NEW OR IMPROVED MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR CHARGING HEAVY GUNS
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Robert Catanach Smith, of Edinburgh, in the County
of Mid Lothian, North Britain, Engineer and Ironfounder, for the Invention
of "NEW OR IMPROVED MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR CHARGING HEAVY
GUNS."
Sealed the 19th May 1876, and dated the 28th January 1876.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Robert Catanach Smith at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 28th January 1876.
ROBERT CATANACH SMITH, of Edinburgh, in the County of Mid Lothian, North
Britain, Engineer and Ironfounder. "NEW OR IMPROVED MACHINERY OR APPARA-
TUS FOR CHARGING HEAVY GUNS."
This Invention relates to new or improved machinery or apparatus for charging
heavy guns. The Invention is applicable for the charging of heavy guns in turrets
or the broadsides or stems and sterns of vessels of war; it may also be used for
fortress guns and those used on martello towers.
The Invention may be carried out under several different modifications.
According to the first modification a cylinder having a closed end and of the same
bore as that of the gun to be charged, is raised from the magazine by means of a
hydraulic or steam crane or lift, blocks and tackle or other equivalent mechanism,
until its bore assumes a position co-axial with the bore of the gun, and in which
position the open face or end of the cylinder becomes situated opposite or against
the muzzle of the gun. The cylinder which is charged before being raised is drawn
tight against the muzzle by admitting air or steam to pull pistons contained in
cylinders at the sides of the gun, so that a ring of india-rubber or other packing
between the moveable cylinder containing the charge and the gun's muzzle is
compressed, and the joint thereby made tight. The moveable cylinder may either
contain the projectile and the charge of powder, or the projectile only, in which case
the powder is previously placed in the gun by hand charging. So soon as the
moveable cylinder is in position on the gun's muzzle as herein-before set forth,
compressed air is admitted by a cock or valve and pipe in front of the projectile,
and the projectile is thereby forced down to its seat in the bottom of the bore. The
admission of compressed air is then cut off by the valve or cock, and that air by
which the charge has been placed in the gun is allowed to escape by the same valve
or cock or by another provided for that purpose. The air or steam is also allowed
D
1071

page_text: to escape from the cylinder by acting upon the piston, by which the charging
cylinder is held against the muzzle. The charging cylinder is thus released and the
gun ready to be fired.
Under a second modification the charging cylinder is provided with a moveable
piston which follows the shot until it is forced to its seat; this is then withdrawn
by allowing the compressed air to escape, and forming a vacuum in the gun and
cylinder. The vacum being formed by an exhausting air pump, or by a steam jet,
or steam condenser in the manner well understood.
In either of the foregoing modifications the projectile may project a short distance
beyond the mouth of the charging cylinder, so as to be slightly entered in the chase
of the gun before being forced down.
Under a third modification the charging cylinder may be dispensed with, and the
mouth of the gun fitted with a moveable door or lid, which may be connected
thereto by a hinge joint, and which is closed either by a screw or by air or steam
cylinders and pistons, such as those herein-before described, so as to make a tight
joint. In this case the projectile is raised in a cradle and inserted by hand into the
muzzle of the gun, which being done the moveable door or lid is closed, and
compressed air, steam, or water admitted by a pipe through the lid or door, and this
acting directly on the projectile forces it to its seat.
Under a fourth inodification the charging cylinder contains a series of telescopic
tubes, which when compressed air, water, or steam is let into them, are expanded or
forced out lengthwise, thus constituting a ramrod by which the projectile is pushed
down the bore to its seat; this ramrod is withdrawn by relieving the pressure
inside the tubes by means of opening a cock or valve, and forming a vacuum
therein by means of an air exhausting pump, steam jet, or condenser.
Under a fifth modification a series of similar tubes are employed, which instead,
however, of sliding in or out of one another after the manner of a telescope as in
the fourth modification screw into one another, and in this case a small engine,
preferably a three cylinder engine, is provided at the outer end of the tubes by
which they are rotated or unscrewed, so that the apparatus is advanced down or
into the chase of the gun, it having been previously lifted to the muzzle in a cradle
or its equivalent, and by reversing the rotation of the tubes they are screwed into
one another and so withdrawn. A rope or chain operated by hand or by an engine
in any convenient position, may also be used for screwing out or in the ramrod
tubes instead of the engine herein-before described.
Under a sixth modification an elastic or flexibe tube jointed after the manner of
the sides of organ bellows, is employed in connexion with the charging cylinder or
cradle, into which compressed air, steam or water being admitted, it is expanded
lengthwise, thereby forcing the projectile to its seat, the flexible tube being with-
drawn by releasing the pressure inside, and forming a vacuum inside in the manner
herein-before set forth with reference to the preceding modifications.
Either of the forms of apparatus herein-before described may be used for acting
upon the sponge or swab, so as to sponge and clean the bore preparatory to
inserting the charge, or a duplicate set of the apparatus may be provided for that
purpose.
Under a seventh modification the muzzle of the gun is provided with a hollow lid,
arranged so as to make a tight joint with the muzzle face, after the manner herein-
before set forth with reference to the third modification. This lid is charged with a
small quantity of gunpowder, gun-cotton, or other gas generating substance, so that
when a projectile is placed in the muzzle it is forced down the chase by the pressure
of the gas produced by the explosion or ignition of the small charge in the chamber
of the lid.
Either of the forms of apparatus herein-before described constitutes an abutment
exterior to the gun, from which the force employed to insert the charge acts.
It is to be understood that the several modifications of the apparatus as herein.
before set forth may be operated by air, steam, water, or other gas or fluid.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Robert Catanach Smith in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 27th
July 1876.
ROBERT CATANACH SMITH, of Edinburgh, in the County of Mid Lothian, North
Britain, Engineer and Ironfounder. "NEW OR IMPROVED MACHINERY OR APPARA-
TUS FOR CHARGING HEAVY GUNS."
My said Invention relates to new or improved machinery or apparatus for
charging heavy guns, and it is applicable for the charging of heavy guns in turrots,
or in the broadsides, stems, and sterns of vessels of war; it may also be used for
fortress guns and those employed on martello towers.
My said Invention may be carried out under several different modifications, and
in order that these may be properly understood, I now proceed more particularly
to set forth the system, mode, or manner, in or under which the same are or may
be used or practically carried into effect, reference being had to the accompanying
Sheets of Drawings, and to the letters and figures marked thereon, that is to
say:
On Sheet 1 of the Drawings hereunto appended, Figure 1 is a side elevation of a
heavy gun of the class mentioned, whereon is illustrated one method of charging
the same in accordance with my said Invention, the charging apparatus being shewn
partly in section. According to this arrangement a cylinder A having a closed end
and of a diameter equal to the bore of the gun to be charged is raised from the
magazine or chamber B by means of a lift, which consists of a cylinder C, on the
outer end of the piston rod of which pulleys D are mounted; similar pulleys E
being carried in brackets formed on or fixed to the opposite end of the cylinder.
Ropes or chains a fixed at one end to the pulleys E are conducted round the said
pulleys and also round the pulleys D, from whence they are led over pulleys b
centred on the gun carriage F. From the forward pulleys the ropes or chains are
led round the pulleys c centred on the levers G which are carried in brackets H,
the said ropes or chains being thereafter conducted back round the pulleys b and
fixed to the levers I, whereto the levers G are also coupled. The charging cylinder
A is, as seen at Figure 1, Sheet 1, carried in blocks held in the forward ends of the
levers I, duplicate raising mechanism being provided at each side of the gun
carriage. By means of this arrangement, when water under pressure, compressed
air, or steam is admitted through the pipe d and branch e to the forward end of
the cylinder C, the cylinder A. containing the charge to be inserted into the gun
is raised from the dotted position in the magazine or chamber B to the position
shewn in front of the muzzle, in which position its bore is co-axial with that of the
gun. The cylinder is held in position by admitting air, water, or steam through
pipes finto the cylinders J, which are supported at the sides of the gun, and whose
piston rods are formed with catches g at their forward ends which grip upon studs h
projecting from the sides of the cylinder A. A ring of india-rubber or other
packing is preferably inserted in that end of the cylinder A which abuts against the
muzzle of the gun in order the more effectually to render the joint between them
air-tight. The cylinder A may either contain the projectile and the charge of
powder, or the projectile only, in which latter case the powder is previously placed
in the gun by hand charging, and so soon as the movable cylinder is in position on
the gun's muzzle, compressed air is admitted through the pipe by opening a valve
or cock thereon. The compressed air enters the cylinder A in front of the projectile
which is thereby forced down the chase of the gun to its proper position at the
breech end, and this being effected, the admission of compressed air is cut off by
means of the cock or valve herein-before referred to, and that air by which the
charge had been placed in the gun is allowed to escape into the atmosphere either
through a channel in the aforesaid valve or cock or through a valve or cock
specially provided for that purpose. A cup leather or other suitable packing k is
employed in the cylinder A to prevent the passage or leakage of compressed air

page_text: past the projectile and into the bore of the gun, and in order to provide for
windage, that is to say, to allow the air displaced by the charge in the bore of the
gun to pass out, a pipe coiled after the manner of a spiral spring is placed in the
cylinder A between its closed end and the packing ring. The pipe l communicates
at its rearward end with the space m behind the packing, being passed through
and fixed in the said packing, and at its forward end the said pipe communicates
with the atmosphere. Thus, as the packing advances with the charge into the
bore of the gun the pipe uncoils, and the air passing the projectile in the direction
of the gun's muzzle enters the pipe, and is thereby conducted out of the bore of the
gun. Instead of this arrangement the air displaced by the projectile may pass out
through a vent specially provided for that purpose towards the breech end of the
gun, as herein-after set forth with reference to another modification. In conjunction
with the pipe an indicator is or may be provided at n for the purpose of shewing
at all times the position of the projectle and charge in [the gun whilst these are
being forced in, as herein-before described. This indicator, which may be of any
suitable construction, is provided with a chain or cord which is wound on a barrel
or drum either at the interior or exterior of the indicator, the free portion of the
said chain or cord being attached to the rearward end of the pipe or to the
packing . By means of this arrangement as the pipe 7 uncoils, the drum carrying
the chain or cord is rotated, and from the said drum a rotatory or partially rotatory
motion is communicated to the pointer of the indicator by suitable spur or other
gearing, and the pointer is thus caused to shew the position of the charge in the
gun's bore.
When the charge has been inserted into the gun and the compressed air allowed
to escape, as herein-before described, the packing and pipe are drawn forwards
into the position shown. This may be effected in the act of winding up the chain
or cord attached to the packing, for which purpose a worm wheel and tangent screw
operated by hand so as to rotate the chain or cord drum may be used, or a strong
coil spring, which when charging becomes unwound, may in the act of returning to
its normal position rotate the drum, and so wind on the chain or cord, or the pipe
may of itself constitute a spring of sufficient power to draw the packing ke forwards,
or other means may be employed for that purpose, it being manifest that numerous
arrangements of apparatus may with facility be used. After the packing and
pipe have been returned to the position illustrated at Figure 1, Sheet 1, the steam,
water, or compressed air causing the pistons of the cylinders J to hold the cylinder
A in position is allowed to escape. The charging cylinder A is thus released and
it is then returned to the position shewn in dotted lines in the magazine B by
admitting water, compressed air, or steam into the cylinder C through the branch o.
After the gun has been fired the said cylinder is raised or elevated with another
charge, which is inserted as before. By connecting the lifting and lowering appa-
ratus to the gun carriage, the charging cylinder when raised has at all times the
same relative position to the muzzle; this is also the case when the charging appa-
ratus is lowered, a recess or port being formed at the position Y, Figure 1, into
which the cylinder A passes when the gun is run out to be fired, or the cylinder
may be folded back on a hinged joint made on the lever 1 at X.
Under a second modification of my said Invention, illustrated in side elevation at
Figure 2, and in part horizontal section at Figure 3, Sheet 1 of the Drawings, the
charging cylinder A, instead of being furnished with a packing as set forth with
reference to Figure 1, is provided with a movable piston b which follows the
projectile until it is forced to its seat. The compressed air for actuating the piston
bis conducted into the cylinder A through the pipe e, and the air displaced by the
charge and escaping through the pipe which communicates with the space m at
the rearward side of the piston passes out from the cylinder through the branch d.
Another branch e¹ communicates with a space between the end of the cylinder A
and an outer casing B, to which rods C are attached. These rods, when compressed
air is admitted into the said space so as to move the cylinder A rearwards, by
gripping on pins or studs k projecting from the sides of the gun, perform the

page_text: functions of the piston rods herein-before referred to, and hold the cylinder air tight
against the muzzle of the gun, being assisted therein by the pressure of air against
the end of the cylinder A. This arrangement may with equal facility be employed
with the modification of the charging apparatus illustrated at Figure 1, Sheet 1, or
cylinders, as illustrated at J on the said Figure, may be employed in the modification
now under reference for the purpose set forth. As shewn at Figure 2, Sheet 1, an
arrangement of crossed levers or "lazy tongs " D, operated by the steam, compressed
air, or hydraulic cylinders E, are employed to elevate and lower the charging
cylinder from and to the magazine or chamber F, but instead thereof the raising and
lowering apparatus shewn at Figure 1 may be employed, or the levers D may be
used; under the first modification the levers D are guided in ascending and
descending in guide rods X, and the cylinders E are or may be supported on wheels,
or on a carriage, or truck. A crane may be provided in conjunction with both
arrangements, as seen in dotted lines at Figure 2, Sheet 1, for the purpose of
swinging or moving the cylinder A to any desired position in the magazine.
Under arrangements of hoisting not shown on the Drawings, the charging
cylinder may be raised and lowered by ropes or chains, passed through blocks
suspended from the deck above the gun deck, and attached to a crab or winch, or it
may be hoisted by blocks and tackle merely, or by other equivalent mechanism, it
being explained that I do not confine myself to any precise mode of hoisting and
lowering the said charging cylinder.
With the arrangement of charging apparatus shewn at Figures 2 and 3, Sheet 1, a
vacuum or partial vacuum is, by means of an exhausting air pump, or by a steam
jet or steam condenser, formed in the manner well understood in the bore of the
gun, and in the cylinder A, after the charge has been forced to its seat, by which
means the piston b and pipe 7 are returned to the position shewn, or instead of this
arrangement compressed air may be directed through the pipe to the rearward
side of the piston b, so as to force the said piston and pipe into the position shewn
on the Drawings, the part of the cylinder A, at the front of the piston, being
meanwhile in communication with the atmosphere. An indicating apparatus is
also preferably provided in conjuction with this modification of the mechanism.
In either of the foregoing modifications the bullet or charge may project a short
distance beyond the mouth of the cylinder A, so as to be slightly entered in the
chase of the gun before being forced down, and in conjunction with both arrange-
ments another cylinder similar to the cylinder A (Figures 2 and 3), but provided
at its interior with a sponge, may be employed to clean out the bore of the gun
between the operations of firing, or instead of providing a second cylinder the
sponge may be inserted into the cylinder A itself, in which case the piston with the
sponge serves both the purposes of ramming and sponging. Figure 4, Sheet 2,
illustrates the sponge as employed in conjunction with the charging piston b.
Under a third modification of the charging apparatus constructed in accordance
with my said Invention, and which is illustrated in longitudinal section at Figure 1,
Sheet 2 of the accompanying Drawings, the cylinder A herein-before described is
dispensed with, and the mouth of the gun is provided with a moveable door or lid
B, which is connected to the gun by means of a hinge joint as shewn by the two
positions of the door or lid. The door is secured air tight against the muzzle of the
gun by means of screws C, which pass through brackets or projections formed at
each side of the door or lid, as seen at Figure 2, Sheet 2, or instead of this arrange-
ment the said door or lid may be held against the muzzle by either of the arrange-
ments of apparatus herein-before described with reference to Sheet 1 of the
Drawings. With this modification of the charging apparatus, the projectile is
elevated from a magazine or chamber to the muzzle of the gun in a cradle, which
may be of the form shewn at Figure 3, Sheet 2, or of other convenient form, the
raising and lowering apparatus being similar to that described with reference to
either of the modifications herein-before set forth, or of other suitable construction.
The projectile is inserted by hand into the muzzle of the gun, which being done the
moveable door or lid B is closed, and compressed air is admitted to the muzzle of the

page_text: gun in front of the projectile by a pipe or passage a passing through the door or lid,
and which pipe is connected to the compressing apparatus. This air acting directly
on the projectile, forces it to its seat against the charge of powder, which had
previously been rainmed down to the breech end of the gun, or the said charge may
be inserted simultaneously with the projectile, by the means above set forth. A cup
leather or other packing b is employed with this modification which, when tho
projectile has been forced to its seat, is withdrawn by the chain or cord attached to
the indicating apparatus, also preferably used at the front of the door or lid B, or
the said packing may be withdrawn by other suitable means. A vent or channel d
is made at the rearward end of the gun's bore, to permit of the escape of air
displaced by the projectile, tho said vent when the gun is about to be fired being
closed by turning round the block a through which a passage is made eccentrically,
as shewn.
Under a fourth modification of the charging apparatus illustrated in longitudinal
section at Figure 4, Sheet 2 of the Drawings, the charging cylinder A contains a
series of telescopic tubes B, which, when compressed air is let into them, are
expanded or forced out lengthwise, thus constituting a ramrod by which the pro-
jectile, or both the projectile and charge, is or are pushed down the bore to the
breech end of the gun. With this arrangement the charge of powder and the pro-
jectile are first raised and inserted into the muzzle of the gun, either by the means
hitherto used, or by a modification of the apparatus illustrated at Figure 3, Sheet 1,
in which modification a cylinder provided with a piston and without the pipe is
employed to enter the projectile into the bore of the gun. This being effected
the cylinder A, Sheet 2, is elevated and secured against the gun's muzzle by
admitting compressed air, water, or steam into the secondary cylinder or cover B,
which operates in the manner herein-before described with reference to Figure 2,
Sheet 1, of the Drawings, or the said cylinder may be secured by the means set
forth with reference to the first or third modifications, in which latter case the
cylinders is or may be hinged to the muzzle of the gun or any other convenient
support. When the cylinder A has been so secured the compressed air is admitted
to the inner telescopic tube, and acting against the rearward closed end thereof
forces the tubes B backwards to their full extent, moving the projectile and charge
or the projectile only before them. Each succeeding tube is similarly extended in
rotation until the projectilo is forced to its seat, the air displaced by the charge
being allowed to escape through holes or openings made in the cylinder A at c, or
through a vent made towards the rearward end of the gun's bore, as shewn in
dotted lines, or as in the preceding modification. When the charging has been
effected the telescopic ramrod is withdrawn by allowing the compressed air to
escape from the tubes, a cock or valve being opened for that purpose. A vacuum
or partial vacuum is then formed in the tubes by means of an air pump or exhauster
or by a steam jet or condenser, which causes the tubes to assume the position shown
in dotted lines at Figure 4, Sheet 2, or the tubes may be withdrawn by hand.. On
the Drawing the rearward end of the telescopic ramrod is shewn provided with a
sponge d, by which means the gun may be cleaned out after each firing operation,
and before inserting another charge thereinto. The sponge is fixed to a sliding
plate on the piston e at the end of the ramrod, passages f being provided in the
piston to permit the air displaced either when sponging or charging to pass to the
openings c (when such openings are provided). Instead of this sponging arrange-
ment the rearward end of the telescopic rainrod may simply be provided with a
piston, as seen at Figure 5, Sheet 2.
Figure 6, Sheet 2, is a section of two of the tubes of the telescopic ramrod B
drawn to an enlarged scale for the purpose of illustrating the arrangement of
packing it is preferred to employ, which packing consists of rings or collars of
leather, india-rubber, or other elastic material inserted into grooves made in the
sides of the tubes. A passage or opening a communicates between the bottom
of the space containing one of the rings or collars and the interior of the tube,
another passage or opening y communicates between the bore of the gun and the

page_text: bottom of the space containing the other collar or ring. By this arrangement when
the tubes are being extended compressed air passes through the channel and dis-
tends or forces that collar or ring against the interior of the next tube, leakage of
compressed air into the bore of the gun being thereby prevented. When the tubes
are being returned to their normal position by forming a vacuum at their interior,
atmospheric air passing from the bore of the gun through the channel y distends or
presses the other collar or ring against the next tube, and leakage of air into the
interior of the tubes is thereby avoided.
Under a fifth modification of my said Invention, illustrated at Figure 1, Sheet 3,
of the annexed Drawings, a series of similar tubes are employed which, however,
instead of sliding in and out of one another after the manner of a telescope, as
in the preceding modification, screw into one another, a small engine A, to the
crank shaft of which the widest tube is attached, being employed to rotate the
tubes, and so advance them down or into the chase of the gun, and to with-
draw them after the charging has been effected. A rope or chain operated by
hand or by an engine situated in any convenient position may also be used for
screwing out or in the ramrod tubes instead of the engine herein-before set forth.
The apparatus constructed in accordance with this modification may be raised to
the muzzle of the gun by the mechanism herein-before described with reference
to Sheet 1 of the Drawings, or by apparatus analogous thereto, or it may be so
elevated in a cradle; however elevated it is retained in position against the gun's
muzzle by any of the means herein-before set forth.
Under a sixth modification of my said Invention, illustrated in longitudinal
section at Figure 2, Sheet 3, of the Drawings, an elastic or flexible tube A, jointed
after the manner of the sides of organ bellows, is employed to charge the gun,
compressed air being admitted to the interior of the said tube so as to expand it
lengthwise through the pipe b. The elastic or flexible tube A is withdrawn by
releasing the pressure and forming a vacuum as herein-before set forth with
reference to the preceding modifications, or it may be withdrawn by hand. The
tube A is preferably contained within a cylinder or casing C, which is or may be
hinged to the gun in the manner shewn, and the piston D at its rearward end, as
well as the piston E at the rearward end of the tubular ramrod, shewn at Figure 1,
Sheet 3, may be provided with sponges or swabs to sponge and clean out the bore
preparatory to inserting the charge, or a duplicate set of apparatus constructed in
accordance with either of those modifications may be provided for that purpose.
Instead of jointing the tube as herein-before described a continuous tube folded
upon itself may be employed under this modification.
Each of the modifications herein last referred to is also preferably provided with
an indicating apparatus of suitable construction attached to the pistons D and E,
for the purpose of shewing at all times the position of the projectile within the bore
of the gun.
With the fourth, fifth, and sixth modifications of my said Invention it is not
essential that the cylinders or casings containing the charging apparatus be held
air-tight against the muzzle of the gun, for the compressed air used in charging
being contained within an inner tube cannot escape or leak at the joint of the said
cylinder or casings with the muzzle of the gun.
It is to be understood, that with the several modifications of my said Invention,
herein-before described and shewn on the appended Drawings, water under pressure,
steam, or other gas or fluid besides compressed air may be employed to actuate the
charging and sponging apparatus.
Under a seventh modification of my said Invention, and which is not shewn on
the appended Drawings, the muzzle of the gun is provided with a hollow door or
lid arranged so as to make a tight joint with the muzzle face after the manner
shewn at Figure 1, Sheet 2. This hollow door or lid is charged with a small
quantity of gunpowder, gun-cotton, or other gas generating substance, so that
when the projectile is placed in the muzzle it is forced down the chase by the

page_text: pressure of the gas produced by the explosion or ignition of a small charge in in the
chamber of the lid.
Each of the forms of apparatus herein-before described constitutes an abutment
exterior to the gun from which the force employed to insert the charge acts; but
instead of such arrangement the charging apparatus may be attached to the side,
roof, or floor of the ship, turret, or fortress, in place of to the gun itself, and raised
or lowered into position opposite to the gun when required for charging or
sponging; or the gun, when the charging and sponging apparatus is fixed, may be
moved round and adjusted co-axially with it for the purpose of effecting the
charging and sponging operations.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said Inven-
tion, and several modifications in or under which the same is or may be used or
practically carried into effect, I would observe in conclusion that what I consider
to be novel and original, and therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by
the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent is,―
First. The general arrangement and construction of the mechanism illustrated
at Figure 1, Sheet 1 of the appended Drawings, and consisting of the apparatus
by means of which heavy guns are loaded by the direct action on the projectile of
compressed air, water, steam, or other gas or fluid, the charge being previously
raised to a position co-axial with the bore of the gun, substantially as herein-before
described.
Second. The apparatus consisting of the cylinder or casing A, cylinders J, catchies
or hooks and pins h, constituting in combination, when the pistons of the
cylinders J are operated, an abutment exterior to the muzzle of the gun from which
the force necessary to insert the charge acts, substantially as set forth with reference
to Figure 1 Sheet 1 of the Drawings.
Third. The arrangement of levers and connected hauling apparatus illustrated
at Figure 1, Sheet 1 of the Drawings, whereby the charging cylinder A with its
charge is raised from and lowered to the magazine or other chamber B, and the
connecting of the charging or lifting and lowering apparatus to the gun carriage so
that it at all times has the same relative position to the muzzle of the gun, sub-
stantially as herein-before described.
Fourth. The charging and sponging apparatus for heavy guns, illustrated by
Figures 2, 3, and 4, Sheet 1 of the Drawings, and consisting of a cylinder A, con-
taining a piston b, by the action of compressed air, water, steam, or other gas or
fluid on one side of which the charge, or the sponge, or swab is moved down to the
breech end of the gun, the charging apparatus being returned to its normal position
by the action of the compressed air, water, steam, or other gas or fluid on the other
side of the piston b or by the other means, substantially as set forth.
Fifth. The apparatus consisting of the cylinder A, casing B, rods C, and pins h,
by means of which an abutment is obtained exterior to the muzzle of the gun from
which the force necessary to insert the charge acts, as herein-before described with
reference to Figures 2 and 3, Sheet 1 of the appended Drawings.
Sixth. The arrangement of lifting levers and other apparatus, illustrated at
Figure 2, Sheet 1 of the appended Drawings, by which the charging cylinder A is
raised from and lowered to the magazine or other chamber, the charging apparatus
being mounted on a portable platform or carriage, substantially as herein-before
described.
Seventh. The charging apparatus for heavy guns, illustrated at Figure 1, Sheet 2
of the accompanying Drawings, and consisting of a door or lid B held air-tight
against the muzzle of the gun (so as to constitute an abutment exterior to the gun)
by means of screws attached to both, the compressed air, water, steam, or other gas
or fluid employed in forcing the charge to its seat by directly acting thereon,
being conducted through a pipe a in the door, substantially as herein-before
described.
Eighth. The charging and sponging apparatus for heavy guns, illustrated at
Figures 4, 5, and 6, Sheet 2 of the annexed Drawings, wherein a telescopic ramrod

page_text: or tube operated when inserting the charge or sponge by compressed air, water,
steam, or other gas or fluid, and when returning to its normal position by vacuum
or other means is employed, substantially as described, the rigidity of the
cylinder A constituting the abutment exterior to the gun being maintained by any
of the means herein-before set forth.
Ninth. The charging and sponging apparatus for heavy guns, illustrated at
Figure 1, Sheet 3 of the appended Drawings, wherein a tubular ramrod composed
of sections, which are screwed into and out of each other by the direct action on one
of them of an engine A, or by ropes or chains operated by hand or power, is
employed as described, the rigidity of the abutment exterior to the gun being
maintained by any of the means herein-before set forth.
Tenth. The charging and sponging apparatus for heavy guns, illustrated at
Figure 2, Sheet 3 of the annexed Drawings, consisting of an elastic or flexible tube
jointed after the manner of organ bellows, or by equivalent joints, or of a tube
folded upon itself, which is extended into the bore of the gun by compressed air,
water, steam, or other gas or fluid admitted into the tube, the said tube being
withdrawn by vacuum or other equivalent means, and the rigidity of the abutment
maintained by hinging the casing containing the tube to the gun, or by screws,
or other of the means herein-before described.
Eleventh. The charging apparatus for heavy guns, consisting of a hollow door
or lid held in position against the gun's muzzle by screws or other of the means
set forth, and into the chamber of which gunpowder, gun-cotton, or other gas
generating material is charged, and ignited when it is desired to force the pro-
jectile to its seat in the bore of the gun, substantially as herein-before described.
Twelfth. The employment, in conjunction with the several modifications of my
said Invention of an indicator to shew at all times the position of the charge whilst
being forced to its seat in the bore of the gun, substantially as herein-before
described, and more particularly with reference to Figure 1, Sheet 1 of the
Drawings.
Thirteenth. Raising or clevating at one and the same operation the projectile
and charge of powder to a a position co-axial with the bore of the gun by means
of a cylinder or crade operated by any of the means herein-before described.
Fourteenth. Attaching the charging apparatus to the side, roof, or floor of a ship,
turret, or fortress, in place of to the gun itself, so that when the gun is opposite the
apparatus, the side, roof, or floor of a ship, turret, or fortress constitutes the abut-
ment from which the force acts to insert the charge, substantially as herein-before
described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Robert Catanach Smith, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Twenty-fifth day of July, One thousand eight
hundred and sorranty-six
ROBERT CATANACH SMITH. (L.S.)