IMPROVEMENTS IN ORDNANCE AND ARTILLERY, AND MEANS OF OPERATING AND MOUNTING THE SAME, AND IN PROJECTILES AND INSTRUMENTS THEREFOR
Year: 1863

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Norman Wiard at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 21st
February 1863.
I, NORMAN WIARD, of New York City, in the County and State of New York,
in the United States of America, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN ORDNANCE AND ARTILLERY, AND MEANS OF
OPERATING AND MOUNTING THE SAME, AND IN PROJECTILES AND INSTRUMENTS
THEREFOR," to be as follows:-
This Invention has for its objection certain improvements in ordnance and
artillery, and in means of operating and mounting the same, and in projectiles
and instruments therefor, and relates,-
Firstly, to a means for determining in guns of any given form or material.
the precise degree of heat attained at any given moment at different distances..
from the interior surface. This portion of my Invention may be termed a
thermometer or instrument for measuring the heat communicated to guns,
indicating not only the quantity of heat communicated, but the part of the gun.
to which the highest temperature is imparted, with a view to the more perfect
adaptation of other guns to withstand the forces to which they are subjected.
In the mass of metal of the gun and round the bore a number of small holes
are drilled or otherwise produced longitudinally in a series at gradually

page_text: increasing distances from the inner surface of the gun; these holes are
extended the entire length of the mass, and are filled or nearly filled by
corresponding metallic rods. These rods are held firmly at the rear end
by screw thimbles, and are formed of expansible, material, which is adapted to
endure sufficient heat without fusion and without any great irregularity in its
rate of expansion up to the highest .temperature required to be measured.
The front ends of all these rods are filed or otherwise finished each to corre-
spond exactly in length with the face of the muzzle end of the gun, when the
mass and consequently the rods are at a temperature of 60° Fahrenheit, when
the gun is fired either once or repeatedly at short intervals, and heat is
communicated from the burning powder to the inner surface of the mass and
traverses gradually outward through the mass, the several rods will then assume
various degrees of extension, according to the heat to which they are exposed.
Thus the rods will protrude from the face of the muzzle a distance proportioned
to their temperature, and by means of mold cases, in which a composition of wax
and powdered charcoal or other suitable material has been placed, an impres-
sion of the face of the muzzle can be taken at each discharge. A number of
molds should be prepared for each experiment and numbered. By a
comparison of the final degree or amount of expansion, and of the time in
which such expansion occurs, a correct or nearly correct record may be
obtained of the actual heat in guns, and the part of the metal of the gun to
which the highest temperature is communicated.
Secondly, to a construction of guns designed to afford extraordinary strength
by reason of the great thickness, peculiar arrangement of different materials,
and approximately complete compensation for the greater heat of the interior
which is provided.
.
According to this part of my Invention it is proposed to take advantage of
the different degrees of expansion for certain increments of heat exhibited by
different metals, and to construct a gun of such a combination of materials as
will resist the pressure or expansive force of the powder, while it provides
compensation for the communication of heat to the inner metal, as completely
as the pressure of the powder alone has been heretofore provided for:
As these considerations do not apply to small guns, it is proposed-to describe
the manner of construction of a large rifled gun, with a caliber sufficient to
project a one-thousand pound shot. The gun, when completed, is of fourteen
inches caliber, and weighs fifty-one tons, or one hundred times the weight of
the powder and projectile. It is composed of three metals, steel, bronze, and
lead. The shell or outer casting is a hollow sphere cast upon a core leaving

page_text: about six inches thickness of metal. A cylindrical centre on one axis has also
about six inches thickness of metal, and stays radiate from the centre of the ex-
ternal form connecting the cylindrical centre with the outer shell. These stays I
term conductors of heat. The outer shell and the hollow cylinder that envelopes
a steel lining being of uniform thickness and cooled from all surfaces will be a
casting without strain, having been uniformly cooled. The core that forms
the chamber between the cylindrical centre and outer shell is supported in its
proper place by distance cores through the outer shell resting upon the outer case
of the mold. Through these distance cores aro vents, by which the gases and
heat from the chamber core escape as the metal flows into the mold in casting.
After removing the core and cleaning the metal casting thoroughly, the whole
external surface is hammered for the purpose of compressing the metal to its
greatest density, and it is designed to effect the density of the metal to about
half its thickness. The interior of the cylinder to be afterwards lined with
steel is enlarged by pressure obtained by small rollers revolved by a sleeve
with a shaft for its centre. The rollers are pressed outwards against the surface
as they revolve by wedges until the whole surface has been passed over many
times, thus enlarging the diameter by a pressure on small surfaces until the
density of the metal is also affected in this part to half its thickness. The
holes left by the distance cores are then, with the exception of one, stopped by
screw plugs; after which the chamber is filled with melted lead. After the
gun has cooled, a hydraulic or other press is attached to each of the holes in
succession, and additional lead in this manner is forced in to give the same
amount of compression to the inner surface of the chamber as had been given
before to the outer surface by hammering. By this means most of the com-
pressibility of the bronze is taken up, and its elasticity much increased, as by
hammering a spring temper is imparted to the bronze, giving it the elasticity
of spring steel. The lead also answers the purpose of a conductor of pressure
from its incompressibility. The bore of the cylinder to receive the steel lining"
of the gun barrel is tapered slightly towards the breech. The steel lining is
turned a little larger than the bore, and with a corresponding taper, and is forced
into its place by a hydraulic press. The steel lining is to have only a suffi-
cient thickness to retard a part of the heat arising from the combustion of the
powder, so that the proper proportion of heat is communicated to the bronze,
and this proportion is regulated by the thickness of the steel lining. A space
s left in. the bore of the cylinder, and after the insertion of the steel lining
space is also filled with lead. By this means careful fitting of the steel to
he bottom of the chamber is obviated, and after the lining is forced in against.
this

page_text: the shoulder at the muzzle end, a proper amount of pressure can be equally
distributed about the spherical end of the steel lining. And during the service
The steel
of the gun this pressure can be corrected by the use of a screw.
lining is prevented from changing its position by any shock to the gun by
two keys inserted in such direction as to prevent withdrawal of the lining
without first withdrawing the keys. They also prevent the lining from
revolving in the gun by the pressure of the shot against the side of the lands.
The heat conductors or stays radiate from the centre of the sphere, the bottom
of the bore being continued beyond the centre of the sphere, so that the
The
gun.
mean centre of heating surface may be at the centre of the
is
gun
graduated on its periphery for adjustment to the proper elevation. Its
spherical form gives a great advantage by allowing it to be simply rotated on
its trunnions, in order to be loaded inside a turret without exposing the men
by the presence of any open port hole, and the gun is so nearly balanced upon
its trunnions as to be worked with great ease, notwithstanding its weight.
Thirdly, to solid and hollow projectiles, for these and other large guns.
These projectiles have their greatest displacement (as they are projected
through the air) at their rear end. Their centre of gravity is also forward of
their centre of form. By making the greatest displacement aft the resistance
of the air against its sides, inclines to bring the rear end of the shot backward,
so that its axis coincides with the line of flight. The centre of gravity being
forward of the centre of form assists in depressing the forward end of the shot
as the line of the trajectory is depressed. The main body of the projectile as
designed to be used against armour plates is of cast iron, and a ring of hardened
A core
steel is fitted to the front end. The front of the projectile is concave.
is used in casting to secure uniformity of metal. The rear portion is hollow,
and is provided with external projections adapted to correspond with and
exactly fill the rifle grooves of the gun, and the forward portion is provided
with three boutons or projections, which may rest upon the lands of the gun,
and which compel the forward part of the projectile though smaller than the
bore to maintain a strictly central position therein.
Another form of projectile intended to operate against thick armour against
short ranges differs from the long range projectile above described in being
without the hollow rear. It is all but solid throughout, being very slightly
cored and filled with a screw bolt in the centre.
Another projectile consists of a hollow shell with a rounded front. This
shell is provided with a number of plungers on the rounded end adapted on
striking to explode the fulminate. These plungers radiate in so many

page_text: directions that some one may explode if the shell strikes in a wrong position.
A time primer is added when it is required that the shell shall penetrate before
explosion.
Another projectile intended to act as a time shell, and which is adapted to
receive an ordinary or any approved form of time fuse, is constructed with a
powder chamber in the rear; the greater weight in the forward part of this
projectile when the cavity is filled with powder alone is very marked, the
greater displacement of the rear portion of the shell and the boutons to steady
the small front portion in the centre of the gun are like the projectiles
previously described.
Fourthly, to the construction of the fuses to be used in the above described
concussion shell. The tube contains a plunger, provided at the front end with
a cap or fulminate, and containing a quantity of enclosed powder, a quantity of
clay, or the like non-conductor, is placed at the rear of the tube, and a ring of
lead weakly locks the plunger to the tube. A time fuse is attached to the
plunger, so as to delay the explosion of the shell after the striking of the
projectile. On the instant of the discharge of the gun, the inertia of the plunger
acts backward within the case, and severs or nearly severs the lead ring by shear-
ing it in the manner which is obvious, and on the striking of the projectile
the momentum of the plunger throws it violently forward against the screw cap
and explodes the fulminate. The time fuse, by occupying a little time in
burning, allows the shell to produce its full measure of destructive effect as a
shot before the explosion, and the clay packed closely about the time fuse
eloses the passage of fire to the powder in the shell until the fuse has burned
its proper interval of time; a small hole through the cap filled with wax permits
the escape of the gas from the burning powder in the plunger as well as from
the time fuse.
Fifthly, to canister for rifled ordnance. This projectile consists of end
castings and intermediate castings forming a completely enclosing case for the
shot. A stout wire connects the front plate or casting with the rear plate or
casting through the aid of a hook bolt and tightening nut. Each of the rings
or intermediate castings is flanged at its forward edge and provided with three
bearing points at its rear edge. When this canister is fired from a rifled gun,
the castings ride upon the lands alone, and the whole behaves exactly as if the
gun were a smooth bore. The exterior may be finished or covered with cloth or
paper to induce a gentle effect on the gun, and the number of the intermediate
castings or rings may be increased or diminished according to the strength of
the gun. All the castings are rounded on their exterior, so as to correspond

page_text: in form with a portion of a sphere or spheroid. This renders it impossible for
the edges of any casting to come in contact with the inner surface of the gun,
and abrade it under any circumstances. Holes are made in the rear casting
which allow the gases to enter and permeate among the balls while the canister
is moving along the bore. So soon as the canister escapes from the muzzle it
is burst, extending lengthwise by the pressure of the gas thus admitted, the
hook bolt breaking easier than the castings.
Sixthly, to means for strengthening and compensating for the unequal heat
by the addition of a reinforce of more expansible metal around a hard and
slightly expansible tapering centre, in guns of nearly or quite the ordinary
form, and to a means of checking or admitting movement of the centre back-
ward within the reinforce. A centre: tube of steel or other metal tapering
rearward from a mid collar, and having its vent extended rearward from the
base of the bore, is fitted into a strong reinforce of bronze, and a collar of lead
is confined and nearly tightly inclosed in the space between the mid collar on
the steel tube and the front of the reinforce. The inside of the reinforce is
tapered to correspond with the exterior of the corresponding portion of the
steel centre tube. The trunnions being cast on, the reinforce, the centre tube.
may be cast or forged very uniformly. At each discharge of the piece the
centre, by its recoil, tends to drive itself further back into the reinforce, but is
checked by the lead ring, which oozes out slowly and allows the motion to
progress, but by small increments.
The effect of this construction and arrangement is to adjust the position of
the reinforce upon the inner metal or lining of the gun at the most effective
paint to resist the pressure while it compensates for unequal expansion.
Seventhly, to means for preventing the transmission of heat from the inner
surface of a gun outwardly. For this purpose a lining of steel or the like.
hard metal adapted to endure heat is inclosed in a thick mass of cast iron or
other suitable strong metal with an annular space filled with clay or other
non-conductor, so that the pressure will be transmitted to the outer shell while
the heat will be checked.
Eighthly, to means for increasing the elasticity of the material of a gun, so
as to allow it to compensate more effectively for unequal heat in its inner and
outward portions when made of one material, such as homogenous cast iron.
According to this part of my Invention, the cast iron or other material
forming the material of the gun has a number of longitudinal passages cored
therein of a double curved form. These cores, as also a core forming the bore,
may be cooled by tubes containing water or other cooling agent, if desired.

page_text: To produce nearly the same lateral and longitudinal elasticity in guns
already manufactured in the ordinary solid form, I drill a large number of
small holes inclining them in opposite directions towards the bore, so as to
come nearest to the latter at the point of greatest heat. The open condition
of the metal will allow a lateral expansion, while the inclination of the openings
insures the required longitudinal elongation.
Ninthly, to the construction of mortars, so as to involve therein the same
principles of compensation for the expansion by heat which are contained in
some of the guns above described, and to partially relieve the outside shell
from strain by permitting the inner lining to move towards the muzzle by the
pressure of lead against the greatest cross section of the steel or other lining.
The steel lining (rifled or plain) is inclosed within a stout reinforce or shell.
Any form best adapted to give the proper strength and to facilitate the handling
of the mortar may be adopted for the exterior or shell, and the same may be
cast with a cool core or otherwise, as may be preferred. The exterior of the
centre part is tapered, the taper being greatest in the iron shell. The front
end is provided with a flange, which fits tightly within the shell. The
remainder of the centre piece is at a little distance from the interior of the
shell, except at a few points where the metal fits tightly against the exterior
of the steel lining, so as to hold it accurately in the centre line of the shell.
The space between the other parts of the steel centre and the shell is filled
with lead, a hole being provided through which this lead is poured and
powerfully forced by a bydraulic press or otherwise, and afterwards stopped by
a screw plug. The screws for stopping the holes may serve to compress the
lead by simply burning them to a moderate extent. I propose to introduco
the lead in some cases through a small hole through the screw.
This holo
may be made slightly eccentric or not, exactly coincident with the centre or
axis of the screw, and in turning the screw after the lead is in its place it
twists off or divides the metal which is contained in the hole in the screw from
the metal that has passed beyond or through it, and is within the mortar
proper. This screw is then replaced by another without the eccentric hole,
and the lead is compressed by forcing down the new screw.
Tenthly, to means for compensating for unequal expansion in ordnance, and
inducing uniformity of strain by means of a fluid or fluids. A lining of steel is
inclosed in a mass of cast iron or other suitable strong metal, leaving an annular
space between which is filled with mercury. A circular chamber is connected
with the annular space by a very small hole, and a screw plug is adapted to
stop the communication between this chamber and the exterior of the gun.

page_text: After the mercury has been introduced so as to fill the whole of the annular
space and a portion of the chamber, the screw plug is fitted in its place, and
the gun is ready for service. When the gun is fired the strain expands the
lining, and the mercury is subjected to pressure between the lining and the
shell, its qualities as a fluid make it distribute the said pressure equally
thereon. This pressure tends to drive the mercury with great velocity through
the small hole into the chamber, but the space of time in which this pressure
acts is very small, so that only a limited quantity of mercury can escape
through the opening. The air in the chamber acts as a cushion, and it may,
if desired, be compressed by a suitable pump before the screw plug is applied,
but I do not deem this necessary,
In order to provide liberally for the elongation of the lining by heat in case
the gun is fired very rapidly, I prefer to have a very large space for mercury
at the breech, say about one inch of the length. The annular space around
the lining need not be thicker than one-eighth of an inch probably. If desired
the inner surfaces of the annular space may be grooved or provided with
projecting ribs transversely for the purpose of retarding the flow of the mercury
along the cavity longitudinally.
Eleventhly, to means for maintaining or continuing the action of the
gas at
a very high pressure upon the projectile by means of a gun, with the means
for compensating for expansion by heat, as described above.
The attainment of a very long range, or the penetration of iron armour,
requires the highest velocity possible to be attained. To meet this necessity,
I have provided a gun in which the length of the gun is proportioned to the
size of an enlarged chamber that contains the powder, from which is evolved
a sufficient amount of gas to maintain a high expansive force against the shot
a longer time than ordinary, and the use of this device is made practicable by
the devices of compensation and modes of attaining great strength herein-
before described.
The inuer or steel lining of the gun is constructed with a chamber at
the breech end larger than the main bore of the gun. This chamber contains
in a form adapted to facilitate its rapid ignition a much larger quantity of
powder than can be burned with advantage behind a shot in guns of the
ordinary construction. A covering of bronze is forced tightly upon the
lining; the inner surface of the covering and the outer surface of the lining are
tapered slightly, the rear end being largest. This facilitates the production
of a very tight fit of these parts, but care must be taken that the thickest
part of the steel lining be not too great. I prefer to make this thickness,

page_text: if the gun be large, about three and a half inches, as otherwise the difference
in the temperature between the inner and outer particles induces a serious
strain.
A series of heavy washers of steel are placed between a screwed collar or
nut on the lining and the front end of the bronze covering; they are prepared
with a spring temper, and touch each other only at a few points by the aid of
projections arranged each in a different part of the circle from the next, so as
not to coincide in position, but to differ as widely each from the other as possible.
This allows the elasticity of the washers to be brought into play. The nut is
applied against the end washer with considerable force, so as to compress or
bend slightly all the washers between itself and the washer resting against the
bronze. A bronze casting having an inner and outer shell is forced or shrunk
on over the breech end of the covering and lining; this casting is filled with
lead and compressed, and is provided with braces or stays which connect the
inner shell with the outer shell. A quantity of lead is also introduced between
this casting and the enlarged or spherical powder chamber, and held therein by
a screw.
The implement I have designed for loading such a gun consists of a cylinder
of copper connected to a long hollow wooden stock or handle by which it may
be reached into the gun. A stop is provided which rests in and against the
muzzle when the loader is fully in place. The cubical contents of the cylinder
is equal to that of the powder chamber of the gun. An elastic disc or wad is
placed upon the convex face of a plunger inside the hollow handle, then the.
powder for a charge is next introduced into the cylinder, next a sheet of
paper is placed over the end of the cylinder, and lastly, a ring is slipped over
the edges of the paper, holding it strongly to the cylinder. The loader and
its contents are next introduced into the gun until the stop rests on the
muzzle. The plunger is then forced inward by its rod passing through the
stock, bursting the paper and forcing the powder into the large chamber of
the gun, and also forcing the wad in and allowing it to expand into such bore.
so that it will retain the powder; the loader is now withdrawn and the ball
introduced in the ordinary manner. This avoids the trouble which might
otherwise be met with in filling the chamber with powder while the gun is in
a horizontal or nearly horizontal position.
Twelfthly, to the means for mounting the trunnions of light guns such as field
artillery. I produce my gun in one uniform and properly tapered piece without
trunnions, and forge or otherwise produce the trunnions on a separate ring of
peculiar form, which I afterwards secure to the gun in such a manner as not

page_text: to produce any irregular or weak. crystallization by the long and severe
heatings and vibrations to which this peculiar class of structures are exposed
nor to interfere with the strength or endurance of the gun by griping it
severely at one point or making a sharp line where the compression due to
the shrinkage of the trunnion ring ends. This trunnion ring is formed with
steps and the gun is turned to correspond therewith; an additional ring is
also applied, and a ring composed of two or more segments is adapted so as to
be completely enclosed within and concealed by the last ring. The body of
the gun
is grooved to allow the segmental ring to enter it slightly. The form
of this part is such that the taper of the chase or front portion, if continued
backward, would pass under or just come in contact with the inner surface of
the segmental ring and also of the trunnion ring. It will be seen that this
combination and arrangement of the parts allows the trunnion ring to be applied
tightly either by shrinking it on in a hot condition or by forcing it powerfully
with a hydraulic press or otherwise upon the main portion of the gun, and
that the rounded form of the seat on which it rests and the several steps into
which this seat is divided prevent the serious weakening of the gun which
might result from the employment of re-entering angles at any of these points.
The seat or groove in which the segmental ring is inserted is also rounded
at the base, as also is the groove to avoid the pressure of re-entering angles.
The additional ring keeps the segments tightly in their places, and these
segments, by pressing tightly against the front face of the trunnion ring, and also
against the front side of the groove in which it rests, locks or holds the trunnion
ring tightly and firmly in its place. I make the offsets or steps on the inner
face of the trunnion ring slightly deeper than the steps on the seat to which it
is applied; this causes the additional ring to press with its greatest force on
the forward and deepest step, and with a gradually less force on the other
steps rearward therefrom. This avoids the action of the compressing force of
the ring to its whole extent along the rear edge of the additional ring and
avoids the consequent change in the condition of the metal which, by changing
the character of the vibrations along that line, would seriously weaken the
gun in a long succession of discharges. I give sufficient thickness to the
metal immediately in the rear of and under the trunnion ring and its con-
nections to make the strength of this portion of the gun slightly in excess of
what is required to produce uniformity of strain on the metal, and esteem this
excess sufficient to allow for any inequality of strain which may arise from a
too great pressure of the trunnion ring or any other imperfection in the
arrangement.

page_text: Thirteenthly, to a new form or construction of rifled grooves and to the
adaptation thereof to a gun and shot.
These grooves are made each with a flat surface, with square or rectangular
edges or sides. The depth of each groove is so related to its width and to the
size of the cylinder which forms the bore of the gun that the centre of each
groove lies exactly in the cylindrical surface of the bore, or in other words I
do not cut away any of the metal of the gun at the centre of the grooves in the
act of rifling, but only excavate the other parts or sides of the grooves.
Fourteenthly, to means for mounting and operating spherical guns to allow
them to be loaded without exposing the men to receive missiles. through
the ports, and to mounting them in turrets or analagous constructions so that
each gun is backed or braced by another; also to mounting the turrets to
facilitate the working and repairs, and so that the inertia of the structure is
made available to resist recoil.
:
The trunnions are.mounted in bearings in the inside of the turret, and the
spherical form of the guns allows each to be rotated to any extent desired
without uncovering the port. I allow each gun to move inward to a small
extent before rotating it, the bearings being adapted to allow such motion and
to induce it by the gravity of the gun so soon as the parts which prevent such
motion are removed. Substantial cheeks or moveable braces are placed
between the breech ends of the two guns so that one is partly embraced and
sustained by the other, and a stout wedge is adapted to operate between these
cheeks, and by their aid to brace the guns outward rigidly. I force outward
both guns so that they apply themselves firmly to the interior of the turret
before firing either. When one gun is fired its tendency to recoil is resisted,.
first, by its own inertia, second, by the inertia of the cheeks and wedge, third,
by the inertia of the second gun, fourth, by the inertia of the entire turret, and
finally by the elasticity of buffers of india-rubber. Rollers support the turret
and its attachments and allow it to turn freely on a circular track or stout ring.
held down by bolts which pass through rubber washers, and are adapted to
allow of lateral movement. A hollow cylinder of iron descends from the
turret, and is provided at the bottom with large doorways to allow the ingress
and exit of the men, and with gearing and a capstan by which it is rotated..
This cylinder is connected with the turret by the aid of strong pins or pro-.
jections, which stand in suitable jaws on the inside of the turret at its base,
and compel the turret to turn therewith, at the same time allowing for slight
imperfections in the adjustment of the parts by the liberty of the projections
to move vertically in the jaws. A vertical screw spindle adapted. to be.

page_text: rotated by a winch near the bottom of the structure stands near the rear face
of each of the spherical guns, and is provided with two nuts which are moved
simultaneously up or down according as the screw is turned in one direction
or the other. Wire ropes are wound partially around each gun, fitting tightly
in a groove in a piece bolted on the gun for the purpose. These ropes are
severally attached to the nuts, and both ropes are firmly secured to the gun.
These ropes and nuts incline the gun in either direction and to any extent
which may be desired by simply turning the screw in the proper direction by
a crank or otherwise. I provide strong heavy beams across the base of the
turret to sustain the weight of the bracing parts and resist that portion of the
recoil which is directed downwards when the guns are fixed at high elevations.
An iron covering or armour is applied upon the masonary of the fort around
the base of the turret, and a strong flange extends outwards from the base of
the turret and stands under the inner edge of the iron covering; this guards
the turret from being overturned by any chance or by any severe recoil of its
guns. Air is supplied to the interior of the structure by means of a fan or
other blower. When it becomes necessary from any cause to take out or
replace one of the supporting rollers I have provided means of doing so
without lifting the turret. For this purpose I remove a small portion from
the circular track, such portion being made in a piece separate from the other
parts to allow of its removal. I then turn the turret until the defective roll is
brought over the notch or cavity thus formed. The previous removal of the
holding parts allows the defective roll to be withdrawn as it readily falls down
by gravity out of contact with the turret, leaving the weight to be supported
by the remaining rolls.
Fifteenthly, to the construction of wheels for artillery.
The purpose of this portion of my Invention is to provide for the shrinking
of the wood and the stretching of the tire by changing the position of the
parts of the wheel so as to maintain a firm and rigid wheel under all conditions,
and also to allow of the easy removal and replacing of parts of a wheel
without delay and without removing the wheels from the carriage. The tire
has a number of holes countersunk in its outer surface to receive the conical
heads of an equal number of tire bolts which pass through wedges at the ends
or joints of the felloes.
These parts constitute the rim of my wheel. The wooden felloes are forced
apart and stiffly maintained in position by the wedges acted on by the bolts
and nuts. As the tire becomes gradually stretched by use the wedges must
be all operated outward to keep the parts in tight contact; and when the tire.

page_text: is removed to be contracted by the blacksmith in the usual manner it may be
contracted more than with ordinary wheels, and by letting the wedges back or
inward by slackening the nuts the wheel will be diminished of its minimum
size, provided always that the spokes are correspondingly allowed to contract
so as to maintain the proper relations of the parts of the entire wheel.
Malleable iron castings or shoes are secured upon the ends of the felloes
and provided at each edge with a flange embracing the wood at the end of the
felloe. This prevents the wood from splitting and the wedge from working
itself into the wood or in any manner distorting the same. A flange or lip is
also provided which rests against the inner periphery of the felloe and prevents
the castings from being displaced radially. The wedges are rounded both
longitudinally and laterally. The castings are rounded to correspond with the
lateral curvation, but are straight in the radial direction. There are two
spokes inserted into each felloe, the inner end of each spoke being tapered and
each alternate one perforated by a bolt horizontally. These bolts are fitted
with nuts, and by operating the latter the hub, which is in two parts, is con-
tracted in the direction of its length so as to compress it upon the tapering or
wedge-formed ends of the spokes. The one part of the hub includes the
entire bearing upon the axle, whilst the other consists of a ring capable of
sliding to a sufficient extent thereon to compensate for any shrinkage and
radial motion of the spokes; long holes or slots are provided in the spokes to
carry the bolts so as to allow a radial motion of the former. The inner ends.
of the spokes abut against the heads of another set of bolts in a radial direction
which are inserted through wedges and operated by nuts. These hub wedges
fill the spaces between the spokes and complete the hub of the wheel. When
the wheel is new the heads of the radial bolts rest against the casting of the
hub, but when from an enlargement of the tire by use or from any other cause
it is desired to slightly enlarge the wheel by moving the spokes radially
outwards within the hub the two sets of bolts must be first slackened by
loosening their nuts. The rim wedges may then be operated to expand the
rim in the manner above described until the felloes bear firmly against the
tire, after which the hub. bolts are again set up tight. The form of the rim
wedges is such as to guard the ends of two adjacent felloes from getting out
of line. This precise form of these parts is not essential however to the
success of other portions of my Invention, as it is evident that in lieu of
the curved cross section a wedge formed of two planes properly inclined
may be employed.
Sixteenthly, to the construction and arrangement of carriages for field artillery.

page_text: The stock of the carriage is attached to the under side of the axle by means
of bolts connected with a saddle resting on the top of the axle. There are
two cheeks embracing the upper portion of the axle and bolted to the stock or
upper end of the trail. These cheeks are also connected together by a
transom in front of the axle, and are rounded so as to present no salient angles;
and are each surrounded by a metal strap extending entirely round the cheek
and the axle. By means of bolts and corresponding nuts these straps may be
taken up as the wood shrinks and be caused to maintain a tight. condition
upon the cheeks at all times.
In
my improved carriage I form a plane surface under the trails where it
rests upon the ground, which surface is gradually rounded into the inclined
surface of the trail. This plane portion presents so broad a surface to the
ground on which it rests as to prevent the trail from digging a hole in the
ground and to avoid the consequent necessity of a frequent change in the
position of the carriage or a corresponding change in the elevation of the gun
relatively to the carriage. To this plame surface I affix a flange or keel.
This is a narrow and sharp piece of metal adapted to cut into the earth and
act as a keel to cause the recoil to be in a straight line and guide the trail
back to its original position when the gun is again run into battery. When
the trail is at liberty to slue around as the accidental difference in the resist-
ance on the two wheels indicates it requires time to again place it in the
proper position to secure the range, but by means of this keel the recoil is
governed with nearly the same effect as by the chassis in barbette or casemate
carriages, and when the gun is again run into battery the position of the gun
is very nearly the same as at the previous fire. In transporting guns when
descending declivities it is necessary to apply some extra resistance to avoid
the carriage running upon the horses. In my improved carriage I employ a
skid or shoe so peculiarly constructed and attached that it may be dropped in
front of either wheel at pleasure, and the wheel caused to run upon it, and
ride down the declivity upon the shoe, and that the latter may be again s
released from the wheel without once stopping the carriage. This shoe is
made to fit the periphery of either of the wheels. To ears on one side a
traverse or long metal loop is fixed, carrying a ring which is free to slide to
either end, whereby the shoe is adapted for use under either wheel at pleasure
by simply shifting ends. A chain extends from the ring on the shoe to a S
traverse, hung transversely beneath the trail, this chain being of just sufficient
length to allow the shoe to pass under the centre of the wheel. The latter.
traverse allows the chain and shoe to extend to either wheel as desired. A

page_text: slotted piece supports the lower end of the elevating screw of the gun and
allows it to be tapped through the caseable of the gun so as to prevent the
reinforce of the gun from hammering upon the elevating screw and yet permit
the ready dismounting of the gun with but few detached parts. In the chain
of the skid I make one of the links longer than the rest, and provide a slip
link and ring so arranged that by sliding the ring off the end of the slip link
the chain will be parted. A second chain is attached to the first chain, and is
of such length that when the latter is parted by means of the slip link the
combined length of the two chains is sufficient to allow the wheel to roll off
the shoe, which shoe still remains attached to the carriage: by means of
the united chains. When the shoe or skid is not in use the slip link is
fastened by a ring and the shoe hung upon a hook attached to one of the
cheeks.
Seventeenthly, to the means for preparing the vent and for igniting the
cartridge or charge of ordnance.
The purposes of this portion of my Invention are to prevent the communi-
cation of heat from the combustion of the powder in the vent to the body of
the gun, and also to prevent any escape of gas through the vent, and thus to
avoid the great loss of the expansive force of the powder, and also to avoid the
enlargement of the vent commonly caused by the violent flow of the gases
through the same. The devices I employ make it easy to insert and remove,
the priming tube and to fire the same by very simple and easily effected
manipulations. A copper or bronze bush or tube is fitted in the vent of the
gun so as to leave an annular space of about one thirty-second of an inch.
more or less between the major part of the bush and the adjacent surface of
the gun.. This space very greatly retards the passage of heat from the bush to
the body of the gun. A screw plug is inserted into the gun above the bush
or tube, and a tapering piece of steel. or hollow plug is fitted into a tapering
hole in the screw plug so as to allow of ready insertion or removal; a small case
or tube of copper or the like material filled with powder and provided with a
fulminating or friction composition at its upper end is inserted into the hollow
plug, and a tapering pin enlarged at one part and roughened near its point is
also fitted loosely inside the hollow plug, so that on being rapidly driven down
by any means into the bush or tube it will ignite the friction composition in
the upper end thereof and thus fire the gun. The upper end of the pin is
smaller and is loosely enclosed within a gland. This gland is adapted to press
down to any extent desired on a metallic packing which is fitted in a conical
stuffing box in the hollow steel plug. A circular piece of metal provided with

page_text: a handle and turning on a strong bolt fitted in the metal of the gun imme-
diately in front of the vent contains a curved slot strictly concentric with the
bolt; there is also provided a hammer adapted to strike upon the tapering pin
on pulling a cord or lanyard. The curved slot is of an uniform size tbrough
the greater portion of its length, and is much widened throughout the
remainder of its length. This turning piece thus slotted is provided with
wedges or inclines and adapted to receive the steel piece or hollow plug
with its gland and to press down the same into the gun, and also draw it out
by the two sets of wedges and allow its ready removal by the fingers or by any
suitable tool according as the turning piece is turned in one direction or the
other. When the gun is ready to be fired the cord is pulled and the hammer
immediately drops down forcibly upon the pin, which yields under the force
and moves downwards through the packing and punctures and ignites the
priming. The turning piece not only presses the tapering hollow plug down
so as to produce a perfectly tight fit, but remains there and holds it and its
contents firmly down in the conical seat in the screw plug during the
discharge of the gun, and consequently no escape of gas through the vent can
take place.
Eighteenthly, to the sights employed to facilitate the directing of large guns,
applicable also to the several forms of guns of my present Invention, and also
to all or nearly all of the ordinary forms of ordnance.
The rear sight is mounted in ways to be traversed right and left by turning
a transverse screw. The ways and their attachments are supported by a rod
which is adapted to slide vertically through the neck of the cassable; a strong
piece of metal is fixed upon the breech and provided with a hole exactly in.
line with the hole in the neck of the cassable so as to allow the vertical rod.
which supports the sight to slide up and down therein. A horizontal slot is
formed in this piece, and a wedge is provided with a stop and a suitable knob
or handle adapted to release or tightly to confine the vertical rod according as
it is moved from the right to the left, and in case it should by any accident be
lost or deranged, a piece of tapering metal or wood of any kind may be
temporarily inserted to supply its place. The vertical rod is graduated to
indicate the elevations of sight in seconds and parts of seconds so as to give
the time in seconds which a projectile will fly at that elevation and descend to
the line of sight. My graduations are adapted for service charges, and when s
less or more powder is used or slower or quicker burning powder is employed,
allowance must be made therefor, but with survice charges of the proper
powder the graduations may be relied upon as giving very accurately the

page_text: elevation required for the rear sight in order to hit the object aimed at,
provided the time of the flight of the projectile is determined with accuracy.
By this method the operation of adjusting the sights and the fuses so as to
explode shells at given varying points is very much simplified. The wedge
and its connections allows the sight to be adjusted very delicately and to be
secured firmly and rapidly. For higher elevations than the rod admits
wooden sights or rods or supplied, which are inserted in the elevating screw,
which latter is hollow in the line of its axis and tapped through the caseable
of the gun. The wooden rods being nicely fitted will be held in their respec-
tive position by friction alone.
The front sights are shielded by a short ring and are mounted by a very
finely threaded screw on a thin ring. This ring may be applied and removed
from the muzzle of the gun by turning a set screw, and it may be applied very
accurately to the muzzle of the gun by the use of proper marks on each.
This insures that the front sights shall be always correctly in line, and the
finely threaded screw allows it to be lifted or lowered as may be required,
The ring with its attachments may be removed with great facility in case a
gun is likely to be lost, and be again quickly applied if the gun is retaken.