IMPROVEMENTS IN OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE MOUNTING OF ORDNANCE
Year: 1878

page_text: "
LETTERS PATENT to Alfred Longsdon, of Queen Victoria Street, in the City
of London, Civil Engineer, for the Invention of IMPROVEMENTS IN OR IN
CONNECTION WITH THE MOUNTING OF ORDNANCE." A communication from
abroad by Alfred Krupp, of Essen, in the Empire of Germany, Cast Steel
Manufacturer.
Sealed the 13th August 1878, and dated the 11th April 1878.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Alfred Longsdon at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 11th April 1878.
ALFRED LONGSDON, of Queen Victoria Street, in the City of London, Civil
Engineer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE MOUNTING OF ORD-
NANCE."
A communication from abroad by Alfred Krupp, of Essen, in the Empire
of Germany, Cast Steel Manufacturer.
These improvements refer to the mounting of ordnance of all calibres, so that the
gun when so mounted is held securely in its place as regards the recoil when fired.
This is effected by mounting the gun by its trunnions in a frame or socket of
sufficient strength to resist the recoil of the gun. This frame is carried on a shaft or
spindle made hollow or solid, supported in standards and radial trussing or frames
strongly braced together.
The shaft carrying the gun is free to revolve in its socket or bearings, and may
be made either stationary, or it may be made to be raised or lowered when it is
desired that the gun shall be raised above a parapet or shield when firing, and then
lowered for protection during the loading, or when not required in action.
The gun can be turned in any position on its axis by means of suitable gearing;
and in order to facilitate the raising or lowering it may have counter weights; or
this may be effected by counter columns of water; or the gun may be raised or
lowered by hydraulic, steam, or other suitable power.
The chief object in thus mounting the gun is for naval purposes, and it is proposed
to construct vessels of the lightest possible draught and of quickest speed. Such

page_text: vessels can carry one, two, or more such guns, some of which may be stationary as
far as the upward and downward motion; or they may be made capable of being
raised and lowered. Guns so mounted may, however, be used for land batteries or
for firing over parapets, where it is desired to dispense with embrasures and to offer
complete protection to the gunners.
The gun can be sighted and trained in the usual manner by toothed arcs and
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by the
said Alfred Longsdon in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 11th October
1878.
"
ALFRED LONGSDON, of Queen Victoria Street, in the City of London, Civil
Engineer. IMPROVEMENTS IN OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE MOUNTING OF ORD-
NANCE." (A communication from abroad by Alfred Krupp, of Essen, in the Empire
of Germany, Cast Steel Manufacturer.)
These improvements relate to the mounting, pivoting, and easier working of guns
in ships and vessels of war, land forts, batteries, and other constructions, carrying
arms, ordnance or offensive and defensive naval and military appliances, and they
have principally for their object the firing in any direction, and the construction of
the supports, platform, and vessel in such manner that the gun is held securely in
its place, yet may rotate with the shaft or spindle so as to obtain all-round fire, resist
or absorb the recoil, thus combining in light draught swift vessels the qualities of
the broadside "end on" and turret ships.
Also that the spindle or shaft carriage platform or other structures carrying the
ordnance or appliances may be raised and lowered as required, so that when not in
use or action they may be wholly or partially lowered beneath the level of the deck
or firing level of the ship, fort, or structure, thus affording to the vessel easier
motion in heavy weather, and so supporting and tying the whole by means of dove-
tails, bracings, struts, decks, and keelsons, as to enable the entire vessel to withstand
the heaviest shocks.
The Invention consists in constructing, arranging, and combining the apparatus,
spindle, or shaft, and carriage in one, so as to resist or absorb the recoil, substan-
tially in the manner herein-after described for the above purposes.
When applied to gunboats or ships of war of small class and draught of water
the improved arrangement provides that the raising gear or cylinders, rams or
screws, become part of the shaft or spindle; but where depth can be obtained or
lowering is not desired, the shaft may be made in one piece for the entire length.
When it is desired to fight the ship or work the guns I elevate them to their
fighting position or level by means of hydraulic, hydrostatic, pneumatic, steam, or
hand power, and in order to facilitate the raising or lowering I may introduce
counterweights or counter columns of water so applied as to reduce the strains and

page_text: at same time construct tanks or compartments in my vessels to carry water and
lessen the freeboard if requisite.
In all instances I propose, when the gun spindle or platform is raised to its highest
position, to provide that powerful clutches, chocks, or supports shall be brought into
such positions as to take the weight thereof and release the elevators from the work
of sustaining their load, by reversing the movement or action of the power or means
employed for bringing theso supports into position. They are made to retire so as to
allow the descent of the objects desired to be lowered; or these supports may bo
hung on hinges and so contrived as to swing clear by their own weight when
relieved, the guns or ordnance and carriage being arranged and connected in such
way that they may rotate so as to command and fire at all points of the compass.
In some cases I form the spindle itsolf, or the lower portion thereof, so that it
shall act as the ram or piston; and I surround its exterior surface with a cylinder or
casing fitted with hydraulic leathers, glands, or other packing, so that water or
steain may be admitted beneath for raising. Where more than one cylinder or ram
is used I connect them by pipes so that the rate of motion of the rams or pistons
may be identical, and their simultaneous or uniform rise and fall ensured.
I proceed to describe with reference to the accompanying Drawings modes of
carrying the Invention into practical offect.
The modes are illustrated by the accompanying Sheets of Drawings, 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Figure 1, Sheet 1, represents a transverse section of a portion of a light draught
gun vessel on this plan, with sloping sides and ends, carrying one or more heavy
guns, so pivotted as to command all-round fire, and thus avoid the necessity of laying
the vessel's head in any particular direction, as at present in vessels of this size.
Figure 2, Sheet 1, shews a longitudinal section; and Figure 3, Sheet 1, part plan of
same arrangement.
A is the spindle or shaft forged either solid or hollow, as shewn in Figures 9, 10,
and 11, Sheet 2, the head of which is either made square or round to enable the
carriage or checks B, Figures 5, 6, and 7, Sheet 1, to be shifted to any position in the
event of the head being damaged. These cheeks forming the carriage I make either
of forged iron, soft cast steel, bronze, or other material found most desirable, placing
the trunnions in such a position that the rear part of the spindle may always be
close to its bearings, and which I connect by means of dovetails, keys, screws, and
wedges. The clevating and depressing gear may consist of worm wheel and ratchet
or other arrangement most suitable to form and size of gun.
The step or shoe C may be either of forged iron, or of soft cast steel or other
material, well supported and secured to the keelson of the vessel, or, where depth of
vessel allows, it may be secured and carried upon an intermediate deck, the keelson,
floors, and deck of which I stiffen for the purpose.
At the deck or under the head of the shaft or spindle A. I support the same
either by means of an armour plate bush, backed with teak or hard wood chocks,
well secured to plate and angle iron carlings, as usual in shipbuilding, and shown at
D. These carlings I carry by means of wrought H iron struts E, stepped upon
keelsons F, and tie bars G of flat iron worked under the deck plating, Figures 1, 2,
and 3, Sheet 1, the whole of which I well connect to the frames, floors, and beams
of the ship, or by means of a solid bush or block J of wrought iron, soft cast steel,
or other material, with friction rollers, or having a tight fitting turned ring N let
into it in two pieces, as shown at Figures 11 and 12, Sheet 2, and supported by
Hiron sheets, flat tie bars, rods, and trussing well dovetailed and keyed into it, as
shown in plan and section, Figures 4 and 8, Sheet 1, Figures 11 and 12, Sheet 2,
and Figures 26 and 27, Sheet 4, connecting them to the vessel's framing in a similar
manner as above.
K, in Figures 1, 2, and 3, Sheet 1, shows a strong wrought or cast iron wheel
secured to the shaft or spindle A by keys or screw bolts, or other means, and turned
by the pinions L, driven either by steam, hydraulic, or hand power; these spindles
or shafts L being continued through the upper deck to enable the gunner by means
of keys or levers to adjust the position, as required for smaller guns, this wheel may

page_text: be secured somewhat higher up the shaft, as shewn in Figure 11, Sheet 2, or placed
in any other more convenient position, but in all cases arranged so as to give rapid
motion.
In the vessels, deck, or platforms within the rear circle of the gun I purpose
making strong hatches or cap scuttles of wrought iron, as shown at M, Sheet 1, to
prevent undue exposure of the men, and to facilitate the loading and sighting of the
gun while in any position.
On Sheet 2, Figures 13 and 14, I have represented in section and elevation a
simple method of raising and lowering a small gun and carriage suitable for very
small vessels, by means of a single screw O, secured between the floors of the vessel
or boat to a forging P, above which is placed the guide block Q, forming the nut
with step forged on upper part to receive the heel of spindle; this block is held in
place laterally by the guides R formed of plate and angle iron framing, and made
to rise and fall by the wheel and pinions 8, worked either by hand, steam, or other
appliances. When the gun or platform is raised to the requisite height the forged
iron "fid" or key T is passed through the aperture of the guide block Q, the scrow
reversed half a turn, and the whole weight is then carried by the lower deck or
platform; when the gun is again required to be lowered the screw is put in motion
to raise the weight somewhat, the key T withdrawn, and the screw reversed until
it is down upon the foundation plate of the vessel. This key T may also be placed in
position and withdrawn by means of a lever and crank, scrow, or other gearing. If
requisite the guide block or nut Q may be further elongated to allow the propellor
shaft of vessel to pass through it.
Figures 15 and 16, Sheet 2, shew tho application of this system for raising and
lowering guns of large calibre by means of one cylinder or ram, placed directly
underneath the shaft or spindle A, Figure 15 being a transverse section showing a
large hollow cylinder, the piston U of which is well packed in the usual manner
and forms the step for carrying the shaft; when water or steam of sufficient pressure
is applied on the under side it rises to the requisite height indicated by the dotted
lines, being steadied by the guides on the face of V, carrying with it the
gun carriage
and platform ready for working, the cylinder is then relieved of its weight by the
supporting clutches or blocks W, Figures 18 and 20, Sheet 3, being screwed under-
neath the platform by turning the wheels X.
In Figure 16, Sheet 2, I show a longitudinal section of vessel, with a somewhat
similar method for raising and lowering by means of one ram or cylinder, having
the bottom of spindle or shaft A formed hollow to enable a cylinder of less diameter
and weight to be used, but where depth of vessel will admit the cylinder or
hydraulic ram can be placed entirely beneath the bottom end of shaft or spindle, and
thus modify the arrangement; in both the foregoing methods the bases of cylinders
are firmly secured to the keclsons of the vessel, and the upper end supported by
the beams and framing of the deck, the Harm supports V forming the guides for
the platform, and the turning gear Y being disconnected by the lever crank Z,
Figure 17, Sheet 3.
On Sheet 3 I illustrate the application of this system for partially raising and
lowering the gun and platform by two hydraulic rams or steam cylinders, the ram
heads of which are kept apart by means of forged V shaped flat links or bars B',
Figures 17, 18, and 19, connected and carried by stout cross heads C, the water
being admitted to the cylinders so as to raise both rams simultaneously, the spindle
or shaft A', when lowered, passing down between the cylinders, the heel being
carried in a socket or step attached to a strong wrought-iron table D', under which
a trunnion E¹ passes, connecting the links B and guide blocks F, thus securing a
parallel motion, the head of spindle being carried by the platform G', formed of
stout iron and plate, having a wrought-iron or soft cast-steel bush or block H
firmly bolted to it, with turning gear Ỷ on the under side, driven either by hand or
steam power, as shown at J¹, Figures 17 and 18, Sheet 3, by means of clutches the
same machinery may be used for working the pumps attached to the rams and
cistern K¹; Figure 17 shews part longitudinal section, Figure 18, part transverse

page_text: section of vossel, and Figure 19 plan of rams or cylinders; in Figure 20, part hori-
zontal section of H iron supports is shewn, with plan of platform, spindle bush H',
and supporting clutches W; Figure 21, Sheet 3, is part transverse section of the
vessel's deck, shewing the recess made in it to carry the gun when only partially
lowered.
On Sheet 4 I have shewn the adaptation of this arrangement to the present con-
struction of composite built vessels. Figure 22 is part longitudinal section of the
vessel and platform showing the gun entirely lowered beneath the deck, being
raised or lowered by means of four continuous screws L' worked simultaneously by
the bevel wheels M₁, driven by hand or steam power applied at N¹; these screws are
carried by the strong forgings O¹, firmly secured to the H iron framing and supports,
on the face of which are attached the slides V for guiding the platform. On the
bottom of the platform I secure strong forged cross heads P¹, which extend from
side to side, having nuts Q1 formed on their outer ends for connecting with the
screws. Upon the bevel wheels being put in motion the gun and platform rise to
the fighting level indicated by the dotted lines. When at tho requisite height the
supporting clutches W are run out, and the weight carried by them, and when
secure the hollow screw jack or column R¹, Figure 25, is raised, secured, and screwed
up in place underneath the spindle or shaft A, thus relieving the screws and gearing.
When the gun is again required to be lowered the screw jack R' is again swung
down, as indicated by the dotted lines at S', the supporting clutches withdrawn, and
the notion of the screws reversed.
Figure 23 shows part transverse section of this vessel and arrangements; and
Figure 24 part plan and horizontal section of same. Figures 23 and 24 also shew
a similar arrangemont worked by means of four hydraulic rams or steam cylinders
T', the ram heads of which are applied to the under side of the platform, pipes, and
valves connecting the cylinders to ensure uniform and simultaneous action of the
pumps.
Figure 26, Sheet 4, shews plan of dovetail connections on a larger scale; Figure
27, a cross section of the same in wake of wedge, key, or tightening bolt U', one or
more of which may be used as found requisite, the object being in all cases to dis-
pense with rivets as much as possible, and therefore I purpose using sections of iron
requiring little or no rivetting.
When employing pneumatic power to elevate or lower the weight in its descent,
may be made to compress a volume of air in chambers or vessels such as are used
for holding compressed air, and this accumulated force may be supplemented by an
additional supply or supplies of compressed air held in one or more auxiliary
vessels, or by hydraulic or steam power.
The foregoing details and arrangements are shewn as applicable to boats, ships,
and vessels, but may also be applied to land forts or batteries by substituting the
level of the ship's deck by the level of the fort or battery where they are to be used.
Having now described the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the
same is to be performed, I declare that I claim,—
Firstly. The mounting of ordnance in such a manner that the trunnions have their
bearings on a shaft or pivot capable of being revolved, and held or centred in a
framework or structure dovetailed or otherwise, connected together, and which
takes up and prevents the recoil of the gun, all substantially as described and as
illustrated in the accompanying Drawings.
Secondly. The mounting of ordnance by the trunnions on a shaft or pivot A,
capable of being revolved, and also when required raised or lowered by suitable
mechanical means, such shaft A being held or centred in a framework or structure
E, dovetailed or otherwise, connected together, and which takes up and prevents
the recoil of the gun, all substantially as described, and as illustrated in the accom-
panying Drawings.
Thirdly. The modes and means herein set forth for holding the shaft A and ord-
nance so as to transfer the recoil to the ship or vessel, or other structure, in or on
which the ordnance is mounted.

page_text: Fourthly. The modes and means herein set forth for revolving and for raising
and lowering the shaft A and ordnance.
In witness whereof, I, the said Alfred Longsdon, have hereunto set my
land and seal, this Seventh day of October, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight.
ALFRED LONGSDON. (L.S.)