Improvements in Explosive Shells.
Year: 1890

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Explosive Shells.
I, HENRY PARKER MERRIAM, a citizen of the United States of America, residing
at the City, County and State of New York, one of the United States of America,
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 shells used for projecting high explosives, by means of
compressed air or gas, and in some of its features said invention is also applicable to
ordnance generally.
My invention relates more particularly to mechanical devices whereby the explosive
material projected in the shell is detonated instantaneously or at an interval
succeeding the initial concussion, according to the nature of the target. In event
of impact upon a solid target, the immediate detonation of the explosive charge is
provided for; whereas in event of immersion an element of delay in the action of
the detonator is allowed whereby the projectile may become submerged beneath a
hostile vessel or other floating object before exploding. The chief charateristic upon
which the herein described devices are dependent for their action consists in a
collapsible head or compressible portion thereof, provided to the shell which head
is crushed or compressed by a direct blow imparted axially to the projectile by contact
with a target; or otherwise indented more or less by lateral contact in event of
striking the target angularly or "glancing." The operation of the instant action
detonators depend solely upon the crushing or indentation of the collapsible head,
whereas the herein described methods of operation of the detonating mechanism having
delay or time action suitable to immersion, are several, and are produced by the
compression (as distinguished from the collapse) of a compressible portion of the head;
or by the admission of a column of water into suitable tubes or chambers within the
shell wherein such column acts by pressure upon the detonating mechanism, or again
by the means of an air compressing piston within the shell operated through the agency
of a wheel by the exterior mechanical action of the water.
My invention also relates to mechanism wherein the action of the detonator is
produced by an inertia actuated movable body within the shell.
Having thus outlined the general character of the invention, the several elements
whereof it consists are to be herein classified as follows;
First, in conjunction with a collapsible head, a radiating structure or series of arms
oblique to the axis of the shell, connecting between the surface of the head, and- an
axial shaft actuated by its longitudinal movement to discharge the detonator
primers; the explosion being thereby insured by the indentation of any portion of
the shell head upon a solid target.
Second, a soft metal filling in the head provided for a similar purpose as that
above stated; the same occupying a space between the surface of the head and a
suitable annular series of detonator primers in the central portion of said head.
Third, a telescoping primer case connected to the collapsible head of the
shell, between opposing shoulders of which primer case the primers or their
firing pins are interposed, and whereby the detonator is actuated when the head
is crushed.
Fourth, a depressible piston in the apex of the shell which yields to the blow of
immersion to actuate the delay detonating mechanism.
Fifth, a depressible diaphragmn in the apex of the shell which likewise yields to
the blow of immersion to actuate the delay detonating mechanisın; also a depressible
liquid filled head whereby such a diaphragm may be actuated; also a double shelled
liquid filled head-the outer shell compressible by the blow of immersion; the inner

page_text: shell collapsible by impact-the liquid within each acting upon respective diaphragms
which are connected with separate axial shafts actuating by their longitudinal move-
ment the delay or instant action detonators.
Sixth, a tube or tubes or other water-way or pressure transmitting passage
extending through or partly through the shell from the head toward the base to
connect with plungers or other movable parts that actuate the delay detonator
primers; also so constructing such tube or tubular structure that it may be
utilized as a mechanical connection between the collapsible head of the shell
and an instant action detonator, actuated by an abrupt longitudinal thrust of
the tube.
Seventh, in conjunction with a pressure actuated detonating mechanism, an air
compressing piston within the shell operated by agency of frictional contact of the
water upon a wheel exterior to the shell subsequent to the event of immersion.
Eighth, an inertia actuated hammer opposite the primers of the detonators, and
various mechanical devices for withholding the same from premature displacement;
also various mechanical devices for .likewise temporarily retaining the axial detonating
shafts or tubes. Such forms of hammers and safety devices therefore as are used in
connection with the several parts of the invention will be described in their respective
relations therewith together with the description of such parts, and subsequently
pointed out in the appended claims in similar conjunction.
Referring to the accompanying drawings in which similar numerals of reference
indicate corresponding parts throughout :

page_text: SHEET 4.
Figure 15, is a central longitudinal section through the head of a shell, illustrating
the second part of my invention; also illustrating an arrangement of parts wherein
a single detonator is common to the instant action and delay action fuses; and also
illustrating a feature of the eighth part of my invention comprising a spring actuated
. releasing device for the inertia actuated hammer 60, used in lieu of the spiral wheel 70,
.shown in some of the preceding figures for a similar purpose.
Figure 16, is a front elevation of the apex piece in Figure 15.
Figure 17, is an enlarged sectional detail view showing one of the primers 80; in
Figure 15, and the exploding devices therefor.
DHEET 0.
Figure 24, is a longitudinal sectional elevation of a shell embodying the
sixth part of my invention; also illustrating certain features of the eighth part
1
SHEET 9.
Figure 26, is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of a part of Figure 24, taken
on the line, x, Figure 28, showing certain detonator hammers that are actuated by
the abrupt thrust of the tube 100, when the head is collapsed.
Figure 27, is a similarly enlarged section on the line, 8-x, Figure 28, showing
certain detonator hammers that are actuated by pressure received through the
tube 100.
Figure 28, is a cross-section on the line, -, Figures 26, and 27, looking from
the front toward the base of the shell in the direction of the arrow, a, while
Figure 29, is a cross-section in a similar plane (being drawn in projection from
Figure 27) looking from the base toward the head of the shell-in the direction of the
arrow, b.

page_text: Figure 31, is a cross-section of Figure 30, on the line, x1-12, looking toward the
base.
Figure 32, is a partial cross-section of Figure 30, looking toward the head, and
Figures 33, and 34, detail views in cross-section on, ¹³¹³, showing different
positions of certain parts.
Figure 35, is a longitudinal sectional elevation through the head of a shell further
illustrating the sixth part of my invention, and also certain features included in the
eighth part thereof. The plane of section of this feature is taken on the line, 14-14,
in Figure 37.
Figure 36, is a front end elevation of the removable case in Figure 35 forming the
Figure 38, is a longitudinal sectional elevation of the head of a shell (taken in a
plane corresponding to the lines, 216x16, Figure 40) illustrating the seventh part of
my invention.
Figure 39, is a front end elevation of the removable case forming the apex in
Figure 38.
Figure 40, is a cross-section of a part of Figure 38, taken on the line, 17—x17,
Figure 38, and
Figures 41, and 42, side and end detail views respectively of the piston 110.
Referring to Figures 1, to 14, inclusive ;
2, 2. represents the body of the shell; 8, 8, the chamber containing highly explosive
material such as dynamite; 62, the collapsible head of the shell; 6, the tube or shaft
bearing the instant action detonators 9; and 20, the radiating structure connecting the
head 62, to the tube or shaft 6.
60*, is the depressible apex ; and 79, the stem connecting the same with the delay
action detonator 10*.
15, are the hammers of the instant action detonator. 16, are fulminate primers,
and 17, the firing pins. in the instance of Figure 1, the case 18. is filled with gun
cotton, and the nipples 19, with fulminate. The thimbles 40, in which the hammers 15,
slide, are fixed to the case 21. There are pins 23, projecting from the stationary
portion of the shell or removable cap therein through slots 24, in the thimbles 40, and
into corresponding grooves in the hammers as shown, forming shoulders in the latter
whereby the pins retain them out of access to the primers or firing pins, as long as the
case 21, remains forward. When the tube 6, is driven lack by collapse of the head 62,
the hammers 15, remain inert while the case is driven toward them. By this particular
construction accident is prevented should the case 21, be moved or located too near
the firing pins 17, or the stationary portion of the shell in placing the parts together;
and furthermore prevents the action of the instant detonators when the velocity of the
shell is retarded upon entering the water. In the instance of Figure 12, the instant
action detonator 30**, is provided with a similar multiple circular series of hammers 15*.
The tube 6, in this Figure 12, bears the casing 22, which contains these multiple
hammers 15*, and contains also the circular groove 23, filled with detonating com-
pound. The retaining spindle 24, bearing the hammer retaining shoulders 25, is in
this instance held back by means of a locking device at the rear of the said spindle;
see also Figures 13, and 14. 7, is a socket in which the tube 26, is supported and it
forms a cylinder into which the tube 6, the case 22, and locking device is inserted or
withdrawn when the shell head 62, is removed by disconnection of a separable joint
at 27. 28, is a foot attached to the spindle 24. 29, are locking segments fastened
together upon curved springs 31, that tend to open. Figure 13, represents the
segments in a contracted position, corresponding with Figure 12. Figure 14,
represents the segments in an expanded position. The segments are retained in this

page_text: contracted position by means of a staple 32, entering holes in the terminal segments of
the series. When the projectile is shot forward, a hammer 33, which is fulcrumed
at 34, and has a reacting spring 35, is thrust backward by inertia, and as the projectile
leaves the gun said hammer is thrust forward by its spring with the requisite force to
unseat the staple 32, and release the segments. The case 22, is then free to move
back at the proper time by the concussion of the shell, the spindle 24, being still
retained by the segments, and the hammers 15*, remaining inert when the concussion
occurs in a similar manner of operation to that of the hammers 15, in Figure 1.
The radiating structure 20, Figure 1, for connecting the tube 6, to the shell head is
composed of an integral piece. This piece comprises a system of transmitting arms
which are inclined obliquely to the axis of the shell in the direction of collapse of the
head toward the centre and rearwardly of the shell. 63, both in Figures 1, and 12,
represents a ring or thickened portion of the head from which the radial arms of the
structure converge.
In Figure 12, the arms 64, corresponding to the arms 20, are
made of separate pieces pivoted to the end of the tube 6, allowing greater inde-
pendence of action of the arms relatively to one another; and the ring 63, is in this
instance of a separate piece, fastened to the interior of the head. The arms 64, are
fastened to the rings by means of pins in Figure 12, which shear off and release the
remaining arms when one or more of them are driven in by collapse of one side of the
head.
The depressible apex 60*, is kept forward against accidental depression by a strong
spiral spring 61, in both instances of Figures 1, and 12; the detonator case 50, or 30*,
being prevented from forward movement by resting against a stationary part of the
shell. In the instance of Figure 12, which shows the apex in its simplest form, the
fuse cases 36, connected thereto contain hammers 37, which remain inert when
the cases 36, and apex are driven back. The hammers 37, are withheld from the
primers 38, by means of shear pins or springs such as commonly used so as to prevent
explosion in the ordinary handling of the shell. In the construction illustrated by
Figures 1, 4, and 6, to 11, inclusive, I employ a multiple set of primers 42, and firing
pins 41, converging toward a common centre. At the central point toward which the
firing pins converge I locate a ball of metal 60, which seats in a concave socket 43.
When the ball is left free, either a longitudinal or a lateral displacement of the same
will insure a blow on some of the pins rendering discharge certain should the shot
tumble in its course and strike sidewise upon the surface of a body of water or other
target.
The safety device for retaining the ball 60, consists as follows: the head or apex 60*,
and its spindle 79, contain a rod 44, screw-threaded therein, which normally retains
the ball. The screw thread extends throughout the length of the said spindle 79, but
part way only of the length of the rod. The smooth part of the rod is provided with a
longitudinal groove 45, (Figure 8) and there is a spirally bladed wheel 46, bearing a
spline 47, which engages with the said groove. The blades of the wheel 46, are so
inclined as to unscrew the rod 44, when the projectile is shot through the air, by
atmospheric pressure on the said blades; the wheel remaining in contact with the
head 60*, while the rod is screwed out. When the screw threaded part of the rod 44,
reaches the hub of the wheel 46, the whole then advances and is dropped off, leaving
the apex 60*, clear, to be depressed in event of water concussion. In order that
the wind wheel may not be rotated prematurely, the same is housed in the bore or
cavity of the apex previous to firing, and is prevented from turning by engagement
with the key 47*. A latch 48, having a beveled tooth, engages with the notch 49,
the head 60*, thus retaining it. The acceleration of the projectile in the gun drives
the case 50, and head 60*, back beyond the position of depression shown in Figure 6,
whereby the beveled surface of the notch 49, acting on the latch 48, pushes it out of
position permitting the said case and head to fully advance by the subsequent reaction
of the spring 61.
on
In order to permit these various longitudinal movements, and maintain communi-
cation of the primers 42, with the detonating compound in the groove 51, the case is
made in the two parts 55, and 50. The part 50, has longitudinal channels 53, filled

page_text: with powder, communicating with the fire of the primers at 52, (Figure 9). The
material is retained in the channels 53, by covering of tin foil or some thin material
and by the envelope 54, having narrow slots partly covering the channels and pre-
maturely communicating with certain members of the openings 156, in the case 55,
irrespective of the longitudinal position occupied by the said case. This envelope 54,
also acts as a gas check-preventing the flame of ignition from igniting fuse trains
adjacent to the one intended.
These
158, are channels connecting the holes 156, with the detonator 51.
channels 158, are partly filled with a slow burning compound such as meal
powder, and partly with fulminate (at the portions 157). According to the propor-
tionate lengths of the channels occupied by the fulminate and meal powder, or
according to the situation of the holes 156, in the length of said channels, the time
of action may be determined.
As a feature of my invention I employ a plurality of channels 158, for each
channel 53, as more clearly illustrated in Figure 7. Different sets of channels 158,
are charged with variously timed fuses, or have their holes 156, variously located as
illustrated in Figure 6. The case 50, is made to slide longitudinally without turning
from its adjustment by means of a key 47**, engaging with a groove 65, in the
head 60* Corresponding with different members or sets of channels there are
grooves marked 1, 2, 3, Figure 4 into one or another of which the key 47**, can be
adjusted to determine the rotative position of the case 50, and consequent period of
delay action of the detonator 51.
The space 170, is filled with gun cotton retained by the cap 171, which bursts
through the spaces between arms or webs 20, when discharged.
The air cushion confined in the chamber 172, immediately in front of the detonating
case 50, checks the same from a too violent forward movement at the time of dis-
charging the projectile from the gun thereby insuring against the ball hammer
prematurely exploding the primers in event of being insecurely retained.
Referring now to Figures 15, to 18, inclusive; the detonator 170, is used in common
for delay action or instant action. The depressible apex 60*, the ball hammer 60, and
the detonator 170, correspond in general character to those herein before described.
The fuse channels 158, have connection with the primers 42, by the same means as
before, and some of these channels as appears in the upper part of Figure 15, and in
both the upper and lower part of Figure 18, are connected with other primers 191,
and are filled with fulminate throughout so as to convey the fire from said primers 191,
to the detonator 170, instantly. The fuse channels 158, connecting with the
primers 42, such as the one indicated in the lower portion of Figure 15, are partly
filled with meal powder or other slow burning compound to effect delay action.
The primers 191, in Figure 15, are surmounted by balls 205, placed loosely over
them in the recesses or holes in which the primer nipples are located, and said balls
are confined in place by a ring 206, having a groove within it with inclined sides.
Either a compression or an endwise movement of this ring will force the balls inward
exploding the primers 191. The parts 207, 208, of the detonator case becoming
telescoped by an axial concussion of the shell will crowd the ring 206, its inclined
surface bearing inward upon the balls, discharging the caps. Surrounding the
ring 206, there is also a soft metal filling 210, between the same and the collapsible
head. A rupture or compression of any portion of the head 62, upon a solid target
will displace the yielding metal filling 210, sufficiently to crush or displace some part
of the ring 206, producing instantaneous detonation.
In Figure 18, the primers 191, connecting with the fulminate channels 153, are
provided with firing pins 211, diverging or radiating towards various sides of the
head 62. The part 207, of the detonator case itself is used in this instance to transmit
compression from the head 62, to the firing pins either in a direct line of axis of the
shell, or obliquely as the case may be. A filling 210, may be supplied in this
(Figure 18) as in the preceding instance. The part 207, is attached to the part 208,
of the detonator case by means of a screw thread 212, which is stripped when the
parts telescope.

page_text: The safety screw rod 44, is here provide with a coiled winding or torsion
spring 250, in lieu of the wind wheel described hereinbefore, one end of which
spring is connected to the head 60*, the other end being attached to the rod. The
end 251, of the rod 44, is constructed in the form of a hook which engages with
a stud 252, when the spring is wound and the piston 60*, depressed. The latch 48,
retains the piston 60*, in its retracted position by engagement with the notch 49, as
in Figures 1, and 6, and when the projectile is accelerated, the hammer case 50, and
piston 60*, are set back by inertia, disengaging the beveled latch 48, as before
described. As the projectile leaves the gun, the spring 61. then advances the piston
to the position of Figure 15, and the hook 251, leaving the stud 252, permits the
torsion spring 250, to unwind, unscrewing the rod 44, withdrawing it and releasing
the ball 60.
Referring now to Figures 19, to 23, inclusive;
The form of construction embraced in these figures is similar in some of its
features to that represented in Figure 12; namely, the tubular envelope 26, extending
from head to base of the shell; the socket 7, in the base in which the tube 26, fits;
the inner tube 6, connected to the collapsible head (directly or indirectly) and bearing
the instant action detonator 30*; and the shaft 79, within the tube, connecting
between the depressible part of the head, and the delay action detonator 30**. The
tube 6, is removable with the separable conoidal head 303, carrying the detona ing
mechanism therewith from within the tube 26. The tube 26, in Figure 20, is circularly
corrugated as shown at its forward portion and the tube 6, is straight at its corre-
sponding portion, whereby the force of collapse of the head 62, will be chiefly
received by the tube 6, and move with it, its connecting detonator hammer casings 22.
The detonating hammer casings 22, and the tube 6, are locked against accidental
rearward movement, and the spindle 24, which retains the hammer 15, is locked
against accidental forward movement by means of the locking latches 380, which lock
the foot 365, of the retaining spindle 24, against the base of the shell and hold the
fuse casings from rear action during the act of firing The latches 380, have com-
pression pistons 381, beneath which are springs 682. The gas pressure within the gun
barrel forces the latches inward during the discharge of the projectile, the spring 382,
subsequently retiring them.
The casings 22, are provided with circular series of bores (Figure 22) into which the
several hammers 15, (also marked 90) are inserted, similarly as in Figure 12. The
hammers are provided with firing pins 329, to explode the percussion primers 16,
opposite and corresponding to them. The hammers are of the form shown in
Figure 23, having flattened sides which leave shoulders 328, upon which the
shoulders 317, of the spindle 24, engage and retain said hammers apart from the
primers 16. When the tube 6, is driven back by concussion, the casings 22, move
and the hammers 15, remain stationary; exploding primers by their inertia.
It is to be understood that the haminers 15, may be fixed to the spindle 24, and
thereby caused to abut positively upon the primers 16, by the rearward' thrust of the
tube 6, in lieu of being permitted to act by inertia alone.
The annular grooves 23, of both detonators 30**, and 30*, contain the detonating
explosive compound such as fulminating mercury, which is discharged by the
fulminate primers communicating thereto through the channels shown, and the
explosion in said grooves 23, bursts the surroun-ling tubular encasement, detonating
the shell charge.
The delay action detonator 30*, is actuated by the tube 79, when driven back by
pressure upon the diaphragm 332.
The tube 79, is sustained against action by the latches 334, hinged to the tube 6;
which said latches enter through slots in the tube 79. The latches 334, are tripped
away from the tube 79, when the plunger 333, is thrown forward between and
against them. The plunger 333, is packed airtight in the tube, and by its
inertia is thrown back when the projectile is accelerated by the act of firing. The
compression of the air that takes place thereby in the tube back of the plunger,
re-acts upon it after the projectile has left the gun, throwing it between the latches 334,.

page_text: and disengaging them. In lieu of employing the air cushion back of the plunger 333, or
in aid thereof, I may employ a spiral spring within the tube 79, as indicated in
Figure 20, which is compressed and re-acts in a similar manner as the air cushion.
The forward end of the tube 79, is secured to, or located against the diaphragm 332,
leaving the vacant concavity 390, under the said diaphragm. The head 393, is made
of sheet or other thin malleable metal, is filled with liquid and is subject to collapse
by its impact upon the surface of a body of water at the normal speed of flight.
Such collapse at the apex or any portion aside from the apex of the head will there-
fore impart pressure to the diaphragm 332, thence actuate and discharge the
detonator 30* the same bursting through the surrounding tubes 6, and 26.
The detonator 30*, is subject to delay action by means of the elongated primers 336,
of its fuses, consisting of slow burning composition conducting ignition from the per-
cussion primers 16, to the detonating explosive in chambers 23.
Concussion of the projectile upon a solid will explode the primers of fuses 30*, but
simultaneously, and before their delay action is completed, also crush in the head 62,
of the shell, giving instant discharge to the detonating mechanism 30**, at the rear
of the shell. The tube 6, operative upon the instant action fuses 30**, is connected
to a second diaphragm 341, in Figure 19, in lieu of being connected to the head 2,
as in Figure 20. The diaphragm 332, active upon the delay action fuses 30*, is borne
upon collapsible part 62, of the conoidal head having two compartiments. The com-
partments are both filled with liquid to which the diaphragms are exposed, the latter
being compressible into the vacant cavities back of them. The tube 79, is surrounded
with a corrugated sleeve 342, at the portion surrounded by liquid back of the shell
head 62, thereby permitting said tube to slide freely within a liquid tight joint; the
corrugated sleeve, permitting the depression of the diaphragm 341.
The outer head 393, intermediate head 62, and diaphragm plates 341, are united at
their margins, composing a combined removable conoidal head 303, which is attached
over the head 302, integral with the shell, by means of a separable locked joint 343,
of any well known construction.
The sheet metal exterior 393, of the conoidal heads may be either smoothed surface,
or corrugated as in Figure 19, or partly corrugated as in Figure 20, with circum-
ferential corrugations, whereby the collapse is rendered the more effective.
The construction and operation of the delay action fuses 30*, the tube 79, its
locking devices 334, and the weighted plunger 333, in Figure 19, are substantially
similar to those illustrated in Figure 20; but I have here shown a modification
wherein the plunger 333, is assisted in its action by a supplemental annular
plunger 344. The plunger 344, is packed air-tight within the tube 6, and about the
tube 79, by the cup leather packings 345. The tube 79, is connected with the
interior of the tube 6, through the air passages 347, and the inertia of both
weights 333, and 344, cause the air compression when the shell is accelerated. The
reaction takes effect upon the lighter plunger 333, driving it forward with the force
stored by the movement of both plungers and doubly insures the tripping of the
latches 334, in the manner before stated.
Referring now to Figures 24, to 34, inclusive:
"
100, the pressure conducting tube or passage extending substantially from head
to base, and preferably axial to the shell. 401, Figure 24, are branches of the
tube 100, designed for the purpose of exposing the open or receiving part of the tube
in various directions to insure proper entrance of the water should the shell tend to
" tumble and strike sidewise. The branches 401, may if desired be arranged in
spiral lines of inclination in order to more directly receive the water; the rapid
rotation given to the shell during its flight causing the mouths of the tubes to
describe a spiral path. The radiating structure of the branches 401, also serve to
insure driving the tube 100, back by mechanical force during the impact of the shell
when the collapse of the head 62, occurs only at one side by reason of glancing off or
by similar causes as above stated. As illustrated in Figure 25, however, the
invention may be modified by extending the tube 100, fully to the front or apex of
the shell.

page_text: The tube 100, at its mouth or mouths or other part, is provided with a thin
diaphragm 402, of water-proof material that may be easily ruptured; this being
designed to exclude any action of air pressure during flight before the blow of
immersion occurs and also to protect passages from entrance of dirt &c., during
handling and storage.
Various constructions may be employed also of the detonator 403. I have elected
to illustrate a form wherein the plungers 404, and hammers 405, move with
relation to the detonator case, in a line longitudinal to the shell, whereby they may
be respectively actuated either by an end wise movement of the tube 100, with
relation to the shell, or by pressure received through said tube.
I will first proceed to describe the construction illustrated in Figures 30, and 31,
wherein all the primer discharging pieces 404, are actuated by pressure from the
tube 100; constituting plungers, and providing for delay action only.
406, is the detonator case having a nipple 407, slid into the tube 100, and screwed
on to the nut 408, which is in turn screwed into the base 409, of the shell whereby
said case is fixed with relation to the shell, but it may be conveniently removed
from the socket formed by the envelope 410, which retains the explosive filling of
the shell in the chamber 8.
The case 406, contains cylinders or barrels 411, wherein the plungers 404, fit with
packings. Surrounding the case 406, there is a cylinder or envelope 410, covering
the concaved interior of said case forming a chamber 412, wherein gun cotton is
placed, and will burst the envelopes 413, 410, when discharged.
42, are fulminate caps, 415, the channels thereof, connecting through a circular
channel filled with slow burning compound, such as compressed meal powder.
416, are the detonators proper, consisting of thin tubes fastened into the flange 417,
of the case 406, and filled with fulminating mercury, communicating with the
channel 415, as indicated in Figure 32.
The case 406, also has a central passage 418, communicating with the tube 100,
and communicating with the space 419, at the backs of the plungers.
420, is a locking collar for retaining the hammers from accidental forward
movement. The collar 420, bears elevations and depressions of its periphery,
whereby it engages with circumferential grooves 421, in the plungers 404, when in
the position shown by Figure 33, and clears the hammers entirely when rotated to
the position shown by Figure 34. The collar 420, bears a squared hole through
which the squared end of a rotating stem or shaft 422, extends, and fits loosely. The
passage 418, being round in cross section, a spline 423, is provided to the stem 422,
bearing in a groove 424, to keep it from turning under normal conditions. 425, is
a piston upon the stem 422, fitting the cylinder 426, and is exposed to the pressure
applied to the rear of the projectile from the gun barrel in the act of projecting.
428, is a combined compression and torsion spring fastened between the stem 422,
and stationary nut 408, of the shell, which spring tends to rotate the stem and
collar 420, from the position in Figure 33, toward the position in Figure 34, and also
to force the piston 425, out after pressure is released back of it. 431, is a stay pin
of soft metal that is sheared off by the action of said projecting pressure, and
432, an abutment ring for receiving the piston 425, when thrown back by the spring.
The spline 423, is of limited length, so that when the piston and stem 422, are
driven back by the spring and complete their stroke, the spline 423, will leave its
groove 424, and rotate by means of the spring 428, until it strikes a stop 433,
(Figures 30, 33, and 34) and brings the collar 420, to the position of Figure 34.
This releasing action occurs the instant the shell is projected from the gun and the
gas pressure from the gun barrel forces the piston 425, forward the extent of the
space 427, shearing the pin 431, and the spring 428, then releasing the plungers 404,
the latter are free, subject to being driven forward upon the fulminate primers 42,
when pressure is applied in rear of them from the tube 100, by the blow of immersion.
The delay element depends on the composition of the slow burning compound
in the channel 415.
Referring now to Figures 26, to 29, inclusive; the construction is similar to the

page_text: foregoing with the exception that the detonator 406, is not screwed to the nut 408,
in the base of the shell, but in lieu thereof, is screwed to the rear end of the tube 100,
and located apart from the nut 408, to permit being driven back. Also that there
are but two of the pressure plungers 404, 404, (Figure 27) employed, the other
members 405, 405, (Figure 26) constituting hammers for the instant action, and
having no pressure communication with the tube 100, but fitting the cylinders 411,
loosely to act upon the primers 16, by their inert position, when the tube 100, is
driven back endwise, carrying the case 406, with it.
The distance of the case 406, from the nut 408, is equal or in excess of that of
the hammers 405, from the primers 16, whereby the necessary stroke is imparted.
The cylinder or envelope 413, remains stationary and the case 406, slides within it
when driven back. 450, are latches connected to the stationary nut 408, by flat
springs 451, which bear them. The latches engage through the mortises 452, with
the recesses 453, in the hammers 405, retaining them from accidental forward
movement. The springs 451, permit the latches to be withdrawn, releasing the
hammers when the parts are to be taken out and the screwed plugs 460, having channel
connection to the instant detonators 436, are removed. The channels 435, Figure 29,
are filled with slow burning composition connecting two of the detonators with the
primers of the hammers while the channels 436, are filled with instant burning
composition connecting the remaining detonators with the primers of the
plungers. It will be seen, as indicated in Figure 28, that the hammers 405, are
located at a greater radial distance from the axis of the case than are the
plungers 404. The hammers 405, are thereby located near the outer surface of the
case for the convenient connection of removable latches in the mortises, and said
hammers also clear the rotary locking collar 420, which in this instance has but two
wings engaging with the plungers 404. The rotation of the two winged collar is
limited by abutment of its wings on the shoulders 461, of the recess in which it
revolves.
In operating, the blow of immersion will rupture the diaphragm or diaphragms 402,
Figure 24; the water entering the tube 100, in a solid column. A certain amount of
air such as will occupy the tube 100, and its connecting passages under normal
conditions, acts as an interposed elastic cushion between the water column, and the
detonating plungers and other mechanical parts, so that the mechanism will not be
subject to injury or disqualification to act by a too sharp blow of the liquid. As a
further security, and to prevent the escape of the air from the tube 100, through any
of the branches 401, should the shell strike sidewise, an additional feature, consisting
of an air tight piston 470, (Figure 25) may be interposed between the water and the
air; it being capable of sliding throughout the length of the tube 100, and coin-
pressing the air by the momentum of the water column upon the opposite side. The
piston 470, is as applicable to Figure 24, as to Figure 25.
Referring now to Figures 35, to 37, inclusive:
The detonator 170, opposite the charge in the chamber 8, of the shell, is connected
with primers 42, (Figure 37) by delay fuses 500, and channels 501. The parts com-
posing the detonator are contained in a case 502, screwed in the apex piece 30, which
is removable, being screwed into the head 62, of the shell.
The case 502, is provided with four or more cylinders 411, which are in this instance
perpendicular to the axis of the shell containing plungers 404, fitting air-tight therein,
which when released are movable toward the fulminate primers 42. It is to be observed
that the plungers 404, are here arranged tangentially to a circle concentric with the
shell intersecting their axes so that they move severally in different directions. The
holes 505, communicate with the cylinders 411, at the backs of the plungers, and
through the space or passage 506, the tube 100, or water-way in the apex piece 30,
connects with said holes 505, and plungers 404.
The tube 100, has diverging branches 401, of construction and purpose similar to
those hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 24. The tubular branches 401,
are also provided with similar diaphragms 102, as those before described.
The locking device for the hammers 404, consists of a rotary shaft 508, axial to the

page_text: shell, which shaft carries a spirally bladed wheel 509, at its outer end at the apex,
imparting rotation to the shaft commencing at the time of immersion. The several
plungers 404, arranged tangentially to the shaft, are provided with circumferential
grooves 510, at the parts thereof opposite the shaft when the plungers are retracted.
The shaft 508, at its normal diameter intersects these grooves 510, retaining the
plungers in their inactive position; but there are recesses 511, in the sides of the
shaft, the same being the equivalent of the elevations and depression of the collar 420,
herein before described, which recesses when rotated, say a quarter of a turn, coincide
with the concave surfaces of all the cylinders 411, simultaneously, giving clearance
to the plungers, and releasing them subject to action by the pressure from the
tube 100.
The spirally bladed wheel 509, is retained from accidental rotation by the shear
pin 512, which is sheared off when the wheel is struck forcibly by the water. 513, is
a stationary guard placed over the wheel for the purpose of protection, and the
guard 513, has inlets 514, and outlets 515, giving free water way through the face of
the wheel. Any suitable stop may be employed to prevent the rotation of the shaft 508,
beyond the releasing point; a shoulder 516, being indicated, terminating a recess in
the back of the wheel into which recess, a pin 517, projects so as to abut on said
shoulder at the completion of a quarter turn.
In operation, the diaphragms 402, are burst upon striking the water, and the latter
enters one or more branches 401, in solid columns compressing the air in the tube 100,
as in Figure 24, and in the spaces back of the plungers 44. The wheel 509,
rotating at the same instant releases all the plungers permitting the pressure to act
forcibly therein in effecting the discharge of the several fulminate primers. The
primers being instantly discharged, the time element necessary to give the shell
proper immersion under a floating vessel or other object is obtained by regulation of
the slow burning composition in the passages 5' 0.
The dotted lines 470, indicate a piston similar to that in Figure 25.
Referring now to Figures 38, to 42, inclusive;
The general arrangement of the detonator 170, the apex piece 30, and the plungers
of the case 502, is similar to that already described with respect to Figures 35, to 37 ;
the distinctive feature here consisting in the substitution of the mechanically actuated
air compressing piston 110, for the water passages 100, 401. The holes 505, com-
municate with cylinders 411, at the backs of the plungers 404, and with the space or
passage 506, in front of the case 502.
The shaft 508, intersects the grooves 510, as before described, and retains the
plungers in their retracted position, but when withdrawn forwardly releases them.
The apex piece 30, contains the air compressing mechanism which consists as
follows: a piston 110, is fitted to a cylinder 600, being made practically air-tight
by suitable packings; the air compressing end of the cylinder opening to the
space 506, thence to the backs of the plungers. The piston 110, is provided with
a strong spring 601, in which motive power is stored to effect the air compression
after the spring is compressed. The spirally bladed wheel 509, is exposed to the
action of both atmosphere and water at the apex of the shell. The axial shaft 508,
to which the wheel 509, is in this instance screw threaded, serves the double
function of first, unlocking the plungers 404, and second, retracting the piston 110,
against the spring. To this purpose the shaft 508, is provided with a pin 602, which
engages with a slotted collar 603, terminal to a sleeve 604, of the piston 11C. The
slots 605, (Figure 42) in the collar 604, are located at an angle to the normal position
of the pin 602, as indicated, so that when the shaft 508, is moved forward the
pin 602, will abut on the collar, and draw the piston together with said shaft until
the piston is rotated so as to bring the slots opposite the pin, and trip the piston
from the shaft permitting it to be driven back by the spring. This is accomplished
by means of the angular slot 606, in the surface of the piston, the end 607, of
which slot is normally in a line opposite the pin 608, in the cylinder. After the
slot 606, has passed into the pin 608, a supplemental longitudinal slot 609, intersecting

page_text: the angular slot 606, permits the free passage of the piston 110, over the pin 608,
when tripped.
In the operation of my invention, the first part of the movement of the shaft 508,
is imparted by the friction of the atmospheric air on the wheel 509, rotating it on the
screw thread of the shaft, and the second part by the force of the water after
immersion, similarly acting on the wheel, and in each case drawing the shaft 508,
forward.
The air actuated rotation of the wheel 509, which occurs during the flight of the
shell, releases the plungers, and draws the shaft 508, forward until the pin 602, abuts
in the collar 603. At the instant of the blow of immersion, the wheel 509, receives
continued rotation, drawing the piston against the spring 601, until the tripping
action herein before described takes place, compressing the air within the cylinder 600,
and discharging the fulminate primers 42.
It is to be observed that the time element of delay action may be regulated, in
the practice of this part of my invention, not only by the time composition in the
passages 500, but also by means of adjustment of the tripping action of the air
compressing mechanism if desired.
Having thus fully described such devices as are suitable to illustrate my invention,
the elements which I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent are as
follows:
1. In an explosive shell, the combination of a collapsible head, a detonator
exploded by an abrupt movement thereof end wise of the shell, a longitudinal shaft
within the shell bearing the detonator, and a radiating structure composed of arms
or members that diverge obliquely from the said longitudinal shaft toward and con-
nect with various portions of the said collapsible head, as hereinbefore described with
reference to Figures 1, 12, and 24, in the annexed drawings.
2. The combination in an explosive shell, of a detonator, a movable primer case, an
inertia-actuated hammer therein in rear of the primers, and a pressure actuated
piston exposed at the head of the shell connected to the primer case, whereby to be
depressed and cause an abrupt movement of the primers in opposition to the
hammer by the blow of immersion upon a water target, as hereinbefore described
with reference to Figures 6, 1, 12, 15, and 18, in the annexed drawings.
3. The combination in an explosive shell, of a detonator, a movable primer case,
an inertia-actuated hammer therein opposite the primer, and a pressure actuated
piston depressible within a cylinder at the head of the shell connected to the primer
case, within which cylinder the abutting column of water is confined against lateral
deflection at the time of the blow of immersion to effectuate the abrupt movement of
the primers in opposition to the hammer, as hereinbefore described with reference to
Figures 1, 6, 15, and 18, in the annexed drawings.
4. The combination in an explosive shell, of a detonator, a movable primer case, an
inertia-actuated hammer therein opposite the primers, a pressure actuated piston
exposed at the head of the shell connected to the primer case, a spring for advancing
the piston after the shell is projected preparatory to its depression by pressure, and
a latch for holding the piston normally in a retired position, which latch is disengaged
by the initial projection of the shell, as herein before described with reference to
Figures 1, 6, 15, and 18, in the annexed drawings.
5. In an explosive shell the combination of a collapsible head capable of resisting
the blow of immersion upon a water target, an instant action detonator exploded by
an abrupt movement thereof with reference to the shell, a shaft bearing said instant
detonator terminating with radiating arms such as described oblique to the axis of the
shell connected with various parts of the said collapsible head, a movable apex in
the head depressible by the blow of immersion, and a time action detonator connected
to said apex actuated by an abrupt movement thereof with reference to the shell, as
hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1, and 12, in the annexed drawings.
6. The combination of the collapsible head, the detonator shaft, the radial structure

page_text: of arms or webs secured to the shaft and diverging therefrom, and a ring interior to
the head to which the radiating extremities of the said arms or webs are connected as
herein before described with reference to Figures 1, and 12, in the annexed
drawings.
7. In an explosive shell, the combination of a detonator composed of a case
movable lengthwise of the shell and a safety discharging device consisting of thimbles.
projected rearwardly from the case containing hammers opposite the percussion
primers of the detonator, shoulders in the hammers, and studs projecting from a
stationary part of the shell through slots in the thimbles so as to engage with the
shoulders of the hammers and prevent contact of the latter with the primers except
by a rearward thrust of the case, as herein before described with reference to Figure 1,
in the annexed drawings.
8. The combination with an explosive shell, of a detonator, percussion primers
thereof disposed from various directions toward a common centre, and a spherical or
other hammer occupying a free or rele sable position at the said common centre,
whereby to invariably discharge one or more such primers irrespective of its direction
of movement imparted by an endwise or lateral concussion of the shell, as herein-
before described with reference to Figures 1, 6, and 15, in the annexed
drawings.
9. The combination with an explosive shell, of a detonator, percussion primers
thereof disposed from various directions toward a common centre, a spherical or other
hammer occupying a free or releasable position at the said common centre, and firing
pins radiating toward the primers interposed between the same and the said hammer,
as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1, 6, and 15, in the annexed
drawings.
10. In a detonator for explosive shells, the combination of a spherical or spheroidal
concussion haminer, a case for the same provided with a concave seat or socket at
its rear part as situated in the shell, for the partial reception of the haminer, and
percussion primers (or their firing pins) in front of the hammer converging from
various directions toward the same as and for the purpose hereinbefore set forth with
reference to Figures 1, 6, and 15, in the annexed drawings.
11. In a detonator for explosive shells, the combination of a spherical or spheroidal
concussion hammer, a case for the same provided with a concave seat or socket at
its rear part, as situated in the shell, for the partial reception of the hammer, percussion
primers (or their firing pins) in front of the hammer converging from various
directions toward the same, and a retaining rod screw threaded through the forward
part of the case provided with an automatic wind wheel for unscrewing said rod
when the shell is projected, as herein before described with reference to Figures 1,
and 6, in the annexed drawings.
12. The combination with the detonator case having a cylindrical interior and
openings 156, communicating with the detonating compound, of the longitudinally
movable hammer containing case 50, fitting said cylinder and provided with longitudinal
fuse channels 53, communicating with the percussion primers, and maintaining
connection of the same with the detonating compound irrespective of the advanced
or retracted position of said hammer case 50, as hereinbefore described with reference
to Figures 1, 6, and 9, in the annexed drawings.
13. The combination of the cylindric detonator case having a plurality of differently
timed fuse channels, the percussion primer case provided with a longitudinal fuse
channel or channels, and ineans such as the key 47, whereby the percussion primer
case may be rotatively adjusted and its channel or channels brought into coincidence
with one or another of such differently timed fuse channels for the purpose herein-
before described with reference to Figures 1, 4, 6, and 8, in the annexed drawings.
14. In an explosive shell the combination of a collapsible shell head, a detonator,
percussion primers within the shell head connected by fuse channels with the detonator
disposed in directions radiating toward all parts, circumferentially, of the interior of
the head, and a body of transmitting material substantially as described interposed
:

page_text: between the primers and the said surrounding of the interior of the head, whereby a
collapse of any portion of the same will compress the transmitting material about and
toward the primers discharging the detonator, in the manner hereinbefore set forth,
with reference to Figure 15, in the annexed drawings.
*
15. In an explosive shell, the combination of a collapsible shell head, a detonator,
percussion primers within the head arranged in an annular series disposed toward the
sides thereof, and an annular case opposite the primers connected directly to the apex
of the head, whereby the collapse of the latter in the direction of the axial line of the
shell is transmitted to explode the said primers in the manner herein before set forth
with reference to Figure 18, in the annexed drawings.
16. The combination in an explosive shell of a collapsible conoidal head, an annular
series of detonating percussion primers therein, and an axial telescoping primer case
having adjacent conic surfaces substantially as shown between which such primers or
their firing pins are located as hereinbefore described in reference to Figure 18, in
the annexed drawings.
17. The combination in an explosive shell, of a collapsible conoidal head, a stationary
detonator and primer case bearing the primers or their firing pins in an annular series
diverging toward and within said head, and a sleeve projected inwardly from the apex
of the head bearing a converging conic surface or flange opposite and adjacent the
said primers or their firing pins, so as to contract the same when the head is
collapsed as hercinbefore set forth in reference to Figure 18, of the annexed
drawings.
18. The combination with an explosive shell of a detonator for the shell charge
having a channel or channels provided with instant action fuses, a collapsible shell
head capable of resisting concussion upon a water target, percussion primers discharged
by collapse of the said head communicating to said instant action fuses; also a channel
or channels communicating with the detonator provided with delay action fuses, a
depress.ble apex of the shell head yielding to concussion upon a water target, and
percussion primers communicating to the delay action fuses discharged by the
depression of said apex in the manner herein before described, in reference to
Figures 15, and 18, inclusive, in the annexed drawings.
19. The combination in an explosive shell of a detonator, a hammer case within
the shell head movable lengthwise thereof, percussion primers within the said movable
case, and fuse channels communicating with the detonator and with the primers a
depressible shell apex connected to the hammer case, for actuating it, a hammer
movable within said case, a rod extending axially through the apex and screw
threaded into the hammer case to retain the hammer in a stationary position, a torsional
spring for unscrewing the rod when released and retracting it from the hammer, a
hook upon the end of the rod extending through the apex, and a pin 252, parallel
with the movement of the apex, intercepting the rotation of the hook when the apex
is depressed but releasing the same when the apex is advanced, substantially as and
for the purposes herein before set forth; with reference to Figures 15, to 18, inclusive,
in the annexed drawings.
20. The combination with an explosive shell of an explodable core tube fixed
axially within the shell; and an interior explodable tube fixed to a removable head
of the shell, telescoping said core tube, and containing or bearing the fuses and fuse
detonating mechanism; being the means of withdrawing the same by the removable
of the removable head, as herein before set forth with reference to Figures 19, 20, 21,
in the annexed drawings.
21. The combination with an explosive shell, of an explodable core tube axial to the
shell; an interior explodable fuse bearing tube telescoping said core tube; said
interior tube bearing and operating a detonating fuse at its inner portion, and encasing
within a separate detonating fuse independently operated substantially as herein before
described with reference to Figures 19, 20, 21, in the annexed drawings.
22. In an explosive shell, the combination of a collapsible head composed of inner
and outer walls, tubes or shafts directly or indirectly connected to the respective heads

page_text: to move longitudinally by collapse of the same, and corresponding shell charge
detonators connected to the separate tubes or shafts in the manner hereinbefore
described in reference to Figures 19, 20, 21, of the annexed drawings.
23. The combination with an explosive shell, of an exterior shell head collapsible by
water concussion, a delay action percussion fuse and a fuse bearing detonating stem or
shaft whereby the concussion of the exterior head is transmitted to the said delay
fuse an interior shell head collapsible by concussion upon a solid, an instantaneous
action percussion fuse and a fuse bearing detonating tube or shaft whereby the
concussion of the interior head is transmitted to the said instantaneous fuse, as herein-
before set forth with reference to Figures 19, 20, 21, in the annexed drawings.
24. The combination with an explosive shell, of a percussion fuse, a fuse detonating
shaft projecting toward the head of the shell, a collapsible liquid filled shell head or
compartment thereof, a flexible diaphragm or other movable surface exposed to the
liquid within said head or compartment and connected with the detonating shaft,
whereby the shock of concussion is transmitted to the percussion mechanism by the
compression of any portion of the liquid filled space, as hereinbefore set forth with
reference to Figures 19, 20, 21, of the annexed drawings.
25. The combination with an explosive shell, of an external liquid filled shell head
collapsible by water concussion, a flexible diaphragm exposed to the liquid therein, a
delay action percussion fuse, and a stem or shaft connecting said diaphragm with the
delay fuse to detonate the same by compression of the external head; an internal
collapsible shell head (or partition transverse to the shell) collapsible by concussion of
the projectile upon a solid, an instantaneous action percussion fuse, and a tube or shaft
connecting the same with said internal head to produce detonation by the rupture
of said internal head, as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 19, 20, 21,
of the annexed drawings.
26. The combination in an explosive shell, of a series of separate plungers arranged
in circular order about a common stationary core spindle, shoulders upon the spindle
engaging with shoulders upon the respective plungers to retain them permanently
from forward displacement, and independent percussion caps, mounted in the fuse
casing clear of the plungers, which fuse casing is rearwardly movable toward the
hammers by the concussion of the projectile, as hereinbefore set forth with reference
to Figures 19, 20, 23, inclusive, in the annexed drawings.
27. The combination with the herein described percussion fuse lammers arranged
in multiple series circularly within barrels therefor in the fuse casing, of a retaining
spindle, 24, longitudinal to the projectile, having shoulders that partly intersect the
surrounding barrels to engage with corresponding shoulders upon the said hammer for
the purpose of permanently retaining them in the manner herein before described, with
reference to Figures 19, to 23, inclusive, in the annexed drawings.
28. The combination with the retaining spindle 24, and hammers 15, of the
foot 365, connected to said retaining spindle, and the pressure actuated latches 380,
extending through the base of the shell, to engage or disengage between the said
spindle foot, and the rear of the fuse casings, by application or release respectively, of
gas pressure from the rear of the projectile upon the pistons of said latches as herein-
before set forth, with reference to Figure 21, in the annexed drawings.
29. The combination with the longitudinally movable fuse actuating tube 79, of the
hinged latches 334, projecting into slots therein to lock the same, the reciprocating
plunger 333, capable of unseating the latches at a forward point of its stroke, and an
elastic cushion that will react upon said plunger when it is driven thereon by inertia
to thrust it toward the latches substantially as hereinbefore set forth with reference
to Figures 19, 20, in the annexed drawings.
30. The combination with the longitudinally movable fuse actuating tube 79, of the
hinged latches 334, projecting therein to lock the same; an inertia acting, and com-
pression reacting plunger 333, fitting within said tube, adapted to disengage the said
latches by its reacting movement; and a compression plunger fitting the exterior of
said tube and the interior of a surrounding tube, connected by air passages to

page_text: co-operate with the said plunger 333, in the manner hereinbefore set forth with
reference to Figures 19, and 20, in the annexed drawings.
31. The combination with an explosive shell, of a detonating hammer, and a passage
communicating therewith through the body of the shell from an opening in the surface
thereof directed so as to receive a column of water when the shell strikes a water
target as herein before set forth with reference to Figures 24, to 36, inclusive, in the
annexed drawings.
32. The combination with an explosive shell, of a detonator actuated by pressure,
and a tube or passage extending through the body of the shell connecting with the
detonator and with an opening or openings in the head of the shell directed so as to
receive a column of water when the shell strikes a water target, as hereinbefore set
forth in reference to Figures 24 to 36, inclusive, in the annexed drawings.
33. The combination with an explosive shell, of a detonator actuated by pressure, a
tube or passage axial to the shell communicating with the detonator and with an
opening or openings in the head of the shell directed so as to receive a column of
water when the shell strikes a water target, as herein before set forth in reference to
Figures 24, to 36, inclusive, in the annexed drawings.
34. The combination with an explosive shell, of a detonator actuated by pressure, a
tube or passage axial to the shell connecting with the detonator, and branches of said
tube or passage communicating with openings in various parts of the head of the shell
directed so as to admit a column of water when the shell strikes a water target as
herein before set forth in reference to Figures 24, to 36, inclusive, in the annexed
drawings.
35. The combination with an explosive shell, of a detonator actuated by pressure, a
tube or passage axial to the shell connecting with the detonator, and radiating branches
of said tube oblique to the axis of the shell, communicating with openings in various
parts of the head of the shell, substantially as and for the purpose hereinbefore
described with reference to Figures 24, to 36, inclusive, in the annexed drawings.
36. The combination with an explosive shell, of a detonator actuated by pressure, a
detonator actuated by impact, and a tubular shaft connecting between said detonator
and the head of the shell at an opening or openings thereof; acting both as a
transmitter of pressure and of concussion, in the manner herein before described in
reference to Figures 24, to 36, inclusive, in the annexed drawings.
37. The combination with an explosive shell, of a detonator actuated by pressure, a
detonator actuated by impact, and a tubular structure consisting of an axial tube and
divergent tubes radiating therefrom at an angle, connecting between various parts of
the head of the shell at openings thereof, and said detonators; said structure acting
both as a transmitter of pressure and of longitudinal or lateral concussion on the head
of the shell substantially as herein before set forth with reference to Figures 24, to 36,
inclusive, in the annexed drawings.
38. The combination with an explosive shell, of a detonator actuated by pressure, a
tube or passage extending therefrom through the body of the shell to an opening or
openings in its surface, and diaphragms interposed in said tube or openings thereof,
capable of rupture by the blow of immersion as hereinbefore described in reference to
Figures 24, to 36, inclusive, in the annexed drawings.
39. The combination with an explosive shell, of a detonator actuated by pressure, a
tube or passage extending therefrom through the body the shell to an opening or
openings in its surface, and a piston interposed in a cylindrical part of said tube or
passage for the purpose hereinbefore described in reference to Figures 21, to 36,
inclusive, in the annexed drawings.
40. The combination with an explosive shell, of a detonator having fulminate caps
and pressure actuated plungers opposite them, of a tube or passage communicating
with said plungers and with openings in the surface of the shell substantially as
hereinbefore set forth in reference to Figures 34, to 36, inclusive, in the annexed
drawings.
41. The combination in a pressure actuated detonator for explosive shells, of a case

page_text: containing cylinders or barrels, plungers therein, fulminate caps opposite the plungers
connecting to the denotating compound, a passage in the case for admission of pressure to
the plungers, an endwise movable shaft axial to the case, a locking collar thereon having
elevations and depressions in its periphery which rotate in a circle intersecting the
path of the plungers, and a piston exposed to pressure applied to the rear of the
projectile, a torsion spring, and spline, connected to the shaft, co-operative therewith
as described to rotate the elevations of said collar out of interposition in the path of
the plungers, when pressure is applied to the piston substantially as hereinbefore set
forth in reference to Figures 24, to 36, inclusive in the annexed drawings.
42. The combination with an explosive shell, of a movable detonator case having
cylinders or barrels parallel to the axis of the shell, a part of said barrels containing
pressure actuated plungers, and a part thereof containing hammers actuated by impact,
fulminate caps opposite said plungers and hammers communicating with the detonating
compound, and a tube or passage communicating with the backs of said plungers, and
with openings in the surface of the shell substantially as hereinbefore set forth in
reference to Figures 24, to 36, inclusive, in the annexed drawings.
43. The combination with an explosive shell, of a pressure actuated detonator plunger
or plungers, a rotary locking shaft bearing circumferential elevations and depressions,
which elevations intercept the path of the plungers, and a spirally bladed wheel
exposed at the surface of the shell for rotating the shaft to disengage the plungers
substantially as hereinbefore set forth in reference to Figures 35, to 37, inclusive, in
the annexed drawings.
44. The combination with an explosive shell, of a pressure actuated detonating
plunger or plungers perpendicular to the axis of the shell, and a rotary locking shaft
parallel to the axis of the shell having circumferential elevations and depressions at
portions opposite the plunger or plungers which respectively intercept or clear the
path of the latter, and a spirally bladed wheel exposed at the surface of the shell for
rotating the shaft to disengage the plungers substantially as hereinbefore set forth in
reference to Figures 35, to 37, inclusive, in the annexed drawings.
45. The combination with an explosive shell, of a pressure actuated detonating
plunger or plungers perpendicular to the axis of the shell, a rotary locking shaft axial
to the shell, having circumferential elevations and depressions at portions opposite the
plunger or plungers which respectively intercept or clear the path of the same, a
spirally bladed wheel on the shaft exposed at the apex of the shell and a guard or
perforated shield placed over the said wheel having inlet and outlet passages sub-
stantially as herein before described in reference in Figures 35, to 37, inclusive, in the
annexed drawings.
46. As a structural combination in an explosive shell, a detonator case containing
firing plungers tangentially arranged about a common axial locking shaft, recesses in
the shaft to clear the plungers when turned opposite them, a spirally bladed wheel on
the shaft exposed at the apex of the shell, and a tubular water passage concentric
with the shaft through which the latter extends, communicating with the pressure side
of the plungers and branched to open around the apex, the whole being confined in a
removable apex piece, substantially as hereinbefore described in reference to Figures 35,
to 37, inclusive in the annexed drawings.
47. In an explosive shell, the combination of a detonator, actuated by pressure, a
cylinder and piston within the shell, a frictionally actuated wheel on the exterior of
the shell, and mechanism whereby the motion of the wheel is imparted to the piston,
for the purposes herein before described in reference to Figures 38, to 42, inclusive,
in the annexed drawings.
48. In an explosive shell, the combination of a detonator actuated by pressure, a
cylinder and piston within the shell, a spring operative upon the piston to compress
the air, a frictionally actuated wheel in the exterior of the shell, and mechanism
whereby the motion of the wheel is imparted to compress the spring in the manner
substantially as hereinbefore set forth in reference to Figures 38, to 42, inclusive, in
the annexed drawings.
49. In an oxplosive shell, the combination of a detonator actuated by pressure, a

page_text: cylinder and piston within the shell, a spring operative upon the piston to compress
the air, a frictionally actuated wheel on the exterior of the shell, mechanism whereby
the motion of the wheel is imparted to compress the spring, and a tripping mechanism
whereby the spring is released to act on the piston at a given time during the motion
of the wheel substantially as hereinbefore described in reference to Figures 38, to 42,
inclusive, in the annexed drawings.
50. The combination with an explosive shell, of a pressure actuated detonating
plunger or plungers, a shaft intercepting the plungers, and a frictionally actuated
wheel on the exterior of the shell giving longitudinal motion to the shaft to release
the plungers substantially in the manner herein before set forth in reference to
Figures 38, to 42, inclusive, in the annexed drawings.
51. The combination with an explosive shell, of a detonating plunger or plungers
movable in a line perpendicular to the axis of the shell, an air chamber or passage
communicating with the backs of the plungers and a spring actuated piston for com-
pressing the air in said chamber, substantially as hereinbefore set forth in reference
to Figures 38, to 42, inclusive.
52. The combination in an explosive shell, of a detonating plunger or plungers
perpendicular to the axis of the shell, an air chamber or passage communicating with
the backs of the plungers, a spring actuated piston for compressing the air in said
chamber, a screw threaded axial locking shaft normally intercepting the plungers, and
a spirally bladed nut on the shaft exposed at the apex of the shell operative as herein-
before described in reference to Figures 58, to 42, inclusive, in the annexed drawings.
53. The combination in an explosive shell, an air compressing cylinder and a spring
actuated piston therein, an axial shaft normally intercepting the path of the plungers
extending through the piston and the apex of the shell, a spirally bladed wheel screw
threaded to the shaft, and a tripping device substantially as described whereby the
piston is engaged by or released from the shaft at definite points of the latter's
retraction substantially as herein before described in reference to Figures 38, to 42,
inclusive, in the annexed drawings.
54. As a structural combination in an explosive shell, a detonator case containing
firing plungers tangentially arranged about a common axial locking shaft, a spirally
bladed nut on the shaft exposed at the apex of the shell, and a cylinder case and an
air compressing piston upon said shaft longitudinally movable therewith, the whole
being combined in a removable apex piece, substantially as hereinbefore described and
shown in Figures 38, to 42, inclusive in the annexed drawings.
55. The combination with an explosive shell, of an external liquid filled shell head
collapsible by water concussion, a flexible diaphragm exposed to the liquid therein, a
delay action percussion fuse, and a stem or shaft connecting said diaphragm with the
delay fuse to detonate the same by compression of the external head; an internal
liquid filled shell head adapted to resist water concussion but collapsible by concussion
of the projectile upon a solid, a flexible diaphragm exposed to the liquid therein, an
instantaneous action fuse, and a tube or shaft connecting the latter diaphragm, with
the instantaneous fuse to detonate the same by compression of the internal head,
substantially as hereinbefore set forth with reference to Figures 19, 20, 21, of the
annexed drawings.
Dated thin lat
STI 1000
JENSEN & SON,
77, Chancery Lane, London, W.C., Patent Agents.