The platinum was kept hot by the heat derived from the successive
ignitions, and, the engine once started, no further external flame was
required. I have here one of these platinum cages which has been in use.
Finding this method not well suited for small engines, I produced the
engine which is at present in the market under my name.

The cycle is different, and is designed for greater simplicity and the
avoidance of back ignitions. It also consists of two cylinders, motor
cylinder and the displace or charging cylinder. There is no intermediate
reservoir. The displace crank leads the motor by a right angle, and takes
into it the mixed charge of gas and air, in some cases taking air alone
during the latter part of its stroke.

The motor on the outstroke crosses V-shaped parts about from one-sixth to
one-seventh from the out end, the displacer charge now passing into the
motor cylinder, displacing the exhaust gases by these ports and filling
the cylinder and the space at the end of it with the explosive mixture.
The introduction of some air in advance of the charge serves the double
purpose of cooling down the exhaust gases and preventing direct contact of
the inflammable mixture with flame which may linger in the cylinder from
the previous stroke. The instroke of the motor compresses the charge into
the conical space at the end of the cylinder, and, when fully compressed,
ignition is effected by means of the slide I have upon the table.

This system of ignition has been found very reliable, and capable of
acting as often as 400 times per minute, which the Otto ignite is quite
incapable of doing. By this cycle the advantages of compression are gained
and one step nearer to the steam engine is attained, that is, an impulse
is given for every revolution of the engine.