Improvements in Breech-loading Ordnance.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 4th Dec., 1889
Complete Specification Left, 2nd Sept., 1890-Accepted, 18th Oct., 1890
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Breech-loading Ordnance.
I, RALPH HALL, of 8.Dixon Avenue, Crosshill, in the County of Lanark, North
Britain, Electrical Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows that is to say:--
My said invention relates to breech-loading ordnance of the kind having "back-
action breech pieces, and has for its object to improve the construction, and to secure
great strength in a simple manner, and with diminished liability to derangement.
.
In carrying out my invention I provide for closing the breech end of the bore of a
gun a plug made with external helical or screw threads or surfaces of long pitch, and
I form counterpart internal helical or screw threads or surfaces in the end of the bore
of the gun. The helical pitch may be such that about a quarter of a turn will have
to be given in entering or withdrawing the plug or breech piece; or the helical pitch
may be less, or such that more than a quarter of a turn will be required when entering
or withdrawing the plug. Grooves or key seats are formed on the plug and in the
interior of the breech so as to coincide in position when the plug is in position in the
breech; and after the plug has been entered it is locked in position by inserting a
key in the pair of key seats, or in each of two or more pairs of key seats. The
positions of the key seats and key or keys may be accurately longitudinal, tliat is
parallel to the axis of the gun, or they may be slightly inclined to the axis, any such
inclination being by preference the opposite of that of the helical threads or surfaces.
When pressure due to a discharge acts on the plug the presence of the key or keys
causes a powerful wedging action between the helical surfaces of the plug and those
of the interior of the breech, and this wedging action prevents displacement of the
plug. The helical surfaces may be of various forms, a ratchet-like form being
probably preferable; and the number of threads or surfaces may also be varied in
different cases, a small number such as seven or nine being probably the best.
With the improved construction the plug may fit quite solidly in the breech when
closed without there being any segmental or other passages between the parts.
Dated this Third day of December 1889.
EDMUND HUNT,
Applicant's Agent.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Breech-loading Ordnance.
I, RALPH HALL, of 8 Dixon Avenue, Crosshill, in the County of Lanark, North
Britain, Electrical Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in
what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement, that is to say :--
My said invention relates to breech-loading ordnance of the kind having "back-
action" breech pieces, and has for its object to improve the construction and to secure
great strength in a simple manner, and with diminished liability to derangement.
In carrying out my invention I provide for closing the breech end of the bore of
the gun a plug made with external helical or screw threads or surfaces of long pitch,
and I form counterpart internal helical or screw threads or surfaces in the end of tho
bore of the gun. The helical pitch may be such that about a quarter of a turn will
have to be given in entering or withdrawing the plug or breech piece; or the helical
pitch may he less, or such that more than a quarter of a turn will be required when
entering or withdrawing the plug. Grooves or key seats are formed on the plug and
CD
077

page_text: in the interior of the breech so as to coincide in position when the plug is in its inner-
most position in the breech; and after the plug has been entered it is locked in
position by inserting a key in the pair of key seats, or in each of two or more pairs of
key, seats. The positions of the key seat and key or keys may be accurately
longitudinal, that is, parallel to the axis of the gun, or they may be slightly inclined
to the axis, any such inclination being by preference the opposite of that of the helical
threads or surfaces. When pressure due to a discharge acts on the plug, the presence
of the key or keys causes a powerful wedging action between the helical surfaces of
the plug and those of the interior of the breech; and of the key or keys; and this
wedging action prevents displacement of the plug. The helical surfaces may be of
various forms, a ratchet-like form being probably preferable; and the number of
threads or surfaces may also be varied in different cases.
With the improved construction the plug may fit quite solidly in the breech when
closed, without there being any segmental or other passages between the parts.
And in order that my said invention and the manner of performing the same may
be properly understood, I hereunto append a sheet of explanatory drawings to be
hereinafter referred to and representing, by way of example, a gun as fitted with a
modification of my improved breech-closing device.
Figure, 1, on the sheet of drawings is a side elevation of the gun with the breech
end in vertical section.
Figure, 2, is a breech-end elevation on a larger scale; and
Figure, 3, is longitudinal vertical section of the breech on the same scale as
Figure, 2.
Figure, 4, is a transverse vertical section of the plug and its keys. In these
drawings the same reference letters are used to mark the same or like parts wherever
they are repeated.
In the example delineated the plug or breech-piece, A, has nine helical threads or
surfaces, of ratchet-like shape as seen in transverse section, formed on its outside; and
the interior of the breech, 13, is formed with counterpart helical surfaces into which
those of the plug closely fit when the plug is thrust home or into its innermost
position, in which it is shown in the figures. Two locking keys, C, are used and are
shown in the locking position being entered into diametrically opposite sockets each
socket being formed by the combination of a groove or key seat in the interior of the
breech, B, with a groove formed in the plug, A, in a position such as to coincide with
the groove in the breech when the plug is home.
The plug, A, is made with a neck, D, at its outer end and in a groove in this neck
there is fitted loosely a collar, E, made in two pieces and provided with a handle, F',
by means of which the plug can be withdrawn from or entered into the breech, B.
The bottom part of the collar, E, is made with lugs, G, fitted to slide in guides in a
bracket, H, which is fixed to or formed on a massive plate or slide, J. This slide, J,
is fitted to move across the back of the breech, B, in guide grooves formed therein
for the purpose.
When the plug, A, has been withdrawn the slide, J, is moved so as
to carry the plug to one side and at the same time brings an opening, K, opposite the
bore of the gun through which the loading may be effected.
Before withdrawing the plug, A, the two keys, C, have to be drawn out. They are,
at their outer ends connected by a curved bar, L, and the right-hand one is made with
a lug, M, bored and fitted to slide on a guide rod, N, fixed to a lug on the bracket, H.
When the keys, C; have been withdrawn they are turned over out of the way as
indicated by dotted lines in Figure, 2.
I do not claim as part of my present invention the arrangements or devices shown
in the drawings and, herein before described, for withdrawing, entering, carrying, or
guiding the plug or breech piece, A, or keys, C; and any other suitable known
arrangements or devices may be employed for any of the purposes if preferred or if
the size of the gun renders it desirable. The plug or breech piece, A, is shown as
fitted with a core piece, P, for an igniting device; but any igniting device may be
employed that may be considered suitable.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is
As a breech-closing device for ordnance a helical or screw plug or breech piece
fitting internal helical or screw threads or surfaces in the breech, in combination with
one or more locking keys placed parallel or nearly parallel to the axis, the helical or
screw surfaces of the plug and breech extending and fitting entirely round excepting
the parts occupied by the keys, substantially as hereinbefore described.
Dated this First day of September 1890.
EDMUND HUNT,
Applicant's Agent.