IMPROVEMENTS IN PROJECTILES AND APPLIANCES OF PROJECTION, IMPARTING GREAT PRECISION AND GREAT RANGE OF FLIGHT TO PROJECTILES FORCED THROUGH THE AIR BY GUNPOWDER OR OTHER EXPLOSIVE COMPOUND, WITH FACILITY FOR RAPID DISCHARGE, AND FOR DISCHARGING MANY PROJECTILES SIMULTANEOUSLY BY ONE PROJECTING APPLIANCE WITH THE SAME ADVANTAGES, GIVING INCREASED AREA TO THE SPACE COVERED BY THE DESTRUCTIVE PROJECTILE MATTER, AND LIGHT WEIGHT AND SMALL SPACE TO THE APPLIANCE FOR PROJECTION
Year: 1860

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Origen Vandenburgh, of the City of Syracuse and
State of New York, temporarily residing in London, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN PROJECTILES AND APPLIANCES OF PROJECTION, IMPARTING
GREAT PRECISION AND GREAT RANGE OF FLIGHT TO PROJECTILES FORCED THROUGH
THE AIR BY GUNPOWDER OR OTHER EXPLOSIVE COMPOUND, WITH FACILITY FOR
RAPID DISCHARGE, AND FOR DISCHARGING MANY PROJECTILES SIMULTANEOUSLY
BY ONE PROJECTING APPLIANCE WITH THE SAME ADVANTAGES, GIVING INCREASED
AREA TO THE SPACE COVERED BY THE DESTRUCTIVE PROJECTILE MATTER, AND
LIGHT WEIGHT AND SMALL SPACE TO THE APPLIANCE FOR PROJECTION."
Sealed the 11th October 1860, and dated the 15th April 1860.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Origen Vandenburgh at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
13th April 1860.
I, ORIGEN VANDENBURGH, of the City of Syracuse and State of New York,
temporarily residing in London, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN PROJECTILES AND APPLIANCES OF PROJECTION
IMPARTING GREAT PRECISION AND GREAT RANGE OF FLIGHT TO PROJECTILES FORCED
THROUGH THE AIR BY GUNPOWDER OR OTHER EXPLOSIVE COMPOUND, WITH FACILITY
FOR RAPID DISCHARGE, AND FOR DISCHARGING MANY PROJECTILES SIMULTANEOUSLY
BY ONE PROJECTING APPLIANCE WITH THE SAME ADVANTAGES, GIVING INCREASED
AREA TO THE SPACE COVERED BY THE DESTRUCTIVE PROJECTILE MATTER, AND
LIGHT WEIGHT AND SMALL SPACE TO THE APPLIANCE FOR PROJECTION," to be as
follows:-
First, they relate to the exterior form of the rear part of the projectile;

page_text: this rear part to be conical or tapering backward to a point at the rear end of
the projectile. This rear point to be at the longitudinal centre or axis of the
projectile; this conical surface to have its base or commencement just in rear
of the larger diameter which forms the surface of the projectile's contact with
the barrel or bore, and to be exteriorily in sections or segments; the sections
extending longitudinally yet spirally from this base to the rear end of the cone.
The spiral turn of these sections may be either from the right to the left
(proceeding from this base), or from the left to the right, as the rotation of
the projectile is desired to be to the left or to the right, each section to pursue
the same acute angle of departure or spiral twist as the others when this
departure is to the right. The exterior conical surface of the section to dip
downward to the left, so as to bring the left side of the section or segment
lower or nearer to the longitudinal centre of the projectile than the right side.
If the departure is to the left this dip is to the right, thus, when the departure
or spiral turn of the section is to the right (and vice versa), the left side of
each section terminates vertically under the right side of the section next left
of it. This conical rear so far down toward the centre at least at this dip of
the sections extend being a solid, the space between the projecting right side
of each section, and the depressed side of the section to the right of it, forms a
vertical fan or flange passing spirally to the right from the base to the rear
point or apex of the cone. These faus or flanges commence at a point at the
base and gradually widen as they proceed to the rear, but as they approach
the rear point the projecting right side of the sections turn down conically,so
as to terminate at the rear point of the projectile. The vertical exterior edges
of the fans or flanges thus assume a parabolic curve. We make this rear
part in three equal sections, though they may vary in number; also to
making this conical rear part of the projectile with two spiral fans or flanges.
The augle or spiral turn of the flanges to be such as to keep up a rapid
rotation of the projectile on its longitudinal axis by the pressure of the air
from the front on these fans or flanges. In using these projectiles in rifled
bores,the spiral turn of the flanges being the reverse of rifling in order to give
the same direction of turn. The angle of departure of the flanges is also
relative in degrees to the departure of the rifling. This construction or
form of the rear part of the projectile we use in smoothe and rifled bores.
Second, they relate to the rifling or groving of the bore in order to impart
a spiral or rotary motion to the projectile in its flight. For this purpose we
make the rifling with the greatest spiral twist or turn at the breech end of the
bore, decreasing the turn as it proceeds forward to the nuzzle, where its turn
is least. The decrease in the turn of the rifling is regulated by rules, so as to

page_text: enform to the increasing velocity of the projectile, and so there shall be no
increase in the substraction from the projectile force of the explosion in
turning the projectile as it approaches the muzzle.
Third, they relate to the manner of putting the charge in position for the
discharge of projectiles by means of breach-loading, and the prevention of the
escape of the explosive gas in connexion therewith. And in these respects it
consists of a thin tubular cup or thimble made of spring steel in a single
envelope or layers, or envelopes or coiled sheet steel in a tubular form,so as
to expand and contract without injury. This thimble to conform externally
to a tubular chamber in the breach end of the barrel, slightly larger in
diameter than the bore, into which chamber this tube or thimble will fit, yet
so loosely as to be easily withdrawn from the breach end. The front end of
this thimble is left open to receive the charge when withdrawn from the
chamber, and to permit the ejection of the charge from it by the explosion
when in position in the chamber. The rear end of this thimble to be filled up
and closed by a disk or plug, to which it is attached at the rear end by a.
narrow steel band on the outside or other attachment. For small bores this
disk or plug is made to extend internally, fitting the thimble a short way
forward of the circle of attachment, and the front end made concave like the
interior of a teacup. The outer rim of this bowl is made to terminate in a
thin edge, around which the thimble closely fits. This disk is spring steel.
By this arrangement when the explosion of the powder occurs in the thimble
pressing on the concave surface or bowl-shaped end of, the plug, it expands
back of and in rear of the powder until the expansion of the bowl and
surrounding thimble are stayed by a close contact with the surrounding
chamber of the barrel, after the explosion they contract to permitau easy with-
drawal and insertion. To increase the expansive and contractile capacity of
the front end of the bowl,it is cut or made in segments,and a thin spring steel
cup made of overlapping sheets or layers so as to expand without breaking, is
fitted to this bowl or concavity of the plug to prevent the gasandfoulingof the
explosion entering the crevices between the segments. For the same purpose
in some cases we make the front end of the plug flat or only slightly concave,
and immediately in front of it place a packing composed of a coil of fine steel
wire or of small round steel pelletts; this packing being concave in front is
kept in position and preserved by the expanding thin steel cup just mentioned
which is placed in front of this packing. By this arrangement the explosion
pressing the cup outwards and backwards causes the packing to squash out-
wards against the thimble until the expansion is stayed by the surrounding
chamber of the barrel, thus preventing windage. The mobility of the packing

page_text: permits easy withdraw of the thimble after the explosion by assuming its
former position. The ignition conductor is carried through a stem, which
passes from the rear through the longitudinal centre of the plug and packing,
and small cup when used,into the thimble,protrudingforwardinthe concavity
so as to pierce the cartridge when the latter is pressed in the thimble from
the open front end. This arrangement of the thimble packing and steel cup
when used with the ignition conductor and stem we call the receiver when
in position in the chamber. The rear end of the thimble and plug are to
be flush with the rear end of the chamber. This receiver is for receiving
and holding the charge for explosion.
Fourth, the arrangement for keeping the receiver in position in the
chamber during the explosion, and withdrawal as applied to one bore or several
bores arranged in connexion with each other, to consist of steel bar or plate
to pass in slots or ketches, the latter to be attached to or form part of the
barrel or barrels. The bar or plate to be in rear of the receivers with ends
projecting vertically, so that by turning in one direction these projecting
ends pass in slots or ketches, and in this position prevents the explosion
forcing the receivers backward out of the chambers. Turn ed in the
opposite direction, the ends are relieved from the slots or ketches, when
the receivers can be withdrawn for charging.
Fifth, they relate to the position with reference to each other of several bores
or barrels in acluster forsimultaneous chargingand discharging, which consists
in placing them longitudinally in close juxtaposition, by which the bores at the
breach are, with reference to each other, like the cells in the honeycombe of
the bee. The metal surrounding the bores like the honeycombe surrounding the
cells. At the breach end of the cluster the centre of each bore is thus equally
distant from the centre of all the bores next to it. This arrangement is to give
the smallest quantity of metal snrrounding the bore's greatest capacity to resist
the explosion. The cluster is as a whole cylindrical or hexagonal, or it may be
in some other form. The breach and muzzle ends of the cluster of bores to be
vertical, or the breach end of the cluster to be concave with a corresponding
convexity at the muzzle proceeding from the breach to the muzzle,the bores
to be parallel or have such an angle of departure from each other as shall
impart such a spreading form to the cluster of projectiles as they proceed in
their flight that may be desired. We make this cluster of bores by boring
a solid shaft of metal in this form, and by placing separate barrels together
in this form and fastened together.
Sixth, other arrangements for charging and discharging from several bores
projectiles at the same instant relate to affixing a number of the receivers

page_text: described upon a metallic disc or plate, to conform in their position on this
plate to the breech end of the cluster of bores, so that by moving this disc or
plate forward when in position, a receiver will enter each bore of the cluster,
and to holding this plate in position by slots or ketches in order to retain the
receivers in the chambers of the bores during the explosion, and withdrawing
them for charging. Also to the arrangement in position with reference to
each other of the cartridges for packing and transport, so as to be taken in
clusters when required for use, such clusters conforming to the cluster of
receivers, and so that a cartridge can be put into each receiver at the same
instant.
Seventh, also to the manner of simultaneous ignition of the powder in each
receiver in the cluster by the explosion of one cap, and the construction of
ignition orifices leading to each receiver, by which ignition at one point
is conveyed to all the receivers by the explosion at this point of fulminating
powder.
Eighth, also to a simultaneous ignition of the powder in each receiver in
the cluster by electricity, and the conducting of the electric fluid through a
non-conducting substance in the rear end of each receiver, returning it from
each receiver, and the electric or magnetic connexion of each receiver with
the other.
Ninth, to the application of all or many of the foregoing improvements in
onegeneralcombinationandmechanical arrangementby which many projectiles
can be forced through the air by means of gunpowder with great precision,
long range, simultaneously in a cluster, and with facility for rapid repitition
of discharge, and by which the quantity of projectile matter covers a larger
area of space with a smaller quantity of gunpowder and less weight of metal
in the appliance for projection than has been hitherto attained.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Origen Vandenburgh in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
13th October 1860.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, ORIGEN
VANDENBURGH, of the City of Syracuse and State of New York, temporarily
residing in London, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Thirteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and sixty, in the twenty-third year of Her reign,
did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said

page_text: Origen Vandenburgh, Her special license that I, the said Origen Vandenburgh,
my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said Origen
Vandenburgh, my executors, administrators, or assigns, should at any time
agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter
during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use,
exercise,and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENT
IN PROJECTILES AND APPLIANCES OF PROJECTION, IMPARTING GREAT PRECISION AND
GREAT RANGE OF FLIGHT TO PROJECTILES FORCED THROUGH THE AIR BY GUNPOWDER
OR OTHER EXPLOSIVE COMPOUND, WITH FACILITY FOR RAPID DISCHARGE, AND FOR
DISCHARGING MANY PROJECTILES SIMULTANEOUSLY BY ONE PROJECTING APPLIANCE
WITH THE SAME ADVANTAGES, GIVING INCREASED AREA TO THE SPACE COVERED BY
THE DESTRUCTIVE PROJECTILE MATTER AND LIGHT WEIGHT AND SMALL SPACE TO
THE APPLIANCE FOR PROJECTION," upon the condition (amongst others) that
I, the said Origen Vandenburgh, by an instrument in writing under my
hand and seal, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the
said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed, and
cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six
calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters
Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I,the said Origen Vandenburgh, do hereby declare
the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement, reference being had to the accompanying Drawings,
and to the letters and figures marked thereon, that is to say:-
My said Invention relates to certain improved constructions of projectiles to
be used with rifled fire-arms or orduance, also to improvements in fire-arms
or projecting appliances and apparatus connected therewith, whereby greater
facility in loading is afforded, whilst a more destructive effect is obtained.
And in order that my said Invention may be fully understood, I shall now
proceed to describe the several Figures on the annexed Sheets of Drawings,
the same letters of reference indicating corresponding parts throughout all
the corresponding Figures.
Figure 1 on Sheet 1 of iny Drawings represents a side elevation of one
form of my improved projectile, and Figure 2 is a view of the back or rear
end thereof. This projectile is made conical or tapering backwards at its rear
part, which terminates in a point at its rear end; such point coinciding with
the longitudinal axis of the projectile. Two or more wings a, a, are formed on
the tapering rear part of the projectile; such wings being at an angle with

page_text: They are also made to taper
will be seen on referring to
curved, and forms a portion of
the longitudinal axis of the shot. These wings die away or merge into the
surface of the shot at its thickest part, and meet in a point at b at the extreme
rear end of the same, as shewn in Figure 2.
slightly towards the rear end of the shot, as
Figure 1, and one of their sides or surfaces is
the conical rear part of the shot, into which conical part it merges imper-
ceptibly, as shewn by the curved lines in Figure 2; whilst the other side or
face of each wing dips down at a right angle, or in a radiating direction to the
centre of the shot. Figures 3 and 4 represent similar views of a modified
form of projectile, wherein the wings a, a, do not taper towards the rear end
of the shot, but are made parallel throughout their length, so as to fit into the
bore of barrel and support the rear end of the shot therein, and prevent
any oscillation or vibrating of the shot in the chase of the gun. In this form
of shot, in place of curving the wings at the rear, as shewn at c, c, Figure 1, I
propose to make them terminate square with the longitudinal axis of the shot,
as shewn in Figure 3. I also propose to form all the outer edges of the wings,
raised parts, or projections which fit into the rifle grooves, and so ensure the
rotation of the shot in the chase of the gun. In using the herein-before
described winged projectiles with rifled barrels, care must be taken that the
twist or angle of the wings correspond with the twist of the rifle grooves, so that
the spinning motion imparted to the projectile by the action of the rifle grooves
will be in the same direction as the spin which the resistance of the air
against the wings tend to impart to it. In other words, the twist of the
rifling and that of the wings must be in the same direction. In order to
prevent any leakage or escape of gas in the rear of breech-loading fire-arms
and ordnance, I propose to introduce the charge into an elastic expanding steel
tube provided with a suitable expanding breech piece; this tube and breech
piece, with the charge, being inserted into the charge chamber of the barrel,
and secured therein by a moveable breech head, which I shall herein-after
more fully refer to. Figure 5 of my Drawings represents a longitudinal
section, full size, of the elastic charge tube A, with its breech piece B fitted
therein, and Figure 6 is a sectional view of this breech piece detached. This
elastic charge tube is made by coiling up a sheet of thin spring steel in the
form of a tube, the sides of such tube being thus composed of one, two, or
more layers or thicknesses of the steel, the whole forming a perfectly
expansive and elastic tube as regards its diameter. The length of this tube
may vary with the length of the cartridge, which may be either wholly or par-
tially inclosed in it, and its diameter, when not expanded, should be such as to
admit of it being readily inserted into and withdrawn from the chamber in

page_text: the breech end of the barrel. The breech piece B consists of a metal plug or
disc fitting the interior of the end of the tube A, and secured thereto by a
narrow steel band, or by any other suitable contrivance. When intended for
small bores, I propose to make this breech piece in the form of a cup, as
shewn in Figure 6, the sides of the cup extending into the interior of the
tube A (see Figure 5) forward of the circle of attachment of the breech piece
with the end of the tube, so that freedom is afforded for the expansion of the
sides of the breech piece on the explosion of the charge. By this arrangement
of tube and breech piece, when the charge is fired they both expand until
they entirely fill the cavity of the chamber of the barrel, and so prevent
leakage by acting as an elastic metallic packing. After the explosion the
tube and breech piece resume their original dimensions, and are easily with-
drawn from the chamber for the reception of a fresh charge or cartridge. In
order to increase the expansive and contractile powers of the lip of the breech
piece, I propose in some cases to slit or notch it longitudinally; and to
prevent the escape of gas which would be liable to occur through such slits or
notches, and to guard them from fouling, I introduce inside the breech piece
strips of steel or an expanding thin steel cup, which will lie over or cover the
slits in the breech piece, and effectually close them by the expansive force of
the exploding charge. Or, if preferred, the front of the breech piece may be
made flat, or only slightly concave, and immediately in front of this is placed
an elastic metallic packing, composed of a coil of fine steel wire, or a number
of small round steel pellets. This packing is kept in position by a concave
disc in front of it, which also preserves it from the action of the powder. On
the explosion of the charge the concave disc will be expanded outwards
and forced backwards, and by its pressure upon the steel-wire coil or
pellets will force them outwards in a lateral direction against the inner sides of
the charge tube until its expansion is stayed by the surrounding sides of the
chamber of the barrel. The mobility of this packing, that is to say, the
property which it has of resuming its original bulk and position after
the pressure upon it has ceased, enables the tube to be readily withdrawn
from the chamber after each explosion. a (Figures 5 and 6, represents the
ignition conductor; it is screwed into the breech piece, and protrudes therein,
soas to perforate the cartridge when forced thereon. This combination of the
steel tube A, breech piece B, and packing, I herein-after call a "receiver," as
it forms the apparatus which receives the charge before being placed in the
chamber of the barrel. In order to ensure that the receiver be maintained in
a proper position in the chamber during the explosion of the charge, and the
subsequent withdrawal of the receiver, I propose to secure it to a moveable

page_text: breech head or block, or plate of metal, which is made to close upon
the breech end of the barrel, and is firmly secured thereto by projections
taking into slightly inclined or spiral grooves in the case or band sur-
rounding the cluster of barrels, or by ordinary screw threads, or by making the
rear attachment of the breech head and breech end of the barrel case conical,
and forming screw threads upon them, so that a very slight turn will suffice
to secure and release them, whilst at the same time a considerable holding
surface is obtained when the two are in contact. The mode I propose to
adopt for attaching the receivers to the breech head consists in forming a
screw thread b (Figures 5 and 6) on the hinder part of the breech-piece B,
and having a corresponding female screw made in the face of the breech head,
so that the receiver may be easily fixed to the breech head, as shewn in
Figures 7 and 11, or removed therefrom as required. This moveable breech
head and receivers may be applied either to a single or double-barrelled arm,
or to a field piece composed of a cluster of barrels enclosed within an outer
envelope or casing, and mounted on trunnions. In all cases the breech head is
made sufficiently large to contain as many receivers as there are barrels.
Figures 7 and 8 represent respectively a detached side elevation and front
or face view of a breech head suitable for a cluster of thirty-seven barrels,
and Figures 9 and 10 represent transverse sections of such clusters of barrels.
In Figure 9 each individual barrel A, A, is of a circular form externally,
and in Figure 10 they are of a hexagonal shape, and will consequently pack
together without leaving any interstices. In both cases the clusters of
barrels are surrounded by a wrought-iron casing C, upon which are fitted or
forged the trunnions D, D, see Figure 13, which support the gun.
The
breech end of this casing is also so formed as to enable the breech head to
be secured thereto. The breech head shewn in Figures 7 and 8 contains as
many "receivers" A, A, as there are barrels in the multi-barrelled
gun above
referred to, these receivers being screwed into the face of the breech head in
positions corresponding exactly with the bores of the several barrels, so that
when the breech head is closed upon the breach of the gun, each individual
receiver will enter its corresponding chamber. In the barrels e, e, are a
number of ignition passages, which converge from the several ignition tubes
or conductors in the receivers to the ignition chamber D. In this arrange-
ment the breech head consists of one solid block of metal, and the ignition
passages are drilled therein. On the rear face of the breech head is formed a
projecting hollow boss, the cavity therein constituting the ignition chamber.
The exterior of this boss is provided with a screw thread, on to which is
screwed the cap or cover E, the chamber and the cap being made sufficiently

page_text: strong to withstand the explosion of the igniting powder. Within the
chamber D works freely a striker d, a rod or spindle from which passes
through a hole in the face of the cap E. A slit fis formed in the side of
the cap E, and a corresponding slit f¹ is made in the side of the boss, and
leading into the ignition chamber. When the cap is screwed home, as shown
in the Drawing, the slits are closed, that is to say, they do not coincide, but
by unscrewing the cap slightly the two slits will coincide, and form a free
passage for the introduction of the igaiting material, which I prefer to use in
the form of a wafer. The cap is now screwed home, and the breech head
having been secured to the breech of the gun, the ordinary hammer F' is made
to strike the spindle of the striker & by the lanyard g in the well-known
manner, and the explosion of the entire cluster of barrels takes place simul-
taneously. By making the ignition chamber larger than is necessary to hold
the striker d and ignition wafer, I am enabled to make use of the air which
is compressed or forced therein by the explosion for cleaning the several vents,
and so preventing fouling, such compressed air escaping and rushing through
the vents into the several barrels immediately after the general explosion of
the
gun.
Figures 11 and 12 represent a side elevation and face view of a slightly
modified form of breech head. In this arrangement the breech head, in place
of consisting of one solid piece of metal, is composed of two blocks or plates,
the surface of one of which is grooved or channelled, as shewn in Figure 12,
with radiating and branching grooves e, e, extending from a central ignition
chamber D to the several ignition tubes or conductors in the receivers. These
passages are closed in by placing the other part, block h, over them, as in
Figure 11, and securing the two together in any convenient manner, this
mode of forming the ignition passages being much cheaper and more
expeditious than that previously described.
in
Figure 13 represents the rear view of a complete multi-barrelled gun and
breech head constructed according to my Invention, and Figures 14 and 15
on Sheet 2 of my Drawings represent longitudinal side elevations of the same,
with the breech head closed in the one Figure ready for firing, and open
the other, and in a horizontal position for the reception of the cartridges.
The opening and closing of the breech head is effected by means of the toothed
segments H, carried by the brackets H¹, Figure 13ª, and racks I, the latter
being connected by pins or bolts K to the opposite sides of the breech head.
The breech head, being brought up into the chamber at the rear of the several
barrels, is firmly secured in its place by a cross arm or plate L, which is turned
until its extremities engage into grooves &, cut in opposite sides of the chamber

page_text: or case surrounding the barrels. In order to expedite the charging of the
several receivers, I propose to arrange a corresponding number of cartridges
in orifices in a flat board, the positions of the cartridges coinciding exactly
with the mouths of the receivers. By placing this cluster of cartridges over
the receivers, and forcing them downwards, the whole of the receivers will be
charged simultaneously. In order to disperse the projectiles in their flight, I
arrange the several barrels so as to diverge towards the muzzle, the degree
and direction of such divergence serving to give any form to the flying cluster
of projectiles that may be desired.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or 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
berein-before in part recited Letters Patent, is,-
1st, the general construction and arrangement of projecting appliances and
projectiles to be used therewith, as herein-before described.
2nd, the peculiar construction of wings in combination with the conoidal
rear part of an elongated projectile to be used with a rifled bore, as herein-
before described and illustrated by my Drawings.
3rd, the application and use to and in breech-loading fire-arms and ordnance
of an expanding steel tube in combination with an internal expanding breech-
piece for the reception of the charge, as herein-before described.
4th, the peculiar constructions and arrangements of moveable breech
heads, with their ignition chambers and radiating passages, as herein-before
described.
5th, the combination of the herein-before described peculiar moveable
breech head with a cluster of barrels or bores, as herein-before described
and illustrated by my Drawings.
6th, the system or mode of facilitating the simultaneous loading of a
number of barrels or bores, by fixing a corresponding number of charge
tubes or receivers upon one common breech head, in the manner herein-
before described and illustrated by my Drawings.
In witness whereof, 1, the said Origen Vandenburgh, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Thirteenth day of October, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty.
O. VANDENBURGH. (L.s.)