James Atkinson (inventor)

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

  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