The pressure of the gases is raised during compression to about four
atmospheres, and immediately after the explosion it rises to about 180
lbs. on the square inch; during the exhaust it averages about 10 lbs.
per square inch. Ignition is obtained by a tube heated to a bright red
incandescence by a Bunsen flame. At the right moment a valve is opened,
placing the explosive mixture in contact with it and causing the
explosion. When starting the machine the ignition is retarded or takes
place a little after passing the dead point, so that the machine cannot
start the wrong way by mistake. Two or three other features call for
special notice, especially the device for lubricating the cylinder. In
the illustration (Fig. 14) will be seen a small bell-shaped receptacle.
This vessel contains oil, and also a small crank inside driven by a
belt off the valve-shaft. As this crank rotates it dips into the oil at
the bottom of the vessel, and at the top of its path it wipes off the
oil which it has gathered on to a cup which allows it to flow into the
cylinder.
The water jacket is cast separately from the cylinder, and not, as in
many engines, in one piece with it. There is an advantage in this,
because there is less likelihood of flaws or blow-holes in the cylinder
wall passing unobserved when the engine is leaving the maker’s hands.
The governor in some of the sizes is centrifugal, and in others of the
inertia type similar to that described in the Fielding gas engine.
_Pygmée motor (Lefebvre)._—This motor, shown in Fig. 16, gives one the
idea of solidity and compactness. It possesses the peculiar property of
working equally well in any position, either horizontal or vertical.
This is due to the fact that it is particularly well balanced, and when
running does not vibrate at all. Easily started, these engines run at
a very constant speed, and their power in relation to their size is
truly remarkable, hence the name Pygmée. They have been especially
designed for self-propelled vehicles, and are not affected by the worst
running conditions, such as inclement weather or bad roads. In this
type they are constructed with two cylinders in order to obtain a more
constant torque, and also have an arrangement by which the speed can be
changed. For stationary purposes the motor is mounted on a cast-iron
stand (Fig. 16). In virtue of their exceedingly small dimensions and
reduced weight they are specially suitable where small-power motors
are required for home industries or small workshops, and also for
driving private electric installations and pumping water. They have
economically replaced steam engines in agricultural operations, both on
a large and small scale. The working parts being entirely enclosed they
stand a good deal of rough usage, and will work in positions in which
other motors would be useless. Where it is necessary to bring the motor
to the work it is required to perform they are bolted to a carriage
instead of a cast-iron base.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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