GODD, AND MIDDLETON
Year: 1852

page_text: CHURCH, GODDARD, AND MIDDLETON'S
SPECIFICATION.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS. SHALL COME, we,
WILLIAM CHURCH, Civil Engineer, and SAMUEL ASPINWALL GODDARD,
Merchant and Manufacturer, and EDWARD MIDDLETON, Manufacturer,"
all of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria,
by Her Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain,
bearing date at Westminster, the Twenty-fourth day of April, in the
fifteenth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors,
give and grant unto us, the said William Church, Samuel Aspinwall
Goddard, and Edward Middleton, Her especial license, full power, sole
privilege and authority, that we, the said William Church, Samuel
Aspinwall Goddard, and Edward Middleton, our exors, admors, and
assigns, and such others as we, the said William Church, Samuel
Aspinwall Goddard, and Edward Middleton, our exors, admors, or
assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to
time and at all times during the term of years therein mentioned, should
and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within England,

page_text: Wales, the Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, and in all Her Majesty's
Colonies and Plantations abroad, and in the Islands of Jersey, Guernsey,
Alderney, Sark, and Man, an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE-
ARMS AND ORDNANCE, AND IN PROJECTILES TO BE USED WITH SUCH OR THE
LIKE WEAPONS; AND ALSO IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS
FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF PART OR PARTS OF SUCH FIRE-ARMS, ORD-
NANCE, AND PROJECTILES," being partly a communication from abroad; in
which said Letters Patent is contained a proviso, obliging us, the said
William Church, Samuel Aspinwall Goddard, and Edward Middleton,
by an instrument in writing under our hands and seals, or under the
hand and seal of one of us, particularly to describe and ascertain the
nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, and to cause the same to be inrolled in Her Majesty's High
Court of Chancery within six calendar months next and immediately
after the date of the said in part recited Letters Patent, as in and by
the same, reference being thereunto had, will more fully and at large
appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, we,
the said William Church, Samuel Aspinwall Goddard, and Edward
. Middleton, do, hereby declare that the nature of the said Invention,
and the manner in which the same is to be performed, is particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following description thereof,
reference being had to the Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the
letters and figures marked thereon (that is to say):
г
Our Invention of improvements in fire-arms and ordnance, and in
projectiles to be used with such or the like weapons, and also improve-
ments in machinery or apparatus for the manufacture of part or parts
of such fire-arms, ordnance, and projectiles, relates, first, to an improved
arrangement of parts for working or moving the breech of moveable
breech fire-arms, and for retaining the breech firmly in its place when
the discharge takes place. . . :
According to our improvements the moveable breach is adapted and
arranged in such a manner as to be moved. in a vertical direction on
pins, studs, or centres, by means of a lever connected thereto by a link,
so that that end of the moveable breeck piece. which comes in contact

page_text: with the end of the barrel may be elevated in order to allow of the
insertion of a charge of ball cartridge. In order to facilitate the
working of these parts, and: also to secure the moveable breech piece
firmly against the. fixed end of the barrel, a wedge is inserted in a slot
immediately behind the moveable breech piece, and is connected by,
means of a link to the lever which works the moveable breech piece.
The operation of the various parts is so contrived that upon: pulling
back the lever to elevate the moveable breech piece for the purpose of
inserting a fresh charge, the wedge is first started and drawn down a'
trifle in order to relieve the moveable breech piece from the pressure
which is necessary to keep it jammed tight up against the end of the
fixed barrel. The moveable breech piece can then be turned on its
centres with ease; and a fresh charge having been placed therein the
lever which works it is pushed back again into its original position, and
the moveable breech piece having been thereby. drawn down into a line.
with the fixed part of the barrel the tightening wedge is driven up the
slot, and jams the end of the moveable breech piece tight up against the
end of the barrel. In order to prevent the arm from being discharged
until all the. parts are in their proper position, a stop lever is provided,
which will prevent the hammer from descending until the lever which
works the moveable breech is brought forward into the position it ought
to occupy when the arm is ready for being discharged.
Having now. briefly explained the nature of this part of our improve-
ments, we will now proceed to describe more in detail the arrangement
of parts shewn in the accompanying Drawings for carrying the improve-
ments into effect:--Figure 1, is a side elevation of the stock end of a
gun or rifle, shewing so much of the fixed part of the barrel as is
necessary to enable our improvements to be more clearly understood.
Figure 2, is a longitudinal vertical section of the same, shewing the
moveable breech end elevated ready to receive a charge or ball cartridge.
Figure 3, is a horizontal section, or sectional plan view; and Figure 4,
is a transverse vertical section taken through the hinder end of the
moveable breech piece, and in the line 1, 2,. of Figures 2, and 3. A, is
the moveable breech piece, and B; the fixed part of the barrel, which is
secured in. any convenient and suitable manner to the gun-stock C.

page_text: The moveable breech piece B, turns upon pins a, a, fixed in the knee
piece or socket E, which is capable of moving slightly forward in slots
or guides made in the sides G, G, of the frame F, which is secured by
screws, bolts, or otherwise to the stock C, of the gun. At the back of
the knee piece or socket E, there is a slot or opening, in which works
a wedge H, the lower end of which is connected to a lever I, by means
of a link J. At the rear end of the moveable breech piece A, is an ear
provided with a pin c, which enters a slot made in the upper end of the
link K, whereby the moveable breech piece is connected to the lever I.
A spring b, is fixed on the under side of the moveable breech piece,
and bears against a stud or pin d, in the link K. The operation of the
several parts is as follows:-Upon pulling back the lever I, by means
of the finger plate or holder D, from the position shewn by dots in
Figure 2, the link J draws down the wedge H slightly, without at
first moving the piece E from its place, as, in consequence of the pin
c working in a slot in the link K, the latter is allowed to descend a
little way without acting upon the moveable breech piece, but upon
continuing the backward motion of the lever I, the link K will draw
down the pin c, and thereby elevate the moveable breech piece into
the position shewn in Figure 2. The piece E, being relieved from the
pressure of the wedge H, is free to move back a trifle and carry with it
the moveable breech piece A, so as to allow the latter to be raised with
facility from contact with the fixed end of the barrel. The breech
piece A, may then be charged with a cartridge, and then replaced in
its original position by pushing forward the handle D into the position
shewn in Figure 1, and by dots in Figure 2. In so doing the moveable
breech piece is first brought into its seat by the link K, then by the
link J, continuing to ascend, the wedge H is forcibly pushed up between
the piece E, and the back of the frame F, and the fore end of the
moveable breech piece is welded tight up against the end of the barrel.
In order to prevent the arm from being discharged while the moveable
breech is in an elevated position, a stop piece or lever L is placed in
such a manner as to prevent the hammer of the lock from descending
on the nipple, but when the link J is raised by pushing forward the
lever I, a pin or stud e, on the wedge H, will come against the under side

page_text: of the stop piece or lever L, and will push it up out of the way of the
hammer or the levers which actuate the same. As the mechanism of
which the lock is composed is of the ordinary kind, and forms no part
of our improvements, nor is in any way connected therewith, we have
not thought it necessary to give any description thereof, nor complicate
the Drawing by adding it thereto, as any ordinary gunsmith can adapt
a lock to our improvements.
Our second improvement consists in lining ordinary muskets or guns
of large bore with a grooved or rifled tube or barrel, whereby the said
muskets or guns are made more serviceable as a fire-arm than hereto-
fore. In carrying out this improvement we take a tube or barrel of
suitable length and thickness, and made to fit the bore of the musket or
gun with tolerable accuracy; and after grooving or rifling the inside of
such tube or barrel either by means of the machine hereafter described,
or by hand, or in any other suitable manner, the grooved or rifled tube
or barrel so prepared must be inserted in the barrel of the musket or
gun, and secured therein either by soldering or in any other convenient
manner. The muskets or guns thus improved may then be supplied
with rifle charges, and will be found much more serviceable than the
ordinary musket with a plain bore.
The third part of our Invention relates to an improved mode of con-
structing cannon or ordnance, whereby the piece may be loaded at the
breech instead of at the muzzle, as usual. The bore of the cannon is
continued through the piece from end to end, the bore being made some-
what greater or slightly enlarged in diameter at the breech end, to allow
of the ready insertion of the charge. Near the breech end of the cannon
a vertical or horizontal slot is made through the piece, and two wedge-
shaped filling pieces (pierced so as to correspond with the bore of the
cannon) are fitted in the slot; these wedge-shaped filling pieces are
connected together loosely to allow of their having a slight independent
motion, so that when tho breech is to be opened one wedge may be drawn
back a little before the other wedge begins to move, and in replacing
the wedges one may be pushed home before the other, which is after-
wards jammed up tight so as to close the breech. One of these wedges
is connected by a link to a weighted lever; whereby they are worked,

page_text: and by merely raising or depressing this lever the wedges may be drawn
down for the purpose of admitting a charge, and then they may be
afterwards driven home and jammed up tight so as to close the breech
in order to allow of the charge being fired.
In the accompanying Drawings we have shewn one way of carry-
ing this part of our improvements into effect. In the Figures the
slot through the cannon is made in a vertical direction, but it may
also be made horizontally; we, however, prefer the plan shewn in the
Drawings, although we do not intend to confine ourselves thereto.
Figure 5, Sheet II., represents a longitudinal vertical section taken
through a cannon constructed according to our improvements, and
charged ready for firing. Figure 6, is a similar view of a cannon,
shewing a clear passage through, with the sponging rod inserted for
cleaning out the cannon previous to introducing a fresh charge.
Figure 7, is an end elevation of the same at the breech end. Figure 8,
is a top or bird's eye view of the cannon, with the several parts in the
position shewn in Figure 6; and Figure 9, is a side elevation of a
cannon, with the parts in the position they would occupy when the
cannon is charged ready for firing, as shewn in Figure 5. The body of
the cannon is shewn at a, a. It will be seen in Figures 5, and 6, that
the bore 6 extends clear through from end to end, and a vertical slot c
is made through the breech of the cannon, and is fitted with the two
wedges d and e, which are shewn detached at Figure 10. A hole
corresponding exactly in size to the bore of the cannon is made through
these wedges, so that when they are brought down into the position
shewn at Figure 6, they may, as it were, form a part of the bore of the
cannon, and by being brought into a position coincident with the bore
may admit of the charge being passed through the breech and thence
into the body of the gun.
The lower end of the wedge d is connected
by means of a slotted link to an end of a lever g. This lever is fixed
on the horizontal shaft h, turning in bearings at the lower end of the
lugs i, i, which lugs are cast into the body of the cannon. A weighted
hand lever j is fixed on one end of the shaft h, for the purpose of
working the wedge pieces d; and e. The wedge piece d is provided
with a pink, which passes into an elongated hole made in the wedge

page_text: piece e, as seen in Figures 5, and 6. At the lower end of the wedge
piece e, a pin is fixed, and is surrounded by a coiled spring which
bears against a ledge piece projecting from the lower end of the
wedge.d.
The operation of the several parts is as follows:-In order to load
the cannon the wedge pieces d and e must be drawn out into the
position shewn in Fig. 6, by raising the weighted hand lever j. A
clear passage through from end to end of the cannon is thus obtained,
and the ball and cartridge having been placed in the after part or
breech of the gun is pushed forward through the holes in the wedge
pieces d, and e, to the position shewn in Figure 5. This is effected by
means of a rammer or rod of exactly the proper length to push the end
of the cartridge clear of the wedges; the hand lever j is then lowered,
and the wedges are raised into the position shewn in Figure 5, and then
are jammed fast so as to form as nearly as possible in air-tight joint. I
would here observe, that in order to cause the wedges to work as easily
as possible they are so arranged that the wedge d may be first slightly
moved so as to relieve the other one from pressure, after which both
wedges can be asily withdrawn. In order to allow of this independent
motion of the wedge d, the hole in the wedge e, and in which the pin k
of the wedged is inserted, is made larger or longer than the pin k, so
as to admit of its moving slightly without drawing the other wedge with
it. Again, in raising the wedges the coiled spring round the pin 7 will
push the wedge e into its proper place, in which it will be firmly held
and jammed up tight by the other wedge. In order to prevent any dirt
or extraneous matters from getting into the slot c, in which the wedges
work, the slot is provided at its upper end with a cover or plate m,
which is hinged to the cannon, as shewn in the Drawing. In order to
prevent the explosion of the charge from injuring the parts which form
the joint in the slot, we affix or attach to the end of the cartridge a
disc of wood u, of considerable thickness, and accurately turned, so as
to fit the bore of the cannon with tolerable precision. This piece of.
wood is shewn on an enlarged scale at Figures 11, and 12.
A great advantage arising from this construction of cannon arises
from the facility which exists of forcing.out the smoke and hot air from

page_text: the piece after every discharge by means of the sponging rod, a
rammer n, Figure 6, which may be passed clear through the cannon
from end to end; by this means the cannon is kept much cleaner
and cooler than it is possible to keep cannons of the ordinary con-
struction.
.
The fourth part of our Invention relates to projectiles of various
kinds, and consists principally in adapting to bullets, cannon shot, or
shells, or rockets, wings or vanes whereby a rotary motion may be
communicated to the projectile and maintained during its flight;
secondly, in reference to shells or hollow shot containing explosive com-
pounds, our improvements relate to a means of igniting the explosive
compound at the moment that the shell strikes. Figure 13, in
Sheet III. of the accompanying Drawings, represents a longitudinal
vertical section of a hollow shot or shell, with a charge of powder
formed into a cartridge for propelling the projectile from the gun.
Figure 14, is an outside elevation of the shell detached from the
cartridge. Figure 15, is a view of the front end of the shell, shewing
the wings or vanes a, a, which are attached to or cast on the front end
of the shell or shot for the purpose of causing or maintaining the
rotation of the projectile during its flight. Figure 16, is a view of
the rear or back end of the same; and Figure 17, is a transverse
sectional view taken in the line 1, 2, of Figures 14, and 18. The shell
or shot is of an oblong or ovular shape, the rear end being made
hemi-spherical, and the forward end somewhat pointed, as shewn in
the Drawings. In addition to the wings or vanes a, a, at the front
end of the shell, the rear end is provided with oblique flutings, as
shewn in Figures 14, 16, and 17, for the purpose communicating a
rotary motion to the shell immediately at starting. The chamber
which encloses the powder or explosive composition is shewn at b, b,
and is filled with the explosive composition through a hole made
at the rear end, and closed by a screw plug c, into which is
screwed a pin. d, on the upper end of which is placed a percussion
cape, or some other detonating preparation, which will explode upon
being struck with a hammer or other hard instrument. Through the
axis of the shell passes a rod g, the outer end of which carries a

page_text: plate or button f, that lies in a countersunk hollow or recess made
in the fore end of the shell. The inner end of this rod nearly reaches
to the percussion cap e, and the recess in the shell at the outer end
of the rod is so formed as to admit of the button or plate f being
driven further in, so as to cause the inner end of the rod g to strike
the percussion cap and ignite the explosive composition in the
chamber b, when the fore end of the shell strikes any object.
The spherical or fluted end of the shell is enclosed in an outer
covering or cap h, of zinc or other other metal; this cap is somewhat
larger than the end of the shell, and therefore a space is left between
them, as shewn in Figure 13. Immediately, therefore, that the powder
in the cartridge is ignited for the purpose of discharging the projectile
from the gun, the metal cap h will be forced against the fluted end
of the shot, and made to assume the peculiar form thereof, as shewn
in the sectional view, Figure 18. The metal cap h will also expand
at the edges and tightly fit the bore of the gun immediately it receives
impulse from the explosion of the charge. Figure 19, is a sectional
view of a modification of the shell above described. In this instance
both ends of the shell are made pointed, and the wings or vanes at the
fore end are dispensed with. A shoulder i, i, is made near the rear
end of the shell, and is fitted with a ring or collar j, j, of copper, zinc,
lead, or other soft or malleable metal; the hinder edge of this ring is
chamferred, as shewn in the Drawing; and immediately behind it is
placed another ring or cap k, of iron, the forward edge of which
is chamferred to correspond to the edge of the ring j; and upon force
being applied to the rear end of the shell the chamferred edge of the
iron ring or cap k will expand the soft metal ring or collar j, and
cause it to fit accurately the bore of the gun.
The other parts
of the projectile are similar in construction and operation to the
shell just described, and therefore need no further explanation, as
similar letters of reference are placed on corresponding parts in all
the Figures. We would here remark, that solid or hollow shot intended
to be employed as ordinary cannon balls may be constructed externally,
as shewn in Figures 14, 15, and 16, with vanes or wings at one end,
and flutings at the other, and will be found to travel more accurately

page_text: and to a greater distance than ordinary spherical cannon balls. Figures
20, represent an elevation and vertical section of an improved musket
or rifle bullet, the fore end of which is provided with wings or vanes to
communicate rotary motion to the bullet in its flight. There is a recess
made in the hinder end of the bullet, and a flanged iron cup and a
washer made of copper or some other metal are fitted thereto, so that
when the bullet is discharged from the gun the cup may be forced into
the recess behind, and thereby made to expand the washer and also the
soft metal of the bullet, so as to cause them to fit the barrel of the gun.
The flange of the cup, by driving forward the copper washer, will also
serve to drive all the lead of the bullet out of the gun, and prevent it
from separating during its passage along the barrel. This plan of
expanding the bullet, and preventing it from separating as it passes
along the barrel, may also be applied to the ordinary plain oblong bullets
used with the Minié rifle. To do this it is only necessary to employ a
flanged cup with a copper washer between it and the bullet, instead
of the ordinary cup, as is now usually employed. We also propose to
adapt to the forward end of rockets, wings or vanes, for the purpose
of communicating a rotary motion on their axis to projectiles of this
description. These rings or vanes should be made to extend laterally
beyond the circumference of the projectile, so that they may fit into
rifle grooves made in the rocket tube from which the projectile is
discharged.
The fifth part of our Invention relates to a novel construction or
arrangement of machinery to be employed for rifling gun barrels,
In order to rifle a gun
cannon, and tubes for the discharge of rockets.
barrel or tube the barrel or tube must be held firmly by clamps, and a
rod, furnished with a chisel or chisels, or cutting tools, is made to enter
therein, and by a series of downward motions to cut the required grooves
in the barrel. The rod which carries the cutting tools is attached to
another rod or cylinder, in which are made spiral grooves, or grooves
corresponding in angle to the groove to be made in the barrel. A fixed
pin or pins enter the groove or grooves of this rod or cylinder, and as
the latter is moved up or down an axial motion is communicated to
the rods and cutters. Although the grooves may be cut in rifle barrels

page_text: by means of one cutter only adapted to the end of a rod, which is moved
up and down by any convenient mechanism, we sometimes use two or
more cutters working simultaneously; and in the accompanying Drawings
we have shewn a method of rifling barrels by means of four cutters; we
do not, however, mean to confine ourselves thereto, but we prefer to use
the same number of cutters as the number of grooves it is intended to
make in the barrel. Figure 21, Sheet IV., represents a front elevation
of the improved machine for rifling or cutting grooves in the interior of
the barrels of guns, pistols, rocket tubes, and other fire-arms. Figure 22,
is a plan view of the same; and Figure 23, is a vertical section taken
in the line 1, 2, of Figure 21; the other Figures of the Drawing
represent detached views of parts of the same machine, drawn upon an
enlarged scale, in order to show more clearly the construction and
operation of the several parts. A, indicates the main framing of the
machine, which is firmly fixed in an upright position to the wall or
otherwise. B, is a toothed wheel mounted on a stud C, projecting from
the main framing A. D, is the driving pulley, mounted on a short
shaft E, on which also is fixed a pinion F, that gears into and drives
the wheel B. G, is a lever having its fulcrum at H. On the inner
side of this lever is formed a long groove I, and in this groove works a
stud from the wheel B, and as the latter revolves the stud causes the
left-hand end of the lever to move up and down, and thereby works the
cutters, which are connected by a link to the outer end of the lever, as
will be seen presently more fully described. On the inner face of the
wheel B is fixed a ring J, (see Figure 22,) having a recess or indenta-
tion made in it. K, is a paule or stop lever connected by means of a
rod or arm L, to an axle or shaft M, below. This axle or shaft also
carries another arm N, the forked end of which embraces the driving
band, so as to shift it in the usual way from the fast to the loose pulley,
and vice versa. When it is required to set the machine in motion,
the attendant, by means of a lever O, turns the axle M, which has
the effect of simultaneously raising the stop lever and also throwing the
belt on to the driving pulley; the wheel B will then turn in the
direction of the arrow until it has made one revolution, when it may
be stopped by the stop lever K falling into the recess of the ring J.
:
.

page_text: This lever K, in falling will, by the agency of the rod, armis, and
axle L, M, and N, unship the driving band; hence it will be seen
that so long as the stop lever is elevated the wheel B will continue
to revolve. The rod to which the cutters are attached is shewn
at P, and the lower end thereof is shewn detached at Figures 30,
and 31. Q, is a brass sliding rod or cylinder, having grooves made in
its surface, of the spiral form or twist of those required to be cut in the
barrel (see Figure 23, and the enlarged view, Figure 24). This rod
Q has a kind of swivel connection at its upper end, best shewn in
Figures 24 and 25, by which it is attached to the link or connecting
rod of the lever G. The lower end of this brass rod Q is connected
to the cutter rod P; the construction of these two, videlicit, the upper
and lower connections of the rod Q, are clearly represented in the two
sectional views, Figures 25 and 26.. R, is a ratchet or notched wheel,
the boss of which is accurately fitted and turns at intervals in the pro-
jecting arm A' of the frame A, (see Figures 21, 23, 24, 27, and 28).
Through this ratchet the rod Q slides, and as the latter moves up
and down vertically it is caused to turn horizontally by two stationary
V pieces S, S, that take into grooves made in the cylinder (see Figures
27 and 29), and thereby give to the cutters as they are forced down
the barrel the proper direction for rifling or cutting the interior grooves.
In order to keep the V pieces S, S, constantly in the grooves of the
cylinder a spring S' is made to press on the projecting shanks of the
V pieces. There are two stationary guide bars T, T, which, by means
of the cross head U at the upper end of the rod Q, serve to maintain it
when working in a perpendicular position. At Figures 30, 31, and 32,
is shewu full size a portion of the lower end of the cutter rod P, with
the cutters attached thereto; Figure 30, being an external view;
Figure 31, a vertical section; and Figure 32, a transverse section,
taken in the line 3, 4, of Figure 31. a, a, a, a, indicate the cutters,
which have chisel-cutting edges, and in this case are four in number;
but a greater or less number may be employed if thought desirable;
they are accurately fitted, and let into recesses made in the cutter rod
or stock, but their lower or cutting edges are allowed to project a little
beyond the surface of the stock. Their inner sides are made to bear

page_text: against a square wedge piece b, (shewn detached at Figure 33). After
every cut the wedge piece is forced upwards by the screw c, to which
it is attached, thereby causing the chisels or cutters to expand out-
wards, so as to take a deeper cut when again forced down the barrel.
The wedge b, and screw c, are connected together by means of a long
pin d, on which the screw c freely turns.
It should be here observed,
that when the cutters or chisels are drawn clear of the barrel after
performing one cut, as shewn in Figure 21, the head of the screw c is
immediately embraced by a pair of spring clasps e, the teeth of which
take into the angular notches of the said screw, as shewn in the detached
plan view, Figure 34. The rods P and Q are then made to turn
round one quarter of a revolution, thereby causing the screw c to raise
the wedge b, and thus force out or expand the cutting edges of the
cutters or chisels.
The operation of the machine is as follows:-The gun barrel or tube
V to be rifled is placed in the machine, as shewn at Figures 21, 22,
and 23, and is firmly held therein by the jointed clamps W, X, of the
framing A. One of these clamps is shewn detached and in plan at
Figure 35. The attendant then, by means of the lever O, raises the
stop lever K, as before described, and throws on the driving band, when
the wheel B will begin to revolve, and cause the lever G to force down
the rods P and Q; and the cutters or chisels at the lower end of the
rod P, having by this means been driven through the barrel to the
position shewn by dots below in Figure 21, are exposed to the action of
several jets of soap suds or other lubricating material from the rose or
perforated pipe f; the cutters or chisels are thereby lubricated and
cleansed of any extraneous matter that might remain on their surface.
The rods P and Q, with the cutters or chisels, are then drawn up
through the barrel into the position shewn at Figure 21, and again
washed and lubricated by a jet from the pipe g above, which also pours
a continual stream into the barrel during the operation of cutting. A
stud h, projecting from the wheel B, now strikes the upper end of the
bent lever i, which, by the agency of the rod j, and lever k, below, raises
a wedge piece 1, (see Figure 36,) from between the jaws of the clasp e,
thereby allowing them to close upon the feeding screw c. Another stud

page_text: h' (also projecting from the wheel B) then depresses the lever m, which,
by means of the said rod j, and lever k, actuates the ratchet R, (see
Figures 24, and 28,) and causes it to turn the rods P, and Q, one
fourth of a revolution; and the screw c, being yet held by the clasps c,
will by the turning of the rods rise and expand the cutters or chisels,
when the screw c will be immediately released by the descent of the
wedge on the rod 7, which opens the jaws of the clasp, and the cutters
or chisels being then released will be again forced down the barrel as
before. It should be understood that as the rod P makes one quarter
of a revolution at every cut, the same cutter or chisel never cuts down
the same groove twice in succession, but by the rotation of the rod P
before the commencement of every stroke each cutter or chisel passes
down a different groove of the barrel, and thus ensures an equality in
the size and depth of the groove. The lubricating material is placed
in a vessel above, and passes down the pipe Y with great velocity, and
plays upon the cutters or chisels through the jets f, with considerable
force. The pipe Y is furnished with a cock Z, which is connected by
the rod n to a forked lever o. This lever at every downward stroke,
when the cutters or chisels are near their lowest position, is struck by
a stud p on the lever G, and is thereby made to open the cock Z, when
strong streams of liquid material will play upon the sides and bottoms
of the cutters or chisels from the jets f, f, f, f, f, as before mentioned,
and on the lever G rising the forked lever is again raised and the cock
turned off. A plan of the vessel and horizontal jet is shewn at Figure
37.
Instead of employing jets to play upon the cutters or chisels, as
shewn, the lower end of the barrel might be immersed in a vessel of
liquid material, and the cutter rod or stock being supplied with packing
at x, would when raised act as a pump, thereby drawing the liquid after
it into the barrel.
The last part of our Invention relates to an improved construction or
arrangement of machinery for polishing, leading, or draw-boring the
barrels of guns, rifles, pistols, or other arms, and consists principally of
a frame, at one end of which a crank, excentric, or other equivalent
contrivance is placed, and is connected by means of a link or connecting
rod to a rod or bar which works in a guide or guides, and carries at one

page_text: ond a piece of lead, tin, or other soft metal, which by being worked up
and down the barrel will, with the assistance of a little emery and some
suitable lubricating material, polish the inner surface thereof. In order,
however, that all parts of the barrel should be properly acted upon, an
axial motion is communicated to the polishing rod, so that it may never
twice in succession go up and down in the same position. Figure 38,
Sheet V., represents a front elevation of the machine, and Figure 39, a
detached sectional view, shewing the manner of guiding the polishing
rod or bar. a, a, a, 'a, is the framing of the machine, and b, b, a fly
wheel, on the axle of which is bolted an arm c, in which a number of
holes are made for the purpose of receiving the pin of a connecting rod
d, the lower end of which is jointed to the cross head e, which works in
vertical guides f, f, as seen best in Figure 39. The polishing bar or
rod g is connected to the cross head e, in such a manner as to admit of
its turning round horizontally on its axis when required.
This rod g
passes through a bass h, which is mounted on a cross bar of the framing
and carries a worm wheel i, through the boss of which the polishing rod
also passes. The barrel to be polished, leaded, or otherwise operated
upon is seen at j, j, and is firmly held while under operation by means
of clamps or otherwise, and the lower end of the barrel dips into a vessel
k, in which is a mixture of emery and some lubricating material. Upon
communicating motion to the fly wheel the polishing rod g will be moved
up and down the barrel, and as it will suck up the grit and lubricating
material in the vessel k, it will polish the inside of the barrel. In order,
however, that this operation may be properly performed, an axial
motion is communicated to the polishing rod by means of the worn
wheel i, in the boss of which there is a pin stud or feather, which enters
a groove made in the polishing rod and thereby regulates its position.
A screw 1, gears into the teeth of the worn wheel i, and this screw is
driven slowly by means of a band passing from a pulley on the axle of
the fly wheel to another pulley on the axle of the screw 7, so that the
polishing rod is by this means always kept slowly rotating on its axis.
If preferred, a periodical motion, instead of a continuous motion, may
be given to the polishing rod by employing a somewhat similar
arrangement of parts as that shewn in the rifling machine for rotating

page_text: the cutting stock. It only now remains to remark that the holes in
the arm c of the fly wheel are made for the purpose of altering the
length of stroke of the polishing rod, according to the length of the
barrel to be operated upon.
Having now described our several improvements, and the best means
with which we are at present acquainted for carrying the same into
effect, we would observe, in conclusion, that we do not mean or intend
to confine ourselves rigidly to the precise arrangement or construc-
tion of parts herein shewn and described, as they may doubtless be
varied without departing from the nature and object of our improve-
ments; we would further remark that although, in order that our
several improvements may be fully understood, we have found it neces-
sary to shew and describe certain parts that have been heretofore used
for similar purposes, we do not intend to claim any such parts. But
that which we consider to be new in the above described improvements,
and therefore wish to claim as the Invention secured to us by the
herein-before in part recited Letters Patent, is,-
First, the arrangement or construction of parts above described, and
shewn in Sheet I. of the accompanying Drawings, whereby the move-
able breech piece A may be elevated for the purpose of loading the arm
and afterwards lowered into its place. We claim particularly the use
of the wedge H, and moveable knee piece E, for forcing together the
two parts A, & B, of the barrel, and holding them firmly together while
the arm is being discharged.
Second, we claim lining musket, gun, or piston barrels, having a
large and smooth or plain bore, with a rifled or grooved tube or barrel,
for the purpose of converting them into rifled arms.
Third, in reference to cannon to be loaded at the breech or from the
hinder end, we claim the use of a clear passage, extending from end to
end of the cannon, in combination with a vertical, horizontal, or other
slot made across the bore or passage, and in which slot are fitted filling
pieces with inclined surfaces, whereby the passage through the cannon
may be opened or closed when required. We also claim the arrange-
ment shewn, or any mere modification thereof, whereby the filling pieces
may be worked, particularly the method of connecting them together so

page_text: that one piece may be started in order to relieve the other from pressure
before both are withdrawn, or vice versa..
Fourth, we claim the application, to either solid or hollow projectiles,
of wings or vanes, either alone or in combination with oblique flutings
at the hinder end, for producing or maintaining a rotatory motion to
projectiles, as before described. We also claim the means described and
shewn for causing the explosion of shells or loaded projectiles when they
come in contact with solid bodies. We likewise claim the means shewn
and described of destroying or lessening windage in cannon or other
fire-arms, by the employment of caps, cups, rings, or collars, in com-
bination with flanges or washers, which, by acting on certain soft metal
parts of the projectile immediately that the expansive force of the charge
acts on the hinder end of the projectile, will expand such soft metal
parts, and cause them to fit the barrel or bore of the cannon or other
arms.
Fifth, in reference to machinery or apparatus for rifling or cutting
the internal grooves of rifles, gun or pistol barrels, rocket tubes, and
other fire-arms, we claim the general arrangement of parts above
described and shewn in Sheet IV. of the Drawings, or any mere modi-
fication thereof, in which a chisel or chisels, or cutting tools with chisel
edges, are attached to a rod or stock, and made to move up and down the
inside of the barrel, and thereby cut the grooves in the barrel by mecha-
nical means. We also claim the use of two or more cutters, capable of
being simultaneously expanded in a lateral direction at every stroke if
required. And we further claim, particularly, the means above shewn
and described, whereby one or more cutters or chisels may be expanded
laterally. And we further claim mounting the rod or stock (to which
such chisels or cutters are attached or adapted) in such a manner that
the said rod or stock may be rotated or turned on its axis at every
successive stroke, if required, so that neither of the chisels or cutters
may be allowed to pass down the same groove twice in succession.
Lastly, we claim the machine above described and shewn in Sheet V.,
for polishing, leading, or draw-boring gun, pistol, or rifle barrels, or
other fire-arms, or any mere modification thereof, in which the polish-
ing bar or rod is connected to a crank or other equivalent contrivance,
B

page_text: whereby it may be moved up and down the barrel, an axial motion
being also communicated to the polishing rod or bar, either during its
reciprocating motion or at every stroke.
In witness whereof, we, the said William Church, Samuel
Aspinwall Goddard, and Edward Middleton, have hereunto set 5
our hands and seals, the Twenty-third day of October, One
thousand eight hundred and fifty-two.
Enrolled the Twenty-third day of October, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-two.