IMPROVEMENTS IN WORKING THE GUNS AND IN PERFORMING OTHER NECESSARY WORK ON BOARD SHIPS. AND IN APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREIN."
Year: 1862

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Henry Duncan Preston Cunningham, of Büry
House, near Gosport, in the County of Hants, Esquire, for the Invention
of IMPROVEMENTS IN WORKING THE GUNS AND IN PERFORMING OTHER
NECESSARY WORK ON BOARD SHIPS. AND IN APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREIN."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Henry Duncan Preston
Cunningham at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his
Petition, on the 7th October 1862.
I, HENRY DUNCAN PRESTON CUNNINGHAM, of Bury House, near' Gosport,
in the County of Hants, Esquire, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN WORKING THE GUNS AND IN PERFORMING OTHER
NECESSARY WORK ON BOARD SHIPS, AND IN APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREIN," to be
as follows:-
My Invention consists in the employment, as hereafter explained, of
mechanical power and machinery in the working of the guns, anchors, cables,
and sails of ships or vessels, so as to reduce the number of men required for
these purposes, and thus among other advantages not only lessen the loss of
life in battle, but also provide more substantial, enduring, and quicker means
of fighting the guns than heretofore.
As regards the guns, under the fighting deck or decks, and as low
as possible below the water line, so as to obtain protection from shot I
apply driving shafts of lengths sufficient to embrace the extent of the batteries,

page_text: or one shaft only may be used. On these shafts are placed drums, V-wheels,
indented wheels for chain or other appliances for imparting motion to driving
bands, ropes, or chains. These drums or wheels are placed on the shafts at
suitable positions with reference to the guns. I employ gun carriages on the
slide principle, the pivot on which the slide works is hollow, of a bollard
description, and up through this hollow pivot and over suitable rollers are led
the driving bands, chains, or ropes aforesaid. Upon the inside end of the slide
I place a spindle, upon which I fit corresponding driving wheel or drum to
those on the shafts (although they may be larger or smaller as may be
required). At each end of the spindle I place a windlass, V-wheel, or other
suitable arrangement for gathering in and pulling upon rope or chain. Over
the driving wheel, on the spindle, the driving bands, chains, or ropes will be
led, and will of course impart motion to the spindle. The bands, ropes, or
chains thus revolving along the slide will have motion in two directions, viz.,
towards the centre of the ship and towards the outside of the ship, and it is
these two opposite motions which I employ to run the gun in and out. This
is effected by suitable compressors being attached to the carriage, and
arranged so as compress or grasp the chain, and thus the required motion is
conveyed to the gun carriage in the direction taken by the chain, or band, or
rope so grasped, either to run the gun in or out. This provides for that part
of the working of the gun. The next is to effect the horizontal training of
the gun, and this is accomplished as follows:-Train ropes or tackles are to be
attached to the ship's side, or elsewhere, as may be desirable; these ropes are
led through snatches, fair leaders, or sheaves on the slide at convenient
positions for the rope to be put upon the V-wheels, or windlass, or winch
barrels attached to the spindle, before described, fixed to the aft end of gun
slide. Now if the muzzle of-the-gun be required to be trained to the left,
the train rope or tackle on the right side of the slide will be applied to the
windlass or V-wheel on that side, and the effect will be that the end of the
slide will be drawn towards the right, and the muzzle turned to the left, or
vice versa. As regards the elevational training. of the gun, I apply the wind-
lass to assisting in this, either by the action of pulleys on gallows placed
over the breech end of the gun, or by the application of the power to levers
or screws. These windlasses or V-wheels on the end of the slide can also
be applied to any other service required in the working of the gun, and instead
of the compressor arrangement, before described, may also be employed in
running the gun in and out by the action of ropes or tackles.
As regards the supply of ammunition, I apply the power and motion here
contemplated as far as possible in this service, and to increase the safety of

page_text: working the powder I have scuttles at convenient positions with reference
to the guns; these scuttles have closely fitting shutters; there will be, say
two of these scuttles to each gun, one for the empty cartridge box, and
one for the filled one, although one scuttle may suffice. A suitable
box is fitted under the scuttle, so arranged that the cartridge or filled
cartridge box can be put into it from the deck below. I have no direct com-
munication with the fighting deck and the magazine. On the deck below the
fighting deck I have a traversing table fitted with cells for the cartridges,
which table will be always carrying ammunition to the service scuttles. The
whole of this arrangement will serve to reduce the number of men required
in fighting the guns, and will also provide increased safety.
As regards the service of shot and shell, I adopt similar arrange-
ments to those before described for the service of powder, and especially as
regards the supply of shot and shell from below. I lift them up. by
machinery, say, in buckets on endless belts, the buckets being made to hang
vertically upon axes. The employment of machinery in supplying shot and
shell from below will afford great facility in the, fighting arrangements of a
war ship.
As regards the sails, rigging, and spars, I rig the ship in such manner as to.
allow as far as possible of her sails being taken in and set from below. For
these objects I construct the lower masts with long mast heads. I place the
topmasts abaft, or on the aft side of the lower mast, working up and down
upon the lower mast head; I have a topsail yard and sail fitted on my
system for reefiing from the deck; I have the sail so fitted as to roll up
almost entirely to the foot. On the topmast I have another yard and sail on
my system, which can also be rolled up from below, and with the men under
cover. The placing of the topmast abaft the lower mast facilitates the
operation of striking it.
As regards the anchors and cables, I apply power from the steam or other
motive-power engine to a windlass, believing that the horizontal motion is
more favorable when mechanical power is used, instead of manual. I prefer
the windlass to be formed with a surface furnished with indentations or
cavities to receive each link and prevent the chain going back.
To provide against the danger of the shafts being disturbed from their
straight lines and axes by the working of the ship at sea, I introduce at sundry
points everlasting joints on Dr. Hook's principle, or other mechanical arrange.
ment of a similar character.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Henry Duncan Preston Cunninghain in the Great Seal
Patent Office on the 7th April 1868.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, HENRY
DUNCAN PRESTON CUNNINGHAM, of Bury House, near Gosport, in the County
of Hants, Esquire, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Seventh day of October, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, in the twenty-sixth year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me,, the
said Henry Duncan Preston Cunningham, Her special licence that I, the
said Henry Duncan Preston Cunningham, my executors, administrators, and
assigns, or such others as I, the said Henry Duncan Preston Cunningham,
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
WORKING THE GUNS AND IN PERFORMING OTHER NECESSARY WORK ON BOARD SHIPS,
AND IN APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREIN," upon the condition (amongst others)
that I, the said Henry Duncan Preston Cunningham, my executors or admi-
nistrators, 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.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Henry Duncan Preston Cunningham,
do hereby declare the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the
same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and
by the following statement thereof, reference being had to the Drawings
hereunto annexed, that is to say:-
My Invention. consists in the employment, as herein-after explained, of
mechanical power and machinery in the working, supplying, and loading of
the guns, and in the working of the anchors and cables of ships or vessels, so
as to reduce the number of men required for these purposes; and thus among
other advantages not only lessen the loss of life in battle, but also provide

page_text: more substantial, enduring, and quicker, means of fighting the guns than
heretofore.
Figure 1 represents a side view of one of my modes of applying steam power
to the working or assisting to work broadside guns. The gun is represented
on a carriage Q, which works on a slide G, G, connected to the sill of the port
by the radius bar A at B;, C is a section of a drum or windlass fixed upon a
shaft z, turned by steam power, and situated as low down as possible, to be out
of the way of shot. Series of drums or windlasses extend the length of the
battery, and are placed on the shaft conveniently with reference to the position
of the guns above. The tackles necessary for running the gun in and out, or for.
training the gun after passing over blocks or pulleys attached to the ship's
side or to the slide of the carriage, are led down through the deck or decks
round these drums or windlasses, and are either led up again through the
decks to the one on which the gun is situated or may terminate on the middle
deck, as seen at C. When these tackles are slack the drums revolve, within
them; without acting on them, but when the end is tautened or pulled upon, so
as to produce the necessary amount of tension, the drum or, windlass round
which it is wound instantly acts upon it, and; conveys motion to the gun
according to the tackle operated upon, whether to run the gun out or in, or to
train it.
In the Drawing the train tackle is selected for illustration, and is repre-
sented by the rope a, a, a, a. One end of this rope is attached to the slide at
b, it then passes over the block or pulley at E, and going through the deck it
is wound round the drum C, as represented in Figure 2; it then ascends again
through the decks and passes over the block. D, and is led through a sheave
hole at the after part of the slide, to be convenient for training the gun.
Now, if tension be applied to the other end of the rope at H, by its being
pulled upon, the action of the revolving windlass or drum is instantly, put into
play, and the effect is that the rope is drawn down and carries with it the
slide to which it is attached. Upon the slacking or removal of the tension at
Hthe action of the windlass ceases. 1
.'
Figure 3 represents a ground plan of the slide and carriage; the train tackle
on the right-hand side bears the corresponding letters to those in the previous.
Figure, and further illustrates the action of the drums or windlasses: The
tackle P is for running the gun in, one end, is secured to the slide at 8..it then
reeves through a block attached to the carriage at 5, and through the block 8
attached to the slide, it then passes over the block 7-through the decks to the
windlass or drum below, it comes up again through the block 4, the end being.

page_text: represented at P¹, which, if pulled upon, will result in drawing the carriag
Q, Q, back or in upon the slide. The tackle represented by K, K, after being
led through the deck and round the windlass terminates at K', which, if pulled
upon, will have the effect of running the gun out. Although I have described
the tackle as single tackles, any number and description of purchases can be
used. For the purpose of giving security to the slide and to meet the strains
to which it may be subjected, the slide is supported and traverses on grooved
friction rollers, as seen at N, N, Figure 1, which rollers traverse on raised
circular plates, as seen in Figure 3 at M, M, M, M. It is contemplated that
the convenient position of the two train ropes H, H, Figure 3, will greatly
facilitate the accurate and rapid training of the gun, as the captain of the gun
will have both under his command.
Figure 4 shews another mode of applying steam power in the working of
the guns. This Figure represents a side view of a broadside gun on a
carriage which works on the platform-A, A. The arrangement of this plat-
form differs from that shewn at Figure 1, as, in this case, there are two axes,
producing as it were a compound action. The platform A has an axis at B.
This axis is formed at the hollow cylinder C, C, which admits of a passage up
through the deck. The carriage is provided with a radius guide bar D, D,
upon which it traverses. The axis of this bar is at E; the bolt F connects the
bar to the platform; thus, when the platform is drawn round, it carries the
carriage with it; the bolt F works in a slot, to allow of the eccentric action
caused by the two centres. This will be better understood on reference to
Figure 5. The method of applying the power to the working of this carriage
is as follows:-Upon the after end of the platform is situated a windlass P, P,
see Figure 5, furnished with an indented grooved driving wheel in the centre S.
Over this wheel is laid the endless chain M, M, M, which after passing over
certain guide rollers and through the hollow axis of the platform, descends to
and is passed round an indented grooved driving wheel N, fixed upon the shaft.
The action of this chain is to convey rotation to the windlass P, P, and by the
alternate application of the various tackles for working the gun round the
windlass, the gun is either run in or out, or trained. For example, in Figure 5,
the train tackle X is represented as passed round the windlass, whilst tension
is applied to the end X'; the train tackle on the other side, although also
passed round the windlass, is slack; the effect will be that the platform will
be drawn to the right, carrying the carriage and gun with it.
Another mode of conveying alternate motion to the carriage by the action of
the chain is to lead the two parts of the chain through slots in the carriage,

page_text: 5
and at each slot to apply a compressor or break to nip the chain. As the two
parts of the chain move in opposite directions, a motion is thus obtained either
to run the gun out or run it in.
Sub-Figure 4 represents the rear of the gun carriage furnished with com-
pressor levers B, B, which are capable of nipping the chain as it works through
the slots a, a.
'
guns
in
As regards the application of mechanical power to the working of,
revolving turrets. In this case I apply, say, steam power direct. In or
between the slides upon which the gun traverses I place a cylinder provided
with a piston, piston rod, valves, and other appliances for imparting reciproca-
ting motion to the piston. I connect the piston rod to the gun carriage by
a connecting rod, and the steam pipe for conveying steam to the cylinder comes
up through the hollow axis upon which the turret revolves, and is fitted with
a joint to revolve with the turret. By the alternate action of the valves
steam is admitted on either side of the piston, which is forced along the
cylinder carrying the gun with it.
A is a
Figure 7 represents a side view, partly in section, of a turret.
horizontal cylinder; B is a guide to steady the end of the pistod rod; D is
a connecting rod connecting the piston rod to gun carriage at C; E is a
section of a hollow axis, upon which the turret revolves, aided by friction
turn-table rollers F, F. The steam pipe is seen within the hollow axis. In
this Figure the gun appears run out; Figure 6 represents the slide deprived
of its
gun so as to shew the ground plan of the cylinder with the carriage
run in. Although the mode of running the gun in and out is here described
with reference to turret and pivot guns, it can be equally applied to broadside
guns; M, represents an engine, which I place inside the turret for the purpose
of turning it should the turning be effected by a system of ratchet wheels.
Figure 8 represents another mode of turning the turret by the action of a
chain wound round it, and acted upon by a whelped or cogged capstan.
A, A, A, represent a chain carried round the turret; and secured to it at B.
The end A' is represented as terminating, but if this were continued round
the turret and secured at about B, it would form a kind of endless chain, and
whichever way the capstan C might be turned, it would turn the turret in the
same direction.
Figure 9 is another mode of turning a turret of a very similar kind, only
a tackle is applied to the chain instead of a capstan. This is a mode of turning
I recommend for temporary purposes, such as in the event of damage to the
turning machinery.

page_text: A very important consideration in regard to loading heavy guns is the
lifting and transport of the shot to the muzzle of the gun. As regards this
point in respect to turret guns, I lift the shot by means or by the assistance
of counterpoises...
Figure 10 represents a slide frame suitably placed, upon which a sho
holder to receive the shot is fitted to slide up and down. On each side of the
slide frame are counterpoises properly adjusted- as to weight with reference to
the weight of the shot, from these counterpoises chains or ropes extend over
pulleys to the shot holder. By a small addition of weight to the counterpoise
the shot is raised to the level of the muzzle. A, A, represents a slide frame;
..B is the muzzle of the gun; C is a shot bolder, fitted to slide up and down the
frame; D, D, are two counterpoises connected with the shot holder by the
two chains E, E, passing over the two pulleys P, P. The shot is represented
in the holder, and by pulling slightly on the ropes F, F, the shot is easily and
rapidly raised to the muzzle of the gun.
As regard broadside guns, I facilitate the transport of the shot to the muzzle
of the gun as next explained. Figure 11 is a side view of a gun run in ready
for loading. A, A, is a traversing bar, fitted at one end to turn on an axis
at C, the other end is supported in a quadrant or arc slide B fixed to the
deck above, see Figure 12. Upon this traversing bar is a carriage fitted with
rollers, and furnished with a pulley at the lower part, through this pulley is a
tackle which connects the carriage to the shot holder, also furnished with a
pulley as here represented; the shot holder E is on the deck below, to which it
has descended through the scuttle in the deck at F. By pulling on the
tackle above, the shot can be elevated to the desired level. The carriage is
rolled outwards on the bar as shewn at D; the bar is then pulled round on
the arc B, B, see Figure 12, until the shot is brought to the muzzle of the
gun, when it is easily tilted out of the holder into the gun.
Another mode for facilitating the supply of shot and ammunition to the gun.
is seen in Figure 18. A represents the muzzle part of a muzzle-loading
gun; B, B, are two traversing slides extending overhead from the ship's side
towards amidships, the inner ends being represented as supported by the
beam C; D is a travelling bar, furnished with friction rollers traversing upon
the two bars B, B; E is a travelling carriage on suitable rollers to travel
upon the bar D, a separate side view of the carriage is given at E". A suit- 3
able holder either for the shot or cartridge, or both, is attached to the carriage
by a tackle and pulleys, which enable the holder to be raised or lowered, the
shot and cartridge being received on the holder which is kept on one side for

page_text: the purpose of passing clear of the gun, the bar D is rolled towards the ship's
side to D', and the carriage with the ammunition then wheeled along the bar
to the muzzle of the gun at E¹. The view at E" shews the holder bearing a
cartridge and shot towards the muzzle of the gun at A¹. In vessels constructed
with iron beams, the travelling ammunition carriage may be adapted to traverse
upon the flanges of the beams as shewn at Figure 14, where A, A, represent
the beams; B, the traversing bar mounted upon wheels or rollers C, C, which
run on the flanges a, a, of the beams; D is the travelling carriage; and E the
ammunition holder.
As regards means for facilitating working the powder.-Figure 15 repre
sents a traversing table furnished with receptacles for the powder boxes, which
by the endless action of the table, driven by steam power, conveys the powder
from tlie magazine scuttle A along the deck, where persons are stationed to
receive them, the table takes back the empty boxes. In Figure 4 at P, is
represented a section of a scuttle conveniently placed for receiving the car-
tridges, which are placed into the trap from the deck below, ready to be taken
out through the shutter above, the cartridge W is represented in the trap.
Figure 16 represents a plan for working the rammers of heavy guns loading
at the muzzle. A is the muzzle end of a heavy gun; B is the slide or port
sill, as the case may be; C, C, are two parallel motion bars, moving at one
end on axes a, a, and attached at the other end by axes to the carriage or
holder D; E, represents the rammer carried by the holder D; H, H, is a
tackle attached to the holder, and passing through a block overhead. This
tackle would be on one side so as to be clear of the gun. As the rammer
holder is here represented it is lying down out of the way, and the rammer
run under the gun; but when required for use the rope H, H, is pulled
upon, which elevates the holder to the level of the muzzle, as seen at
Figure 17 convenient for ramming. The operation of ramming may also be
facilitated by the rope P attached to the end of the rammer. There can be
two of these ropes used, and they can be lead through sheaves or fair leaders
upon the holder. The rammer head may be fitted so as to take off, when a
sponge or worm may be substituted as required.
As regards the anchors and cables, I apply power from the steam or other
motive-power engine to a windlass, believing that the horizontal motion is
more favorable when mechanical power is used instead of manual. I prefer the
windlass to be formed with a surface furnished with indentations or cavities to
receive each link, and prevent the chain going back.
To provide against the danger of the shafts being disturbed from their

page_text: straight lines and axes by the working of the ship at sea, I introduce at sundry
points, everlasting joints on Dr. Hook's principle, or other mechanical arrange-
ment of a similar character.
And having now described the nature of my said Invention, and in what
manner the same is to be performed, I declare that I claim,-
First, working guns on board ship, whether such ships be constructed with
turrets or not, by steam or other mechanical power, according to all or any of
the plans, and substantially in manner herein-before described.
Second, conveying the charge to guns on board ship, by means of apparatuses
constructed and acting in manner herein-before described.
Third, constructing and arranging apparatus for working the loading rod or
rammer for guns on board ship, substantially as herein-before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Henry Duncan Preston Cunningham
have hereunto set my hand and seal, this Fourth day of April One
thousand eight hundred and sixty-three.
1
-H. D. P. CUNNINGHAM. (L.S.)