of the said case, a valve within the said passageway between the fluid-receiving end and the discharging end of the said passage-way, which valve is normally closed and adapted to be opened by suction created within the aforesaid shaftsurrounding case, means acting to retain the valve in its closed position, the explosionchamber wherein ignition and explosion of the fluid are effected, means for effecting the ignition and explosion of the explosive fluid within the explosion-chamber, a passage-way leading from the chamber of the shaft-surrounding case to and connecting with the explosion-chamber, a valve within the last-mentioned passage-way and normally closed and adapted to be opened by compression of the fluid within the shaft surrounding case, means acting to retain the last-mentioned valve in its closed position, and passage-ways leading from the last-mentioned valved passage-way, at a point between the explosionchamber and the valve of the said valved passage-way, to the inlets of the cylinders, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

5. The combination of two cylinders arranged a suitable distance apart longitudinally and each provided with a pressure-receiving port or inlet and an exhaust-port arranged a suitable distance apart, the engineshaft between the inner and adjacent ends of the cylinders, the pistons within the cylinders and operatively connected with the shaft,- the case surrounding the piston-connected portion of the shaft and having its chamber connected with the inner and adjacent ends of the chambers of the cylinders,

the fluid-supply passage-way leading to and connected with the chamber of the said case, means for supplying the fluid to the said passage-way, a valve arranged within and controlling the said passage-way between the fluid-receiving end and the discharging end of the passage-way and adapted to be opened by suction created within the chamber of the shaft-surrounding case during the outward movement of the pistons, means acting to retain the valve in its closed position, the explosion-chain her wherein ignition and explosion of the fluid are effected, means for effecting the ignition and explosion of the explosive fluid within the explosion-chamber, a passage-way leading from the chamber of the shaft-surrounding case to and connecting with the explosion-chamber, a valve arranged within and controlling the last-mentioned passage-way and adapted to be opened by forcing fluid into the said passage-way from within the shaftsurrounding case, means acting to retain the last-mentioned valve in its closed position,and two pipes in open relation, at one end, with the lastanentioned valved passage-way between the explosionchamber and the valve of the said passageway, and leading to and in open relation with the inlet of the dilferent cylinders, respectively, and one of the said pipes extending through the fluid-supply passage-way, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

6. The combination, with two cylinders arranged a suitable distance apart longitudinally and provided each with a pressurereceiving port or inlet and an exhaust-port arranged a suitable distance apart, the engineshaft arranged between the inner and adja cent ends of the cylinders, the pistons Within the cylinders and operatively connected with the shaft, the case surrounding the shaft and having its chamber connected with the inner and adjacent ends of the chambers of the cylinders, of an explosion-chamber wherein the ignition and explosion of the fluid take place, a passage-way leading from the chamber of the aforesaid case to and connecting with the explosioncham her, a valve arranged within the said passage-way and normally closed and adapted to open in the direction of the dis charging end of the passage-way, means acting to retain the valve in its closed position, two pipes in open relation with the said passage-way between the valve and the explosion-chamber and extending to and in open relation with the inlets of the cylinders, a passage-way arranged to conduct and supply the ignitible and explosive fluid to the chamber of the shaft-surrounding case and comprising an air-supply tube surrounding and extending longitudinally of one of the aforesaid pipes and larger in transverse section than the said pipe so as to form an annular space around the said pipe, a valve within the fluid-supply passage-way and adapted to be opened by suction created within the chamber of the shaft-surrounding case, means acting to retain the said last-mentioned valve in its closed position, and means for supplying ignitible and explosive fluid to the said passage-way between the last-mentioned valve and the outer or air-receivingeud of the aforesaid tube, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

7. The combination, with-the horizontallyarranged engine-shaft, acase surrounding the said shaft, two cylinders arranged at opposite sides, respectively, of the shaft and having their chambers connected, at the inner ends of the cylinders, with the chamber of the said case and each provided with a pressure-receiving port or inlet and an exhaust-port arranged a suitable distance apart, the pistons withi n the cylinders,operati ve connections be tween the pistons and the shaft, of an explosion-chamber arranged above the aforesaid case, means for effecting the ignition and explosion of the explosive fluid within the explosionchamber, the valved passageway leading from the chamber of the shaft-surrounding case to and connected with the explosionchamber, two pipes in open relation with the said passage-way between the location of the valve and the ex plosion-chamber and extending and diverging downwardly and connected and communicating with the inlet of the difierent cylinders, respectively, the valved fluid-supply passage-way leading to the chamber of the aforesaid case, and means for supplying ignitible and explosive fluid to the fluid-supply passage-way between the valve and the receiving end'of the said passageway, all arranged and operating substantially as shown, for the purpose specified.

8. The combination, with a cylinder, the piston within the cylinder, the engine-shaft, and the operative connection between the piston and the shaft, .of a mixing-chamber in open relation with the cylinders chamber at the inner end of the cylinder, a passage-way for supplying air and an explosive fluid to the mixing-chamber, a valve controlling the said passage-way and adapted to be opened by suction created within the mixing-chamber during the outward movement of the piston, means acting to retain the valve in its closed position, an explosion-chamber arranged externally of the mixing-chamber, means for effecting the ignition and explosion of the explosive mixture supplied to the explosion-chamber, a passage-way leading from the mixing-chamber to the explosion-chamher, a valve controlling the last-mentioned passage-way and adapted to be opened by forcing explosive mixture from the mixingchamber and into the explosion-chamber during the inward movement of the piston, means acting to retain the last-mentioned valve in its closed position, and another passage-way leading from the last-mentioned valved passage-way, at a point between the explosionchamber and the valve of the said valved passage-way to and communicating with the pressu re-receiving end of the cylinders ehamher, and meansfor exhausting the cylinder, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

9. The combination, with a cylinder, the piston within the cylinder, the engine-shaft, and the operative connection between the piston and the shaft, of a mixing-chamber in open relation with the cylinders chamber at the inner end of the cylinder, a passage-way for supplying air and an explosive fluid to the mixing-chamber, a valve controlling the said passage-way and adapted to be opened by suction created within the mixing-chamber during the outward movement of the piston, means acting to retain the said valve in its closed position, an explosion-chamber arranged externally of the mixing-chamber, means for heating the explosion-chamber to the extent required to effect the ignition and explosion of the explosive mixture supplied to the said chamber, a passage-way lead ing from the mixing-chain her to the explosionchamber, a valve controlling the last-mentioned passage-way and adapted to be opened by forcing explosive mixture from the mixingchamber and into the explosion-chamber by and during the inward movement of the piston, means acting to retain the last-mentioned valve in its closed position, apipe leading from the last-mentioned valved passageway at a point between the explosion-chamber and the valve of the said valved passageway through the first-mentioned or fluid supply passage-way to and in open relation with the pressure-receiving end of the cylinders chamher, and means for exhausting the cylinder, all arranged and operating substantially as shown, for the purpose specified.

10. The combination, with a cylinder, a piston within the cylinder, the engine-shaft, and the operative connection between the piston and the shaft, of an explosion-chamber, a passage-way for supplying the explosive fluid to the explosion-chamber, a valve controlling the said passage-way, another passage-way leading from the said valved passageway at a point between the explosion-chamber and the valve of the said valved passage-way and communicating with the pressure-receiving end of the cylinder-chamber, means for exhausting the cylinder, another chamber in open relation with the explosion-chamber and arranged to receive spent gas or products of combustion from the explosion-chamber preparatory to charging the explosion-chamber with explosive fluid, and means for effecting the ignition and explosion of the explosive fluid at or near the receiving end of the chamber arranged as aforesaid to receive the spent gas or products of combustion.

11. The combination of a cylinder, the piston within the cylinder, the engine-shaft, and the operative connection between the piston and the shaft, a mixing-chamber in open relation with the cylinders chamber at the. inner end of the cylinder, a passage-way for supplying the air and an explosive fluid to the mixing-chamber, a valve controlling the said passage-way and adapted to be opened by suction created within the mixing-chamher during the outward movement of the piston, means acting to retain the said valve in its closed position, an explosion-chamber, means for efiecting the ignition and explosion of the explosive mixture supplied to the explosion-chamber, a passage-way leading from the mixing-chamber to the explosion-chamber, a valve controlling the last-mentioned passage-way and adapted to be opened by,

forcing fluid from the mixing-chamber and into the explosion-chain her during the inward movement of the piston, means acting to retain the last-mentioned valve in its closed position, another passage-way leading from the last-mentioned valved passage-way at a point between the combustion-chamber and the valve of the said valved passage-way to and communicating with the pressure-receiving end of the cylinders chamber, means for exhausting the cylinder, and means for accelerating or retarding the time at which explosion shall take place within the explosionchamber.

12. The combination, with a cylinder, the piston within the cylinder, the engine-shaft and the operative connectionbetween the piston and the shaft, of an explosion-chamber, a passage-way for supplying the explosive fluid to the explosion-chamber, asuitably-operated valve controlling the said passage-way, another passage-way leading from the said valved passageway at a point between the explosion-chamber and the valve of the said valved passage-way to and communicating with the pressure-receiving end of the cylinders chamber, means for exhausting the cylinder, and another chamber in open relation with the explosion-chamber and arranged to receive spent gas or'products of combustion from the explosion-chamber preparatory to charging the explosion-chamber with explosive fluid, and means for igniting and exploding the explosive fluid within the explosionchamber at or near the receiving end of the aforesaid gas-receiving chamber.

13. The combination, with a cylinder, the piston within the cylinder, the engine-shaft and the operative connection between the piston and the shaft, an explosion-chamber, a passage-way for supplying the explosive fluid to the explosion-chamber, a suitably-operated valve controlling the said passageway, another passage -way leading from the said valved passage Way at a point between the explosion-chamber and the valve of the said valved passage-way to and communicating with the pressure-receiving end of the cylinders chamber, means for exhausting the cylinder, another chamber in open relation with the explosion-chamber and arranged to receive spent gas or products of combustion from the explosion-chamber preparatory to charging the explosion-chamber with explosive fluid, and means for igniting and exploding the explosive fluid within the explosionchamber at or near the receiving end of the aforesaid gas-receiving chamber, of means for regulating the capacity of the said gas-receiving chamber, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

la. The combination, with a cylinder, the piston within the cylinder, the engine-shaft and the operative connection between the piston and the shaft, an explosion-chamber, a passage-way for supplying the explosive fluid to the explosion-chamber, a suitably-operated valve controlling the said passage-way, another passage way leading from the said valved passage-way at a point between the explosion-chamber and the valve of the said valved passage-way to and communicating with the pressure-receiving end of the cylinders chamber, means for exhausting the cylinder, another chamber in open relation with the explosion-chamber and arranged to receive spent gas or products of combustion from the explosion-chamber preparatory to charging the explosion-chamber with explosive fluid, and means for igniting and exploding the explosive fluid within the explosionchamber at or near the receiving end of the aforesaid gas-receiving chamber, of means for regulating the capacity of the said gas-recei ving chamber and comprising a snitablyoperated end \vise-shiftable plug engaging the said chamber, su bstantiall yas and for the purpose set forth.

15. The combination, with a cylinder, the piston within the cylinder, the engine-shaft and the operative connection between the piston and the shaft, of an explosion-chamber, having one of its walls constituting an igniting-wall and formed by a comparatively thin piece of metal, such, for instance, as platinum, that is able to Withstand a high degree of heat, a suitably-operated burner arranged as required to have its flame impinge against the outer side of the said Wall of the explo sion-chamber, another chamber comm unicating with the explosion-chamber at or near the aforesaid igniting-wall,a passage-Way forsup- GOTPLIEB GEUDER.

Witnesses:

O. H. DORER, A. H. PARRATT.

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