Improvements in and relating to Sights for Cannon, Small-arms, ISIONAL SPECIFICATION. and the like.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 13th Nov., 1890
Complete Specification Left, 11th Aug., 1891-4cconted
712
UT
Complete Specification Left, 11th Aug., 1891-Accepted,
Application, 13th Nov., 1890
PRINTA
711
IXUT
Improvements in and relating to Sights for Cannon, Small-arms,
ISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
and the like.
I, ETIENNE MARQUIS DE FRAYSSEIX BONNIN, of 95, Boulevard Beaumarchais
Paris, in the Republic of France, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
to be as follows:-
My invention relates to optic sights adapted to cannon, small arms and other
5 devices for throwing projectiles for the purpose of facilitating the pointing of the
same. The improved sight constructed according to the said invention may be
arranged either directly upon the cannon, small-arms or the like or upon the carriage
or supports participating in the movements for the pointing.
Independently of the embrasure or port, the shield or wall traversed by the
10 chase of the cannon or muzzle of the small-arm is pierced opposite the optic sight
with a small aperture specially designed for the passage of the line of sight..
The optic sight comprises the following parts, that is to say :--
A convergent optical lens.
A screen placed behind this lens for receiving the image of the object. Upon
5 this screen is marked a point hereinafter termed the point of fire.
A small straight rule, which I will term the rule of fire. It supports the above-
mentioned lens and screen by means of sockets or slides. This rule is constantly
parallel with the optical axis of the lens passing through the point of fire on the
screen.
A second straight rule, termed the pointing alidade, which is articulated upon
the first rule and connects the optic sight with the fire-arm. This rule is always
parallel with the axis of the fire-arm, accordingly it forms with the rule of fire in
the vertical plane an equal angle which indicates the inclination of the fire-arm
necessitated by the range.
A graduated limb for indicating the angles of fire formed by the rule of fire with
the pointing alidade. It is provided with runners having verniers. Stop screws
enable the rules to be kept if necessary in invariable positions corresponding to a
given opening of angle.
A cam having a spiral-shaped slot and connected with the pointing alidade. This
cam guides a pin or knob attached to the aforesaid slide supporting the lens for
varying the position of the latter upon the rule of fire which constitutes a function
of the angles of fire, and thus maintaining between the lens and the screen such a
listance that the image of the object shall be constantly clear, this result being
chieved automatically whatever may be the range.
My optical sight can be employed in the following two manners:
When the distance of the object is known, the runner of the pointing alidade
aving been fixed upon the graduated limb at the angle suitable for the range, the
ointing of the fire-arm is effected by ordinary means, the image of the object
eing observed upon the screen and the fire-arm being operated so as to cause
is image to coincide with the point of fire; if the discharge takes place at the
oment when this condition is fulfilled the object will surely be struck by the
ojectile.
When the distance of the object is not known the fire-arm is operated for pointing
by maintaining the rule of fire in direction until the image of the object appears
on the screen; then the runner of the pointing alidade which indicates upon the
b the distance sought is fixed, and for firing the operation is continued as herein-
ore set forth.

page_text: The lens of the improved optic sight can be varied in size according to circum-
stances; the same is the case with its principal focal distance. Each sight may have
several different lenses to be substituted one for the other, thus enabling images of
various sizes to be obtained according to the conditions of the battle. The support
which receives the lens is arranged so as to permit this substitution to be easily and
rapidly carried out.
The lenses may receive colours designed to facilitate the pointing according to
the prevailing conditions of lighting.
For rectifying the images in certain cases the principal lens can be provided with
one or more other lenses, as in compound optical instruments. This rectification of
images can also be obtained by means of prisms, inclined glasses or other suitable
devices.
For looking directly to the outside through the aperture formed in the wall of
the shield which enclose the fire-arm and the pointer the support for the lens is
articulated in such a manner that it can be turned to the horizontal plane.
Moreover, for preventing the lens and its support being subjected to the violent
shock of the recoil of the cannon or the small-arm, springs performing the part of a
brake enable these pieces to yield to the action of their inertia at the moment of the
discharge in order to return afterwards exactly to their normal position. This
precaution is however not absolutely necessary.
In certain particular cases, for example in that of short-range firings with pro-
jectiles designed to be stered or dispersed, which do not require absolute precision
the lens can be rende ndependent of the sight and fixed to the wall of the shield
in a position corres}
ng to the point of attachment of the fire-arm upon the
said wall.
The screen can opti. nally be made either opaque or transparent according as the
pointing is to take place by looking in the direction of the object, or by looking in
the opposite direction towards the breech of the fire-arm. This latter mode is
mostly preferable as it relieves the pointer of the duties of loading the fire-arm and
rejecting the casings for the category of so-called quickfiring guns.
In case of need the image received upon the screen can be directed laterally by a
prism or mirror either above or below and perpendicularly to the line of sight. The
screen can be extended in every direction for receiving images even far removed
from the direct object at the greatest angles or be prolonged by fixed or movable
complementary auxiliary screens.
The point of fire marked upon the screen can be shown in any suitable manner
by axes either at the centre of geometrical figures or by a separate point.
The screen can moreover receive any complementary indicators which the firing
may necessitate such as devices for calculating velocities, depressions, and
the like.
For opaque screens the point of fire can be rendered more apparent, especially
for firings by night, by means of lighting effected from behind either by a small
dark lantern or by the globe of an electric incandescence lamp, or any other
suitable means.
The point of fire can also be determined by a metallic or other
material provided before the screen and rendered movable for certain corrections
either by hand or automatically. The support for the screen of a sight may
receive several screens to be substituted one for the other, and they may be either
plane, spherical, curved or otherwise. This support can move along the rule of fire
so as to be placed at the desired point according to the principal focal distance of
the lens.
For withdrawing the screen from the direct effects of the abrupt recoil of the fire-
arm upon which the sight is fixed, its support can be provided with brake springs
like the support for the lens. The rule of fire may consist of any metal or wood
and present a solid or hollow cross-section of any suitable form.
It receives guide-marks concerning the various positions of the screens for the
different lenses employed.
Like the rule of fire the pointing alidade may be made of metal or wood, hollow

page_text: or solid and present any suitable transverse section; the articulation whereby it is
connected with the rule of fire can be obtained in any appropriate manner and
varied according to the circumstances of each case for the convenience of the use
of the sight. This rule is connected either directly to the fire-arm or the carriage,
or other parts which participate in the movements for the pointing of the said
fire-arm.
Generally the graduated limb is made in the form of an arc of a circle the
centre of which coincides with that of the articulation of the pointing alidade
upon the rule of fire; but it may represent any other curve in cases where it is
expedient to render the guide-runner at the same time movable upon this
alidade in order to indicate directly and by the movement for the pointing, other
relations than that between the inclination of the fire-arm and the distance of the
object.
It is especially the limb which can be traced upon a left hand surface relatively
to the plane of the two rules for correcting the lateral deviations of the pointing
as a function of the range, by automatically imparting to the screen a progressive
lateral movement proportionally to the clevation of the fire-arm for longer or
shorter ranges. The spiral shaped cam, which automatically displaces the lens
relatively to the screen so as to properly focus thereon the image of the object for
any ranges can be connected with the slide for supporting this lens either by a small
rod acting in the two directions or by a roller determining the movement only in
one direction, with an antagonistic spring causing the return in the other direction,
or by any other appropriate device."
One alidade may have several cams adapted to be substituted one for the
other and corresponding to different charges of the fire-arm and to several
graduations of the limb."
In certain cases the aforesaid movement can be transmitted to the screen instead
of being imparted to the lens when for example the latter is fixed in the wall of
the shield behind which the arm to be pointed is placed.
This cam may moreover be dispensed with and the focusing effected at will by
the marksman by displacing either the screen or the lens by any suitable means.
My improved optic sight can be secured in various manners to the fire-arm for
which it is designed.
The connection may be rigid even when the recoil is to carry away the sight,
the effects of the inertia being corrected upon the different pieces either by their
construction or by their mode of attachment. This connection may be clastic for
the purpose of attenuating at once the effects of the recoil upon the whole sight
by means of any suitable spring or brake interposed between the fire-arm and the
instrument.
When the sight is fixed to parts of the carriage which do not recoil although
they participate in the movements for the pointing, these precautions are of course
useless, and it is only necessary to provide against the transmission of vibrations
sometimes very strong which are received by the carriage at the moment of the
discharge.
The optic sight can be adapted to any part of the arm either above, below or
laterally. Several sights can be provided upon the same fire-arm for the exigencies
of the battle, or a single sight may serve for pointing simultaneously two or more
coupled fire-arms.
For projecting torpedoes or projectiles in general no vertical pointing is needed
but only pointing in direction so that the pointing alidade is dispensed with,
together with the graduated limb and the cam for the movement of the lens. In
this case the apparatus can be completed by a combination of horizontal alidades
giving upon the screen the indication of a point of fire which varies with certain
conditions and automatically enables the marksman to throw his projectile towards
the object aimed at. The sight is in this instance fixed directly to the couloir
or to the supports for throwing the projectile and the lens can even be enchased
n the wall of the shield for the apparatus.

page_text: Of course the aperture provided in this wall for the passage of the line of sight
can be of any suitable form and dimensions so as to be adapted for the exigencies
in the use of the optic sight for facilitating the pointing of various fire-arms both
on land and sea.
One of the most important consequences of the employment of the optic sight is
the possibility of completely closing the shield of the artillery especially on board
vessels. Marine turrets containing cannon of large size can also by the application
of the optic sight be hermetically closed and sheeted and yet provide for greater
precision in the firing.
By the use of this invention the ports of the between deck-batteries can also
be closed, these ports being to the dimensions strictly necessary for the passage of
the chase of the pieces or obturated by articulated masks so as to retain for the
carriages the whole of the amplitude desired for pointing both in direction and
clevation.
The fire-arms already provided with masks for the protection of the marksmen
can also receive optical sights for facilitating the service of these fire-arms and
disengaging their breech so as to leave the access to it quite free for the
loading.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Sights for Cannon, Small Arms,
and the like.
I, ETIENNE MARQUIS DE FRAYSSEIX BONNIN, of 95, Boulevard Beaumarchais,
Paris in the Republic of France, 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:-
My invention relates to optic sights adapted to cannon, small-arms and other
devices for throwing projectiles, for the purpose of facilitating the pointing of the
the same.
The improved sight constructed according to the said invention may be
arranged either directly upon the cannon, small-arms or the like or upon the carriage
or supports participating in the movements for the pointing.
Independently of the embrasure or port, the shield or wall traversed by the
chase of the cannon or muzzle of the small arm is pierced opposite the optic
sight with a small aperture specially designed for the passage of the line
of sight.
In the accompanying drawing I have shown how my said invention may be
conveniently and advantageously carried into practice.
The optic sight comprises the following parts, that is to say :-
A convergent optical lens A. A screen B placed behind this lens for receiving
the image of the object. Upon this screen is marked a point P hereinafter termed
the point of fire.
A small straight rule C D, which I will term the rule of fire, supports the above-
mentioned lens A. and screen B by means of sockets or slides E and F. This rule
is constantly parallel with the optical axis O P of the lens passing through the point
of fire P on the screen B.
A second straight rule G H, termed the pointing alidade is articulated upon the
first rule and connects the optic sight with the fire-arm. This rule is always parallel
with the axis of the fire-arm, accordingly it forms with the rule of fire in the
vertical plane an equal angle which indicates the inclination of the fire-arm
necessitated by the range.
IK is a graduated "limb for indicating the angles of fire formed by the rule

page_text: of fire with the pointing alidade. It is provided with runners having verniers.
Stop screws enable the rules to be kept if necessary in invariable positions
corresponding to a given opening of angle.
A cam L having a spiral-shaped slot and connected with the pointing alidade
5 guides a pin or knob M attached to the aforesaid slide E supporting the lens for
varying the position of the latter upon the rule of fire which constitutes a function
of the angles of fire, and thus maintaining between the lens and the screen such a
distance that the image of the object shall be constantly clear, this result being
achieved automatically whatever may be the range.
() My optical sight can be employed in the following two manners.
1. When the distance of the object is known, the runner of the pointing alidade
having been fixed upon the graduated limb at the angle suitable for the range,
the pointing of the fire-arm is effected by ordinary means, the image of the object
being observed upon the screen and the fire-arm being operated so as to cause this
image to coincide with the point of fire; if the discharge takes place at the
moment when this condition is fulfilled the object will surely be struck by the
projectile.
2. When the distance of the object is not known the fire arm is operated for
pointing it by maintaining the rule of fire in direction until the image of the
object appears upon the screen; then the runner of the pointing alidade which
indicates upon the limb the distance sought is fixed, and for firing the operation
is continued as herein before set forth. The lens of the improved optic sight can
be varied in size according to circumstances; the same is the case with its
principal focal distance. Each sight may have several different lenses to be
substituted one for the other, thus enabling images of various sizes to be obtained
according to the conditions of the battle. The support which receives the
lens is arranged so as to permit this substitution to be easily and rapidly
carried out.
The lenses may receive colours designed to facilitate the pointing according to
the prevailing conditions of lighting.
For rectifying the images in certain cases the principal lens can be provided with
one or more other lenses, as in compound optical instruments. This rectification
of images can also be obtained by means of prisms, inclined glasses or other suitable
devices.
For looking directly to the outside through the aperture formed in the wall
of the shield which encloses the fire-arm and the pointer the support for the
lens is articulated in such a manner that it can be turned to the horizontal plane.
Moreover, for preventing the lens and its support being subjected to the violent
shock of the recoil of the cannon or the small-arm, springs performing the part of
a brake enable these pieces to yield to the action of their inertia at the moment of the
discharge in order to return afterwards exactly to their normal position. This
precaution is however not absolutely necessary.
In certain particular cases, for example in that of short-range firings with pro-
jectiles designed to be scattered or dispersed, which do not require absolute precision
the lens can be rendered independent of the sight and fixed to the wall of the shield
in a position corresponding to the point of attachment of the fire-arm upon the
said wall.
The screen may be made opaque or transparent as desired. In the latter case
he gunner stands with his face towards the breech looking in the direction of the
bject aimed at and seeing the said object upon the transparent screen, he will bring
he same into coincidence with the firing point by displacing this point more or less
o the right or left, according to the deviations to be corrected, which deviations
re due, as is well known to several causes, such as the fluting of the bore, the action
f the wind, and the range.
In the case of an opaque screen the pointer gunner stands with his back towards
he object aimed at in order to follow the displacement of the image of the object
hich he moves so as to coincide with the firing point which is itself displaced
;

page_text: laterally according to the deviations as in the preceding case. It will therefore be
understood that in his actual position the gunner is not in such a position that he
can operate, the breech for loading the fire-arm. This opaque screen is therefore
essentially suitable for quick-firing guns, because the gunner relieved of the
responsibility of operating the breech, has only to effect the pointing, the loading
of the fire arm and the withdrawing of the empty cartridge cases being left to
another attendant who is not disturbed by the pointer, because the latter is stationed
between the breech and the muzzle.
In case of need the image received upon the screen can be directed laterally by
a prism or mirror, either above or below and perpendicularly to the line of sight.
The screen
can be extended in every direction for receiving images even far
removed from the direct object at the greatest angles or be prolonged by fixed or
movable complementary auxiliary screens.
The point of fire marked upon the screen can be shown in any suitable
manner by axes either at the centre of geometrical figures or by a separate
point. The screen can moreover receive any complementary indications which the
firing may necessitate such as devices for calculating velocities, depressions, and
the like.
For opaque screens the point of fire can be rendered more apparent, especially
for firing by night by means of lighting effected from behind either by a small dark
lantern or by the globe of an electric incandescent lamp, or any other suitable
means. The point of fire can also be determined by a piece of metal or other
material provided before the screen and rendered movable for certain corrections
either by hand or automatically. The support for the screen of a sight may receive
several screens to be substituted one for the other, and they may be either plane
spherical curved or otherwise. This support can move along the rule of fire so as
to be placed at the desired point according to the principal, focal distance of
the lens.
For withdrawing the screen from the direct effects of the abrupt recoil of the
fire-arm upon which the sight is fixed, its support can be provided with brake
springs like the support for the lens.
The rule of fire may consist of any metal or wood, and present a solid or hollow
cross-section of any suitable form.
It receives guide-marks concerning the various positions of the screens for the
different lenses employed.
Like the rule of fire the pointing alidade may be made of metal or wood, hollow
or solid, and present any suitable transverse section; the articulation whereby it
is connected with the rule of fire can be obtained in any appropriate manner and
varied according to the circumstances of each case for the convenience of the use
of the sight. This rule is connected either directly to the fire-arm, or the carriage,
or other parts which participitate in the movements for the pointing of the said
fire-arm.
Generally the graduated limb is made in the form of an arc of a circle the
centre of which coincides with that of the articulation of the pointing alidade
upon the rule of fire; but it may represent any other curve in cases where
it is expedient to render the guide-runner at the same time movable upon
this alidade in order to indicate directly and by the movement for the pointing
other relations than that between the inclination of the fire-arm and the distance
of the object.
The gunner can cause the approach of the lens and screen according to the angle
of fire, so as to focus the image of the object aimed at upon the said screen but no
lateral displacement is thereby given to the screen. The spiral shaped-cam, which
automatically displaces the lens relatively to the screen so as to properly focus
thereon the image of the object for any ranges, can be connected with the slide for
supporting this lens either by a small rod acting in the two directions or by a roller
determining the movement, only in one direction with spring causing the return in
the other direction or by any other appropriate device,

page_text: One alidade may have several cams adapted to be substituted one for the other
and corresponding to different charges of the fire-arm and to several graduations of
the limb.
In certain cases the aforesaid movement can be transmitted to the screen instead
of being imparted to the lens when for example the latter is fixed in the wall of the
shield behind which the arm to be pointed is placed.
This cam may moreover be dispensed with and the focusing effected at will
by the marksman by displacing either the screen or the lens by any suitable
means. My improved optic sight can be secured in various ways to the fire-arm
for which it is designed.
The connection may be rigid even when the recoil is to carry away the sight,
the effects of the inertia being corrected upon the different pieces either by their
construction or by their mode of attachment. This connection may be clastic
for the purpose of lessening effects of the recoil upon the whole sight by
means of any suitable spring or brake interposed between the fire-arm and the
instrument.
When the sight is fixed to parts of the carriage which do not recoil although
they participate in the movements for the pointing, these precautions are of
course useless, and it is only necessary to provide against the transmission of
vibrations sometimes very strong which are received by the carriage at the moment
of the discharge.
The optic sight can be adapted to any part of the arm either above, below or
laterally. Several sights can be provided upon the same fire-arm for the exigencies
of the battle, or a single sight may serve for pointing simultaneously two or more
coupled fire-arms.
For projecting torpedoes or projectiles in general no vertical pointing is needed
but only pointing in direction so that the pointing alidade is dispensed with, together
with the graduated limb and the cam for the movement of the lens. In this case
the apparatus can be completed by a combination of horizontal alidades giving
upon the screen the indication of a point of fire which varies with certain
conditions and automatically enables the marksman to throw his projectile towards
the object aimed at. The sight is in this instance fixed directly to the supports for
throwing the projectile and the lens can even be arranged in the wall of the shield
for the apparatus.
Of course the aperture provided in this wall for the passage of the line of sight
can be of any suitable form and dimensions so as to be adapted for the exigencies in
the use of the optic sight for facilitating the pointing of various fire-arms both on
land and sea.
One of the most important consequences of the employment of the optic sight is
the possibility of completely closing the shield of the artillery especially on board
vessels. Marine turrets containing cannon of large size can also by the application
of the optic sight be hermetically closed and sheeted and yet provide for greater
precision in the firing.
By the use of this invention the ports of the between deck-batteries can also
be closed, these ports being reduced to the dimensions strictly necessary for the
passage of the chase of the pieces or obturated by articulated masks so as to
retain for the carriages the whole of the amplitude desired for pointing both in
direction and elevation.
The fire-arms already provided with masks for the protection of the marksmen
can also receive optical sights for facilitating the service of these fire-arms
and disengaging their breech so as to leave the access to it quite free for the
loading.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is:-

page_text: behind for receiving the image of the object and marked with a point termed the
point of fire.
Second. The combination of the lens A and screen B with a small straight
rule CD, termed the rule of fire, supporting the lens and screen by means of sockets
or slides, this rule being constantly parallel with the optical axis of the lens passing
through the point of fire on the screen.
Third. The combination of the lens A, screen B, and rule of fire C D, with a
second straight rule G, H termed the pointing alidade, articulated upon the first
rule and connecting the optic sight with the fire-arm, with the axis of which it is
constantly parallel.
Fourth. The combination of the lens A, screen B, rule of fire C D, pointing
alidade G H with a graduated limb 1 K provided with runners having verniers and
pressing screws, indicating the angles of fire formed by the rule of fire and the
pointing alidade.
Fifth. The combination of the convergent lens A screen B marked with the point
of fire, rule of fire CD pointing alidade G, H, and graduated limb I K with a
cam L having a spiral slot connected with the pointing alidade and guiding a
knob M attached to the socket or slide supporting the lens; all for the purpose
hereinbefore set forth.
Dated thi. 1141
Aunt 1001
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.