US1183904A - Internal-combustion engine. - Google Patents

Description

W. C. PALMER.

INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE.

APPLICATION EILED Nov. 9. 1914.

Patent-ed May 23, 1916.

3 SHEETS-SHEET I.

W. C. PALMER.

INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE. APPLICATION man Nov. 9, 1914,

1,1 83,904. Patented May 23,1916

3 SHEETSSHEET 2.

III/III W. C. PALMER. v INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE. APPLICATION FILED Nov. 9, 19 132 1,183,904. Patented May 23,1916.

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U ITED STATES PATENT oFrroE.

WILLIAM C. PALMER, OF CHIGAGOQILLI NGIS.

mrnRNAL-comus'rIoN ENGINE.

To all whom it may concern l I Be it known that I, WILLIAM C. PALMER, a citizen of the United, States, residing at Chicago, in the county of .Cook and State of llinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Internal-Combustion Engines, of which the following is a specification. V 7

One of the objectsof the present invention is the production of a light-weight, powerful motor or engine'of the internal-combustion or explosiontype, preferably of, the style wherein an explosion occurs in each cylinder for each revolution, whereby a small number of cylindersonly arefequired 'to obtain the desired smooth running ofthe device.

A further feature of the invention re- I sides in the production of a constrl lctiori and other objects will be apparent.

wherein the charge or. -mixture of explosive gas is drawn into the cylinder under the action of spring-pressure, preferably, though not necessarily, in connection orassociation with an auxiliary fresh air: through the crank casings whereby to secure anefiicient scavengering or cleaning of thecylindersand an efiective expulsion of'the exploded gases,

Another salient feature of the improved construction incorporating the preferred embodiment of the invention is the employment of multiple or double springs one Within the other to secure an extensive eXpan: sion, but occupying, however,

have a full and complete understanding of" the invention, a preferred embodiment of the same has been illustrated in the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification, and to which reference-should be had in connectionwith the following detailed description of operation. In the various views, like characters refer to 'thesame jparts. From a consideration of the illustration and description, the attainment ofthe above specified In these drawingszvFigure l'isa central, vertical, longitudinal section through a twocylinder engine Fig. 2 is a vertical cross:

the usual connecting-rod 21 and the supply taken, and pistons,--;

I apertured boss, 24; and provided with a port through the pistonand a relatively small space, thesesprings being employed the construction, and

open, and vice versa.

The ribs 28' on the upper portions of the cylinders are circular in iormwhile the ribs '37 on the lower portions of the Patented May 23, 1916.

Application filed November 9, 1914. Serial No. 870,969.

section through one of the cylinders showing 4 the movable parts in a different position;

Fig. 3 is a central, vertical section between pendent crank-case, 18 and 19 respectively,

the cylinders being in direct communication With their respective crank-casings, as is clearly illustrated.

In this two-cylinder engine, power-piston 20 of the cylinder eiated with its portion of the crank-shaft by I reciproeating piston 22 of the cylinder 17 is simi larly connected to the crank-shaft by a connecting-rod 23. tons has an upstanding, centrally-disposed, respectively, each the sliding equipped with, downwardlylosing, springactuated valves 26 and 27 respectively.

As'is illustrated, the cylinders are supplied with the outstanding radiation ribs 28, 28, and between the lower portions of the cylinders there is extended,,right-angle passage 29, (Figs. 3 and 4), opening at its upper end space between the cylinders. The closure 30 for the enlarged or lower end of the air passage 29 is held in place =againstthecasing by a wing-nut 31- on the threaded end of a 32, the inner end of which takes into the rod internal. boss 33. Fulcrumed onthis rod is 16 is asso- Each of these hollow pisprovided a downwardly-' into the a lever 34 carrying upwardly olosing valves v 35 and 36, the former; establishing and breaking communication between the passage 29 and the crank-casing 1 8, and. the latter controlling communication between the passage 29 and'the companion crankcasing '19, the valves being so arranged on thelever arm that when one is closed 'the'other is the cylinder are continuous, extending around not only outer surfaces of the cylinders 18 and 17 but also aroundthe'walls forming the central passage 29, all as is clearly illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4.

Fastened to opposite sides of the cylinders by screws 60 engaging bosses 61 are a pair of sheet- metal lates 62 and 63, spaced away from the cylin ers and having their forward portions 64 made divergent and the rear portions 65 convergent so as to receive tween them an adequate supply of coolmg air and direct it toward the rear side of the back cylinder to more efficiently obtain its cooling action. These plates, as will be apparent,-form a sort of casing or open shell" around the cylinders.

Each cylinderhas an intake-port 38 controlled by a spring-pressed valve 39, and is also supplied with a plurality of discharge I ating ports 45, 45 and controlled wardly-closing spring-pressed valve 46.

ports 40, 40, associated with ribbed exhaust manifolds 41 and 42.

Each cylinder-in itsupper portion has reciprocable, therein a hollow plunger 43 provided through its top-wall with a port 414 communicating with a plurality of radiy an up- Each cylinder at its top has an upwardlyprojecting, externally ribbed, axial extension 47 providing an internal cylindrical compartment or chamber 48 accommodating an outer expansion spiral-spring 49 and an inner telescoping expansion-spiral-spring 50 associated together so as to operate in series or conjunction with one another by means of a thin, metal. interposed sleeve 51, the

lower end of which has a flange 52 underlying the lower end of the outer spring 49 and the inner or upper end of which has a shoulder 53 overlying the corresponding end of the internal spring 50, the inner end of the sleeve having also a reduced extension 54; adapted to slide on and be guided by a central stud accommodated inside ofthe inner spring. As'is clearly shown, the lower end of the inner spring 50 bears against a central boss on the, top wall of the. sliding plunger 43. 'In this way the downward pressure of both springs isexertcd on' the plunger, tending to depress the same. The parts are so constructed that when the plunget is at its uppermost position, as illustrated in the right-hand cylinder of Fig. 1, the compartn'ient or chamber 48 is substantially filled with the telcscoped and interfitting springs, sleeve. stud, and val ve-operating pal so that the compartment can contain or hold only a aseouscontent of small volume under these circumstances.

flach cylinder is, of course, equippcd with its own spark plug or other ignition device and 57 respectively. In order that the charge inside of the hollow plunger may be fired or exploded, the exterior surface of each plunger is equipped with an annular groove 58 which communicates with one or more holes or apertures 59 extending pressure above the pis the-k'ompresscd air below the piston and in through the cylindrical wall of the plunger, the groove 58, of course, beingin register with the spark plug of the cylinder when conditions are proper for the explosion of the mixture, as shown in the right-hand portion of Fig. 1..

Operation: The 0 eration' of this appliance takes place su stantially as follows: Assuming -in any one cylinder that the plunger and the piston which partially telescopes therewith are at the upper range of their movements with a compressedcharge or mixture between them ready for firing the explosion, asillustrated in the right-hand cylinder of Fig. 1, the igniting device is operated and ares the charge by means of the groove 58 and the openings 59. This explosion pushes the piston downwardly, exerting rotative effort on the cran '-shaft in the usual manner. The plunger, however, remains in its uppermost position, because the pressure between it and the piston is greater than the downward pressure of the coiiperziting springs 49 and 50. As soon, however, as the pressure between the plunger and piston is reduced sufficiently so that the pressure of the springs on the plunger overcomes it, which will ordinarily occur as soon as the piston uncovers the exhaust ports 40, then the plunger. will be pressed down by its springs and will draw in the fresh discharge above it through the intakeport 38, the valve 39 opening for this purpose, as will be readily understood, and the valve 46 of the plunger remaining closed. This downward movement of the plunger not only draws in a new charge above it, but it also assists in the rapid expulsion of the exploded gases through the discharge ports which are made of ample capacity.

During the downward stroke of the piston the corresponding crank-case valve or 36, as the case may be. was held closed, owing to the compression of the air in the crank-case due to such movement of the piston. During the down stroke of the )iston, the valve '26 was maintained closed y reason of the gas pressure above it and its own cooperating spring. Assoon, however, as the piston uncovered the exhaust or 1 discharge ports and t'pereby reduced the on, the pressure of the'icrunlc-case was suflicicnt to open the piston van-012a and 27. as the case may be, and centrally discharge the fresh air into the cylinder between the piston and the plunger-J This discharge will occur at approximately the same time tlmt'thc plunger is descendingitoward the pistop under the influence of its springs, which results in the r'apiddischarge of the exploded g es, the air-assisting in expelling the gases and cleaning the cylinder. In this way a direct cooperation obtained between the action Ice I plunger, partly entering the same, and in so doing, will compress the intervening air which will act as acushion between the parts. Such upwardm'ovement of the piston and. plunger causes a closure of the valve- 39 and an opening of the valve 46, so that the gas charge above theplunger 1s now transferred to within the plunger and when I the plunger and piston reach their uppermost position the mixture will be then ready for firing or ignition, as previously explained. This upward travel of the piston.

will cause an opening of the crank-case valve and the drawing in to thecjrank-cuse of a supply of air'froin between the cylinders through the passage 29 ready for compression in the crankcase duringthdsubsequent descent of the piston, as explained above. -Whcre, a plurality of cylinders are employed in close juxtaposition, as is usual in engines of this type, the hottest zone and that which requires the most cooling, is between the two cylinders, and by thus drawiug in the air this points positive/ and direct circulation of air is efiected between the cylinders assist ng in ma ntain ng them cool.

I ders is alike, .40

Stated differently, the cooling air around the I J exterior of the cylinders is drawn in through Myths craulcoasings and used to assist in the expulsiomof the. exploded gases in the cylinders and in their cleansing. 5

dlhe cycle of operation in the/two cylinbut it should benotcd that. no springs are required for the crank-case valves and 36 mounted on the lever 34;

because one of these valyes will alwzfys be open while the ctheris i closed' andz'vice versa.

That is, -vvhen'air is being drawn into one crankcase it is being compressed in the other so that there is no conflict, in the action of the Valvesl- It should be observedjfurther that an engine of this type is somewhat self-regu- I 1 the plungers and,'conseq'uently,.

which they will suck in,

lating because theiextent of movement of the charge what upon the'speed at vvhichuthe engine is operating, .thehigheij the speed the less charge drawn in and the lowerthe speed the greater the charge, whereby the engine will -have a tendency to maintain a 'uniform' speed.

,FIOIH a consideration of this preferred embodiment of the invention'and its functions it will be appreciated that the objects of the invention are. accomplished therein.- Thatiis to say, the-engine may be constructed so asto he. of light weight and still sntiooth-in operation, due to. a

will depend somethe fact that there is an explosion in each cylinder during each revolution, the charge or mixture being drawn in under spring action, the cylinders eifective'ly cooled both interiorly and extcriorly and cleaned internally by the air admitted centrally through the piston, such central distribution being most efiicient for the rapid and complete expulsion of the useless gases.

Various minor mechanical changes may be incorporated in a structure, of this character' without departing from the essence of the inventionand without sacrificing any of its'substantial benefits and advantages, and it is, therefore, to be understood that theinvention is not limited and restricted to the precise-41nd exact structural. features shown and described.

I claim:

1. In an. internalcombustion engine, the combination of a cylinder provided'with an intake-port, a power-piston slidable in said cylinder, a valved plunger slidable in said cylinder and located between the cylinder intake-port and said piston, and a plurality offtelescoping springs arranged in series and adapted to operate said plunger, substantially' described;

2 In'an internal-combustionengine, the combination of a cylinder provided with an intake-port, a power-piston sli'd able in said -3. In aniinterual combustion-engine, the

combination of a plurality of cylinders, a

piston slidable in each, 'a closed crank-case for each. of said cylinders, means to conduct valve for each of said pistons controlling the passage of the crank-case alr through the piston into the cylinder, substantially as described I, V I

4, In an internal-combustion engine, the combination of a cylinder provided with intake and exhaustports,a valved power-piston slidable in said cylinder, apowershait,

, a connection, between said piston and power shaft, meansito, cause said valveto open to admit air'through the piston into the cyl inder to assist i'nthe expulsion of the explodedlgases, EVValVGd" plunger slidable in said cylinder and located between thegcylinder intakefportand said. piston, and means unconnected with said shaft adapted to operate said plunger, substantially as described;

5.111- 311 internal-combustion engine, the

a air frombetween said cylinders to-said crank cases, a valve for each of said crank-cases, a crank-shaft, a conneotingrod between the crank-shaft and each of said pistons, and a combination of acylinder provided with intake andexhaust-ports, a valved Power-pis ton slidable in said cylinder, means to cause said valve to open to admit air through the 5 piston into the cylinder to assist in the expulsion of the exploded gases, a valved plunger slid-able in said cylinder and located between the intake-port and said power-piston, and sprin -means to operate said plunger, substantia ly as described. v

6. In an internal-combustion engine, the combination ofa cylinder provided with intake and exhaust-ports and a compartment forming an extension of the cylinder-cavity, a valved power-piston slidable in said cylinder, means to cause -said valve to open to admit air through the piston into the cylinder to assist in the expulsion of the exploded gases, :1 valved plunger slidable in said cylinder and located between the intake-port and said power-piston, and spring-means housed in said compartment and adapted to operate said plunger, substantially as described.

7. In an internal-combustion engine, the combination of a cylinder provided with intake and exhaust-ports, a valved power-piston slidable therein, a closed crank-case, a crank-shaft, a connecting-rod between said crankshaft and piston, the valve of tie piston being adapted to permit the passage of air therethrough from the crank-case to assist in the expulsion of the exploded gases and in the cleaning of the cylinder, a valved plunger slidable in said cylinder and located between the cylinder intake-port and said power-piston. and means unconnected with said crank-shaft adapted to operate said plunger, substantially as described.

v8.In an internal-combustion engine. the combination of a cylinder provided with intake and exhausbports and a compartment forming an extension of the cylinder cavity, a valued power-piston slidable in said cylinder. a closed crank-case, a crank-shaft in said case, a rod connecting said crank-shaft and piston, the alve of the piston being adapted to permit the passage of air therethroughfrom' the crank-case to assist in the expulsion of the exploded gases and in the cleaning of the cylinder, a valved plunger slidablc in said cylinder and flocptbd between the cylinder intake-port and said power-piston. and spring-means housed in said compartment and adapted to operate said plunger, substantially as described.

9. In an internal-combustion engine. the combination of a cylinder provided with intake and exhaushports, a power-piston Slide ncction between said piston and shaft, a closed crank-case, a crankshaft in said case,

provided with intake and exhaust ports, a

able in said cylinder. a power-shaft, a con a rod connecting saidcrank-shaft a'nd pisl tan, a valve controlling the admission of air to the crank-case, a valve controlling the passage of the crank-ease air throu h the piston into the cylinder, 11 valved-p ungcr slidable in said cylinder and located between the intake-port and said power-piston, and means unconnected with said power-shaft adaptedto operate said plunger, substan tially as described. I

10. In an internal-combustion engine, the combination of a cylinder provided with intake and exhaust-ports, a power-piston slidable therein and having a substantially central apertrfre therethrough, a closed crankcase, a crank-shaft in said case, a connecting-rod between said crank-shaft and piston, a valve controlling the admission of air to the crank-case, a valve controlling the passage of the crank-ease air through the aperture through said piston into the cylinder, a valved plunger slidable in said cylinder and located between the intake-port and said po\ver-piston, and spring-means to opcrate said plunger, substantially as described.

11. In an internal-combustion engine, the combination of a plurality of cylinders each owevpiston slidable in each of saidcylinders. a closed crank-case for each of said cylinders, means to conduct air from be tween said cylinders to said crank cases, a valve for each of'said crank-cases, a crankshaft for each of said crank-cases, a connecting rod between each of said power-pistons and said crank-shafts. a valve in each of said pistons controlling the passage of the crank-case air through the piston intothe cylinder, :1 valved plunger slidable in each of said cylinders and located between the vlinder intake-port and the corresponding power-piston, and means to operate said plungers, substantially as described.

12.. In an internal-combustion engine, the combination of a plurality of cylinders each having admission and exhaust-ports, a casing inclosing said cylinders and open at the front and rear topermitthe passage ofair past the cylinders, 11 power-piston slidablc in each of said cylinders, a closed crankcase for each ofsaid cylinders, means to conduct air from between said cylinders to said crank cases, a valve, for each of said crank-cases, a cranlr shaftin said crank-cases,'a connecting rod between the 'crank'slmft and each of said power-pistons; and a valve for each of .said pistons controlling the passage of the crank-case'air through the piston into the c \"linder, substantially as described.

WILLIAM C. PALMER. \Vitncssest Y t H. E. (lust, I 4 R. L, Hummers,

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