The Price and Teeple circular air motor depicted in Luke Myers' recent
post appears to share certain mechanical features with radial aircraft
engines. Instead of pistons, there are pneumatics arranged around the
structure's periphery, and a single crank is actuated sequentially by
the various pneumatics.
The picture does not make it clear whether a "master" connecting rod
is employed, but that would seem likely to be the case. The valves
are likely on the rear side of the air motor. It would be interesting
to see how they operate, and whether their timing Is adjustable.
Does anyone have one of these motors that could be photographed from
various angles? It would be interesting, as well, to learn something
about the governor and tempo control and see if they have any unique
features. Until now, the closest thing I have seen to a radial-type
air motor is the 3-lung unit found in T-100 and certain other Welte
products.
Dave Saul
El Cajon, Calif.
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