IMPROVE- MAHRACTURE OF PROJECTILES."
Year: 1864

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Henry Bessemer, of Queen Street Place, New
Cannon Street, in the City of London, for the Invention of "IMPROVE-
MAHRACTURE OF PROJECTILES."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Henry Bessemer at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 25th
January 1864.
I, HENRY BESSEMER, of Queen Street Place, New Cannon Street, in the
City of London, do hereby declare the nature of the Invention for "IM-
PROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF PROJECTILES," to be as follows:-
These improvements relate to the manufacture of malleable iron and steel
projectiles, and consist, firstly, in improvements on the mode of consolidating
and perfecting the form and surface of cast spherical shots for which a Patent
was granted to me under the title of "Improvements in Ordnance and Pro-
jectiles," bearing date the 26th day of January 1861, and numbered 216.
Now my present improvements consist, firstly, in forming the grooves
around the rolls (employed in rolling spherical shot) with an equal amount of
indentation on both sides of the groove, in lieu of making one side of each
of the grooves in the pair of rolls rise up as a sort of flange as described
in my former Patent.
My improvements consist also in placing the axes of one of the rolls a
little out of the plane in which the other moves, so that a change in the axial
motion of the projectile may be caused thereby during the operation of rolling,

page_text: the projectile being kept in place by one or by a pair of guide rolls grooved
or otherwise, and capable both of adjustment and removal, so as to take in
and discharge the shots when required.
This first part of my said Invention consists also in the employment of two
pairs of grooved rolls so placed that the axes of one pair are horizontal and the
axes of the other pair are vertical, the hollow space between the four rolls
containing the projectile under treatment; it will be understood that in the
apparatus before described each-one-of-the pairs of rolls.. turn-in the same
direction, and not in opposite ones, as is the case in ordinary rolling mills.
The rolls are to be mounted in strong iron framès provided with brasses for the
axes to revolve in, and with suitable screws and boxes for tightening up the
rolls when required, and for removing them so far apart as to admit and dis-
charge the projectiles from -between them; the rolls are to be put in motion
by gearing in a manner well understood.
Secondly, my invention relates to the manufacture of projectiles of malleable
iron and steel by rolling in suitably grooved tables or rolls masses of metal
that have been previously forged, pressed, or rolled into plain solid cylinders or
into other convenient shapes and then cut into pieces of the weight required to
form a projectile, due allowance having been made for the loss by oxidation
during the process. For this purpose I cast a steel or malleable iron ingot, by
preference of a size large enough, to make several projectiles. I first hammer
or squeeze the ingot by hydraulic pressure so as to consolidate the mass, and
I then make it into a plain solid cylinder in swages actuated by a steam
hammer or hydraulic press, or I roll it into a plain round bolt in an ordinary
rolling mill. I next proceed to divide it with a saw or cutter into lengths, each
containing the proper weight of metal for a projectile, giving by preference a
little weight in excess, so as to accurately adjust it by cutting off small portions.
The cylindrical masses are then well heated and stamped in dies either under.
the hammer or in a hydraulic press; any "burr or fin" formed between the
dies may be cut off by forcing the projectile through an opening in a steel
die in a suitable press, but I prefer to round off the angle of the dies in which
the masses are shaped, so that no "fin" is produced, and the projectile may be
turned in several positions in the die, so as to equalize the form, the dies-
moving down to a stop so adjusted as to prevent the press from closing the
dies beyond such a limit as will ensure the required configuration of the pro-
jectile. I prefer for this purpose to use a hydraulic press constructed after the
manner described in a Patent granted to me for "Improvements in the Con-
struction of and Mode of Working Hydrostatic Presses and Hydraulic Appa-
ratus" bearing date the 9th day of June 1863, and numbered 1439, although

page_text: the constant reciprocating motion of such apparatus may for this purpose be
replaced by an intermitting motion given to it by an ordinary force pump or
by other means. The projectiles, if spherical, may be perfected by rolling in
an apparatus constructed in the manner described in the Patent of the 26th
day of January herein-before referred to, or by the improvements in that
apparatus herein firstly described; or in lieu thereof the perfecting of the
shape and surface of spherical shots (whether cast into an approximate form
or made by the means herein secondly, described) may be effected by rolling
them between two grooved tables or rolls moving on_vertical axes, one of the
tables being inverted over the other, so that the semicircular annular channels
formed on them may coincide, the tables being pressed together by a screw or
preferably by hydraulic pressure acting endwise on the end of the axis of the
lower table, the upper table being fixed or made to revolve in an opposite
direction to the lower one. The annular grooves may be so placed as to
intersect each other at any desired angle, or they may be concentric, as before
'described, in which case three or more projectiles may be rolled at one time
in them, blank pieces or cold shot of a smaller diameter being placed
between them in applying hydraulic pressure to the axis of the table,
I prefer to effect the principal movement of the table by means of an
accumulator, and then, to put on the pressure by a plunger actuated by a screw,
whereby the apparatus may be most conveniently regulated, a suitable stop
being arranged to prevent the approach of the tables too near to each other,
motion to one or both of the tables being transmitted by spur gearing in a
manner well understood. The inner and outer edge of the annular channels
may rise to the same height, or they may be higher on one side than on the
other, in order to give a further tendency in the projectile to change its axis
of rotation during the rolling process. When elongated projectiles are to be
made they may also be pressed in dies by hydraulic pressure or hammered in
dies and afterwards perfected by rolling between three suitable grooved
rollers, the axes of each being in the same plane; a similar arrangement of
rolls may be employed to divide or nearly divide the plain round bolt into
several spherical or elongated projectiles, the raised ribs on the rolls indenting
it and giving shape to the projectiles, and rendering it easy to break or cut the
bolt into pieces of the right size and approximating to the shape required,
other deeper grooves being employed to perfect the elongated projectiles, or
they may be pressed in suitable dies.
Thirdly, my Invention relates to the manufacture of hollow steel projectiles,
both spherical and elongated, the hollow being formed therein either for the
purpose of holding a charge of some kind or for the purpose of lightening thos

page_text: projectile in order to obtain an increase in its initial volocity. In some cases I
take a circular plate of steel, and by means of a hydraulic press I force the
same through a bell-mouthed die so as to form a deep cup; or in lieu of this
mode of proceeding I cut a round bolt into suitable lengths, I put the short
solid cylinders thus formed into a die, and I then force down into it a punch
of the form necessary to give the required hollow to the piece of steel or
malleable iron, such pieces may be then sawn hot or cold or cut in a lathe to
the right length, and two such hollow pieces may be welded by a blow or by
pressure in suitable dies, or the hollow shot or shell may have sufficient depth
to form it of one piece of metal, the open end of the stamped piece having
wedge shaped pieces cut or sawn out of it so that the end so cut may be
closed in suitable dies and welded securely together....
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Henry Bessemer in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
25th July 1864.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, HENRY
BESSEMER, of Queen Street Place, New Cannon Street, in the City of London,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-fifth day of January, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-four, in the twenty-seventh year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the
said Henry Bessemer, Her special licence that I, the said Henry Bessemer,
my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said Henry
Bessemer, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree
with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during the
term therein expressed, should and lawfully might. make, use, exercise, and
vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel
Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANU-
FACTURE OF PROJECTILES," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the
said Henry Bessemer, my executors or. administrators, by an instrument
in writing under my, or their, or one of their hands and seals, should
particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said. Invention, and
in what manner the same was to be performed, and cause the same to be
filed in the Great Seal Patent Office, within six calendar months next and
immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent..

page_text: NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Henry Bessemer, do hereby declare the
nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement thereof, that is to say :--
These improvements relate to the manufacture of malleable iron and steel
projectiles, and consist, firstly, in improvements on the mode of consolidating
and perfecting the form and surface of cast spherical shots for which.a Patent
was granted to me under the title of "Improvements in Ordnance and Pro-
jectiles," bearing date the 26th day of January 1861, and numbered 216..
.
Now my present improvements consist, firstly, in forming the grooves around
the rolls (employed in rolling spherical shot) with an equal amount of indenta-
tion on both sides of the groove in lieu of making one side of each of the grooves
in the pair of rolls rise up as a sort of flange, as described in my former
Patent, bearing date the 26th day of January 1861. This alteration in the
form of the grooves will be understood by reference to the Sheet of Drawings
hereunto annexed, where Figure 1 represents the roll in elevation, with a
semicircular groove a formed therein, the parts b, b, rising on each side to
the same height.
My improvements consist also in placing the axes of one of the rolls a little
out of the plane in which the other moves, so that a change in the axial
motion of the projectile may be caused thereby during the operation of rolling.
The relative position of the rolls will be better understood by reference' to
Figure 2 on the Sheet of Drawings annexed, where the lower roll c has its
axis placed horizontally; while the upper roll & has its axis somewhat inclined
to the horizon, whereby the spherical shot under operation tends constantly
to change the position. of its axis, and thus bring all parts of its surface in turn
under the action of the rolls, the projectile being kept in place by one or by a
pair of guide rolls grooved or otherwise, and capable both of adjustment and
removal, so as to take in and discharge the shots when required. The roll
frame, not shown in the Drawings, will be provided with moveable brasses and
adjusting screws made in the usual manner, excepting that the upper part of
the frame will be so inclined as to suit the inclined position of the axis of the
upper roll; spur gearing may be used to drive the rolls in the usual manner..
The position of the guide rolls will be understood by reference to Figure 3 of
the Sheet of annexed Drawings, where c and d represent the lower and upper
pressing rolls, and e and the guide rolls, by means of which the spherical*
shot z is kept in place while being rolled.
?
My said Invention consists also in the employment of two pairs of grooved.
rolls, so placed that the axes of one pair are horizontal and the axes of the

page_text: other pair are vertical, the hollow space between the four rolls containing the.
projectile under treatment. It will be understood that in the apparatus
before described each one of the pairs of rolls turn in the same direction (as
indicated by arrows), and not in opposite ones, as is the case in ordinary rolling
mills. The rolls are to be mounted in strong iron frames, provided with
brasses for the axes to revolve in and with suitable screws and boxes for
tightening up the rolls when required, and for removing them so far apart as to
admit and discharge the projectiles from between them; the rolls are to be
put in motion by a gearing in a manner well understood. This arrangement
of four pressing rolls will be better understood by reference to Figure 4.on
the annexed Sheet of Drawings, where they are represented in the position
they occupy when rolling a spherical projectile, the whole of the framing and
adjusting screws being omitted in order to render the Figure more clear. "g is
the upper and the lower pressing rolls, which have curved grooves made in
them; the axes of these rolls are horizontal, and are supported in brasses fitted
to the side frames or "housings" in the usual manner, the upper roll being
pressed down or raised by means of adjusting screws in the usual manner.
Motion may be communicated by spur gearing, each roll being coupled or
connected to a spur pinion, a third or intermediate pinion being employed so
as to cause the rolls g and h to revolve in the same direction as indicated by
arrows. The roll frame is also made to support two other rolls i and j,
having similar grooves made around them, the axes of these rolls are vertical,
and turn in suitable brasses at each end, the lower end of the axes of these
rolls carry the spur pinions and l, and gear into an intermediate pinion 'm,
by means of which the rolls i andj each receive motion in the same direction.
The distance apart of these rolls is regulated by screws in a similar manner to
that ordinarily practised in rolling mills, as is well understood.
Secondly, my Invention relates to the manufacture of projectiles of malleable
iron and steel by rolling in suitably grooved tables or rolls masses of metal
that have been previously forged, pressed, or rolled into plain solid cylinders
or into other convenient shapes, and then cut into pieces of the weight
required to form a projectile, due allowance having been made for the loss by
oxidation during the process. For this purpose I cast a steel or malleable
iron ingot, by preference of a size large enough to make several projectiles.
I first hammer or squeeze the ingot by bydraulic pressure so as to consolidate
the mass, and I then make it into a plain solid cylinder in swages or between
flat faces actuated by a steam hammer or hydraulic press; or I roll it into a
plain round bolt in an ordinary rolling mill. I next proceed to divide it with
a saw or cutter into lengths, each containing the proper weight of metal for a

page_text: projectile, giving by preference a little weight in excess, so as to accurately
adjust it by cutting off small portions. The cylindrical masses are then well
heated and stamped in dies either under the hammer or in a hydraulic press;
any "burr" or "fin" formed between the dies may be cut off by forcing the
projectile through an opening in a steel die in a suitable press, but I prefer to
round off the angle of the dies in which the masses are shaped, so that no
"fin" is produced, and the projectile may be turned in several positions in the
die so as to equalize the form, the dies moving down to a stop so adjusted as
to prevent the press from closing the dies beyond such a limit as will insure
the required configuration of the projectile. I prefer for this purpose to use
a hydraulic press constructed after the manner described in a Patent granted
to me for "Improvements in the Construction of and Mode of Working
Hydrostatic Presses and Hydraulic Apparatus," bearing date the 9th day of
June 1868, and numbered 1439, although the constant reciprocating motion
of such apparatus may for this purpose be replaced by an intermitting motion
given to it by an ordinary force pump or by other means.
The mode by which I prefer to prepare the cylindrical pieces of steel for
rolling into spherical projectiles is represented at Figure 5 on the annexed
Sheet of Drawings. n is the upper die or swage, and ọ the lower one, both
shown in section, and p represents the cylindrical piece of metal to be shaped
therein; a similar piece is also shewn at Figure 6; the action of the dies will
commence by giving it the form shewn in Figure 7, and by continuing the
pressure or the blows of the hammer it will assume the somewhat spherical
form represented in Figure 8, after which its further perfection of form. and
a thorough compression of the metal is to be effected by rolling; and herë I
would remark that I prefer to commence the rolling of the projectile about
the ordinary temperature at which cast steel is usually worked, reference being
had to the degree of hardness or carburation of the metal, and I prefer to
continue the rolling until the metal is considerably lowered in temperature, or
I leave off rolling the projectile when it has been sufficiently perfected in
form, and re-commence to roll them when they have become nearly or quite
cold, so as to condense the metal and harden them for the finishing of the
rolling operation. I prefer that the rolls should be made of chilled. iron or
steel, which will retain its true figure better than gray cast iron, and. will
give the projectile a smoother and more perfect surface. The projectiles, if:
spherical, may be perfected by rolling in an apparatus constructed in the
manner described in the Patent of the 26th day of January, herein-before:
referred to, or by the improvements in that apparatus herein firstly described;
or in lieu thereof 'the perfecting of the shape and surface of splierical shots

page_text: (whether cast into an approximate form or. made in dies or swages by the
means herein secondly described) may be effected by rolling them between
two grooved tables or rolls moving on vertical axes, one of the tables being
inverted over the other, so that the semicircular annular channels formed on
them may coincide, the tables being pressed together by a screw, or preferably
by hydraulic pressure acting. endwise on the end of the axis of the lower
table, the upper table being fixed or made to revolve in an opposite direction'
to the lower one. The annular grooves may be so placed as to intersect each
other at any desired angle; or they may be concentric, as before described, in
which case three or more projectiles may be rolled at one time in them, blank
pieces or cold, shot of a smaller diameter being placed between them. In.
applying hydraulic pressure. to the axis of the table, I prefer to effect. the:
principal movement of the table by means of an accumulator, and then to put
on the pressure by a plunger actuated by a screw, whereby the apparatus may.
be most conveniently regulated, a suitable stop being arranged to prevent the
approach of the tables too near to each other, motion to one or both of the
tables being transmitted by spur gearing in a manner well understood.
The form of apparatus which I prefer to employ in carrying out this part:
of my Invention is represented in vertical section at Figure 9, and in elevation.
at Figure 10, on the Sheet of Drawings hereunto annexed. A is the main
frame of the apparatus, which is cast with a cylindrical projection A', which
is let into the floor of the building and forms the hydraulic cylinder employed
in bringing the rolls or tables together; into this cylinder is fitted the hollow
ram B; the lower part of the ram has fitted therein a brass or steel bush C,
in which the vertical shaft D revolves, a cross bar A being formed in the
frame A, and provided with a plummer block or bearing A³ in the centre of
it, through which the shaft D passes; the upper end of the shaft D has firmly.
fitted on to it a table or roll. E,.in which an annular channel. F is truly turned;
a similar table or roll G is also provided, and is bolted to the upper part
of the framing A in such a position as to coincide with the table or roll
beneath it. If we suppose that water is allowed to escape from beneath the
ram B, the table E and the shaft on which it revolves will move downward;
one or more masses of malleable iron or steel, either cast, hammered, .or
pressed into a form. approximating to that of a true sphere, are placed in, the
annular groove F in a red hot state, water under pressure from an accu-
mulator is then admitted beneath the ram B, which will lift the shaft D and
table E upward, until the masses of metal to be operated, upon are forced in.
close contact with, the upper table or roll G. Rotatory motion is commu-
nicated to the shaft D. by means of the spur wheel. H, which gears with a.

page_text: similar wheel actuated by any powerful first mover, the said spur wheel being
of such breadth in the cog as to admit the spur wheel H rising and falling
without coming out of gear; this rotatory motion of the table will cause
the imperfectly formed projectiles to revolve, but as their motion is necessarily
confined to the annular channel it will be found that they have a tendency to
change their axis of rotation, and thus are subjected to pressure in every direc
tion. In order the more readily to regulate the pressure and apply the same
gradually or at intervals, I employ a water-forcing apparatus in connection
with the hydraulic ram B, whereby the quantity of water injected beneath it
may be under perfect control. This apparatus is shewn in elevation at
Figure 11 on the Sheet of Drawings annexed, where J represents a cast-iron
frame, the lower part J¹ of which is formed into a small hydraulic pump
cylinder, having a plunger K fitted to it, and packed with a leather in the
usual way. The plunger is hollow and has a powerful screw L fitted into it,
which also passes through the upper part of the frame J, where it is provided
with a star wheel, by means of which the screw is turned and water is pro-
pelled after the manner of ordinary plunger pumps; but by means of the
.screw arrangement the forcing of the water is rendered capable of easy
regulation. The distance apart of the annular channels F in which the slots
revolve is regulated also by a stop or piece D* formed on the end of the
shaft D, which comes in contact with the central part of the upper table G,
and prevents the projectile from being made too small. During the rolling
process one or more jets of air or steam and water are made to play into the
annular channel F, either. through apertures in the upper table or from jet
pipes placed around the periphery, the action of the water jet assisting in
detaching the scale of oxide formed on the surface of the projectile, and the
jets of air or steam blowing them out of the channel, so that a good clear face
may be given to the metal. As soon as the projectile has been thoroughly
compressed and is reduced to the exact size required, the water may be
discharged from beneath the ram B, when the table will sink down into the
position necessary for the removal of the shots and the putting in of other
pieces to be similarly treated. About three minutes rolling will be required
when three projectiles are rolled at one time. The inner and outer edge of
the annular channels F may rise to the same height, or they may be higher
on one side than the other, in order to give a further tendency in the pro-
jectile to change its axis of rotation during the rolling process, as shewn in
Figure 12, which is a section taken through a pair of tables, having the inner
and outer edges of the grooves of different heights. A similar effect is pro-
duced by cutting away a portion of the inner surface of the annular channel at

page_text: one or more parts of its circumference; the unequal amount of friction on
the projectile when, passing over these parts effects a change in its axial
motion. When elongated projectiles are to be made they may also be pressed
in dies by hydraulic pressure, or hammered in dies and afterwards perfected
by rolling between suitably grooved rollers, the axis of each being in the same
plane. A similar arrangement of rolls may be employed to divide or nearly
divide the plain round bolt into several spherical or elongated projectiles, the
raised ribs on the rolls indenting it and giving shape to the projectiles, and
rendering it easy to break or cut the bolt into pieces of the right size and
approximating to the shape required, other deeper grooves being employed to
perfect the elongated projectiles, or they may be pressed in suitable dies.
On the Sheet of Drawings hereunto annexed I have shown at Figure 14 a
vertical cross section through the centre of a set of three rolls in the position
which they occupy in the roll frame; Figure 13 is a longitudinal section
taken on the line A, B, of Figure 14, showing two of the rolls. Motion may
be communicated to them by spur pinions keyed on to the ends of the rolls or
by couplings connected to a set of pinions working in a separate frame, but in
either case a central driving pinion is employed in order to give motion to each
roll in the right direction, as indicated by arrows in Figure 14, where one end
of a projectile occupying the space between the rolls is shewn at.N. A similar
arrangement of rolls for forming spherical shots is represented at Figure 15,
which is a longitudinal section taken on the line C, D, of Figure 16, where
the ends of the rolls are shown in elevation; the end of the cylinder of metal
under operation is also shewn at P.
Thirdly, my Invention relates to the manufacture of hollow steel projectiles,
both spherical and elongated, the hollow being formed therein either for the
purpose of holding a charge of some kind or for the purpose of lightening the
projectile in order to obtain an increase in its initial velocity. In some cases
I take a circular plate of steel, and by means of a hydraulic press I force the
same through a bell-mouthed die so as to form a deep cup. The mode of
doing this will be better understood by reference to Figures 17, 18, and 19
on the Sheet of Drawings hereunto annexed, where Q represents the die in
section, R. the disc of metal, and S the punch by which it is forced through
the die. In Figure 17 the disc is about to be operated upon, in Figure 18 it
is shewn in section partly forced up, and in Figure 19 the piece is nearly forced
out of the dies; or in lieu of this mode of proceeding I cut a round bolt into
suitable lengths. I put the short solid cylinders thus formed into a die, and I
then force down into it a punch of the form necessary to give the required hollow
to the piece of steel or malleable iron; such pieces may be then sawn hot or

page_text: cold or cut in a lathe to the right length, and two such hollow pieces may be
welded by a blow or by pressure in suitable dies, as shown at Figure 20, or
the hollow shot or shell may have sufficient depth to form it of one piece of
metal, the open end of the stamped piece having wedge-shaped pieces
cut or sawn out of it, so that the end so cut may be closed in suitable dies
and welded securely together, as shown at Figures 21 and 22 on the Sheet of
Drawings annexed.
Having described the several parts of my Invention, and the manner in
which the same may be carried into practical operation, I desire it to be
understood that I do not confine myself to the precise details herein given,
provided the essential parts of my said improvements be retained, but what I
claim, firstly, in the manufacture of spherical projectiles is,―
The employment of rolls having grooves the sides of which rise to an equal
height, as described.
Secondly, I claim in the manufacture of spherical projectiles the employ-
ment of a pair of rolls, the axes of which are not parallel with each
other.
Thirdly, I claim in the manufacture of spherical projectiles the employ-
ment of two pairs of grooved rolls working together, the axes of one pair being
horizontal and the axes of the other pair vertical, as described.
Fourthly, I claim in the manufacture of spherical projectiles the employ-
ment of rolls or tables having annular channels formed therein, as described.
Fifthly, I claim in the manufacture of spherical projectiles the employ-
ment of hydrostatic pressure in combination with the rotatory motion of the
projectile.
Sixthly, I claim the mode or modes of making hollow projectiles as herein
descrbed.
Seventhly, I claim in the manufacture of projectiles the employment of
three grooved rolls working together in the manner described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Henry Bessemer, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-fifth day of July, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-four.
.