IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINE GUNS
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Henry Defty, of Middlesbrough, in the County of York,
Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINE GUNS."
Sealed the 5th April 1878, and dated the 10th October 1877.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Henry Defty at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 10th October 1877.
HENRY DEFTY, of Middlesbrough, in the County of York, Engineer.
MENTS IN MACHINE GUNS."
IMPROVE-
My Invention relates to guns of that class denominated machine guns, and which
have a series of barrels that, in the working of the gun, are discharged by the action
of mechanism at the breech of the same, which mechanism is caused to operate by
the turning of a handle or lever.
The gun, constructed according to my Invention, is of an entirely novel and
peculiar construction, and, if properly handled, will be a very efficient arm for
military and naval operations, as will be obvious from the following description:-
The parts of my improved gun are mounted upon a suitable frame or carriage,
constructed of iron or other suitable material. On this carriage is mounted, as herein-
after specified, a rotating or partially rotating drum chamber or segment of a cylinder
extending
entire width, between the sides of the same.
across the said carriage, and occupying the entire width, or nearly the
In this drum or segment are fixed a
series of rows or lines of barrels, which project outward radially from the surface of
the said drum or segment.
I
these barrels, but I consider it more advantageous to have a great number of the
may, in some instances, construct a gun with only one row or a few rows of
same.
The drum or segment is fitted to turn upon a hollow shaft or tube, which
provided inside with a row of hammers, arranged in the proper position to be
supported in suitable bearings in the sides of the said carriage. This tube is
is

page_text: actuated at the proper time to drive forward the firing pins, and thereby discharge
each row of barrels as the same comes into the position for firing.
Instead of separate hammers I may use a longitudinal bar, extending through the
said tube, and formed and arranged to drive forward the firing pins of each row of
barrels at the proper time.
The said hammer is provided at one end, outside of the tube, with a lever and
catch arranged in combination with teeth or projections fixed on or connected with
the drum in such a manner that as the latter rotates, and each row of barrels
advances towards the firing position thereof, the said hammer will be drawn back,
and at the moment each row of barrels is exactly in the proper firing position the
hammers or bar will strike the firing pins or punches and discharge the said row of
barrels. Each row after its discharge is carried away immediately, and the next
row is brought round to the same position and fired, and so on throughout the entire
revolution or movement of the drum or segment.
The firing pins or punches are provided with spiral springs, which cause their
retraction when they are released by the hammer.
I may use any other suitable firing mechanism in combination with the aforesaid
rotating drum or chamber.
Elongated apertures or slots are formed in the said tube opposite the ends of the
barrels at the firing position, so that each row of barrels as it turns away from this
position may be reloaded or recharged with cartridges while the said cylinder or
chamber is rotating.
I provide the said cylinder or chamber at one end with a ratchet wheel arranged
in combination with a lever and pawl, whereby the said drum or chamber may be
easily rotated on its journals.
I also provide a series of holes in a projection or boss on the said chamber, whereby
the said drum may be turned in case the aforesaid ratchet and pawl should be
broken or disabled.
The said barrels are supported near their muzzles in an outer cylinder or casing
of iron or other suitable material surrounding the inner drum or chamber, and, if
necessary, the whole may be covered or protected by a strong shield or guard
enclosing the entire gun, and provided with an aperture just large enough to permit
the discharge from a row of the said barrels.
To allow the gun to be adjusted to fire in a direction at any desired vertical angle,
I fit the aforesaid tube in its bearings, with a capability of turning thereon, and I
combine with the same a winch handle or a lever and screw, or other suitable means,
whereby it can be readily turned and secured in any desired position.
In combination with the said tube or hollow shaft on which the drum works, I
use a novel device for inserting the cartridges in the barrels. This device consists
of a bar, in which are formed a series of recesses to receive the heads of the cartridges,
and a slotted bar which slides over the said recesses, and has a series of enlargements
in its slot to permit the cartridge heads to pass through the same into the said
recesses. The slotted bar is then moved to bring the narrow parts of its slot over
the cartridge heads to hold them in the said recesses, until the cartridges in the said
device are inserted into the ends of the barrels. The slotted bar or slide is then
moved to release the cartridges which remain in the brrrels, the said device being
withdrawn and refilled with cartridges for charging another row of barrels.
It will be seen that by having a great number of barrels and firing them in succes-
sion, as above set forth, all inconvenience and danger arising from the heating of the
barrels by very rapid firing will be obviated; but, if desirable, a current or spray of
water or other cooling medium may be supplied to the barrels within the aforesaid
outer cylinder or casing. With this improved mode of construction the gun may
be fired and adjusted with great rapidity, and very rapid firing may be maintained
or a long time without danger of fracturing the barrels or impairing the cohesive
trength or tenacity thereof. Moreover, if any portion of the gun is injured it can
be immediately repaired or replaced.

page_text: in many cases
when no other arm heretofore known would be available, as will be obvious from
the following description and the Drawings accompanying the same.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Figure 1 is a side elvevation of a gun constructed according to my Invention,
and showing it provided with a rotating cylinder, which has longitudinal rows of
barrels entirely around the same.
Figure 2 is a front elevation of Figure 1.
Figure 3 shows a modification of my Invention, in which the gun has a segment
provided with two rows of barrels instead of the aforesaid cylinder.
Figure 4 shows an apparatus for inserting the cartridges in the barrels of my
improved guns, drawn to an enlarged scale.
Like letters indicate the same parts throughout the Drawings.
The parts of my improved gun are mounted upon a frame or carriage a con-
structed of iron or other suitable material. On the carriage of the gun, shown
in Figures 1 and 2, is mounted, as herein-after specified, a rotating drum or cylinder
b extending across the said carriage a, and occupying the entire width, or nearly
the entire width, between the sides of the same. In this drum or segment are fixed
a series of rows or lines of barrels c, which project outward radially from the
surface of the said drum.
The drum b is fitted to turn upon a hollow shaft or tube d, which forms the breech
of the gun, and is supported in suitable bearings in the sides of the said carriage a
This tube is provided inside with a hammer bar e, or row of hammers arranged in
such a position as to be actuated at the proper time to drive forward the firing
pins f, and thereby discharge each row of barrels as the same comes into the position
for firing, as indicated by the line g, Figure 1.
The said hammer bar e is provided at one end outside of the tube d with a lever
and catch, arranged in combination with teeth or projections fixed on or connected
with the drum b, in such a manner that as the latter rotates, and each row of
barrels advances towards the firing position thereof, the said hammer will be
drawn back, and at the moment each row of barrels is exactly in the proper firing
position, the hammer or hammer bar e will strike the firing pins or punches f
and discharge the said row of barrels. Each row of barrels after its discharge
moves inward immediately, and the next row comes round to the firing position.
and is fired, and so on, the rows of barrels moving onward, and firing continuously
throughout the entire revolution or movement of the drum b.
which cause their re-
Instead of the mechanism above described, I may use any other suitable firing
mechanism, and in some instances may make use of electricity, in combination with
action when they are released by the hammer.
the aforesaid rotating drum or stock b for tiring the gun.

page_text: In the gun above described the drum b is supposed to rotate in the direction of
the arrow h; and elongated apertures or slots are formed in the said hollow shaft
or tube d below the ends of the barrels at the firing position, so that each row it
barrels as it turns or moves away from this position may be reloaded or recharged
with cartridges while the said cylinder or chamber is rotating.
any
I provide the interior of the shaft or tube d with extracting mechanism of
well known or suitable form, which will withdraw the empty cartridges from the
barrels after the discharge of the same. And by means of the aforesaid slots both
the insertion of the cartridges and the extraction of the empty or discharged shells
may be effected without stopping the rotation of the cylinder b, so that in action
an intermittent fire may be maintained for any desired length of time.
I provide the said cylinder or chamber at one end with a ratchet wheel j, or
screw, or worm gearing arranged in combination with a lever and pawl k, kl.
whereby the said drum or chamber may be easily rotated on the said shaft or
tube d.
I also provide a series of holes in a projection or boss on the said chamber,
whereby the said druin may be turned or moved in case the aforesaid ratchet and
pawl should be broken or disabled.
Or I may provide the gun with any other suitable means for effecting the
rotation of the barrel, drum, or cylinder b.
The muzzle ends of the said barrels are supported in an outer cylinder or casing 1,
of iron or other suitable material surrounding the inner drum or chamber. The
muzzles or outer extremities of the barrels project a slight distance through the outer
cylinder l, and are secured therein by screw nuts or collars m, as clearly shewn in
Figure 1; and if necessary the whole may be covered or protected by a strong
shield or guard enclosing the gun, and provided with an aperture or apertures in
line with the firing point or points, and just large enough to permit the discharge
through the same of a row of the said barrels. This shield or cover is preferably con-
structed as shown at m¹, that is to say, it is made of iron plates arranged at such an
angle as to best shelter and protect the gun and men working the same. This angular
form is very advantageous, as shot striking it will be turned off and will simply
graze the shield without injuring the same or the gun. It may be adjusted with
the gun to permit the same to be fired at any angle.
To allow the gun to be adjusted to fire in a direction at any desired vertical
angle, I fit the aforesaid hollow breech or tube d in its bearings with a capability
of turning therein; and I combine with the same a winch handle or a lever and
screw, as shown at n and o, or other suitable means, whereby it can be readily and
easily turned and secured in any desired position to vary the angle or inclination of
the firing, and to facilitate the firing of the range. The said lever and screw serve
for both adjusting and locking the said shaft or breech in any position in which
may be set.
it
In some instances, instead of embodying my Invention in a gun which has a
cylinder or drum with rows of barrels all around it, I may provide the gun with a
segment or portion of a cylinder with one row, or two or more rows, of such
barrels.
In Figure 3, I have shewn a gun with a segment 6* supported at its ends upon
the breech or tube d, and which is fitted to oscillate or move up and down on the
said breech to bring either line or row of the barrels e alternately in the firing
position; or, instead of using an oscillating segment I may use a sliding breech, and
in either of the forms above described the set of barrels may be arranged to work
in a horizontal instead of a vertical plane.
In combination with the said tube or hollow breech d, on which the drum bor
segment b* or slide works, I use a novel device for inserting the cartridges in the
barrels. This device is shewn in plan in Figure 4, and has a bar p in which are
formed a series of recesses q to receive the heads of the cartridges. On this bar p
is fitted a slotted bar r, which slides over the said recesses, and has a series of
enlargements at 1 in its slot to permit the cartridge heads to pass through the same

page_text: into
apparatus, the same is so adjusted that the wide
then placed with their heads in the said recesses q. The slotted bar r is then moved
or enlarged apertures of the bar r coincide with the recesses q; the cartridges are
to bring the narrow part of its slot over the cartridge heads, as shewn, to hold
named position to release the cartridges which remain in the barrels, the said
into the ends of the barrels. The slotted bar or slider is then moved to its first-
device being withdrawn and re-filled with cartridges for charging another row of
10 Any convenient number of these charging or loading devices may be provided
barrels.
with each gun.
th will be seen that by having a great number of barrels and firing them in suc-
cession, as above set forth, all inconveniences and danger arising from the heating
of the barrels by very rapid firing will be obviated; but, if necessary or desirable,
5 the space
between the inner and outer casings may be filled with non-conducting
material, or a current or spring of water or other cooling medium may be supplied
mode of construction the gun may be fired and adjusted with great rapidity,
to the barrels within the aforesaid outer cylinder or casing. With this improved
and very rapid firing may be maintained for a long time without danger of frac-
turing the barrels or impairing the cohesive strength or tenacity thereof. More-
over, if any of the barrels are disabled they may be immediately dismounted,
repaired, and restored or replaced by others; and if any other portion of the gun is
injured it can be immediately repaired or replaced.
The said drums, cylinders, or segments may be made of any desired length,
according to the desired capacity of the gun.
And if desired I may provide the said barrels, or any of them, with central rods
or tubes to adapt them to the use of the improved hollow or tubular projectiles
described in the Specification of my Letters Patent, No. 3759, A.D. 1877.
The said guns may be conveniently moved over and mancuvered upon any kind
of ground, however rugged it may be, or on ships' decks or in boats in any kind of
weather, and in all cases, when properly used, will have a most destructive effect
without great risk to those by whom they are being worked.
Having thus fully described the nature of my said Invention, and the manner of
performing the same, I wish it understood that I claim,-
First. A gun which has a row of barrels, or series of such rows of barrels, pro-
jecting radially from a central breech on which they are supported, and on which
they are rotated or moved either partially or entirely around to bring each row of
barrels into the firing position, as above set forth.
a
Second. A gun, constructed as shewn in Figures 1 and 2 of the Drawings, with
series of barrels projecting radially from the centre of the gun, and supported in
n inner and an outer drum or cylinder rotating around a central hollow breech or
ube, as above set forth, and for the purpose specified.
Third. Providing the said hollow breech or tube with a hammer or hammer bar,
r series of hammers and firing pins or punches, arranged in combination with the
nner or breech end of the barrels and with mechanism connected with the rotating
rum or cylinder, and constructed and operating in such a manner that each row of
arrels as it comes to the firing position will be discharged while moving onward,
s above set forth.
Fourth. Providing the gun with suitable extracting mechanism in combination
ith the said firing mechanism, as above set forth.
Fifth. Forming slots or elongated apertures through the said hollow breech or
be to permit the cartridges to be inserted, and the empty shells to be extracted,
ithout stopping the rotation or working of the drum or cylinder around or upon
he breech or hollow tube, as above set forth.
Sixth. Providing the said gun with ratchet or other suitable mechanism to
cilitate the rotation or turning of the drum or cylinder around the central hollow
eech or tube, as above set forth.

page_text: apparatus, for adjusting or turning the central bridge tube or shaft to vary the
Seventh. Providing the said gun with a lever and screw, or other suitable
angle or inclination of firing, as above set forth.
to a gun which has, instead of a drum or cylinder, a segment, as shewn in Figure 3, 1
or a slide or sliding plate with one, two, or more rows of barrels, as above set
forth.
Ninth. The device or apparatus for inserting the cartridges into the barrels of the
said guns, as above set forth.
Tenth. Providing the said gun with a shield or guard, which is adjustable to
adapt it to any line or angle of firing, as above set forth.
In witness whoreof, I, the said Henry Defty, have hereunto set my hand and
seal, this Fourth day of April, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and seventy-eight.
TTRADIT