machine and other guns
Year: 1886

page_text: Date of Application, 22nd Feb., 1886.
Complete Left, 22nd Dec., 1886.
Complete Accepted, 1st Feb., 1887.
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 to machine and other guns.
In the specification of former Letters Patent granted to me January 29th AD 1885,
No. 1307, and in the provisional specification accompanying my application for
Letters Patent filed 8th July A.D. 1885, No. 8281, I have described an automatic
machine gun wherein the barrel and breech-mechanism are carried by a frame fitted
to slide to-and-fro in an outer frame or support to which the trunnions are attached,
but which does not participate in the recoil that is to say, when the gun is fired the
outer frame remains stationary, whilst the inner frame moves backward.
important feature of my present invention is the provision of means whereby guns of
this kind or class can be trained or pointed and fired from the shoulder and whereby
such guns can be controlled with greater facility and efficiency than is practicable
with the means described in the said former specifications. I thus provide for training
or pointing large and heavy guns with great rapidity by muscular power.
An
In large and heavy guns of the kind above mentioned, wherein the breech-
mechanism is operated during the recoil, the said mechanism is liable to injury from
concussion by reason of the great velocity of the moving parts. To obviate this
difficulty, I provide for keeping the breech closed during the recoil of the inner frame
and for operating the breech-mechanism during the forward or return movement of
the said inner frame and parts carried thereby, as they are then moving more slowly
than in the recoil, and their velocity can be regulated by any suitable means.
arrangement affords the further advantage that, after firing, the breech is kept closed
until there is no longer any pressure in the barrel.
This
My said invention moreover comprises the provision of means whereby the
operations necessary in loading and firing the gun will be automatically effected by
the aid of electricity.
Six-pounder and other guns having trunnions formed on, or rigidly attached to,
the barrel, and mounted on tripods or carriages, have, in some instances, been provided

page_text: with a crutch against which the gunner can place his shoulder, so that he has efficient
control over the gun and can readily point and fire the same at a rapidly moving
object within short range. But, with a gun so constructed and arranged, unless the
tripod or carriage is secured to a very strong and rigid support, such as the deck of
an armour plated ship, the shock to the gunner caused by the recoil is so great that it
is practically impossible to fire the gun from the shoulder.
According to my present invention however, the trunnions are attached to the
aforesaid outer frame and the shoulder-piece or equivalent device is secured to the
said frame and therefore does not participate in the recoil, that is to say, the shock
produced by the recoil is transmitted to the outer frame through the medium of the
buffers or springs, therefore, when the gun is fired, the shock imparted to the gunner
through the shoulder piece is very slight.
When my automatic guns are made of large size, and more especially when the
inner frame and parts carried thereby are arranged to move to and fro through a long
distance, the balance of the gun upon its trunnions is very much disturbed by the
changes in the position of the heavy moving parts and consequently of the centre of
gravity of the gun relatively to the trunnions. It is, therefore, necessary to provide
for the application of greater force than can be applied by the means described in the
said former specifications, for elevating and depressing the gun and for keeping it
stationary while firing.
For this purpose I prefer to employ a pinion which is supported in bearings formed
on, or attached to, the outer frame and is geared with a rack pivotted to the gun-
mounting. This pinion is arranged to be operated, either directly or through the
medium of suitable gearing, by means of a wheel, against which the gunner can
place his shoulder and which he.can turn by hand to elevate or depress the gun.
In guns of small size wherein there is an inner frame sliding in an outer frame to
which the trunnions are attached, I provide for elevating and depressing the gun and
holding the same firmly in position for firing, by means of a suitable shoulder-piece or
crutch without the wheel, rack, and pinion or other gearing above described.
Moreover, I employ one or more dash-pots or hydraulic or other buffers or cushions
in combination with the said inner and outer frames, to diminish the shock produced
by the recoil of the inner frame and parts carried thereby; and I employ one or more
springs for effecting the return movement of the said inner frame; or I provide for
effecting such return movement by means of air compressed during the recoil.
For operating the breech-mechanism during the forward or return movement of
the inner frame and parts carried thereby, I, in some cases, provide the devices herein-
after described, that is to say ;-I employ a crank-shaft which is carried in bearings in
the inner frame and is coupled or connected to the breech-block as described in my
said former specification. A pinion is fixed on this crank-shaft and is geared with a
rack which is fitted to slide to and fro in suitable guides formed on, or attached to, the
outer frame. In the recoil, the said rack moves freely backward with the pinion,
therefore the said pinion is not rotated. A pawl is pivotted to the outer frame and is
acted upon by a spring whereby it is moved into the path of the said rack when the
latter moves backward. This pawl is so arranged that it will be released or dis-
engaged at the termination of the forward movement of the inner frame. For this
purpose I prefer to combine with the said pawl, an arm or lever, which, at the
termination of the forward or return movement of the inner frame, will be struck by a
shoulder or projection on the said frame and thus disengaged from the rack.
In the forward movement of the inner frame, the said rack comes in contact with
the pawl and its movement is arrested thereby, consequently the pinion and crank, in
their continued forward movement, are partially rotated by the rolling of the said
pinion on the rack, thereby performing some of the operations necessary in loading
and firing the gun, and storing energy in one or more springs. When the said pawl
is disengaged from the rack by the inner frame, at the termination of its forward
movement, these springs react and partially rotate the said crank shaft in the reverse
direction, thereby effecting the remainder of the said operations.
In some instances I provide the crank with a projection having a curved or inclined

page_text: surface, which, in the recoil, will come in contact with a shoulder or projection on the
outer frame or on a rod or bar secured thereto, and the crank will thereby be rotated
through a small angle. I thus provide for starting the empty cartridge-shell from the
barrel in the recoil, and thereby facilitating the extraction of the said shell in the
forward or return movement of the inner frame.
To provide for facilitating the turning of the gun on its vertical pivot, I sometimes
employ a bent lever, the elbow of which is fitted in a bracket in the base of the
mounting or support for the gun, in such a manner that it is capable of the oscillating
movement in the said bracket. One arm of the said lever extends beneath the
vertical pivot pin. The other arm thereof extends upward within the base of the
mounting and is connected therewith by a screw-bolt. When the gun is not required
for firing, the said screw-bolt is slackened and the gun rests firmly on its mounting.
By tightening the said bolt, the said lever is caused to press upward against the lower
end of the pivot-pin until the whole, or nearly the whole, of the weight of the gun is
supported upon the said lever. The gun can then be easily turned upon its pivot.
When the gun is to operate by the aid of electricity, I employ one or more electro-
motors. These notors are so arranged in combination with suitable circuits and
switches or devices for making and breaking contact that, in the recoil of the inner
frame or other part, or any movement thereof caused by the explosion in the barrel
the current will be caused to pass through the electro motors or either of them in one
direction; and in the return movement of the said part, the current will be caused to
pass in the reverse direction through the said motor or motors, or vice versa.
crank shaft is thus partially rotated alternately in either direction. The motor and
circuits are sometimes so arranged that the crank-shaft will be completely rotated by
the said motor and will pause in the firing position until the gun is fired, and will then
continue its rotation.
The
The said motor or motors may be attached either to the stationary frame of the gun
or to the inner sliding frame.
I have hereinbefore described my Improvements more particularly as applied to
automatic guns, but it is obvious that some of the said improvements are also applicable
to machine or other guns operated by hand.
-
HASELTINE, LAKE & UO.,
For the Applicant.

page_text: 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 chiefly to guns of the kind or class for which numerous
Patents have already been granted to me and which are now well known as automatic
guns. Certain of my present improvements are also applicable to guns designed to
be worked by hand.
In the specifications of former Letters Patent granted to me and dated 29th January
A.D. 1885, No. 1307, and 8th July A.D. 1885, No. 8281, I have described automatic
guns wherein the barrel and breech-mechanism are arranged to slide longitudinally in
a frame or support which is mounted upon trunnions and which does not participate
in the recoil, that is to say, when the gun is fired, the said frame or support remains
stationary while the barrel and breech-mechanism recoil or move backward therein.
Such guns have heretofore been so constructed that the breech-block is drawn back
to extract the empty cartridge-shell in the recoil or backward movement of the barrel.
In large and heavy guns constructed in this manner, the breech-mechanism is some-
what liable to injury from concussion by reason of the great velocity and momentum
of the barrel and other parts in their recoil.
One part of my present invention relates to guns of the kind or class described in
my said former Specifications, and is designed to obviate or diminish any liability to
injury from the above-mentioned cause. For this purpose, I so construct the gun
that the breech will be kept closed during the recoil and the operations of extracting
the empty cartridge-shell, inserting a fresh cartridge in the barrel and firing the gun
or preparing it for the next discharge will be automatically performed in the forward
or return movement of the barrel, by energy stored up during the recoil. It is
obvious that the barrel and other moving parts travel more slowly, and their
momentum is consequently less, in their forward or return movement than in their
recoil; moreover their velocity during their forward or return movement can be
accurately regulated or determined by means of a cataract or other suitable device,
and any shock to the breech-mechanism thus completely avoided or very considerably
diminished. This feature of my invention affords the further advantage that, after
firing, the breech is kept closed until there is no longer any pressure in the barrel, or
until the pressure therein is greatly diminished.
Another feature of my present invention is the combination, with the other parts of
a gun, of means whereby, after the gun is started, the various operations necessary in
loading and firing the same and extracting the empty cartridge-shells will be
automatically performed by the aid of electricity so long as the supply of ammunition
is maintained..
Another feature of my present invention is the provision of means whereby heavy
guns mounted upon trunnions and designed to be fired from the shoulder, may be
more easily and efficiently handled and controlled than is practicable with the means
heretofore employed for this purpose.

page_text: my sard invention, imoreover, comprises various пет пирготетени нетопатьс
forth.
In the accompanying drawings.
Figure 1 is an elevation of the right hand side of an automatic gun constructed
according to my present improvements, showing the parts in the positions which they
occupy when the gun is ready for firing, a portion of the gun being shown in vertical
section.
Figure 2 is a transverse section on the line a, a, Figure 1.
Figure 3 is an elevation of the right hand side of the said gun, drawn to a slightly
enlarged scale, showing the parts in the positions which they occupy when the barrel,
after having recoiled, has nearly completed its forward or return movement.
Figure 3 is an elevation of the left hand side of the said gun, also drawn to an
enlarged scale, showing devices for effecting the return movement of a crank-shaft
hereinafter described.
Figure 4 is an elevation of the right hand side of a gun, illustrating a modification
of my invention.
Figures 5, 6 and 7 are similar views, showing other modifications of my said
invention.
Figure 8 is an elevation of the left hand side of a gun, illustrating a further
modification of my invention, the parts being shown in the positions which they
occupy when the gun is ready for firing.
Figure 9 is a similar view, showing the parts in the positions which they occupy at
the termination of the rearward movement of the barrel.
Figure 10 is a sectional elevation, showing improved means for storing up energy,
in the recoil, to be used for effecting the forward or return movement of the barrel.
Figure 11 is an elevation of the right hand side of a gun provided with means for
operating the breech-mechanism by the aid of electricity.
Figure 12 is an elevation of the right hand side of another gun provided with means
for operating the breech-mechanism by the aid of electricity, showing the said gun
upon a cone-mounting.
Like letters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.
A is the outer frame which is provided with trunnions A²; B is the barrel which is
firmly secured to an inner frame B' fitted to slide longitudinally to and fro in suitable
guides in the frame A. Cis the breech-block which is fitted to slide to and fro in
suitable guides in the frame B', and is made with a slot C¹. D is a crank-shaft
carried in bearings B2 forming part of the frame B', which bearings are fitted to slide
in slots A² in the frame A, in the to-and-fro movement of the inner frame and parts
carried thereby. The crank-pin D¹ works in the slot C' of the breech-block. These
parts are arranged substantially as described in the said former specifications, with the
exceptions hereinafter mentioned.
In the gun shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the inner frame and parts carried thereby
are arranged to recoil through a longer distance than in the guns described in my
said former specifications. I thus provide for considerably diminishing the shock
produced by the recoil. Moreover the means hereinafter described are provided for
operating the breech-mechanism in the forward or return movement of the barrel.
B3, B5 are springs which are attached, at their forward ends, to the frame A, and,
at their rear ends, to an arm or projection B on the inner frame B', so that they will
be extended during the recoil, and will, by their reaction, effect the forward or return
movement of the inner frame and parts carried thereby. The crank-shaft D is provided
with one or more springs, such as those described in my said former specifications, or
any other suitable springs for effecting the return movement thereof as hereinafter
described. For the sake of clearness in the drawings these springs are not shown in
Figures 1, 2 and 3, but the gun is, for the purposes of the following description,
assumed to be provided with the devices shown in Figure 3 and hereinafter described.
The said devices comprise a cam R, which is fixed upon the crank-shaft D and is
connected by a chain R¹ with a similar cam R³ fixed upon a shaft R* carried in
bearings attached to the inner frame B'. A coiled spring R is connected, at one end,
°

page_text: to this shaft, and, at the other end, to a casing RS attached to the frame B¹ and
enclosing the said spring. These parts all recoil with the barrel and breech-
mechanism. When the crank-shaft D is rotated by the rack and pinion, the chain is
unwound from the cam R³ and wound upon the cam R substantially as described in
my said former Specification No. 1307; the spring R³ is thus wound up or compressed
and reacts to effect the return movement of the crank-shaft. A casing R' is fixed
upon the frame A and encloses the said spring and camis.
E is a pinion which is fixed on the crank-shaft D and is geared with a rack F fitted
to slide longitudinally to and fro in a guide F' formed on, or attached to, the outer
frame A. This rack is free to move backward with the pinion, therefore the said
pinion is not rotated thereby in the recoil. F' is a pawl which is pivotted upon a pin
or stud Fa fixed in the outer frame A, and is provided with a spring F which bears
against a stop-pin F* fixed in the frame A. When the rack F, in the recoil, is
moved backward clear of the pawl F, the spring F turns the said pawl upon or about
its pivot so that, in the forward or return movement of the inner frame and parts
carried thereby, the said pawl will engage with a shoulder Fs on the rack F and thus
arrest the forward movement of the said rack. In the continued forward movement
of the barrel, the said rack, acting upon the pinion E, partially rotates the crank-
shaft D, thereby drawing back the breech-block, extracting the empty cartridge-shell
and cocking the hammer. The pawl F is formed with a tail-piece or extension F6,
and the inner frame B₁ is provided with a stud or projection B' which works in a
slot A³ and also in the slot A' in the outer frame A. When the barrel has nearly
terminated its forward or return movement, this stud acts upon the tail-piece F° and
disengages the pawl F2 from the rack F.
I sometimes provide for starting the empty cartridge-shell from the barrel in the
recoil, and thus facilitating the extraction of the said shell in the forward or return
movement of the inner frame and parts carried thereby. It is not, however, always
essential that the empty shell should be started from the barrel in the recoil.
In the
gun shown in Figures 1 to 3, the webs of the crank-shaft D are provided, for this
purpose, with inclined projections D' which, when the barrel and other parts have
nearly terminated their recoil, will come against shoulders or projections A* on the
interior of the outer frame A, whereby the said crank-shaft will be rotated through a
small angle.
Instead of the projections D³ on the webs of the crank, I, in some instances, employ
one or more arms fixed upon the crank-shaft, and I provide one or more projections
or points of resistance on the exterior of the outer frame A. Or I employ other suitable
means for starting the empty cartridge-shells from the barrel.
G, G are hydraulic buffers, the cylinders G¹ of which are firmly attached to the outer
frame A, whilst the pistons G2 are provided with piston-rods G³ firmly attached to
the arm or projection B. I connect the cylinders G₁, at their forward ends, to a
vessel or chainber H by means of pipes or passages G which communicate with the
said vessel or chamber through a pipe or passage H¹ provided with a valve H. An
adjusting screw H³ is arranged in combination with the said valve for regulating the
extent to which the said valve can open, and the said valve is perforated with one or
more holes for the purpose hereinafter explained. The said valve is, moreover, pro-
vided with a spring H which holds it in its closed position. The vessel or chamber H
is partially filled with liquid, so that, when the pistons are moved backward, the said
liquid will flow into the cylinders G¹ and fill the spaces therein which would otherwise
be left empty. The cylinders G¹ are provided with longitudinal taper grooves or
channels G so that the liquid will pass from one side to the other side of the
pistons G and will pass more freely when the said pistons are at or near the forward
ends of the cylinders, that is to say, when the velocity of the parts is greatest, than
when the said pistons are at or near the rear ends of the cylinders and the velocity
of the parts is more or less diminished. In the recoil, the velocity of the moving
parts is very high, and it is, therefore, necessary that the liquid from the chamber H
should be permitted to flow freely into the cylinders G¹. This result is attained by
the employment of the said valve, which opens and remains open during the recoil,

page_text: but closes when the barrel commences to move forward, the liquid in the forward
or return movemont of the barrel being forced through the holes in the valve H²
into the chamber H.
The crank-shaft D is provided with a crank-handle D³ substantially as, and for the
purposes, described in my said former specifications.
To further provide for preventing injury to the breech-mechanism by concussion, I
employ suitable stops in combination with the crank-handle D³. These stops may be
similar to those described in my said former specifications. A is a spring stop, which
is attached to the outer frame A. The said crank-handle strikes this stop, when the
crank is on its rear "dead centre" and the breech-block is in such a position as to
permit the introduction of a cartridge between the same and the barrel. The other
stop I prefer should be of peculiar construction so that it will serve as a catch to
engage with the crank-handle and prevent any rebound thereof when the breech-block
has been driven home.
I is the combined stop and catch, which is pivotted upon a pin or stud I¹ fixed in
the frame A, and which is formed with a hook I to engage with the said handle.
The said catch is, moreover, formed with a shoulder or projection I³ against which
the said handle will strike at the termination of the return movement of the crank.
The said catch will thus be turned upon its pivot and the momentum imparted to the
said catch when struck by the handle will be sufficient to counteract the rebound of
the said handle. The breech can he opened by hand by simply turning the said
handle in the proper direction. It is evident that the said handle will be disengaged
from the said hook at the commencement of the recoil of the inner frame and parts
carried thereby. A stop-pin It is fixed in the frame A to limit the movement of
the catch I.
This combined stop and catch is applicable to guns constructed substantially as
described in my said former Specifications, as shown, for example, in Figure 4. In
this case, the catch I has a pin or stud I fixed therein and extending into a slot A in
the frame A for the purpose of limiting the movement of the said catch.
J is a hopper or feeder for the supply of cartridges to the gun. The gun is pro-
vided with a sliding carrier P for transferring the cartridges from the said hopper or
feeder into the barrel as described in my said former specification No. 8281.
The operation of the gun shown in Figures 1 to 3 is as follows, that is to say :-
The parts are shown in Figure 1 in the positions which they occupy when the gun
ready for firing. When the gun is discharged, the barrel and breech-mechanism
recoil together, the breech-block being firmly locked to the barrel by means of the
crank-shaft D. In this recoil, the inclined projections I) on the said shaft come
against the shoulders or projections A' on the outer frame A, whereby the crank-shaft
is partially rotated to start the empty cartridge-shell from the barrel. The coiled
spring R is slightly wound up or compressed by this partial rotation. When the
projections D have moved clear of the projections A*, in the forward or return move-
ment of the barrel and other parts, the said spring may, by its reaction, partially
rotate the crank-shaft in the reverse direction and again push the said cartridge-shell
into the barrel. The said shell, however, if it should be thus pushed into the barrel,
will not be driven tightly therein and can be readily extracted as hereinafter described.
In some instances, provide means for preventing such return movement of the
crank-shaft. For example, I form on, or attach to, the outer frame a ledge or rib
which will engage with a projection on the crank-handle D³, after the crank-shaft has
been partially rotated to start the empty cartridge-shell from the barrel as above
described, and will hold the said shaft in the position into which it has been turned,
until the rack F strikes the pawl F³.
In the recoil, the liquid in the cylinders G₁ flows from the rear to the front of the
pistons G through the grooves Go, and, at the same time, liquid flows from the
chamber H through the holes in the valve H and through the opening of the said
valve into the said cylinders in front of the pistons.
The springs B³ are extended during the recoil and then, by their reaction, effect
the forward or return movement of the inner frame and parts carried thereby. In

page_text: this forward or return movement, the shoulder F3 of the rack F comes in contact with
the pawl F, whereby further movement of the said rack is prevented, consequently the
pinion and crank, in their continued forward movement, are rotated through an angle of
about 180° by the rolling of the said pinion on the rack. In this partial rotation, the
breech-block is drawn back, the operations of extracting the empty cartridge-shell,
cocking the hammer and drawing a cartridge from the magazine are automatically
performed, and energy is stored up in the coiled spring R³. When the inner frame
and parts carried thereby have nearly terminated their forward or return movement,
the pawl F is disengaged from the rack F by the stud or projection B' acting upon
the tail-piece F. The said coiled spring then reacts and partially rotates the crank-
shaft in the reverse direction, thereby thrusting the said cartridge into the barrel,
closing the breech and firing the gun or preparing it for the next discharge.
In the modification of my invention illustrated in Figure 5, the pawl F is formed
with projections F F³, and a piece Q, formed with projections Q1, Q, is fitted to slide
in a guide A formed on, or attached to, the outer frame A. A stud or projection B
on the inner frame B₁ extends through and works in a slot A³ in the frame Å between
the said projections Q, Q. The slide Q is retained in the guide A' by means of a
pin A fixed in the said guide and passing through a slot or groove Q in the said
slide. A lever or cam R is fixed upon the crank-shaft D and is connected, by a
chain R¹, to one end of a spring R³, the other end of which is attached to the frame A.
In the recoil of the inner frame and parts carried thereby, the crank-shaft is rotated
through a small angle (in the direction indicated by the arrow), by the projections on
the crank-shaft striking the shoulders or projections on the outer frame as above
described. The stud B then strikes the projection Q¹ of the slide Q, which acts upon
the projection F of the pawl F' and thus turns the said pawl upon its pivot so that,
in the forward or return movement of the inner frame and parts carried thereby, the
said pawl will engage with the shoulder F³ on the rack F. The spring R' is partially
extended in the recoil, and, by its reaction, effects the forward or return movement.
of the inner frame and parts carried thereby. In this forward or return movement,
the pinion E and crank-shaft D are further rotated (in the direction indicated by the
arrow) by the rack F, and the breech-block is thus drawn back and the empty
cartridge-shell extracted. This partial rotation of the crank-shaft further extends
the spring R2, the chain R¹ being wound upon the cam R. At the termination of the
forward movement of the inner frame, the stud B strikes the projection Q2 of the
slide Q, which acts upon the projection F8 of the pawl F and thus turns the said
pawl upon its pivot in the reverse direction, thereby disengaging the same from the
shoulder F. The spring R2, by its reaction, then effects the return movement of the
crank-shaft D and drives the breech-block home.
In the modification of my invention illustrated in Figure 6, the pawl F" is provided
with teeth F adapted to engage, at the proper time, with teeth F10 on the rack F
to prevent the forward movement of the said rack, as, and for the purpose, above
specified.
In the modification of my invention illustrated in Figure 7, the rack F, instead of
being fitted to slide to and fro in a guide fixed on the frame A as above set forth,
is pivotted at F1 to the said frame A and is provided with a spring F¹. A pin or
stud BB is fixed in the frame B' and extends through, and works in, a slot-A10 in the
frame A. In the recoil, the said pin or stud, acting upon the spring F, raises the
rack F into such a position that, in the forward or return movement of the inner frame,
the said rack engages with the pinion E and thereby partially rotates the crank-shaft D
in the direction indicated by the arrow. As soon as the crank-shaft has been
rotated through the required angle, the teeth of the pinion E act upon the plain portion
F13 of the rack F and thus throw the said rack out of gear with the pinion. The
crank-shaft is then rotated in the reverse direction by means of the spring R².
If the movement of the inner frame and barrel is not sufficient to enable the rack F
to rotate the crank-shaft through the requisite angle, I so construct the parts that the
crank-shaft will, in the recoil, be rotated through an angle more than sufficient to start
the empty cartidge-shell from the barrel.

page_text: It is evident that, in the modifications shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7, the return
movement of the crank takes place after the barrel and breech-mechanism have
terminated their forward or return movement. This arrangement is advantageous in
cases where the barrel actuates devices for feeding a belt of cartridges through the
gun as described in my said former specifications.
In some instances, I provide for effecting the return movement of the crank by
energy stored up in a spring connected, at one end, to the rack F, and, at its other
end, to the frame B¹, the said spring being either extended or compressed in the forward
or return movement of the said frame and parts carried thereby.
I do not confine myself to the use of a rack and pinion for effecting the operations
above mentioned, as I may employ other suitable devices for this purpose. I some
times so construct and arrange the parts that the crank-shaft will be completely rotated
in the forward or return movement of the barrel and breech-mechanism by means of a
rack and pinion or other suitable devices.
I sometimes employ, in a gun constructed substantially as described in either of my
said former Specifications, the means shown in Figures 8 and 9 for ensuring the com-
pletion of the forward or return movement of the inner frame and barrel before the
breech-block is driven home. In these figures, R8 is a bar or strut which is pivotted
to the cam R, and A¹ is a stop firmly attached to the outer frame A. A curved
spring S is also attached to the said frame. The crank-shaft, in this case, is arranged
to be partially rotated, in the recoil, by an arm fixed on the said shaft striking
against a shoulder or point of resistance on the outer frame as described in my said
former specifications. In the recoil of the inner frame and parts carried thereby and
in the earlier part of the rotation of the crank-shaft, the free end of the bar or
strut R passes over the stop A". When the crank-shaft has been rotated through
an angle of about 180°, the said bar or strut engages with the stop A" as shown in
Figure 9. In the rotation of the crank-shaft in the reverse direction, the cam R and
the bar or strut R* act like a toggle-joint to force the barrel and inner frame forward
to the firing position.
It is obvious, therefore, that the breech-block cannot be driven home before the inner
frame and parts carried thereby have terminated their forward or return movement. This
feature affords the advantage, in cases where the barrel actuates devices for feeding a
cartridge-belt through the gun, that, if the barrel should fail to operate the said
devices, the breech-block cannot be driven home. I sometimes employ other devices
for ensuring this result.
In some instances, I connect the barrel or the inner frame with one or more pistons
working in cylinders connected with one or more air-chambers in such a manner that,
when the barrel recoils, the air in the said chamber or chambers will be compressed
and will then react to effect the forward or return movement of the barrel, and to
perform one or more of the operations necessary in loading and firing the gun. An
arrangement of this kind is shown in Figure 10, in which T is a cylinder formed on,
or attached to, the outer frame A. T¹ is a ram or plunger which works in the said
cylinder; this ram is connected with the inner frame B₁. The cylinder T communi-
cates with a chamber T through an aperture or passage provided with a valve T³.
The chamber T2 is partially filled with liquid and I prefer to force compressed air into
the said chamber above the liquid in order to obtain an initial pressure therein. The
cylinder T is also filled with liquid in rear of the said ram. The valve T3 is con-
structed in any suitable manner so that it will permit the liquid to flow freely from
the cylinder T into the chamber T² in the recoil, but will offer sufficient resistance to
the passage of the liquid from the said chamber to the cylinder T to ensure a slow
return movement of the barrel.
When the gun is to operate by the aid of electricity, I employ one or more electric
motors so arranged in combination with the other parts of the gun and with suitable
circuits and devices for making and breaking contact that the necessary electrical
connections will be automatically effected in the recoil or other movement of the
barrel or other part of the gun.
In some instances, I eniploy a crank-shaft connected with the breech-block and
B

page_text: arranged to be partially rotated alternately in either direction by the aid of electricity,
to operate the breech-mechanism. In other instances, I employ a crank-shaft con-
nected with the breech-block and arranged to be completely rotated in one direction
by the aid of electricity, after each discharge, the said crank-shaft pausing in the
firing position until the gun is again fired. The said motor or motors may be attached
either to the stationary frame of the gun or to the inner sliding frame.
This part of my invention is applicable to guns wherein the barrel is fixed or
stationary and the breech-block recoils or moves backward away from the barrel at
each discharge; and also to guns designed to be operated by hand. It is also
applicable in cases where two or more guns are arranged in a common frame or
support; in such cases, I sometimes so construct and arrange the mechanism that the
recoil or other movement of the barrel or other part of one of the said guns will effect
the necessary electrical connections for operating the breech-mechanism of another of
the said guns.
In Figure 11, K is a toothed wheel which is fixed upon the crank-shaft D and is
geared with a pinion K₁ fitted to rotate upon a pin or stud K fixed in the inner
frame B¹.
A worm-wheel K³ is firmly secured to the said pinion. L is an electric
motor which is firmly attached to the inner frame B, and the shaft L' of which has
formed or fixed thereon a worm or endless screw L'; this worm is geared with the
worm-wheel K³. M is a flat bar, which is fitted to slide longitudinally between
guides A¹² formed or fixed on the outer frame A. This bar is provided with studs or
contact pieces M³, M³, M³, M', which are insulated from the said bar. The
studs M, M are connected with one pole of an electric generator and the studs M², M³
are connected with the other pole thereof. The said bar is, moreover, provided with
studs or projections M³, M. The inner frame B' is provided with contact pieces B, B1,
each of which is connected with one end of the field magnet coils of the motor L.
The contact piece B' is adapted to make contact alternately with the studs M¹, M' in
the to-and-fro movement of the inner frame B¹; the said contact piece, however,
projects laterally beyond the stud M' so that it does not touch the same in such
to-and-fro movement. The contact piece B is adapted to make contact alternately
with the studs M2, M, in the to-and-fro movement of the said inner frame. Both the
contact pieces B, B10 project laterally beyond the stud or projection Me so that they
do not touch the same in such to-and-fro movement. The toothed wheel K has fixed
therein pins or studs K, K³ for the purpose hereinafter described. A spring catch N
is pivotted upon a pin or stud N¹ fixed in the frame A, and the inner frame B¹ is
provided with a projection B with which the said catch engages at the termination
of the recoil of the inner frame and parts carried thereby.
For the sake of clearness in the drawing parts of the breech-mechanism are omitted
from Figure 11. This mechanism is constructed and arranged to operate substantially
as described in my said former specification No. 8281, or in any other suitable manner.
The operation of the gun shown in Figure 11 is as follows, that is to say-The
parts are shown in the positions which they occupy when the gun is ready for firing.
When the gun is discharged, the inner frame and parts carried thereby recoil and are
then held back by the engagement of the catch N with the projection B"; as soon as
they have reached the end of their backward movement, the contact pieces B°, B10
make contact with the studs M', M². The current is thus caused to pass through the
motor so that the latter operates to rotate the crank-shaft D in the direction indicated
by the arrow, and thus draw back the breech-block away from the barrel, extract the
empty cartridge-shell, cock the hammer and draw a fresh cartridge out of the maga
zine. When the crank-shaft has been rotated through an angle of about 180 degrees,
the pin or stud K strikes the projection M and moves the sliding bar M a short
distance backward, thus breaking contact between the projections B°, B and the
studs M³, M³, and bringing the studs M³, M' into position for the said projections to
make contact therewith in the forward or return movement of the inner frame and
parts carried thereby. The pin or stud K' then disengages the catch N from the
projection B and permits the forward or return movement of the inner frame and
parts carried thereby. This movement is effected by the reaction of one or more

page_text: springs, which are either extended or compressed in the recoil. These springs are
not shown in Figure 11; they may, however, be of any suitable description.
At the termination of the forward or return movement of the inner frame and parts
carried thereby, the projections B, B10 make contact with the studs M³, M, thus
reversing the direction of the current through the motor I so that the latter operates
to rotate the crank-shaft D in the reverse direction to that indicated by the arrow.
The gun is thus loaded and fired or prepared for the next discharge. It is evident
that the breech-block cannot be driven home until the barrel has completed its forward
movement. By the time the crank-shaft has reached the firing position, the pin or
stud K strikes the projection M and moves the sliding bar M a short distance
forward thus breaking contact between the projections B³, B and the studs M³, M*,
and bringing the studs M³, M' into position for the said projections to make contact
therewith in the next recoil.
In Figure 12, I have shown a gun wherein the crank-shaft D is arranged to be
completely rotated after each discharge. In this gun, the pin or stud K³ extends
through a slot A1 in the frame A. The slide M is much shorter than that shown in
Figure 11 and has only two studs or contact pieces M³, M whieh are connected with
the poles of an electric generator. Two projections or contact pieces B³,
B10 are
attached to the frame B but are insulated therefrom. These contact pieces are
connected with the ends of the field magnet coils of the motor L. O is a bent lever
which is pivotted upon a pin or stud Of fixed in the frame A, and is connected with
the slide M by means of a pin or stud M' fixed in the said slide and projecting into an
elongated slot in the short arm of the said lever. A spring O2 is attached, at one end,
to the frame A, and, at its other end, to the long arm of the lever O. A pin or stud K
is fixed in the toothed wheel K in such a position that, when the gun is ready for
firing, the said pin or stud holds the lever and slide M in the position shown, the
spring O being, at the same time, slightly extended; the studs M³, M' are thus held
out of contact with the projections B, B10.
In the gun shown in Figure 12, the firing pin, the hammer, the main spring, and
the sear which is to be disengaged from the hammer by hand are constructed and
arranged to operate substantially as described in my said former specification No. 8281.
C is a sear which is pivotted upon a pin or shaft (fixed in the breech block C,
and is acted upon by a spring C which tends to hold it in position to engage with the
firing pin. The short arm of the sear C extends downward and is formed with a
shoulder C. A shoulder D is formed on the crank-pin D' so that, as soon as the
crank arrives at its forward "dead centre," this shoulder will strike the shoulder C³ of
the sear C³ and thus disengage the said sear from the firing pin.
The gun shown in Figure 12 is, moreover, provided with a cartridge carrier P fitted
to slide up and down upon the breech-block C substantially as described in my said
former specification No. 8281. In the present instance, however, I provide novel
means for operating the said carrier, that is to say, I employ a lever P¹, which is
pivotted upon a pin or shaft P2 fixed in the breech-block C; the extremity of one arm
of this lever fits into a recess or cavity P³ in the carrier P; the other arm of the said
lever is curved as shown and extends into the path of the crank-pin D¹.
breech-block C is provided with flanges C which serve to guide the said block in its
to-and-fro movement in the inner frame B¹.
The
The operation of this gun is as follows, that is to say:-The parts are shown in the
positions which they occupy when the gun has been fired and the inner frame and parts
carried thereby are about to recoil. In the recoil, after the parts have moved back a
short distance, the pin or stud K' leaves the lever O which is then turned upon or
about its pivot by the spring 02; the slide M is thereby moved into such a position
that, at the termination of the forward or return movement of the inner frame and
parts carried thereby, the projections B, B10 come into contact with the studs M³, M*
and thus start the motor; the crank-shaft D is then rotated in the direction indicated
by the arrow. The crank-pin D¹, in its downward movement, cocks the hammer and
also turns the lever P¹ upon or about its pivot, thereby raising the carrier P so that it
engages with a fresh cartridge in the magazine. The downward movement of the
B 2

page_text: crank-pin also unlocks the breech-block from the barrel. In the continued rotation of
the crank-shaft, the breech-block C is thereby drawn backward away from the barrel,
the empty cartridge-shell is extracted, and the lowermost cartridge drawn from the
magazine by the carrier P; the said carrier, then falls so as to bring the said cartridge
into line with the barrel. In the further rotation of the crank-shaft, the breech-block
is driven home, and the said cartridge thus inserted in the barrel; the pin or stud K
then acts upon the lever O and thereby moves the slide M so as to break contact
between the studs M³, M* and the projections B, B, and, at the same time, the
shoulder D acts upon the sear C and disengages the same from the firing pin, thus
again firing the gun or preparing it to be discharged by the pulling of a trigger
by hand.
In Figure 12, I have also shown novel means for training or pointing and otherwise
controlling the gun.
Six pounder and other guns provided with trunnions and supported upon tripods
or other mountings, have, in some instances, been provided with a crutch against
which the gunner can place his shoulder, so that he has efficient control over the gun
and can readily point and fire the same at a rapidly moving object within short-range.
But, with a gun so constructed and arranged unless the tripod or other mounting is
secured to a very strong and rigid support, such as the deck of an armour-plated ship,
the shock to the gunner caused by the recoil is so great that it is practically impossible
to fire such guns from the shoulder.
In my said former specification No. 8281 I have described a gun wherein the
trunnions and the shoulder-piece or equivalent device are formed or fixed upon an
outer frame in which the barrel is fitted to slide. In this gun, the shock produced by
the recoil is taken up or absorbed by one or more springs, buffers or cushions;
therefore, when the gun is fired from the shoulder, the shock imparted to the gunner
through the shoulder-piece is very slight.
When my automatic guns are made of large size, and more especially when the
inner frame and parts carried thereby are arranged to move to and fro through a long
distance, the balance of the gun upon its trunnions is more or less disturbed by the
changes in the position of the heavy moving parts and the consequent changes in the
position of the centre of gravity of the gun relatively to the trunnions. I, therefore,
according to my present improvements provide for the application of greater force
than can be applied by the means described in my said former specification for training
or pointing the gun and for keeping it stationary while firing.
The gun shown in Figure 12 is mounted upon a cone-mounting a, a¹. b is a pinion
which is fixed upon a shaft b¹ supported in bearings in a bracket c formed on, or attached
to, the outer frame, and which is geared with a rack d pivotted to an arm d¹ formed or
fixed on the upper or swivelling part a¹ of the gun-mounting. The said pinion is
arranged to be operated by means of a hand-wheel e also fixed on the shaft b¹. This
wheel serves as a shoulder-piece for controlling the gun, the gunner placing his
shoulder against the said wheel and holding the rim of the said wheel by one hand.
By turning the said wheel in either direction, the gunner can readily elevate or depress
the gun. I sometimes fix the wheel e on a separate shaft and connect it with the
pinion by means of suitable gearing.
In guns of small size wherein the barrel is fitted to slide in an outer frame to which
the trunnions are attached, I provide for training or pointing the gun and holding the
same firmly in position for firing, by means of a shoulder-piece or crutch or one or
more handles, such, for example, as those described in my said former specifications,
and I dispense with the wheel, rack and pinion or other gearing above described.
I employ one or more dash-pots or hydraulic or other buffers or cushions in combina-
tion with the inner and outer frames, to diminish the shock produced by the recoil of
the inner frame and parts carried thereby.
In the gun shown in Figure 12, each of the bearings B2 on the inner frame B¹ is
connected with the piston-rod f¹ of a dash-potf, which, if desired, is constructed in any
convenient manner so that it may be adjusted to regulate the speed of firing. The
dash-pot is firmly attached to the outer frame A,

page_text: To provide for facilitating the turning of the gun on its vertical pivot, I sometimes
employ the means shewn in Figure 12, and hereinafter described, that is to say:-
A bent lever g is formed with an elbow or projection gl which is fitted in a recess or
cavity in a bracket firmly attached to the inner side of the base a of the cone-
mounting. This bracket serves as the fulcrum of the lever g, which is capable of a
slight oscillating movement in the said bracket. The arm g' of the said lever extends
beneath the vertical pivot-pin i. The other arm g³ thereof extends upward within the
base a and is connected therewith by a screw-bolt j. When the gun is not required for
firing, the said screw-bolt is slackened and the upper or swivelling part a³ of the gun-
mounting rests firmly on the base a thereof. By screwing up the said bolt, the lever g
may be turned upon its fulcrum so that its arm g presses upward against the lower
end of the pivot-pin and thus raises the same until the whole, or nearly the whole, of
the weight of the gun is supported, upon the said lever, and the friction between the
parts a,
a is thus avoided or greatly diminished. The gun can then be easily turned
upon its pivot. It is obvious that I may employ other means for raising the gun and
the swivelling part of its mounting for the purpose above specified.
I have hereinbefore described my improvements more particularly as applied to
automatic guns, but it is obvious that, as above stated, some of the said improvements
are also applicable to machine or other guns operated by hand. Moreover, certain of
my improvements are applicable to guns having more than one barrel.
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 am
aware that in the specification of former Letters Patent granted to me and dated 26th
June A.D. 1883, No. 3178, I have described a gun provided with mechanism whereby
the discharge of one cartridge causes the recoil of the barrel and breech-mechanism
relatively to a shoulder-plate or equivalent support and stores up energy to be used for
extracting the empty cartridge-shell bringing the next succeeding cartridge into position
for firing, and preparing the arm for the next discharge, I am also aware that, in this
gun the breech is kept closed during the recoil; in the said gun, however, the operation
of extracting the empty cartridge-shell, cocking the hammer and bringing the next
succeeding cartridge into position to be thrust into the barrel are effected while the
barrel is held back, only the loading being effected in the forward or return movement
of the barrel; whereas, by my present improvements I produce a gun in which the
operations of extracting the empty cartridge-shell, bringing the next succeeding
cartridge into position for firing, and firing the same or preparing the arm for the next
discharge are automatically performed in, or subsequently to, the forward or return
movement of the barrel, by energy stored up during the recoil; and I claim :-
gun
First A which is so constructed that the discharge of one cartridge causes the
recoil of the barrel and breech-mechanism relatively to a stationary frame or support,
and which is provided with means whereby energy is stored up during the recoil and
is utilized for effecting the forward or return movement of the barrel and breech-
mechanism, and for performing, in, or subsequently to, such forward or return
movement, the operations of extracting the empty cartridge-shell, bringing the next
succeeding cartridge into position for firing, and firing the same or preparing the arm
for the next discharge.
Second The employment, in an automatic gun, of rack-and-pinion mechanism for
effecting the various operations necessary in loading and firing the gun.
Third The combination, with a crank-shaft coupled to the breech-block, substantially
as described, of means for partially rotating the said shaft, in the forward or return
movement of the barrel, and storing up energy in a spring or springs to be used for
effecting the return movement of the said shaft, for the purposes above specified.
Fourth The combination, with a crank-shaft coupled to the breech-block, substan-
tially as described, of a pinion fixed on the said shaft, a rack fitted to slide longitudinally
in a guide on the outer frame and geared with the said pinion, and means for holding
the said rack stationary during the whole or a portion of the forward or return move-

page_text: ment of the barrel and then releasing the said rack, substantially as, and for the
purposes, set forth.
Fifth The employment, in a gun wherein the breech-mechanism is operated in, or
subsequently to, the forward or return movement of the barrel, substantially as
described, of means for starting the empty carriage-shell from the barrel in the recoil,
for the purpose above specified.
Sixth The improved mechanism, constructed substantially as described with reference
to Figures 1, 2 and 3, or to Figure 5, or to Figure 6, or to Figure 7 of the drawings,
whereby I provide for the operation of the breech-mechanism in, or subsequently to,
the forward or return movement of the barrel, as above specified.
Seventh The combination, with the hydraulic cylinders G¹ and pistons G³, of a
chamber connected with the forward ends of the said cylinders by a pipe or passage
provided with an adjustable perforated valve, substantially described with reference to
Figures 1, 2 and 3 of the drawings, for the purposes specified.
Eighth The combination of parts comprising the cams R, R³, the chain R¹ and the
spring Rs, substantially as described with reference to Figure 3ª of the drawings, for
the purpose specified.
Ninth The combination, with the arm or handle on the crank-shaft, of the hook or
catch pivotted to the outer frame, substantially as, and for the purpose, set forth.
Tenth A gun wherein the barrel is arranged to slide longitudinally in a stationary
frame or support, and which is so constructed as to ensure the completion of the forward
or return movement of the barrel before the breech-block is driven home, for the
purposes above specified.
Eleventh The improved means, substantially as described with reference to
Figures 8 and 9 of the drawings, whereby I provide for ensuring the completion of the
forward or return movement of the barrel before the breech-block is driven home.
Twelfth The combination, with the barrel arranged to slide longitudinally in a
stationary frame or support, of means whereby the said barrel, in its recoil, will compress
air in one or more chambers and thus store up energy to be used for effecting the
forward or return movement of the barrel and for performing one or more of the
operations necessary in working the gun.
Thirteenth A gun which has combined with the other parts thereof one or more
electric motors for operating the breech-mechanism.
Fourteenth A gun which has combined with the other parts thereof means whereby,
after the gun is started, the operations necessary in loading and firing the same will be
automatically performed by the aid of electricity so long as the supply of ammunition
is maintained.
Fifteenth The employment, in a gun wherein the breech-mechanism is arranged to
be operated by the aid of electricity, of means whereby the requisite electrical con-
nections will be automatically effected, substantially as set forth.
Sixteenth A gun which has combined with the other parts thereof a crank-shaft
and means whereby, after the discharge of one cartridge, the said crank-shaft is partially
rotated first in one direction and then in the reverse direction by the aid of electricity
for the purposes of extracting the empty cartridge-shell, cocking the hammer, bringing
the next succeeding cartridge into position for firing, and firing the same or preparing
the arm for the next discharge.
Seventeenth A gun which has combined with the other parts thereof, a crank-shaft
and means whereby the discharge of one cartridge causes the complete rotation of the
said crank-shaft for the purpose of extracting the empty cartridge-shell, cocking the
hammer, bringing the next succeeding cartridge into position for firing, and firing the
same or preparing the arm for the next discharge.
Eighteenth In a gun wherein a crank-shaft is connected with the breech-block and
is arranged to be completely rotated after each discharge for the purposes above
specified, the combination, with the firing pin and the sear C, of the shoulder D¹ on
the crank-pin, substantially as, and for the purpose, set forth.
Nineteenth The combination, with the sliding cartridge-carrier, of a lever pivotted

page_text: to the breech-block and arranged to be operated by the crank-pin for the purpose of
raising the said carrier, substantially as set forth.
Twentieth-The improved means, substantially as described with reference to
Figure 11, or to Figure 12 of the drawings, whereby I provide for the operation of the
breech-mechanism by the aid of electricity, as above specified.
Twenty first The combination, with a gun mounted on trunnions and designed to
be fired from the shoulder, of a hand-wheel connected with rack-and-pinion mechanism
for facilitating the control of the gun as above specified.
Twenty second-The improved means, substantially as described with reference to
Figure 12 of the drawings, whereby I provide for training or pointing and otherwise
controlling a gun as above specified.
Twenty third The combination, with a swivel gun-mounting, of means for raising
the upper or swivelling part of the said mounting, for the purpose above specified.
Twenty fourth-The combination of parts comprising the bent lever and the screw-
bolt, substantially as described with reference to Figure 12 of the drawings, whereby
I provide for facilitating the turning of a gun upon or about its vertical pivot.
Twenty fifth-The improved automatic gun consisting of the parts constructed and
combined substantially as described with reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3, or to Figure 11,
or to Figure 12 of the drawings and operating as above specified.
HIRAM STEVENS MAXIM.
Haseltine, Lake & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London,
Agents for the Applicant.