IMPROVEMENTS IN CHARGING AND FIRING HEAVY GUNS, AND IN THE MACHINERY OR APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREFOR.
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Robert Catanach Smith, of Edinburgh, in the County of
Mid Lothian, North Britain, Engineer and Ironfounder, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN CHARGING AND FIRING HEAVY GUNS, AND IN THE
MACHINERY OR APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREFOR.'
"
Sealed the 23rd September 1876, and dated the 10th July 1876.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Robert Catanach Smith at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 10th July 1876.
ROBERT CATANACH SMITH, of Edinburgh, in the County of Mid Lothian, North
Britain, Engineer and Ironfounder. "IMPROVEMENTS IN CHARGING AND FIRING
HEAVY GUNS, AND IN THE MACHINERY OR APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREFOR."
This Invention has for its object improvements in charging and firing heavy
guns, and in machinery or apparatus employed for these purposes. As regards the
charging apparatus the Invention relates to improvements on the Invention for
which Letters Patent have been granted to the said Robert Catanach Smith, dated
the 28th day of January 1876, and numbered 346.
These improvements consist, first, of a further development of the piston of the
charging apparatus described with reference to the second modification of the afore-
said Invention.
Under this Invention the piston is constructed in two parts, one of which con-
stitutes the charging apparatus, whilst the other part forms a brake which regulates
the velocity of the charge whilst being pushed or driven into the breach end of
the gun.
For this purpose a secondary piston is employed, which is placed at the back of
the charging piston, rollers being attached to the secondary piston by means of levers
centred on arms or brackets formed on the charging piston. These rollers, of
which any desired number may be used, bear against the bore or chase of the gun
with sufficient frictional contact to break the velocity of the charging piston, such
contact being effected or promoted by admitting air under pressure at the back of
the secondary or braking piston. The charging piston is caused to propel the
charge home to the breach of the gun by admitting air under pressure between it
and the braking or retarding piston, both pistons being withdrawn to the position
for inserting another charge by admitting air between the inner side of the charging
piston and the breach of the gun.

page_text: Under another arrangement instead of employing friction rollers, as herein-before
set forth, the ends of the levers may bear against the bore or chase of the gun, or
wedges or inclined planes formed on the charging piston may be forced into
contact with the bore by the secondary piston, whose sides are also inclined.
The same object may further be effected by admitting compressed air to the
interior of the charging piston, from whence it passes through lateral openings so
as to act on the ring or rings, by which the piston is packed in the bore of the
gun whereby the said ring or rings is or are forced into greater frictional or
retarding contact with the bore of the gun.
In lieu of charging compressed air into the charging cylinders by air com-
pressing machinery on board ship, as under the former Invention, according to the
present Invention air-compressing machinery on board ship is dispensed with, and
any desired number of canisters, cylinders, or cases are provided, which are charged
with air at the required degree of pressure at an arsenal or other station, and these.
are stored when charged on board ship for use when required. These canisters may
be of any desired form, but it is preferred to make them annular, the central part
being of a size to contain within it the shot and powder, the annular space round
about being that into which the air is charged. The outer end of each canister is
closed and the inner end of the central space is open to allow of the shot and
charge being expelled from the canister into the gun the moment that the air is
allowed to escape by a cock or valve from the annular space for the purpose of
loading the gun. The inner end of each canister constitutes a cap, which fits the
muzzle of the gun, so as to make an air-tight joint therewith when tightened
against it, as under the Invention for which the aforesaid Letters Patent have been
granted. For the purpose of safety and at all times protecting the charge carried
within the canisters they may be provided with a lid or cover at the open end,
which is removed at the time of loading with any one of them.
In place of constructing the canisters of the form now last described they may
be simple cylindrical canisters not containing the charge, but which may be of
such a size and shape as to be placed either inside the charging cylinder forming
part of the former Invention hercin-before referred to, or outside it, or they may be
placed within the bore of the gun itself, being closed therein by the lid or cover,
also forming part of the aforesaid Invention. The canisters, when made as now last
described, may be large enough to contain air sufficient for one or more charging or
sponging operations.
These cylinders last mentioned may also be used for operating the telescopic ram-
rod forming part of my aforesaid former Invention by being attached thereto by an
air-tight or equivalent coupling, and an improvement in the construction of the
telescopic ramrod consists in providing it at the centre with a second and smaller
inner set of telescopic tubes provided with cocks or valves by which, after the ram-
rod has been extended by the admission into it of compressed air for the purpose of
inserting the charge, a further portion of the air remaining in the charging cylinder
or reservoir is allowed to act on the outer or front end of the ramrod and force it
back at the same time the air which had extended the ramrod is allowed to escape
through another valve or cock. Or by means of the inner set of tubes the same
quantity of air may be caused both to extend and withdraw the ramrod. In place
of the central telescopic tube now described a flexible india-rubber or other elastic
tube may be substituted.
Under another modification of my improved mechanism for charging heavy guns
the charging apparatus consists of a rack composed of a series of links jointed
together, and which is moved backwards and forwards by means of a pinion. As
the rack is moved forward so as to charge the gun the several links are brought
horizontal, or if necessary inclined, and thereby become converted into a stiffened
bar or ramrod, and as they are withdrawn the links passing out of contact with the
pinion are wound spirally upon a barrel.
Under another modification of my charging apparatus the ramrod consists of two
or more bands or strips of metal or other suitable material, or of two chains which

page_text: are kept wound up on two or more barrels or cylinders in proximity to one another,
and which, as the strips or chains are unwound therefrom, bear against one another
edgewise in opposite directions, and so support one another, thus converting two or
more thin flexible bodies or chains into a stiffened bar, which as it is unwound
advances into the chase of the gun and thereby charges it.
Under another modification the ramrod consists of two strong leather or equi-
valent belts, stiffened on one side by means of blocks of wood or other material.
These belts are wound up on shafts or rollers, and when it is desired to charge a
gun therewith a pinion or sprocket wheel, screw, or the equivalent thereof is
rotated so as to draw out or unwind these belts from the rollers or shafts, the effect
of which is that resting or pressing upon one another as they are unwound, they
stiffen one another, and thereby constitute a ramrod, which, after the charge is
inserted, is withdrawn by rotating the mechanism in the opposite direction.
The several ramrods described in the last three preceding modifications are carried
within a framing or casing, which is either mounted upon the gun itself or upon the
gun carriage, or attached to any convenient part of the chamber in which the gun
is situated, and they are operated by means of a rotatory, three cylinder, or other
engine, which may be driven by compressed air supplied from one or more of the
cisterns herein-before described, or from other suitable reservoir, or by manual labor.
In place of using compressed air for operating the apparatus constituting this
Invention, steam or gas may be used therefor, and although the apparatus has been
described for use on board ship, it is to be understood that it may be used in
fortresses, martello towers, trenches, or other works of attack or defence.
In using gas in the charging apparatus herein-before described it may be
compressed to the point of liquefaction or solidification so that a small charging
apparatus may contain a very large store of charging power.
As regards improvement in firing heavy guns the Invention consists in dispensing
with the vent and vent piece hitherto employed, and in igniting the charge (whether
inserted as herein-before set forth or otherwise charged) by an electric spark brought
into contact therewith. For this purpose one or more grooves are made on the
bullet or projectile parallel with its length, or passages are made through the studs
which enter the rifle grooves, and into or through these grooves or passages one or
more insulated wires or other electric conductors is or are placed. The wires are
connected at one end with an electric battery, whilst their other ends communicate
with a conductor fixed in the rear of the projectile. The connexion between the
battery wire and the insulated wires of the projectile is weaker than these wires,
so that when the charge is fired by the electric spark and the projectile forced
out the said connexion is snapped or severed without injury to other parts of the
apparatus.
O SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Robert Catanach Smith in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 10th
January 1877.
ROBERT CATANACH SMITH, of Edinburgh, in the County of Midlothian, North
Britain, Engineer and Ironfounder. "IMPROVEMENTS IN CHARGING AND FIRING
HEAVY GUNS, AND IN THE MACHINERY OR APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREFOR."
My said Invention has for its object improvements in charging and firing heavy
guns on board ship, or in forts, batteries, or other situations wherein such guns are
employed, and in machinery or apparatus used for these purposes.
And in order that such machinery or apparatus may be properly understood I
now proceed more particularly to set forth the system, mode, or manner in or
under which the Invention is or may be used or carried out in practice, reference
being had to the accompanying Drawings, and to the letters and figures marked
thereon, that is to say:-
On the Sheet of Drawings hereunto appended, Figure 1 is a section of the

page_text: apparatus for charging heavy guns as constructed in accordance with one modification
of my said Invention.
The
Under this arrangement the apparatus consists of outer and inner pistons A and
B respectively, the outer one A being packed air-tight within the bore or chase of
the gun by one or more rings a of leather, india-rubber, or other flexible material,
which is or are held in position by bands or straps b of metal placed in recesses
formed in the periphery or side of the pistons. The inner piston B is similarly
packed within the outer piston A by a ring c, and behind the rings a and c channels
d are made, through which compressed air passes to the backs of the rings so as to
force them into frictional contact with their respective bearing surfaces.
outer or charging piston A is closed at its forward end, and from its rearward end
or that nearest to the muzzle of the gun one, two, or more air passages or channels f
are made leading to the front end. Whilst the piston A is pushing the charge
down to the breech end of the gun the passages fare closed by a lid or cover g
secured to a rod or spindle passing through a stuffing box or gland h in the
piston A to a recess in the closed rearward end of the piston B, whereat india-rubber
coil or other springs are employed in conjunction with the said rod or spindle
for the purpose of holding the cover against the open ends of the air passages f
Another passage similar to the passages f, but terminated in a pipe leading out
through the muzzle of the gun, is also provided in the piston A, the position of the
said passage being indicated at 1, Figure 2, which is a part plan of the rearward
end of the apparatus. The piston is employed to retard or regulate the velocity
of the piston A, and for this purpose arms or levers E, formed in either of the
modes shewn at Figure 1 or in an analogous manner are centred on the piston A
and connected either by a spring F, or by a link G, to the piston B, and a further
connexion between the two pistons is made by springs H, placed at the interior
of the apparatus. A pipe n communicates with the space at the interior of the
piston B, the said pipe being led out through the muzzle of the gun to a casing
herein-after described with reference to Figuro 4 of the Drawings.
A "swab" I is or may be secured to the inner end of the piston A. for the
purpose of sponging or cleaning out the bore of the gun between operations of
charging, and to keep the swab out of contact with the cover the latter is
surrounded by a casing m, against the forward end of which the projectile bears
whilst being forced to its seat in the gun.
In charging with the apparatus illustrated at Figures 1 and 2 the powder and
the projectile are raised to and inserted in the muzzle of the gun either by hand
or by the apparatus described in the Specification filed in pursuance of Letters
Patent granted to me Number 346, A.D. 1876, or by other suitable apparatus, and
this having been effected the casing containing the charging mechanism is brought
opposite the gun's muzzle and fixed in that position.
Air under pressure is then admitted at the rear of the pistons A and B, by which
the said pistons together with the charge are moved along the gun's bore towards
the breech end thereof. The velocity of the charge whilst being so inserted is
regulated by the piston B, compressed air being admitted through the pipe n to its
interior, and which acting on the piston moves it rearwards until the extremities
of the levers E are in such frictional contact with the bore of the gun as to have
the effect of retarding the speed of the apparatus. A feature of this arrangement
of the charging apparatus is that it is prevented from charging at all until braked
as above set forth, for until the piston B moves rearwards and closes the cover g
over the channels f a portion of the compressed air admitted to the rear will pass
through the said channels to the front of the apparatus and thereby establish an
equilibrium of pressure on both sides of the charging piston A. Steadiness and
equality of pressure and velocity are thus obtained throughout the entire charging
operation. The air displaced from the gun's bore passes outwards by the passage
and pipe, and when the charging has been completed the braking piston B is
restored to the position shewn on the Drawing by the springs H, after the
compressed air has been allowed to escape from its interior through the pipe n.
k

page_text: The apparatus is withdrawn by passing compressed air through the pipe to the
front of the piston A, and allowing the compressed air in rear of the said piston to
escape.
Under a modification of the apparatus herein-before described, instead of cm-
ploying braking levers E provided or not with friction rollers, wedges or inclined
planes may be formed on or attached to the charging piston A, these being forced
into contact with the gua's bore by the piston B, whose sides are also bevilled or
inclined.
Another arrangement of the charging apparatus for heavy guns as constructed
in accordance with my said Invention is illustrated in section at Figure 3 of the
appended Drawings, and although not so shewn it may also be furnished with a sponge
or swab. With this arrangement the velocity of the charge is braked when inserting
by admitting compressed air to the interior of the single piston A, which air passing
outwards through the lateral openings acts on the leather, india-rubber, or other
flexible rings c so as to force them into frictional contact with the gun's bore.
This charging apparatus as well as that shewn at Figure 1 is carried in a casing
which may be similar to that illustrated in longitudinal section at Figure 4 of the
Drawings, or of other suitable construction. This casing C when in charging
position is held against the gun's muzzle by rods or bars D attached at one end to
a piston E, and formed at their other ends with hooks or catches which hold against
pins or studs formed on or fixed to the gun, as indicated in dotted lines at a,
Figure 4. Compressed air being admitted to the front of the piston E causes the
casing C to move forwards, and the hooks of the rods or bars D to hold firmly on
the pins a
The joint between the end of the casing C and the gun's muzzle is
made air-tight by a washer or ring d of leather or other flexible material.
Behind the charging piston the compressed air pipes herein-before mentioned are
coiled in the casing C, these pipes being preferably enclosed within a wider pipe,
which uncoils or extends as the charging apparatus moves forwards. At their rear-
ward ends the said pipes communicate with separate channels made in the end of
the casing C, and to which a pipe formed with branches and communicating with
the air compressing apparatus is connected.
An apparatus to indicate the position of the charging mechanism in the gun's
bore is also provided at e in conjunction with the casing. This apparatus consists
of an indicator dial fixed to a drum whercon one end of a chain.is wound, the said
chain being led round a pulley centred on the rearward end of the charging piston.
As the piston advances the chain unwinds, thereby rotating the drum and moving
the finger or pointer of the dial, and at the same time a coil spring in connexion
with the drum is wound up.
When the charging has been effected with either of the arrangements of appa-
ratus herein-before described, such apparatus is withdrawn in the manner herein-
before set forth in the case of that shewn at Figure 1, and in the case of that shewn
at Figure 3, by admitting air through the pipe X, or when the pressure of air
behind such apparatus has been released it may be withdrawn in either case by the
spring of the indicator winding the chain back on to the drum at e, the spring being
strong enough for that purpose. When the charging apparatus has been returned
within the casing C the pressure of air is withdrawn from the forward end of the
piston E and admitted to its rearward end, by which means the casing is released,
and it is thereafter swung round on a centre loisted or lowered to permit of another
charge being inserted in the gun.
Figure 5 of the Drawings illustrates a modification of this last-described system
of braking, and as shewn thereby the charging piston A, which consists of a plain
disc packed air-tight by a cup leather B, is connected by a chain C to a druin D
which rotates and winds up a strong spring as the piston advances in the gun's
bore.
The drum D is geared by a friction or spur wheel with a pinion situate
on a shaft whereon another friction or spur wheel e gearing with a pinion fis fixed.
On the axis of the pinion fa friction wheel h is situated, and in connexion there-
with a brake shoe fixed on a screw shaft is provided. By applying the shoe to the

page_text: wheel the motion of the train of wheels and consequently of the drum D is
retarded. When withdrawing the piston A the pinion is thrown out of gear with
the wheel of the drum D, and the energy of the spring on the said drum is then
utilized in winding on the chain, and pulling back the piston. The drum D is or
may be geared with another train of wheels communicating with an indicator
which shews the position of the apparatus in the gun's bore.
Another method of charging heavy guns according to this Invention is illustrated
at Figures 6, 7, and 8 of the appended Drawings, and with this arrangement a
series of telescopic tubes are employed to insert the charge in lieu of the charging
piston herein-before described. These telescopic tubes are each formed with a
closed and open end, and at the open end a channel communicating with the next
tube is made, as seen at a, Figure 8. By this means when compressed air is let
into the rearmost tube it forces all the other tubes forwards into the gun's borc
until the closed end of the second rearmost tube arrives at the stop or flanch b on
the rearmost tube. The air then passes through the channel a into the second tube
and so as to act against the closed end of the third tube, which together with those
in front of it is extended, a similar action taking place until the charge has been
forced to its seat in the gun, at which time the air communication is free from one
end of the telescope to the other. The charging having been so effected commu-
nication is established between the rearmost tube A, and an inner series of smaller
telescopic tubes B, which had previously been extended along with the larger tubes,
and through which whilst charging the air escapes from the gun's bore. Through
this communication the compressed air passes from the interior of the larger tubes
to the front end of the apparatus, and by the pressure of the air on the said end
all the tubes in rotation are again telescoped or moved inwards until they assume
the form shewn at Figure 6. The same quantity of air is thus caused both to
extend and withdraw the rainrod; and to permit of this being effected automatic
valves are placed in the closed ends of each of the larger tubes, as more particularly
seen at e, Figure 8, which valves, opening rearwards, permit of the passage of air
from one tube to another of the series. The joints between the tubes and at other
parts of the apparatus at which air is apt to leak out are rendered air-tight by
means of washers and rings. The packing at the rear end of each tube consists of
a cup leather which is held distended by a ring of india-rubber or other equi-
valent material, and that at the front end of each tube consists of two rings y of
leather with a metal piate or washer between them. A cover is screwed on the
end of each tube so as to enclose the rings and washer and to hold the outer ring y¹
air-tight against the side of the next tube. India-rubber or equivalent rings ware
placed under the cover so that when the cover is screwed up the india-rubber rings
are flattened and so force the leather against the side of the inner tube. The
leathery is rendered air-tight by the pressure still exerted on the bottom of the
inner tube after it has been extended, acting so as to flatten the leather and force
it into the cavity v. Instead of this equivalent arrangement of packing the tubes
may be adopted. An indicator is also employed in conjunction with this arrange-
ment of charging apparatus, the spring of which is or may be strong enough to
assist in withdrawing the tubes, or a special spring coiled on a drum which is
attached by means of a chain to the closed end of the second largest tube may
be used for that purpose. The indicating apparatus may also be used as a brake in
the manner described with reference to Figure 5. When the tubes have been
returned to their normal positions, as herein-before set forth, they are swung or other-
wise moved away from the muzzle of the gun until it is desired to insert another
charge. This apparatus is or may also be provided with a sponge or swab, as shewn
at Figures 5, 6, and 7, and in place of the inner telescopic tube a flexible india-
rubber or other elastic tube may be substituted.
Another form of the charging apparatus embraced by the Invention is illustrated
at Figures 9 and 10 of the Drawings, and as shewn thereby it consists of a rack A
composed of a series of links jointed together and moved backwards and forwards
by means of a wheel B, which is operated by a small three cylinder or other suit-

page_text: able engine C, carried on the casing containing the ramrod. A piston D is mounted
on or attached to the forward link, and as the ramrod is moved forward so as to
charge the gun the several links are brought horizontal, or if necessary inclined,
thereby becoming converted into a stiffened bar or ramrod. When they are with-
drawn the links, as they in succession pass out of contact with the wheel B, become
spirally wound on the barrel F, which is during the while rotated. The piston D
of this apparatus may also if desired be provided with a sponge or swab.
Under another modification, illustrated at Figures 11 and 12 of the Drawings, the
charging apparatus consists of two chains A of metal, which are kept wound up on
barrels or cylinders B in proximity to one another, and which as they are un-
wound from the barrels or cylinders by the sprocket wheels C, operated by an
engine as herein-before set forth, or by equivalent means, bear against each other
edgewise and in opposing directions. The chains thus support one another and
become converted from flexible bodies into a stiffened bar, which as the piston
attached to its forward end advances into the chase of the gun forces the charge to
its seat. Instead of two chains composed of blocks of metal jointed together, as in
the last modification, being employed, continuous bands may be used, as illustrated
at Figures 13 and 14, these bands when extended by the sprocket wheels A consti-
tuting a ramrod of rectangular or other section according to the number employed,
the bands are formed with serrations at their edges in order to hold them firmly
together when charging.
Under another modification, illustrated at Figures 15 and 16, the ramrod consists
of two strong leather or equivalent belts A stiffened on one side by means of blocks
B of wood, metal, or other material. These belts A are wound up on rollers C, and
when it is desired to charge a gun therewith pinions or sprocket wheels D are so rotated
as to draw out or unwind the belts or bands from the rollers. The effect of this
is that resting or pressing on each other as they unwind the belts A stiffen one
another and thereby constitute a ramrod, which after the charge is inserted is
withdrawn by rotating the drums or barrels in the opposite direction. The barrels
or cylinders of each modification of the charging apparatus, illustrated by Figures 9 to
16, are provided with coil springs to wind or assist in winding the flexible ramrods
thereon when these are being withdrawn from the gun.
The casings carrying the several ramrods, herein-before described with reference
to Figures 9 to 16 of the Drawings, are either mounted upon the gun itself or upon
the gun carriage, or attached to any convenient part of the chamber in which the
gun is situated, and the three-cylinder or other engine by which they are operated
may conveniently be actuated by compressed air through steam, water, or other
gas, or fluid may be employed for that purpose, or instead of an engine the
flexible ram rods may be wound and unwound by manual labour or otherwise.
Steam, water, or other gas or fluid may also be used for actuating the telescopic
ramrod and charging piston herein-before described.
The air employed for the purposes of this Invention may be compressed by
mechanism provided on board the ship, or in the fort, battery, trench, or other work
of attack or defence wherein the guns and charging apparatus are situated, or the
air may be charged at the required degree of pressure at an arsenal or other station
provided for that purpose into canisters, cylinders, or cases of any desired form.
The form preferred is annular, as shewn in the section at Figure 17 of the Drawings,
the central part A being of a size to contain within it the powder and projectile,
the annular space B round about being that into which the air is charged. The
rearward end C of each canister is closed and the forward end of the central space
A open to allow of the shot and charge being expelled from the canister into the
gun the moment that by opening a cock or valve the air is allowed to escape into
the central space A. The inner end of each canister constitutes a cup, which fits
the muzzle of the gun so as to make an air-tight joint therewith when jambed
against it by admitting compressed air to the casing or chamber D at the rear-
ward end of the canister, and hooked rods are provided in connexion with the said
chamber which hold on studs fixed in the sides of the gun. A coil of pipe E con-

page_text: nected with the piston F is placed in the space A of each canister to conduct the
air displaced by the charge from the bore of the gun to the atmosphere.
For the purpose of safety, and at all times protecting the charge carried within
it, each canister may be provided with a lid or cover at its open end, which cover is
removed at the time of loading.
In place of constructing the canisters as shewn at Figure 17, they may be simple
cylindrical canisters not containing the charge, but of such size and shape as to be
placed either inside a charging cylinder containing the powder and projectile, or
they may be placed within the bore of the gun itself, being closed therein by a lid
or cover hinged or jointed to the gun. In this case the charge is first inserted
into the muzzle of the gun by ordinary or special means, and the canister may con-
tain sufficient compressed air for one or more sponging and charging operations.
The canisters last mentioned may also be used for operating the telescopic ram-
rod herein-before described, being attached thereto by an air-tight or equivalent
coupling, or the casing containing the ramrod may be surrounded with an annular
space, as shewn at A, Figure 18 of the Drawings, into which air at the requisite
pressure for operating the ramrod is charged.
When highly compressed air is employed for the purposes of this Invention, either
with the ramrods or charging pistons, or with the canisters illustrated on the
Drawings, a reducing valve is also used to ensure that the pressure of air will always
be uniform and moderate. As regards improvements in firing heavy guns my said
Invention consists in dispensing with the vent and vent piece hitherto employed, and
in igniting the charge at its centre at or towards one end or at several points simul-
taneously by an electric spark or sparks, conducted to the powder, and by means of
which complete combustion thereof is ensured.
For this purpose grooves are made in the bullet or projectile in a direction parallel
to its length, as seen at a, Figures 19 and 20, or passages are made through the
rifle studs formed on the bullet, as seen at b, Figure 21, or both arrangements may
be employed with the same bullet as illustrated by the said Figure. Into the grooves
or through the studs on the bullet insulated wires or other clectric conductors are
placed, the said wires at their rearward ends being terminated in a suitable fuse
either projecting from the bullet, as seen at c, Figure 22, or situated in a cap con-
taining powder, which is inserted in the rearward end of the bullet, as seen at d,
Figure 20.
Or under another arrangement, seen at Figure 23, the insulated wires may be
connected to a fuse placed in the interior of the cartridge, and which discharges
from a series of points i situated at the centre of the cartridge or at other desired
part. At the forward end of the bullet the insulated wires are at the time of
charging connected to other similarly insulated wires, which, in the case of the
charging pistons and of the telescopic ramrod herein-before described, are wound
on bobbins, barrels, or reels, carried by the said pistons or ramrods either at the
positions marked Y, Figures 1, 3, and 7, or at other convenient position. With
respect to the other ramrods, the reels, barrels, or bobbins are also connected to the
pistons, to the casings, or otherwise conveniently situated, and as the ramrod or
piston is withdrawn after the charge has been forced home a portion of the wire
wound on the said reel is paid off and remains attached to the projectile. This
portion is cut off or severed from the reel and connected to an electric battery, the
connexion being either weaker than the rest of the wire or such as otherwise to be
easily severed without damage to the rest of the apparatus when the charge has
been ignited by an electric current from the battery.
Besides being employed in conjunction with the various modifications of the
charging apparatus constructed in accordance with my said Invention, the electric
firing mechanism herein-before described may be used for firing guns when loaded
in the ordinary manner. The apparatus may also be used in firing guns which
have had their vents destroyed or which have been spiked.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said Inven-
tion, and the system, mode, or manner in or under which the same is or may be

page_text: used or practically carried into effect, I would observe in conclusion that what I
consider to be novel and original, and therefore claim as the Invention secured to
me by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent, is-
First. The charging and sponging apparatus for heavy guns, shewn at Figures 1
and 2 of the Drawings, wherein two pistons, operated by compressed air, steam,
water, or other gas or fluid are used to force the charge to its seat in the gun, sub-
stantially as herein-before set forth.
Second. The charging and sponging apparatus for heavy guns, shewn by Figures
3 and 4 of the Drawings, wherein a single piston, operated by compressed air, steam,
water, or other gas or fluid under pressure, is employed to force the charge to its
seat in the gun's bore, substantially as herein-before described.
Third. The telescopic ramrod, the joints of which are packed as herein-before
described and shewn at Figures 6, 7, and 8 of the Drawings, and wherein an inner
series of telescopic tubes are employed as and for the purposes set forth.
Fourth. The several arrangements, herein-before described and illustrated at
Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5 of the Drawings, for braking or regulating the velocity of the
charging apparatus whilst forcing the charge to its seat in the bore of the gun.
Fifth. The apparatus for holding the casing containing the charging mechanism
in position against the gun's muzzle, substantially as herein-before described with
reference to Figure 4 of the Drawings.
Sixth. The canisters or cylinders for storing the compressed air used for the
purposes of this Invention and the employment of the said canisters or cylinders
separately in the gun's muzzle, or in conjunction with cases containing the charge,
or in combination with the cases containing the charging piston or ramrod, substan-
tially as herein-before set forth and in part shewn at Figures 17 and 18 of the
Drawings.
Seventh. The several arrangements of ramrods herein-before described and shewn
by Figures 9 to 16 inclusive of the appended Drawings, or any mere modification
thereof, and the employment of the same in charging and sponging heavy guns, as
set forth.
Eighth. Firing heavy guns by means of a current of electricity conducted by
insulated wires from a battery to a suitable fuse situated either in or projecting
from the end of the bullet into the charge of powder, and whereby the powder is
ignited at one or more points simultaneously, substantially as described with re-
ference to Figures 19 to 23 inclusive of the Drawings.
Ninth. Dispensing with the vent and vent pieces in heavy guns when fired by
electricity, as herein-before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Robert Catanach Smith, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Eighth day of January, One thousand eight hundred and
seventy-seven.
ROBERT CATANACH SMITH. (L.S.)