At high engine speeds the velocity of the exhaust and inlet gases is very high in the poppet valve type due to the many restrictions and turns in the passages which causes back pressure and a considerable loss of power. With the sliding sleeve type an ideal form of combustion chamber is possible and the passages to and from the chamber are short and direct. Very large port areas with a low gas velocity are also possible. The sleeves are more effectively cooled than the poppet type, being in direct contact with the water cooled walls for their entire length. Because of the large port areas, the cylinders receive a full charge of mixture, and as a result the engine accelerates and gets under way with remarkable ease.
Figs. 28–29–30. Showing Sleeve Positions on the Inlet Stroke. (Knight Motor.)
The arrangement of the slide valves, or sleeves, is shown by Fig. 28, which also gives an idea of the cylinder form, and the location of the piston. Fitting the engine cylinder closely, one within the other, are the two sliding valve sleeves, and within the inner sleeve slides the power piston.
Figs. 31–32–33. Showing Sleeve Positions on the Exhaust Stroke.
Each sleeve has two slots cut in it, one on each side, which form an outlet and inlet for the exhaust and inlet gases respectively. When the slots on the intake side of both the outer and the inner sleeves register, or come opposite to one another, and also opposite to the intake pipe, a charge of gas is drawn into the cylinder. After the explosion has taken place, the sliding motion of the sleeves brings the other two openings, on the exhaust side, opposite to one another, and opposite the exhaust pipe, which allows the burnt gas to escape to the atmosphere through the exhaust manifold.
The sleeves are driven from cranks on the half-time shaft shown at the side of each cut, through the small connecting rods, which gives them a reciprocating motion. Like the cam shaft on a poppet valve motor, the lay shaft runs at half the crank shaft speed, since the engine is of the four-stroke cycle type. The lower ends of the sleeves, to which the connecting rods are fastened, are made thicker than the portion within the cylinder, and are heavily ribbed for strength in the overhang.
The sleeves are of the same composition of cast iron as the cylinder and are provided with oil grooves cut in their outer surfaces for gas packing, and the distribution of oil. Leakage between the inner sleeve, and the cylinder head is prevented by a packing ring, or “junk” ring that is fastened to the bottom of the inwardly projecting cylinder head. The junk ring not only prevents the leakage of gas during the explosion, but it also serves another purpose.
The exhaust ports or slots in the inner sleeve are above the junk ring during the explosion, in which position they are protected from contact with the burning gas. The life of valves is greatly increased by this protection. It will be noted that the entire surface of the sleeves is in contact with water jacketed surfaces, making perfect lubrication and smooth working possible. The two spark plugs for the dual ignition system are shown in the depressed cylinder head.