Improvements in Fuzes and Detonators.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 18th July, 1889
Complete Specification Left, 18th Apr., 1890-Accepted, 5th July, 1890
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Fuzes and Detonators.
We, PAUL WARD, Electrician, of 10 Hatton Garden, London and EDWARD
MAMMATT GREGORY, Merchant, of 61 Moorgate Street in the City of London do
hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows :-
In the Specification accompanying application for Patent No. 3981 of February
1884 I described certain improvements in electric fuzes and detonators and in the
priming material used therein.
The present invention has for its objects to provide a means of rendering such fuzes
and detonators absolutely impervious to the destructive action of warm, damp, air and
climatic and other influences.
In carrying out this invention we employ the "safety armature composed of
insulated or uninsulated metal such as iron wire and the same priming material as set
forth in the above mentioned specification or we may employ any other suitablo
priming material but instead of inserting the armature into a quill or glass cap, in
which the priming is placed, as described in said specification, we form (in the
manner presently to be described) the insulator, the wires and the receptacle for
holding the priming all combined, and in a manner that an absolutely uniform
arrangement of the poles or wire terminals in the fuzes is ensured both as to the
surface exposed and in their separation from each other.
For this end we employ glass tubing, cut into lengths of suitable dimensions, and
we fuze the free ends of a wire loop (safety armature) into one end of such bit of tube
so that the free ends of the wire loop shall project a certain definite length, and
width apart into the interior of said tube. This we accomplish by means of the
following instrument :-
We take brass or steel wire about 1" diameter and form a
thereon.
screw thread
At one or both ends of this wire we drill two fine holes about of an inch
in diameter as close together as may be without their coalescing.
On to one end of this wire we screw an adjustable nut of conical form for
determining the length of the tube or cavity. At opposite end of said screwed wire
we place another nut of cylindrical form, having a conical head, for determining the
diameter of the cavity or tube required.
These nuts are made of various outside diameters to suit the requirements of the
fuzes to be made.
We now take one of the wire loops (referred to above) and insert its two free ends
into the small holes on the end face of the brass or steel screw and adjust the first
mentioned nut to a distance agreeable to the length of the tube or cavity required.
armature until
We then slip a short bit of glass tube over the loop or bend of the "
it rests on the 1st mentioned conical nut.
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This nut centres the tube in addition to determining the length of the tube or
cavity required.
The second mentioned nut at the end of the screwed wire also centres the tube at
its opposito end as well as forming a base. We then fuze the free end of the tube or
cavity in the flame of a blow pipe, thereby causing the semi-molten glass (or other
substance of which the tube may be made as aforesaid) to completely surround each
of the free ends of the wire, a suitable distance up, and thus completely insulating
them from each other. By these means we obtain the conducting wire, the insulator,
and the cavity for containing the priming material all combined.
The armature with the tube or cavity fused on it is then removed from the screwed
wire, on which are the nuts as above described, and the same operation is repeated
with other wires and lengths of tubes until the required number have been made.

page_text: We then proceed to charge these combined cavities and armatures with the priming
material described in the Specification accompanying our said former application for
Patent No. 3981 by inserting into each tube or cavity a sufficient quantity of the
composition, preferably in the form of a cream or paste. We prefer to insert the said
cream or paste into the cavities or tubes by means of a Filler or "Charger con-
23
sisting of a jet or nozzle of glass or other suitable material connected at its other end
with an india rubber or other ball. This ball is filled with the said cream or paste by
suction and suitable quantities of the said cream or paste are expressed into the tubes
from the ball by pressure as will be readily understood or we employ any other means
of charging the tubes as may be found most suitable or convenient.
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These charged tubes or cavities are then subjected to a temperature of about
212° F., until the volatile portion of the composition is driven off and when this
has been done we insert on the top of the explosive compound or priming a small
plug of any suitable non-inflammable substance such as asbestos, slag wool,
whitening, white peat powder or other similar non-combustible material, and
we then fuse the open end of the tube in the flame of a blow pipe and close the
same whilst soft by a dab of arsenic or other glass or other fusible vitreous
substance also made soft by the blow pipe flame.
Instead of scaling the charged tube with glass or other similar fusible vitreous
substance as above described, we may (according to the purpose for which the
fuse is required) close the open end of the glass tube by inserting therein a
sufficient quantity of "Chatterton's" composition, sealing wax, india rubber
varnish, fusible alloy, or other suitable substance and then if deemed expedient,
dipping the whole into Portland, Roman or other hard cement and varnish as
mentioned in the said former Specification.
For making a combined fuze and detonator we take one of the combined
tubes or cavities and wires above described and charge the same with the priming
above referred to and into this charged tube or cavity we insert another tube of
glass, ebonite or other like or suitable material of smaller diameter which is open
at one end and which contains a detonating material. This second mentioned
tube we insert into the charged fuze open end downwards so that on the fuze
being fired by a current of electricity its fire is directly communicated to the
detonator.
We prefer to use gun cotton as a detonating material in the above mentioned
inner tube thus obtaining a combined fuze and detonator which is free from
danger in handling or transport owing to its being non-percussible.
We also use any suitable detonating composition for charging the said inner
tube in lieu of gun cotton, but when using a detonating composition we employ
the following method of manufacturing the detonating pellets so that they are
never manipulated in a dangerous state in bulk. We mix the necessary ingredients
for forming the detonating composition under alcohol or other similar fluid. This
mixture is then sucked into the filler or charger above referred to and around the
nozzle of the filler or charger. We wrap a small piece of paper or other porous
material so as to form a tube which shall project a suitable distance beyond the
nozzle of the filler or charger. Into the tube thus formed we express from the
filler or charger a suitable quantity of detonating composition.
This charged paper or porous tube is then removed from the nozzle and allowed
to dry spontaneously and on to the top of the detonating composition contained
in the said paper or porous tube we place a small quantity of just melted paraffin
or other like wax. These detonating pellets are then inserted wax end first into
the second glass or other tube which is in turn inserted into the fuze in the
manner described with reference to the tube when charged with gun cotton or
the pellets enveloped in the paper or other tube may (if preferred) be inserted
into the fuze without being placed in the said second glass or other tube. Any
suitable non-inflammable substance such as asbestos, slag wool, white peat powder
or other similar heat non-conducting and non-inflammable material is then inserted
into the outer tube on the top of the inner tube containing the detonating pellet

page_text: or into the top of the pellet itself as the case may be and the outer tube of the
combined fuze and detonator is then closed by fusion of by the insertion theroin
of any of the compositions in the manner before described with reference to
the fuze.
The object of inserting the paraffin in the top of the detonating material as above
described, is to render the detonating composition harmless by the melting of the
paraffin, should by any means the heat while scaling the outer tube as ahove
described, become too great-or in the case of a conflagration arising in the place
where the detonators are stored.
We form the hair pin-shaped loops (safety armatures) by winding a quantity of
wire on a metal plate of double V section which when fully covered is placed flat and
the wire severed on opposite sides by means of a chisel and hammer.
It will be found that the fuze and combined fuze and detonator constructed as
herein before described are absolutely impervious to the destructive action of hot air,
climatic and electric influences, but if desired they may be further coated with india
rubber or any of the mechanically protective media before mentioned.
Dated this 18th day of July 1889.
PAUL WARD.
E. MAMMATT GREGORY.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Fuzes and Detonators.
Wo PAUL WARD, of 10 Hatton Garden, but now of 16 Crown Terrace Fulham,
Electrician, and EDWARD MAMMATT GREGORY, Merchant, of 61 Moorgate Street, in
the City of London do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner
the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement :-
In the Specification accompanying application for Patent No. 3981 of February 1884
there were described certain improvements in Electric Fuzes and Detonators and in
the priming material used therein.
The present invention has for its objects to provide a means of rendering such fuzes
and detonators absolutely impervious to the destructive action of warm damp air, and
climatic and other influences.
In order that our invention may be the better understood we now proceed to
describe the same in relation to the drawings hereunto annexed, reference being had
to the letters and figures marked thereon. Like letters refer to like parts in the
various Figs.
Figure 1 is a sectional elevation of the wire armature in position holding tool ready
for fusing.
Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of the fuse, and detonator with both ends of the
glass receptacle closed by fusing.
Figure 2 is a side view, and end view of the tool nut.
Figure 3 shows elevation and sectional elevation of the armature wire in various
stages of progress ready for fusing.
Figure 3 shows armature wire fused into glass case removed from the tool.
Figure 4 shows sectional elevation of the fuse, and detonator hermetically closed at
open end by packing.
Figure shows the same with tube hermetically closed by fusing.
Figure 6 shows internal detonating tube removed from the fuse.
In carrying out this invention we employ the safety armature composed of insulated
or uninsulated metal such as iron wire and the same priming material as set forth in
the above mentioned Specification or we may employ any other suitable priming
material, but instead of inserting the armature into a quill or cap in which the priming
s placed, as described in the said Specification, we form (in the manner presently to
be described) the insulator; the wires, and the receptacle for holding the priming all

page_text: combined and in such a manner that an absolutely uniform arrangement of the poles
or wire terminals in the fuzes is ensured, both as to the surface exposed and in their
separation from each other.
For this end we employ glass tubing cut into lengths of suitable dimensions, and we
fuze the free ends of a wire loop (safety "armature") into one end of such bit of
tube, so that the free ends of the wire loop shall project a certain definite length and
width apart into the interior of said tube (as shewn at figures 1ª 3ª 4 & 5). This wo
accomplish by means of the following instrument :—
We take a brass or steel wire about 1" diameter, and form a screw thread thereon.
At one end of this wire we may drill two fine holes about " in diameter as close
together as may be, without their coalescing, as in Figure 1.
On to one end of this wire we screw an adjustable nut of conical form for deter-
mining the length of the tube or cavity, (as shewn at C. Figure 1). At the opposite
end of said screwed wire we place another hollow nut of cylindrical form, having a
conical head, for determining the diameter of the cavity or tube required, (as shown at
D figure 1).
These nuts are made of various outside diameters to suit the requirements of the
fuzes to be made.
We now take one of the wire loops (referred to above) and insert its two free ends
into the small holes on the end face of the brass or steel screw Fig. 1, and adjust the
first mentioned nut C. to a distance agreeable to the length of the tube or cavity
required. We then slip a short piece of glass tube over the loop or bend of the
"armature until it rests on the first mentioned conical nut C. (as shown at E. E
Figure 1). This nut centres the tube in addition to determining the length of the
tube or cavity required.
2:
The second mentioned nut D at the end of the screwed wire also centres the tube at
its opposite end. We then fuso the free end of the tube or cavity in the flame of a
blow-pipe, thereby causing the semi-molten glass (or other substance of which the tube
may be made, as aforesaid) to completely surround each of the free ends of the wire,
a suitable distance up, and thus completely insulating them from each other, (as shewn
at F Figure 1). By this means we obtain the conducting wire, the insulator, and
the cavity for containing the priming material all combined.
The "armature with the tube or cavity fused on it is then removed from the
screwed wire, on which are the nuts above described, and the same operation is
repeated with other wires and lengths of tubes until the required number have
been made.
When the fuse tubo is short, that is where no extra detonating charge is required
we may use a modified tool as illustrated in Figures 2 & 3. Instead of piercing the
two small holes for the ends of the armature in the end of the wire K, we may screw
on to the wiro an end conical nut M shewn in side elevation, and end view at
Figure 2, provided with a flange at its base and perforated at its upper end with the
two small recesses or shallow holes to receive the ends of the armature wire L. The
armature wire L being then fixed in place as at Figure 3 a short glass tube A
is slipped over the armature wire until it rests on the Hange of the conical nut M.
The open end is then fused over the armature wire and the conical nut and wire K
may be withdrawn leaving the fuze case A as at Figure 3ª for filling with priming
composition.
It will be seen that we can use a differently formed tool for effecting the same
object such as a fine clip to hold the safety armature with its free ends a definite
distance apart while the glass tube is being suitably fused on.
We then proceed to charge these combined cavities and armatures with the
priming material described in the Specification accompanying the said former
application for Patent No. 3981 by inserting into each tube or cavity a sufficient
quantity of the composition, preferably in the form of a cream or paste. We prefer
to insert the same cream or paste into the cavities or tubes by means of a
"filler
charger consisting of a jet or nozzle of glass or other suitable material
connected at its other end with an india-rubber or other ball. This ball is filled
or
"
33
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page_text: with the same cream or paste by suction, and suitable quantities of the said cream or
paste arc expressed into the tubes-from the ball by pressure, as will be readily
understood or we employ any other means of charging the tubes as may be found
most suitable or convenient.
These charged tubes or cavities are then subjected to a temperature of about
212° Faht. until the volatile portion of the composition is driven off, and when this
has been done we insert on the top of the explosive compound or priming
a small
plug of any suitable non-inflammable substance, such as asbestos, slag-wool,
whitening, white peat powder or other similar non-combustible material, and we then
fuse the open end of the tube in the flame of a blow-pipe and close the same
whilst soft.
Instead of sealing the charged tube with glass or other similar fusible vitrious
substance as above described, we may (according to the purpose for which the fuze
is required) close the open end of the glass tubo by inserting therein a sufficient
quantity of Chatterton's composition, sealing wax, india-rubber varnish, fusible alloy
or other suitable substance, (as shewn at G, figure 4.) and then if deemed expedient
dipping the whole into, Portland, Roman, or other hard cement and varnish as
mentioned in the said former Specification.
For making a combined fuze and detonator such as shown at Figures 1" 4, & 5,
we take one of the combined tubes or cavities and wires above described, and charge
the same with the priming above referred to, and into this charged tube or cavity we
insert another tube of glass, ebonite, H Figure 6 or other like or suitable material
of smaller diameter, which is open at one end and which contains a detonating
material.
This second mentioned tubo we insert into the charged fuze, open end downwards,
as per Figure 1 so that on the fuze being fired by a current of electricity its fire is
directly communicated to the detonator.
31
:6
23
"
This
We also use any suitable detonating composition for charging the said inner tube
in lieu of gun cotton, but when using a detonating composition we employ the
following method of manufacturing the detonating pellets so that they are never
manipulated in a dangerous state in bulk. We mix the necessary ingredients for
forming the detonating composition under alcohol or other similar fluid.
mixture is then sucked into the "Filler" or Charger" above referred to and
around the nozzle of the "Filler
or Charger" is placed a closed paper or other
tube. Into the tube thus formed we express from the "Filler or Charger" a
suitable quantity of detonating composition.
This charged paper or porous tube is then removed from the nozzle and allowed
to dry spontaneously and on to the top of the detonating composition contained in the
said paper or porous tube we place a small quantity of just melted paraffin or other
like wax.
These detonating pellets are then inserted wax end first into the second
glass or other tube H. Fig. 6 which is in turn inserted into the fuze F Fig. 1ª in the
manner described with reference to the tube when charged with gun cotton or
the pellets enveloped in the paper or other tube may (if preferred) be inserted into
the fuze without being placed in the said second glass or other tube as in Fig. 5.
Any suitable non-inflammable substance such as asbestos, slagwool, white peat
powder, or other similar heat non-conducting and non-inflammable material is then
inserted into the outer tube on the top of the inner tube containing the detonating
pellets or on to the top of the pellets themselves, as the case may be, and the outer
tube of the combined fuze and detonator is then closed by fusion or by the
insertion therein of any of the compositions in the manner before described with
reference to the fuze as in Fig. 4.
The object of inserting the paraffin wax on the top of the detonating material as
above described is to render the detonating composition harmless by the melting of
the paraffin should by any means the heat while sealing the outer tube, as above
described, become too great or in the case of a conflagration arising in the place
where the detonators are stored.

page_text: We form the hair pin shaped loops (safety "armatures") by winding a quantity
of wire on a metal plate of double V section, which when fully covered, is placed flat
and the wire severed on opposite sides.
It will be found that the fuze and combined fuze and detonator constructed as
hereinbefore described are absolutely impervious to the destructive action of hot
damp air, climatic, and electric influences, but if desired they may be further coated
with india rubber or any convenient mechanically protective medium.
The above described case of glass fused on the iron or other wire can be employed
in the construction of what are known as low tension or platinum wire fuzes for the
purpose of preventing damage by moisture in submarine use.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what
we claim is :-
:-
1st. In an electric fuze or combined electric fuze and detonator a glass receptacle
fuzed over the two ends of the igniting wire or wires and fuzed at the other end
after charging to form an hermetically closed & impervious receptacle for the
priming or priming and detonating charge, substantially as described.
2nd. In an electric fuze or combined electric fuze and detonator a glass receptaclo
fuzed over the two ends of the igniting wire or wires & closed at the other end
after charging by Chattertons composition, sealing wax, india rabber, varnish or
fusible alloy to form an hermetically closed and impervious receptacle for the included
charge substantially as described.
3rd. The method of manufacture of the said glass receptacle and fuzed armature
wire or wires to ensure accuracy of setting for sensitive charges and the special tools
employed therein, substantially as described.
4th. The general arrangements and method of construction and charging of electric
fuses for priming or combined priming and detonating purposes, substantially as
described and illustrated herein.
waft 1900
FELL & WILDING,
1, Queen Victoria Street, Agents for the Applicants.