Patent GB-591235-A (GB)
Title: Improvements relating to the fire control mechanism of machine guns
IPC: F41A27/14
Filed: 1944-12-22
Abstract: 591,235. Gun mountings. HEINTZ MANUFACTURING CO. Dec. 22, 1944, No. 25789. Convention date, Dec. 31, 1943. [Classes 92 (i) and 92 (ii)] A gun mounting comprises a standard carrying a cradle assembly movable in training and elevation, and a trigger frame carried at the rear end of the cradle, the trigger frame being fitted, in different horizontal planes, with a series of rotatable handles which are connected to means for actuating the trigger mechanism of the gun. In the construction shown, a trunnion bracket 3, adapted to move about a vertical axis on a stand, pivotally supports a cradle 4 on which the trigger mechanism 6 is mounted. The cradle also carries a detachable ammunition chest 10, a spent ammunition link shoot 9 and a trigger side plate mechanism 7 adapted to be secured to the side of the gun 5. The cradle consists of two side plates 71 each supporting an endless tubular trigger frame. Each frame is fitted with laterally extending hand grips 80, the grips on one frame being incapable of rotation, while those on the other frame can be rotated. The latter are all connected each by a crank to a common member 86, the lowest crank having a second arm which is connected to a trigger rod 76<1>. Thus, by rotating any of the rotatable grips, the member 86 is moved to operate the trigger mechanism. In a modification, Figs. 9-12 (not shown), the grips serve to rotate sprockets around which passes an endless chain, the chain passing around further sprockets, the lowest of which is fitted with a lug which is connected by a rod to the trigger mechanism. The bracket 3, Fig. 1, carries a shield 11, and a further shield 87 is mounted in front of the trigger mechanism. The Specification as open to inspection under Sect. 91 describes also many features of a complete gun mounting. As shown in Fig. 4 (Cancelled), the stand 1 for the gun consists of a tube 15 having at its base sockets 17 which carry rotatable clamps for three supporting legs. The stand is grooved to receive piston rings 26, 27, between which are fitted ball races for carrying a rotatable supporting member 25, which can be locked against rotation. To absorb recoil shocks, a double conical shell 39, slit from top to bottom, is mounted in the tube 15 and co-operates with two conical members 40, 41, of which the former engages tube 15 while the latter engages member 25. Fibre packing pieces are interposed between the conical surfaces and a bolt 43 draws members 40, 41 together to exert the required compression. Lugs 45 and 46 on member 25 serve for the reception of the bracket 3. The recoil mechanism, Fig. 20 (Cancelled), comprises two blocks 73, 14, having threaded holes 90 for attachment to the side plates of the cradle, and having bores to receive slidable rods 88, 89. To these rods are connected brackets 91, 95 which have upstanding arms for connection to the gun, the bracket 95 also being bored to receive a rod 99 which passes through the block 74. Springs 101, 102 surround the rod 99 as shown to absorb recoil and rebound movements of the gun. The gun may be counterbalanced by a weight mounted on a block which can be fitted between the cradle plates. In a modified mounting, the base of the supporting pillar is secured to a deck fitting by a quick-release clamping device. Fig. 35 (Cancelled) shows a modified form of recoil mechanism. This consists of a bracket 225 rigidly bolted to the cradle assembly and carrying a cylinder 226 and a lug 227 between which is fitted a stepped rod 233. Two pistons 231, 232 slide in the cylinder and are acted upon by springs 236, 237, 238, of which two springs 237, 238 bear on a shoulder on the rod 233 and on a member 239 on the piston 232. The piston 232 is secured to the gun and on recoil the springs 237, 238 are compressed, and on their return movement cause the piston to effect a movement of piston 231 against the pressure of spring 236. The gun including this recoil mechanism has also a modified form of pedestal support. In other modified forms of pedestal supports, the pedestal bracket is extended downwards into the pedestal where it is rotatably supported within members having conical ends ; one'such construction with slight modifications can be turned'on its side to form a wheel axle. Fig. 41 (Cancelled), shows a wheeled support for the gun comprising a tubular axle fitted with a pair of wheels and carrying near its ends two members 308 which converge towards and are connected to a ring 310. The two members are braced by a crossbar 312 which is connected to the axle by a member 313. The pedestal of the gun is mounted at its base on a plate 326 welded to the part 313, clamping being effected in part by hooked lugs on the plate and in part by releasable clamping devices. Two of the legs of the pedestal are removed, the third being supported in a V-bracket 328 which is connected to the members 308. This subject-matter does not appear in the Specification as accepted.