US1057305A - Adjustable delay device for percussion fuses. - Google Patents

Description

E. 0. L. VOGT.

ADJUSTABLE DELAY DEVICE FOR PERCUSSION FUSES.

APPLICATION FILED Nov. 1B, 1911,

1,057,305, Patented 112111251913.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

E. o. L. VOGT. ADJUSTABLE DELAY DEVICE FOR PERCUSSION FUSES.

APPLICATION FILED NOV.18,1911.

Patented Mai. 25,1913.

ERNEST OTTO LEOPOLD VOGT, F PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

ADJUSTABLE DELAY DEVICE FOR PEROUSSION-FUSES.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Mar. 25, 1913.

'imilcation led November 18, 1911. Serial No. 661,152.

To all 'wit-0mz't may concern Be it known that l, ERNEST O'i'ro Liao- POLD VOGT, a subject of the Emperor of Germany, having declared my intent-ion of becoming' a citizen of the United States, residing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, have vinvented certain Improvements in Adjustupon impact of the same.

The essential feature and bbject ot' my invention is the pro fision ot' adjustable means for causing delay and for varying the extent of the delay of the explosion; that is to say, lengthening the interval between impact of the projectile, with the consequent ignition of the percussion primer andthe actual eX- plosion of such projectile.

My improved t'use construction, involving the employment of an adjustable delay device, is intended fory use with shells, universal projectiles, &c., and a further object. of my invention is the provision of a structure made in a plurality of parts, movable with respect to each other, whereby movement of 'one or more of said parts with. respect to the rest of the structure will change the fuse from a non-delay action fuse to a delay action fuse.

vThese and other features ot my invention are more fully described hereinafter, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1, is a sectional view of the upper part of a high explosive shrapnel of the Ehrhardt-van Essen type equipped with a combination fuse having means, embodying my invention, for delaying or retarding the detonation of the high explosive charge upon impact; Fig. 2, isa similar view -illustrating a modified construction of the fuse forming the subject ofniy invention; Figs. 3 ande, are sectional plan views on the lines a-a and Zi-), respectively, Fig. 1; Fig. 5, is a sectional plan view on the line c-c, Fig. 2. slightly enlarged; Figs. 6 and '7, are sectional elevations ot other forms oi the percussion elements, illustrating modifications within the scope of' my invention; Fig. S, is a sectional plan view on the line 'f7-(, Fig. G; Fig. 9, is a side elevation ot' the structure shown in Fig. (i. looking in the direction ot the arrow ff.' Fig. l0, is an inverted plan view of the structure shown in Fig. 7; Fig. 11, is a. sectional elevation on the line e-c, Fig. 7 Fig. 12, is a sectional view of a fuse somewhat like the structure shown in Fig. 1, illustrating a further modification within the scope ot' my invention; Fig. 13, is an inverted plan view of the upper part of the structure shown in Fig. 12;. Fig. 14, is a sectional rview on the line f-f, Fig. 12; Fig. 15, is an external view of the percussion plunger shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 1G, is a view similar to Fig. 15; the upper partot the percussion plunger being turned 90o; Fig. 17is a sectional view illustrating another form ot' delay device within the scope of my invention, taken on the line g-g, Fig. 18; Fig. 18, is a sectional plan view on the line /zf-L, Fig. 17 F ig. 19, is a sectional view illustrating a modified form of the structure shown in Fig. 17; Fig. 20, is a sectional ,view on the line i, Fig. 19; Fig. 21, is a view illustrating still another form ot' delay device within the scope of my invention, and Fig. 22, is a view of a base t'use having a delay device similar in character to that shown in Fig. 12.V

My invent-ion involves, broadly speaking, a. plurality of elements, usually a pair, disposed within the fuse sleeve, which elementsA are revoluble vor movable with respect to each other so that the relation ot' certain channels containing delayy powder may be changed or adjusted as desired.

In the struct-ure illustrated .in Fig. 1, ot' the drawings, 1 represents the ease of the shrapnel part ot a highexplosive shrapnel of the Ehrhardt-van Essen type, containing the usual balls 2, and a central tube 3 leading to the shrapnel bursting charge, (not shown in the illustration), disposed at. the lower end of the projectile. The shell part of the projectile, indicated at (j, is located on top of the shrapnel -part and forms at. its upper end the body of the conibination point-fuse. The upper portion oi the shell part is reduced at (3 and is centrally bored tor the reception of the concussion and percussion elements, &c. The usual time train rings 7, 7, are carried by said reduced portion and the outer end ot' the latter may be threaded at S) tor the reception ot a ring which holds iu place a rotatable or revoluble sleeve 11' (forming a part of my invention) which lits within the central bere of the reduced portion (S, and

f is in operative engagement .with the percussion plunger. The ring 10 may have` an overhanging flange 12 for engagement with a flange 13 on said sleeve 11. The outer end or threaded onto said sleeve 11. In the lower end of the central bore of the shell-part 5, a sleeve 15 is threaded, having a reduced lower end 16, also threaded, onto which a cup-shaped element 17 may be screwed, and in the space provided by saidsleeve 15 the percussion plunger forming thev subject of my invention is mounted.

In Figs. 1, 3 and 4, I have shown my improved delay device for ordnance fuses as applied to an Ehrhardt-van Essen highexplosive shrapnel, and in this structure, as shown, the sleeve 11 is held in place by a single ring 10 in lieu of atWo-part ring 10a, and the filler-piece 10", as shown in Fig. 9.. In Figs. 1 and 2, I have omitted the concussion elements, safety devices,l &c., disposed within the. sleeve 11, since they are of ordinary construction and-have no bearing upon the delay device forming the subject ofmy invention and employed in connection with the percussion plunger. In, this arrangement, the elements of the percussion plunger are indicated at 18 and 19; being retained in adjustable or movable connection with each other by .suitable means such as a screw bolt 20, having a suitable head 21, and a retaining nut. Q2. Below the percussion plunger the detonator is located, consisting of a bsdy of fulminate Q3, and a body of' high explosive 24. The lower part of the member 18 may be recessed at 25 for the reception ofthe nut 2.2, and communicating with this recess are flame passages 2G and 27, one of which contains, in the upper portion of said member adjacent the member 19, a body of slow-burning powder indicated atA 28 and providing delay. The upper member 19 is recessed at 29, for therecepticn of a percus sion primer 30, having the usual priming charge 81; such portion of the plunger being also provided with a passage 32 in communication with the recess 29 and adapted 'or registry with either of the flame passages 2G or 27 of the lower member 18 of the plunger structure.

As shown in Fig, 1 of the drawings. the plunger is in' the delay position; the -flame passage Q7 being closed and the liame passage Q6 containing the delay powder beingv so that flame in registry with the passa ge 32,

must burn 'from the percussion primer' through such body of powder before it can` pass through the passage Q6 to the detonator consisting of the fulminat-e 23' and the high explosive 24. When the plunger is inthe reverse position with the passage 32 injregistry with the passage 27, the flame from the percussion primer is structed and there is no delay.

point-cover 14 of the projectile may be' land the po`wder a sheet Each portion of the plunger body may be provided with ribs; the lower part 18 hav ing ribs 35 and the upper part having ribs 36. The ribs of the lower part'18 may engage recesses 37 'formed inthe sleeve 15, while the ribs of the upper part 19 may engage recesses 38 formed in the sleeve 11. By this construction, rotative movement imparted to sai sleeve 11 will effect turning of the elem-ent 19 with respect to the element 1S; thelatter being held during such turning movement by engagement of its ribs 35 with. the grooves 37 of said sleeve 15. Movement ot' 180O must be imparted to the sleeve 11- to change the plunger structure from the delay to the non-delay position, or vice versa. It will be understood, of course, that. the members 18 and 19 ma i be grooved instead of being ribbed, with t e sleeves 11 and 15 ribbed to engage said grooves.

Fixed within the sleeve 11 is a firing pin 39 disposed normally in such position that when vthe percussion plunger structure moves forward upon impact of the projectile, said pin will pierce the percussion primer, with the consequent. discharge of flame therefrom.

In Figs. 2 and 5, I have shown a modi' fied construction of the underpart'of the percussion plunger, indicated at 18; the upper part 19a of the same being like the construction shown in Fig. 1. In. this arrangement, the member 18L has a pair of ilamc passages 26 and 27a, with a body of high explosive E28 forming the delay owder and lisposed in the lower part o the 100 said member 18a. vThis powder may be retained in lplace by a suitable cover of sheet metal, indicated at 40, held to the member 18a in any approved manner; between which of paper or tin- 105 foil, 41, may be placed. A body of fulminate 42 may be located within one of the flame passages, 27, for instance. It the flame passage 32 is in registry with the flame passage 26, delay occurs when the 110 percussion primer 30 is explodedl since the high explosive delay powder 28 mustburn oii' before the tire stream can get to the detonator. It the passages 32 and 27? are in communication, however, there is nonedelay 115 because the high explosive delay powder 28 becomes detonated by the body oi fulminate 42, (ulminate of mercury for instance), contained in said passage 27a.

In Figs. G., 8 and 9, I have shown another 120 form of structure in which the length of the delay is adjustable. `In this construction the Anunnbers 181 and 19" are disposed in nested relation; the member 18b having. a. flame port or vent 13 at one side adaptedA to 125 register with a 'llame passage 32 formed in the member 19b and leading from a recess 291 therein which contains the percussion primer 3,0, of usual type, or with any point on the circumference of a groove 44 par- 130 28". The longestdelay is obtained if thel point -iof the body Aof delay powder is located in front of lthe vent 43, while the shortest delay, z'. e., zero, or non-delay, is obtained by the use of the structure in the illustrated position. In this construction, the member 18b is recessed at 35h for engagement by lugs which may be carried by the sleeve 15 in lieu of recessing the same, while the upper member 19b'carries lugs 36b adapted to engage the recesses 38 of the sleeve 11. Movement of such sleeve, therefore, will effect movement of the member 19b independently of the member 18k.l These parts are loosely confined together by the usual bolt 2O and nut 22 so as to be capable of rotative movement with respect to each other and yet move as a unit plunger upon impact of the projectile.

In the struct-ure shown in Figs. 7, 10 and 11, the plunger structure is composed of two main elements 18c and 19C and a supplemental base element 115 confined to the element 19C by the usual bolt 2O and nut 22 and retained for movement with saidmember by a dowel 4G, or other' suitable means, while the member 19C is flanged at 17 for engagement with a recess 48 formed in the member 18C. ln this arrangement the member 19c has a 'flame passage 321 adapted to register with a port or vent 43a formed in the wall of the member 181", or with a re` .cess 49 in said wall containing a body 28C of delay powder. To effect movement of the part 18C with respect to the part 19C, said parts are provided with ribs 36C and 35 for engagement, respectively, with the grooves of the sleeves 11 and 15.v By turning the part 1S" either the rents 32 and 45S may be connected, or tl 3 powder grain 28C in said recess al) may be placed in registry with the vent 32", thus providing for delay in action.

The structure shown in Figs. 1Q, 13 and 11, combines features of the structure shown in Figs. 1 and 2, with those of the Structure shown in Figs. 6, S and 9. The lower inembei' 18d has a single tiame passage 26d, while the upper member 19 is of substantially the same construction as the member 19 or 19, excepting that its under surface where it `joins the member 1Sl is grooved at 53 for the reception of a body of delay powder, indicated at itl. ln the illustration the nondelay position is shown; the llame passages 32 and 2li being in registry. Delay octasioned b v turning the nieml er 19l with respect to the member 1S, thereby necessitating' the burning of more or less of the delay powder 2S before the flame can reach the passage ti'l. This structure is provided with` grooves and ribs in substantially the saine manner as the structure shown in Figs. (l, 8 and 9.

1n Fig. 15, 1 have shown an external view of the percussion plunger in its position within the sleeves 11 and 15, and in Fig. 16, 1 have shown my improved structure in a position to be assumed when it acts vvas a transport vsafety device. When the sleeve 11 is given a quarter turn or movement of like, on the under side of sleeve 11 lie over the ribs of the lower member of the percus-v sion plunger; preventing forward moviement of the latter and avoiding an untimely ignition of the percussion primerV 3()v by tion of the time train rings is preventedbecause neither of the vents 11a and 11"` of the sleeve 11 is in communication with' thepassage 11.

In Figs. 17 and 18, have shown a-construction in which the percnssionvplunger consists of one part, 19e, with Haine passages 32e. In this instance the delay powder grain 28e is carried in a recess formed yin the sleeve 11. In the position illustrated in the. drawing we have non-delay because passages '56 and 57 leading to the detonator Qele', are in registry. By turning` said sleeve 1l, 1800 the delay powder grain 28e is placed in registry with the 'passage 57; thus delay isobtained because the powder grain 2S must burn off before the flame from the percussion primer can reach the detonator iZ-l lnlieu ofthe delay powder grain 2J", a train ring as illustrated in Figs. 6 and S, :an be used, and such train may be located either on the outer surface of the sleeve 1l, or on the inner surface of the inclosurc 58 carryingsaid detonator 24C.

ln Figs. 19 and Q0, l have sho-wn a construction in which a comparatively strong fixed to the detonator comprising the fulminate 23 and the high explosiic Qllf, which serves to prevent an untimely ignition of said detonator when the delay is adjusted. The percussion plunger is indicated at lflf. having flame passages 32", while the part ltr', correspondino' substantially to the part 18 and 7S, of l* l and Q. is tixednnd has a pair of llame passages 2W and 272 one of which contains the dela),y powder 'grain 2W. The member lSf, with the member 1n" is rotatable iipon movement of the sleeve ll, ,sultalile engaging means of the character before referred to hein;` provided. hut only the percussion member lflf moves longitudinally 900, convex projecting portions 54, or the.

means of the firing pin 39, and .also an ignivwith respect to .said -rleeve l-l. Vlin the posi4v sheet cover Gl) oil' suitable'material may be 1 AIl() -40 tions of my improved 19g with flame passages 32g, is employed. The under part of the sleeve 11 is advantageously of conical shape, as indicated at G3, if a time train is used in order to obtain obturation. If desired, the conical part. may be 'a separate piece, as shown, which may be moved by the sleeve 11; suitable engaging parts being provided. The conical part does not move forward upon the impact, and between the' sleeve `1,1 and the said conical part I may place an elastic Washer 64. This conical partis grooved at 44a and contains a body of delay powder 28g; said conical part being also provided with a passage 56a 15A which mayl register with a passage 57 L of the inclosurea. A detonator 24g is disposed opposite the passage 57 a. There is non-delay n the position shown. By adjusting the conical part so as to bring some portion of go'the 'delaypowder opposite said passage 57, delayto the desired extent may be obtained.

In Fig.j22, I have shown the application yof my improved delay device similar to that shown in Fig. 12, &c., to base fuses. In the 25 illustration, non-delay is provided for; the

longest delay being obtained whenthe end of the time train of delay powder 28h is brought into registry with a flame passage 65. The part 68 is fixed to the bottom of the -s projectile, while the part (39 can be turned from the outsideof the projectile by means of a suitable key. A one-part percussion plunger 19 having the usual percussion primer 30 is employed and the member 70 -carrying the time train 28h is provided with aflamepassage 26, x Y

In the structures shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the body of the fuse and the projectile head consist of one part. Th several construcdela-yl devices can be used, of course, if the fuse body is a separate part. Further, all of the constructions shown can be used with but slight modiiication for base fuses, of substantially the same character as that indicated in Fig. '22.

I' claim: 1. The combination with an explosive shell, of a centrally located revoluble sleeve Y .adapted forthe reception of concussion elements, safety devices, &c., and a movable percussion plunger consistng of two parts, one of which is rotatable with respect to the other, partially disposedin the lower portion of said sleeve.

2. The combination with a shell, universal projectile or the like, of a centrally located lrevoluble sleeve adapted for the reception lof concussion elements, safety devices, &c., a f;irin p'in carried' by said sleeve, and a 60 ipoveb e1 percussion plunger consisting of Vtii'v'rr..parts, one of which is rotatable with "respect to the other, partially disposed in the lower Aport-ion of said sleeve, and carrying` an explosive primer.

3. The combination with an explosive shell, of a centrally located revoliiblesleeve' adapted for the reception of'rconcussion elements, safety devices, &c., a movable percussion plunger consisting of two parts, one of which is rotatable with respect to the other, partially disposed in the lower'por-I tic-n of said sleeve and having a percussion primer, and detonating means for said primer carried by said sleeve.

4. The combination with a shell, universal projectile or the like, of a centrally located revoluble sleeve adapted for the reception of concussion elements, safety devices, &c., a tiring pin carried by said sleeve, a movable percussion-plunger consisting of two parts, one of which is rotatable with respect 4to the'other, partially disposed in the lower portion of said sleeve, and a centrally disposed percussion primer carried by said plunger.

l5. The combination with an explosive shell having time train rings, of a centrally located revoluble sleeve disposed Within said time train rings, said sleeve adapted for the reception of concussion elements, safety d evices, &c., a-compound percussion plunger longitudinally movable in said sleeve, a primercarried by said percussion plunger, and means carried by said sleeve for rotating part of said percussion plunger, and a firing pin carried by said sleeve.

6. The combination with a shell, universal projectile or the'like having the time train rings of a time fuse, of a centrally located revoluble sleeve disposed within the same, said sleeve adapted. for the reception o concussionelements, safety devices, &c., a percussion plunger comprising a plurality of connected parts longitudinally movable in said sleeve, a primer carried by said percussion plunger, means for detonating the same, and means carried by said sleeve for rotating part of said percussion plunger'.

7. The combination avith an explosive shell having time train rings, vof a centrally located revoluble sleeve disposed within said time train rings, said sleeve containing concussion elements, safety devices, &c., a twopart percussion plunger longitudinally movable with respect to said sleeve and partially disposed in the lower part of the same, said plunger having a centrally located primer,

and means carried by said sleeve for moving the upper part of said plunger with respect. to the other.

8. The combination with a shell, universal projectile or the like having the time train rings of a time fuse, of a centrally located revoluble sleeve disposed within the same, said sleeve adapted for' the reception of concussion elements, safety devices, &c., a twopart percussionplunger longitudinally movable with respect to said sleeve, a centrally located primer carried by said plunger, means carried by said sleeve for moving one 13( part of said percussion plunger Withrespect to theothenand a firing pin carried by said Ill( sleeve. l

9. The combination, with a shell or universal projectile havingthe usual time train elements, of a revoluble sleeve centrally located in the point of said projectile for con-` taining concussion-elements, and a movable percu'ssionplunger carried at the lower end of said sleeve and revoluble by turning the sleeve to delay or non-delay positions, said sleeve having a plurality of vents for comvmunication with the time trains When the 1 percussion plunger is vin the delay or non-- delay position.

10. The combination with a shell having the usual time train elements, of a movable percussion plunger comprising a plurality of elements, one of which is rotatable, With respect to thel rest of the percussion plunger structure, a centrally located primer carried by said plunger, and a revoluble sleeve centrally located With respect t-o said shell and plunger to move the same, a percussion disposedinside the t-ime train rings, the

lower end of said sleeve surrounding and being operatively connected to the rotatable element of the percussion plunger to etlect movement ofthe same.

1l. rihe combination vwith a shell having the usual time train elements, of a movable percussion plunger comprising a plurality of elements, one of which is .rotatable with respect to the rest of the structure, a revoluble sleeve centrally located With respect to said shell and operatively connected to said primer carried by said plunger, and a ring Vpin for engagement therewith carried by said revoluble sleeve.

12. The combination, in a percussion plunger for shells and other explosive projectiles, of a plurality ort members, one of which is rotatable, means connecting said members together, a percussion primer carried by the rotatable member, said member having a channel leading from said percussion primer, a plurality of channels in the non-rotatable member adapted to register with the percussion primer channel, and a body of slowburning powder disposed in one of the channels o the non-rotating member, the rotatable member being movable With respect 1 to the other whereby either channel of the latter may be brought into registry With the percussion primer channel.

13'. The combination, in an impact or percussion plunger for shells or other eXplosive projectiles, of a plurality or' members, one of which is rotatable, means connecting -said members together, a centrally located percussion primer carried by the rotatable part of, said'plunger, said part having a channel leading from said percussion primer, a plurality of channels inthe ncnrotatable member adapted to register with the percussion primer channel, and a body of slow-burning powder disposed in one of the channels of saidnon-rotating member. 14. The combination, inv an impact or percussion fuse for shrapnel or other explosive projectiles, o-faplurality of members, une of which is rotatable, means connecting the same together, a percussion primer carried lby the rotatable member, said member being channeled kand the non-rotatable member having a plurality of channels registrable With the channel-of the rdtatable member,

and a body of slow-burning powder disposed in one of said channels.

l5. The combination, in a percussion fuse for shells and other explosive projectiles, of a plurality of members, one of which is rotatable, vmeans connecting the same 'to-- gether, a ypercussion primer-carried by the rotatable member, said member having a channel leading from they percussion primer, ay plurality of channels in the other member .adapted toregister withv the percussion primeichannel, a body ofsloW-burning powder disposed in one of said channels, and means wherebyy the rotatable member may be moved tobring either of said chanlnels intoregistry With the channel leading from the percussion primer. -p

16. The combination, in apercussion fuse for shells or other explosive projectiles, o a plurality of members, one of which is rotatable, means connecting the same together,

a percussion primer carried by the rotatable with the channel leading from the percussion primer.

17. The combination, in a percussion plunger, of a plurality of elements, means connecting said elements together permitting movement of one with respect to the other, both of said elements being channeled, 4one having one channel and the other having two, a centrally located percussion primer carried by one of said elements and :communicatingWith its channel, a body of slow-burning powder carried in one of the channels of the other element, and means for positioning the channel leading from the percussion primer with respect to either 4 channel of the other element. I

18. The combination, in a percussion plunger, of' a plurality of elements, means connecting said elements together and permitting movement of the same With`respect elements and communicating with its chan-y nel, a body'of slow-burning powder carried in a channel of 'the other element, and

means for regulating the position of said elements with res ect to each other whereby either channel o the one may be brought into registry with theA percussion primer channel.

19.Y The combination'with a shrapnel, universal projectile or thelike having the time train rings of a time fuse, of a centrally located revoluble sleeve dis osed yWithin the same, said sleeve adapted ory the reception of concussion elements, safety devices, 'cc., a two-part movable percussion plungerdis posed in said sleeve, a percussion' primer carried by said plunger, a tiring pin carried by said sleeve, means below said sleeve re g ceiring the lover part of the percussion plunger, and a delay device disposed insaid lower-most party of the percussion plunger, said upper part roi the plunger being revoluble by the sleeve to delay and non-delay positions while the .lower part is held.

20. The combination with axsliell, universal projectile or the like having the time train .rings ot' a time fuse, of a centrally lol cated rcvoluble sleeve disposed within the sume, said sleeve adapted for the reception of concussion elements, safetyr devices,'&c., a movable percussion plunger disposed 1n ysaid sleeve, said .percussion plunger ybeing ma'de in a plurality of arts, a percussion primer carried by said p unger, a firing in carried by said sleeve, a tubular mem er disposed below said sleeve and receiving the lower end of the percussion plunger and holding the same against turning, and a delay device carried by the lowerrnost part of the percussion plunger, said upper .part of the rplunger being revoluble by the sleeve to delay and non-delay positions.

Q1. The combination, inY the percussion plunger, of a plurality yof se arable elements butted together, axial y disposed means connecting said elements together und permitting movement of either with respect to the other. both of said elements being channeled, a centrally disposed percussion primer carried by one of said elements and communicating with a'channel thereof, and n body of sloi\'btiriiing powder carried by ourl ot said elements and movable therewith into delay und rnon-delay positions with respect to the channel of theothei' elenient.

Wi tnesses MURRAY C. BOYER, `Jos. H Y

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