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
Born	1846
Died	1914 (aged 67–68)
Nationality	British
Occupation(s)	Engineer, inventor

See also

• History of the internal combustion engine