IMPROVEMENTS IN PROJECTILES FOR ORDNANCE, AND IN THE MANUFACTURE OF THE SAME
Year: 1876

page_text: =
This Specification was, upon the 16th day of June 1888; amended under
Sections 18 to 21 of the Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks Act, 1883.
LETTERS PATENT to William Morgan-Brown, of the Firm of Brandon and
Morgan-Brown, 'Engineers and Patent Agents, of 38, Southampton Buildings,
London, and 13, Rue Gaillon, Paris, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
PROJECTILES FOR ORDNANCE, AND IN THE MANUFACTURE OF THE SAME."
communication from abroad by Benjamin Berkley Hotchkiss, of Paris,
Engineer.
A
Sealed the 17th November 1876, and dated the 20th July 1876.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said William Morgan-Brown at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 20th July 1876.
WILLIAM MORGAN-BROWN of the Firm of Brandon and Morgan-Brown Engineers
and Patent Agents of 38 Southampton Buildings London and 13 Rue Gaillon
Paris. "IMPROVEMENTS IN PROJECTILES FOR ORDNANCE AND IN THE MANUFACTURE
OF THE SAME. A communication from abroad by Benjamin Berkley Hotchkiss of
Paris Engineer.
This Invention of Improvements in projectiles for ordnance and in the manu-
facture of the same has reference to projectiles or shells for ordnance or rifled
cannon and consists firstly in a novel construction of the same, with the view that
at the moment of their explosion, they burst or break up into a larger number of
fragments than the usual projectiles of the same calibre and secondly in a new
mode of attaching to the body of the projectile, the ring or rings of relatively soft
metal destined to take the rifling of the barrel.
FIRST IMPROVEMENT.
The results above stated are obtained by constructing the sides of the shell in a
series of thicknesses or layers which need not conjointly exceed the usual thickness
of ordinary projectiles and it follows that as the effort of the explosion takes place
against these separate layers which offer a lesser resistance they are sub-divided
into a greater number of fragments than if they were made of one solid piece and
it also follows that the size of these different fragments is more uniform.
Figure 1 is a longitudinal elevation in section through A. A. Figure 2 Figure 2
an end elevation in section through B B Figure 1 of one mode of constructing
these new shells and Figure 3 a longitudinal elevation in section of a detached shell
Pine Rd7

page_text: which is placed within the projectile. These projectiles are constructed in two
pieces which are the internal shell a and the projectile itself, composed of a double
shell and cast in one piece with the bottom 'c. The shell a is first cast in the
ordinary manner and introduced in the shape of a core within the mould of the
projectile where it is centred through the opening c¹ and supported by the core of
the projectile, if preferred the shell a may be supported in different other places
either by means of small studs properly arranged to support the shell a and maintain
it in position or by adapting studs within the shell which bear against the core.
After this shell has been centred and fixed, the metal is run for the projectile
composed of the parts b, b and c when the whole has solidified by cooling, the
shell a is incorporated between the parts b and b¹ so as to constitute one single
piece or composite projectile. If desired the parts and can be united by
running small jets of metal d d through the holes d¹, d made in the shell a.
same shell can be made also by inverting the above described process that is to
say by first casting the projectile composed of the parts b, b and c and by sub-
sequently (when partially cooled and the core has been extracted) running a second
charge of metal within the space existing between the parts b and 6.
This
Figure 4 is a longitudinal elevation in section through CC Figure 5 and
Figure 5 an end elevation in section through D, D Figure 4 of a second mode of
constructing the new shell and which is better adapted for large projectiles, it
differs from the first in so far as instead of filling in the space between the parts b
and with a cast-iron shell there is are introduced therein through one or several
holes g balls of cast iron or other appropriate metal f; it is not essential that these
filling pieces be of a spherical form any other shape will answer the purpose
provided they can be passed through the openings g. In order to consolidate the
filling pieces during carriage or flight of projectile in the air, I recommend to run
through the openings g, melted sulphur, asphalt or other analogous substance which
fills up the spaces as represented in the two above-mentioned Figures by a dark
black. According to these new modes of construction, the bottom c of the projectiles
is solid, of one piece, without any joints and therefore it is very strong and such pro-
jectiles are much less liable to premature explosions than the ordinary ones.
The systems of subdividing the thickness of the shell may, if required, be
aytanded hovand the numbows ahova dose
1:11

page_text: to circumstances the Figures above referred to are merely for the purpose of
indicating one mode of putting the said improvement into practical operation.
Amongst some of the advantages of this new arrangement I will mention the
following: By the depression of the soft metal entering in the grooves such parts
are not injured by the riflings and they serve to connect the entire ring so that it
cannot be stripped from the projectile, the friction of the projectile at its passage
through the riflings is diminished as much as possible, the points of contact or
bearing surfaces being reduced to narrow rings therefore the strain on the gun and
on the projectile is greatly diminished; the thickness and consequently the cost of
the soft metal ring are considerably reduced, since the diameter of the projectile is
not diminished at those parts of the succession of grooves where the ring enters the
riflings, whereas in the usual construction, see Figure 6 the thickness of the metal
is such as, forming the same external diameter it has to reach the bottom of the
cylindrical groove throughout its entire length; grooving the projectile is also more
economical, as regards time, compared to producing thereon one long cylindrical
recess.
Having thus explained the nature of these improvements and the best means
that I am acquainted with for putting the same into practical application I
claim
Firstly. A projectile made by running metal round a central shell a as above
described or by first casting the shell itself composed of the parts b, b and c and
then filling in the space reserved between 6 and either with an additional run of
metal or with metallic parts of spherical or other shape as above described and
having its bottom formed of one piece with the sides or body, all
described.
as above
Secondly. The construction of a projectile as above described in which the
bottom is formed of one single piece of metal.
Thirdly. Secondly. The modes above described of grooving externally a projectile
and of adapting thereto a ring or tube, which by the explosion of the charge is partly
blown within the said grooves, whilst a sufficient section or sections thereof remain
without or outside the diameter of the projectile to ensure the latter following the riflings
of the bore.
In witness whereof I the said William Morgan-Brown have hereunto set my.
hand and seal this Twenty-eighth day of June in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and seventy-six.
WILLIAM MORGAN-BROWN. (L.S.)

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Morgan-Brown, of the Firm of Brandon and
Morgan-Brown, Engineers and Patent Agents, of 38, Southampton Buildings,
London, and 13, Rue Gaillon, Paris, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
PROJECTILES FOR ORDNANCE, AND IN THE MANUFACTURE OF THE SAME."
communication from abroad by Benjamin Berkley Hotchkiss, of Paris,
Engineer.
A
led the 17th November 1876, and dated the 20th July 1876.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said William Morgan-Brown at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 20th July 1876.
WILLIAM MORGAN-BROWN, of the Firm of Brandon and Morgan-Brown, Engineers
and Patent Agents, of 38, Southampton Buildings, London, and 13, Rue Gaillon,
Paris. 'IMPROVEMENTS IN PROJECTILES FOR ORDNANCE, AND IN THE MANUFACTURE
OF THE SAME. A communication from abroad by Benjamin Berkley Hotchkiss, of
Paris, Engineer.
This Invention of Improvements in projectiles for ordnance, and in the manu-
facture of the same, has reference to projectiles or shells for ordnance or rifled
cannon, and consists, firstly, in a novel construction of the same with the view that
at the moment of their explosion they burst or break up into a larger number of
fragments than the usual projectiles of the same calibre, and secondly, in a new
mode of attaching to the body of the projectile the ring or rings of relatively soft
metal destined to take the rifling of the barrel.
FIRST IMPROVEMENT.
The results above stated are obtained by constructing the sides of the shell in a
series of thicknesses or layers which need not conjointly exceed the usual thickness
of ordinary projectiles, and it follows that, as the effort of the explosion takes place
against these separate layers, which offer a lesser resistance, they are sub-divided
into a greater number of fragments than if they were made of one solid piece, and
it also follows that the size of these different fragments is more uniform.
Figure 1 is a longitudinal elevation in section through A, A, Figure 2; Figure 2,
an end elevation in section through B, B, Figure 1, of one mode of constructing
these new shells, and Figure 3 a longitudinal elevation in section of a detached shell
Price 671

page_text: which is placed within the projectile. These projectiles are constructed in two
pieces, which are the internal shell a and the projectile itself, composed of a double
shell and cast in one piece with the bottom c. The shell a is first cast in the
ordinary manner and introduced in the shape of a core within the mould of the
projectile, where it is centred through the opening c¹ and supported by the core of
the projectile; if preferred the shell a may be supported in different other places,
either by means of small studs properly arranged to support the shell a and maintain
it in position, or by adapting studs within the shell which bear against the core.
After this shell has been centred and fixed the metal is run for the projectile
composed of the parts b, b¹, and c; when the whole has solidified by cooling, the
shell a is incorporated between the parts b and b', so as to constitute one single
piece or composite projectile. If desired the parts and can be united by
This
running small jets of metal d, d, through the holes d', d', made in the shell a.
same shell can be made also by inverting the above described process; that is to
say, by first casting the projectile composed of the parts b, b¹, and c, and by sub-
sequently (when partially cooled and the core has been extracted) running a second
charge of metal within the space existing between the parts b and b¹.
Figure 4 is a longitudinal elevation in section through C, C, Figure 5, and
Figure 5 an end elevation in section through D, D, Figure 4, of a second mode of
constructing the new shell, and which is better adapted for large projectiles; it
differs from the first in so far as, instead of filling in the space between the parts b
and with a cast-iron shell, there is introduced therein through, one or several
holes g, balls of cast iron or other appropriate metal f; it is not essential that theso
filling pieces be of a spherical form; any other shape will answer the purpose,
provided they can be passed through the openings g. In order to consolidate the
filling pieces f during carriage or flight of projectile in the air, I recommend to run
through the openings g melted sulphur, asphalt, or other analogous substance which
fills up the spaces, as represented in the two above-mentioned Figures by a dark
black. According to these new modes of construction the bottom c of the projectiles
is solid, of one piece without any joints, and therefore it is very strong, and such pro-
jectiles are much less liable to premature explosions than the ordinary ones.
The systems of subdividing the thickness of the shell may, if required, be
extended bevond the numbers above described and illustrated.
The results above stated are obtained by casting or cutting a certain number of
grooves on the body of the projectile, and by placing thereon a ring or tubing of
suitable metal, the thickness of which is such that when in place it will fill the
bore of the gun and prevent windage. A projectile of this nature being placed
within the cannon at the moment of the explosion the pressure of the gases drives
the relatively soft metal of the ring into the grooves, moulding it to their exact
shape, and in this state the projectile enters the rifling, and the salient parts only
of the ring come in contact with the same, the parts bedded in the grooves being of
a smaller diameter remain out of contact.
Figure 6 is a longitudinal elevation of a shell provided with an external ring or
tubing of relatively soft metal in section, for the purpose of indicating the usual
mode of construction of ordinary shells.
At Figure 1 I have shown.in section the application of the new system at one
part of the shell, the ring or tubing & being simply slid over the grooves made in
the projectile.
At Figure 4 is shown equally in section the application of the new system at two
different parts of the shell, the tubes h being depressed by the gases after the
explosion, but before the projectile has entered the riflings.
I will here remark that the form, size, and number of the grooves, as well as
their position or space occupied on the body of the projectile may vary, according

page_text: to circumstances; the Figures above referred to are merely for the purpose of
indicating one mode of putting the said improvement into practical operation.
Amongst some of the advantages of this new arrangement I will mention the
following:-By the depression of the soft metal entering in the grooves such parts
are not injured by the riflings, and they serve to connect the entire ring, so that it
cannot be stripped from the projectile; the friction of the projectile at its passage
through the riflings is diminished as much as possible, the points of contact or
bearing surfaces being reduced to narrow ring, therefore the strain on the gun and
on the projectile is greatly diminished; the thickness, and consequently the cost of
the soft metal ring, are considerably reduced, since the diameter of the projectile is
not diminished at those parts of the succession of grooves where the ring enters the
riflings, whereas, in the usual construction, see Figure 6, the thickness of the metal
is such as, forming the same external diameter, it has to reach the bottom of the
cylindrical groove throughout its entire length; grooving the projectile is also more
economical as regards time compared to producing thereon one long cylindrical
recess.
Having thus explained the nature of these improvements, and the best means
that I am acquainted with for putting the same into practical application, I
claim,―
Firstly. A projectile made by running metal round a central shell a, as above
described, or by first casting the shell itself, composed of the parts b, b¹, and c, and
then filling in the space reserved between band b either with an additional run of
metal or with metallic parts f of spherical or other shape, as above described.
Secondly. The construction of a projectile, as above described, in which the
bottom is formed of one single piece of metal.
Thirdly. The modes, above described, of grooving externally a projectile and of
adapting thereto a ring or tube which, by the explosion of the charge, is partly
blown within the said grooves, whilst a sufficient section or sections thereof remain
without the diameter of the projectile to ensure the latter following the riflings of
the bore.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Morgan-Brown, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-eighth day of June, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and seventy-six.
.
WILLIAM MORGAN-BROWN. (L.S.)