Improved Apparatus to be used in Discharging Rocket Projectes
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application (in United Kingdom), 31st Dec., 1894
Complete Specification Left, 31st Dec, 1894-Accepted, 9th Mar, 1895
Improved Apparatus to be used in Discharging Rocket Projectes
1, EUGENE TURPIN, of 14 Rue Пoche, Colombes (Seine) France, Civil
Engineer, 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 the construction of what I term a directing cannon
specially adapted for use in discharging projectiles of the kind forming the subject
of my application for a Patent of even date with this Application
My apparatus consists essentially of a tube or trough open at both ends and of
any suitable metal, iron, steel, aluminium or other material such as wood covered
with sheets of metal, etc
The apparatus is mounted on a gun carriage or on a light turret similarly to
marine gun-carriages, standing or gairison carriages, and callinges for siege coast
or for the field.
It is composed of a light framework jointed and able to assume every position
required for the different methods of firing, even fiting by ricochets on water called
grazing fire.
It is also suitable for firing in salvos, for small calibres, by means of a single
apparatus, on hostile troops by passing over tioops that are to be protected, or by
means of a set of apparatus for large calibies.
Aluminium on account of its lightness can render great service and I claim its
employment for the construction of this new apparatus whatever be its form and
arrangement.
camage.
Figure 1 shews an apparatus for siege, garrison or coast mounted on wheels and
A is a cross girder on which are mounted the light cheeks and which
serves for giving rigidity to the apparatus as well as to support the separate firing
and aiming apparatus.
B is a frame piece of Y or any other suitable form in cross section Jointed to A and
which can be raised by means of the hoist T acting on a chain or steel cable N,
passing over a pulley supported by the charging elevator E.
On this frame piece B or piece of any profile whatever are mounted the squale
iron rods V (see the transverse section to a larger scale, Figure 2) two flat strips P
and the angle iron M by means of the cross pieces S, X, X' are two adjusting
collars family fixed and supporting at G two plates between which works the front
part of the apparatus which is dismounted when en route, for transport and for the
ascent of steep inclines Xcairies the vertical traming apparatus I on which is
inscribed the ange for each angle of filo This apparatus is identical with a
pointing level. The whole is sui mounted by a truss R with struts for supporting

page_text: the chase that is capable of being dismounted. Z is a strut moved by a screw or
jack by means of gearing aanged in a suitable manner. Lis the groove in the
frame piece in which the frame of the projectile and of its cartridge or cylinder
slides. W is an non support adapted for rendering the apparatus rigid and for
insuring its stability Tis a small hand winch, or winch driven by any suitable
motor, for raising the projectile and placing it in position. T is a winch adapted
for raising the cannon or rocket trough
The frame Q of the projectile O and of the cylindrical case or cartridge Kiests
in the groove L and is covered (or not) by means of a cover of the same shape as
the fame of the projectile or of other form above or simply at the sides, according
to the shape of the frame of the projectile Figure 2 shews this aliangement for
a frame consisting of two aims.
The projectile is received on a pivotted charging plate a actuated by a curved
rack which is set in motion by an arrangement of gearing This plate has a
fiction tube ot an electric fuse adapted for igniting the charge of the case K
through the sciew H, or simply the base during the rotation.
The projectile being in position the motor, say, for instance an electric motor, is
brought up, on a waggon on which it is mounted, so as to cause the square axial
rode of the base of the cartridge on case to engage in the ung d of the moto The
mchine is started and, when the projectilo has acquued the desired velocity, which
is shewn at every mstant by a speed indicator or regulator, the projectile is fired
either by hand or automatically and rises with its frame which it can immediately
abandon it it is constructed for that purpose The motor is stopped and lowered,
the charging plate raised again to give it a position approximately horizontal
whatever be the angle of fire and the cannon is again loaded.
The motor may be composed of geating actuated by hand on a smalliotary petroleum
motor or a steam, un, or water turbine or a weight composed, for example, of sacks
of earth raised by means of a gin or hoisting apparatus with the help of houses, etc.
or finally as her embefore described by means of au electric motor acting directly
on the projectile.
If an electric motor be used there could be on a special carriage electric batteries,
accumulators or preferably a small generator actuated by one of the motors
herembefore mentioned. This carriage, in this case may be suthciently distant
from the apparatus and under cover because it can send the necessary force to n
distance by means of an electrical conductor
I may remark in connection with this subject that the force necessary is not 60
laige as would be at first supposed In effect, in order to preseive the direction
of the axis, a very high velocity of rotation is not requned and this velocity may
decrease according as the mass increases. A gyroscope tuning slowly offers a
sensible resistance when its axis of duection is changed, and the earth by reason
of its mass preseives its axis whilst making one revolution in 24 hours. Finally
the gyroscopic projectile only offers a slight resistance to 1otation since it has not,
bke a dynamo, to overcome magnetic resistances
All the parts are constructed as lightly as possible and may be dismounted and
earned by a few men The hoist E is lowered for transport and the dismounted
chase is placed at the side and the winch may iemam upright or be laid down,
the electric motor passing between the supports of the winch
In the annexed drawing the night wheel and the right cheek are removed.
Figure
shews a section on the line C D, the entne projectile being in place
with its frame of rotation, a two aimed frame, for instance, V, V are square iron
rods holding the hinged cover and the bolt in place. This cover is in three parts
lengthways in order to facilitate the charging
In this arrangement the frame of the projectile is formed of two symmetrical
arms Figures 3 and 4 shew the sighting apparatus apart. The graduation is
regulated experimentally and must correspond to the graduation of the arc of a
circle e so that by indicating the distance of 3000 metres, for example, the same
distance 3000 meties would he found at the deened post on the scaled which slides

page_text: on the arce by turning on the axis fand the sighting is effected by mans of the
notched piece and of the sight & 1,7 are supports fixed to the cheek K'. The
sighting apparatus is shewn in position in dotted lines in Figure 1.
As a uniform velocity of rotation may be obtained the aim can be rendered very
accurate.
Figure 5 represents an analogous firing apparatus mounted on a light marine
carriage with central pivot, pivotting on the ail J. This very light apparatus
may be installed on ships of high speed of small tonnage and on an ordinary
deck
A' is a metal frame pivotted on the base plate and calving a carriage B' on
which the motor, an electric motor for instance, is mounted This cantage is
actuated by any suitable geating permitting the advance of the motor or inversely
the descent of the projectile if the motor is fixed In the latter case it is the
changing plate D' that is mounted on the carriage
E is a strengthening piece
that attaches the angle iron F1 to the part A¹ if the whole is not constructed in a
single piece.
G, G me stays supporting the T-non bars I, II as shewa in
Figure 6 which is a section on the line CD shewing the projectile in position.
K is a pivotted connecting rod actuated by a nut piovided with lugs L which
works on a screw that is itsell actuated by gearing M³ set in motion by hand or by
means of any suitable electic steam, water or compressed an motor, etc.
N' is a
supporting and securing strut for use when en route O' is a wheel actuating the
pinion engaging in the circular rack J' This part may be actuated by hand or by
a motor Pis the charge elevator supporting a pulley over which a chain or cable
passes which is actuated by the electric, steam, water or hand winch seiving to raise
the projectile. When this latter is on the charging plate D' it is transferied to its
place by gradually unwinding the cable on chain In this position it is lowered, or
the motor is raised by means of the carnage B' in such a manner that the central
od of the motor enters the square hole formed in the pivot of the projectile (see
the section Figure 6 on the line CD Figure 5).
The apparatus is started and as soon as the desned velocity is attamed the
charge of the cat tidge or case K may be ignited as I have hereinbefore explained
either by hand or by means of a friction tube, etc., or automatically by means of an
electric fuse.
The apparatus may be protected by sheet metal plates serving as blindage and
protecting the apparatus the ship and the men in case of uecessity.
This apparatus is suitable also for the defence of coasts and fortresses, etc. with
some modifications. In this case the force, whatever be the motor, electric or
otherwise, may be actuated as in a ship by a central generator more or less distant
and suitably protected.
Figure 5 illustrates the employment of electricity brought from the interior of
A vessel by conductors which pass through the central pivot
This machine being very simple, very strong and of small cost can send
gyroscopic projectiles, of the kind torming the subject of my said application for
a Patent of even date with this Application, of very large calibre, for example,
50 to 60 centimettes and more and can hie massive explosive shells, of considerable
weight by cochets or grazing fire, aud all kinds of projectiles and my automatic
or other torpedoes of the kind forming the subject of my said application for a
Patent of even date with this Application.
The Irane of the projectile represented in Figure 6 has three arms, one,
triangular shaped in cross section, slides in the augle iron F' and the two others
which are flat slide on the T-iron bais H The apparatus may be closed on. top
01 remain opeu as desned. It is hardly necessary to add that the frame of the
carriage is finished with every known appliance for securing, stowing and for
facilitating the bringing up and charging of the projectiles, for manœuvɩing, etc.
It is airanged so that it can be placed almost without work on any vessel whatever
which consequently will have a power of attack far superior to the most powerful
aronclade on account of the number and calibre of the machines.

page_text: Apparatus of this hind may be constructed with round on 1ods, tubes of sheet
metal with charging door, tiangular iron bars, etc. to diminish friction or for any
other motive.
The regularity of the charging of the cartridge or case of my gyroscopie
projectiles determines the uniformity of the range, according to the length of this
cartridge and the ranges desired, which ranges are relatively almost unlimited.
The velocity of rotation determines the amplitude of the deviation to the right
or to the left according to the direction of rotation. The deviation may
therefore be diminished or increased by varying the velocity of rotation.
This
velocity may be rendered uniform in firing or may be varied with the range of the
kind of projectile.
In order to attain this object, which is of the utmost importance, I provide the
motors of whatever kind they may he that cause the gyroscopic projectiles to
1otate before their discharge with any suitable centiifugal governor.
This governor whilst moderating the velocity serves at the same time to auto-
matically ignite the change of the cartridge or case of the shell as soon as the
desired velocity is obtained, by means of an electic content
If an electric motor he used the current supplied to the motor to drive it may
also be used for this purpose.
Under these conditions as soon as it is desired to
discharge a projectile, in position in the apparatus, it suffices even at a distance to
establish the electric current by closing the encunt by means of an ordinary switch
in order that the projectile may immediately acquire its movement of rotation and
that the change may be automatically ignited as soon as the desued velocity is
attained. By operating the fing-pin the velocity of rotation and consequently
the deviation inay be increased or diminished at will.
Figures 7 and 8 shew two views of an apparatus for the field called a magazine
mitiaillem It is arranged to receive a fixed number of gyroscopic projectiles
which varies according to the calibre and weight of the apparatus, and to hie
them in salvos. Its object is to follow troops of infantry at a short distance, but
out of range of bullets, and to support them by filing over their heads, to stop
cavalry charges. to disorganize batteries of artillery, etc. This apparatus is
composed of a icctangulai body Q' pivoted at R' to a connecting rod S¹ which
is movable on its point of attachment to the carriage T¹.
The cheeks, which are of the shape shewn, cany sector U₁ smmounted by
pulleys over which passes a cham V fixed to the winch Y' on which it is wound.
When the winch is set in motion by means of suitable gearing the magazine Q
11ses at the font, for instance, and when it is turned in the opposite direction
it is the back end of the magazine Q that rises on the connecting rod S.
is a support for pointing at 0° and below serving also to secure the apparatus
for marching.
The magazine tests on springs of any suitable kind to avoid jolting as shewn
In Figure 8 which is a view from behind, the transom of the carriage being
removed.
Figure 9 is a longitudinal section shewing the position of the 67 diverging
tubes, composing the apparatus, with a projectile in place The tubes mate of
aluminium of 14" thickness and fixed in plates and the casing also of aluminum.
Figure 11 shews the muzzle and the casing. Figure 12 the breech or the back
with the stop bars n for the projectiles.
¡m
Figure 10 shews the safety apparatus which prevents ignition before the muzzle
and beech are open and the fuses disengaged. When the lever o is moved it
actuates the rod p attached to a toothed sector q which engages the toothed wheel
and this wheel opens or shuts the muzzle block 8. The level on moving carries
with it the arm which uncovers the light by which the fuses are guited. The
frame of the magazine mitrailleur is made of sheets of chrome steel of 5m in
thickness (top and bottom) and of 6 at the sides (the bicech block and the
breech) in order to resist balls even at some hundreds of metres Each tube may
be replaced by two, three or four rods of any suitable form in cross section

page_text: serving likewise as guides rigidly fixed between the bac, and front plates (see
Figure 13 which is an elevation of part of the back)
Figures 14 to 16 represent a part of the back. The projectiles are in their
tubes and held in position by the hooks and bais » When the large lever ",
placed on the exterior at the left and which strikes against when moved in either
dnection, is moved it carries with it the toothed sector situated on the anterior and
which engages a
senes of gear-wheèls which raise of lower all the hooks
together. But to cause ignition it is also necessary that the block of the breech 2
be open for the light a' is covered also by the aim b' fixed to the side of the breech
block and as the latter can only be opened when the hooks are raised it follows
that the ignition can only take place when these three conditions are fulfilled.
The door is adapted for inspecting the projectiles and ascertaining whether
they are all attached when the breech block z is closed and the hooks turned down.
Figure 17 shews in section the end of the spindle of the projectiles in which the
tapered hook enters
Figure S shews one of the spings which are not affected in any way by the
tiaction and on which rests simply the magazine which is secured by means of two
chains to the transom serving as a support for the connecting rod. The other
sping is placed at the side of the winch in the same direction and on a parallel
tiausom This magazine mitrailleur inay cay either at the side or on the top one
or more tubes for consecutively firing the projectiles that it contains, or may cally a
tube mounted on a tu pod stand for fimg one shot at a time to a certain distince
from the apparatus or for ascertaining the exact distance of the enemy.
This magazine mitrailleur is hitched to a light fore carriage carrying the men
and with which it forms a carriage which can be driven by a rotary petroleum
motoi The same applies to the fore camages of large calibre They may be
advantageously provided with a petioleum or other motor, light and powerful, like
those in use on petroleum carriages and which may serve two purposes, namely,
transport the apparatus and drive the generating dynamo to which it may be
coupled on the wheels which could even scive as fly-wheels if the apparatus be
raised from the ground and supported on screw Jacks or the like.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
:-
In apparatus adapted to be used for discharging my gyroscopic projectiles :
1. The arrangement of a rectangular framework of metal with a free passage
from end to end mounted on a carriage provided with wheels for the field, siege,
gainson or the coast, adapted for guiding the gyroscopic projectile at the moment
of its discharge, the said apparatus being furnished with a pointing level and with
separate sighting apparatus for insuing in advance the direction and range of the
projectile, the inclination of the directing tube being obtained either by a chan
winch or by a stiut which is moved to raise or lower the said frame, substantially as
described.
2 The arrangement of a rectangular framework of metal with a free passage
from end to end mounted on pivots and adapted more particularly for marine
battenes or for the coast, the direction and melination being insured as described in
Claim 1.
3 The aangement of a charging apparatus having a kind of gin or hoisting
appliance adapted for raising the projectile in order to place it in the discharging
apparatus and operated by means of winches, by hand, electrically or other wise as,
and for the purpose, specified.
4 The aaugement of motive apparatus adapted for giving to the projectilo a
movement of rotation, beforo its discharge, by hand by means of suitable gearing,
electrically or in any other suitable manner substantially as descubed.
5. The arrangement of the centrifugal governor hereinbefore described for
automatically igniting the propelling charge of the projectile when the desired

page_text: velocity of rotation has been acquired, this velocity being determined in advance
according to requirements, substantially as described.
6. The arrangement of magazine mitrailleur consisting of a box enclosing a
number of aluminium tubes arranged or not fanwise and cach enclosing a gyroscopic
projectile, all the projectiles in the magazine being fired simultaneously, substantially
as descubed.
7. The arrangement of one or more exterior tubes fixed to the magazine for the
purpose of firing consecutively, or for regulating the firing by discharging one or
more projectiles as, and for the purpose, substantially as described.
8. The arrangement of cover foi the igniting light of the magazine mitrailleur
herein before described whereby the discharge can only take place when the blocks
of the breech and muzzle of the apparatus are open and the projectiles disengaged
from the hooks which retain them during transport and manoeuvring, substantially
as descubed.
Dated the 31st day of December 1801
G. F. REDFERN & Co.,
4, South Street, Finsbury, London, Agents for the Applicant.