Summary

A model of a swash plate, made by G. Cussons, Manchester, England, circa 1914.

George Cussons set up a business in 1876 for manufacture of educational and scientific apparatus, address unknown. By 1886, he was working from 104 Great Clowes Street, Manchester. About 1910 an additional building was erected at backing onto John Street. Later he acquired offices and showrooms on the Strand, London. The range of equipment made expanded to include many types of mechanical and lab apparatus. His son took over the business in 1923.

This model of a swash plate and a reciprocating piece shows a disc fixed in an inclined position on a revolving axis, which as it turns provides reciprocating (up and down) motion to a bar in the direction of its length. The extent of the movement of the bar depends on the inclination of the disc to its axis. The bar descends by its own weight in this model. This type of motion can be reversed i.e., the movement changed from reciprocating into rotary motion by applying pressure to the disc by a series of suitably arranged and timed pistons. The principle involved was used by Mr A.G.M Michell, of Melbourne, in his invention of a crankless engine (Aust Pat 1917), and also his first air compressor.

Physical Description

Metal model with green painted frame with angled metal disk and upright rod.

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