IMPROVE- MENTS IN THE MANUFATURE OF ORDNANCE, WHOLE OR IN PARTS
Year: 1865

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Deakin, of Great Barr, in the County of
Stafford, Ironmaster, and John Bagnall Johnson, of Tettenhall, also in
the County of Stafford, Roll Turner, for the Invention of "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN THE MANUFATURE OF ORDNANCE, WHOLE OR IN PARTS."
Scaled the 27th April 1866, and dated the 30th October 1865.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Deakin and John
Bagnall Johnson at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with
their Petition, on the 30th October 1865.
We, WILLIAM DEAKIN, of Great Barr, in the County of Stafford, Iron-
master, and JOBN BAGNALL JOHNSON, of Tettenhall, also in the County of
Stafford, Roll Turner, do hereby declare the nature of our said Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF ORDNANCE, WHOLE OR IN PARTS," to be
as follows (that is to say):-
Our Invention consists in improvements upon and additions to the processes
and machinery described in the several former Patents granted to James
Thompson, respectively dated and numbered as follows, 1023 and 1024, both
dated the 23rd April 1863; No. 139, dated the 19th January, and No. 2784,
dated the 9th November, both of 1864, of which Patents we are the sole
registered proprietors; as also an application for Letters Patent made by us
on the 15th May 1865, No. 1341, which improvements and additions will be
understood from the following description:-
First, in the manufacture of small pieces of ordnance (or the tubes and
cylinders for large ones) capable of throwing light projectiles, we purpose
(after preparing the metal homogeneous or otherwise in a sufficient quantity
[Price 8d.]

page_text: for our purpose) wholly or partially perforating it by the same or equivalent
means described in the Patents herein-before referred to, and place the
block, or what may be now technically termed a mould, in a hot air or other
furnace, to bring it to the desired heat; we place it under the operation of a
suitable hammer actuated by steam, atmospheric, or other means, inserting a
mandril (which may be tapered) in the mould or block so wholly or partially
perforated while undergoing this hammering process. And having reduced
the mass to a suitable length and size we impart to it the form we wish it to
assume when near finished by passing the mass through or between suitable
grooved rolls in succession, until by the graduated form of such grooved rolls
(which may also be arranged with recesses to form a projection or projections)
the piece is reduced to the desired shape, requiring simply turning, boring,
and rifling in any way most desirable to complete its manufacture, observing
that the mass of metal may be heated or reheated during the process of
rolling, a mandril being fixed or applied on that side of the rolls from which
the metal is drawn, which mandril (of special construction, and hereafter
described,) is inserted in the mould during the process of rolling, which
rolling process has the effect of drawing the mass off the mandril as it passes
between the rolls, in which case we purpose as may be found necessary
adopting means for keeping the nose or forward end of the mandril cold
during the process of rolling, on account of the large quantity of metal
under operation, which we effect by so constructing our mandril that it may
be adapted either for the manufacture of long or short tubes by means of an
adjustable stem, which we connect to the handle and collar part by screwing,
or other equivalent means, forming the stem or shank hollow for the purpose
of conveying water through and to the mandril proper, which may be also
adjustable and of a short cylindrical form, and always so arranged and fixed
as to be placed vertically between the axes of the two rolls, observing that
provision may be made for returning the stream by using small tubes con-
nected with the shank or stem, or carried through by having an extended
shark secured to the mandril proper before referred to. And further to meet
the requirements of various sized tubes the same shank or stem with its handle
and collar may be used, and the mandril proper applied and varied in size
as required. And as it is essential that the operations before describedshould
be performed expeditiously to prevent frequent heating of the metal, as well
as to economise the cost of production, we apply a reversing motion to the
rolls, which will permit the metal or partially formed tube or ordnance to be
passed backwards and forwards rapidly between the rolls, in which case a rack
for carrying or holding the mandrils is placed on each side, as well as

page_text: adjustable appliances for receiving and giving elevation and direction to the
partially formed ordnance or tube as it comes or is delivered from the rolls,
such adjustable appliances being so arranged that the mass of metal under
operation may be received on to the next mandril, and yet capable of latera
movement for presenting it to the nextdesired groove. Thus we are enabled
rapidly, and consequently economically, to produce'solid or seamless ordnance
or tubes of the description herein-before mentioned.
Secondly, our improvements relate to what may be termed medium sized
ordnance, and consist in forming the same of two parts, viz., an inner tube
and an entire or partial outer case, adopting the means for their production
as herein-before referred to; or the outer tube may be reduced to the desired
size by swaging and hammering, or partly by rolling and partly by swaging
and hammering, the inner tube being turned on its exterior, and the outer
case adjusted or made to fit the other by any known means, the trunions
being formed with the mass, or separately applied, as may be preferred.
Thirdly, our improvements relate to the manufacture of ordnance of large
proportions, such improvements being the more applicable in proportion to
the increased size of the ordnance desired to be made, and consists in applying
the processes specified in the Patents herein-before referred to, and extended
by similar processes described under the above heads; in other words,
suppose a piece of ordnance from its size and ponderance requires to be manu-
factured in more than two parts from the practical impossibility of con-
veniently working or manipulating such large masses of metal required for its
advantageous formation, we purpose making the interior of the ordnance of
one seamless tube from end to end, as herein-before described, and on this
foundation we construct the remaining parts, tubes, cylinders, or rings for
building up a piece of ordnance with the trunions and breech by any con-
venient means. In the preparation of these tubes, cylinders, or rings when
rolled we have found it necessary for ensuring an accurate longitudinal
straightness to place such tubes, cylinders, or rings on a suitable adjustabl
bed placed in convenient proximity to the rolls, and immediately underneath
what we term a segmental or lateral straightener, or other equivalent means,
having a reciprocating motion, the surface of which being brought in contact
with the upper surface of the piece of ordnance, tube, cylinder, or ring will
thereby press the same in or upon the bed below, which will have the effect
of rendering such ordnance, tubes, cylinders, or rings longitudinally straight
or true

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said William Deakin and John Bagnall Johnson in the Great
Seal Patent Office on the 28th April 1866.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we, WILLIAM
DEAKIN, of Great Barr, in the County of Stafford, Ironmaster, and JOHN
BAGNALL JOHNSON, of Tettenhall, also in the County of Stafford, Roll Turner,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Thirtieth day of October, in the
year of
our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-five, in the twenty-ninth year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto us, the
said William Deakin and John Bagnall Johnson, Her special license that
we, the said William Deakin and John Bagnall Johnson, our executors,
administrators, and assigns, or such others as we, the said William Deakin
and John Bagnall Johnson, our 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 "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF ORDNANCE, WHOLE OR IN PARTS,"
upon the condition (amongst others) that we, the said William Deakin and
John Bagnall Johnson, by an instrument in writing under our hands and
seals, or under the hand and seal of either one of us, 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 William Deakin, do hereby declare
the nature of our 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 (that is to say):-
Our Invention consists in improvements upon and additions to the processes,
machinery, and appliances described in the several former Patents granted to
James Thompson, respectively dated and numbered as follows:-1023 and
1021, both dated the Twenty-third April, One thousand eight hundred and
sixty-three, No. 139, dated Nineteenth January, and No. 2784, dated the
Ninth of November, both of One thousand eight hundred and sixty-four (of
which Patents we are the sole registered proprietors); as also an application for

page_text: Letters Patent made by us on the Fifteenth of May, One thousand eight
hundred and sixty-five, No. 1341, which improvements and additions will be
understood from the following description :-
First, in the manufacture of small pieces of ordnance (or the tubes and
cylinders for large ones) capable of throwing light projectiles, we purpose (after
preparing the metal homogenous or otherwise in a sufficient quantity for our
purpose, wholly or partially perforating it by the same or equivalent means
described in the Patents herein-before referred to; we place the block, or what
may be now technically termed a mould, in a hot air or other suitable furnace
to bring it to the desired heat, and next place it under the operation of a
suitable hammer actuated by steam, atmospheric, hydraulic, or other equivalent
means, appliances well known and understood, inserting a mandril (which by
preference we prefer to be slightly tapered) in the mould or block so wholly
or partially perforated while undergoing this hammering, compressing, or
tilting process. And having reduced the mass to a suitable length and size,
we impart to it the form we wish it to assume when near finished by passing
the mass through or between suitable grooved rolls in succession, until by the
graduated form of the grooves of such rolls (which may also be constructed or
formed with recesses as a matrix to form a projection or projections that may
in some cases be necessary or be preferred) the piece is reduced to the desired
shape without weld or joint of any kind, requiring simply turning, boring, and
rifling in any way most desirable to complete its manufacture; observing that
the mass of metal may be heated or reheated during the process of rolling, a
mandril being fixed or applied on that side of the rolls from which the metal
is drawn, which mandril, together with attendant parts (of special construction,
and hereafter described) is inserted in the mould during the process of rolling,
which rolling process has the effect of drawing the mass off the mandril as it
passes between the rolls, in which case we purpose, as may be found necessary,
adopting means for keeping the nose or forward end of the mandril, cold
during the process of rolling on account of the large quantity of heated metal
under operation; not that we consider this essential. Our mandril, before
referred to, may be adapted either for the manufacture of long or short tubes
or ordnance by means of an adjustable stem which we connect to the handle
and stop or collar part by screwing or other equivalent means, forming, when
required the stem or shank hollow for the purpose of conveying water through
and to the mandril proper for the purpose of keeping it cold, which may be
also adjustable and of a short cylindrical or oval form in its lengthway
section, and always so arranged and fixed that its greatest circumference may
be placed vertically between the axes of the two rolls observing that provision

page_text: may be made for returning the stream for cooling the mandril by using small
tubes connected with the shauk or stem, or carried through by having an
extended shank secured to the mandril proper, before referred to, but which
is only applicable when operating on ordnance or parts of ordnance with a
hole right through it. And further, to meet the requirements of various sized
tubes, the same shank or stem with its handle and collar, or handles and
collars, may be used, and the mandril proper applied and varied in size and
construction as required. As it is essential that the operations before
described should be performed expeditiously to reduce the necessity for
frequent heating of the metal, as well as to economise the cost of labour in the
operations, we find it highly important and advantageous to apply a reversing
motion to the rolls, which will permit the metal or partially formed tube or
ordnance to be passed backward and forward rapidly between the rolls, in
which case a rack for supporting and holding the mandril with the ordnance
or tube under operation, herein-before referred to, is placed on each side as
the work is drawn through and returned, as well as adjustable appliances for
receiving and giving elevation and direction to the partially formed ordnance
or tube as it comes or is delivered from and to the roles in their forward or
backward reverse action, such adjustable appliances being so arranged that
the mass of metal under operation may be received on to the next mandril,
and yet when required capable of lateral movement for presenting it to the
next dense groove in succession. Thus we are enabled rapidly, and conse-
quently economically, to produce solid or seamless ordnance or tubes of the
description herein-before mentioned.
Secondly, our improvements relate to what may be termed medium sized
ordnance, and consist in forming the same, say, of two parts, viz., an inner
tube and an entire or partial outer case, adopting the means for their pro-
duction as herein-before referred to, or the outer tube may be reduced to the
desired size for swaging and hammering, or partly by rolling and partly by
swaging and hammering, the inner tube being turned on its exterior and the
outer case adjusted or made to fit the other by any known convenient
mechanical means, the trunions being formed with the mass or separately
applied, as may be preferred.
Thirdly, our improvements relate to the manufactur of ordnance of large
proportions,such improvements being the more applicable in proportion to the
increased size of the ordnance desired to be made, and consist in applying
the processes specified under the above heads; in other words, suppose a
piece of ordinance, from its size and ponderance, requires to be manu
factured in more than two parts, from the practical impossibility of conveniently

page_text: working or manipulating such large masses of metal required for its desired
or advantageous formation, we purpose making the interior of the ordnance of
one seamless tube from end to end, as herein-before described; and on this
foundation we construct the remaining parts, tubes, cylinders, or rings for
building up a piece of orduance without seam or weld with the trunions and
breech by any convenient or approved means, that is to say, we adopt such
quantities of metal both for the inner chamber as well as the necessary addi-
tional parts without regard to number required for the production of a piece
of ordnance, that we may by the joint operation herein-before referred to
thoroughly work and reduce the same, so as to ensure the so desirable condition
of the metal under operation by the internal and external working to which it
is subjected.
:
In the preparation of these tubes, cylinders, or rings when produced, and
by preference while yet in a heated condition, we have found it necessary for
ensuring an accurate longitudinal straightness to place such tubes, cylinders,
or rings in a suitable adjustable bed placed in convenient proximity to the
rolls, and immediately underneath what we terma lateral straightener or other
equivalent means having a reciprocating motion, the surface of which being
brought in contact with the upper surface of the piece of ordnance, tube,
cylinder, or ring will thereby press the same in or upon the bed below, which
will have the effect of rendering such ordnance, tubes, cylinders, or rings
longitudinally straight or true.
But in order to be well and correctly understood as to the character, extent,
and nature of our improvements and extensions on the former Patent herein-
before recited, we will proceed to describe the Drawings hereunto annexed,
reference being made to the figures and letters marked thereon, that is to
say:-
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS.
Fig. 1 represents a piece of ordnance and constructed in accordance with the
first part of our Invention, the block of metal of which it is composed having
been perforated by the process or precesses herein-before referred to, and
reduced and elongated from the mass under operation by the combined pro-
cesses of tilting, hammering, swaging, and rolling; and although we have
exhibited in dotted lines the inner chamber or bore as being entirely through
the piece, nevertheless we are capable by the means and appliances herein-
before referred to of producing ordnance solid at the breech, as exhibited at
Fig. 2, by partially punching, or drilling and punching, the block only (of
which it is composed) in the early process of the manufacture,

page_text: At Figure 1 we have represented in dotted lines a breech simply applied
without attempting to exhibit any mode or mechanical means by which the
same may be effected, for the reason of its not forming any part of our
Invention.
The regular defined external form as here exhibited has been imparted by
the graduated form of the grooves in the rolls through which it has supposed
to have passed, as represented in the section at A, A, Figure 3, in which
figure a madril bis represented in dotted lines attached to the shank marked
c, but which mandril we have represented in section at Fig. 4, marked d,
attached to the shank or handle e, which has an adjustable stop fitted on it
marked f, represented in position as abutting against the rack also represented
in section marked g; this stop may be a fixture or placed portably as here
represented by the cotter h, a provision necessary for adapting it to various
lengths of ordnance. The mandril end of the shank or handle has a sunken
neck formed out of its enlarged part marked i, and represented in this Figure
in dotted lines, but shown detached at Fig. 5; around this neck we apply
a split collar, shown in Figure 4, marked j, also in a detached annular
form at Fig. 6. This collar affords support to the mandril during the bite
or pressure of the ordnance or tube under operation passing over it; from
this it will be seen that the mandril proper has only to slid along the shank
or handle towards the rack or stop, when the collar and the mandril may
be removed, and a larger or smaller mandril proper applied as required.
Fig. 7 represents a modification of the former mandril in which the handle
proper marked, represented in section, is attached to the shank a by being
tapped and screwed, and in like manner the mandril proper marked lis
attached to the shank e, viz, by being tapped and screwed, which offers the
advantage of nicely adjusting the bite of the mandril to the central vertical
bite of the rolls.
Fig. 8 is another modification differing only from Figure 4 by the mandri
being held to the shank e by means of the cottar m, and with these appliances
modified to shape and proportions we are enabled to produce an inner
tube for a larger ordnance as exhibited at Fig. 9, which represents an
inner cylinder for a compound ordnance, that is an ordnance constructed of
two or more parts with a solid breech.
Fig. 10 represents a compound ordnance partly in section composed of two
parts as herein-before referred to under the second head, notwithstanding the
trunions may be separately formed and applied, but in this case we have
represented them as being formed with and connected to the outer case or
part B, which being close at the rear forms a muzzle-loader in connection

page_text: with the inner tube c, notwithstanding the enlarged part may consist of an
additional annular part.
in
AtFig. 11 we have represented a further extension of our improved seamless
ordnance, wherein we have represented a piece of ordnance partly in section
as composed of three parts respectively marked D, E, and F, but it will be
readily perceived that if desired the enlarged or breech end marked G may
like manner be formed of a separate part. The importance of this compound
mode of construction will be readily understood by practical men accustomed
to the manipulation of large masses of heated metal, as by these means wer
are enabled conveniently to handle and improve the condition of the parts
separately, for making up or manufacturing a large piece of ordnance on a
solid or seamless body, a series of annular seamless parts being made and
formed in and by the improved mode and appliances herein-before referred
to, and afterwards turned or shaped on the inside and outside so as to fit and
completely encircle each other, and when fitted and adjusted by any convenient
means to assume the form and character of a piece of ordnance as here
represented, which form its magnitude and ponderance would be difficult if
not impossible to efficiently form of one single block of iron or in its homo-
geneous condition, or steel, so as to produce and ensure that highly important
condition of the metal, viz., the highest and greatest maximum of strength
with the weight, nature, or condition of the metal under operation, and again
the proportion, quantity, or thickness of the respective tubes or parts making
this ordnance may be varied as may be desired. In this Figure, as at Figure.
1, we have represented in dotted lines, and applied breech marked H, but
this we desire to be perfectly capricious, as any approved plan for making a
piece of ordnance breech-loading may be applied to our improved means as
described or used in connection with our improvements as herein referred to.
In our Provisional Specification we have specially referred to the important
advantage and expedition afforded by setting up our rolls in connection with
means by which their action may be reversed at pleasure, and as this is new
and highly important as applied to this purpose we have, at Fig. 12, repre-
sented in plan a general and advantageous arrangement for effecting this
object, in which n is the principal driving wheel, gearing with a spur and fly
wheel O and the attendant parts a, observing that to the extremity of the fly
wheel shaft spur wheels may be applied for working a double train of rolls,
but have only represented one spur wheel, marked 9, which spur wheel gears
into an intermediate wheel with the one marked R, on the axis of which a
double clutch box is secured, which permits, when out of gear, the wheel s to
revolve independent of the axis supporting it, and it is by this or equivalent

page_text: means of moving the clutches alternately right and left that we effect the
alternate or reverse position; t is simply a pair of pinions, represented on the
central line of action through the axis u and, with the intermediate housings
and parts removed from the bed z to avoid confusion; W, W, and Y, Y, are
the main housings between which the grooved rolls are set up, in the front of
which is a strong rectangular frame or support for carrying a series of loose
grooved rollers for receiving the work while being presented to or received
from the rolls. The front portion of these rectangular frames marked a¹, a¹,
and 61,61, forms the racks for receiving the stop and handle end of the mandril,
such stops or racks being generally represented in section at Figures 4, 7,
and 8, marked g, and we will suppose that we desire to roll down from a
large mass, bloom, or block, preparatory reduced by punching or drilling and
punching, together with its subsequent operation of tilting, swaging, or ham-
mering, by aid of a suitable steam hammer or other convenient appliances
mentioned in the Patents herein-before referred to, a mould suitable for our
purpose, and by the revolving action of the said rolls it has been drawn off
the mandril held in the first notch or stop of the rack all, and that after passing
through the groove of the rolls marked 1 the mass will rest on the rollers for
receiving it, here shewn marked c', c', when it may be caught by suitable
pendant dogs or grapplings and slightly elevated for dropping on to the next
grooved rollers marked d¹, d', a mandril being inserted and held in the cor.
responding rack a¹¹, and the rolls being reversed, the mass by being pressed
against them will be caught by their revolving action and taken through the
groove 2 and be delivered or received on the roller e¹, when it may again
receive a mandril and gripped and elevated with corresponding grappling
apparatus on this side, and again placed against the reverse action of the
rolls to be taken back between the groove marked 3, and so on, continued
until the mass is drawn down to a perfect cylindrical form of the size and
thickness desired, with the enlarged part at the muzzle when required, and as
exhibited and marked C and D, in Figures 10 and 11, when it may be turned
on each end to any given length as well as on the surface and the interior,
for forming the inner portion of a large ordnance; and in like manner we
purpose forming the outer portions, unless from their ponderance it may be
more economical to form them with other appliances than that of rolling in
the manner here exhibited. And although we have referred to the production
of parallel-sided tubes, nevertheless we purpose in like manner, by eccentric
grooves, producing the desired taper or other form either for making a small
piece of ordnance, as exhibited at Figures 1 and 2, or a compound ordnance,
as at Figures 10 and 11.

page_text: While operating on large tubular masses necessary for the realization of
our improvements in the Patents herein-before referred to, we have found a
difficulty in ensuring perfect longitudinal straightness, and that beingdesirable,
more particularly with the inner portion for compound ordnance, we use what
we call an adjustable straightener, consisting of abed and corresponding over-
head pendant plate weighted as desired, which may be conveniently put in
motion by a crank having a driving pulley attached to the same, or other con
venient means for actuation. This arrangement we have exhibited in a sidė
view at Fig. 13, the pendant rods fl and f¹ being broken off for convenience of
space, notwithstanding we have shown sufficient to represent the adjustable
shackle by which the bed g¹, gl, may be raised or lowered to arrange it with
the lower bed ',, to adapt it for various sized tubes or parts of ordnance:
¹ is the connecting rod attached by an adjustable crank pin to the disc J¹,
the revolving action of which will give an oscillating motion to the pendant
top gl, so that a tube dropped into the bracket k¹ and the top thrown forward
by the action of the crank or disc J¹, the tube will be caught and brought
back with a rolling motion between the two surfaces; the weight of the tap
and the tube being in a heated condition while under this operation will have
the effect of straightening the same; L represents in an end view a tube
undergoing this process, which does not require long to effect its object. The
tube being straightened will be brought forward and run down the incline m¹
stopping against the projection at n', from whence it may be removed as,
desired.
In the plan exhibited at Fig. 14 (in which we have omitted the pendant
top), we have represented a fast and loose pulley, o¹ and p¹, fixed upon the
axis that carries the adjustable crank disc J', in which view we are enabled
to show the connecting rodsi,i,as well as a lengthway view of the tube being
straightened, marked L'; and we will observe that it is not essential that the
two straightening surfaces should be the exact width of the length of the
tubes desired to be straightened, and this permits of a swell at one end of the
tube, as exhibited at 1, rl, Figures 9, 10, and 11.
Having nowgiven a general description of our improvements and extensions
on the several Patents herein-before mentioned, I wish it understood that we
do not purpose confining ourselves to the shape, proportions, or exact details
herein described and exhibited, as the same may be greatly varied and altered
without departing from the spirit and object of our improvements, as for
instance, the mandrils proper herein represented and described may be varied
in the means of attachment, as also the means of lengthening or adjusting the
shank, as well as the fixing of the stop; and in like manner the rectangular

page_text: frames, forming what is technically called the racks, with the supporting rolls,
may be otherwise constructed, and yet strictly conserving the same object,
but what we claim and wish to protect by these our in part recited Letters
Patent is, the production of seamless orduance of one, two, or any desirable
number of seamless parts, the same being produced and reduced to the desired
shape and form by the means and appliances herein-before described and
exhibited, or their equivalents, whereby we are enabled to produce ordnance,
whole or in parts, in the highest state of perfection, a result ensured from the
improved density and granular construction of the metal so worked, thereby
affording the greatest amount of resisting strength with the quantities or
proportions used.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Deakin, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-sixth day of April, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-six.
Witness,
WILLIAM LOAƠI!,
Clerk to James S. Cockings,
Patent Agent,
Birmingham.
WILLIAM DEAKIN. (L.s.)