James Atkinson (inventor)

James Atkinson (1846 – 1914)[1] of Hampstead was a British engineer who invented several engines with greater efficiency than the Otto cycle. The Atkinson cycle engines were named the "Differential 1882", "Cycle 1887" and "Utilite 1892". The most well-known of Atkinson's engines is the "Cycle 1887", patented in 1887.[2] By use of variable engine strokes from a complex crankshaft, Atkinson was able to increase the efficiency of his engine, at the cost of some power, over traditional Otto-cycle engines. He was awarded the John Scott Medal of The Franklin Institute in 1889.

Atkinson Gas Engine as shown in US Patent 367496
James Atkinson
Born1846
Died1914 (aged 67–68)
NationalityBritish
Occupation(s)Engineer, inventor

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ C. Lyle Cummins (2000). Internal Fire: The Internal-Combustion Engine 1673-1900. Wilsonville, Ore: Carnot Press. p. 218. ISBN 0-917308-05-0.
  2. ^ US patent 367496, James Atkinson, "Gas-Engine", issued 1887-08-02 

Further reading

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"Memoirs - James Atkinson". Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers: 347. May 1914.

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