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Aviation History
1910
1910 - 1075.PDF
t/PCHf] Some of the component parts of the Gnome rotary engine. In the centre is the stationary crank-shaft, and above it is the steel ring forming the crank-chamber. On the left is the end-plate of the crank-chamber carrying the valve-operating mechanism, and on the extreme left is the « ignition-commutator. which operation also disconnects the gudgeon-pin bracket from the piston. The seven pistons operate upon one crank, and six of the seven oonnecting-rods are hinged to the big-end of one particular connect ing rod that actually embraces the crank. This big-end is mounted on a ball bearing, and ball bearings are also used to support the DECEMBER 31, 1910. into the groove from the inside, after which the cylinders are drawn back again as far as the ring will permit. A taper pin of special section is driven through the periphery of the crank-chamber in such a way as to engage underneath the split ring so as to lock the cylinder in position. The crank-chamber is closed in front and behind by steel plates, one of which carries the cam mechanism for operating the exhaust-valves, which are situated in the cylkider-heads. Small counterweights are also employed in connection with the exhaust-valve mechanism in order to eliminate the effect of centrifugal force. The carburettor is mounted at one end of the stationary crank-shaft, and the mixture is- drawn in through a valve in the piston as already explained. Ignition is effected by a magneto, the magneto being mounted on a stationary bracket and driven by gearing. The distribution of the current to the sparking- plugs is effected by a revolving commutator- plate and a stationary brush. Bare brass wires are employed as connections between the plugs and the commutator. Castor oil is used for lubricating the' engine, the oil being injected into the hollow crank-shaft through sight-feed fittings by a mechanically-operated pump. Sketch illustrating how the steel cylinders are held on the steel crank- Sketch illustrating the View of a piston with the master connecting-rod of the cylinder balanced Induction-valve in; Gnome rotary engine. All the other connecting-rods are chamber of the Gnome rotary engine the piston-head of the hinged to the big-end of this one. by split-rings and taper-pins. Gnome rotary engine. engine as a whole upon the stationary crank-shaft. The cylinders are machined from the solid, and are held in place on a steel ring forming the outer part of the crank-chamber. The method of fastening is ingenious and very simple, and is accomplished without the use of bolts. The lower ends of the cylinders are turned with a groove to receive a split ring, similar to a piston ring in its general appearance. The cylinders are then forced through the holes that receive them in the crank-chamber and the split ring is sprung The bore and stroke of the Gnome rotary engine are no by 120mm., and the normal revolutions 1,200. The 50-h.p. 7-cyIinder model has a stated weight of 167 lbs., while the 100-h.p. 14-cylinder engine, which in principle consists of two 50 h.p. motors coupled' together, but with the valve-mechanism all transferred to one end the stated weight is 220 lbs. It should be noted that the sole British agents for the Gnome arer the British and Colonial Aeroplane Co., Ltd., of Bristol. A view from In front of the Glider of the Bristol and West of England Aero Club IO76
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