Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 2nd July, 1887
Complete Left, 2nd May, 1888
Complete Accepted, 29th June, 1888
We RICHARD COPLEY CHRISTIE, MANASSAH GLEDHILL, and HERBERT HANBURY
SMITH CARINGTON all Directors of Sir Joseph Whitworth & Co. Limited of Openshaw
Manchester in the County of Lancaster, Engineers, do hereby declare the nature of
this invention to be as follows :-
This invention relates chiefly to a gun carriage or mounting having a segmental
slide or frame and a recoil brake so arranged that the resistance of the same is always
exerted in a line coinciding with the axis of the gun. Therefore normal or direct
thrusts or stresses are substituted for oblique stresses, and the weight of the parts cau
be reduced.
These gun carriages or mountings can be advantageously employed for land service,
for guns of various kinds, and of any calibre. For sea service, the construction of the
gun-carriage or mounting is sometimes modified as hereinafter described.
According to one form or modification of the said invention the gun-carriage is
constructed as follows, viz.-The sides or cheeks of the gun-mounting proper have
the form of a circular segment, along the chord of which is a plane surface which
serves as a guide for the recoil brake cylinders; these cylinders are connected by a
transom forming a cradle in which the gun is supported. The recoil brake piston-
rods are supported by pieces secured to the rear ends of the sides or checks, these
supporting pieces are provided with rollers which run upon the segmental roller path
of the chassis or frame, upon this path are arranged other rollers for the sides or cheeks
of the gun-carriage.
The recoil brake cylinders communicate with a third cylinder carried by the transom
of the gun-carriage; into this third cylinder the liquid under pressure passes, and the
said cylinder has a piston subjected to the action of springs, whereby it keeps under
pressure the whole volume of liquid contained in the three cylinders.
The communicating passages are provided with loaded valves which are lifted during
the recoil and inmediately return to their seats, the liquid can then only enter the
recoil brake cylinders through small orifices which allow the gun to return with a slow
movement to the firing position and afford the means for regulating this movement
at will

page_text: The vertical pointing or elevation of the gun is effected by means of a screw shaft
the neck of which turns in a bearing on the frame, and the screw-threaded end of
which works through a nut secured to the side or cheek of the gun-carriage. The said
bearing and nut are arranged to turn on trunnions and follow the angular changes of
position of the elevating shaft in all its movements and thereby allow it to act properly
upon the gun-carriage.
The chassis or frame is fixed on a turning platform, or turntable, which is carried
on a saddle or racer by a roller-ring, or series of balls, and which is actuated by means
of a toothed pinion gearing with a circular rack or by other suitable means.
A hand or pointer is sometimes fixed to one of the cheeks of the carriage to
indicate the angle of elevation of the gun. And, in some instances, a band or
pointer is also provided for indicating the angle through which the gun has been
traversed.
If sufficient energy is accumulated in the aforesaid springs to enable them by their
reaction to move the gun back to the firing position when at its greatest inclination,
the gun can be made to return automatically to the loading position under the action
of gravity alone.
To obtain this result it is necessary that the centre of gravity of the recoiling parts,
when replaced in the firing position, should be far enough in front of the axis of
rotation of the circular cheeks or segments to overcome their resistance to movement
around such axis, and that the elevating apparatus, instead of being employed to
actuate them, should be used simply as an abutment designed to stop the gun at the
desired elevation for firing. A bolt or bar maintains the gun in the horizontal or
loading position, and, when the loading is effected, the rear end of the gun is
rapidly caused to descend until it comes in contact with the aforesaid abutment.
To ensure the accumulation of the requisite amount of energy, two juxtaposed
cylinders are employed or the number or strength of the springs is augmented.
This automatic return of the gun to the firing position and to the loading position
can be achieved in a still simpler manner in gun-carriages having frames of the form
adoped in the case of guns firing at very small angles, and which do not involve the
necessity for making the checks of the carriage to serve as trunnions for permitting
the elevation or depression of the gun.
In gun carriages constructed according to the present invention for naval guns for
instance, the ordinary frame is employed having slides of slight inclination, supporting
the carriage proper, which is formed of a single casting having cylinders formed
therein so as to constitute a hydraulic brake and slides as in a mortar carriage or
mounting.
The gun is arranged to be adjusted vertically by acting upon a suitable device which
causes it to turn upon or about a given centre. The extremity of each piston-rod
bears against a fixed abutment at the extremity of each guide. A third cylinder for
effecting the return of the gun to the firing position is provided in the carriage
between the said brake cylinders and below the gun. Its piston is loaded by one or
more springs. During the recoil the excess of liquid forced from the brake cylinders
enters the third cylinder through suitable channels lifting a valve therein and forcing
back the piston and compressing the springs. At the termination of the recoil, the
liquid under pressure enclosed in the third cylinder is forced out through a small
orifice in the valve of such diameter that the return to the firing position will be
effected regularly and without any shock or jar. In some instances, two cylinders are
employed for effecting the return movement of the gun to its firing position.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London,
Agents for the Applicants.

page_text: Improvements in Gun Carriages or Mountings.
We, RICHARD COPLEY CHRISTIE, Manassah Gledhill, and HERBERT HANBURY
SMITH CARINGTON, all Directors of Sir Joseph Whitworth & Co., Limited, of Open-
shaw, Manchester, in the County of Lancaster, Engineers, do hereby declare the
nature of this 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 relates chiefly to a gun carriage or mounting wherein the gun is
rigidly secured in a cradle fitted to slide in or upon a segmental frame or top-
carriage, which is formed with, and moves on bearing surfaces in the are of a circle
for elevating the gun, and which has in the chord of the are a bearing surface or
slide whereon the cradle with the gun, in the recoil, always moves against resistance
in a line coinciding with the longitudinal axis of the gun and intersecting the centro
of the circle. Therefore, whatever may be the angle of elevation, the force of the
recoil and the resistance thereto are exerted in, or along, or parallel to this line, that
is to say, the thrusts or stresses due to the recoil are always directly upon, and
resisted by, the parts of the structure immediately behind the breech of the gun or
the cradle, and indirect or oblique stresses upon the mounting are avoided, so that
the required strength of the parts is obtained without great weight of metal. This
form of gun carriage or mounting is chiefly designed for breech-loading guns.
The said invention affords the means for constructing a compact and efficient gun-
mounting for howitzers and other guns to be fired at a very high elevation.
These gun carriages or mountings can be advantageously employed for land or
sea service, for guns of any calibre.
In the accompanying drawings.
Figure 1 is an elevation of one side of a gun carriage or mounting constructed
according to our said invention, the gun being shown in a firing position.
Figure 2 is a vertical longitudinal central section of the said carriage or mounting,
the gun being shown in dotted lines in the loading and another firing position.
Figure 3 is partly a rear elevation and partly a transverse section on the line e, x,
Figure 2, some of the parts being removed.
Figure 4 is a vertical longitudinal section on the line ¹, r', Figure 3, showing
details of construction.
the
Figure 5 is a horizontal section on the line, ², Figure 2.
Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9 are views illustrating a device for permitting the return of
gun to the loading position under the action of gravity as hereinafter explained.
Figure 10 is a vertical longitudinal central section illustrating a modification of our
invention.
Figure 11 is a transverse section on the line y, y, Figure 10.
Figure 12 is a horizontal section on the lino y 1, Figure 10.

page_text: through the centre of one of the brake-cylinders, illustrating another modification of
our said invention.
Figure 14 is partly a front elevation and partly a transverse section on the
line, ², Figure 13.
Figure 15 is partly an underside view and partly a horizontal section on the
line, y, Figure 13.
Figure 16 is a plan.
Figure 17 a side elevation, and
Figure 18 a vertical
of our said invention.
longitudinal central section, illustrating a further modification
Figure 19 is partly a rear elevation and partly a transverse section on the line,,
Figure 18.
Like letters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.
A is the base-plate or racer B is the turntable, frame or under-carriage, which
is supported thereon through the medium of rollers (or balls) A', and is securely.
held and kept from tilting by means of hooks or clips 1. C. are the sides or
cheeks of the gun-mounting proper or top-carriage. Each of these cheeks has the
form of a circular segment, along the chord of which is a flanged face or slide (.
The flanges or slides serve as guides for the recoil-brake-cylinders D, which are
rigidly connected by a transom E, forming a cradle in which the gun F is supported
and held by a strap or otherwise. The recoil-brake piston-rods Dare firmly
secured in brackets or supporting pieces G formed with, or attached to the
checks the rear end thereof. These supporting pieces are provided with
rollers Garraged to travel upon the segmental roller-paths H of the turntable or
under-carriage B. Other rollers K are combined with the said turntable or under-
carriage for supporting the sides or checks C, (.
The recoil-brake-cylinders D communicate by means of pipes or passages a with a
third cylinder L formed with, or firmly attached to the transon E and containing
liquid. This cylinder has a piston M which is subjected to the action of a spring N
(preferably a so-called "Belleville" spring) or of compressed air, so that it will keep
under pressure the whole volume of liquid contained in the three cylinders, and will
act as a recuperator for effecting the running out or return of the gun to the firing
position.
The cylinder L is provided with a loaded valve 0 which will be lifted or forced
from its seat during the recoil, and will return to its seat on the termination thereof.
The cylinder L is, moreover, connected with the pipes or passages a by a bye-pass or
passage provided with a check valve b'.
h
An adjustable valve e is provided whereby
this passage may be closed, or the extent of its opening regulated at will.
It will be seen that, in the case of a breech-loading gun, the arrangement of the
recuperators berein described affords ready access for loading.
A screw-shaft P having fixed thereon a hand-wheel P¹ is provided for effecting the
vertical pointing or elevation of the gun. The neck of this screw-shaft turns in a
bearing or sleeve Q secured to the under-carriage B, and the screw-threaded part of
the said shaft works in a nut R secured to the side or cheek C of the top-carriage.
The said bearing Q and nut R are arranged to turn on pins or pivots to permit the
requisite angular changes of position of the elevating screw P throughout the move-
ments of the top-carriage, and thus allow the said screw to act properly with any
degree of elevation of the gun.
The turntable or under-carriage B is arranged to be rotated by means of a toothed
pinion S geared with a circular rack T on the base-plate or racer A, and operated, by
means of a worm S₁ and worm-wheel S, by a chain and pitch-wheel; or other suitable
means are provided for rotating the said turntable or under-carriage.
In the gun-mounting illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, a band or pointer U is attached
to one of the pieces G to indicate upon a graduated scale V on the turntable or under-
carriage B the angle of elevation of the gun. A hand or pointer X is, moreover,
attached to the turntable or under-carriage B for indicating upon a graduated scale Y

page_text: on the base-plate or racer A, the angle through which the gun moves when traversed
or trained.
The operation of the apparatus illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 is as follows, viz. :—In
the recoil, the liquid displaced from the brake-cylinders D is forced through the
passages a into the cylinder L and, acting upon the piston M, compresses the
spring N, thereby storing up energy for effecting the running out or return of
the gun to the firing position. The valve 0 is opened by the liquid as it enters the
cylinder L, and closes at the termination of the recoil. The said liquid can only
return to the brake-cylinders 1 through the bye-pass or passage & when the valve e is
opened. This passage is made small enough to ensure a slow return movement of the
gun to the firing position. Moreover the velocity of this movement can be very
accurately regulated or determined by the adjustment of the valve c. The gun and
top-carriage can be moved into the loading position indicated in Figure 2 by turning
the screw-shaft P by means of the hand-wheel P¹ in one direction, and can be moved
back to the firing angle indicated in Figure 1 by turning the said hand-wheel in the
reverse direction.
It will be seen that the bearing surfaces or slides on which the cradle moves
extend to equal, or about equal distances on either side of the centre about which the
top-carriage moves for elevating the gun; therefore the centre of gravity of the
carriage and (in the case of short guns) of the gun also will be within the base or
support of the said top-carriage, and the elevation of the gun can be effected with
very little power.
If the energy accumulated in the spring N during the recoil is not sufficient to raise
the gun when the top-carriage is in the position shown in Figure 1, the running out
or return movement of the gun will not be completed until the said carriage is moved
to, or nearly to the position shown in Figure 2.
If the centre of gravity of the gun, when run out by the recuperator, is forward
of the centre of movement of the top-carriage, the gun will gravitate to the loading
position, that is to say, the gun and top-carriage will tend to return to the loading
position under the action of gravity. This automatic return is, however, proventeil
by the elevating mechanism.
We sometimes provide for permitting the automatic return of the gun and top-
carriage to the loading position, by the release or disconnection of the same from the
elevating mechanism. We accomplish this result, for instance, by the employment of
the device shown in Figures 6 to 9. This device comprises two half-nuts or jaws d
which are pivoted at d to a pin or bolt e fitted to turn in a bearing in the cheek C.
Figure is a plan of the said device, showing also part of the elevating shaft.
Figure 7 is an end elevation of the said device, showing the elevating shaft in
transverse section.
Figure § is a transverse section on the line 4³, ¿ª³, Figure 6, showing the said jaws
closed, and
1
Figure 9 is a transverse section on the line 2ª, rª, Figure 6 showing the said jaws
open.
The jaws d are adapted to engage with the elevating shaft P, and take the place of
the nut R above described. A cam is connected with the said jaws by means of
screws y passing through slots" in the sail cam, This cam is provided with a lever
or handle whereby it may be turned upon or about its axis to open and close the
said jaws. To elevate the gun, the said jaws are caused to engage with the shaft P,
and the said shaft is then rotated in the proper direction. To permit the return of
the gun to the loading position, the jaws are opened and thus disengaged from the
shaft P so that it can move endwise freely between them. The gun and top-carriage
are retained in position, during the loading, by means of a locking bolt or other
suitable device.
In some instances, we so arrange the gun that, when loaded, the centre of gravity
of the mass (that is to say, of the top-carriage and the gun with the projectile and
powder-charge therein) will be in rear of the centre of movement of the top-carriage
and the gun will gravitate to its firing angle, so that, unless held by the said locking

page_text: bolt or otherwise, it will be elevated or brought to a firing angle by gravity. In this
case an adjustable stop should be provided on the elevating screw or other convenient
part of the mounting, to ensure the return of the gun to the same firing angle after it
has been fired and reloaded. The working of the gun, in this case, is effected as
follows, that is to say, when the gun, after being fired, has recoiled and been run out
by the recuperator, it is disconnected from the elevating mechanism as above
described, and, the muzzle-end of the gun preponderating, the gun and top-carriage
return to the loading position under the action of gravity; they are retained in this
position during the loading by means of the locking bolt. When the gun is loaded,
the locking bolt is withdrawn and, the breech-end of the gun preponderating, the gun
is elevated under the action of gravity until its movement is arrested by the aforesaid
stop. By the construction and arrangement of the gun and gun-mounting in this
manner we provide for greatly facilitating the working of the gun.
To ensure the accumulation of the requisite amount of energy to automatically
run out the gun after its recoil so that it may return automatically to the loading
position, two recuperators, each comprising a cylinder L, spring N and other parts
bereinabove described are sometimes employed as shown in Figures 10, 11 and 12.
Or the number or strength of the recuperator-springs is augmented.
This automatic running out of the gun and movement thereof from the firing angle
to the loading position and vice versa can be provided for in carriages or mountings
for guns to he fired at small angles of elevation, wherein the checks do not serve as
trunnions for permitting the elevation or depression of the gun, such elevation or
depression being given to the gun about its frunuions and suitable means being
provided for releasing the elevating gear. For instance, we sometimes adopt the
construction shown in Figures 13, 14 and 15. In this case, we employ an ordinary
frame or under-carriage having slides of slight inclination upon which is supported
the top-carriage consisting of the hydraulic brake-cylinders D rigidly connected by
the transom E.
The gun is arranged to be adjusted vertically by means of a suitable device which
causes it to turn upon or about its trunnions. Ordinary elevating gear comprising a
segmental rack and pinion actuated by a worm and worm-wheel may be used, or
either of the forms of elevating mechanism described in the specification of Letters
Patent dated 1st July A.D. 1887, No. 9373. Suitable means must, however, he
provided for releasing the said mechanism or disconnecting it from the gun when
required. The extremity of each piston-rod D₁ bears against, or is secured in a
bracket or abutment at the extremity of the slide. A recuperator-cylinder L for
effecting the running out or return of the gun to the firing position is provided in the
carriage, between the said brake-cylinders and below the gun. Its piston M is loaded
by springs N. During the recoil, the liquid forced from the brake-cylinders D enters
the third cylinder L through suitable channels, lifting the valve O and forcing back
the piston M and compressing the springs N. At the termination of the recoil, the
liquid under pressure enclosed in the cylinder L is forced out through a small orifice
in the valve, or through a bye-pass substantially as hereinbefore described with
reference to Figures 1 to 5, so that the running out of the gun will be effected
regularly and without any shock or jar. If desired we use two or more recuperator-
cylinders.
i'
A further modification of our invention, which is particularly advantageous in the
case of guns without trunnions, is shown in Figures 16 to 19. The gun is secured
in the transom E between the brake-cylinders by means of a band or strap h, the
said transom being formed with projections and grooves (as shown in Figure 18)
which fit corresponding grooves and projections on the body of the gun. In this
case, as in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the position of the gun and recoil-slide relatively to
cacli other is always the same.
The brake-cylinders D are connected by pipes or passages a with a third cylinder L
in which works a hollow piston M. The rear end of the cylinder L forms with the
hollow piston M an air-chamber.
On the recoil taking place, liquid from the brako-cylinders D is forced into the

page_text: evlinder Land drives the hollow piston M backward, thus compressing the air in
the said chamber. When the recoil has ceased, the compressed air in the said
chamber re-acts and effects the return of the gun to the firing position.
A pump provided with an operating lever is employed for running the gun
by hand when required. This pump is connected by pipes with the cylinder 1.
It can be used, for instance, if from any cause the air has not been sufficiently
compressed by the force of the recoil to return the gun to the firing position. We
can, if desired, use for this purpose, air or liquid under pressure from an accumulator
or reservoir.
A stop m (Figures 17 and 18) is provided on each of the cheeks C, C to operate
in combination with a buffer or cushion n on the turntable B for the purpose of
preventing or diminishing any shock or concussion on depressing the gun to its
lowest position. Stops (Figure 17) are, moreover, provided on each of the
checks C, to operate in combination with buffers or cushions p, p on the
cylinders for the purpose of preventing or diminishing shock or concussion in
the recoil and return movement of the gun and top-carriage.
We sometimes provide for elevating the gun by means of a pinion geared with
a circular rack formed or fixed on one of the checks C or by means of a worm geared
with a worm-wheel or a segment of a worm-wheel formed on, or attached to one of
the said cheeks.
Our improved gun-mounting is advantageously applicable to guns designed to be
fired either in a horizontal position or at any desired angle of elevation; and it will
he seen that the shock of the recoil is always transmitted through the brakes to the
frame or under-carriage whatever be the angle of elevation of the gun.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said invention,
and in what manner the same is to be performed as communicated to us by our
foreign correspondent we wish it understood that we are aware that the mounting of
a muzzle-loading gun in a segmental frame in which the gun in its recoil moves
transversely to the axis of the said frame is already known and we do not claim
generally or otherwise than as herein specified the segmental construction of the frame
of a gun-mounting, but we are not aware that this form or construction has heretofore
been adapted to the requirements of a breech-loading gun, and we claim :-
First. A gun-mounting wherein a breech-loading gun is carried by a cradle suitably
constructed to permit access to the breech of the gun and which cradle in the recoil
moves upon a bearing surface or slide on the top-carriage which for elevating the gun
moves about a horizontal axis or centre midway between the ends of the said bearing
surface so that the centre of gravity of the mass supported by the top-carriage is
always within the base upon which the said top-carriage moves, for the purpose
specifical
Second. A gun-mounting wherein the top-carriage is movable through an are of a
circle upon hearing surfaces on the under-carriage for elevating the gun, and has
extending through a plane parallel to the chord of the are a bearing surface or slide
on which a cradle or carrier suitably constructed for a breech-loading gun as above
specified moves against resistance or pressure whereby the recoil and return of the
gun are controlled, as above set forth.
Third. A gun-mounting wherein the gun is rigidly secured in a cradle arranged to
slide upon cheeks capable of turning about a horizontal axis which intersects the axis
of the gun, substantially as set forth.
Fourth. The combination, with the cradle and the segmental cheeks supporting the
same, of brake and recuperator apparatus at the sides of or beneath the cradle,
substantially as, and for the purposes, set forth.
Fifth. A gun-mounting constructed substantially as described so that the gun, after
being elevated, may be released from the elevating mechanism and will then return to
its loading position by gravity.
Sixth. The combination, with the cheeks of a gun-slide arranged to turn about a
horizontal axis, of the screw-shaft and the sleeve and nut capable of angular movement

page_text: or adjustment (with or without the means for releasing or disengaging the said nut
from the screw-shaft), all substantially as, and for the purposes, set forth.
Seventh. A gun-mounting wherein the gun, after its recoil, will be automatically
run out to the firing position at its highest or any smaller angle of elevation, an.1,
when thus run out, will gravitate to the loading position and, after being loaded, will
gravitate to its firing angle, as, and for the purpose, specified.
Eighth. A gun-mounting having a segmental top-carriage which is supported and
moves, for elevating the gun, upon the under-carriage or turntable on an are-shaped
hearing surface, and on which top-carriage the gun recoils through or across the
centre of the are of the circle, the force of the recoil being exerted upon the under-
carriage against the said bearing surface or against a surface concentric therewith.
Ninth. The improved gun-mounting consisting of the parts constructed and com-
bined substantially as described with reference to Figures 1 to 5, or with reference to
Figures 16 to 19 and operating as, and for the purposes, above specified.
Tenth. The modification of our invention, substantially as described with reference
to Figures 13, 14 and 15, whereby we adapt the same for guns limited to a small
angle of elevation..