US767920A - Projectile. - Google Patents

Description

PATENTBD AUG. 16, 1904.

G. W. BALL. PROJEGTILE.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 12. 1900.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

N0 MODEL.

No. 767,920. PATENTED AUG. 16, 1904 v G. W. BALL. PROJEGTILE.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT.12, 1900. N0 MODEL. 1

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

PATENTED AUG. 16, 1904.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

G. W. BALL.

PROJEGTILE.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 12, 1900.

N0 MODEL.

No.76Z920. PATENTED AUG.16,190& G.W.BALL

PROJBGTILE.

- APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 12, 1900. N0 MODEL. 4 SHEBTSSHBET 4.

w -IIIIIIImMIIIiIIIIIIIWIIIIIiIIIIIWII NirnD STATES Batented August 16, 1904.

PROUECTILE.

SPEOIFIGATZON forming part of Letters Patent No. 767,920, dated August 16, 1904:. Application filed September 12, 1900. Serial No. 29,820. (No model.)

have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Projectiles for Ordnance; and I do hereby-declare the following to be afull, clear,

and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which lt'appertains to make and use the same.

My invention relates to improvements in high-power projectiles for ordnance; and the object of the invention is the provision of at projectile in which the enormous loss of range and velocity due to the friction between the projectile and the walls of the gun, the subsequent rocking-or pounding of the shot, the faulty application of the propelling force, the hard and unyielding nature of the gas-check in present'use, and theabscnce of any approximation to perfect lubrication of the rubbingsurfaces are remedied."

The shells recently adopted by the United States Government appear to depend for'proteetion entirely upon asubdivision of the charge without any attempt at a construction of either a shell or gun which shall render impossible such conditions as give rise to the danger of premature explosions, against which it is so necessary to guard.

In the gun itself I propose no change; but,

4 as will be shown, I have provided a shell which can be used in either rifled or smooth bore guns with either ordinary or high explosive charges, which will carry with safety any charge which is safe to handle and load, will make it safe to handle, load, and transport loaded shells far more sensitive and dangerone than any heretofore used, and not only this, but will incidentally carry farther with more force, greater accuracy, and with less damage to the walls of the gun than is now done or can be done by any means at present known to ordnance.

In the attainment of the end proposed that is to say, the safe transit of the shell .through the bore until clear of the muzzle of the gun-several devices of novel character are combined and made to cooperate.

cooperating devices may be broadly stated as- These follows: (a) The application of the propelling forces both at'thefront and rear of the projectile, moving therewith and keeping up a sustained pressure to the muzzle of the gun and in such manner as to hold the projectile away from the walls of the bore'ina powerful elastic grasp, so that what is known as rocking or pounding of the shotis rendered impossible and the projectile issues from the muzzle of the gun perfectly centered. (7)) The substitution for the ordinary solid cold-metal gas-check ofan elastic gaseous wiper fortified on one edge by a highlypresent an impassable barrier to the powdergas seeking to escape without the expenditure of wasted forcec (c) The reduction of friction between the"; projectile and the walls of the gun, due to other causes, by the insertion between the projectile and the bore of the gun of antifriction-bdls, the latter to travel in the grooves of the gun, if rifled, or against the gun-walls if the bore be smooth. ((2?) The deadening of the shock and danger of jar on the, projectile by coating or incasing the vessels or chambers containing the explosive with an inflammable substance in other respects suitable and in consistency resembling pitch. (0) The provision for an automatic lubrication of the whole gun interior at every discharge with a composition of a nature re- 'sultlng in a short time in the coating of the heated softened tube or band, which together Figure 1 is a central longitudinal section through-the bore of a rifled gun and through my improved form of shell mounted therein. Fig. 2 is an enlarged section through the explosive-chamber of the shell. Fig. 3 isan enlarged sectionsimilar to Fig. 2, but showing a modified arrangement of the cells containroo ing the .explosive within the chamber. Fig. 4is an enlarged section taken longitudinally of the shell and transversely of the hollow flattened wiper and the tubular gas-check. Fig. 4 is a partially-sectional view illustrating a modified form of gas-check, the latter consisting of a solid band instead 'of a hollow tube, as shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 5 is an-en larged section taken on the line 5 5 in Fig. 1 looking in the direction of the arrow. Fig. 6 is a section taken on the line 6 6 in Fig. 1 looking in the direction of the arrow. Fig. 7 is a section taken on the line 7 7 in Figs. 1 and 9 looking in the direction of the arrow. Fig. 8 is a section taken on the line 8 8 in Fig. 1 looking in the direction of the arrow. Fig. 9 is an enlarged elevation, partly in section, of the rear end of the projectile, showing the spring-buffer and the lubricant rear chamber. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of one of the ball-bearings. Fig. 11 is a plan view or elevation of one of the ball-bearings, and Fig. 12 is a View in elevation of the entire projectile.

Referring to the drawings, 1 indicates the iron wall of the high-explosives chamber 2. The wall 1 is in the form of a hollow cylinder in external diameter about one inch less than the bore of the gun from which it is to be fired, which diflerence in diameter gives to the auxiliary powder-chamber 9 a sufficient capacity. The purpose of this auxiliary powder-chamber is not so much .in itself to propel the shell as to reinforce the main powder charge and by accompanying the shell prevent its failure by the way through the barrel of the gun.

3 is a stout iron plate or cap forming the base of the shell in diameter very nearly equal to the bore of the gun and connected with the hollow cylindrical portion 1 by a screw-threaded joint or any other suitable joint, as seen in the drawings.

4 represents a much thicker and heavier cap or plate of diameter the same as plate or cap 3 and connected to the cylindrical portionl by a screw-threaded joint in like manner as plate or cap 3 for the purpose, as in the case of cap 3, of permitting the 'high-explosive chamber 2 to be filled, the parts being fitted together after the filling of the shell.

5 represents a steel ogival-shaped head or nose of the shell. which is connected to the cap 4 by a screw-threaded joint, as shown.

6 represents a narrow ring ofmetal located about the cylindrical casing 1 about midway between its ends, and unlike the caps 3 and 4 this ring is permanently fixed to the surface of the casing 1- by being cast solid with the shell-wall1 ,preferably by means of offsets con necting the shell and ring; but the ring may be permanently connected to the shell by means of screws or rivets.

The space between the ring or band 6 and the outer wall 1 of the shell should be suflicient to allow free storage of the powder in the auxiliary powder-chamber 9, above referred to, and to permit the passage also of the fuses or matches used to ignite the powder in this auxiliary chamber, as hereinafter described.

7 represents a band about one-fourth of an inch thick, which encircles the projectile near its front end, as seen most clearly in Figs. 1 and 4. This metal band is secured to the rear of the cap or plate 4 and is perforated extensively or may be of a sieve-like construc- -tion woven of very stout steel wire having openings or perforations 7, and about this perforated band is mounted a broad flattened hollow metal tube or band 10, preferably of copper or some other elastic metal, the-said hollow band being in the nature of a seamless tube. This hollow tubular band is intended to contain a fl uid--for instance, waterwhich may become vaporized under heat causing the tube to be expanded against the Walls of the gun, as hereinafter morefullydescribed. About this perforated band 7 is also mounted a hollow tubular ring 11' or a solid metallic band 11', as shown in Figs-4 and 4". In case of the hollow tube l1 being used this tube is preferably filled with an inflammable material, which when ignited causes the expansion of the tube and the consequent close pressure thereof against the walls of the gun and forms an effective gas-check, as will be hereinafter more fully described.

8 represents a thin outer envelop of sheet metal, preferably of tin or copper perforated extensively at uniform intervals, and this sheet-metal envelop is attached at one end to the base-plate or cap 3 and to the perforated band 7 and also to the central ring or band 6, forming with the wall of the shell 1, which it entirely surrounds and incloses, a shallow annular chambernamel v, the auxiliary powder-chamber 9above referred to. The length of this auxiliary powder-chamber 9 is approximately that of the high-explosives chamber 2, which it completely surrounds. -For this thin surrounding envelop 8 perforated sheet copper or tin is preferable to iron for two reasons--namely, iron thick enough to resist the outward pressure of the powder in the auxiliary chamber 9 would occupy too much space, and, secondly, no solid envelop of any kind is desired, the perforated envelop being necessary to allow the gas from'the auxiliary powder-chamber 9 to enter and fill the annular space between the shell and the wall of the gun, and thus be not only in a position to deliver a forward thrust against the expansible tube or wiper 10 and the expansible tube 11 or the band 11 when the gun is fired, but by its side thrust'againstthe gun-wall to hold the entire projectile firmly to the axial line of the gun.

' The perforations 7 in the band 7 are for the purpose of permitting the deflagration of the plastic inflammable material 7 which is interposed between the perforated band 7 and the adjacent portions of the shell-wall land cap-plate 4, which are Surrounded by the said perforated band. The purpose of this interposed plastic inflammable material is, as will hereinafter more fully appear, to provide means for heating the hollow tubular band to cause its expansion against the walls of the gun.

The fiattened tubular band 10 is secured to the perforated band 7 by being brazed thereon and is preferably countersunk into the surface of the said band 7, as shown.

The purpose of the hollow tube 11 or the band 11 is to reinforce the tube 10, and this hollow tube 11 or solid band 11 is also secured to the perforated band 7 by being brazed thereto, as in the case of the flattenedtu'bular band 10. If the solid band 11 be used, it should preferably be half-round or rounde upon its outer surface and fiat upon'its inner surface, as shown, in order that it may more securely grasp the band 7. The hollow tube 11 is entirely closed, except for a suitable number of small perforations through which I enter and, terminate a series of quick-matches 25, as seen most clearly in Fig.4. By means of these quick-matches, which will hereinafter be referred to, the composition within the tube 11 is ignited and the heating and expansion of the tube effected.

7 represents a narrow band or ring of asbestos or other non-combustible material interposed between the forward end of the auxiliary powder-chamber 9 and the'infiainmable plastic material 7 for the purpose of preventing the explosion of the auxiliary powderchamber at the time the inflammable plastic material 7 is ignited.

12 12, &c., are a number of small antifriction-balls of steel, vitrified fire-clay, or other material of such size and number and so disposed around the plates 3 and 4 and the intermediate narrow plate 6 as to conform to the lines of the rifle-grooves of the gun, so that when the gun is discharged the balls will take and follow the grooves to the muzzle of the gun with comparatively little friction. These antifriction-balls 12 are seated in shallow sockets provided for their reception in the surfaces of the bands 3, 4, and 6 and are retained in position by superimposed perforated narrow copper, brass, or other suitable metallic bands 13. (Better shown in detail in Figs. 10 and 11.) I

Inside the explosives-chamber 2, 14 14, &c., represent small vessels of highly-combustible material, each being packed full of the explosive used and saturated with a preparation of some inflammable substance, such as a preparation of phosphorus. These vessels are packed, but not tightly, within the chamber 2, and each layer as fast as put in is coated heavily with an inflammable plastic substance. This plastic material can be inflammable to the point of explosiveness, capable both of igniting the combustible material in the vessels 14 and of being itself instantly ignited.

16 (seen most clearly in Figs. 1 and 2) represents a frangible vial, preferably of thin glass, set securely in the end of a small metallic tube 16, which is securely sealed and closed at one end by the inflammable material 15. The vial,16 contains a chemical substance I which on the breaking of the vial will ignite the inflammable material 15 used in packing the vessels in the chamber 2. To insure the breakage of the vial 16 upon the projectile striking an object of suflicient size to impede its progress, I mount within the tube 16 a rod terminating at its forwardend in a heavy spherical knob 16*. The rod is preferably backed with some fibrous yielding material, such as raw cotton 16*,in the base of the tin tube 16'. In order toretain the rod 16 in its restrained position and avoiding the danger of accidentally exploding the shell during handling, I provide one or more stout wires, which pass diametrically through the shell and through openings therefor inthe said rod 16 These wires 16 are provided with loops or han' dles 16 at one end and maybe retained in position by means-of buttons 16 at their points, the buttons being readily removable to permit the withdrawal of the wires when the shell is to be loaded. The wires 16, it will be understood, are 'only used for the purpose of safety in handling the shell and are to be withdrawn when the shell is to be loaded. These wires also serve the purpose of holding the tube 16 normally in line with the sides of the shell, preventing its displacement by the softening of the yielding mass contained in the chamber 2.

7 Instead of the form of vessels 14 for containing the explosive compound shown in Fig. 2 I may use the form shown in Fig. 3, and in some respects this form is preferable to that shown in Fig. 2. In the arrangement shown in Fig. 3, 14' 14 14 14*, &c., represent cylindrical vessels or tubes arranged concentrically within each other, the difference in size allowing spaces for the reception of the explosive material. These cylindrical vessels are preferably composed of a very inflammable material and are each coated both inside and outside with the plastic inflammable material.

In constructing the shell the plate 4 is unscrewed from the wall 10f the shell, and the inner sides of the wall 1 and the top of the plate3 are heavily coated with theinflammable plastic material 15. The vessels 14' 14 14 14, &c., are packed with the explosive material and sealed at the top and are then coated with the plastic inflammable material &

is reached, when the tin tube 16' is inserted, the wires 16 adjusted, and the plate 4 replaced. I 16 represents ridges, preferably of paste- 5 board, capable of being fixed centrally and at 4 other points to the continuous walls ofthe I circular chambers to hold and keep their sides equidistant and prevent undue pressure at any one point. I Referring again to Figs. 1 and 9, 17 represents a tin or sheet-iron tube or band in diameter exactly equal to the base-plateS, to whichrit is firmly attached. Close to the baseplate 3 and around the circumference of the 5 band 17 is arranged a ring of small perforations 18. (See Fig. 12.) This tube or band 17 is open at the ends and extends open toward the main powder charge 24 and con tains the spring and elastic buffer 21, the 2 elastic plug 19, inclosed withina covering of asbestos cloth 20, about which the spring 21 is wound. This buffer'is seated on a circular base 22 and is capped by a circular plate 23 of somewhat less diameter:

18 is a circular sack of prepared moistureproof brown paper or other frangible material, not either necessarily inflammable or -ex. plosive, fitting closely inside the base of the pan or band 17 and-stuffed with some lubri- 3 eating composition, such as graphite, asbestos, or soapstone in state of flotation, and paraflin. The force ofthe explosion causes the lubricating material to exude through the opens ings 18 into contact with the wallsof the gun. For naval use the pan or band 17 and its contents, the springrand elastic bufler may be loose and detachable, so that they will fall r clear of the muzzle of the gun a few yards away; but in use on land, where by a possibil- 4 ity'it might become necessary to fire over the Y heads of men, these parts should be securely attached to the projectileat its base, so as to accompany the latter in its flight;

l8 (seen most clearly in Figs. 1 and 12) representsa front lubricator in the form of a collar and composed of a paper or other explosive or combustible envelop which is filled with a lubricating substance similar to that contained in the rear lubricator 18, before de- 5 scribed, and this collar 18 is hung, as shown, Y upon the front end of the projectile. 18 indicates a series of friction-matches, so arranged around and secured to the outer "edge of the collar 18 as to be certain to ignite by friction i5- against the walls of the gun as the projectile 1 passes through. The ignition of these friction-ma'tches causing the bursting of the' en-' f velop 18 its contents are shed over the bore of the gun as soon as the shell starts to move. 9 This part of the lubricating apparatus need be used but once in an engagement, inasmuch as, this use of it imparts to the surface of the bore of 'the gun a protective lubricating noncorrosive coati g in advance of the principal. 5 24 represents the main powder charge.

represents the lanyard or other detonator by which the fuses or matches 25 and 26 are fired.

25 25 25 are quick-matches of any suitable Y number which are instantly fired by the lanyard 24, and these instantly fire not only the inflammable paste 7 interposed between the band 7 and the cap-plate 4, as hereinbefore referred to, but they also ignite the contents of the tube 11*, in which they enter and terminate, as seen in Figs. 1 and4. Y

26 represents slow-matches which are fired by the lanyard 24 at the same time as the quick-matches 25 25, but are so regulated as to delay thefiring of the quick-matches 27 27' for a predetermined number of seconds.

27 and 27 are quick-matches which when at last ignited by the slow-matches 26 fire simultaneously the charge in the auxiliary chamber 9,

to which the matches 27 27 lead, and the charge in the main powder-chamber 24, to which the match 27 leads. The quick-matches 25 (indicated by dotted lines in Fig. l) are carried through openings in the base-cap 3am] along grooves or depressions 8', formed in the envelop 8, or, if preferred, other suitable tubula-r ways may be separate from the envelop 8 and soldered thereto. These quick-matches 25 lead, as has just been stated, forward through these grooves 8 to the inflammable paste 7 andto the hollow tube 11, where they terminate, as seen most clearly in Fig. 4. This manner of leading the quick-matches 25 for-' ward avoids the danger of the auxiliary powder-chamber 9 being firedthereby. The slowmatches 27, which fire the auxiliary powderchamber 9, lead directlyinto this chamber, as

shown by the black lines in Fig. 1, and terminate at intervals throughout the auxiliary powder-chamber. v p p The match 27 leads directly to the main powder charge 24. and by this arrangement it will be seen that the main powder charge and the auxiliarypowder charge are fired simultaneously, and a short time after the expansion of the gas-check is effected.

The operation of firing the projectile is as follows: The lanyard 24 being connected not directly with the propelling charge 24, but with the two systems of matches 25 and with 27 27 through the match 26, the effect of pulling the lanyard will be to fire simultaneously the quick-matches 25, some half a dozen in number, and the single slow-match 26,

Y which controls the half-dozen quick-matches 27 and the single quick-match 27 Of these two sets of matches the former being quick instantaneously fires the inflammable material I 7 at the front of the shell, which material bursting into flame plays through the open-V 7 ing 7- against the bottomof the seamless thin tube 10 and also against the bottom of the wire band 11. In the case of the tube 11 beingused,

which tube contains inflammable materiaha number of these quick-matches 25 lead into this tube and ignite the material contained therein. The ignition of the inflammable material 7 causes the generation of steam in the tube and the consequent expansion of the tube. The heat also causes the softening ofthe wire tube 11. Upon the expiration of the predetermined number of secondssay four, more or lessnecessary for the accomplishment of the-processes above referred to the slowmatch 26, which has heretofore been slowly burning. ignites the half-dozen quick-match es leading into the auxiliary powder-chamber 9 and the single quick-match leading to the main propelling charge 24:, from which it is evident -that the main and auxiliary powder charges 2 1 and 9 are ignited simultaneously and 'a short time after the ignition of the body of inflammable material. The main powder charge 24 operating upon the base of the shell through the spring- bufler 19 and 20 tends to start thedrilled through the base of the plate 3 and connecting these two chambers the gas in chamber 9 has an elastic footing in the gas that is forming in the chamber behind it.

- The expansion of the steam tube or wiper 10 and the heated wire band llor the heated metal tube 11, as the case may be, Will form a check for the gas from the chambers 9 and 24 sufficient to prevent their gas from-escaping and compel the gas to expend its energy upon the shell. The heated wire band 11 or the heated tube 11, according to which is used, will be cutinto by the grooves of the rifle-bore of the gun like cheese, and thus diminish the friction engendered by the impinging of hard cold metal, such as is com-- monly used for gas-checks, and by their yielding nature will add additional security against 5 o the escape of the gases ahead of the projectile.

When the auxiliary powder-chamber 9. is ignited, the gas escapes through the openings in the envelop 8 and fills the annular space between the projectile and the walls of the gun, while the openings in the envelop 8, be

ing arranged at regular'intervals about the surface of the shell, allow an equal pressure in all directions, tending from all sides toward the center'or axial line of the bore, and not only this, but instead of having to traverse a rigid and rugged path of metal the shell is afforded (as it were) circumambient envelop or cradle of gas in which it moves through the barrel of the gun.

The balls 12 12, &c., assist in lessening the friction of theshell against the walls of-the gun.

The front lubricator-sack, which is placed over the forward end of the projectile before being fired, need only be used once in an engagement, for a single use will cause the forward part'of the interior of the gun to be lubricated sufficiently for the first discharge, and the bore of the gun will thereafter be kept lubricated with the stone-producing composition by the lubricating-sack at the base of the projectile.

The action of the elements within the explosive chamber when the shell strikes the target is as follows: It will be understood that so long as the wires 16 16 are retained in position the detonating portion of the shell is insured,against explosion and the shell made safe to handle and transport.

'to use the shell, the gunner strips off the buttons 16 and draws out the wires by their loops 16 and loads the projectile. When the gun is fired and the shell in motion, the several parts of the detonating apparatus retain their relative positions until the object aimed at is struck, when the motion of the shell becomes suddenly arrested, the plunger 16 which is free to move longitudinally of the shell and has been retained at-the rear end of its limit of movement, pitches violently forward, breaks the vial 16, and scatters the liquid contained therein over the mass of highlyinflammable and explosive material surrou nding it and causes the explosion of the shell.

Although I have shown and described the ball-bearings seated in bands which are applied to the projectile, I do not wish to limit myself to this arrangement nor to the use of the separate bands, as it is perfectly obvious that the antifriction balls might be seated in the surface of the projectile itself, and it is also obvious that many other modifications in this connection, as in other parts of the invention, might be made which could be used without departing from the spirit and the intent thereof.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, isv

1. In a projectile for ordnance, the combination with the body of the projectile, and the main propelling charge; charge surrounding the body of the projectile, the function of which is to center the projectile and assist in its propulsion from the, gun when the projectile is fired and arranged tofollow the movement thereof but to be exploded simultaneously with the explosion of When about IIO of an auxiliary the main propelling charge, and means for exploding the main charge and the propelling charge simultaneously, substantially as described.

2. In a projectile for ordnance, the combination with. the bodyof the projectile and the an annular auxiliary powder-chamber surrounding the body of the projectile, arranged to be fired simultaneously with the firing of the main propelling charge; and an outer inclosing case of thin perforated metal surrounding the saidauxiliary chamber, said perforations being closed with-an inflammable waterproof paste, substantially as described.

3'. In a projectile for ordnance, the combination with the body of the projectile of a gas: check comprising a closed tube containing a highly-combustible substance surrounding the projectile; and means for igniting the substance within the inclosed tube and thereby expanding said tube against the walls of the gun in advance of the explosion of the propelling charge, substantially as described.

4. In a projectile for ordnance, the combination with the body of the projectile of a perforated metallic band surrounding the proj ectile and inclosing a highly-inflammable plastic substance;

forated band; and means for igniting the inflammable substance inclosed within said perforated band' in advance of the explosion of the propelling charge, substantially as described.

5. In a projectile for ordnance, the combi-- nation with the body of the projectile of a perforated band surrounding the projectile and inclosing-a mass of highly-inflammable, plastic substance; a flattened, closed tubular ring seated about the said perforated band and a ring of slightly-greater diameter also seated quick-matches connected with the interior of said tubular ring whereby the contents thereof may be ignited in advance of the explosion of the propelling charge and the ring thus expanded against the Wall of the gun, substantially as described.

7 The combination with a projectile, of an annular gas-check surrounding the body thereof, a highly-combustible. substance in close contact with said gas-check and means for igniting said substance and thereby softening by heat the said gas-check in advance of the discharge of the projectile from the gun, substantially as described.

' 8. The combination with a projectile for ordnance, of a series of balls mounted about the surface of the projectile and constituting bearand a closed tube containing liquid surrounding and secured to the said perings for the projectile in its passage through the bore of the gun, substantially as described. 9. The combination Withaprojectile for ordnance, of a series of balls seated in the surface thereof, and arranged to take and follow the rifle-grooves of the gun in the passage of the projectile through the bore, substantially as described. I

10. In an explosive projectile, the combination with the inclosing shell or case; of a number of separate segregating vessels of highly-combustible material containing portions of the explosive charge, and each coated with and surrounded by ahighly-inflammable viscous composition serving to deaden shocks on the explosive charge, and serving to insure the rapid ignition of the charge, sub-' stantially as described.

11. In an explosive projectile, the combination with an inclosing shell or casing; of 'a number of separate segregated vessels of highly-combustible material containing portions-of the explosive charge, and each coated with and surrounded by a highly-inflammable viscous composition serving to deaden shocks on the explosive charge; and a frangible vial mounted centrally of the said explosive charge and containing a liquid adapted to ignite the charge upon the breaking of the said frangible vial, substantially as described.

'12. In an explosive projectile, the combination with an inclosing shell or case; of a plurality of concentric cylindrical vessel's containing within their intervening spaces portions of the explosive charge and coated with and surrounded by a highly-inflammable viscous composition serving to deaden shocks on the charge and serving to insure the rapid ignition thereof, substantially as described.

13. In an explosiveproject-ile, the combination with the explosive charge; of a tube mounted longitudinally thereof, a weighted body mounted Within the said tube and capable of longitudinal movement therein; a frangible vial containing a liquid of a nature such as to cause an explosion of the charge when communicated thereto; and a wire passing diametrically through the body of the project ile and engaging said weighted body retainmg the latter in a fixed position, the said wi're being removable when the projectile isto be loaded in the gun, substantially as described.

'14. The combination with a projectile for ordnance, of a combustible envelop containing a mass of lubricating material, so arranged in conjunction with the projectile as to beconsumed by the explosion of the propelling charge and thus having its contents distributed over the interior of the bore when the gun is tired, substantially as described.

- 15. The combination with a projectile for ordnance, of an elastic buffer interposed between the base of the projectile and the main propelling charge and a space between said buffer and the base of the projectile adapted to contain a lubricating composition, substantially as described.

16. In an explosive projectile, the combination with the propelling charge, and an expansible gas-check; of a set of quick-matches arranged to cause the heating and expansion of the gas-check in advance of the explosion of the propelling charge; and a set of slowmatches arranged to explode the propelling charge by the same operation, substantially as described.

17. 1n an explosive projectile, the combination with the main propelling charge at the base of the projectile; an auxiliary charge surrounding the body of the projectile; and an ex pansible gas-check; of a set of quick-matches arranged to cause the heating and expansion of the gas-check in advance of the explosion of the propelling charge; and a set of slow- 18. The combination with an explosive projectile for ordnance, of an elastic bufl'er carried upon the base of the projectile, and lubricating'means controlled by said buffer.

19. The combination with an explosive projectile, of an elastic buffer carried upon the rear end of said projectile, and a combustible ring carried upon the nose of said projectile, and a lubricating composition adapted to b contained within said ring.

In testimony whereof ll afiix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

GEORGE WASHINGTON BALI.

Witnesses:

Jos. H. BLACKWOOI), CLARENCE A. BA'IEMAN.

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