James Atkinson (1846–1914)[1] of Hampstead was a British engineer who invented the Atkinson cycle engine in 1882.[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.
"Memoirs - James Atkinson". Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers: 347. May 1914.