Improvements in Graze Fuzes for Shells

14,912. Mulliner, H. H., and Lochenies, A. C. July 20. Fuses for projectiles.-In a percussion fuse, a charge f of compressed picric acid is contained in a cylinder e arranged round a stem c' carrying at its forward end the detonating-cap d. The plug e , Fig. 1, of the cylinder e separates the chargef from the cap d, so that in the case of accidental ignition of the cap the picric acid charge will be protected, the pressure in the body of the fuse being relieved by vents v. A three-legged thimble u supports the cap d and also the end j of a plunger j, the forward end of which bears against a pellet m of compressed powder carried by the sleeve h. The plunger is slotted at j to straddle a fixed bridgepiece i having a firing-pin i'. On discharge, the pellet m is ignited and the gaseous products escape through the vent s , so that on impact the plunger j is free to move forward, as shown in Fig. 2, and is followed by the thimble u and cylinder e, thus causing the picric acid charge f to surround the cap d. The detonator t is thrown on to the pin i and causes the ignition of the fulminate d and charger f. The fuse may be strengthened by a steel liner g.