Who makes Atkinson engines?

In 1882, a British engineer James Atkinson (1846–1914) invented Atkinson-cycle with greater efficiency than the Otto cycle.The Atkinson engine is also called "Differential 1882", "Cycle 1887" and "Utilite 1892". It is a type of internal combustion engine to increase efficiency at the expense of power density and save more money than traditional Otto-cycle engines.

His inventions are used in some modern automobile engines, such as the Prius, hybrids and some non-hybrid vehicles now feature engines with variable valve timing, which can run in the Atkinson cycle as a part-time operating regimen. In this case, while running in Atkinson cycle, it can provide a good economy and conventional power density when running as a conventional, Otto cycle engine.

There are 3 designs of Atkinson engines: 1. the Atkinson-cycle engine, 2. the cycle engine and 3. the utilite engine.

How does the Atkinson cycle engine work?

a single crankshaft was connected to two opposed pistons through a toggle-jointed linkage that had a nonlinearity; for half a revolution, one piston remained almost stationary while the other approached it and returned, and then for the next half revolution, the second-mentioned piston was almost stationary while the first approached and returned.the valve of Atkinson-cycle enginestays open slightly longer. Since there’s now less pressure in the cylinder, the piston doesn’t have to work as hard to overcome friction, which in turn improves fuel efficiency. Some of the gasoline vapour escapes back into the intake manifold through that open valve, but it’s pulled back in the next time the valve opens, so nothing’s wasted. (wikipedia)

What is the difference between Otto cycle and Atkinson cycle?