Improvements in and relating to Machine and other Guns.
Year: 1886

page_text: Date of Application, 1st Dec.. 1886
Complete Left, 1st Oct., 1887
Complete Accepted, 1st Dec., 1887
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Machine and other Guns.
I, HIRAM STEVENS MAXIM, of 57" Hatton Garden, in the County of Middlesex,
Mechanical Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
My invention relates chiefly to automatic guns of the kind or class described in
the Specifications of former Letters Patent granted to me and dated 23rd February
A.D. 1884, No. 3844, 29th January A.D. 1885, No. 1307, and 8th July A.D. 1885,
No. 8281, that is to say, guns wherein the barrel and breech-mechanism are arranged
to slide to and fro in a frame or support mounted on trunnions, and wherein the
breech-block is locked to the barrel during the earlier part of the recoil and is then
released and moved backward away from the barrel to extract the empty cartridge-
shell and permit the introduction of a fresh cartridge between the breech-block and
the rear end of the barrel.
I have hitherto constructed such guns with mechanical devices whereby the breech-
block will, during the recoil, be unlocked from the barrel and driven backward there-
from, and with one or more springs for storing up energy during the recoil and
utilizing such energy for effecting the forward or return movement of the barrel and
performing various operations necessary in loading and firing the gun or preparing
it for the next discharge. One object of my present invention is to provide hydraulic
apparatus whereby the force of the recoil will be utilized for moving the breech-block
backward away from the barrel and thus opening the breech and extracting the empty
cartridge-shell and also for effecting the forward or return movement of the said block.
By the employment of such hydraulic apparatus, I am enabled to ensure the proper
movements of the breech-block without, at any time, imparting a high velocity to the
said block; and also to ensure the closing of the breech without jar or shock.
large and heavy guns, this is especially advantageous, because, by reason of the great
weight of the moving parts, a high velocity would be liable to cause injury to the gun
by concussion.
In
Moreover, by the employment of such hydraulic apparatus, I am enabled to provide
in a very simple and efficient manner for regulating or controlling the velocity of the
moving parts, as hereinafter described, notwithstanding differences in the weight and
explosive force of the charges used in the gun; and I am also enabled to provide in
a very simple manner for regulating the speed of firing, as hereinafter set forth.

page_text: An important feature of my present invention is the construction and arrangement
of the parts in such a manner that, when the breech-block is unlocked from the barrel,
the said block will continue, its backward movement whilst the barrel will move
forward. It is evident that, under these conditions, the extraction of the empty
cartridge-shell will be effected partly by the withdrawal of the same from the barrel by
the breech-block in its rearward movement, and partly by the removal of the barrel
from the said shell. It is, moreover, evident that, in order to permit the introduction
of a fresh cartridge between the barrel and the breech-block, the said block will only
require to move back through a distance equal to, or slightly greater than, the length
of a cartridge minus the length of the forward movement of the barrel, or, in other
words, minus the distance through which the barrel recoils.
Another object of my present invention is to provide hydraulic and pneumatic
apparatus for storing up energy during the recoil of the barrel and subsequently
utilizing such energy for effecting the forward or return movement of the barrel. In
some instances, however, I use one or more springs for this purpose, substantially as
described in my said former specifications.
I sometimes provide for supporting the breech-block against the force of the
explosion in the barrel by means of a transversely sliding piece which is withdrawn
during the recoil, by means of one or more inclined surfaces upon the frame or
support in which the barrel is fitted to slide. In other instances, I employ, for this
purpose, devices such as those described in the said former Specifications, or other
suitable devices.
Another feature of my present invention is the employment, in a gun of the kind or
class above described, of a breech-block provided with intermittent or segmental
screw-threads fitting into corresponding screw-threads in the breech-end of the barrel.
When I use a block of this description, I provide means whereby the said block will
be partially rotated in one direction during the recoil, to unlock it from the barrel,
and in the reverse direction during its forward movement to again lock it to the
barrel.
The hydraulic apparatus which I employ for operating the breech-block by the
force of the recoil is of peculiar construction. It comprises a cylinder which is
formed on, or firmly attached to, the outer frame or support, and in which works a
piston. This piston is either made slightly less in diameter than the bore of the
cylinder, or other provision is made for permitting the flow of the liquid from one
side of the piston to the other side thereof, as the piston is moved to and fro. The
said piston is provided with a rod which is firmly connected with the barrel.
One or
more holes are bored through the said piston and it is provided with a valve acted upon
by a spring which presses the said valve against the piston and thus closes the said
holes. In the recoil, this spring is compressed and the holes are thus opened so that
the liquid can be readily forced from one side to the other side of the said piston. In
the forward or return movement of the barrel, the said spring, by its reaction, closes
the said holes and prevents the passage of liquid through the piston. Therefore the
barrel will return more slowly than it recoils.
To provide for regulating or controlling the velocity of the moving parts, I employ
means for adjusting the tension or compression of the said spring to increase of
diminish the force required to open the said valve during the recoil.
In some
instances, I use a hollow piston-rod and arrange the spring within the same; this
spring bears at one end against a cross-bar connected with the valve and fitted to slide
in a slot in the piston-rod. I provide, at the other end of the spring, a device for
regulating the compression thereof. By these means the resistance to the recoil can,
be adjusted according to the weight and explosive force of the charge employed. I
prefer to provide a graduated scale for indicating such adjustment.
I connect the aforesaid cylinder, by a pipe or passage, with one or more tubes,
which are secured to the outer frame and are therefore stationary, and upon which are
fitted to slide other tubes or cylinders firmly connected with the breech-block. The
transverse sectional area of the piston-rod is equal to that of the said stationary tube,

page_text: or to the collective area of the stationary tubes when more than one are used'
Therefore (assuming that two of these tubes are employed) when the gun recoils, a
sufficient quantity of the liquid will be displaced from the larger cylinder by the
piston-rod to fill the empty spaces left in the stationary tubes by the backward
movement of the breech-block. By the time the barrel has arrived at the rear end of
its stroke or movement, the remaining liquid in the larger cylinder has been forced
from the rear to the front of the piston. In the forward or return movement of the
barrel, the piston forces the liquid from the larger cylinder into the said tubes, thereby
driving the smaller cylinders and the breech-block backward. The velocity of this
backward movement will depend partly upon the relative areas of the large and smaller
cylinders and partly upon the velocity of the barrel in its forward or return move-
ment. The said piston, at the same time, creates a partial vacuum in the cylinder in
rear of the piston.
The hole through which the liquid is forced from the larger cylinder is preferably
tapered at its forward end, so that, when the barrel has nearly terminated its forward
stroke or movement, it will be gradually cushioned by the liquid in the said cylinder.
The barrel will, therefore, be brought to rest without jar or shock. I sometimes make
other provision for ensuring this result.
At the termination of the forward movement of the barrel, the piston uncovers the
rear end of the said hole. The liquid is then forced from the tubes by atmospheric
pressure into the space in rear of the piston, and the breech-block is driven home.
To prevent concussion on closing the breech, I sometimes provide the aforesaid sliding
tubes or cylinders with conical or taper plugs at their rear ends. These plugs enter
and partially close the rear ends of the stationary tubes, when the breech-block has
nearly terminated its forward movement, and thus gradually diminish the velocity of
the said block. I sometimes employ other suitable devices for this purpose.
I do not confine myself to the particular arrangement of hydraulic apparatus above
described, as various modifications of the same are, with more or less advantage,
adapted for the purpose of my invention.
In some instances, I so construct the said apparatus that, when the heaviest charge
to be used in the gun is exploded therein, the recoil will only move the piston back-
ward through a distance equal to about two-thirds of the length of the cylinder.
In this case, there is an excess of liquid in the cylinder above the quantity required
to move back the breech-block. It is necessary, therefore, to provide for opening
communication between the two ends of the cylinder, as soon as the breech-block
terminates its backward movement, to permit the continuance of the forward move-
ment of the barrel until it arrives at the firing position. For this purpose, I connect
the two ends of the said cylinder by a pipe or passage provided with a cock or valve.
This cock or valve is arranged to be operated by a stud or projection on the breech-
block or on one of the sliding cylinders or other part connected therewith, so that,
when the gun has recoiled and the breech-block has been moved backward, the said
cock or valve will be opened to permit free passage of the remaining liquid from the
front to the rear of the piston. A spring is provided for closing the said cock or valve
as soon as the breech-block commences to move forward.
By constructing and arranging the parts in this manner, I provide for ensuring the
proper movement of the breech-block notwithstanding differences in the weight and
explosive force of the charges used in the gun. For instance, the cylinders are so
proportioned that the smallest charge used in the gun will cause the recoil thereof to
such an extent that the liquid in front of the piston at the termination of the recoil
will be just sufficient for effecting the backward movement of the breech-block during
the forward movement of the barrel. If a heavier charge is used, the breech-block
will arrive at the rear end of its movement before the barrel has terminated its forward
movement, the said valve will then be opened and, in the remainder of the forward
movement of the barrel, the liquid will be forced from the front to the rear of the
piston.
When I use a screw breech-block or plug, I sometimes form a slot or groove in the
breech-end of the barrel through which the bullet-ends of the cartridges may pass

page_text: when the cartridges fall into the loading position.
I am thus enabled to shorten the
backward movement of the breech-block. I provide the said block with suitable
extracting hooks, and with means whereby the said block will, in its backward move-
ment, draw a cartridge out of the magazine into a position whence it may fall between
the barrel and breech-block. Any well known or suitable device is provided for
supporting the cartridges in position to be thrust into the barrel by the breech-block
in its forward movement.
I provide the said screw-block with an arm or projection, to which is attached one
end of a spring; the other end of this spring is attached to the barrel; so that the
said spring tends to keep the said block locked to the barrel. This arm is arranged
to slide in an inclined or spiral groove or slot in the outer frame, when the gun recoils,
so that, as soon as, or a short time before, the barrel has terminated its rearward
movement, the breech-block will be unlocked therefrom. A switch is pivotted to the
outer frame so that, in the return movement of the breech-block, the said arm will be
prevented by the said switch from entering the spiral groove or slot and will be com-
pelled to travel along a straight groove or slot until the breech-block is inserted in the
barrel. The said arm will then be released and the aforesaid spring will, by its
reaction, partially rotate the breech-block and lock it in the barrel. Other means
are, in some cases, used for effecting the partial rotation of the said block for the
purposes above specified.
sometimes employ a V-shaped block which is fitted to slide transversely in grooves
or guideways in the breech-block, and in the breech-end of the barrel; and I provide
inclined surfaces on the outer frame, which, in the recoil, act upon studs or projections
on the said block and move the same transversely, thus unlocking the breech-block
from the barrel. I divide the firing pin into two parts one of which is fitted in a hole
in the breech-block, whilst the other part is fitted in a hole in the transversely sliding
block. Therefore the gun cannot be fired until these parts of the firing pin are in
axial alignment with each other, that is to say, until the breech-block is locked to the
barrel. I sometimes provide one or more screws and means for operating the same for
effecting the withdrawal and replacement of the locking piece by hand.
To provide for storing up energy during the recoil and utilizing such energy for
effecting the forward or return movement of the barrel, I sometimes combine, with
the barrel and outer frame, one or more hydraulic rams, the cylinders of which are
connected with chambers containing compressed air. When the gun recoils, the air
in the said chambers is still further compressed, it then, by its expansion, effects the
forward. or return movement of the barrel. I sometimes provide a double valve
between the said cylinder and chamber, which valve is acted upon by one or more
springs so that it will be partially closed by the pressure exerted upon it during the
recoil, but will be fully opened by the spring to permit the forcing of the liquid from
the chamber into the cylinder.
In some instances, I make a gun with two or more barrels and combine therewith
hydraulic apparatus for the purposes above specified. I prefer, in such cases, to so
construct and arrange the parts that the forward movement of one barrel will operate
the breech-block of another barrel, or so that, when the breech-block of one barrel is
driven home, it will effect the discharge of another barrel. In this manner 1 can
provide for the successive discharge of the barrels.
Another feature of my present invention is the employment of an endless chain or
elevator which is automatically operated, in the to-and-fro movement of the gun, to
raise the cartridges from a hopper or feeder into a position whence they may be
drawn back by the barrel or by the breech-block in the recoil or backward movement
thereof. This endless chain or elevator is carried by two drums or cylinders, one of
which is provided with inclined grooves or other suitable devices so that it will be
intermittently rotated, in the to-and-fro movement of the barrel, by a projection
thereon. Or I provide other suitable means for automatically operating the said
cartridge-elevator. Moreover 1 provide one of the drums with a crank-handle whereby
the said elevator may be operated by hand, if necessary.
When I use hydraulic apparatus such as that above described, I am enabled, as

page_text: above stated, to provide in a very simple and efficient manner for regulating the speed
of firing. For this purpose, I employ means for controlling the flow of liquid from
the smaller cylinders to the large cylinder. For instance, I arrange a valve in the pipe
or passage between the said cylinders in such a manner that the liquid will flow freely
from the large cylinder into the smaller cylinders, but the said valve will partially
close the passage against the flow of liquid in the reverse direction, and thus diminish
the speed of firing. Or I make the said valve to entirely close the said pipe or passage
against the flow of liquid from the smaller cylinders to the large cylinder, and I
provide the said pipe or passage with a bye-path or passage having a cock or valve
whereby the flow of liquid may be regulated or controlled. In some instances, I use
other devices for regulating the speed of firing, such, for example, as those described
in the specifications of former Letters Patent granted to me.
It is obvious that I may, if desired, employ two or more of the aforesaid hydraulic
cylinders and pistons in combination with each barrel.
I sometimes provide for effecting the forward or return movement of the breech-
block by means of air compressed during the recoil or during the backward movement
of the breech-block. The liquid from the aforesaid large cylinder is, in the latter case,
caused to act upon pistons connected with the breech-block and working in suitable
cylinders. I sometimes arrange suitable valves in the pipes which connect the
cylinders, for the purpose of controlling the flow of the liquid through the same.
I
I prefer to employ electrical energy for aiming or pointing and training the gun.
use for this purpose, electric motors connected with suitable mechanism, and 1
combine with the said motors, a switch arranged to be operated by hand to control
the action of the motors. Morcover I provide a suitable device whereby resistance
can be included in, or withdrawn from, the circuit to regulate the speed of movement of
the gun.
I arrange this resistance device or rheostat in such a
it can be operated by the gunner's foot, or so that it can be operated by another
attendant.
manner that
When the gun is of large size, I prefer to make the barrel of aluminium bronze in
the following manner, that is to say I employ a rotary mould provided at each end
with a journal mounted in a suitable bearing. Into this mould, while it is rotating, 1
pour a sufficient quantity of the aluminium bronze to form a gun-barrel having a bore
rather smaller in diameter than the bore of the finished barrel. The compound which
I prefer to use consists of about ten per cent of aluminium and about ninety per cent
of copper. As soon as the metal has set and while the barrel is very hot, I cool the interior
thereof by means of jets of water issuing from a perforated tube, which is introduced into
the mould and moved to-and-fro therein to cause the jets to act on all parts of the interior
surface of the barrel. To ensure the cooling of the metal uniformly throughout the length
of the barrel, I sometimes make the perforations in the tube closer together at that part
which is to direct the jets upon the thicker part of the barrel than elsewhere. After
the inner part of the barrel is cooled, the barrel is removed from the mould and the
outer part is allowed to cool. In this nianner, very heavy guns may be made, and, by
reason of the heat retained in the outer part of the barrel and imparted thereto by
the mould during the cooling of the inner part of the barrel, the said inner part
(when the barrel is completed) will be in a high state of compression whilst the
outer part is in a high state of tension. In other words, the barrel will have
the most favorable molecular disturbance to enable it to withstand high internal
pressures.
Although I have described my present improvements as applied to automatic guns,
certain of the said improvements are also applicable to guns designed to be worked
by hand.
Dated this 1st day of Daanban 1002
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London,
Agents for the Applicant.

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
Improvements in and relating to Machine and other Guns.
I, HIRAM STEVENS MAXIM, of 57" Hatton Garden, in the County of Middlesex,
Mechanical 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:-
My invention relates to machine or battery guns and other fire-arms.
My said invention is chiefly designed to provide for the construction of large and
heavy automatic guns of the kind or class described in the specifications of former
Letters Patent granted to me and dated respectively 23rd February A.D. 1884
No. 3844, 8th July A.D. 1885 No. 8281, and 1st June A.D. 1886 No. 7354, that is
to say, guns which are operated by force created by the explosion in the barrel, and
wherein the barrel and breech-block are arranged to slide longitudinally in a stationary
frame or support and are locked together during the earlier part of the recoil, and the
said block is then unlocked or released from the barrel and moved backward therefrom
to extract the empty cartridge-shell and permit the introduction of a fresh cartridge
between the breech-block and the rear end of the barrel.
Most of the guns described in the said specifications are provided with mechanical
devices whereby the breech-block will, during the recoil, be unlocked from the barrel
and driven backward therefrom, and with one or more springs for storing up energy
during the recoil, to be subsequently utilized for effecting the forward or return
movement of the barrel and performing the various operations necessary in loading
and firing the gun or preparing it for the next discharge. In the said specification
No. 7354, however, I have described the employment of hydraulic or pneumatic or
hydro-pneumatic apparatus for effecting the requisite movements of the breech-block
without at any time imparting a high velocity to the said block. In large and heavy
guns this feature is especially advantageous, because, by reason of the great weight
of the moving parts, a high velocity thereof would be liable to cause injury to the
gun by concussion.
Now one object of my present invention is to provide improved hydraulic or hydro-
pneumatic apparatus for the purpose above mentioned.
Another object of my said invention is to provide, in a simple and efficient manner,
for ensuring the proper movements of the barrel and breech-block notwithstanding
differences in the weight and explosive force of the charges used in the gun and the
consequent differences in the length of the recoil.
I also provide in a very simple manner for regulating the speed of firing, as herein-
after set forth.
Another object of my present invention is to provide for storing up energy during
the recoil and utilizing such energy for simultaneously effecting the forward or return
movement of the barrel and the continued backward movement of the breech-block
as hereinafter described.

page_text: A further object of my present invention is to provide for ensuring the closing of
the breech without jar or shock.
My said invention, moreover, comprises various other improvements hereinafter set
forth.
Certain of my present improvements are applicable to other kinds of automatic
guns, and also to guns designed to be worked by hand.
My said invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which,
Figure 1 is a plan, and
Figure 2a vertical longitudinal section of an automatic gun constructed according
to my said invention, showing the parts in the positions which they occupy at the
instant of firing.
Figure 3 is a vertical longitudinal section, showing the parts in the positions which
they occupy after the gun has been fired and the barrel has terminated its recoil.
Figure 4 is a similar view, showing the parts in the positions which they occupy
after the barrel has returned to its firing position and the breech-block has reached
the rear end of its stroke or movement, and showing the empty cartridge-shell falling
from the gun.
Figure 5 is a similar view, showing the parts in the positions which they occupy
after a fresh cartridge has fallen from the magazine into position in front of the
breech-block and has liberated the said block as hereinafter specified.
Figure 6 is a transverse section on the line, a, Figure 2, showing the parts in the
positions which they occupy at the instant of firing.
Figure 7 is a transverse section on the line ', ', Figure 3, showing the parts in
the positions which they occupy when the barrel has terminated its recoil and the
breech-block is unlocked from the barrel.
Figure 8 is a transverse section on the line a², x², Figure 2, looking in the direction
indicated by the arrow y in this Figure.
Figure 9 is a plan, partly in horizontal section, and
Figure 10 an end elevation of a part of the breech-block, illustrating the arrange-
ment of the extractors hereinafter described.
Figure 11 is a section on the line ³, ³, Figure 6, showing details of construction.
Figures 12 and 13 are longitudinal sections, illustrating modifications of my said
invention hereinafter described.
Figure 14 is a vertical longitudinal section, and
Figure 15 a front elevation showing means hereinafter described for regulating the
speed of firing.
Figure 16 is a vertical longitudinal section, showing another modification of my
invention hereinafter described.
Figure 17 is a horizontal section showing mechanism for opening communication
between the two ends of the hydraulic cylinder as hereinafter specified.
Figure 18 is a vertical section on the line 2, 2, Figure 17.
Figure 19 is a longitudinal central section of a gun provided with improved
hydro-pneumatic apparatus for effecting the requisite movements of the barrel and
breech-block.
Figure 20 is a sectional plan of the same.
Figures 19 and 20" show portions of Figures 19 and 20 drawn to an enlarged scale.
Figure 21 is a transverse section on the line,, Figure 19.
Figure 22 is a detail view of a valve hereinafter described.
Figure 23 shows a modification of my automatic gun in which the firing is effected
by means of electricity.
Figure 24 is a transverse section on the line, ³, Figure 23.
Figure 25 is also a section on the line ., ., Figure 23, showing the parts in the
positions which they occupy at the termination of the recoil.
A is the stationary frame or support, which is provided with trunnions A' whereby
it may be mounted in a suitable carriage or mounting; B is the barrel; C the breech-
block or breech-plug.
In the gun shown in Figures 1 to 11, the barrel B is provided at its rear end with

page_text: an extension or frame B' whereby the breech-block, when in the firing position, is
supported and lateral displacement thereof prevented. The barrel is, moreover,
provided with ribs or projections B* fitted to slide in guide-ways A² in the frame A
for the purpose of guiding the barrel in its to-and-fro movement.
The breech-block or breech-plug C comprises an outer tubular piece c and a central
or core piece c¹. The outer part c is provided on its periphery with intermittent or
divided screw-threads adapted to fit corresponding screw-threads in the breech-end of
barrel. The said outer part c is arranged to rotate upon the central or core piece c¹,
which is firmly secured to a vertical block or piece C. To the rear end of the piece c
is secured an arm c², the free end of which works in an inclined or spiral groove or
guide-way A³ in the frame A, so that, when the barrel has nearly terminated its
rearward movement, the said arm c² will be moved downward and the breech-block
thus unlocked or unscrewed from the barrel. The part of the breech-block is
provided with a coiled spring c³, which is wound up or compressed in the operation of
unlocking the breech-block and which subsequently reacts to effect the locking of the
said block to the barrel. A switch a is pivotted at a to the frame A and is acted upon
by a spring a² which tends to hold the said switch in the position shown in Figure 2,
so that, in the forward or return movement of the barrel, the arm e² will be held down,
thus permitting the insertion of the breech-block into the barrel before the part c is
acted upon by its spring c³ to lock the said block therein. is the firing pin and
c³ its spring, both of which are arranged within the core-piece c¹ of the breech-block.
A vertical groove or guide-way A* (Figures 4 and 5) is formed in the frame A so
that, when the breech-block has been driven home, the free end of the arm c² may
slide in the said groove or guide-way and the breech-block be locked to the barrel
under the action of the spring c³.
D is a
hydraulic cylinder, which is firmly secured to the frame A, and in which
works a piston D₁ provided with a hollow piston-rod D. This rod is firmly
connected to a bracket B2 formed on, or rigidly attached to the barrel B, and works
in a stuffing-box in the forward end of the cylinder D. The said piston D' is provided
with a central aperture or port d and with a valve d' acted upon by a spring d², which
presses the said valve against its seat and thus closes the said aperture or port d. In
the recoil, the liquid in the rear part of the cylinder D will be forced through the
opening or port d into the forward end of the said cylinder. In the forward or return
movement of the barrel, (which is effected by the means hereinafter described), the
spring will close the valve d¹ and thus prevent the return of the liquid from the
front to the rear of the piston D'; the said liquid will, therefore, be forced through a
port or passage e in the side of the cylinder D which communicates by means
of a pipe e¹, with a cylinder E, secured to the outer frame A. In this cylinder
E is fitted to slide another cylinder or tubular ram E' firmly connected with the
part of the breech-block Č. If desired, two of these stationary cylinders and
tubular rams may be employed. The transverse sectional area of the hollow piston-
rod D² is equal to that of the tubular ram E', or to the collective area of the tubular
rams when more than one are used. Therefore, in the recoil, the liquid displaced
from the cylinder D by the progressive immersion of the piston-rod D will fill the
empty space left in the front end of the cylinder E by the rearward movement of the
ram E. When the barrel has terminated its recoil, the liquid in the cylinder D will
have been forced from the rear to the front of the piston D', and the aperture or
port d will be closed by the valve d' and spring d as above described. Therefore, in
the forward or return movement of the barrel, the liquid in the cylinder D will, as
above stated, be forced therefrom into the cylinder E and, acting upon the ram E¹, will
cause the breech-block C to continue its backward movement, while the barrel is
moving forward. The forward or return movement ef the piston D₁ creates a partial
vacuum in the cylinder D behind the said piston, which is utilized as hereinafter
explained to effect the forward or return movement of the breech-block.
The velocity
of the backward movement of the breech-block will depend partly upon the relative
areas of the cylinders D and E, and partly upon the velocity of the barrel in its forward
or return movement.

page_text: For effecting the forward or return movement of the barrel, I provide a spring r
enclosed in a cylinder F¹ which is firmly secured to the underside of the frame A and
is fitted with a piston F arranged to bear on one end of the said spring, the other
end thereof bears against the end of the cylinder F. The piston F is secured to a
hollow piston-rod F³, the forward end of which is attached to the lug or projection B²
on the underside of the barrel. When the barrel recoils, the spring F will be
compressed and energy will be stored therein to effect the return movement of the
barrel.
To provide for opening the breech by hand, I employ a rod F which has a solid
end or head F fitted to slide in the hollow piston-rod F³. The rear end of the rod F*
is connected to a hollow piston-rod f fitted to slide in a cylinder or tube fl secured to
the frame A. A pin fits in a groove in the hollow piston-rod f and prevents
rotation thereof. A screw-threaded rod f³ fits a corresponding internally screw-
threaded portion in the end of the hollow piston-rod f; this screw-threaded rod is
fitted in a bush in the end of the cylinder or tube f¹ and is provided with a square
end whereby it may he turned in either direction. By these means, the barrel may
be drawn backward by hand and then released so that, in its forward movement, it
will drive back the breech-block to permit the introduction of a cartridge by hand into
position to be thrust into the barrel by the said block in its forward movement.
Instead of using a spring F arranged as above described, I can employ one or more
springs surrounding the barrel, or otherwise arranged, so that energy will be stored
therein during the recoil and will be subsequently utilized for simultaneously effecting
the forward or return movement of the barrel and the continued backward movement
of the breech-block.
The port or passage e, through which the liquid is forced from the cylinder D, is
sometimes tapered towards its forward end, so that, when the barrel has nearly
terminated its forward stroke or movement, it will be gradually cushioned by the
liquid in the said cylinder, and thus brought to rest without jar or shock. I sometimes
make other provision for ensuring this result.
At the termination of the forward movement of the barrel, the piston D' will
uncover the rear end of the port or passage e. The ram or plunger E' will then act
upon the liquid in the cylinder E and force it through the said port or passage into
the cylinder D. This movement of the ram or plunger E' will be effected partly by
the pressure exerted by the atmosphere upon the rear end of the said plunger, and
partly by a spring G (Figure 1) attached at its rear end to a projection on the side of
the breech-block and secured at its forward end to the front end of the casing A, so
that the said spring will be extended during the recoil, and will, by its reaction, assist
in effecting the forward or return movement of the breech-block and parts carried
thereby.
To prevent or diminish concussion on the closing of the breech, I sometimes provide
the ram or plunger E¹ with a conical or plug-shaped end E2, Figure 12, which will
enter a neck or contracted part E³ at the rear end of the cylinder E when the breech-
block has nearly terminated its forward movement, and will thus close or contract the
space for the passage of liquid from the said cylinder, and thereby gradually diminish
the velocity of the breech-block. I sometimes employ other suitable devices for this
purpose.
In the apparatus shown in Figure 13, the cylinder E is designed to be connected
with the breech-block and the tubular ram or plunger E¹ with the barrel. In this
case, the said cylinder is provided with a plug E2 adapted to enter a contracted
part E3 of the said plunger for the purpose above mentioned.
To provide for regulating or controlling the velocity of the recoil, I employ means
for adjusting the tension or compression of the spring d to increase or diminish the
D3 is a rod fitted to rotate in
force required to open the valve d during the recoil.
the hollow piston-rod D³, and having at one end a screw-threaded portion d³ fitting in
a corresponding screw-threaded portion in the hollow piston-rod D2. The other end
of the said rod D³ bears against the spring d². The said rod D³ is, moreover, provided
with a square end d', so that it may be turned in either direction by means of a key
B

page_text: or wrench, to compress the said spring or permit the same to expand. I sometimes
provide a graduated scale for indicating the adjustment of the said spring. By these
means, the tension of the said spring d² and, consequently, the action of the valve d¹
can be adjusted according to the weight and explosive force of the charges to be used
in the gun, so that the velocity of the recoil will remain unchanged, or almost
unchanged, notwithstanding differences in the weight and explosive force of the
charges used.
The extractors (Figures 9 and 10) are fitted in the core-piece c¹ of the breech-
block so that, when the parts c, c¹ of the breech-block are united, the said extractors
cannot be displaced. By this construction, I provide for retaining the said extractors
in place without attaching the same to the breech-block by means of screws or the like.
The breech-end of the barrel is formed with recesses into which the outer edges of the
said extractors will enter when the breech-block is driven home. Each extractor c° is
formed with a stud or projection c*, which fits into a recess in the piece c' and which
is nearer to the axis of the piece c' than the hook of the extractor. Each extractor is,
moreover, acted upon by a spring c² which allows the look of the extractor to pass
freely over the flange of a cartridge and tends to keep the said extractor in engage-
ment with the said flange. In the extraction of the empty cartridge-shell, which is
effected by the movement of the barrel and breech-block in opposite directions, after
the barrel has terminated its recoil, the extractors, by reason of the peculiar con-
struction and arrangement thereof, will be held tightly in engagement with the flange
of the said shell, and the stronger the pull upon the said extractors, the more tightly
they will be held in engagement with the said flange.
The breech-block C has firmly connected with the part C¹ thereof a frame (2 fitted
to slide to and fro in grooves or guide-ways A' in the frame A. The said frame C² is
formed with an aperture C* (Figure 1) into which the lowermost cartridge in the
vertical hopper or magazine A7 will fall when the breech-block is driven home. The
frame C, in the recoil or backward movement of the breech-block, will transfer the
said cartridge from the magazine into such a position that it will fall in front of the
breech-block at the termination of the rearward movement thereof. The said frame Û²
is provided near its forward end with springs C³ so arranged that, in the backward
movement of the breech-block, they will grip the projectile and move the cartridge
backward.
To prevent the backward movement of the cartridge by the said springs before the
breech-block is unlocked from the barrel, the said frame is made of such length that
the said springs will come in contact with and grip the projectile when, but not
until, the barrel has terminated its recoil; the said frame is, moreover, made with a
solid bottom extending forward a short distance from its rear end; while the flange
of a cartridge rests on the said solid part, the said cartridge cannot pass under the
rear end of the magazine.
The magazine A' is formed with guide-ways A, in which the flanges of the
cartridges slide; the said magazine is also provided with a lever A pivoted thereto
at Athe short arm of this lever is acted upon by a spring A", which tends to
keep the said lever in the position shown in Figure 2. This device is designed
to prevent the sliding forward of a cartridge in the frame 0 far enough for its
flange to be in front of the flange of a cartridg
Ige inserted in the magazine above it.
When a cartridge is drawn back by the frame (2, the cartridge above it will fall a
short distance and will turn the lever A upon or about its pivot as shown in
Figures 4 and 5; when the said cartridge falls into the said frame, the spring Al
will turn the lever in the reverse direction, so that the end of its long arm will be in
front of the flange of the said cartridge.
A slot or groove B³ is formed in the breech-end of the barrel through which the
forward end of the projectile will pass when a cartridge falls into position in front
of the breech-block. By this means, the distance through which the breech-block
has to move away from the barrel is shortened.
A sear C is pivoted at C to a bracket C firmly secured to the breech-end of the
barrel, and is acted upon by a spring C³, whereby it is caused to engage with the

page_text: bent of the hammer (10. The said hammer is fitted to turn upon a pivot C
supported between the brackets 07 and is actuated by a spiral spring C₁₂ placed
upon the said pivot, as shown in Figure 6 and 7, the said spring being secured at
one end to the hammer and at the other end to the said pivot or to one of the said
brackets. The sear C³ (Figures 6, 7 and 11) is connected, by means of a rod c, to
a trigger provided at the rear end of the frame A and not shown in the drawings.
A safety sear e is also pivoted at (and is provided with an extension cº adapted to
be acted upon by a lug or projection 10 on the breech-block, which lug or projection
is so arranged that, when, but not until the breech-block is locked to the barrel, the
said lug will disengage the said safety-sear from the bent 0 and thus permit the
firing of the gun by the disengagement of the sear C, which is effected by the pulling
of the trigger.
A projection c¹³ is formed on the breech-block and is provided with a recess or
groove in which the hammer Co is arranged to slide. In the rearward movement
of the breech-block, the projection c¹³ acts upon the hammer C and pushes it into
its cocked position, where it is held by the aforesaid sears.
It will be seen from the foregoing description, that the hammer cannot be operated
until the breech-block is driven home and locked to the barrel.
I provide an additional safety device by which the accidental firing of the gun is
prevented, that is to say:-A lever J is pivoted at J₁ to the breech-block and has a
forked end J2, the prongs of which are made taper or wedge-shaped as shown at J³
Figure 11. The lever is made with a curved arm, J having a notch J, with
which a pin J secured to the arm 2 of the breech-block is adapted to engage, so
that, when the arm c² is rotated to unlock the breech-block from the barrel, the
pin J will turn the lever J upon or about its pivot J into the position shown in
Figure 7, and the fork J of the said lever will engage with the firing-pin and hold
the said pin out of action until the breech-block has completed its backward and
forward movement and is again locked to the barrel. Therefore, although the
hammer Co should by any cliance be released from the sears and strike the firing
pin, the gun cannot be accidentally fired.
To provide for retaining the breech-block in its rearmost position while a cartridge
falls in front thereof; and then releasing the said block to permit its forward movement,
I employ the device hereinafter described, that is to say A bar or catch g is pivoted
at g' to the breech-block C and is formed with a hook g², and with a projection g³
whereby it is kept in a horizontal, or nearly horizontal, position. At the termination
of the backward movement of the breech-block, the hooked end of this bar will pass
through an aperture A in the rear end of the frame A and engage with the said
frame, thus holding back the breech-block until released as hereinafter described.
His a lever pivoted at H to a bracket H* formed on, or attached to the frame A;
the short arm of this lever is adapted to engage with the lower edge of a vertically
sliding plate El, which works between guides on the rear end of the frame A. This
sliding plate is provided with an opening H³, more clearly shown in Figure 8,
through which the hooked end of the rod or catch g will be pushed in the backward
movement of the breech-block. The plate H2 is, moreover, provided with a spring H₁
which tends to keep it in its lowermost position. I, I are plates firmly secured to
the frame parallel to each other and having guide-pieces I¹ formed or fixed
thereon, between which the flange of a cartridge will pass as the said cartridge falls
in front of the breech-block. These guide-pieces and the groove B³ in the breech-end
of the barrel, being inclined as shown, permit the gradual descent of the cartridges
from the frame into position in front of the breech-block. In the backward
movement of the frame C, the flange of the cartridge drawn back thereby will be*
supported between the lower projecting flanges A" of the guide-way A' until it falls
through extended openings A3 in the said flanges and passes between the guide-
pieces I, as shown in Figure 4. The flange of the cartridge will then fall upon
the forward end of the lever H, and thereby move upward the sliding plate H³
and force the rod or catch g out of engagement with the rear end of the frame A.

page_text: The breech-block can then move forward under the pressure of the atmosphere and
the action of its spring or springs.
To prevent the falling of the cartridge through the breech of the gun, and to
retain it in position to be pushed forward into the barrel, I provide a frame or
cradle fitted to slide to and fro upon horizontal guide-rods, secured at one end
to the rear end of the frame A, and supported at the other end in brackets /² also
secured to the said frame, as more clearly shown in Figure 8. On one side of the
frame or cradle h is a lug or projection ³, to which is attached the forward end of a
spiral spring (Figures 1 and 3), the other end being firmly secured to the rear end
of the frame A. The said cradle is, moreover, provided with an extension * to
which is pivotted a lever i. One arm of this lever i is acted upon by a spring it,
which tends to keep the said lever in the position shown in Figure 2, the other
arm of the said lever i is arranged to be operated by a rod working in guides in
the frame or cradle h and having a wedge-shaped end 3. In the forward movement
of the breech-block, the arm c² of the said block will strike the rear end of the
lever, thereby forcing the frame or cradle h forward, and extending the spring h*;
when the said frame or cradle has moved forward a predetermined distance, the
rod will strike a projection it on the bracket 2, whereby the forward movement of
the said rod will be arrested, so that its wedge-shaped end will be forced beneath
the front end of the lever i and will move the rear end thereof downward and
release it from the arm c³ of the breech-block. The spring will then react upon
the frame or cradle and cause it to resume its original position.
It will thus be seen that the cartridge will be supported and carried forward by
the frame or cradle to a sufficient distance to ensure the entrance of the projectile
into the barrel, before the said frame is withdrawn from the said cartridge.
It is obvious that I may, if desired, employ two or more of the aforesaid hydraulic
cylinders and pistons in combination with the barrel, communicating with one or
more hydraulic rams connected with the breech-block.
When I use hydraulic apparatus constructed and arranged as above described, I
am enabled to provide in a very simple and efficient manner for regulating the speed of
firing. For this purpose, I employ means for controlling the flow of liquid from the
cylinder E to the cylinder D.
In Figures 14 and 15, D is the pipe or passage between the cylinders D and E.
D³ is a valve arranged in the said pipe in such a manner that, although the liquid
can flow freely from the cylinder D into the cylinder E, the said valve will close the
passage against the flow of liquid in the reverse direction. De is a bye-pass or branch-
passage which is connected with the pipe D on each side of the said valve, and is
provided with a cock D. This cock is to be opened more or less to permit the flow
of liquid from the cylinder E to the cylinder D. The handle D of the said cock is
provided with an index or pointer D³, and the exterior of the cock is provided with a
graduated scale D, so that the said cock may be readily turned to regulate or control
the flow of the liquid through the branch-passage De according to the speed of firing
desired.
I sometimes so arrange the valve D' that it may be adjusted in such a manner as
to permit the flow of liquid with greater or less velocity from the cylinder E into
the cylinder D. An arrangement of this kind is shown in Figure 16, in which the
valve D' is made with a screw-threaded stem which is passed through a stuffing
box d and on which is screwed a nut d®. This nut bears upon the gland of the
stuffing-box, so that, by turning the said nut in one or the other direction the said
valve can be raised or lowered, and its downward movement can be limited so as to
permit the flow of the liquid with greater or less velocity. The said valve is acted
upon by a spring d, which effects its return or downward movement after it has been
raised by the liquid flowing from the cylinder D to the cylinder E. The rotation of
the valve D is prevented by a set-screw 8 fitting into a vertical groove in the said
valve, or other suitable means are provided for this purpose. An index or pointer d
is attached to the nut do, and a collar or head d¹0 is fixed on the outer end of the

page_text: stem d and is provided with a graduated scale so that the speed of firing can be
accurately regulated or controlled.
In some instances, I use other devices for regulating the speed of firing, such for
example as those described in my said former specifications.
According to another part of iny invention, I so construct the hydraulic apparatus
that, when the smallest charge to be used is exploded in the barrel, the recoil will
only move the piston D¹ backward through a distance equal to about two-thirds of
the length of the cylinder, and, when a heavier charge is used, the recoil will move
the piston back through a greater distance, and there will be in the cylinder in front
of the said piston an excess of liquid above the quantity required to move back the
breech-block. It is necessary, in this case, to provide for opening communication
between the two ends of the cylinder, as soon as, or before the breech-block terminates
its backward movement, in order to permit the continuance of the forward movement
of the barrel until it arrives at the firing position. For this purpose, I connect the
two ends of the said cylinder by means of a pipe or passage provided with a cock
or valve arranged to be operated by a stud or projection on the breech-block or on one
of the sliding cylinders or plungers or on some part connected therewith, so that,
when the gun has recoiled and the breech-block has been moved backward to the end
of its stroke by the partial forward movement of the barrel, the said cock or valve
will be opened to permit the free passage of the liquid from the front to the rear of
the piston, and the forward movement of the barrel may be completed without
affecting the breech-block. A spring or other suitable device is provided
for closing the said cock or valve as soon as the breech-block commences to move
forward.
In Figures 17 and 18, D is a pipe or passage connecting the two ends of the
cylinder D and provided with a cock 1. A rod or spindle D13 is fixed on the plug
of this cock and has formed thereon an arm D to which a rod D5 is coupled by
means of a link D16. The rod D15 is fitted to slide longitudinally in lugs A4 formed
on, or attached to the frame A, and is coupled at its rear end to a bar D fitted to
slide between guides D18 formed on the said frame. The bar D" has pivoted thereto
a pawl D acted upon by a spring which tends to hold it in the position shown.
This pawl extends through an aperture A¹ in the side of the frame A, the said frame
being rounded on the inner side at the rear end of the said aperture for the purpose
hereinafter specified. The spindle D¹³ is also provided with an arm D, to which a
bar D is coupled by means of a link D22. The said bar D is fitted to slide
longitudinally between guides A¹ formed on, or attached to the frame A, and is
arranged to be operated by a shoulder or projection on the barrel (not shown in the
drawing) as, and for the purpose, hereinafter explained.
The operation of this mechanism is as follows, viz.:-When the lightest charge to be
used is exploded in the barrel of the gun, the barrel, in its recoil, will move the
piston D' through say two thirds of its stroke. In the forward or return movement
of the barrel, the breech-block will be moved backward and, when it has nearly
terminated its backward stroke or movement, will strike the forward end of the
pawl D and thus move the rod D1 backward and open the cock D. In the con-
tinued backward movement of the breech-block, the short arm of the pawl D19 will
strike the rounded edge at the rear end of the aperture A15, and the said pawl will
thus be disengaged from the breech-block. On the return of the barrel to the firing
position, it will push forward the rod D" and thus close the cock D¹. If a heavier
charge is used, the barrel, in its recoil, will move back the piston D' through more
than two thirds of its stroke, and, in the forward movement of the barrel, the cock [)¹¹
will be opened by the breech-block as above described, so that any excess of liquid
in front of the piston D' above that required to move back the breech-block to the
rear end of its stroke or movement, will be forced through the pipe or passage D11
into the rear end of the cylinder D, thus permitting the return of the barrel to the
firing position.
In some instances, instead of providing for the closing of the cock by means of the
rod D" operated by the barrel in its forward movement, I arrange, in combination

page_text: with the rod D, a spring which will be compressed or extended when the said rod
is moved backward to open the cock, and I provide a catch for retaining the said
cock open until the said catch is released by the barrel on its return to the firing
position, when the said spring, by its reaction, will close the said cock. In this case,
I dispense with the arm Do the rod D" and the link D2.
It is evident that, instead of the said cock, I can, if desired, employ a suitable valve
in the pipe or passage connecting the ends of the cylinder D. Moreover it is not
essential that the cock or valve should be arranged to be opened when the lightest
charge is used in the gun.
By constructing and arranging the parts in the manner above described with
reference to Figures 17 and 18 of the drawings, I provide for ensuring the proper
movement of the barrel and breech-block notwithstanding differences in the weight
and explosive force of the charges used in the gun, that is to say :-I so proportion
the cylinder D that the smallest charge used in the gun will cause the recoil thereof
to such an extent that the liquid in front of the piston, at the termination of the
recoil, will be just sufficient for effecting the backward movement of the breech-block
during the forward or return movement of the barrel. If a heavier charge is used,
the breech-block will arrive at the rear end of its movement before the barrel has
terminated its forward movement; and, in the remainder of the forward movement
of the barrel, the liquid will be forced from the front to the rear of the piston.
In the gun shown in Figures 19 to 22, the breech-block is provided with vertically
sliding blocks or pieces which have teeth or projections C formed thereon. The
barrel B is formed with extensions B which have corresponding teeth or projections B³
with which the projections C4 on the sliding pieces C are adapted to engage and thus
lock the breech-block to the barrel. The sliding pieces, C¹³ have, moreover, lateral
projections C formed thereon, which in the recoil will slide upon inclined faces A¹³
on the frame A, so that the pieces (1 will be moved upward and their projections C₁
disengaged from the projections B³ on the barrel thereby unlocking the breech-block
from the barrel the projections C15 will slide in the grooves A16. In the return
movement of the breech-block the projections C¹s will slide upon a switch A14 pivoted
at A to the frame A, so that the pieces C¹³ will be held up, until the barrel has
returned to the firing position, when the said pieces will fall and again lock the
breech-block to the barrel. The breech-block C is guided in its to-and-fro movement
by projections C¹ on the said block fitted to slide in guide-ways A³ in the frame A.
C is a vertically sliding bar working in guides in the breech-block C. A lever c¹5
pivoted at c¹ to the breech-block has its short arm connected by a pin or stud to the
slide C and its long arm connected to the sliding piece 013 so that, in the operation
of unlocking the breech-block from the barrel the sliding piece C¹³ will turn the said
lever cupon or about its pivot and thereby operate the slide 1 for the purpose
hereinafter described.
c is the firing pin, which is acted upon by a spring cl8 c is a sear pivotted at c²º
and adapted to engage with the short arm of a lever 2, to the long arm of which a
lanyard is to be attached for firing the gun by hand. In the recoil, the sliding bar C16
acts upon the scar cand forces the firing pin into its cocked position, a spring C23
then acts upon the lever and causes the said lever to engage with the bent c² and
thus hold the firing pin in its cocked position until released by pulling of the said
lanyard. By the downward movement of the sliding bar C6, the sear will be
caused to enter a notch in the firing pin, when the said pin is moved back by the
sear, and will thus hold the said firing pin until the breech-block is locked to the
barrel and the said sliding bar is moved upward.
The breech-block is provided with extracting hooks C to draw the cartridges into
position to be fed into the barrel and with other extracting hooks C8 arranged to slide
in grooves in the side of the breech-block and adapted to extract the empty cartridge-
shell from the barrel. An opening is provided in the underside of the frame A,
through which the empty cartridge shells may fall from the gun.
17
To provide for unlocking the breech-block by hand when necessary, hollow bosses A¹
are formed on the frame A, and bevel wheels K are provided having elongated hollow

page_text: bosses k, which fit into the hollow-bosses A". Screw threaded rods are fitted into
corresponding internal screw-threads in the hollow bosses k, and are provided with
projections which engage with the underside of lateral projections on the sliding
piece C¹³. The bevel wheels K are geared with bevel-wheels K' fixed on a shaft K³
which is supported in brackets secured to the bosses A". The shaft K2 is, moreover,
provided with hand wheels K3 by which the said shaft may be rotated to raise the
sliding piece C and unlock the breech-block from the barrel.
L is a cylinder attached to the frame A and provided with a piston L', the rod L²
of which works in a stuffing box in the rear end of the cylinder L and is firmly
secured to a projection L3 on the barrel. The rear end of the said cylinder L is connected
with the forward end thereof by means of a pipe or passage L provided with a
valve. The piston L' is perforated and has firmly attached thereto a pipe working
in a stuffing box in the front end of the cylinder L and having a valve in its rear
end. The front end of the pipe is provided with a stuffing box through which is
passed a pipe. The pipe is adapted to slide on the pipe and forms in combination
therewith a telescopic joint. The pipe has at its rear end a valve which is provided
with a stem adapted to act upon the valve 2 as, and for the purpose, hereinafter
described. The pipe L is extended beyond the front end of the cylinder Land
communicates through a valve with the pipe 13, which is, moreover, connected by
means of branch pipes with the front ends of a pair of hydraulic cylinders L³
firmly secured to the frame A, and fitted with pistons, the rods L' of which are secured
to projections L on the breech-block C. The rear ends of the cylinders L' are
connected by means of pipes 18 with air vessels or receivers L firmly secured to the
frame A.
M, M are hydraulic buffers fitted with rams M' which are secured to the
extensions B of the barrel B. The rear ends of the said buffers are attached to and
communicate with an air-chamber or receiver M², so that, in the recoil, the liquid in
the hydraulic buffers M will be forced into the receiver M² and will compress the
air therein, and when the force of the recoil is expended, the air in the said receiver
will expand and force the liquid into the hydraulic buffers thus moving the barrel
forward into the firing position, substantially as described in the Specification of
former Letters Patent granted to me and dated 22nd February A.D. 1886 No. 2581.
If desired the air in the receiver M² may have an initial compression imparted thereto
by forcing air into the said receiver.
In combination with each hydraulic buffer, I employ a double valve for regulating
the flow of liquid to and from the receiver M*. The valve-seat m is formed with a
central spindle m* upon which is fitted to slide a valve m² acted upon by a spring m²
which tends to press it against its seat. A cap m³ is screwed on the end of the
central spindle m*. By turning this cap in either direction the lift of the valve m'
may be regulated. The pressure exerted on the said valve by the spring m² may be
regulated by means of a screw-nut m fitted upon the said cap m³. The forward end
of the central spindle m* has a valve m fitted to slide thereon and is provided with
a nut m for regulating the lift of the said valve.
In the recoil of the barrel the pressure of the liquid in the hydraulic buffers will
close the valve m³ so that the liquid must pass through openings m' and annular
grooves m in the valve seat m. The said liquid will therefore act upon the valve m',
thereby compressing the spring m² and opening the said valve to allow the liquid to
flow into the receiver M. In the forward or return movement of the barrel, the
spring m² will react and close the valve m', so that the liquid must flow through the
openings m³ in the said valve and openings m⁰ in the valve-seat m into the hydraulic
buffer M.
A18 is a casing which forms a part of the gun-frame A and into which the cartridges
are to be fed by hand at A". To provide for the automatic raising of the cartridges
into position to be drawn back by the extractors C so that they will fall into position
to be thrust into the barrel by the breech-block in the forward movement, I provide
an elevator comprising a drum M³ fitted to rotate in suitable bearings in the casing A 13
and a corresponding drum M* fitted to rotate on the barrel; these drums are arranged

page_text: to work an endless chain M provided with hooks or curved projections Mo. The
drum M³ has one of its journals formed with internal teeth as at M with which gears
a pinion Ms fixed on a shaft M supported in a bracket M10 attached to the casing A18.
A crank-handle M" is fitted on the end of the shaft M for the purpose of operating
the elevator by hand. To provide for the automatic operation of the said elevator, the
drum M is formed with interval grooves M2, M¹³. The grooves M extend in a
direction parallel with the axis of the barrel while the grooves M¹³ are made of spiral
form and each groove M¹³ extends from the front end of one of the grooves M¹² to the
rear end of one of the adjacent grooves M¹. The barrel is provided with a
projection M which, in the recoil of the barrel will work in one or other of the
grooves M3 and cause the drums M³ M³ to rotate through a distance equal to the
pitch of the said grooves. In the forward movement of the barrel, the projection M
will slide in one or other of the grooves M2 and not rotate the drum M³ the
elevator will therefore be operated only during the recoil of the barrel.
The operation of the gun shown in Figures 19 to 22 is as follows, that is to say.
The parts are shown in the position which they occupy when the breech is closed.
In starting the gun, the breech-block is unlocked from the barrel by hand by means
of the hand-wheels K³ and screws and the said block is moved away from the
barrel a short distance by forcing liquid into the front ends of the cylinders L' by
means of a hand pump suitably connected therewith. A number of cartridges are
then fed into the elevator at A and raised by turning the crank handle M. As
soon as a cartridge has arrived above the barrel the breech block is driven home to
cause the hooks (7 to engage with the head of the said cartridge. The breech-block
is then moved back and draws the said cartridge out of the elevator. When the said
block has reached its rearmost position, the said cartridge will be released and will
fall into position to be fed into the barrel. The breech-block is then forced forward
into its firing position by the expansion of the air in the receiver L, and is again
locked to the barrel by means of the hand-wheels K³ and screws ¹, the gun may then
be fired by pulling the lanyard attached to the lever e²².
In the recoil, the projections C¹ slide up the inclined guide-way A¹³ and thereby
raise the sliding piece C¹³ and unlock the breech-block from the barrel. The rams
or plungers Mforce the liquid from the hydraulic buffers M through the double
valves into the chambers M thereby compressing the air therein which, when the
gun has terminated its recoil, reacts upon the liquid in the said chamber and forces
the barrel forward into its firing position. The piston L' and the pistons in the
cylinders L are moved backward with the breech-block and barrel in their recoil,
thus creating a partial vacuum in the front of the cylinders L and L. The liquid in
the rear of the cylinder L is forced through the valve and pipe Lt, partly into the
front of the said cylinder, and partly through the valve 1, into the front of the
cylinders L thereby filling the space left by the rearward movement of the pistons.
in the forward or return movement of the barrel the liquid in the front of the
cylinder L is forced through the pipe L and valve into the cylinders L' and acts
upon the pistons in the said cylinders thereby causing the same to continue their
backward movement and compressing the air in the rear of the said cylinders L
and forcing it into the receivers L'. The breech-block is thus caused to continue its
rearward movement while the barrel is moving forward. The valve in the pipe (³
is, at the same time, kept closed by the pressure of the water in the said pipe. As
soon as the barrel has returned to its firing position, the stem of the valve strikes
the valve and opens the said valve thus allowing the liquid to flow through the
piston I into the rear of the cylinder L. The compressed air in the receiver L'
will then react upon the pistons in the cylinders L and force the liquid from the
front of the said cylinders through the said valve thereby driving the breech-block
home. The breech-block is then automatically locked to the barrel as above described.
It will be seen from the foregoing description that, in each recoil of the gun, the
empty cartridge-shell is extracted from the barrel, a fresh cartridge drawn from the
elevator and the said elevator is caused to rotate so as to bring another cartridge into
position to be drawn therefrom in the next recoil, as above described.

page_text: In Figures 23, 24 and 25, I have shown a modification of my invention, wherein
I employ a breech-block which is formed of two parts N N', the front part N of
which has hooks or projections for engaging with the flange of a cartridge in the
barrel to effect the extraction of the empty cartridge-shell. The rear part N is
V-shaped and is arranged to slide up and down on the part N¹. When the breech
is closed the part N will fit into a groove N2 in the extension B' of the barrel and
thus lock the breech-block to the barrel. The said V-shaped piece N is held down
by a spring N3 bearing at its upper end against a projection N* on the part N¹ and
fitted at its lower end in a recess in the part N. The part N is formed with lateral
studs provided with friction rollers N which, in the recoil, will ride up inclined
surfaces N on the outer frame A thus compressing the spring N raising the part N
and unlocking the breech-block from the barrel. The part N¹ is provided with a
frame C working in guides A in the frame A as and for the purpose, described with
reference to Figures 1 to 11. A lever or catch n' is pivoted to the front part N¹ of
the breech-block and is acted upon by a spring n² whereby it is caused to enter a
notch in the part N of the breech-block when the said part is raised as above
described. A pin or stud N is fixed in the frame A in such a position that, when the
breech-block has terminated, or nearly terminated, its forward movement, the said
lever or catch n' will strike the said pin or stud and thereby be disengaged from the
V-shaped piece N. The said piece will then be forced downward by its spring N³
and will lock the breech-block to the barrel.
In Figures 23, 24 and 25 I have also shown the application to my improved gun
of means for firing the same by electricity. For this purpose a contact pin or rod n
provided with an enlarged end is fitted in the part N of the breech-block, and is
acted upon by a spring n which tends to keep it ont of contact with a cartridge in
the barrel. A wire or conductor n is secured in the conical opening n' in the part N
of the said block, so as to form a spring, which acts upon a horizontal pin or rod nª
and when the breech-block is locked to the barrel presses the said pin or rod against
the contact pin n which is thus moved into contact with the cartridge in the barrel.
The said wire or conductor n will thus be electrically connected with the cartridge
through the pin or rod n³ and the spring contact pin n³. A hollow rod or plunger n
is fitted in a recess in the extension B₁ of the barrel and is acted upon by a spring n.
This plunger carries a conductor n which is held by the spring no in contact with
the conductor n while the breech-block is locked to the barrel. The conductor ⟫"
is connected with one pole of a battery or other electric generator. The other pole of
the said battery is connected through the barrel with the cartridge-shell, therefore,
as soon as the breech-block is locked to the barrel, the necessary connections will be
made for firing the gun by means of electricity. The cartridges used must be
constructed in any well known or suitable manner so that they can be exploded by
electricity.
In some instances, I make a gun with two or more barrels and combine therewith
hydraulic apparatus for the purposes above specified. I prefer, in such cases, to so
construct and arrange the parts that the forward movement of one barrel will operate
the breech-block of another barrel, or so that, when the breech-block of one barrel is
driven home, it will effect the discharge of another barrel.
In this manner, I can
provide for the successive discharge of the barrels.
It is obvious that the devices hereinbefore described for locking the breech-block to
the barrel and unlocking it therefrom are applicable to guns arranged to operate
without the aid of hydraulic apparatus.
I prefer to employ electrical energy for aiming or pointing and training the gun.
I use for this purpose electric motors connected with suitable_mechanism, such, for
instance, as that described in the Specification of former Letters Patent dated
17th October A.D. 1884, No. 13,762, and I combine, with the said motors, a switch
arranged to be operated by hand to control the action of the motors. Moreover
I provide a suitable device whereby resistance can be included in or withdrawn from
the circuit to regulate the speed of movement of the gun. I arrange this resistance-
С

page_text: device or rheostat in such a manner that it can be operated by the gunner's foot, or
so that it can be operated by another attendant.
When the gun is of large size, I make the same, preferably of aluminium bronze,
in the following manner, that is to say-I employ a rotary mould provided at each
end with a journal mounted in a suitable bearing. Into this mould, while it is
rotating, I pour a sufficient quantity of metal to form a gun, the bore of which is
of approximately the finished diameter.
The compound or alloy which I prefer to use consists of about ten per cent. of
aluminium and about ninety per cent. of copper.
As soon as the metal has set, and while the gun is very hot, I cool the interior
thereof by means of jets of water or other liquid issuing from a perforated tube,
which is introduced into the mould and is moved to and fro therein to ensure the
action of the jets on all parts of the interior surface of the gun. To ensure the
cooling of the metal uniformly throughout the length of the gun, I sometimes make
the perforations in the tube closer together at that part which is to direct the jets
upon the thicker part of the gun than elsewhere." After the inner part of the
gun is cooled, the gun is removed from the mould and the outer part is allowed to
cool.
In this manner, very heavy guns may be made. Moreover, by reason of the retention
of the heat in the outer part of the gun and in the mould, while the interior of the
barrel is being cooled, the inner part of the gun will be in a high state of compression,
whilst the outer part will be in a high state of tension. In other words, the gun will
have the most favourable molecular disturbance to enable it to withstand high internal
pressures.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed, I wish it understood that I claim :-
First The improved hydraulic apparatus, for the purpose above specified, com-
prising one or more cylinders having therein perforated pistons provided with valves
and connected with the barrel, and one or more hydraulic rams connected with the
breech-block and communicating with the said cylinders, all substantially as, and for
the purposes, set forth.
Second-The combination, with the piston D¹ and valve d', of means for regulating
the action of the said valve, substantially as, and for the purpose, above specified.
Third The provision of means, substantially as described with reference to
Figures 12 and 13 of the drawings, for preventing or diminishing concussion at the
termination of the forward movement of the breech-block, as above specified.
Fourth An automatic gun which is constructed with hydraulic or pneumatic or
hydro-pneumatic apparatus for the purpose above specified, and wherein one or more
springs are so arranged in combination with the barrel that energy will be stored up
in the said springs during the recoil, and will be subsequently utilized for simul-
taneously effecting the forward or return movement of the barrel and the continued
backward movement of the breech-block, as, and for the purposes, above specified.
Fifth The employment of a breech-block or breech-plug provided with divided or
intermittent screw-threads adapted to engage with corresponding screw-threads in the
barrel, and means whereby the said breech-block or breech-plug will be partially
rotated alternately in either direction, in the to-and-fro movement thereof, for the
purposes above specified.
Sixth The combination of parts comprising the block or core-piece c¹, the breech-
plug c formed with the divided or intermittent screw-threads, the arm c², and the
spring, substantially as, and for the purposes, set forth.
Seventh The employment of an extractor and spring constructed and arranged
substantially as hereinbefore described, so that they will be held between two parts of
the breech-block, as, and for the purpose, specified.
Eighth The improved device comprising the lever A, substantially as described
with reference to the gun shown in Figures 1 to 11, for the purpose above specified.

page_text: Ninth The improved safety device comprising the lever or arm J, whereby the
operation of the firing pin is prevented while the breech-block is unlocked from
the barrel, substantially as described with reference to the gun shown in Figures 1
to 11 of the drawings.
Tenth The employment of a sliding cradle arranged to receive and support the
base or rear end of a cartridge and to move forward with the breech-block until
the projectile has entered the barrel and then automatically return to its normal
position, substantially as described with reference to the gun shown in Figures 1 to 11
of the drawings, for the purposes above specified.
Eleventh The combination of parts comprising the lever H, the hooked rod or
catch 9, the sliding plate H2, and the spring El, substantially as described with
reference to the gun shown in Figures 1 to 11 of the drawings for the purposes
specified.
Twelfth The combination of parts comprising the spring F, the cylinder F¹, and
the piston F (with or without the means for drawing back the barrel by hand), all
substantially as, and for the purposes, set forth.
Thirteenth The combination, with the breech-block, of the frame ( extending
between the barrel and the magazine, and of such length that the forward end of the
said frame, or the springs attached thereto will come in contact with the projectile
of a cartridge in the said frame when, but not until, the barrel has terminated its
recoil, substantially as, and for the purpose, set forth.
Fourteenth The employment of a gun-barrel formed with a slot or groove in the
breech-end thereof so that, as a cartridge falls from the magazine into position to be
thrust into the barrel, the forward end of the projectile will pass through the said slot
or groove, substanially as set forth.
Fifteenth The provision of means for regulating the speed of firing by opening
or closing the passage for the flow of liquid from the ram or rams connected with the
breech-block into the cylinder or cylinders D, substantially as set forth.
Sixteenth The provision of means for ensuring the proper movements of the
barrel and breech-block notwithstanding differences in the weight and explosive force
of the charges used in the gun, as above specified.
Seventeenth The combination, with the hydraulic cylinder, of a pipe or passage
connecting the ends thereof and provided with a cock or valve, and means for
automatically operating the said cock or valve, substantially as described, so that, in
the forward or return movement of the barrel, any excess of liquid in front of
the piston may flow into the space behind the same, for the purpose above specified.
Eighteenth The improved means substantially as described with reference to
Figures 19 to 21 of the drawings, whereby, after the recoil, the continued backward
movement of the breech-block will be effected by the barrel in its forward or return
movement, as above specified.
Nineteenth The improved valve constructed substantially as described with reference
to Figure 22 of the drawings, for the purpose specified.
Twentieth The employment of an endless chain cartridge-elevator and means for
operating the same in the to-and-fro movement of the barrel, for the purpose above
specified.
Twenty first The improved means, substantially as described with reference to
Figures 19 to 21 of the drawings, for unlocking the breech-block from the barrel by
hand, as above specified.
Twenty second-The employment of a V-shaped locking block and means for
operating the same in the to-and-fro movement of the barrel, substantially as
described with reference to Figures 23, 24 and 25 of the drawings, for the purpose
specified.
Twenty third-The improved means, substantially as described with reference to
Figures 23, 24 and 25 of the drawings, for automatically withdrawing the block or
piece N from its locking position and for automatically releasing the same and
returning it to its locking position when, but not until, the breech-block is driven
home, as above specified.

page_text: Twenty fourth-The improved automatic gun consisting of the parts constructed
and combined substantially as described with reference to Figures 1 to 11 or to
Figures 19 to 22 of the drawings and operating as above set forth.
Twenty fifth-The manufacture of a gun by pouring molten metal into a rotating
mould and then cooling the casting thus formed internally by means of water or other
liquid, substantially as set forth.
Twenty sixth-The combination, with a rotary mould, of a perforated pipe or tube
arranged to be moved to and fro in the said mould, substantially as, and for the
purpose, specified.
Dated this 14th day of September 107.
HIRAM STEVENS MAXIM.
Haseltine, Lake & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.