AN IMPROVED CANNON, WHICH HE CALLS A REVOLVING T IT S
Year: 1857

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Wilkens, Manufacturer, of Baltimore, United
States of America, and now of 4, South Street, Finsbury, London, for
the Invention of "AN IMPROVED CANNON, WHICH HE CALLS A REVOLVING
T
IT S
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Wilkens at tho
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
7th February 1857.
I, WILLIAM WILKENS, Manufacturer, of Baltimore, United States of America,
and now of 4, South Street, Finsbury, London, do hereby declare the nature.
of the said Invention for "AN IMPROVED CANNON, WHICH I CALL A REVOLVING
BATTERY," to be as follows, that is to say:-
This Invention consists, first, in a peculiar revolving cylindrical plate formed
with several chambers for containing cartridges.
Secondly, in an improved means for forming an air-tight fitting between the
barrel of the cannon and the revolving cylindrical plate while firing.
In this improved cannon, a cylindrical plate containing several chambers,
the number and size of which vary according to the size of the cannon, in:
which chambers cartridges are placed, and which cylindrical plate revolves
upon a centre pin' fixed to. a suitable frame or carriage. The barrel of the

page_text: cannon is placed in the front of the plate. When firing, the barrel is brought
in contact with and opposite to the revolving chambers by means of a long
forked lever, the ends of the fork working on the aforesaid centre pin. An
iron link is placed on the top and another underneath the cylindrical plate;
one end of each link is fastened to the barrel of the cannon, and the other
ends of the links are made fast to the long lever, and by turning the latter
partly round the links are made to draw the barrel into close contact with the
loaded chamber. The cannon may be fired in the ordinary way. A small
lever is placed beneath the cylindrical plate for the purpose of turning each
chamber opposite the breach of the cannon.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said William Wilkens in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
27th July 1857.
.!
TO ALL TO WHOM. THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
WILKENS, of Baltimore, United States of America, and now of 4, South
Street, Finsbury, London, send greeting...
-
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Seventh day of February, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven, in the twentieth year of Her reign,
did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said
William Wilkens, Her special license that I,. the said William Wilkens, my
executors, administrators, and assigns, or such, others as I, the said William
Wilkens, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree
with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during
the term therein expressed; should and. lawfully.might make, use, exercise,
and. vend, within the United Kingdom, of Great. Britain and Ireland, the
Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for:" AN IMPROVED CANNON,"
WHICH HE CALLS A REVOLVING BATTERY;" a communication from E: Ames, of
Baltimore, U.S., upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said William
Wilkens, by an instrument in writing, under my hand and seal, should parti-
cularly, describe and ascertain the. nature. of the said Invention, and in what
manuer the same was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in
the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and immediately
after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said William Wilkens, do hereby declare the 3
nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be per-

page_text: formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement thereof, .reference being had to the annexed Sheets of Drawings,
and to the figures and letters marked thereon, that is to say -
This Invention consists, first, in a peculiar revolving.cylindrical plate formed
with several chambers for containing cartridges.
Secondly, in an improved means for forming an air-tight fitting between the
barrel of the cannon and the revolving cylindrical plate while firing.
This improved cannon is provided with a cylindrical plate containing several
chambers, the number and size of the latter varying according to circum-
stances; in these chambers the cartridges are placed. The cylindrical plate.
revolves upon a centre pin fixed to a suitable frame or carriage.
The barrel of the cannon is placed in the front of the plate; when firing,
the barrel is brought in contact with and opposite to the revolving chambers
by means of a long forked lever, the ends of the fork working on the aforesaid
centre pin. An iron link is placed on the top and another underneath tho
cylindrical plate. One end of each link is fastened to the barrel of the cannon,
and the other ends of the links are made fast to the long lever, and by turning.
the latter partly round the links are made to draw the barrel in close contact
with the loaded chamber. The cannon may be fired in the ordinary way: A
small lever is placed beneath the cylindrical plate for the purpose of turning
each chamber.opposite the breech of the cannon.
Such being the nature of the Invention communicated to me, I will now
more fully describe the Invention, and the mode of fcarrying the same into
effect, by reference to the Drawings hereto annexed, in which the same
letters in the different. Figures denote parts which are similar.
Figure 1, Sheet 1, is a ground plan of the gun; and Figure 2, Sheet 2, is
a longitudinal and vertical section of the gun through its centre. The main
frame of the gun is made of cast iron (or other suitable material) and in one
piece, a portion of which consists of a circular table or bed.plate F, having a
block F3 on its under side and at its centre. From this, block, and in a direc-
tion from its centre, a rib or bracket F¹ extends to the back part of the table,
and from the front of the block F two other ribs or brackets, which are parallel
to one another, extend to the front part of the circumference of the table F,
and from thence. upwards and forwards, as shewn at Fs, thereby forming cheeks
or bearers for the barrel of the cannon (which is placed between them) to rest
The barrel is marked B, and has lugs cast on its sides at b, that work in
short grooves. formed by the lugs. a, which are cast on the inner sides of the
cheeks F. On to the upper surface of the table F.of the main frame are.
cast three lugs or blocks a', upon which the cylinder C partially rests, as it
on.

page_text: does also on a shoulder of the centre pin P, which is keyed fast into a hole in
the block 3, made for its reception by a key, which is marked K. The cylin
der C, has eight chambers c' in it, which are equally spaced around the cylinder.
These chambers are for the reception of the cartridges, and which do not
terminate at the cylindrical surface of the cylinder, but extend or project
beyond it, forming nozzles, which are made conical on their outside circum-
ferences; then collars or bosses are added on the cylinder and around the
nozzles for the purpose of producing flat shoulders for the butt of the barrel to
bear against, the shoulders being at right angles to the axes of the chambers;
as shewn at Figures 1 and 3, Sheet 1, and Figures 2, 5, and 6, Sheet 2, the
nozzles being marked r². A conical recess is formed in the butt of the
barrel B, which is a counterpart or socket for the nozzles of the cylinder. The
conical recess of the barrel is marked 3. The nozzles on the cylinder C
and the recess in the barrel B serve as guides to cause the bore of the
barrel to correspond or coincide with the bore of the chambers c¹ when the
barrel is drawn to the cylinder. The barrel B is moved to or from the cylin-
der C by a crank. or eccentric motion. is a forked lever, the prongs m of
which act as cranks, one being above the cylinder C and the other below it,
and both are united to a centre stem by means of bolts. These prongs or
cranks have eyes or holes in them, which fit and work on the centre pin P,
which is a fulcrum for the cranks or prongs of the lever l, and also the lever n,
which is used for turning the cylinder C round.. The centre pin P is so con-
structed, that a portion of it fits and works in a hole in the cylinder C, which
is turned about it as a centre. Below the cylinder the pin is somewhat larger
than that portion of it which is within the cylinder, and that part above the
cylinder is smaller than the part within it. The portion of the pin within the
block F3 of the frame F is made slightly tapering, so as to fit. tight in its:
place. O is a pin, on the ends of which are made smaller pins 9, which are
eccentric with the pin O. The pin O passes through holes made in the
prongs of the lever l. S are two connecting links or plates, each having a
hole near. one of its ends for the reception of one of the eccentric pins q, and
at the other ends of these links are holes for the reception of the pins (Z),
which are cast on or otherwise firmly and strongly attached to the barrel B.:
The central portion of the lower link is removed, as that is
necessary to avoid.
its interfering with the centre or main pin P; a similar portion is removed
from the upper link, to lighten it, and to make it correspond with the lower
one. Other portions are removed in each for the purpose of lightening it,:
and one part in particular is removed from the upper link, so that it.shall not
cover the touch-hole, nor interfere in any way with the firing or discharging of;

page_text: the gun. The links are kept on the pins (q and 2) by bolts and washers, tho
bolts being screwed into the pins. On the pin o a semicircular plate u is
firmly attached by a key. There are conical holes or cavities round the edge
of this plate for the reception of the point or end of a set screw t, which is
screwed into and through the upright part of the lower prong of the lever 1,
and opposite the edge of the plate. The eye or hole in the lower prong of the
forked lever is made to fit on to the large part of the pin P, as at P, and
the eye in the upper prong of the lever is made to fit on the small part of the
pin, as at P. n is a lever, having a quadrant or portion of a ring attached to
it, upon which quadrant is fastened a pawl, by which the cylinder C is turned,
the pawl being pressed against the under side of the cylinder by a spring v,
see Figures 1 and 7, so that the pawl will be forced into ratchet holes made
in the under side of the cylinder when the pawl is brought opposite to them.
The ratchet holes are shown in Figure 3, which is a plan of the cylinder when
inverted, and also in Figure 7, which is an elevation of that side of the pawl
of the lever n, which is next to the centre pin P. Figure 8 is an elevation of
the stop, by which. the cylinder is prevented from being turned too far round
by the lever n, or by its own momentum. It is an elevation of that side of
the stop which is next the centre pin P, together with a section of a portion of
the cylinder C through one of the ratchet holes. The bolt R is moved
upwards and downwards by a horizontal plate a; having an oblique slot in it,
which terminates in two short horizontal slots, in which works a pin that is
fastened on the bolt. The plate al is moved horizontally by the lever n and a
block or tooth projecting from the quadrant w¹. Ratchet holes are made in
the under side of the cylinder C for the reception of the upper end of the bolt,
, see Figures 3 and 8 at a³. Figure 9 is a vertical and longitudinal section
of a portion of the forked lever l; with a part of each of the connecting links
S, S, and of the pin O, with its eccentric pins q, q, semicircular plate u, set,
screw t, &c. Figure 10 is a ground plan of the pin o, showing the eccentricity
of the pins q, in which plan is also shown a portion of the lower prong of the.
lever and lower link S. Figure 4 is is an end view of the butt end of tho
barrel B. Figure 5 is a front view of one the chambers of the cylinder C,
together with the packing that is placed between the barrel and the chamber.
Figure 6 is a section of a portion of the barrel B, and of a portion of the
cylinder C, through one of its chambers, together with a section of a packing
ring y. Figures 4, 5, and 6 are represented on an enlarged scale. The
packing ring y is a flat ring, of cardboard, paper, or other suitable material,
that is placed on the face of the chambers of the cylinder C, for the purpose
of forming a tight joint between the barrel B and cylinder C when the former

page_text: is drawn to the latter by the action of the forked lever and connecting
links S, the lever being moved so as to bring the centre of the pins (P, q, and
2) in one and the same vertical plane, in which would also be the centre of the
barrel. The barrel B is represented in the Drawings as being removed from
the cylinder as far as it is allowed to go. By means of the above-described
action of the lever and the links the packing is compressed or squeezed very
hard, thereby making a tight joint, that effectually prevents the escape of gas
when the gun is discharged. The packing ring y is provided with a conical
tubular ring y, the largest diameter of which is nearly as great as the bore of
the chamber into which it is inserted, and the size of the hole in the packing
ring y is such that the largest part of the conical tubular ring will fit tight in.
it, so as to adhere to the packing ring when the packing ring is forced on the
tubular ring, to which it may be cemented, if necessary, by gum, or other
suitable substance. The taper of the ring y¹ is such as to allow the small end
of it to enter freely into the chambers c¹ of the cylinder. The tubular ring y
enables the cylinder C to retain the packing ring y in its place, and carry it
with it when the cylinder is turned round.. Every chamber c¹ of the cylinder c
is provided with four small pointed studs, which retain the packing on the face
of the chamber after the piece is discharged. This gun may be discharged in
any of the ordinary methods used in discharging cannon. A lock or hammer
is represented on the upper links, to which it should be fastened if used.
The lock is represented as being loose upon the link, and in the position it
should occupy when the barrel is drawn to the cylinder. The lock or hammer
may be fastened to a stem or bracket attached to the centre pin P, or any part.
of the frame F; but there is an advantage obtained in fastening the lock on the
upper link S, for in that case the gun cannot be discharged by the lock before
the barrel is brought to the cylinder, for the hammer would not strike the cap
or wafer when the barrel is removed from the cylinder. d is a screw, with hand
wheel for elevating or depressing the gun, and works in a socket on the cross-
piece between the tails of the carriage frame D; d' are trunnions on the frame.
F, by which, together with the screw, it is supported on the carriage frame D
that rests on the axle D', on the ends of which are the wheels.
The following are the operations for firing the gun-The barrel being
removed from the cylinder, as represented in the Drawings, a cartridge with
ball is put into one of the chamber's c¹ and rammed as required; then
a packing ring is put on the face of the chamber, the tubular ring being.
inserted within the chamber, and there remains till the cylinder is turned by
the lever n and its pawl, so as to bring the loaded chamber opposite the barrel
B, when the cylinder is prevented from being turned farther round by the

page_text: bolt R of the stop, which is forced up into one of the ratchet holes af by the
plate, which raises the bolt by the pin which slides up the inclined slot e.
The plate is moved by the lever n when the cylinder is turned, so as
to bring one of the ratchet holes opposite the bolt of the stop. The loaded
chamber being opposite to the barrel, the lever is moved, so as to bring the
centres of the pins P, q, and in one and the same vertical plane, or nearly so,
in which plane also the axis of the barrel would be. By this action the barrel.
is drawn to the cylinder, and compresses or squeezes the packing between
them, which makes a tight and secure joint, that is not penetrated nor disturbed
by the gas of the powder when the gun is discharged. When the barrel.
is drawn to the cylinder, as above described, with the packing between them,
the four 'small pointed studs or pins h' are forced through the packing ring and
enter holes h in the barrel made for their reception. The pins h¹-aro not
tapered the whole distance that they project from the face of the chamber c¹,
but portions of them next the chamber are left cylindrical, so that when they are
forced through the packing y they will retain it on and carry it with them till
removed by those who work or attend the gun. 'The cartridge being pricked,.
if necessary, and the stem of the wafer or fuse inserted-in the touch-hole, and
the hammer raised and laid on its back, or otherwise cocked, according to its.
construction, the gun is then ready to be discharged, which when done, the
lever 1, and consequently the links S and barrel B, are moved back to their
original positions, shown in the Drawings. An empty chamber is then charged
with a cartridge and packing ring, and the lever n moved back towards tho
lever till the pawl on its quadrant enters one of the ratchet holes in the under
side of the cylinder C made to receive it; then the lever n is 'moved in the.
opposite direction in order to bring another chamber opposite the barrel, which,
if it contains the cartridge and packing, the barrel is to be drawn to tho
cylinder, and the other necessary operations performed, às before; but if the
cartridge is not contained in the chamber which immediately succeeds the. first
loaded chamber, then the cylinder C is turned round by working the lever n; as
before described, till the next loaded chamber with its packing-ring is brought
opposite to the barrel, which is then drawn-to the cylinder, and the operations
necessary for the gun to be fired performed as before...
:
Figures 11 and 12, Sheet 3, are an elevation and a ground plan, respectively,-
of a modification of this gun, arranged for field service. In this arrangement
the centre piu P of the cylinder is in a horizontal position, and the cylinder
revolves in a vertical direction. The barrel B is supported by lugs on the
barrel and inuer frame F, in a similar manner to the-first arrangement, before

page_text: described, the centre pin resting in bearings made in this frame. The frame
Frests principally on the axle D₁, about which it vibrates as a centre when
operated upon by the screw.d, which bears a portion of its weight.
Figures 13 and 14 are, respectively, a ground plan and elevation of the
centre pin P, on to the middle portion of which the cylinder C fits and works.
This pin is so constructed as to be cranked or made so that journals are formed
on it which have a less diameter than the middle part of the pin and excentric
with it, so that they act as cranks. On the outside of these cranks, for a short
distance; the pin is of the same diameter as it is in the middle part of it, and
form collars P, from which extend the journals P4, which are concentric with
the middle portion of the pin, and which rest in the bearings in the.frame P'.
There are two pins cast or otherwise attached to the barrel B, which fit and
work into bearings in the ends. of the links S, Figures 15 and 16, viz, one pin
working in the bearing or box in one end of one link, and the other pin working
in the bearing or box in one end of the other link, whilst the eccentric
or crank journals work in bearings in the other ends of the links S. Within
the links are brackets, with set screws for the purpose of keeping the bearings
in their places and for adjusting them, there being thin plates of metal placed.
behind the end boxes, if necessary. S¹ are levers fastened on the collars
P of the pin P, which are connected at. their ends to a brake or handle II, by
which the centre pin is turned when the barrel is drawn to the cylinder
by moving the landle downwards, so as to bring the centres of the pins P, P,
and Z, and the, centres of the cranked' or eccentric journals in one and the same
horizontal plane, in which also would be the centre of the barrel B. The
cylinder C is turned by the lever n in a similar manner to that previously
described. In this arrangement a conical nozzle is represented on the end of
the barrel, and corresponding conical recesses are shown in the cylinder instead
of having the recess in the barrel and the nozzles on the cylinder, as before-
described. No pointed studs are shown in this arrangement, nor is there any
packing represented on Sheet 3, as it is the same, and used in the same
manner as that already described. The studs also may be used if desired.
This last arrangement or construction of the gun is made to show how the
improvements herein made, may be applied to guns for different uses, this con-
struction being deemed very suitable for field service.
The letters of reference marked on the Figures in Sheet 3 are the same that
denote similar parts in the other Figures. on Sheets 1 and 2.
Having now described the nature of the said Invention, and the manner in-
which the same may be carried into effect, I observe, in conclusion, that I do not

page_text: claim the construction of cannon with a revolving cylinder having chambers in
its periphery; but what I claim, and wish to be secured by the herein-before
in part recited Letters Patent, is,-
First, the moving the barrel to or from the cylinder by means of a crank
motion, or by a toggle joint, or its equivalent, as herein-before described, and
represented in Figures 1, 2, 11, and 12 of the accompanying Sheets of
Drawings.
Secondly, the construction and employment of the adjusting pin of the
forked lever, as herein-before described, and shown in Figures 1, 2, 9, and 10
of the Drawings.
Thirdly, the construction of the carriage frame on which the cylinder and
barrel are placed, as represented in Figures 11 and 12, Sheet 3.
Fourthly, the construction and employment of the centre pin upon which the
cylinder revolves, as herein-before described, and referred to in Figures 11, 12,
13, and 14 of the accompanying Sheets of Drawings.
Fifthly, the employment of packing, composed of cardboard, paper, or other
flexible material, to obtain a gas-tight fitting between the breech and the
barrel, as herein-before described, and represented in Figures 2, 5, and 6 of
the annexed Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Wilkens, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Fifth day of May, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven.
5
Witness,
II. GILBEE,
4, South Street, Finsbury,
London.
WILLIAM WILKENS. (L.S.)