Improvements in Mountings for Disappearing Guns.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 4th Sept., 1896-Accepted, 21st Nov., 1896
Improvements in Mountings for Disappearing Guns.
A communication from THE BETHLEHEM IRON COMPANY, a corporation under
the laws of the State of Pennsylvania, and having its principal office at
Bethlehem, Northampton County, Pa., United States of America.
I, ALFRED JULIUS BOULT, of 111 Hatton Garden, in the County of Middlesex,
Chartered Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in
what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :-
This invention relates to mountings for disappearing guns and consists in the
various features of construction and arrangement, having the mode of operation
substantially as hereinafter more particularly pointed out.
In the accompanying drawings:-
Figure 1 is a side view, partly in section, of one embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 is a similar view showing a slight modification in the arrangement of
the counterpoise ;
Figure 3 is a diagrammatic side view, showing the invention applied to a different
style of gun-mounting; Figures 4 and 5 are similar diagrammatic and outline side
views, showing different applications of the invention;
Figure 6 is a longitudinal sectional elevation of a somewhat different embodiment
of the invention;
Figure 7, is a front elevation of Figure 6,
Figure 8 is a longitudinal sectional elevation; and
Figure 9 a plan of another form.
Disappearing-gun carriages as heretofore constructed have embodied as their
general features a carriage for the gun, some sort of levers or arms supporting the
gun and permitting it to rise and fall, and some sort of mechanism whereby the
recoil of the gun is taken up and utilised as a recuperator. These recuperators
have generally been in the form of springs, which are compressed by the recoil of
the gun and by their elasticity restore the gun to battery; weights which are
raised by the recoil and by gravity restore the gun to firing position, or cylinders
in which air is substituted for the springs, and it is the object of this invention to
provide means which will have all the advantages of any one or all of these various
devices and be free from the disadvantages resulting from their use.
The invention in its principal features may be said to consist in combining with
a disappearing-gun mounting a counterpoise in the form of an ordinary weight
accumulator in such a manner that it constitutes the recuperator, and at the same
time acts to take up the recoil of the gun, and further in arranging and connecting
the part so that the counterpoise is independent of the gun-carriage, the latter being
so pivoted and arranged that the counterpoise can be placed in any convenient
position and still be so connected to the carriage as to operate under all conditions ;
and further it consists in the various features of construction and arrangement of
parts set forth.
In the accompanying drawings several ways of embodying the invention in
connection with disappearing-gun carriages or mountings of different constructions
and arrangement are shown sufficient to enable those skilled in the art to make and
use the invention, which is not limited, therefore, to the exact construction and
arrangement shown nor to the use of any particular form of gun-carriage, or any
particular location of the counterpoise, or other details of construction.

page_text: In Figure 1 is shown a gun-carriage of well-known construction, in which there
is a centrally pivoted gun-carriage A, mounted on the track A', having the track
wheels A2, so that the carriage can be pivotally turned to present the gun in any
position or range in azimuth.
Connected to this carriage are the levers B, pivoted at B', and supporting at their
free ends B2, the pivotal point or trunnions of the gun C. Connecting the breech
portion C¹, of the gun to the carriage A, are rods D, adjustable by any suitable
means, as the rack D', in order that the gun may be aimed at any desired altitude.
In this instance, pivotally connected to the gun-carriage is a hydraulic cylinder or
cylinders E, in which operates a piston or plunger E', connected to the levers B,
as by the cross-bar E3, so that when the gun recoils, as indicated in dotted lines,
the plunger is forced into the cylinder, and when the gun is raised to battery, the
plunger is forced outward. Located in some convenient position with relation to
the carriage and as shown in Figure 1 immediately below the carriage and in
Figure 2 at a distance therefrom, is a weight accumulator F, which may be of any
ordinary construction suitable for the purpose, and which as shown consists of
weights f, which are secured together by bolts fi, and supported upon a series of
springs, mounted on the plate f³, connected to the plunger fitting the cylinder F¹.
This cylinder is shown as supported on the metal frame F2, from which project
uprights F3 on which the weights normally rest when the piston is down, as
indicated, and there is a suitable guide piece F, shown in the present instance as
having slots F5, in which the guide blocks F6 move, but any other well-known
arrangement which will insure the plunger moving in a vertical direction can be
used.
This weight accumulator constitutes the counterpoise of the gun-mounting and
may be located at any convenient position, and is not carried by the carriage as is
usual, but is independent thereof, and does not in any way interfere with the
movements of the carriage, it being connected thereto in any convenient manner
through the pivotal point thereof, so that it operates as a counterpoise or recuperator
to the gun regardless of the movement or position of the carriage in azimuth. In
Fig. 1 the counterpoise is shown in a well directly below the carriage, and in
Figure 2 in a well at a distance therefrom. In Figure 1 the hydraulic cylinder F¹,
of the counterpoise is connected to the hydraulic cylinder E of the gun-carriage
by a pipe having an arm G, an upright G, an arm G2, extending to the centre of
the gun-carriage where it is connected by a universal joint with a pipe leading
from the hydraulic cylinder E. Any suitable connection may be used, there being
shown a curved arm A³ connected to the track and having a central opening in
which is fitted a connection H, having a cup-shaped extension in which the arm G
of the pipe fits. There is an elbow-coupling H', in which the short pipe E³, is
mounted and connected to the hollow trunnions E of the cylinder E.
It will thus be seen that there is a complete hydraulic connection between
the hydraulic cylinder E of the gun-carriage and the hydraulic cylinder F' of the
counterpoise whatever may be the position of the carriage. In other words, the
gu-carriage may rotate upon its track so that the gut will point in any horizontal
position and still maintain complete connection between the hydraulic cylinders,
and while the construction thus specified is effective, it will be seen that other
connections may be used to accomplish the same result. Suitable check and
by-pass valves under the control of the operator by which the flow of liquid may
be regulated, as is common in this class of devices, may be employed.
. In Figure 2, the counterpoise is similar to that of Figure 1, but is at a distance
from the gun-carriage, and the cylinder is connected by the pipe G being extended.
In this figure some of the weights have been removed, as is customary in these
devices, more or less weights being applied according to the force of the recoil and
weight necessary to cause the gun to recoil, and the weights are shown as spring
supported to prevent water hammer.
In Figure 3 is illustrated diagrammatically another well-known form of gun-
carriage in which the levers B, support the gun C at their free ends, while the

page_text: other ends B¹ of the levers are connected and arranged to move vertically, or
practically so, in guides A on the carriage, while the central pivots 133, of the
levers are connected with some sort of restraining devices as the cylinders A which
operate with pistons and piston-rods A mounted on the carriage in a manner well
understood. The pivotal ends B' of the levers are connected to the cylinder E
mounted on the frame, as by a flexible chain e, passing over a sector el, and this
cylinder is connected by the universal connection H at the pivotal point of the
carriage by pipes G1, G2 etc. to the counterpoise in the manner above set forth.
In this arrangement the cylinder E is placed horizontally near the base of the
carriage and takes up the recoil and operates in connection with the counterpoise
as a recuperator.
In Figures 4 and 5 are illustrated diagrammatically other embodiments of
substantially the same construction of gun-carriage, with the exception that in this
instance the cylinder E projects down vertically from the front end of the carriage,
so that the pivotal ends B' of the levers move in the vertical guides A', directly
above the hydraulic cylinder E, and the central pivot B3 is connected to the
cylinders A, which move horizontally on the chassis of the carriage. This
arrangement of the hydraulic cylinders requires an excavation or race-way below
the carriage, as shown at X, and the counterpoise can be arranged in a central pit
below the carriage and connected by a universal joint, as before pointed out, or at
a distance therefrom, as desired.
In Figures 4 and 5 are indicated the by-pass g, around the central connection H,
and a pump I connected by a pipe i, to a source of supply whereby the pistons may
be supplied with liquid when necessary to compensate for loss or to fill the
cylinders.
In these views Figure 4 shows a double track or turn-table, that is, there is a
central turn-table, and a track at the forward end of the gun-carriage, while in
Figure 5, there is a single track or turn-table. In the latter there is no support
for the gun-carriage outside of the race-way X, while in Figure 4, there is a track
on which the rollers at the forward end of the carriage bear.
In Figures 6 and 7 the counterpoise is shown as connected to the ends B¹ of the
levers B, without the intervention of the hydraulic cylinder, and this counterpoise
operates in a race-way X. The carriage A consists of side frames connected by
cross-pieces to form a rigid structure, as best indicated in Figure 6, and in this
structure it is supported by a turn-table T, under the rear portion of the carriage,
and in most instances it is preferable to have an outer or concentric turn-table T¹
which is indicated also in Figures 3 and 4. It is preferable to arrange the parts
so that the axis of the turn-table is about mid-way between the extreme ends of
the apparatus when the gun is in loading position, indicated in dotted lines
Figure 6. so that it is possible to rotate the gun in azimuth in a pit of the smallest
possible diameter, exceeding only by a slight extent the total length of the
apparatus. While the second turn-table is not absolutely essential, it secures
better support for the carriage and for those portions upon opposite sides of the
counterpoise F which hang between the two turn-tables and cover the counterpoise
well, making a convenient platform for manoeuvring, and this may consist of light
plates 40, extending from one turn-table to the other.
In the construction shown in Figures 6 and 7 the central pivot point B3 of the
levers is connected to the carriers or cylinders A', which cylinders may run on the
rails 13, or be provided with friction rollers 14, and these rails are preferably
inclined downward toward the forward end of the carriage A, thereby securing
increased resistance to the rearward movement of the gun upon recoil, and
facilitating the forward movement to elevate the gun, reducing the weight of the
counterpoise, necessary before recoil.
To properly direct the movements of the breech of the gun, the controlling
rods D connect to a strap encircling the breech of the gun at their upper ends, and
are pivotted at y, to the slide 20, moving in guides 21, by a rack 22, engaging a
pinion 23, driven by the gears 24 25, upon the shaft of a hand-wheel 26, there

page_text: being a brake comprising a ring 27, surrounded by a strap 28, the ends of which
are brought together with more or less. force by a screw shaft 29, having reverse
threads fitting the ends of the strap. To secure increased rigidity, the rods D,
may be connected by a brace. 30.
: Mounted on the carriage at one side is the sighting ladder frame J, supporting a
platform 3.1, and hand-rail 32; in suitable position for the officer who controls the
firing of the piece, and adjacent to this supporting platform is a standard 33,
arranged in fixed relation to the carriage and upon which the sighting instrument
may be attached. At the rear of the carriage is a crane K, used for elevating the
projectile, and the turn-table is provided with a rack 35, engaging a pinion 36, on
a shaft driven through intermediate gearing from a pinion 37, on the shaft 38,
provided with crank handles 39, for readily turning the carriage.
platform M, is attached to one of the carriers or cylinders A, for an attendant.
For hauling the gun from firing position to loading position by hand, a rope
tackle 41, is rove through pulleys 42, and 43, on the levers B and frame A, and
operated by a suitable windlass.
A small
The structure shown in Figures 8 and 9 is very similar in many respects to that
shown in Figures 6 and 7, but differs therefrom in a number of points, and it will
be seen on inspection that the well X', which receives the counterpoise is within the
limits of the turu-table, while in Figure 6, it is annular shaped extending under
the secondary turn-table. This improves the compactness of the arrangement of
the apparatus, and is an advantage in many ways which will be apparent to those
skilled in the art. Furthermore, the counterpoise F, is provided with a series of
springs, on its under side, similar to those shown in Figures 1 and 2, and the
bottom of the well X, is provided with a floor X, against which the springs
impinge to check the counterpoise and arrest the motion of the gun. This
arrangement is especially useful when the weight of the counterpoise is con-
siderably in excess of the amount necessary to actually bring the gun to position,
which results in a quicker movement of the gun, and the excess of weight or force
is taken up by the springs on the counterpoise.
This construction also shows a different means to draw the gun to its loading
position without firing, and there is a pair of chains c, having links adapted to
engage lugs h, on the levers B, and these chains pass over pulleys to the operating
mechanism C3, by means of which the chains are drawn down, falling into a
receptacle C³, and depressing the gun to the position shown in dotted lines. While
in this position the gun mechanism may be locked by the detent d, engaging the
rack d', connected with the counterpoise F.
The advantages of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art,
and need not be fully set forth, and it will be seen that by the use of the weight
accumulator as a counterpoise in connection with the gun-carriage, the accumulator
may be arranged in any convenient position independent of the location of the gun-
carriage, and that the two can be suitably connected together through the pivotal
point of the carriage, so that the gun-carriage can be operated freely and is relieved
of the weight of the counterpoise. Furthermore, the weight accumulator counter-
poise is specially adapted for this purpose, in that the force or energy exerted by
the accumulator, either as a resistance device or as an active agent, is uniform, and
by properly adjusting the weights with relation to the gun, smooth and regular
operation takes place without danger of breaking or deranging the parts.
Other advantages of the parts specified need not be set forth.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion, as communicated to me by my foreign correspondents, and in what manner
the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is :-
1. In a disappearing-gun mounting in which the gun is controlled by a counter-
poise which takes up the recoil and acts as a recuperator, the combination with the
carriage, gun and hydraulic cylinder on the carriage, of a counterpoise, a hydraulic
cylinder connected to the counterpoise, and connections between the bydraulic

page_text: cylinder on the carriage and on the counterpoise, said connections passing through
the pivotal point of the carriage, substantially as described and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
2. In a disappearing-gun mounting in which the gun is controlled by a counter-
poise which takes up the recoil and acts as a recuperator, the combination with the
carriage, gun and levers connecting the gun and carriage, a piston connected to
the levers and a hydraulic cylinder mounted on the carriage, of a counterpoise in
the form of a weight, a hydraulic cylinder, and connections between the hydraulic
cylinder of the counterpoise and the cylinder of the carriage, substantially as
described and shown in the accompanying drawings.
3. In a disappearing-gun mounting, the combination with the carriage, gun and
counterpoise, of a turn-table arranged beneath the rear portion of the carriage, a
concentric outer turn-table, and a well for receiving the counterpoise, substantially
as described and indicated more particularly in Figure 6.
4. In a disappearing-gun mounting, a gun carriage and a counterpoise of the
character described and illustrated with particular reference to Figures 1 to 5,
wherein the carriage is relieved of the weight of the counterpoise and is free to
rotate as set forth.
5. In a disappearing-gun mounting, a gun carriage characterized by the features
of construction substantially as herein before set forth and illustrated with particular
reference to Figures 6 and 7.
6. In a disappearing-gun mounting, a gun carriage characterised by the features
of construction substantially as hereinbefore set forth and illustrated with particular
reference to Figures 8 and 9.
Dated this 4th day of September 1896.
BOULT & WADE,
Agents for the Applicant.