Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 28th June, 1887
Complete Left, 28th Mar., 1888
Complete Accepted, 15th June, 1888
I, ALFRED JULIUS BOULT of 323 High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex,
M.I.M.E. do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to improvements in cannon and the object in view is to
cheapen and simplify the construction thereof and render it easy to thoroughly inspect
and test every particle of metal used in its construction procure an even and readily
calculated strength throughout reduce the expense of manufacture to the same per
pound for guns of any size and construct a gun which may be rapidly and easily taken
apart transported and set up again as will be now described.
The gun as preferably constructed consists of a series of metal plates or discs cut
stamped or otherwise formed each of a single piece of metal and of a diameter equal
to the diameter of the gun at the point the disc is intended to occupy. Each disc is
formed with a central opening which may be of the same size as the intended bore of
the gun or of a size to closely fit over an inner barrel and an enclosing sleeve and
each disc is also pierced with a series of holes at a suitable distance from the centre to
admit the passage of longitudinal tie bolts which extend through the discs from end
to end of the gun. The thickness of the discs may be varied. but for ease of
manufacture and the facility it will afford for a careful inspection of the metal
from one eighth to one quarter of an inch will be found a convenient thickness.
In some cases the bore of the gun will be formed by the central openings of the
discs in which case of course a number of discs will be used at the rear end of the
bore which will not be formed with the central opening except such as may be required
for the insertion of the breech pin. When a solid barrel is not used it will be often
found of advantage to braze the discs together in order that there may be no possibility
of inequalities in the surface of the bore, and in such case in some guns the tie bolts
may if preferred be omitted.

page_text: When a separate barrel is used it may be slightly tapered outside and over it may
be placed a split sleeve correspondingly tapered inside so that when placed in the axial
opening of the discs the ring may be forced over the barrel in which case it will
expand and fit tightly against the discs. The opening left by the expansion of the
sleeve may be made available as a channel for the passage of water.
The disc at the muzzle end of the cannon is of somewhat heavier construction than
above mentioned but of the same form and provided with like openings for the barrel
and tie bolts as is also with the exception of the central opening the breech end plate
which passes across the end of the gun in rear of the barrel and in which is formed
an opening communicating with the water channel in the split collar previously
mentioned. The outer end of the barrel is formed with a screw thread on which is
screwed a nut which passes through the end plate and abuts against the split sleeve
and by means of this screw nut this sleeve is formed down over the slightly tapered
barrel and is thereby expanded into the disc body of the gun as will be at once
understood. This nut is also formed with a circular groove on its inner end and
has an opening through it so that a circulation of air or water may be had
directly through the gun at all times by means of the grooved end plates their
openings and the split sleeves. In some instances longitudinal holes through the
material forming the sleeve are formed which give a greater cooling surface and in
large guns materially aid in producing the desired effect.
The breech pin may consist of a headed pin slipped into the barrel from the
muzzle end and having a head closely fitting the rear end of the bore. A hollow
shank or stem is passed from this head through the rear end of the barrel and also
through the breech end plate and is firmly secured by a large nut on its outer
end. The firing pin is recessed in the head of the breech pin and its stem
passed out through the hollow shank and is provided with a spring to retain it in its
normal position.
To mount a gun of this construction upon its carriage the trunnions are formed
upon a band which completely and closely encircles the gun and is made in two
parts secured together and clamped tightly upon the gun by suitable means. To
these bands are attached side bars or bands having hooked ends provided with small
projecting pins which are engaged with the end plates of the gun and also provided
with threaded ends passed through suitable projections formed on the trunnion band
and set up with nuts. These side bars not only effectually prevent the trunnion
band from being shifted by the shock of the recoil in firing but serve as an additional
means of binding the plates and discs together.
The cannon previously described is suitable as a muzzle loader but for convenience
and to accomodate modern ammunition it will be necessary often to construct the
gun for loading at the breech and the manner in which this is accomplished is as
follows:-
:-
The bore of the gun is allowed to extend entirely through from end to end and
extend in rear of the breech a guide tube of suitable length and which may be a
separate tube or an extension of the barrel. This tube is open on one side and is
also formed with one or more longitudinal guide grooves which at the breech of
the gun are widened out. To hold this tube in place and give it sufficient strength
to hold the breech block it is surrounded with a series of discs like those used in the
main body of the gun but cut away upon one side to correspond with the guide tube.
A space is left between these reinforcing discs and the end of the main body of the
gun equal to the thickness of the breech block and the whole is readily secured
together by the tie rods or bolts used in clamping the gun discs together, and also by
suitable longitudinal bars.
The breech block is a plain cylindrical block fitted to slide in the guide tube and
having its forward end bevilled to fit a similarly bevilled seat in the rear end of the
barrel. This breech block is provided with a series of projections on its outer surface
corresponding in size shape and location with the grooves formed in the guide tube
and it will be understood at once that these projections serve to guide the breech
block as it is slid back and forth in the open guide tube end when the block is shoved

page_text: down to its seat it is turned over a short distance which at once moves the
projections into the right angle extensions of the grooves and locks the breech lock
firmly in position.
In heavy guns this breech block will be too heavy for convenient bandling and I
therefore provide it with a small gear or pinion and crank and secure upon the edge
of the guide tube a toothed rack with which the pinion engages and by the use of this
device the block is readily moved without too much labour.
In some cases each disc may be separately formed of a metal ribbon wound closely
and spirally into a complete disc. It will be probably found desirable to wind these
ribbons while in a heated state and under a suitable tension in order that they shall
more closely unite and form a solid mass and it will be at once seen that the grain of
the metal is not broken or cut but extends continuously around the barrel and is thus
far stronger for a given weight. The bolts in this construction need not be used but
the dises may be surrounded by a metallic shell which may in some cases be
strengthened by longitudinal projecting webs of metal and the discs may be secured
together and firmly clamped by suitable rings screwed into the ends of the outer shell.
This will bind the whole firmly together without weakening the discs by piercing
them for the passage of the tie bolts or the discs may be formed of short spools acting
simply as frames on which is wound a metallic cable or rope and this also may be
wound in a heated condition and the contraction of cooling readily binds the
strands together and gives a very strong and durable construction.
The principle of this invention is the construction of a gun of a number of parts
or sections the joints of which are on transverse lines or in other words at sub-
stantially right angles to the bore; and it will be easily understood that the
construction is not limited to the details herein described.
Dated this 28th day of June 1887

page_text: Improvements in Cannon.
A communication from EDWIN JAMES BLOOD, of Chicago, United States of America,
Machinist.
I, ALFRED JULIUS BOULT of 323 High Holborn in the County of Middlesex,
M.I.M.E. do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the
same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement:-
This invention relates to an improvement in Cannon; and it consists in certain
peculiarities of the construction and arrangement of the same, substantially as will be
hereinafter more fully set forth and particularly pointed out in the claims.
In order to enable others skilled in the art to which my invention pertains, to make
and use the same, I will now proceed to describe its construction and operation,
referring to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a top plan view of the gun, constructed in one of the ways I shall presently
describe.
Figure 2 is a side elevation of the same, and
Figure 3 is a central longitudinal section of the same.
Figure 4 is a transverse section through the trunions, taken on the line y y as
indicated on fig. 1.
Figure 5 is a transverse section taken nearer the muzzle, on the liner.
Figure 6 is a detailed side view of the split sleeve which surrounds the barrel.
Figure 7 a transverse section of the same.
Figure 8 an elevation of the muzzle end.
Figure 9 an elevation of the breech end, and
Figure 10, a small detail partly in section of the manner of securing the side bars to
the end plates.
Figure 11 is a side elevation of the breech of a similarly constructe l'gun, illustrating
the device for breech-loading.
Figure 12 is a rear elevation of the same.
Figure 13 is a transverse section on the line ww fig. 11, and just at the seat of the
breech block.
Figure 14 is a longitudinal section of one half of a cannon, showing a modified
form of construction in which the discs are formed of spirally wound metal ribbons,
and enclosed in an outer shell without the longitudinal retaining rods.
Figure 15 is a cross section of the same taken on the line e fig. 14, and showing
one of these discs in elevation.
Figure 16 is a partial rear elevation of the gun showing the outer shell strengthened
by longitudinal webs of material, and
Figure 17 is a longitudinal section of one half of another modification in which the
dises are represented as formed of spools, on which are wound metallic cables as shown.
The object in view is to cheapen and simplify the construction of cannon, and
render it easy to thoroughly inspect and test every particle of metal used in its con-
struction; procure an even and readily calculated strength throughout; reduce the
expense of manufacture to the same per pound for guns of any size; and construct
a gun which may be rapidly and easily taken apart, transported and set up again, as
will now be described.
There are various constructions involving the principle of the invention; many

page_text: variations of which will at once suggest themselves to persons skilled in the manufac-
ture of this class of articles, and I have therefore herein illustrated and described
only the preferred form, with some obvious modifications, and will vary the construc-
tion to a further extent as may seem desirable in practice and as required by the
exigencies of the different service for which different guns are required, but
without departing from the principles of the invention as I shall now proceed to
explain.
The form which is regarded as preferable, and which is fully seen in figs. 1 to 9
inclusive, consists of a series of metal plates or discs a a, cut, stamped or otherwise
formed, each of a single piece of metal, and of a diameter equal to the diameter of
the gun at the point the disc is intended to occupy. Each disc is formed with a central
opening which may be of the same size as the intended bore of the gun, or as in the
drawings of a size to closely fit over the inner barrel and its enclosing sleeve; and each
is also pierced with a series of holes at a suitable distance from the centre, to admit
the passage of the longitudinal tie bolts a' which are seen in fig. 3, as passed through
the discs, from end to end of the gun. As many of these discs are used as are desired
to form a gun of the required length, and of a diameter sufficient to give the required
amount of metal between the bore and outer surface, for proper strength and weight,
this being varied according to the conditions of each individual case; and the thick-
ness of the dises will also be varied, though it is preferable to form them from one
eighth to one quarter of an inch in thickness both because of the case of manu-
facture, and the facility it will give of a careful inspection of the metal used.
In some cases the hore of the gun will be formed by the central opening of the
dises, in which case of course a certain number of discs will be used at the rear end
of the bore, which will not be formed with the central opening except such as may
be required for the insertion of the breech pin. When the discs are extended inward
to the bore, it will be often found of advantage to braze them together in order that
there may be no possibility of inequalities in the surface of the bore, and in such
case, in some guns, the tie bolts may be omitted though it is preferable to use them in
any event.
.-
While I may as described allow the discs to extend in to form the walls of the bore,
it is preferable to use the construction seen in figure 3, in which the bore is formed in
a separate barrel of suitable size and shape, which barrel is surrounded by a
sleeve, split longitudinally its full length, as will more clearly appear in figures 6
and 7. This sleeve is upon its outer surface a plain cylinder with parallel sides, but
its inner surface is slightly tapered as in figure 3, and the outer surface of the barrel b
is tapered to correspond, in the opposite direction, so that when one is placed over the
other and forced up to place, the split sleeve is slightly expanded to tightly fit the
dises, which are arranged upon it.
It will be noticed in the drawings that an end plate 62 is provided at the muzzle
end of the cannon and of somewhat heavier construction than the discs, but of the
same form, and provided with like openings for the barrel and tie bolts, a breech end
plate 63 is also provided which passes across the end of the gun in rear of the barrel
and is preferably formed with a circular groove a² having an opening a through the
outer surface of the end plate, and which forms a channel for conducting air or
water as will be presently explained. The outer end of the barrel b is formed with a
screw thread of proper strength and size, on which is screwed a nut c which passes
through the end plate and abuts against the split sleeve b', and by means of this
screw nut this sleeve is forced down over tho slightly tapered barrel, and is thereby
expanded into the disc body of the gun, as will be at once understood. This nut is
also formed with a circular groove on its inner end and an opening through it as
shown, and it will be at once seen that a circulation of air or water may be had,
directly through the gun at all times. by means of the grooved end plates, their
openings and the split sleeve by which the gun is kept always sufficiently cool for use.
In some instances fongitudinal holes are also formed through the material forming
the sleeve, as in figure. 7 which gives a greater cooling surface, and in large guns,
materially aid in producing the desired.effect. It will he readily. understood.without

page_text: further explanation how a hose or other connection may be made with these circulating
channels to force the desired cooling agent through them.
The breech pin I have shown as a headed pin slipped into the barrel from the
muzzle end and having a head closely fitting the rear end of the bore. A hollow shank
or stem d is passed from this head, through the rear end of the barrel and also through
the breech end plate, and is firmly secured by a large nut d² on its outer end. The
firing pin is recessed in the head of the breech pin, and its stem passed out through the
hollow shank d¹ and is provided with a spring to retain it in its normal position.
In practice the discs are first placed upon the split sleeve the barrel inserted and the
end plates and tie bolts placed in position. The nuts on the tie bolts are then set up
and the discs and plates. drawn firmly together and the large nut on the barrel being
then turned up the tapered barrel and sleeve are drawn together till the latter is
expanded into the discs, and the whole mass is as firmly and solidly bound together as
if of one homogeneous mass of metal, and is far, stronger than when cast in the old
way, as every piece of metal is known and inspected before use, and there is an entire
freedom from any danger of weak spots, blow-holes, or any of the various weaknesses
due to unequal cooling, unavoidable in the casting of a large mass of metal. There is
of course no limit to the diameter of the gun so formed, or to its length, and any
desired form may be given it. The number of longitudinal tie bolts used will depend
altogether upon the circumstances of the caso; but in cases where the breech and
muzzle ends of the gun are formed of different diameters, it is deemed preferable to
construct it somewhat as in figures 1, 2 and 3, where I have shown one series of bolts
running entirely through the gun from end to end, and a second series passing only
through the enlarged breech discs, and set up at their forward ends, upon a ring
encircling the smaller and bearing against the larger discs, and serving the same
purpose with respect to this series of bolts, that the end plates serve in respect
to the other. This will be at once clearly comprehended from an inspection of the
drawings.
To mount a gun of this construction upon its carriage the trunnions e e are formed
upon a band e which is of proper size to completely and closely encircle.the
gun and
is made in two parts secured together and clamped tightly upon the gun by suitable
bolts e as shown (see figure 4). Side bars or bands e are also provided having
hooked ends et provided with small projecting pins as in figure 10, which are engaged
with the end plates of the gun; and also provided with threaded ends e passed
through suitable projections formed on the trunnion band and set up with nuts as
clearly seen in figures 1 and 2. These side bars not only effectually prevent the
trunnion band from being shifted by the shock of the recoil in firing, but serve as an
additional means of binding the plates and dises together.
The cannon previously described, is shown as a muzzle loader, and will do effective
service as such, but for convenience, and to accomodate modern ammunition it will
be necessary often to construct the gun for loading at the breech and the manner in
which this is accomplished is fully seen in figures 11, 12 and 13.
In this case the bore of the gun is allowed to extend entirely through from end to
end, and extend in rear of the breech, a guide tube of suitable length and which may
be a separate tube or an extension of the barrel, as herein shown. This tube is open
on one side as clearly shown and is also formed with one or more longitudinal guide
grooves which at the breech of the gun are widened out as in figures 11 and 13.
To hold this tube in place and give it sufficient strength to hold the breech block it is
surrounded with a series of discs like those used in the main body of the gun, but
cut away upon one side to correspond with the guide tube. A space is left between
these reinforcing dises and the end of the main body of the gun, equal to the thickness
of the breech block and the whole is readily secured together by the tie rods or bolts
used in clamping the gun dises together and also by suitable longitudinal bars" as in
figure 11.
The breech block 9 is a plain cylindrical block fitted to slide in the guide tube fand
having its forward end beviled to fit a similarly beviled seat in the rear end of the
barrel, as at g! in figures 11 and 13. This breech block is formed or provided with a

page_text: series of projections g² on its outer surface corresponding in size, shape and location
with the grooves formed in the guide tube and it will be understood at once that these
projections serve to guide the breech block as it is slid back and forth in the open
guide tube and when the block is shoved down to its seat, it is turned over a short
distance which at once moves the projections g² into the right angle extensions of
the grooves, and locks the breech block firmly in position. By reference to figure 11
it will be noted that the rear edges of the projections and also the angular extensions
of their retaining grooves are formed slightly beviled and by this construction the
block can be forced firmly down upon its seat in locking it.
In heavy guns, this breech block will be too heavy for convenient handling and it
is therefore provided with a small gear or pinion g³ and crank g and secured upon
the edge of the guide tube is a toothed rack with which the pinion engages and by
the use of this device the block is readily moved without too much labor. It
will be at once apparent that this method of constructing a breech loading gun
has many advantages. The length of the guide tube is not restricted and should
always be of sufficient length to give plenty of room between the rear position of
the breech block and its seat for the insertion of either a long or short cartridge
and no necessity exists in loading for doing more than simply depositing the
cartridge in the open guide tube as it will be at once and easily forced into the
barrel by the breech block as the latter is slid down upon its seat and locked.
It will be evident from the foregoing that the principle of the invention is the
construction of a gun of a number of parts or sections the joints of which are on
transverse lines or in other words at substantially right angles to the bore; and
it will be equally well understood that I do not desire to confine the invention to
the peculiar construction already described in carrying it into practice.
In figures 14 and 15 I have shown a gun substantially like the one first described
but differing in detail in that the discs are each separately formed of a metal ribbon
wound closely and spirally into a complete disc as at h. It will be probably found
desirable to wind these ribbons while in a heated state, and under a suitable tension
in order that they shall more closely unite and form a solid mass, and it will be at
once seen that the grain of the metal is not broken or cut but extends continuously
around the barrel and is thus far stronger for a given weight. It will also be
noted that the tie bolts are not used in this construction, but the discs are surrounded
by a metallic shell which may in some cases be strengthened by longitudinal pro-
jecting webs of metal as in figures 14 and 16 and the discs are secured together
and firmly clamped by suitable rings which are screwed into the ends of the
outer shell against the discs as shown. This binds the whole firmly together but
does not in any manner weaken the discs by piercing them for the passage of the
tie bolts.
k
Figure 17 represents still another and quite similar form of construction in which
the discs are formed of small spools & acting simply as frames, on which is wound a
metallic cable or rope and this also is preferably wound in a heated condition and
the contraction of cooling readily binds the strands together and gives a very strong
and durable construction. In both these spiral formations I have shown the tapered
barrel and surrounding sleeve but have represented them as formed with the taper
in the opposite direction to that seen in figure 3 and drawn up to place by the breech
pin and its retaining nut, which is readily. made strong enough for this purpose.
The material my correspondent contemplates using in this cannon is soft. steel
but he will of course use any other metal or material found most suitable for the
purpose, and shall alter the details of construction as may be desired by the purchaser
but will always retain the main idea of a gun formed of a series of readily
detachable sections having their joints transversely of the length of the gun. The
strength attained and freedom from unequal strains and flaws will be at once
obvious and so also will be the fact that the construction involves no necessity
for more or different machinery than is found in very many of the large foundries
and machine shops of any country; and the rapidity and accuracy of manufacture
is thus greatly enhanced as is also the great reduction in cost it being quite

page_text: possible by this method to produce guns of the largest class nearly as rapidly and
quite as cheap per pound of weight as in the case of the smaller class of guns.
Any of these cannon may also be very quickly taken apart and shipped in small
pieces so that the transportation of heavy ordnance is but a trivial matter in com-
parison with guns of a similar calibre made by the old process of casting.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said invention,
as communicated to me by my foreign correspondent, and in what manner the same is
to be performed, I declare that what I claim is :-
1. A cannon comprising layers or separately formed parts of metal secured
together with their joints transversely of the length of the gun substantially as and
for the purpose set forth.
2. A cannon comprising a series of separately formed layers or plates of metal, end
plates, and means for securing the layers and end plates together substantially as and
for the purpose set forth.
3. A cannon comprising a series of separately formed layers or plates of metal
having their joints arranged transversely of the gun and secured together by longi-
tudinal rods extended through the plates and secured at their ends substantially as
described and for the purpose set forth.
4. A cannon comprising a series of layers or plates of metal with their joints
transversely of the gun means for securing these layers together, and an inner barrel
or tube substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
5. A cannon comprising a series of transverse layers or plates of metal firmly secured
together, an inner barrel or tube and a sleeve surrounding the inner barrel on which
the plates are placed, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
6. A cannon comprising layers or plates of metal joined firmly together transversely
of the length of the gun a lining barrel or tube formed with a tapering outsido
surface, and a sleeve for surrounding the barrel formed with a correspondingly tapered
inside surface substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
7. A cannon comprising a series of transverse layers or plates of metal, a longi-
tudinally split sleeve upon which these layers are placed formed with a tapered inside
surface and a lining barrel or tube within the sleeve formed with a correspondingly
tapered outside surface and provided with means for forcing it into the split sleeve to
expand the latter, and bind the whole together, substantially as and for the purpose
set forth.
8. The combination with the main body of a cannon, having its inside formed
tapering, of an adjustable or removable lining tube formed with a correspondingly
tapered outside surface, and a nut or equivalent means for drawing the tube tightly
into the gun body or releasing it at pleasure, substantially as and for the purpose set
forth.
9. A cannon comprising a main body, a lining barrel or tube slightly tapered on
its outer surface, and a sleeve for surrounding said tube, correspondingly tapered on
its inner surface, and formed with longitudinal passages for the circulation of a cooling
agent, substantially as and for the purpose set forth."
10. A cannon comprising transverse layers or plates of metal, rods for securing the
layers or plates, together, an inner tube or barrel, and a surrounding sleeve having
air boles therein, substantially as described.
11. A cannon comprising transverse layers or plates of metal, firmly stamped
together, an inner tube or barrel threaded at its muzzle end, and a nut on such muzzle
or threaded end circumferentially grooved on its inner surface, and having an air hole
through it, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
12. A cannon comprising a series of transverse layers or plates of metal, rods for
securing said layers or plates together, an inner tube or barrel tapering on its outside
surface, a sleeve upon said tube, tapered on its inside surface, and a nut on the outer
end of the tube or barrel, fitting and pressing against the sleeve, substantially as and
for the purpose set forth.
:
13. The combination with the main body of a cannon, of an adjustable jacket or

page_text: band thereon, provided with the trunnions, substantially as and for the purpose set
forth.
14. The combination with the main body of a cannon, of an adjustable jacket or
band thereon, provided with the trunnions, and suitable side bars or braces extended
from said band, to and engaged with, the ends of the gun, substantially as and for the
purpose set forth,
15. The combination with a gun body having a suitable bore, and an opening
through the breech of smaller diameter than the bore, of a breech pin formed with a
head to fit the bore, a shank or stem for passing through the breech of the gun, and a
nut or equivalent device for holding the head of the breech pin firmly in the rear end
of the bore, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
16. The combination with the main body of a cannon, of a frame or guide extended
in rear of the gun, and a breech block sliding therein to and from its seat, substan-
tially as and for the purpose set forth.
17. The combination with the main body of a cannon, of a guide frame oxtended
in rear of the same, and formed with longitudinal grooves having an angular extension
at their forward ends, and a breech block in said guide frame provided with projectors
to enter said grooves, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
18. The combination with the main body of a gun having the rear end of its bore
formed with a beviled seat for the breech block, and a guide frame extended in rear
of the gun, formed with an open side and longitudinal guide grooves having angular
extensions at their forward ends, of a breech block formed with a boviled nose to fit
the seat and provided with projections to enter said grooves, said projections having
their rear edges inclined, whereby the block is slid to its seat, and is forced up and
locked by turning the inclined projections into the angular extensions of the grooves,
substantially as shown and described.
19. The combination with a cannon, provided with an open sided guide tube
extended in rear of the same, of a breech block sliding in said guide tube and incans
substantially as described for moving this block, to and from its seat, substantially as
and for the purpose set forth.
20. The combination with the body of a cannon, having a seat for the breech block
formed in its rear end, of a guide tube or frame extended in rear of said body,
and provided with a rack bar, and a breech block, sliding in said guide frame,
and provided with a toothed pinion and crank for engagement with the rack bar
to move the block, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
21. The combination with a gun body formed of a series of transverse layers
or plates of metal firmly secured together, and formed with a seat for the breech block
in its rear end, of a guide tube extended in rear of the gun, open on one side, and
formed with longitudinal grooves having an angular extension at their forward ends,
and a toothed rack on the edge of said tube, and a breech block formed with projec-
tions to enter said grooves, and provided with a toothed pinion and crank for
engagement with the rack, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
22. A cannon comprising a series of dises or layers of metal arranged transversely
of the length of the gun, and each disc or layer formed of a spirally wound strip or
cable of metal, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
23. A cannon comprising a series of transverse discs or sections, each of which is
formed by a single length or ribbon of metal wound upon itself to the required
diameter, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
Dated this 28th day of March 1888