IMPROVEMENTS IN EXPLOSIVE TORPEDOES, PROJECTILES, AND CARTRIDGES, AND TIME FIRING MECHANISM THEREFOR
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Benjamin Joseph Barnard Mills, of the Firm of Harris and
Mills, of 23, Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex; Patent Agent,
for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN EXPLOSIVE TORPEDOES, PROJECTILES,
AND CARTRIDGES, AND TIME FIRING MECHANISM THEREFOR." A communica-
tion from abroad by James Henry McLean, Doctor of Medicine, and Myron
Coloney, Journalist, both of St. Louis, in the State of Missouri, United States
of America.
Sealed the 13th May 1879, and dated the 9th December 1878.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Benjamin Joseph Barnard
Mills at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 9th December
. 1878.
BENJAMIN JOSEPH BARNARD MILLS, of the Firm of Harris and Mills, of 23,
Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex, Patent Agent.
66 IMPROVE-
MENTS IN EXPLOSIVE TORPEDOES, PROJECTILES, AND CARTRIDGES, AND TIME FIRING
MECHANISM THEREFOR." A communication from abroad by James Henry McLean,
Doctor of Medicine, and Myron Coloney, Journalist, both of St. Louis, in the State
of Missouri, United States of America.
The Invention consists in part in providing torpedoes or shells, whether adapted
for automatic propulsion or used as projectiles, with magnetic appliances, by which
they will attach themselves to an iron vessel which they may approach.
The Invention further consists in providing a torpedo with a propelling apparatus
to cause it to approach an enemy, and a magnetic appliance to cause it to attach
itself automatically to an iron body.
The Invention further consists in providing a torpedo or projectile with a magnetic
appliance to adapt it to attach itself to an iron structure, and a time firing
mechanism to cause its explosion after a proper period, and when it has become
effectually attached.

page_text: The Invention further consists in providing a torpedo with magnets mounted on
pivots so that they will assume positions in line with each other and with the
motion of the torpedo while it is in motion, and on approaching an iron structure
will turn so as to draw and securely attach the torpedo thereto.
The Invention further consists in connecting self-propelling magnetic torpedoes
together in pairs by hinged couplings in such a manner that the pair of torpedoes
may be held in parallel position while passing through the water, and on approaching
an iron body will by the force of magnets swing on the hinged couplings to a
horizontal position and face each other, so that the unexpended force of the
propellors of the respective torpedoes may be mutually counteracted each by the
other.
The Invention further consists in providing torpedoes with floats adapted to
regulate the depth of immersion to cause them to pass under the bottom of a vesse!
and there lodge.
The propellors of the self-propelling torpedoes may be operated either by gene-
rated power, as for example, electro-magnetism or gas evolved from liquid or solid
bodies, or by deposited power, such as springs or compressed air or other gas.
In applying the Invention to projectile torpedoes the torpedo is preferably made
with a front chamber containing the explosive charge, and a rear chamber containing
air for flotation, and one or more zones of magnets between them, a second air
chamber being interposed between the magnetic zones where two such zones or
clusters of magnets are used. The magnets are fixed in radial position, with their
poles presented outward, and are arranged in single circumferential tiers, extending
around the waist of the projectile, the said tiers being separated by wooden discs
firmly bolted together so as to form a nearly solid cylindrical body. The explosive
agent preferred is nitro-glycerine, introduced within numerous rubber balls, partially
filled and separated by discs of rubber so as to prevent explosion by the concussion
of firing the torpedo from the gun. The spaces between the rubber balls are occupied
by gunpowder to cause the explosion of the nitro-glycerine, the powder being
ignited at the proper moment by a time fuze. The projectile being fired from a
suitable smooth bore cannon will be made to plunge into the water near an enemy's
vessel, and will sink to a moderate depth by the momentum of its fall, after which
it will rise by its flotation chamber, and will be drawn into close contact with the
vessel by its magnets.
The Invention further consists in providing a torpedo, a shell, or a blasting
cartridge with a mechanical apparatus to effect its explosion after a determined
interval, suitable setting devices being employed to determine the period; also a
stop to prevent the motion of the time mechanism until the torpedo, projectile, or
cartridge is to be used.
The movement of the time gearing is controlled by a governor, preferably in
the form of a rotary fan. The gearing having been properly set is enclosed in an
elastic envelope to prevent concussion. Elastic diaphragms are also placed before
and behind the time gearing within the shell for the same purpose, and the whole
being enclosed in the shell or torpedo the chamber containing it is locked by a
suitable plug so as to prevent access to the time mechanism. When the period
comes for the discharge the time mechanism releases a spring pin or hammer
which produces the explosion by contact with a cap or any customary firing
device.

page_text: -
Figure 1 is a plan view of a pair of torpedoes, one of which is shown in longitu-
dinal section; Figure 2 is a vertical longitudinal section of one of the said torpedoes
on the line 2, 2, Figure 1, the front portion being shown in elevation; Figure 3 is
a vertical longitudinal section of the explosive shell or torpedo proper on a larger
scale; Figure 4 is an elevation of a winding stop employed in connection with the
propelling apparatus; Figure 5 is a perspective view on a smaller scale illustrating
the operation of the apparatus, and one mode of determining its depth of immersion;
Figure 6 is a side elevation of the projectile torpedo; Figure 7 is a longitudinal
section thereof; Figure 8 is a transverse section on the line 3, 3, Figures 6 and 7;
Figure 9 is a longitudinal section of an explosive shell provided with time firing
mechanism; Figure 10 is a longitudinal section of an explosive and incendiary time
shell; Figure 11 is a side elevation of the time mechanism on a larger scale;
Figure 12 is a rear view thereof; Figure 13 is a transverse section on the line 13, 13,
looking forward; Figure 14 is a transverse section on the line 14, 14, looking back-
ward; Figure 15 is a transverse section on the line 15, 15, looking forward;
Figure 16 is a longitudinal section diagram or flat projection of the mechanism on
the broken line 16, 16, Figure 14.
The self propelling torpedo is shown in Figures 1 to 5 inclusive of the Drawings.
The shell A of the torpedo is constructed of any preferred shape, but preferably
with the customary conical ends shown in the Drawings. It is provided with a
suitable time firing apparatus hereinafter described. The torpedo proper is attached
by arms C, C, to a cigar shaped submarine boat D, which is kept right side up by
an air chamber E, and is maintained at any desired depth of submersion by numerous
floats F, F, connected to the boat by chains f. f, of requisite length. The said floats
consist of hollow balls of india rubber, which will not be liable to attract attention
floating in the water.
The torpedo boat is moved through the water by a screw propeller G, which it is
preferred to drive by springs H, H, acting through the medium of chains I, I, fusee
drums J, J, and gearing K. The winding gear consists of differential wheels
K', K2, having diverse numbers of teeth, and carrying on their shafts arms k', ²,
which come together after the necessary number of revolutions, so as to form a
winding stop.
The chains I are attached to sliding heads R working on guide rods S, and
having attached to them rigid guide rods T, which work through apertures in the
stationary head U. On one side of the boat are a pair of longitudinal bars L, L,
between which horse-shoe magnets M, M, are hung on vertical pivots m, m, adapting
said magnets to turn freely backward into longitudinal position when the boat is in

page_text: motion, or to turn radially outward or forward on approaching an iron ship so as
to draw and hold the apparatus in contact therewith. In order to prevent or
neutralize the attraction of the magnets M for the torpedo which carries them any
parts of the torpedo which must be made of iron or steel are suitably magnetized.
A pair of torpedo boats thus constructed and equipped are coupled together in front
by a bar N hinged at n, n, to the prow of each torpedo, the magnets M, M, being
on the outer sides. To hold and brace the paired boats together in parallel position
while passing through the water a yoke O is fixed to one boat, as at o, o, slipping
at the other end into sockets p, p, in a lug or bracket P attached to the side of the
other boat. This attachment holds the boats in proper relative position while in
motion, but permits them to be drawn out of their parallel position by the attraction
of the magnets against the side or bottom of a vessel.
The apparatus will thus be seen to operate in the following manner:-
The time-firing mechanism B being set to produce the explosion after the required
interval, and the propelling apparatus wound up to the required extent, the boats are
started on their mission in the position shown in Figure 5, being carefully guided
in the right direction. On reaching the vessel to be destroyed the magnets M
immediately draw the two boats around in line against the side of the vessel, where
they are held point to point, any remaining force in the propellers being neutralized
one by the other as they will now operate in precisely opposite directions. To
render the result more certain it is the intention to regulate the time-firing appa-
ratus so that the explosion will be delayed for a considerable period (which may be
half an hour, more or less) after the propellers have come to rest.
When once the
numerous magnets have taken hold there_is_no-possibility-of-their-becoming
-detached. In the event of the enemy being protected by netting, extending down
below the water line, the torpedo is still rendered effective by lengthening the
chains ff, so as to ensure the torpedo passing underneath the netting. The chains
being then caught by the netting the torpedo is drifted up against the ship in the
most effective manner.
In Figures 6, 7, 8, which represent a projectile torpedo, A is the head of the said
torpedo constituting the explosive shell; B is the base constituting an air chamber
for flotation; C, C, C, are rubber balls partially filled with nitro-glycerine, and
arranged in tiers within the shell A; D, D, are discs of soft rubber interposed
between the balls C, C, to prevent concussion; E represents a time firing device
run by clock-work, and employed to produce the explosion at any desired period.
Gunpowder is filled into the interstices between the balls C, C, to communicate fire
throughout the exploding charge; M, M, M, represent horse shoe magnets arranged
as shown in radial positions in circumferential tiers around the waist of the pro-
jectile, and fixed in position by means of interposed wooden discs N and longitudinal
bolts O.
The magnetic-zone is thus formed into a nearly solid cylindrical body, and the
magnets being arranged with their poles presented outward in every direction they
are adapted to draw the projectile into close contact with any iron body which it
may approach, and so hold it until the charge is fired and the work is done. The
magnets are preferably arranged in two zones, as shown, with a second air-chamber
G interposed between them. A projectile thus constructed may be made to have a
water displacement fully one third greater than its own weight, so that one fourth
of its length will be out of water when it comes to rest, and the projectile is thus
adapted to cling beneath the bilge of an iron vessel with the explosive shell well
underneath in the most advantageous position for destroying the ship.
In Figures 9 and 10, which show a time-shell under different modifications,
A', A', represent the walls of the shell; B, the chamber for the bursting charge;
and C, a cap which is screwed into the back of the shell after the introduction of
the time-mechanism. The said mechanism is shown on a larger scale in Figures 11
to 16 inclusive; it consists of a main spring A similar to a clock spring, wound by
a key applied to the arbour a in customary manner, and actuating through ratchet
connections e a train of shafts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and multiplying gearing connected

page_text: with a governor j (preferably in the form of a fly or fan) to regulate the speed of
motion. The main shaft also communicates through gearing 1, 1, m³, m, and
ratchet o with a setting wheel p, the ratchet movement permitting the setting
wheel to be turned forward freely by hand by means of a key applied to its square
arbor q. The setting wheel is provided with a recess p' to trip or release the
triggers at the proper moment, and by first setting the said wheel forward by
hand the period can be reduced to any extent. The trigger s consists of a bell-
crank lever formed on one of its arms with a hammer-shaped head p*, the rear end
of which rides on the periphery of the disc or setting-wheel p until the revolution
of the said disc brings the recess p¹ opposite the head p*, at which moment a pin r
on the disc coming in contact with an incline a¹ on the longer arm of the bell-crank
lever 8 throws the head of the other arm into the recess p' in the setting-wheel.
The function of the bell-crank lever 8 is to engage with the hammer or firing pin t
until the proper moment for the discharge of the shell, when the retraction of the
lever, as already described, releases the said firing pin or hammer t. The
said pin or hammer is then thrown forward by its spring against the cap or
primer of the cartridge, which communicates fire to the explosive charge in the
chamber B.
The cartridge is placed in a receiver x turning on an eccentric pivot b¹, so that
said receiver may be thrown outward for the purpose of introducing the cartridge.
k is a thumb-piece on the hammer t for retracting it into cocked position. The
resisting piece Z serves as a backing to the cartridges w, and also as a guide for one
end of the hammer, and is held in position by being screwed up to a shoulder in the
plate c.
When the apparatus is cocked and primed the thumb piece k and the cartridge
receiver both occupy the position shown within the circumference of the discs
c1, c2, c³, c, in which the movement is mounted.
00
The said discs are secured together by pillars b, b, b'. The movement of the
time-gearing is regulated by a governor, for which purpose it is preferred to employ
a fanj, this device being simple and cheap, and not liable to be deranged by concussion.
The instrument having been wound, cocked, and primed, is locked by the inser-
tion of a wire W through apertures in two or more of the discs to prevent the
rotation of the fan, and it may then be transmitted without danger, and kept for
any length of time ready for use. When it is to be used the disc p is set to the
time required, the wire W withdrawn setting the works in motion, and the appa-
ratus is enclosed in an elastic envelope A of rubber, which fits over it in two parts,
as shown. It is then placed in the shell in contact with an elastic rubber diaphragm
R, the periphery of which is secured between annular metallic plates R' forming a
rim which fits against an internal_shoulder directly in rear of the main charge
chamber B. A similar diaphragm T is then inserted behind the time mechanism,
and the rear cap C screwed in and immovably fixed by means of a steel spike or
plug S driven into an aperture formed to receive it, one half in the cap and the
other half in the body of the shell.
The projectile is then placed in the gun and fired, and will explode infallibly at
the expiration of the time for which it is set, be it fifteen minutes, or an hour, or
any desired period.
Figure 10 represents a shell constructed as described, and provided also with an
incendiary chamber U to be filled with gasoline or other highly inflammable com-
pound, which will be ignited by the explosion of the shell.
Having thus described the nature of the said Invention, and the mode in
which the same is carried into effect, I would have it understood that what I
claim is,―
First. A torpedo or projectile provided with magnets for attachment to a ship's
side, as described.
Second. A torpedo provided with a propelling apparatus to cause it to approach
an enemy, and a magnetic appliance to adapt it to attach itself automatically to an
iron body.

page_text: Third. A torpedo or projectile provided with a magnetic appliance for attachment
to the side or bottom of a ship, and a time firing apparatus to determine the period
of explosion, substantially as set forth.
Fourth. A torpedo or projectile provided with magnets mounted on pivots to
adapt them to turn automatically into their operative position, as described.
Fifth. A pair of torpedoes hinged in front to a coupling bar, and provided with
suitable propellers and with a brace adapted to hold them in parallel position while
moving forward, and permitting them to be drawn into line for action, substantially
as herein set forth.
Sixth. A torpedo or projectile provided with a magnetic appliance for attaching
it to a ship's side or bottom, and with a floatation apparatus to regulate the depth
of immersion, as described.
Seventh. A torpedo or projectile constructed with an explosive chamber, one or
more flotation chambers, and one or more zones of magnets to adapt the torpedo or
projectile to attach itself to an iron body, substantially as set forth.
Eighth. A torpedo or projectile provided with one or more zones of magnets m,
all arranged radially in circumferential tiers with their poles presented outward,
substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
Ninth. The circumferential tiers of radial magnets M, interposed dises N, and
bolts O, combined substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
Tenth. A shell or torpedo charged with an explosive compound contained in balls
of elastic material arranged in tiers separated by discs of elastic material, as herein
shown and described.
Eleventh.-A-shell-or-torpedo-constructed with an explosive chamber, one or more
flotation chambers, one or more zones of magnets, and a time firing apparatus, sub-
stantially as and for the purposes set forth.
Twelfth. A torpedo or projectile provided with a mechanical device for effecting
its explosion after any desired interval.
Thirteenth. A torpedo or projectile provided with a concealed mechanical device
for effecting its explosion after a determined period, and a stop to prevent the
starting of the time mechanism until the torpedo or projectile is to be used.
Fourteenth. A torpedo or projectile provided with a concealed device to effect its
explosion after a determined period, and a plug to prevent access to the interior of
the shell after it has closed for use.
Fifteenth. The combination in a torpedo or projectile of a time mechanism for
determining the period of explosion, and an elastic envelope to prevent con-
cussion.
Sixteenth. The combination in a torpedo or projectile of a time firing mechanism,
an elastic envelope therefor, and one or more elastic diaphragms having metallic
rims, substantially as set forth.
Seventeenth. The combination of a time mechanism and a firing pin or hammer,
substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
Eighteenth. The combination of the setting device H, triggers J, J¹, and firing
pin K, with a time gearing, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
Nineteenth. A time-firing mechanism constructed as herein set forth, with a
spring A, a train of gearing, a setting wheel p adjustable on its arbor to determine
the period of explosion, and a spring pin or hammer t released by said setting
wheel.
Twentieth. The combination of the spring pin or hammer t, the trigger s, and
the adjustable setting wheel p recessed at p³ to permit the retraction of the said
trigger, and provided with a pin or tappet r to retract it.
Twenty first. The combination of the spring pin or hammer t, the socket Z,
and the eccentrically pivotted cartridge receiver x, as and for the purposes set
forth.
Twenty second. The combination of a firing device to effect the explosion of a
shell or cartridge, a time gearing to determine the period of said explosion, and a

page_text: governor to regulate the movement of said time gearing, all substantially as herein
set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said Benjamin Joseph Barnard Mills, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Seventh day of June, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy nine.
B. J. B. MILLS. (L.S.)