IMPROVED CANNON, GUNS, OTHER FIRE-ARMS, AND APPENDAGES THERETO, AND IN THE CAPSULES, CARTRIDGES, AND PROJECTILES FOR THE SAME AND OTHER FIRE-ARMS
Year: 1855

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Henry Bentley, of Bedford, in the County
of Bedford, Engineer, for the Invention of IMPROVED CANNON, GUNS,
OTHER FIRE-ARMS, AND APPENDAGES THERETO, AND IN THE CAPSULES,
CARTRIDGES, AND PROJECTILES FOR THE SAME AND OTHER FIRE-ARMS."
AND
Sealed the 22nd January 1856, and dated the 10th November 1855.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Henry Bentley at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition; on the
10th November 1855.
I, WILLIAM HENRY BENTLEY, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for "IMPROVED CANNON, GUNS, AND OTHER FIRE-ARMS, AND APPENDAGES
THERETO, AND IN THE CAPSULES, CARTRIDGES, AND PROJECTILES FOR THE SAME AND
OTHER FIRE-ABMS," to be as follows:-
This Invention refers, first, to the construction of cannon, ordnance;
and other fire-arms, &c., which I prefer to load or charge at the breech,
but which may be loaded or charged in other ways. I construct the
same with tapering breeches or charge chambers. The breeches or
charge chambers may not only form the hinder part of the fire-arm, but
extend into and through the same, if desired. In these breeches and
barrels I can have moveable tubes, which act as touch-holes, working in
an universal manner. The barrels may be constructed with enlarged
chambers for admitting the breeches or charge chambers. These fire-

page_text: arms may be provided with several barrels or discharging tubes pro-
ceeding from one central barrel or chamber containing wires or com-
municators, whereby all the barrels or chambers may be discharged at
any given distance at one and the same time or at different times. The
central barrel or chamber may be secured to a terminal or the base
by joints, which will allow it to be raised, depressed, or revolve as re-
quired, and it may in the case of large guns be set on wheels or rollers
for convenience of locomotion. I can make fire-arms in more pieces or
sections than one, when I secure the parts together to form one gun,
by helical or spiral springs, worms, or threads fitting in corresponding
threads made in collars or split.rings fitted to the guns or in the barrels
thereof. To fit the ring to the breech of the gun, I purpose using an
elastic spring washer, which expands around the breech, and prevents
the escape of the explosive gases, or I have a spring connected with the
washer to facilitate its working. I sometimes use split or other spring
rings, screwed or otherwise, with grooves in the edges of them working
inside the enlarged chambers; these are for working my breeches. When
the sliding cap of the breech is to be drawn back for charging, I work
the same by a spiral worm, thread, or rack teeth worked in the sliding
cap, or by a pneumatic screw in connection with the said cap. The
breech may be made expanding or otherwise.
In some cases I make my gun stock hollow, of metal or wood; to, this
gun stock I fit a revolving expanding screw centrebit with teeth. I
also fit a bayonet to my fire-arms, and this is secured to the fire-arm
barrel by a spiral thread worm and expanding screw ring and notches
on the barrel. The bayonet has fitted in it a groove which may contain
a blade with teeth, and this blade will cut or saw when required. I
make a ramrod to my fire-arm which can be worked by a screw. This
ramrod will contain the charge, and have two funnel tubes working in
each other, and for conveying the charge "home;" also a brush, a sponge,
or a piece of cork, or other material forming a cleaner, for cleaning out
the fire-arm; this ramrod will be provided also with an indicator to shew
when the charge is "home."
Attached to the fire-arm I have a sounding or musical indicator, which
by difference of sound, and the working a pointer, &c. upon a dial, &c.,
or by the exhibition of a figure or figures or conventional characters, in-
dicates when a gun ought to be fired, and may be used for conveying
signals, &c. I coat the fire-arm with metal or other substance to prevent
rust or corrosion, and beautify the gun with any desired figures or
characters.
I make my cannons with wheels revolving round (or not) a barrel or
chart to conta
ma hammauled han

page_text: or apparatus, and this will enable cannons to float on the water and form
a battery bridge when several are connected together. In my cannon
wheel boxes for the arms I make a double expanding screw spring cap,
which keeps the wheels in their right position closed within the box. I
sometimes discharge my fire-arms by an expanding spring tube or by a
spring crank, &c.
Secondly, for the use of my fire-arms and others; I make capsules
and cartridges either of wood, clay, metal, glass, or other substances.
These capsules and cartridges are provided with springs, wires, or
spring rings in connection with the igniter, whereby the same may be
exploded, although they might in some instances be found useful with-
out wires. These capsules and cartridges may be provided with wheels
or rollers to assist their advantageous discharge from the fire-arms; they
may also be spirally bound with wire when required. I use shot or other
projectiles in my fire-arms, and others which have wheels or rollers and
springs, and may be provided with darts or arrow heads, &c. Or I use
combinations and modifications of the above.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said William Henry Bentley in the Great Seal Patent Office
on the 10th May 1856.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I,. WILLIAM
HENRY BENTLEY, of Bedford, in the County of Bedford, Engineer, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Tenth day of November, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-five, in the nineteenth year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me,
the said William Henry Bentley, Her special licence that I, the said
William Henry Bentley, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or
such others as I, the said William Henry Bentley, my executors, ad-
ministrators, and assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others,
from time to time and at all times thereafter during the term therein
expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend,
within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel
Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVED CANNON, GUNS, AND
OTHER FIRE-ARMS, AND APPENDAGES THERETO, AND THE CAPSULES, CARTRIDGES, AND
PROJECTILES FOR THE SAME AND OTHER FIRE-ARMS," upon the condition
(amongst others) that I, the said William Henry Bentley, my executors
or administrators, by an instrument in writing under my, or their, or one

page_text: of their hands and seals, should particularly describe and ascertain the
nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be
performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office
within six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the
said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that the said William Henry Bentley, do hereby
declare the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same
is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and
by the following statement:-
This Invention has reference to various improved cannon, guns, and
other fire-arms and appendages thereto, and the capsules, cartridges;
and projectiles for the same and other fire-arms, the nature and character
whereof will be the most readily understood by reference to the accom-
panying Drawings, which I will at once proceed to describe.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Drawing No. 1.--Fig. 1, an external view of a gun or fire-arm, shewing
a spiral groove A formed outside thereof; the spaces between the groove
A, it will be observed, are narrower towards the rear end of the barrel.
B in this Fig. is an indicator collar (see Fig. 10), shewn thereon; and C,
ball valve seat. Fig. 2, a steel or steeled tube forming a shot guide.
This tube goes inside the rear end of the barrel, and has either an
annular or a spiral groove on the exterior thereof (though both are shewn
in the Drawing); this tube is conical both inside and out, the conical
bore being larger towards the mouth of the gun, and although shewn
as a short piece, it may extend to any suitable length. Fig. 3 shews an
end view of Fig. 2. Fig. 4, a ball valve with a spiral screw piece, which
when the ball valve is fitted in its seat protrudes at the rear end of
barrel. Fig. 5, the same ball valve, with a tube forming a discharging
touch-hole through the centre. Fig. 6, the ball valve and a slide cap
shewn together, the touch-hole being through the tube, and the slide
cap has a spiral screw piece. Fig. 7, the tube or nut that screws to-
gether the ball valve and the slide cap, with a ring for fastening it when
in its place.
Fig. 8, side view of the nut that screws the ball valve and
cap together, but instead of having the ring aforesaid it has a lever I
Fig. 9 is the eccentric indicating spring gun sight; it revolves round the
barrel in the collar [see Fig. 12]; this is for indicating the ranges. It
has an interior groove K in the said collar, whereby the gun sight is
secured in its place, which collar works in the spiral grooves in the barrel
of the gun, shewn at Fig. 1. Fig. 10 exhibits the collar and indicating
sight together. The collars and sight pieces are both eccentric. Fig. 11
exhibits vertical sections of the collar and sight piece. Fig. 12 shews

page_text: the eccentric indicating collar to revolve around a barrel without any
sight piece in it. Fig. 13, the collar and clip L, to fasten the collar and
sight piece or either of them to the gun stock, screwed together by a tube
which is threaded both internally and externally, the internal thread
receiving another screw N for securing the whole together. I some-
times employ a straight spring fastened to the barrel to tighten the
collar or sight piece. This sight piece and collar, it will be observed;
have externally the form of a polygon, and are marked with numbers,
figures, or signs to indicate the ranges, and these being placed eccen-
trically to the barrel the highest projections shew the highest ranges.
Fig. 14 is a plate that is countersunk in the gun stock, and may be
turned and fitted either inside or outside the stock, as occasion may
require. Fig. 15 shows this more clearly. In this Fig. O, O, is the
plate, with screws P, P, to secure it to the gun stock, as in Fig. 13;
M is the screw tube, and N the screw secured in it, the upper part being
secured in the collar J, aforesaid. Fig. 16, expanding screw pulley
to receive the ramrod; it is composed of these parts:-Q, the pulley,
which works on or round a centre pin which has its bearings in the
expanding spring clam R, which has a thread at its upper part, whereby
to secure the same either to the barrel or the stock. Fig. 17 is the side
view of the pulley roller. Fig. 18 is an edge view of the pulley roller,
shewing that it is grooved. Fig. 19 exhibits partial views of a barrel
piece, with external spiral groove, with a bayonet S made out of the
same piece as the barrel piece; this barrel piece being intended to be
secured, as hereafter described, to the end of a gun barrel to lengthen
the same, as may be required. Fig. 20, a bayonet piece, showing
notched slots. T, whereby the same may be fastened on to the end of
a barrel when the same is provided with pins for that purpose, as in
Fig. 21. This mode is adopted likewise for the part shewn at Fig. 19.
Fig. 21 shews a barrel provided with the said pins U. Fig. 22 is the
rear end of a barrel with a guide, somewhat similar to that shewn in
Fig. 2. In this case the guide is not provided with a spiral groove; but
has a diagonal annular grove W only, which receives the two pins W';
this is also provided with two longitudinal grooves X to facilitate the
entry of the pins. Fig. 23 exhibits the guide shewn in Fig. 22, with
the moveable touch-hole E, similar to that shewn at Fig. 6, which is
screwed into the egg-shaped slide cap I, and passed through the, ball
valve, shewn also in Fig. 5. The ball valve is steel or steeled. The
sliding cap is made of soft metals twisted so that the sharp edge of the
valve seat will work into the soft metal, and by slide or rotary motion
bind against the ball valve, keeping it perfectly, air-tight. Fig: 24
exhibits the said slide cap with expanding arms Y attached by "rule"

page_text: joints Z to the same. These arms, of which there are two
or more,
are made of spring metals, and have secured to them the annuli a, each
one of which alternately is secured to a different arm from the other
one, and these annuli take into the said spiral groove A on the exterior
of the barrel, and thus secure the breach, barrel, and other parts to-
gether, and thus produce what I term an expanding spring box. Fig.
25, view of a barrel, &c. with exterior spiral grooves at the rear end
(which is enlarged); this is not provided with a guide, as aforesaid, but
the rear end edges are steeled, and the barrel is secured to an expanding
spring box, somewhat similar to that just described. This expanding
spring box, however, it will be seen has a plug 6, through which passes
the needle tube C for discharging the fire-arm, around which is secured at
one end to the said needle tube, and at the other end to the slide
cap I.
Within the slide cap is a semicircular spring e, which is of soft metals,
which is intended to be used when the spiral spring is not adopted.
is a nipple for discharging the piece, which may be adopted instead of
the needle tube G. From ✶ to * is an aperture for a trigger to work
the needle tube so as to discharge the fire-arm. Fig. 26 shews the plug-
just mentioned in respect to Fig. 25. Fig. 27 shews the cap just men-
tioned with respect to Fig. 25, which is attached to the said plug by
screwing one on to the other. Fig. 28 exhibits the semicircular spring e
on the tube for needle c. Fig. 29 exhibits the spiral spring a just
mentioned. Fig. 30 shews a gun barrel, &c. without any exterior groove,
but with the indicating collar therein; this has a cap g hinged at h, and
à sliding pin or wedge i, secured by a staple eye or pin k; this serves
to secure the cap fast to the barrel, and yet enable the cap to throw
back, as in Fig. 31. The sliding pin or wedge i has a slot or hole l, by
which it can be attached to the trigger; it has also a moveable touch-
hole m, threaded so as to enable the same to be secured in its place, as
shewn, in the screw for securing the ball to the cap g. Fig. 31 has just
been referred to, and need not be further described.
another gun barrel &c. without any exterior groove, but
collar; this has a cap 9 hinged at h, and a ball valve secured by the
moveable screwed touch-hole m to the cap, as shewn. The barrel in
this case is enlarged at the rear end, and is provided with an expanding
spring o, a pin p securing it to the hinged cap g. Fig. 33 exhibits the
spring and pin, which works into the hinged cap to fasten the end.
Fig. 32 shews
with indicating
Drawing No. 2.-Fig. 1, a vertical section of a fire-arm barrel which
is made in several parts, the rear part of the barrel A having an interior
thread to correspond with an exterior thread on the end of the barrel
part B, whereby the parts A and B are secured together; in this rear part
is the shot guide or spreader C. This is a tube, free to rotate with a

page_text: conical bore, which may be grooved or rifled, the smallest diameter of
the bore being towards the breech. The breech piece or cap D is
secured to the other portions of the barrel, as hereafter described, and
has within it the ball valve discharging tube, such as has been described
with regard to various Figs. in Drawing No. 1, and also around this fire-
arm the aforesaid indicating collar is shewn as applied. At the mouth
of this fire-arm the interior and exterior of the barrel is threaded, so
that a bayonet piece or collar, or an extension barrel suitably threaded,
may be screwed therein or thereon. A short distance from the mouth
there is a tube E therein, in which is a screw, which may be worked up
and down, and forms an indicating sight to correspond with the in-
dicating sight round the collar. F, ring for the ramrod. Fig. 2 ex-
hibits in detail the said guide or spreader C. Fig. 3 exhibits in detail
the rear end of the said barrel A. Fig. 4 exhibits in detail the said
cap or breech D. Fig. 5 exhibits in detail the screw touch-hole that goes
through the ball valve, as has been before described and represented
with regard to various Figs. in Drawing No. 1. Fig. 6 exhibits a view
of my improved ramrod, which indicates when used the amount of charge
in the breech without drawing the charge, this ramrod being a tube,
and serving also to convey the charge to the breech chamber, which is
placed in the expanding funnel; it consists of the said expanding funnel
E, which is a divided conical piece with exterior thread and binding
ring F. This ramrod has a spherical holder G for a cork or substance
for cleaning the inside of the fire-arm, and the funnel may also con-
tain a brush, sponge, cork, or substance for cleaning. The numbers
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, are to indicate the amount of charge. At the other end
or point of this ramrod is a pointed screw H, where the tube is much
smaller, and so exists at its mouth for drawing out the charge or other
substance as may be required. Fig. 7 is a detail view of the pointed end
of this ramrod, shewing the ring or moveable piece serving as a handle
to pull out the ramrod when charging or cleaning the fire-arm. Fig. 8,
another detail view of the point. Fig. 9, view, partly in section, of
another form of my improved ramrod for cleansing guns. This is
tubular to a certain extent, and has a screw cap I and a spherical vessel
K for containing heated or other liquid for cleansing or depositing
cooling or other liquid. This communicates with the tube, which
terminates at an oval eye or slot L, which has a spring in it for holding
fast a cork or sponge for cleaning the gun. Beyond the slot L to the
point of the gun the ramrod is solid, and has a pointed screw and move-
able ring or slide, as in Figs. 6, 7, 8, to work the ramrod with. Fig. 10
shews a fire-arm loader, whereby I can discharge the gun from the
mouth. This consists of a circular cap M in which is a ball valve -M';

page_text: through which passes a moveable touch-hole N, which communicates
with a tubular arm O, there being another solid arm, both which arms
are to be placed inside the barrel of the fire-arm at the mouth, and
extend so as to communicate with the mouth of the gun. To the
solid arm I secured by hinge or otherwise a bayonet with a saw, such
as is herein-after described. Fig. 11 shews a fire-arm barrel with the
apparatus just described placed therein. As the same letters of refer-
ence are here adopted for the same parts as those just mentioned with
regard to Fig. 10, no further explanation is necessary. To these loaders
[Fig. 10 and 11] I sometimes attach an expanding screw bayonet with
one or two points, the arrangement being similar to that of discharging
apparatuses with expanding arms, herein-after described. Fig.. 12 ex-
hibits by vertical section the rear end of a barrel with my expanding
spring box extending from the same. a is the rear end of the barrel,
formed with an interior screw at its fore part, as shewn at the other
part; it has a cap b with a ball valve in it, and a discharging tube
passing through same, and connected with a tube d closed at its end:
This tube has an exterior screw taking in an interior screw on the arms
e. f, eccentric rings slipping round to bind the whole together. Fig.
13 exhibits the rear end of a barrel with the expanding spring box
screwed therein. 9 is the barrel, the fore part of which has an interior
thread, whereby the breech can be secured to the barrel; h is a hemi-
spherical sliding cap threaded around the exterior of its edge; in this
cap is the ball valve, with touch-hole i, which extends considerably
beyond it, and through a box or tube i, which is of the peculiar form
shewn, and has an exterior thread thereon, into which eccentric rings
secured to the arms g', g', take, and bind the whole together; k is a
nipple of the cap. Fig. 14 shews the cap, ball valve, and part of the
touch-hole or discharging tube and nipple. Fig. 15, a tube connected
with the sliding cap, with ring, which acts as a lever, and for securing
it to the box. Fig. 16, the cap and ball valve detached from each other.
Fig. 17 exhibits another view of the rear end of a barrel, with ball
valve and other arrangements applied thereto. 1, the rear end of barrel,
with interior thread at the fore part thereof, whereby the same may be
secured to the barrel m by a bent lever jointed at * to the rear end of
barrel. This lever is at the other end provided with a ring, whereby
the lever is secured to an arm shewn in dotted lines projecting from
the rear end of the fire-arm. This bent lever serves to secure the ball
valve in its place, for which purpose there is a plug o pressing against
the same.
p is another plug to stop the end of the fire-arm; q, an eye
or ring for receiving a lever or crowbar for working the lever m, if
necessary. Fig. 18, detail view of ball valve, discharging tube, and

page_text: plug p. Fig. 19, detail view of the bent lever, the two plugs, &c. Fig.
20, view of rear end and barrel; this has a cap 1 hinged to the rear end
of barrel at *, which has a ball valve with discharging tube in it. This
cap can be opened and shut by means of a threaded lever 2 and spiral
spring 3. This lever is jointed to the cap at 4, as shewn. The lever
2 has a "rule" joint 5, which allows the lever to bend backwards when
the cap is opened. 6 is a box or staple; 7, another box; both these are
for supporting the lever 2. 8 is a handle for working the lever 2, so as
to open and close the cap; 9 is a pin, secured in a groove in the barrel.
Fig. 21 exhibits the rear end of a barrel, with a rack and screw arrange-
ment for securing the cap to the rear for the purpose of opening and
closing the cap; it also shews part of a ramrod secured in an expanding
screw pulley. 10 is rear end of barrel; 11 is the pulley for the ramrod;
12, the ramrod; 13, the cap, having ball valve, &c. therein; the ex-
terior of this cap has rack teeth thereon, and there is a rack arm 14
joined to and extending from the rear end of the barrel. At the end
of this an upright pin 15 is secured by a screw passing through it; this
pin carries a collar 16 with a female screw, which takes into the male
screw on the lever forcing screw arm 17. 18 is the lever handle, jointed
by "rule" joint thereto, which when turned up enables one to turn
the screw and open and shut the cap. Fig. 22 exhibits part of a barrel
and the rear end of a barrel, the cap being fastened and unfastened by
means of a screw box and spiral spring. 19 is the breach; 20, the cap
containing ball valve, &c.; 21 is a tube attached to the rear end of the
breech; in this tube is a lever rod 22, which passes through it, and is
cranked upwards and connected to the screw box which works in the
screw, which is outside the tube at * 21. Around the lever rod 22
in the box are spiral grooves and springs, which cause the screw to move
up towards the breech so as to keep the cap fastened.
When the cap
is to be released, then by turning the handle 23, which is connected
with the lever 22, rotary motion may be given to said lever rod and the
spiral springs compressed, whereby the lever will be pushed out and
the screw box drawn away from the breech and the cap unfastened. 24
is a sliding box to steady the tube. Fig. 23, external part, in section
view, of the same arrangement as shewn in Fig. 22. Fig. 24 exhibits
the rear end of a fire-arm, the breach cap of which is fastened by means
of a pneumatic screw. 25 is the breech; 26, the cap, within which
is the ball valve, &c.; 27 is a tube, within which is an air piston or
plunger 28; 29 is an orifice to let the air into the tube; 30 is a screw box
that turns round on the screw; 31 is a lever that turns the pneumatic
screw; 32 is a ball that screws in and out of the slide cap which con-
tains the moveable discharging tube. Fig. 25 is a fire-arm indicating

page_text: It
guide. The ball at 1 has indicating numbers 7, 9, 18, 20. This ball
turns in a universal manner, and may be made fast to the taper slide,
which has Figures indicating 7, 9, 18, 20; this slide moves as required.
The ball 1 has a tube with a screw inside, and to this tube is fitted a
screw pin, with a countersunk head; this fastens the ball to the slide,
and allows the ball to turn in a universal manner. Fig. 26 is a seg-
mental wedge terminal; this wedge has a slide across the top at 27;
this it to receive the slide, which can be slided backwards or in any
required position, but may be made to turn universally round; it has
a tube through the terminal, and is fitted with a ratchet and spring
wheel, and the ball slide while turning is secured fast by the same, as
required. When the same is required to be moved, this fire-arm guide is
to receive the cup plate of the stock of the fire-arm, which has an egg-
shaped countersunk cup to receive the same. Fig. 27 exhibits my ex-
panding centrebit to be applied as an appendage to firearms.
consists of a screw 30, to screw the same into the stock of the
gun. 31
is a screw collar working on the said screw to keep the joint 32 fast
when necessary; 33 are bent arms proceeding from the said joint 32.
and may be made of any size; 34 is the centre; 35 is an indicating screw
across from one arm 33 to the other, and this adjusts the instrument to
the size of the hole required to be cut; 36 are the cutters attached to the
expanding arms, and the amount of expansion may be so regulated as
to expand from two inches to two feet wide. Fig. 28 is a lamp of
peculiar form to be applied as an appendage to fire-arms. This con-
sists of a conical case 38, perforated with orifices, having a dome bottom
39, having an air syphon 40, and a conical tube 41 screwed into the
bottom for holding the bottom to the gun stock; there should be a
thread outside the case 38 at the bottom thereof. 42 is a female thread
for the reception of the male thread 43 on the cap 44, Fig. 29, which
is thus secured to the lamp forming a perforated dome top.
the outside view of this lamp.
Fig. 30 is
Drawing No. 3. Fig. 1, exterior view of a gun stock with lamp, just
described, fitted in it [see A], a spiral wire being twisted around such
lamp to bind against he inside of the aperture A, the end of this aper-
ture terminating in an orifice to ventilate the lamp. B is a curilinear
cavity to receive the gun guide, Fig. ; C, a threaded tube, for the pur-
pose of receiving the male screw of the expanding centrebit, and secur-
ing the same to the gun stock; D is a saw bayonet hinged to the gun
stock, as shewn, there being a groove on the gun stock, so that it shall
not protrude above the surface of the gun stock; E is a pistol stock,
combined with the gun stock aforesaid, as shewn. In the circular part F
is a sunken chamber, which may have a portrait or sign of any kind, so

page_text: that persons may thereby identify their own gun. G, a binding clip, to
bind the barrel and stock together; H [dotted lines], a hole in the stock
for a screw tube to pass through to a pin on the collar of the barrel, and
binds both the barrel and stock together. The stocks have grooves or
ribs, which allow of the same being spirally bound with wire to streng-
then the same, and this wire may be ornamented with device, sign,
figure, or character. Fig. 2 exhibits the detail view of the end of this
gun stock. Fig. 3 shews an arrangement of expanding arms I, with cap
I attached, and screw tube K to screw it into the part L, which passes
through the end of the fire-arm, and is in connection with the tube M,
which is to be provided with a spiral spring connected with the rollers N,
whereby the gun or fire-arm may be fired. Fig. 4, a similar arrange-
ment to the foregoing, but differs therefrom, inasmuch as it has the
teeth O, which is for the purpose of easing the discharge of the pro-
jectile and giving rotary motion; one of the arms I is hollow, and has a
wire P passing through the same, to discharge the fire-arm. In this
Fig. the screw K is to be secured in the screw socket, to which the
hammer for discharging the piece is attached at R. Fig. 4, side section
and cross section respectively of the parts Q and R. Fig. 5, another
arrangement of arms, or for discharging fire-arms; this is similar to the
foregoing, but differs in having rack teeth inside the arms, which when
inside the barrel form a square thread or spiral, acting as a rifle bore
when the projectile is exploded between these arms. One of the arms I
is hollow, and has an exploding wire passing through same to the muzzle
of the gun, in order to explode it at that point. There is also an orifice
T through the other of these arms, to form a socket for the bayonet
when it is not hinged on. Fig. 5, section of the socket U for the
screw K.to the bottom of this the discharging hammer is jointed, and
the nipple W is screwed into the same, as shewn. Fig. 6 exhibits sec-
tional view of another apparatus for discharging the fire-arm. This
consists of a screw socket A, that screws on to a screw projecting from
the back of a cap or ball valve of such of my fire-arms as are provided
with same, as herein-before exhibited (see Drawing No. 1); from this
socket proceeds a tube b, which has a spiral wire therein, as shewn,
which spring abuts against the end of the hammer piece c, which enters
the same tube through a slot in the same; this hammer or striker strikes
on the nipple e for the percussion cap to discharge the fire-arm; the
hammer piece c catches into a notch in the piston d, which passes through
said tube.b. *is a joint to catch the trigger of the gun so as to dis-
charge the piece. Fig. 7 is similar to the foregoing, but differs in the
relative situation of the parts, and in this case the piston d is bent over,
and has a joint * at the bend to catch the trigger, the hammer c being

page_text: as
at the end of this bent piston, and thus by the simple movement of the
piston the fire-arm is discharged. The whole of this arrangement may
be embedded in the back tube of the breech of my fire-arms, and may
be thus kept secure from wet or damp. Fig. 8 is an exterior view, and
Fig. 9 a vertical section, of a turret cannon or fire-arm. This consists
of one main barrel, marked 1, made in sections, as shewn more clearly
at Fig. 9, each section being lap-jointed and secured by pins or rivets.
Each section has smaller barrels, some of which are marked 2; these are
fitted to the main barrel by arms or sockets 3 (some of which only are
marked); some of these smaller barrels, instead of being fitted in the said
arms or sockets (3), are secured to the main barrel by swivels, in the
manner that the two topmost are shewn secured. The main barrel is
supported upon wheels or rollers marked 4, for which grooves
or cavities arc provided in the gun, shewn; but instead
of rollers I can have large wheels, marked 5, the axles of which will be
hollow, that is, have a tube through them, in which is my expanding
spring box (such as shewn in Drawing No. 4, Fig. 1), through which
pass wires carried to rollers 7, and up a tube in the centre of the main
barrel, and over other rollers or spring bell cranks at top, and thence
to the hind parts of the small barrells (sec 8, which shews one wire as
connected to a discharger, similar to Fig. 4 and 4 in this Drawing);
I can also place the main barrel on a centre shaft and turn it about by
a lever 10, shewn in Fig. 8. When I erect this cannon on a permanent
base, I place the base on a form datin plate and bolt it through to
sleepers or otherwise, as shewn in the Drawing, or build it up from a
foundation. Under or through the foundation I lay tubes, for the pur-
pose of conveying wires to any convenient place, as shewn, on each side
of the cannon. When stationary, each wire has a figure, letter, or sign,
(in this case the numerals 1 to 12 being adopted,) so that each smaller
barrel being marked with a corresponding number or sign, can be fired
by acting upon the wire of the same number or sign at any distance.
The wires which pass through the hollow axle, as aforesaid, are also
numbered with the corresponding number, as aforesaid, and are con-
veyed through tubes to any suitable position. (This arrangement is
shewn clearly in Drawing No. 3, Fig. 4.) Fig. 10 shews the musical
indicator sounding signal, which is described with reference to Drawing
No. 6, Fig. 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, but here the effigy adopted is a lion's
head.
Drawing No. 4. Fig. 1, a view, partly in section, of a floating cannon
or fire-arm. A is a caison or float, which is to be charged with com
pressed air or gases; B, B, are wheels or rollers at each end thereof
which, when the caison-or-float-is-to-travel-on-land, act_as_wheels_to

page_text: acilitate its motion, and when in the water they act as paddles or pro-
pellers. This caison or float has a hollow axle C passing from end to.
end thereof; the interior of this hollow axle is threaded, as shewn, and
it should be threaded on the exterior. In the ends of this axle are two
screw tubes E and F, one within the other, working in the hollow axle C;
these tubes E and F work through an expanding screw box with an aper-
ture right through, having a head to bind against the wheels; this is for
the purpose of keeping the wheels upright and steady in their position,.
the hollow inside being taper secures it quite tight till it is released.
The hollow of these tubes is for conveying wires to fire the cannon or
fire-arm, or for connecting the same with the musical electric com-.
pressed air sounding indicator, which can be conveyed from this caison
to any other caison cr caisons, and any number of guns stationed thereon*
may be thereby discharged. On this chison is mounted a cannon or
fire-arm, the construction and connection of which with the caison is
more clearly exemplified at Fig. 2 in this Drawing. The screw tube is
connected by an elbow D to an upright tube by threads; on the top of
this upright pipe there is a circular to put the wires or connectors to,
and every wire indicating the given number of any cannon or fire-arm
to be fired. H (some of which only are marked) are propeller blades,
which serve to propel the caison in the water; this caison is bound or
The cannon
banded with metal hooks or bands to strengthen the same.
G, it will be observed, is fixed in a hemispherical cavity I; but instead
of the cannon, one of my turret cannon or fire-arms might be fixed in
this hemispherical cavity. An air pump, shewn more clearly at Fig. 5,
is to be mounted on this caison for supplying compressed air thereto
through an orifice provided for the same. Fig. 2 is a side view of the
cannon and cannon carriage and the parts that connect the same to
the caisin, the end of which is shewn on the caisin at Fig. 1. K is the
barrel, which is made in sections, and secured together by rings L,
though it might be made in one piece; it has a discharger fitted in it
similar to that shewn in Drawing No. 3. Fig. 5, though any of my other
dischargers before described might be used. Although the arms of
this discharger are shewn applied in the interior of the barrel, as is
usually the case, I can use them outside the same, connecting the same
with the breech. M is the wire, which can be carried to any extent,
and will serve to discharge the fire-arm at the muzzle. The ring L'
forms a recoil collar, against which abuts the spring O, the upper part
of which is bifurcated, so as to clip the barrel of the cannon; this is
secured by rivets to the supporting shaft P, which divides itself into two
parts from the joint Q, the one part R being in the same piece with the
ring L, and the other part S being in connection with the breech, and

page_text: may be extended to any length and bifurcated like the part 0; it has
friction rollers to allow the barrel of the gun to work on them by the
recoil action. For this purpose the friction or bed piece T is provided,
in which part of the barrel is seated; this works upon the said rollers.
The support shaft P is mounted on the universal joint U, and the same
is connected by a screw through the same to the caison. W is a lever
handle to throw the gun back when the recoil is taking place. Fig. 3
is an end view of Fig. 1; Fig. 4, vertical section and elevation of the
expanding screw box, before mentioned in regard to Fig. 1; Fig. 5, the
air pump; Fig. 6, view of the indicator, which is applied to the cannon;
it is the same as has been heretofore described.
In Drawing No. 5, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 6, 7, 11, 15, 16, exhibit various
forms and constructions of projectiles, some of them shewn as provided
with their capsules. In those Figures that shew hollow projectiles the
chamber which holds the explosive substances and the missiles, whether
shot, bullets, or otherwise, is marked A, and where they are shewn as
provided with igniters or igniting wires, the same are marked B, and
those which are provided with wheels or rollers to facilitate their rota-
tion in the barrel have the same marked C, and such as have grooves
for spring wires to be laid in to abut against the bore of the barrel have
the same marked D, and those that have springs or spring wires for the
same purpose outside the projectiles without having grooves for the same
have such springs or spring wires marked E, the same being useful for
binding the whole together and preventing the projectiles from burst-
ing, except with the proper explosive force. F, in Fig. 2, shews a flat
coiled slip, which is wound round inside chamber A to strengthen the
projectile, and make it stand against the explosive force inside; and G,
in said Fig. 2, shews a lining to the chamber A, composed igniting and
gas producing substances, such as brimstone and lime, turpentine, rosin,
&c. &c. The screw sockets or orifices for the capsules are marked H,
and the plain sockets or orifices for the capsules are marked L. All
these projectiles, excepting Figs. 7, 14, and 15, are provided with mouth-
pieces secured therein, marked K, for filling the projectiles, and con-
ducting the tubes for the igniters or igniting wires to explode the same.
In Fig. 3 the form of chamber A is not shewn, but any suitable form of
chamber may be adopted, or this projectile might be made solid. In
Fig. 5 the capsule is shewn inserted in its socket; this capsule is secured
in the socket H by a male screw, on the end thereof fitting into the
female screw of the socket. This capsule is perforated, and having the
wires E clipping it, and binding the same to the projectile, the whole
may be termed a connector. This capsule is bound round with spring
wire to strengthen the same, and has a conical perforated cup, marked

page_text: L, in which the powder or explosive agent acts, the perforations allow-
ing the gases to escape and expand, and resolve the explosive force in
the centre of the projectile, the better to obtain the central fire. In
Fig. 6 is shewn a detached view of a grooved pulley wheel, such as is
used in Fig. 6; and in Fig. 7 another form of capsule is shewn as attached
to a projectile. In this case the igniting wire B passes through the cup
of the capsule marked M through the capsule into the chamber A, where
it ignites and explodes the projectile without requiring to be used in a
cannon or fire-arm. In Fig. 11 another capsule O is shewn as com-
bined with a similar projectile to that just described. The igniting
wire B in this case has several branches, so that one may carry it to any
given distance in any direction either by land or water through tubes
or otherwise. In Fig. 14 is another capsule P, shewn combined with
a solid or hollow shot, with spear or dart passing through the same,
having wires at the end of the spear shaft at turned back outside the
capsule to assist its flight. In Fig. 15 is another capsule Q, combined
with a solid or hollow shot, having a spear through the centre and two
arrow heads. In Fig. 16 another projectile and capsule are shown
combined. This perforated capsule has a cup M, through which passes
an exploding tube M', which passes into and through the chamber A;
the outside of the nozzle of the capsule has wire M around it, which wire
is continued into the projectile, and terminates in grooves in the same.
It will be observed that this projectile is in two parts, the one screwed
into the other, and further secured by pins or screw rivets. In chamber
A there is a coiled spring F', which winds up like a bottle jack, and when
the projectile is fired off expands, and causes an increase of power to
the projectile. At K' is another coiled spring secured to the tube M',
causing it to ignite and explode several times. A wire is shewn as pass-
ing through this projectile from the musical indicator, hereafter
described, but has nothing to do with this projectile; it is so shewn to
save space. Figs. 8, 9, 10, are shots and capsules of various forms, the
capsules being marked R and the shots S. Fig. 10" shews an expand-
ing ring, with notches or grooves in it for the purpose of fitting the
grooves or spirals in the projectiles, shot, and firearms. Fig. 12 shews
another form of ramrod, which consists of two parts, an inner and outer
part; the inner part T is a tube, provided with a winch handle U and
a male thread, which takes into the female thread on the outer part W;
the inner parts at the other end is provided with a funnel X, and the
outer part is also provided with a funnel Y. Z shews one of the grooves
on the outside of the outer part, such grooves being continued the whole
length of the ramrod; a nut can be made to work down these grooves.
This ramrod will indicate the charge by means of the figures 1; 2, 3, &c.;

page_text: instead of figures, letters or signs might be used. Fig. 13 is another
form of ramrod, with a funnel a at one end and a screw at the other end.
This ramrod has also indicating numbers 1, 2, 3, &c., and instead thereof
letters or signs might be used. Fig. 18 is a view of a musical note and
tune or sounding signal indicator, to be attached to ordnance or fire-
arms, so that the commander or officer may, although at any distance in
any direction, give an almost instantaneous signal message to a soldier
or gunner, or persons employed in warfare, as to how he shall act in case
of emergency, or other command, either by sea or land. This apparatus
consists of a barrel a, with musical notes, tunes, or signs marked thereon,
connected to a rotary drum pulley b, which is connected to a rotary tube c,
which passes through it, which is connected with another tube d, which
has a winch handle e, the handle part of which has two holes in it for
attaching wires, chains, or connectors, whereby the same may be worked
by one of the persons signalling the other. f, the spindle, which passes
through the whole and terminates in the pointer g, which turns to any
of the notes as desired. The spindle at f' is broken off, but in practice
would be carried by wire or connector to a compressed air musical box,
similar to any of the instruments of the "free-reed " kind, which, by
actuating apparatus that will open or stop the apertures or valves for the
different notes, will cause different sounds to be given, according as the
pointer works upon the musical index at d. At x the spindle / has a
piece with orifices therein, whereby wires or connectors may be secured
to act thereon. Fig. 19 shews a similar indicator plate in dial form,
worked by the wires or connectors attached to the index pointers. This
should have attached to it figures or effigies of men or animals, which
move as the note sounds, and produce lights, if required, taking their
changes according to the dial plate, and this will give a full tune, if
required, or sign a signal. Fig. 20, and 21, 22, 23, exhibits the whole
of the mechanism of the indicator arranged in the manner shewn. Fig.
22, a dial, the pointer or handle of which is connected with a correspond-
ing dial, Fig. 23, at any distance; another wire proceeding to Fig. 20,
where the letters D, G, X, Z, W, N, M, each of which might be con-
nected with mechanism that would throw up a figure or image, illu-
minated or otherwise; a wire from this proceeds to Fig. 21, which is the
musical sounding compressed air box before spoken of; from this tubes
M and N extend, the mouth of which act to let air out, and to raise the
figures or images before spoken of.
Drawing No. 6 exhibits by several Figures in vertical section (except
as otherwise noted thereon) my improved capsules and cartridges, which
I construct of wood, metal, glass, or other substances, and some of which
are provided with spring wires or spring rings in connection with the

page_text: igniter or igniting wires, and others are provided with spring wires or
spring rings for strengthening the same. In these Figures the charge
chamber of the cartridge is marked A, and in such as have the cup A is
marked B, and such as have the spring wires or spring rings in connec-
tion with the igniter or igniting wire the same is marked C, and such
as have expanding springs or spring rings in the chamber A for streng-
thening the same, unconnected with any igniter or igniting wire, have
the same marked D, and such as have flexible tails have the same marked
E, and such as have the capsule shewn attached have the same marked
F. A' denotes the screw or thread for securing the capsule or cartridge
to the projectile. It will be seen that in Fig. 2 the igniter or igniting
wire is connected to the spring wires C, and has a disc G of wood or
suitable material for more ready ignition. This cartridge can thus be
used to explode projectiles which are not used in any cannon or fire-
arm. In Fig. 12 is a somewhat similar arrangement of igniter or ignit-
ing wire and disc G, but without any strengthening wires C, and the said
igniting wire is connected, as shewn, to pulleys, wheels, or rollers H, to
facilitate its passage through the gun, tending to the central fire. Fig.
14 has an igniter or igniting wire combined with disc G. Fig. 17, view
of the spiral spring or wire, to be used either inside or outside the cap-
sules or cartridges, to give strength to withstand the influence of the
exploding agents. Fig. 18, spring arms, terminating in a spiral spring,
to be attached to a projectile, capsule, or cartridge, combined or singly.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my
said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I
would here remark, that although I have specifically mentioned the
details of construction I prefer to adopt, yet I can vary the same without
departing from the general character of construction herein described;
what I claim being the improved cannon, guns, and other fire-arms, and
appendages thereto, and the capsules, cartridges, and projectiles for the
same and other fire-arms, as I have. herein described and specified the
same.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Henry Bentley, have here-
unto set my hand and seal, this Tenth day of May, in the year of
or Loud One thousand sight hundred and fifty-six
W. H. BENTLEY. (L.S.)