Improvements in Torpedoes and Explosive Projectiles.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 12th July, 1890
Complete Specification Left, 13th Oct., 1890-Accepted, 23rd May, 1891
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Torpedoes and Explosive Projectiles.
I, GEORGE YATES, of Bath Row, in the City of Birmingham, Surgeon, a
communication from abroad by Louis Boll, of 12 Rue Castiglione, Paris in the
Republic of France, Chemist, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be
as follows:-
This invention relates in the first part, to rendering high explosive, perfectly
safe, either in its initial discharge from a gun, or during transit.
In the second part, to dynamite, explosive gelatine, glycerine, or other high
explosive shells.
In the third part, to dynamite, explosive gelatine, glycerine, or other high
explosives, to torpedo shells.
In the fourth part, to an aerial torpedo, which is applicable also to submarine
operations.
In the fifth part, to a delay action fuze, for penetration, or for depth sinking in
water.
In the sixth part, to an under-water fuze.
In carrying out this invention of the 1st 2nd, and 3rd parts, I might observe that
the cartridges, or sticks, of dynamite, or explosive gelatine, placed within, or
composing the interior charge of high explosive shells, have no mutual coherence,
or mechanical connection, other than a tendency to be retained, by being in juxta
position, consequently, each portion of a charge, necessarily obeys the force of its
gravity, or momentum, independently of the others, and consequently when brought
to rest, they strike each other, with force sufficient to prematurely fire them.
If the said charges, or cartridges, have interposed between them, or between
them in the line of direction of force, some yielding body, then concussion, or the
momentum, is neutralized or absorbed, by such interposed body.
Now in order to overcome the aforesaid danger from shock, or concussion,
imparted, or created either during the initial discharge from a gun, or other
mechanical agent by which it is thrown, or propelled, or when firing, or when in
any other state, other than when explosion should occur, I provide the end of a
charge, consisting of a stick of dynamite, or explosive gelatine, enclosed within a
paper case, or cartridge, with spiral or other springs, or with yielding materials such
as cork, or india-rubber.
The ends of the charges, have thin metal caps, which are adapted to carry the
springs, and the like, as aforesaid so that when the charges are in the course of
transit, or are enclosed within the interior of a shell, they become isolated end wise
one from another, and any shock or concussion created by the shell being suddenly
propelled or arrested, is neutralized or absorbed by the springs, or interposed
yielding materials.
Thus it is, that high explosive charges become safe, by the momentum of a shell,
or the sudden arrest of it, not being imparted, or equally imparted to the mass of
explosive charges contained within it.
These cartridges, or explosives, are preferably employed, just as they come from
the manufactory viz. :-in paper enclosing casings, and of a size, about 9 inches long,
by an inch and a quarter in diameter.
The cartridges are preferably placed longitudinally within the interior of a shell,
and with the ends, or the springs at their ends, abutting against each other.
It will thus again be seen, that the spring system, disposed at the two opposite
ends of the charges, will gently take up the shock-ordeal of each charge, with

page_text: complete impunity, and will prevent the shock, or momentum, from continuing
through the mass of the bursting charge within the shell, for if no such means were
employed premature explosion in the shell, must necessarily ensue.
Where the interior of the shell is large, transversely directed, and perforated
partitions of metal or papier-mache, are arranged, so that the shell is divided off,
into sections, or compartments.
It may also be observed, that the intervening spaces, between the ends of the
charges, or cartridges, occupied by the springs, enables the flame from the fuze to
insinuate, or spread itself equally throughout the mass of the explosive, at the same
instant of time, thereby bringing about simultaneous and complete explosion of the
said entire charge of the shell, and thus the maximum results are obtained.
Now from the aforesaid means of making dynamite, or other high explosives, safe
from shock, larger quantities of the said materials admit of being propelled in
thinner shells than heretofore, and on the other hand, explosives in greater bulk,
can be carried in maximum sized shells.
This aforesaid part of the invention, is particularly applicable, to the bursting
charges of aerial and submarine torpedo shells, and which said charges, shells, or
torpedos, may be propelled or expelled from pneumatic guns, gaseous guns, powder
guns, or by other means.
The guns employed for throwing the shells, torpedos, or the charges, are of
smooth bores, in consequence of the walls of the said shells, being made thin,
therefore it is proposed to give the necessary rotatory motion to them, by other
means, as hereinafter described.
In carrying out this invention of the 4th part, I may impart the necessary
rotation to the shell, which may be employed, either for penetration, or as an aerial
or submarine torpedo, after it leaves the gun.
When applied as an aerial torpedo, which is fired from a smooth bore gun,
whether pneumatic or otherwise, the charges are provided with, or loaded on, the
spring system, as herein before described, and in order to give the said rotatory
motion to the said torpedos, or torpedo shells, I provide them with a rearwardly,
and axially sliding stalk, whose outer end is provided with a vanc, or tail piece,
like unto the blades of a screw propellor, which are set at an angle to the axis of
the stem, which is square, and works within a square axial hole, within the breech
plug of the shell carrying it.
The inner end of the stalk, has a head or stop, to limit its outward distension,
whilst the blades at its other end, steer the shell through the air, or the water like
unto an arrow, in the trajectory line.
The front end of the torpedo shell, is made heavier than the rear, so as to bring
the centre of gravity, well forward, whilst the square, and centrally sliding stalk,
which is provided with rigid vanes, slides outwardly, and within the interior of the
shell, and as the said shell moves through the air, the vanes serve to give it
a rotatory motion, in lieu of that which it would acquire, if expelled from a rifled
gun.
Thus, on this new devised torpedo shell, being projected from a smooth bore gun,
the rigid vanes become distended, through the intervention of the stalk, whence the
rotatory motion is produced, by its thrust or impingement upon the air.
The nose or front end of the torpedo shell, may be provided with spiral grooves,
ribs, or their equivalents, which act in common, alike unto the vanes, or the blades
for giving the necessary rotary motion in its flight, when projected from, or by a
smooth bore gun.
If necessary the said shell may have its front spirally grooved or ribbed as
aforesaid, and also carry at its rear, rigid vanes, or blades, disposed at an angle,
either at the end of a sliding and centrally disposed stalk, or made integral with
the rear.
By the stalk sliding, which is preferable, the vanes admit of being, closed up to
the end of a shell, which saves room, both in storage, and in the barrel. of. the gun,
and as the shell is impelled into the air, the stalk slides rearwardly, when the vanes

page_text: becoming thus extended to nearly the length of a shell, the blades thereof, in
passing through the air, acquire a rotary, or annular motion thereby.
The aforesaid shells, or torpedo shells, are particularly applicable to those with
elongated bodies.
In carrying out this invention of the 5th part, relating to the delay action, or
penetration fuze, which is applied to shells, or torpedo shells, as hereinbefore
described, and in connection with high explosive materials, projected from rifled
guns, with powder charges, as the propelling force, the shell strikes an object aimed
at, and at the instant of the impact, the delay priming ignites, and burns for an
instant of time, before reaching the explosive proper, and during which said delay,
the shell consequently has penetrated to its full extent, when the explosion occurs.
The said delay fuze, consists essentially of a tube. directed horizontally within
the rear, next the breech plug of the shell, and with the rear part provided with a
weight, and the fore part, with a fulminate cap, which comes immediately in front
of, or opposite to, a nipple, or stationary striker, which on the tube being thrown
forward on the shell striking, discharges the cap, and ignites the priming within the
tube, and which priming is arranged to burn so many seconds, as may be required,
from the time of the impact of the shell, and at the end of which time, the fuze is
ignited, and the said shell explodes.
The fuze, is arranged in close proximity to the priming, whilst the priming tube,
near the weight end, is encircled by a wire or hair spring, to keep the same in a
back position.
Although I employ this said fuze in connection with the shells and torpedo
arrangements as hereindescribed, yet I may employ other fuzes of known and
approved constructions.
In carrying out this invention according to the sixth part, relative to the under-
water fuze, provide the torpedo, or the torpedo shell, with an electric battery for
igniting the fuze or priming, and I connect with the said torpedo, or torpedo shell
two electric, insulated, and wound wires, with the ends of them left naked, or being
held at a short distance apart, at the junction of the said wires, with a trajectory
cord, attached to the rear of the torpedo.
These rope wound wires are of a length, or cut to the length, which it is desired
to have the torpedo to sink from the surface of the water.
Now when the naked ends of the wire pass under the water, by the hauling of
the wire lengths, consequent upon the passage of the torpedo, the salt water, (being
a good conductor of electricity), closes the circuit, and the explosives contained
within the shell, and in connection with the electric wires, are exploded.
From this, it will be thus seen, that it is merely necessary to regulate the length
of wire from the torpedo, to get the depth requisite for bringing on the explosion.
Instead of having the extreme naked ends of the wire, separated, as before
described, I may enclose the same within a bulbous non-conducting end, with the
wire ends, respectively connected to the circuit points, directed opposite to each
other, and within a cavity, to which ingress is made by holes, or perforations, so that
as the end becomes immersed, in water, the cavity is filled up, thus closing the
circuit, and firing the explosive.
Dated this 10th day of July 1890.

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Torpedoes and Explosive Projectiles.
I, GEORGE YATES of Bath Row, in the City of Birmingham, Surgeon, (a com-
munication from abroad, by Louis Boll, Chemist, of 12 Rue Castiglione, Paris, in
the Republic of France) 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 :-
Heretofore the use of torpedoes and shells, loaded or charged with high
explodents, have been fraught with great danger, consequent upon the heat generated,
which is transmitted from the metal of the torpedo or shell, to the charge, and also
consequent upon the shock of impact.
This invention has for its object principally, to remedy this defect, whereby
torpedoes or shells, charged or loaded with high explodents, such as nitro-glycerine,
dynamite, and like substances, may be fired from light and heavy ordnance or
cannon, without danger of premature explosion, and although my invention,
primarily resides in means as aforesaid, yet the invention is extended to both the
construction of torpedoes and shells, and auxiliary devices, to be employed in
connection with them.
Thus, this invention relates in the 1st part, to rendering powerful explodents or
high explosive substances, such as sensitive explodents, in the form of nitro-
glycerine, and the like, or less sensitive substances, such as dynamite, perfectly
safe, either on their initial discharge from a gun, or during transit.
In the second part, to the structural formation of the said torpedoes, and shells.
In the third part, to an aerial and submarine torpedo, or torpedo shell.
In the fourth part, to delay action fuzes, for tiine penetration, or depth sinking
in water.
In the fifth part, to an under-water electric fuze.
In carrying out this invention, relating to the first, and second parts, I may
observe that the cartridges, sticks, or cylinders of high explodents, such as dynamite,
nitro-glycerine, and the like, when placed within the interior of a metallic casing,
for loading, have no mutual coherence, consequently cach portion of the charge,
obeys independently what momentum is communicated to it, with the resultant, that
the whole of the component parts of the charge, when suddenly put in motion, or
brought to rest, strike each other, with sufficient force to prematurely fire them,
and explode the shell.
If the component parts of the charge, which are preferably in the form of
cylinders, or paper cartridges, filled with high explodents, have interposed between
them, or between them in the line of force, or momentum, some yielding body, then
the concussion created as aforesaid, becomes neutralized, or partially absorbed.
To neutralize shock, concussion, or impact of the parcels, or component parts of
a charge, I provide one end, or both ends, of a cylinder, or parcel, with spiral or
other springs, or with buffered ends, made of cork, rubber, or rubber inflated.
These buffered ends, are carried by thin sheet metal caps, secured to the ends of
the component charges.
By the employment of the said buffered ends, or the spring system as described,
high explosives are rendered safe from premature explosion.
I prefer that these component cartridges, sticks or cylinders, should be employed
just as they come from the manufactory, and of a size about 9 inches long, and
1 inches in diameter.
Where the interior of the shell is large, the same may be partitioned off into
compartments, made of some impermeable material, or paper.
By the employment of spring ended component charges, intervening spaces are
thereby left, which enables the Hame from the fuze to insinuate itself momentarily
through the whole mass of the charge, thereby bringing about simultaneous and

page_text: complete explosion of the said entire charge. Further by rendering high explosives
safe, larger charges admit of being employed, within thinner shells than heretofore.
My improvements are applicable to the bursting charges of both torpedoes, and
shells, fired or expelled from pneumatic and other guns.
The guns employed for the throwing of shells, loaded with high explodents, are
preferably of the smooth bore pneumatic type, while the rotatory motion of the
torpedo or shell, is performed by a tail piece, as hereinafter described.
In carrying out the third part of this invention, the desired rotatory motion to the
torpedo or shell, is imparted, for aerial or submarine operations, by the employment
of a distensible propellor-like tailpiece.
I provide the rear of the casing, with a sliding stem or stalk, with the inner end
having a stop, and working within, or between guides, directed up the middle or
axis of the said casing, to nearly its full length.
The rear and outward end of the stem or stalk, is provided with a propellor-
shaped vane or tail-piece, alike unto screw propellor blades, which are placed at an
angle to the axis carrying them.
This axis or stalk, is preferably square, and takes within a like shaped guide, so
that the propellor tail-piece, with its stem, and shell, rotate together.
When the shell is placed within a gun, the stalk is moved inwardly, with the
blades coming at the back of the breech plug of the shell casing.
I prefer to make the head of the shell, heavier than its rear, so as to bring its
centre of gravity well forward.
On a torpedo or shell being expelled, the tail piece extends itself telescopically,
hence an impetus and rotatory motion to the said shell, alike unto as if the same
had been thrown from a groove barrel of a rifled arm.
The head end of the shell, may be spirally grooved, ribbed, or fluted, in order to
give the necessary motion to the same.
In carrying out this invention of the fourth part, viz. :-delay action or penetra-
tion fuze, the same consists essentially of a horizontally directed tube, disposed
axially at the breech end of a shell or torpedo; and working within the said tube,
which has an anvil at its front, a priming carrying tube, with a weight at its end,
and a spring for keeping the same in a back position, until impact occurs, when a
cap at the front of the said sliding tube, strikes the anvil, when the priming
becomes ignited, and burns for a chronometric period of time, when it communicates
with the fuze, which becomes ignited, and the shell exploded.
In carrying out this invention of the fifth part, viz. :-an under water fuze, I
provide the torpedo or shell, with a dry or other electric battery, for igniting the
priming, and connected with this battery, I arrange two covered wires, with their
outer ends separated, and left naked, and their inner ends connected to the battery,
and torpedo, or shells' casing respectively.
These wires, which form a tail, represent the distance, or the depth to which the
torpedo or shell shall sink within the water, before explosion is brought on.
Thus, when the naked ends of the wires come in contact with the water, the same
being a good conductor of electricity, the electric circuit is closed thereby, and the
primer fired, and the torpedo or shell, exploded.
It will be clearly understood, that by regulating the length of the line forming
the tail, explosion can be brought on at varying depths and distances.
Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings, represents in longitudinal vertical
section, a loaded shell, whose charge consists of powerful explodents, in the form of
sticks or cylinders of dynamite, nitro-glycerine, or the like, enclosed within paper
casings or envelopes, preferably saturated with alkali, in order to prevent the
transmission of heat, and to absorb any free acid which may exude.
The ends of these powerful explodent sticks, or cartridges, are provided with
cushioning expedients, in the form of coiled springs, which take up, or neutralize
the inertia of the charge, on the impact of the shell.
Thus, on a shell leaving a gun, or striking an object, the charge is impelled:

page_text: rearwardly, or forwardly by its inertia, thus it is, that the inertia of the charge or th
component parts constituting the charge, requires to be neutralized by cushioning
expedients, and this I do, by the employment of 'coiled springs, rubber, or othe
yielding buffer ends.
Figure 2 represents in elevation, a 'cartridge or stick of dynamite, or nitro
glycerine, upon an enlarged scale, showing the 'connections of the spring buffe
ends, with terminal caps.
Figure 3 represents an end view of the cartridge or stick, Figure 2.
a is a metallic casing, consisting of outside walls a², head a³, and rear end a*, and
enclosed within the said casing, are sticks of nitro glycerine, or other powerfu
explodents, enveloped within paper casings, as aforesaid, and provided at their
ends with spring buffers c, carried by end caps c².
The connection of the inner ends of the springs, are made by raising and
channelling the middles of the said caps, outwardly into tubes c³, wherein the inner
terminal ends c¹, of the buffer springs c, take.
The inside head end a, of the shell casing, is annularly stepped, for the ends of
the springs to take uniform and fair bearings, when the cartridges or sticks, are in
position.
Figure 4 represents in elevation, a cartridge or stick of nitro-glycerine, or high
explosive. provided with a buffer spring at one end only, instead of at both ends, s
that when the parts constituting the charge, are in position, the buffer ends of one
stick, is presented to the plain and cap end of the other, for its abutment, although
I propose, that the foremost or rearmost sticks at one end, should have both ends
buffered.
Figure 5 represents a pneumatic buffered end, arranged according to another
form of my invention.
bis a powerful explodent cartridge, c' is an end cap, carrying an inflated cushion or
buffer end c, which acts in manner, alike unto the metallic spring, as aforesaid, by
taking up and neutralizing the shock imparted to the charge, on the impact of the
shell, when striking an object.
Figure 6 represents a part longitudinal section, of another buffer end, for high
explosives.
Figure 7 is an elevation of the same.
b is a cartridge or stick of nitro-glycerine, c is a solid buffer end, of india-rubber
or cork, and secured to the end of the said stick, or cartridge, by a cap c³.
It will be understood, that in Figures 5, 6, and 7, that either one end, or both
ends, of the stick or cartridge, may be provided with buffering or cushioning
expedients.
The shells may be provided with impact, time, or delay action fuzes, preferably
disposed within the rear.
The shell may be lined with paper, cardboard, or like expedients, for preventing
the inward transmission of heat.
Although the envelope or covering of the stick, is preferably composed of
alkali saturated paper, or impermeable material, yet I do not confine myself to the
said covering.
Figure 8 represents a loaded shell, provided with transversely directed perforated
partitions, in order to isolate the portions of the charge one from another, and thereby
minimise the risk of premature discharge.
The sticks of nitro-glycerine, or powerful explodents, are provided with my
improved cushioned or buffered ends, for taking up the inertia, on concussion, or
impact, as aforesaid.
Figure 9 represents a transverse section of Figure 8, on the dotted lines A B.
a is the casing of the shell, a' the side walls thereof, a' the head end, and at the
base, wherein the impact, time, or other fuze, is preferably inserted, for obtaining
the best results, on the discharge of the explosives, brought about by detonation,
which is the preferable mode of discharging high explosives,

page_text: bare the charges, with buffer or cushion spring ends c, taking their abutments
respectively against the perforated partitions a, composed preferably of some
impermeable material.
These transverse partitions, are kept in their places by partition rings, or short
paper cylinders a', directed between the inside circumferential edges of them.
By thus employing partitions fitted up in this manner, the powerful explodents
contained within the envelopes, are isolated or disposed within cellular spaces.
This
Figure 10 represents a transverse section, of a shell, or the casing of a shell,
divided off by radial partitions, instead of transverse ones, as in Figure 8.
form of subdividing or partitioning off, not only isolates portions of the component
elements constituting the charge, one from another lengthwise, but prevents their
rotation, and such rotation may be neutralized on the impact of a shell, by springs,
disposed between a rib or part carried by the lining, and an internal rib of the
shell casing.
Figure 11 represents a longitudinal vertical section of another form of my
invention, for neutralizing the inertia, or momentum, both rearward, forward,
and rotatory, imparted to the charge, ou a shell's discharge, rotation, and impact.
It will be seen that the charge is suspended within the interior of the casing, and
with the same removed from the inside walls, in manner, that transmission of heat,
is not only prevented, but the charge itself is suspended, whereby the inertia of the
said charge, is neutralized, both forward, rearward, and rotatory, on the shells
discharge and impact.
a is the casing, with walls a², head a³, rear end aª, cartridges or cylinders b,
filled with powerful explodents, with or without, spring buffered ends, and which
cartridges or casings, are enclosed within a paper or other barrel d, suspended
within the interior of the said casing, by springs c, disposed at intermediate distances
apart, around the sides and ends of the said barrel.
I propose that the springs be hooked respectively to the casing, and barrel,
so that the said barrel shall be evenly suspended within the shell's casing.
This barrel may be divided off, or portions of the charge separated, in manner
with respect to some of the preceding figures as aforesaid.
Instead of a charge being in suspension, the same may be buffered or cushioned,
by disposing coiled or other springs, or rubber, or cork blocks, or inflated pads,
between the barrel, and inside of the casing, in order to take up any shock which
may be imparted to the charge, through the shell being discharged, or striking an
object.
Figure 12 represents a transverse section of Figure 11, showing the suspension
barrel, for the carrying of the charge.
The sticks or cylinders of high explodents, may be provided with end cushioning
expedients, in the form of flat or bow springs, instead of coiled.
Figure 13 represents in longitudinal vertical section, an explosive projectile
constructed and arranged according to my invention. It will be seen, that the
shell consists of an ordinary casing, with vane or obliquely directed propelling
blades, carried at the end of a longitudinally distending stalk or stem, which when
in position for firing, lies within the axis of the shell, but after firing, the said
stalk or stem, distends itself to nearly the length of the shell itself, which is counter-
poised, and its flight through the air, augmented, and directed.
Figure 14 represents an unloaded shell and stem, (broken off), with the blade or
vane portion of the same, distended.
Figure 15 represents an end view of the torpedo shell, which is preferably aerial
as aforesaid, but may be employed for submarine purposes, as hereinafter described.
Figure 16 is a transverse section, upon the dotted lines C D Figure 13, showing
the angular section of the stem of the propelling blades, and the guide shaft,
wherein it works.
a is a shell, with outer casing walls a³, head a³, rear end a', and shaft or centrally
disposed guide tube a, wherein the stem or stalk, of the propelling blades h,
takes, and with the said stem, provided with a head, which is limited. in its

page_text: outward movement, by a shoulder y², at the inside outer end of the said guide shaft g.
This guide shaft, has its bearings or ends, disposed within the inside head of the
casing, and the rear block or end piece.
When placed within a gun, the propellor end, occupies a position as represented
in Figure 13, thereby taking up but little space within the gun, whose propelling
agency, is compressed air.
Thus, place the shell in an air gun, as aforesaid, and on the same being projected
therefrom, the trajectory is the same as that of an ordinary projectile, other than
that the missile is balanced, & guided. Further, as shells containing high explosives,
have to be projected from smooth bore guns, it necessarily follows, that some device
must be resorted to, for giving the same a rotatory motion in its trajectory, and
this I accomplish, as aforesaid, by the employment of the distensible propellor vanes,
which distend themselves automatically, on the shell being projected, hence the
rotatory motion to the shell.
I wish it to be understood, that I do not confine myself to the form of propellor
blades, which move or rotate with the shell.
Figure 17 represents a torpedo shell, with the head or nose part, spirally or
inclinely grooved, with an extensible propellor.
Figure 18 represents an elevation of a spirally headed projectile, without a
propellor.
Figure 19 represents a front elevation of the spiral head.
Figure 20 represents a diagramatic view of an explosive projectile, directing
itself in its trajectory upon a monitor or gun vessel. The dotted lines represent the
said trajectory.
Figure 21 represents this invention applied as a torpedo, ignited by an electric
fuze, consequent upon a tail of the same coming in contact with the water, under
which it is directed, for the blowing up of a vessel from the underneath.
Figure 22 represents the end of the tail of the submarine torpedo, and by which
means, as hereinafter described, an electric circuit, of a dry or other battery,
contained within the casing of the torpedo, is completed.
In Figure 21, a is a torpedo shell, with an extensible propeller h, directed at the
end of an angular stem 2, and directed from the said propeller stalk, or propeller
back, is a tail i, consisting of two covered wires, with exposed terminal ends,
arranged at short distances apart.
The inner ends of one of these wires, is connected to the battery contained within
the torpedo, and the other is connected to the metallic casing of it, in manner that
the current is made to pass through the detonating primer, constituting a portion
of the fuze.
The length of tail, determines the distance through which the torpedo shall sink
or pass into the water, before bringing on explosion, which is occasioned by
the ends of the line or tail being drawn under the water, when instantly the electric
circuit is made, through the instrumentality of the water in which it becomes
immersed, and hence the electric circuit brings on explosion, through the detonating
primer, which it ignites.
The dotted lines represent the trajectory of the said torpedo, and its tail or line end.
Instead of employing a tail, an under water-time fuze, may be substituted.
Figure 23 represents the rear end of a shell, or a torpedo shell, provided with a
contact fuze, which may be employed as the expedient for bringing on explosion,
after the shell has struck or penetrated an object.
a is the shell, a³ the casing, at its rear part, j is the fuze, contained within an
inner ended perforated tube k, enlarged at its front end, into a chamber ³, wherein
a weight 1, with a detonating spike ³, slides. m is a nipple, at the entrance to the
tube k, and n is a concussion cap, which on being struck, on the weight 1, being
urged forward, the fuze is ignited, which after burning for a predetermined time,
explodes the shell, loaded with high explosive materials.
The improved shells, or torpedo shells may be provided with the said contact fuze,
or other fuze, to which I lay no claim.

page_text: Figure 24 represents a delay action fuze, arranged according to one part of this
invention.
a is shell, with a metallic casing a³, and rear end a.
Disposed within the middle of the breech end of the shell, is a primer carrying
tube m', with the nipple m, at its fore end, upon which a cap n is placed. The
rear end of this tube, has a weight 1, with a spring o, disposed between the said
weight, and the shoulder of the enlarged part k³, of a tube k, wherein the said
priming carrying tube m', slides.
The outer tube, which is a guide for the primer carrying tube, has an anvil k³,
whilst surrounding the said parts, is the fuze composition p, whilst the priming, is
marked j.
In conclusion, it is to be understood, that no exclusive claim is made to the
explosive charges, composed of integral small charges, in the form of cartridges,
cylinders, packages, or the like, nor to the employment of a propellor vane, fixed
and disposed at a short distance from the rear of a torpedo or shell casing, nor to
the prevention of the transmission of heat from the shell to the charge, by the inter-
position of encircling cylinders of paper, or cardboard linings, saturated or not with
an alkali, as I am aware that torpedoes, and shells, embracing or embodying these
features, have been published or made known, prior to this invention thereof, but,
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
First In torpedoes and explosive projectiles, loaded with high explodents, or
explosives, such as dynamite, nitro-glycerine, and explosive gelatine, providing the
component or integral parts, or the cylinders or cartridges composing or
constituting the charge, with spring or buffered ends, or sides, whereby the
same are cushioned on shock, and premature explosion prevented, substantially
as described and set forth.
Secondly-In torpedoes and projectiles loaded with high explodents, providing
the component parts constituting the charge, with caps, or end caps, for the carrying
of the cushioning devices, substantially as described and set forth.
Thirdly-In torpedoes and projectiles, loaded with high explodents, making up
the charge of component.parts, in the form of cylinders, cartridges, or packages, with
cushioning expedients, such as springs, inflated pads, rubber, or cork blocks, inter-
posed between them, or disposed longitudinally between them, substantially as,
for the purpose, as described and set forth.
and
Fourthly In torpedoes, and projectiles, providing the same with a distensible
or sliding propellor vane, whereby the said torpedo or projectile, is rotated in its
trajectory, in either air or water, and which said propellor parts, stem, and guides,
are arranged and work, substantially as described and set forth in Figures 13, 14,
15, and 17.
Fifthly In torpedoes and projectiles, loaded with high explodents, the com-
bination with cushioning expedients, interposed or intervening between the
component parts of a charge, of transverse and radial partitionings, as represented
in Figures 1, 8, 9, 10, and 13, whereby sets or portions of the component parts, are
isolated one from another, and displacement and rotation of the charge, prevented,
as set forth.
Sixthly-In torpedoes and explosive projectiles, charged or loaded with high
explodents, suspending the charge, or a casing containing a charge, within the
interior of the shell, by springs, connected between the said inner casing, and the
inside walls of the shell, whereby premature explosion is prevented, both by shock,
concussion, or impact, and the transmission of heat from the walls of the projectile,
or torpedo to the charge, substantially as described and set forth in Figure 12.
Seventhly-In torpedoes and explosive projectiles, charged or loaded with high
explodents, isolating the charge, or a casing containing a charge, within the interior
of the same, by interposed springs, or blocks of yielding material, whereby the said
B

page_text: charge is cushioned, premature explosion prevented, and the transmission of heat
from the walls of the projectile to the charge, stopped off.
Eighthly-In a fuze for torpedoes and shells, the construction and arrangement
of the parts, as described and set forth in Figure 24.
:-
Ninthly In an under water fuze, the arrangement and combination of the parts,
as described and set forth in Figures 21 and 22.
Tenthly -In an under water fuze, the employment of a tail line, composed of
electric wire, with naked ends, for determining the firing of a charge, when the said
naked ends become immersed in water, as set forth in Figures 21 and 22.
Dated this 11th day of September 1890.
GEORGE YATES.
By Henry Skerrett,
6, Livery Street, Birmingham, Agent for Applicant.