IMPROVEMENTS IN ORDNANCE AND IN APPLYING OERTAIN CYLINDERS AND TUBES FOR FORMING PROJECTILES AND RECOIL SPRINGS, WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE APPLICABLE FOR FORMING VESSELS FOR WAR AND PILLARS IN DREP WATER
Year: 1864

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Thomas Charles Clarkson, of 56, Stamford Street,
Blackfriars Road, in the County of Surrey, Manufacturer, for the
Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN ORDNANCE AND IN APPLYING OERTAIN
CYLINDERS AND TUBES FOR FORMING PROJECTILES AND RECOIL SPRINGS, WHICH
IMPROVEMENTS ARE APPLICABLE FOR FORMING VESSELS FOR WAR AND PILLARS
IN DREP WATER."
Sealed the 15th July 1864, and dated the 23rd January 1864.
PROVISIONAL
SPECIFICATION left by the said Thomas Charles Clarkson
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on
the 23rd January 1864.
THOMAS CHARLES CLARKSON, of 56, Stamford Street, Blackfriars Road,
in the County of Surrey, Manufacturer, I do hereby declare the nature of
the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN ORDNANCE AND IN APPLYING CERTAIN
CYLINDERS AND TUBES FOR FORMING PROJECTILES AND RECOIL SPRINGS, WHICH
IMPROVEMENTS ARE APPLICABLE FOR FORMING VESSELS FOR WAR AND PILLARS IN
DEEP WATER," to be as follows:-
This Invention relates, first, in making ordinary cannon applicable for firing
bulky projectiles composed of adhesive compounds of an inflammable and
explosive character made into pulp or otherwise mixed with various chymical
liquids and solid materials. In using the ordinary cannon to fire or propel
my compound adhesive shot, I first make the external part of the cannon
parallel from the muzzle to the trunnions, so that I can fit over the barrel of
[Prin Bd.]

page_text: the gun or cannon a metal or wood cylinder, either solid or with hollow
parallel tubes formed in or on the side of the cylinder, which can be filled with.
fulminating bombs or other chymical matter. I pass down the barrel of the
gun a tube to fit the bore of the gun, or a twisted bar of iron with an elastic
plug at the rear of the tube so as to fit tight into the barrel. To this tube
or rod I screw on a cap, which covers the muzzle of the gun, and which also
screws on to the external cylinder; when the gun is fired the cylinder, cap,
and rod are all discharged as one shot or projectile, but if I do not require to
fire the cylinder I use the small tubes or solid rods laid parallel round the
gun; the ends of the rods are secured into a loose ring, which encircles the
barrel near the breech, the ends near the muzzle of the barrel are secured into
the cap, which is attached to the rod that fits into the barrel, by this means
I can fire any amount of inflammable compounds, such as pulp or other
materials, by securing them to and on the exterior of the cylinder or rods; for
war purposes I attach fulminating bombs. I also coil ropes round and on the
external tubes or cylinder for the purpose of discharging amongst steam vessels
for fouling their screws. I also adopt this method for conveying a rope from
the shore to a stranded vessel, or from the vessel to the shore. To give a
rotary motion to my projectile I braze a metal rod on to the exterior of the gun
in a curved line to form the guide for the cylinder or the loose ring, which has
a groove cut or otherwise made so as to fit in the curved raised line which is
brazed on the barrel, by this means when the gun is fired the cylinder and
projectile is caused to rotate in its flight without any internal rifling of the
barrel. I also give to the muzzle of the gun a spring, by either cutting
circular grooves and filling them up with an elastic compound, so that the
muzzle may be somewhat smaller than the bore of the gun, which will readily
yeild to the passage of the shot; or I form an independent muzzle to screw
on or to be otherwise secured to the barrel, which the said muzzle revolves
on the passage of the shot, and can be readily unfixed for the purpose of
reloading the gun.
The second part of my Invention is in applying iron, steel, or gun metal
cylinders, solid, or coiled, or otherwise formed by coiling round a mould sheet
steel to form a tube, by which means I get a spring tube, which is applicable
to fit into a solid tube for discharging shot or external cylinders; but before I
place this tube into the solid tube or body of my gun, I fill the space between
the different coils with a liquid cement of india-rubber or other elastic
materials; this can be done by hydraulic pressure, and when solidified I
submit it to heat to vulcanize or mineralize the rubber, it having been
prepared for that purpose. The external cylinder or body part of my gun I

page_text: make solid as far as the fore part of the trunnions, making the bore of sufficient
size to allow a tube, as discribed, to pass down the bore to form the barrel, I
then cut or or otherwise make a slot-hole in the side of the external cylinder,
which allows the charge to be placed into the internal tube or barrel, which
when so placed, the external body part of the gun having been made so as to
revolve on the barrel, which enables me to turn the slot-hole the reverse side,
whereby the plug cannot be disturbed, blown out, or otherwise damaged.
By my improved method of applying my cylinders I prevent recoil in guns
and in moving bodies, such as railway waggons and carriages, by attaching an
external cylinder to the head of the plunger or piston, which works in the
fixed cylinder (as in the "ordinary buffer), my external cylinder having a
toothed rod attached to it, which catches a ratchet or hydraulic cog, ("when it
is forced by concussion beyond its ordinary limit,") which holds and prevents
the reaction or recoil.
The third part of my Invention is for applying my tubes or cylinders
longitudinally, the openings of the tubes to be laid in the direction of the
thickness of the vessel, by which means I form a sort of honeycomb con-
struction; this principle is applicable for forming and lining the sides and
hulls of vessels, and by then plugging the said tubes or cylinders with wood
blocks, with a layer of sheet cork in the centre of the wood, which allows for
the shrinking of the wood, by which means I obtain great strength and
buoyancy. By my principle of laying or otherwise fixing tubes in certain parts
of the vessels, and in connection with the steam power of the vessel, I am
enabled to discharge chemical liquids, which is contained in a reservoir fitted
in the vessel for the purpose of being used to prevent an enemy boarding my
vessel or escalading my batteries. The same arrangements of my tubes act to
ventilate and remove smoke from between decks of the vessel by making one
end of the tube near the exit red hot, or to fix the tube through the cook-
house or other fire; this systom is also applicable for ventilating houses and
extinguishing fires.
The fourth part of my Invention is in applying my cylinders for constructing
pillars or towers in deep water. I build and alternately place cylinders the
length and diameter required, leaving a space between each cylinder, and secur-
ing them by vertical and horizontal sections at the base of the pillar or tower.
I form it on a bevel to admit its entrence into the ground; I have openings,
which are secured by screw bolts, so as to open a space if a tunnel is required
to be made under a sea or deep water. I also have a provision in one of the
compartments with steam power to work pumps and to excavate the foun-
dation, in order to allow the pillar or tower to attain its proper depth, this

page_text: excavating being carried on from the interior; I not only get sufficient earth
or rock to fill the necessary compartments, but also for tipping overboard, which
falling at the base of my pillar gives strength and support. I float and tow
my pillars to their destination by one or more steam vessels; and by opening
certain valves I can let water in or out to sink or raise the pillar while
getting it perpendicular. By this Invention I can form pillars or towers in
deep water, dispensing with pile driving or with coffer dams, which would be
impossible to construct in deep water. By this Invention I can also form
tunnels in deep water or under a sea by excavating internally from each pillar,
the pillars acting as mediums for carrying on the work and as ventilators to
the tunnels, also as beacons and refuges for sailors in distress.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed by
by the said Thomas Charles Clarkson in the Great Seal Patent Office
on the 23rd July 1864.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME. I. THOMAS
CHARLES CLARKSON, of 56, Stamford Street, Blackfriars Road, in the County
of Surrey, Manufacturer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the 23rd day of January, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-four, in the twenty-eighth year of
Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto
me, the said Thomas Charles Clarkson, Her special licence that I, the said
Thomas Charles Clarkson, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such
others as I, the said Thomas Charles Clarkson, my executors, administrators,
and assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to
time and at all times thereafter during the term therein expressed, should
and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom
of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an
Invention for the "IMPROVEMENTS IN ORDNANCE AND APPLYING CERTAIN CYLINDERS
AND TUBES FOR FORMING PROJECTILES AND RECOIL SPRINGS, WHICH IMPROVEMENTS
ARE APPLICABLE FOR FORMING VESSELS OF WAR AND PILLARS IN DEEP WATER,"
upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said Thomas Charles Clarkson,
my executors or administrators, by an instrument in writing under my, or
their, or one of their hands and seals, should particularly describe and
ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same
was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal

page_text: Patent Onice with SIA Catchal months HOA and
of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Thomas Charles Clarkson, do hereby
declare the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same
is to be performed, to be. particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement:-
This Invention relates, first, in making ordinary cannon applicable for
firing bulky projectiles composed of adhesive compounds of an inflammable
and explosive character may into pulp or otherwise mixed with various
chemical liquids and solid materials. In using the ordinary cannon to fire or
propel my compound adhesive shot, I first make the external part of the
cannon Fig. 1 parallel from the muzzle to the trunnions, so that I fit over
the barrel of the gun or cannon a metal or wood cylinder, with a sort of honey-
combe section or iron hookes or spikes to hold the compound on the outside
of the cylinder at Fig. 3, or with hollow parallel tubes formed in or on the
side of the cylinder which can be filled with fulminating bombs or other
chymical matter. I pass down the barrel of the gun a tube, Fig. 4, blocked
with wood or other blocking to fit the bore of the gun, or a twisted bar of
iron with an elastic plug at the rear of the tube to prevent windage. To this
tube or rod I screw on an iron cap, Fig. 5, which covers the muzzle of the
gun, and which also screws on the external cylinder, Fig. 6. When the gun
is fired the cylinder, cap, and rod are all discharged as one shot or projectile,
but if I do not wish to fire the cylinder I use the small tubes or solid rods,
Fig. 7, laid parallel round the gun. The ends of the rods are secured into
a loose ring, Fig. 8, which encircles the barrel near the breech, and the ends
near the muzzle of the ends gun are secured into the cap which is attached to
the rod which fits into the barrel; by this means I can fire any amount of
inflammable compound, as pulp or other materials, by securing them to and on
the exterior of the cylinder or rods. For war purposses, I mean in extreme
cases, I attach fulminating bombs. I also coil ropes round and on the
external tubes or cylinders for the purpose of discharging amongst steam
vessels for fouling their screws. I also adopt the method for conveying a rope
from the shore to a stranded vessel, or from the vessel to the shore. To give
a rotary motion to my projectile I braze a metal rod to the exterior of the gun,
Fig. 9, in a curved line to form the guide for the cylinder on the loose ring,
which as a grove or otherwise made, Fig. 10, so as to fit in the curved raised
line which is brazed on the barrel. By this means when the gun is fired the
cylinder and projectile is caused to rotate in its flight, but in case it is found
that the fire from the gun should injure the tail of the cylinder on leaving the

page_text: gun, I make a provission to avoid it, either by making the cylinder to spring
tight to the rod, or a flap to drop over the opening at the tail of the cylinder.
I also apply to the muzzle of my gun a spring, Fig. 11, by either cutting
circular grooves and filling them up with an elastic compound, so that the
muzzle may be somewhat smaller than the bore of the gun, which will readily
yeaild to the passing of the shot; or I form an independent muzzle to screw
on or to be otherwise secured to the barrel, which said muzzle can be allowed
to revolve on the passage of the shot, the muzzle can be readily unfixed for
loading the gun. I also at the rear end, Fig. a, of the gun I have a tube
that can be used as a gun while the large gun is reloading. In case of the
advance of cavlary I can by the aid of this tube discharge cases with
triangular spikes, which will cripple the horses and prevent the advance of
cavlary.
The second part of my Invention is in applying iron, steel, or gun metal
cylinders, solid, or coiled, or otherwise formed by coiling round a mould sheet
steel to form a tube, by which means I get a spring tube, Fig. 12, which is
applicable to fit into a solid tube for discharging shot or external cylinders;
but before I place this tube into a solid tube or body of my gun, I fill the
space between the coils with liquid cement, india-rubber, or other elastic
material; this can be done by hydraulic pressure and solidified. I submit it
to heat to vulcanize or mineralize the rubber, it having been prepared for
the purpose. The external cylinder or body part of my guns, Fig. 14, I make
solid as far as the fore part of the trunions, making the bore of sufficient size
with an enlarged powder chamber with a spring, so has to allow a large space
for the consuming of the powder, Fig. 15, also to allow the tube as discribed
to pass down the bore to form the barrel. I then cut or otherwise make a slot-
hole in the side of the external cylinder, Fig. 14, which allows the charge to
be placed into the internal tube or barrel. I also apply this method in
altering the old 68 lbs. gun if required to load at the breech, which when so
placed, the external body part of the gun having been made so as to revolve
on the barrel, which enables me to turn the slot-hole the reverse side, whereby
the plug cannot be disturbed or blown out or otherwise damaged.
By my
improved method of applying my cylinders I prevent recoil in guns and
moveing bodies, such as railway waggons and carriages, see page 17, by attaching
the external cylinder cast with the head of the plunger in one piece. The
internal plunger is then screw on to the internal part of the head and cylinder,
Fig. 21. The bottom part of the plunger has a circular cutting to admit an
oil packing, Fig. 22 × ; on the top part the fixed cylinder a metal ring is
screwed to the inside of the ring to prevent the plunger getting, and which

page_text: allows the buffer head to revolve when unevenly struck, Fig. 23; Fig. 24
showes the framework of the waggon or carriage hollow out to admit of the
seat of the buffer or spring cylinder. At the head of the buffer a circular
hole is cut to admit of Clarkson's patent packing, Fig. 25; a strong screw
bolt is screwed the side of the head into the top of the plunger, Fig. 26; a
hole is made near the top out cylinder to admit of oil to the packing at Fig.
The base of the fixed cylinder is much large than the tube, by this
means I get a long spiral spring with a large base. The external cylinder
having a tooth'd rod or a flange at the bottom part, Fig. 19 x, which catches
a ratchet cog when forced by extraordinary concussion beyond its ordinary
limits, which hold and prevents its reaction or recoil, as shown in Figuar 19.
27.
The third part of my Invention is for applying tubes or cylinders, Fig. 26,
the open ends of the tubes to be laid in the direction of the thickness of the
vessel, by which means I form a sort of honeycomb construction. This
principle is applicable for forming and lining the sides of hulls of vessels, and
by then pluging the said tubes or cylinders with wooden blocks, with layers of
sheet cork in the centre, which allows for the shrinking of the wood, by which
means I obtain greater strength and buoyancy. In making the framework
of the vessel I form sections of wrote iron from of an inch more or less in
thickness, Fig. 27; I then place in the various section metal tubes, either
singly or revitted together, to fill the space, and then block them with wood
and run in adhesive cement to fill upon any openings. After the wood is
cut of flush, as Fig. 28 & 29, I either coat the exterior with wood or iron,
first laying a layer of Clarkson cork material compressed with great pressure
before the plates are left finished, see gunboat, Fig. 30. My principle of
laying or otherwise fixing tubes as shown o Fig. 31, in certain parts of the
vessel. I can submerge or give extra buoyancy. I am enabled to discharge
chymical liquids which is contained in a reservoir fitted in the vessel, Fig. 30.
The same arrangements of my tubes ventilate and remove smoke from
between decks of the vessel by making one end of the tube near the exit red
hot, or to fix the tube through the cookhouse or other fire; this system is
also applicable for ventilating houses and extinguishing fire.
The fourth part of my Invention is applying and constructing pillars and
towers in deep water. I build and alternately place cylinders the diameter
required, leaving a space between each cylinder, and securing them by verticle
and horozontal sections at the base of the pillar or tower. I form it on a bevel,
Fig. 32, to admit of it entarence into the ground; I make openings, which are
secured by screw bolts, so as to open a space, if a tunnel is required to be
made under a sea or deep water. I also have a provission in one of the

page_text: compartments with steam power, Fig. 34, to work pumps and to assist to
excave the foundation in order to allow the pillar or tower to attain it proper
depth, the excavating being carried on from the interior, by which means I
not only get sufficient earth or rock to fill the necessary compartments, by
also for tipping overboard, Fig. 36, which falling at the base of my pillar gives
strength and support, Fig. 38. I float and tow my pillars to their destination
by one or more steam vessels, and by opening certain valves I can let water
in or out to sink or raise the pillar while getting it perpendicular. By this
Invention I can form pillars or towers in deep water, dispensing with pile
driving or coffer dams, which would be unpossible to construct in a seaway or
deep water. I can also by this Invention form tunnels in deep water or
under a sea by the means of excavating internally from pier to pier, the
pillars acting as mediums for carrying on the work and as ventilators to the
tunnel, also as beacons and refuges for sailors in distress.
Having discribed the nature of the said Invention, and the manner in
which it is to be carried into effect, I would it have understood that I do not
confine myself to the precise details given, which may be somewhat modified,
but still without departing from the principle of the Invention, I wish it to
be understood I claim under the above Letters Patent,-
First, the altering the ordinary cannon to fire my compound pulp shot and
for fixing tubes in shipbuilding.
2nd, spring cylinder as shown in the Drawings, and bed for guns.
3rd, the method building and floatting pillars and fixing them in deep water,
as shown in Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said Thomas Charles Clarkson, have here-
unto set my hand and seal, this 23rd day of July, 1864.
THO CHA CLARKSON. (L.S.)

page_text: A Midship of Clarkson fire Boat, with Shot-proof Roof off,
showing the Cun raised from the hold of the Vassel, until it.
is Ruch with the deck by Clarkson revolving cylinder Spring
The Gun is shielded by the Trap deck which is made of 4 inch
Iron/, which is lined and lowered, as the Cur is raised. The
Guns can be mised and lowered, at pleasure. The small circle
marked x represents the Gun when lowed