Improvements in Breech-mechanism for Quick-firing and other Guns.
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application, 2nd June, 1892
Complete Specification Left, 30th Mar., 1893-Accepted, 20th May, 1893
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Breech-mechanism for Quick-firing and other Guns.
I, MANASSAH GLEDHILL, Director of Sir Joseph Whitworth & Co., Limited,
of Openshaw, Manchester, in the County of Lancaster, Engineer, do hereby declare
the nature of this invention to be as follows :-
--
My invention relates partly to breech mechanism of that class wherein the
breech is closed by a screw breech-block with interrupted or segmental screw-
threads supported with a capability of turning on its axis in a carrier or bracket
hinged or pivoted to one side of the breech end of the gun.
In breech mechanism of this class the opening of the breech involves firstly the
partial rotation of the breech-block about its axis, secondly the withdrawal of the
said block from the gun, and thirdly the movement of the said block away from
the breech by turning the bracket about its hinge or pivot, and the closing of the
breech involves the same operations in reverse order.
The object of this part of my said invention is to provide simple and efficient
means whereby the opening or the closing of the breech can be effected by the
continuous movement of a lever or handle in one direction.
For this purpose I employ the following apparatus in combination with the
breech block-that is to say, at the outer end of the said breech block I provide
a ring termed the breech-ring. This breech ring has across its inner surface
grooves or notches which engage with projections on the end of the breech-block
so that the ring and block will turn together about their axis, but the block can
move endwise through the ring. On the periphery of the said breech-ring I form
a few teeth and in combination therewith I arrange a rack which is movable
tangentially to the periphery of the breech ring by a shaft extending transversely
across the end of the gun. On one part of this shaft there is a worm or screw
thread; the said rack is not fitted upon this part of the shaft but upon a plain
portion thereof. The said shaft is supported in bearings which allow it to turn
freely and also to slide end wise with the said rack to effect the rotation of the
breech-ring and block. The worm on the said shaft gears with a worm-wheel upon
a vertical shaft which serves as the hinge or pivot upon which the aforesaid carrier
is supported and turns. This vertical shaft is preferably supported by a ball-
bearing so that it permits a very free movement to the carrier in opening and
closing the breech. The said vertical shaft also has fixed on it a toothed pinion
which gears with a longitudinal rack on the breech-block. The outer end tooth of
this rack extends partially round the block to permit the block to turn without
disengaging the rack from the pinion.
The worm shaft is preferably provided with two levers or handles, one at each
end for turning the said shaft. These levers need not participate in the end wise
movement of the shaft but preferably are so fitted thereon that the shaft can slide
through them. And by turning these levers or handles continuously in one or the
other direction the series of operations necessary for the opening or the closing of
the breech can be easily and quickly effected.
The rack on the worm shaft is preferably so arranged that when the breech is
properly closed the said rack is at the extreme limit of its movement to the left of
the breech end of the gun and below the axis thereof. Therefore when moved to
open the breech it slides with the worm shaft to the right and thereby through the
medium of the breech-ring, turns the block about its axis in the proper direction
to disengage its screw threads from those of the gun. Till this partial rotation of
the breech block has taken place the worm on the said shaft cannot turn the
vertical shaft. Therefore the effort of the worm upon the worm wheel results in
the end wise movement of the worm-shaft and tangential rack. But by the partial

page_text: rotation of the breech-block the screw threads thereof are disengaged from those
of the gun so that it is free to move endwise. The vertical shaft is therefore free
to turn on its axis and as the worm continues its rotation the said vertical shaft
turns with it and thereby through the medium of the longitudinal rack and pinion
withdraws the block from the gun, the said block moving outward till its movement
is arrested by stops on the slides of the carrier; the continued movement of the
lever or handle in the same direction then causes the carrier with the block to
swing on its hinge or pivot away from the breech.
According to another part of my invention I provide a gun with breech
mechanism which can be operated either by hand or by hydraulic power.
For this purpose I use in combination with the breech-block a hinged carrier and
a lever for withdrawing the breech block from the gun. The said lever is secured
to the hinge bolt and is connected to the block by means of a stud on the block
which projects into a long slot in the end of the lever.
The hydraulic apparatus is arranged below the breech, and is supported by a
metal ring attached to the gun. The cylinder is preferably placed at the left hand
side looking from the breech end of the gun, and provision is made for admitting
pressure at both sides of the piston. The piston is formed or fixed on a hollow
rod or shaft which, on the part external to the cylinder is formed with teeth which
gear with the ring and serve as rack teeth when the hydraulic apparatus operates
and also serve as worm-threads when the breech is operated by hand. The shaft
for applying hand power to operate the breech mechanism passes through the
aforesaid hollow piston rod or shaft.
The worm-threads on the said hollow shaft are arranged to engage with a worm-
wheel on the lower end of the hinge bolt when hand power is to be used so that
when the ring has been turned sufficiently to release the breech block the said
bolt will commence to turn and by means of the said lever will withdraw the block
from the gun and then the carrier will swing the said bolt clear of the breech as
above described.
In combination with the rack I arrange a device which acts as a stop or thrust
bearing for the worm when the breech block is operated by hand. I prefer to use
for this purpose a U-shaped plug to place over the shaft when the breech is to be
operated by hand and to be removed when hydraulic power is to be used. And I
use a ring provided with keys or segments which can be adjusted to lock the plug
in position.
For a gun having a breech-block which has an obturator and an axial vent I
arrange the firing mechanism as follows, that is to say: I provide the breech with
a sliding plate and in combination therewith I employ a trigger which is formed in
one piece with a hammer or striker and so arranged relatively to the sliding plate
and other parts, that, when the breech-block is properly closed and locked, if the
said trigger is pulled one extremity thereof will effect the ignition of the primer in
the axial vent. The said hammer or striker is moreover formed with a tail which
when the gun is fired enters the lower end of a longitudinal slot in the sliding plate.
The upper end of the sliding plate has a stud or finger which works in a stationary
cam slot so formed and arranged that in the turning of the breech block about its
axis to unlock the same the sliding plate will be moved to bring the slot in the
sliding plate opposite the axial vent in the breech block and at the same time to
automatically cock the trigger and then to operate the extracting devices.
The said extracting devices consist of inclines on the sliding plate and an ejecting
lever pivotted to the breech-block. The said inclines are so arranged that in the
upward movement of the sliding plate they act to start or partially withdraw the
spent primer from the end of the axial vent. The said lever has one arm arranged
in combination with projections on the sliding plate and another arm which engages
with the rim of the primer in the vent so that in the upward movement of the
sliding plate its projections act on the said lever in such a manner as to cause it to
jerk the spent primer from the vent. I arrange a small spring in combination with
te lever to keep it in the proper position relatively to the sliding plate. I prefer

page_text: that the two arms of the said lever should be made separately and so connected
that the arm acted on by the sliding plate can after the upward movement of the
same assume such a position as to permit the said projections to pass freely as the
sliding plate moves downward in locking the breech.
The sliding plate carries a device termed a communicator which in firing is struck
by the hammer and transmits its blow to the primer in the axial vent. This com-
municator is so arranged that its axis coincides with that of the vent when the
lower end of the slot in the sliding plate is in the proper position to permit the
tail of the striker to enter therein and until the slot is in this position the hammer
could not be operated to strike the communicator. And the downward movement
of the sliding plate being properly timed relatively to that of the breech block, it
follows that the striker will be in communication with the primer, when, but not
until the breech block is securely closed and locked.
According to another part of my invention which is more especially advantageous
for quick firing guns of large calibre, I employ an arrangement of the mechanism
whereby the breech can be operated very rapidly by means of a hand lever and
can be completely opened or completely closed by the said lever without removing
the hand from the same during the operation.
Moreover I provide means for preventing any possibility of firing the gun when
the breech is not properly closed and locked, and also for preventing any possibility
of the unfastening or unlocking of the breech-block by, or during, the firing of the
gun. I also provide for putting the mechanism to half-cock after closing the
breech.
These improvements are applicable to guns which fire metallic cartridges or to
those in which the breech-block is fitted with an obturator and with either a top or
rear vent.
I use a screw breech block as above described supported by a carrier or bracket
hinged to one side of the breech.
The said carrier is in the form of a ring with recesses for the passage of the
screw-threaded portions of the block when the latter is being withdrawn from the
gun. The rear end of the breech-block which extends through the carrier ring
has on it a projecting portion which is divided into two parts forming transverse
cheeks or lugs, these lugs having their inner sides grooved. A lever which I term
the operating lever extends across the said ring between the aforesaid lugs and is
provided with pins which project into the grooves in the said lugs and thereby
connect the said lever to the block. This lever is pivotted to a sliding piece which
by means of a dovetail or similar groove is fitted to an arc-shaped guide fixed on
the carrier ring so that when the breech-block is turned about its axis the fulcrum of
the said operating lever though maintaining its proper distance from the centre of the
breech-block and though securely held upon the ring, adapts itself to the different
relative positions of the carrier ring and breech-block. Therefore the operating
lever though connected to both the breech-block and the carrier ring is not 'thereby
prevented from moving freely with the breech-block as the latter turns within the
ring. And by means of the pins which project into the grooves in the breech-
block lugs the said lever when pulled backward will draw the block from the gun.
The operating lever as above specified extends across the carrier ring its
aforesaid sliding fulcrum being arranged near the periphery of the ring. At the
end furthest from its fulcrum the said lever has a handle pivotted or jointed to it.
This handle is so arranged that it can be turned upward or outward so that it forms
a straight continuation of the lever, the two parts then in fact forming a long lever
whereby the turning of the breech-block to effect its engagement with and
disengagement from the screw-threads in the gun can be very easily effected.
The pivot-pin of the handle has on it a projection which is arranged in
combination with a recess or key way in the lever-handle and the said projection
serves as a key for locking the said handle to the operating lever. There is a lug
or shoulder on the breech ring forming a stop with which one side of the operating
lever comes in contact in turning the breech block to close the breech. The end

page_text: of the said pivot pin projects beyond the side of the lever so that in such turning
of the block the said pin is forced back against the resistance of a spring and
thereby withdraws the key from the key way and then the lever handle is free to
be turned about its joint or pivot upon the operating lever. At the side of the
aforesaid shoulder or stop there is a recess or depression in the carrier ring and there
is near the joint a part of the handle arranged to enter this recess when the handle
is turned down to lock the breech block in its closed position.
The operating lever is moreover fitted with a sliding plate to which the said
handle is connected by a short link so arranged that by turning the handle upon its
joint or pivot the sliding plate will be moved along the lever that is to say
transversely across the central portion of the breech block.
When this improved mechanism is adapted for firing metallic cartridges the
said sliding plate carries a trigger arranged in combination with a cocking piece
which with the firing pin and other parts is fitted in the body of the breech block
as hereinafter described. A socket piece screwed into the sliding plate carries the
trigger which is formed with a stem or spindle fitted to move endwise in the socket,
the latter having in it a spring so arranged that it tends to force the trigger
towards the breech. The rear end of the trigger-stem is provided with a ring to
which is attached a cord or the like for pulling the said trigger back against the
action of the spring.
For carrying the cocking piece the striker or firing pin, and the main-spring, I
secure in the breech block a retangular piece having two sides or cheeks between
which the above named parts are arranged.
The cocking piece, which is a three-armed lever, has its fulcrum on a pin
extending transversely through the said rectangular piece. One arm of the said
cocking piece or lever extends backward from the face of the breech-block into
the path of the trigger. Another arm extends upward and engages with the firing
pin or striker, and the other arm has on it a pin or stud which bears upon the
main-spring. prefer that the striker should be attached to a piece having a slot
through which the arm of the cocking piece extends.
It will be seen that, by the combination of the cocking piece with the trigger
carried by the aforesaid sliding plate, the cocking will be effected by the same
movement of the handle that locks the breech block to the gun.
Below the trigger there is attached to the lever a piece carrying a spring bolt
which locks the sliding plate to the operating lever when the trigger is in engagement
with the cocking piece.
In combination with the aforesaid breech-block and carrier-ring I provide devices
for locking the carrier ring to the gun when the breech is closed and for locking
the breech block, when withdrawn from the gun, to the carrier-ring. For this
purpose I attach to the peripheral surface of the ring a small bracket to which I
pivot a short lever. In the face of the breech-end of the gun 1 form a cavity over
which I securely fix a plate having a hole through which one end of the said lever
can project like a latch. The other end of the said lever is connected to a spring
locking-pin or bolt one end of which passes through the carrier-ring in the proper
position to enter a hole in the periphery of the breech-block when the same has
been drawn out of the gun.
The extracting mechanism consists of a lever which is pivotted on a pin passed
through the body of the gun and which is arranged in combination with a rod
arranged to slide in a groove extending forward from the joint or hinge of the
carrier along the side of the gun. The said carrier has a lug or projection which
in the opening of the breech acts through the sliding rod on the extractor lever in
such a manner as to withdraw the spent cartridge from the gun.
With the firing mechanism arranged as above described when the gun is loaded
it can be set to half-cock so that it can be fired at any time by simply raising the
operating lever handle sufficiently to cause the trigger to engage with the cocking
piece then bringing the lever home and pulling the trigger..
In another form or modification of my invention the breech block is a taper plug

page_text: arranged in combination with a ring by the rotative movement of which about its
axis the said block, without being itself rotated is locked or unlocked. This
modification of my breech mechanism may be advantageously used in combination
with the hydraulic apparatus above described. The said block or plug is placed
within the ring which is preferably formed of steel. The exterior periphery of the
said ring is formed with screw-threads which engage with screw-threads in the body
of the gun.
The inner periphery of the said ring is formed with a series of circular
ribs and grooves at equal distances apart and divided longitudinally into segments.
The breech block or plug is formed with corresponding circular segmental ribs and
grooves which engage with those of the ring, the arrangement in respect of the
segmental ribbed and grooved portions and blank spaces being similar to that of an
ordinary segmental or interrupted screw breech block. On its outer or rear end
the ring has an internal quadrant or series of teeth gearing with a pinion mounted
on the breech block or plug.
The said breech block or plug is formed integrally or solidly with a part which
by means of a pin or bolt is hinged to one side of the gun in such a manner that
when unlocked the breech block, without being previously drawn out end wise can
be swung on the said hinge out of and clear away from the gun. The said pinion
is fixed on a short shaft supported in the block and retained therein by a cover
plate which extends transversely across the breech and serves as a guide for a
sliding socket piece which carries the trigger. On the outer end of the pinion
shaft I fix a cam plate which has hinged to it a handle for rotating the pinion to
turn the ring about its axis in the gun. The said breech block or plug carries a
spring actuated striker or firing pin and cocking lever arranged in combination
with the trigger which is fitted to slide in the aforesaid sliding socket-piece
and is pressed forward by a spring therein to engage with one arm of the cocking
lever.
An ejecting lever is pivotted in the body of the gun in a convenient position to
be struck by a projection on or near the hinge of the operating lever when the
breech block is swung outward clear of the breech.
The aforesaid breech ring when turned to lock or unlock the breech plug has by
reason of its screw-threaded periphery a longitudinal movement with the plug
the hole in the part by which the plug is connected to the hinge pin or bolt being
elongated to permit this longitudinal movement. The breech ring has around its
forward or inner end a lip or flange against which the rim of the cartridge lies.
Therefore when the ring moves outward it starts the spent cartridge from the gun
and so facilitates the work of the ejector.
The aforesaid cam-plate is provided with a cam-groove arranged in combination
with a pin fixed in the sliding socket-piece which carries the trigger so that by the
rotation of the said cam plate the said sliding piece can be moved to bring the nose
of the trigger into engagement with the arm of the cocking lever which then acts
to draw back the firing pin.
The hinged connection of the lever with the cam-piece permits the said lever to
be turned upward for operating the mechanism and turned downward into engage-
ment with a groove in the cover plate to lock the breech ring when the breech is
.closed.
A stop is provided to limit the rotation of the breech ring.
Another part of my invention relates to a quick-firing gun with a breech-
block which slides vertically in the breech frame to open and close the breech
and which is operated by a lever on a transverse shaft. The said block is
formed at its sides with vertical ribs and grooves which engage with similar
ribs and grooves in the sides or cheeks of the breech frame. These ribs and
grooves of which there may be any convenient or requisite number, are so
formed and arranged as to afford a large area of bearing or resisting surface to the
block against the pressure tending to force it away from the breech of the gun and
I prefer that the ribs should be slightly undercut in such a manner as to counteract
any tendency that might exist to widen or expand the space between the cheeks or

page_text: sides of the breech frame. The construction of the block and frame with these
ribs and grooves permits a considerable reduction in the length of the said block
and frame, that is to say in the distance between the forward surface of the block
and the extreme rear end of the breech-frame which reduction of length greatly
facilitates the rapid loading of the gun. The said breech block carries a firing pin
and suitable cocking and firing devices. For example I may use a three armed
lever of which one arm engages with the firing pin another arm with the main
spring and the other arm with a spring sliding piece which acts as a sear and trigger
as hereinabove described.
I provide the gun with means for extracting and ejecting the spent cartridges as
follows, that is to say; I fix-or form on the forward surface of the breech block
two inclined plates or wedges so arranged that when the breech is properly closed
behind a cartridge in the gun chamber the upper thick ends of the said plates will
engage with the flange or rim of the cartridge case; then in the downward move-
ment of the said block to open the breech after firing the gun the inclined surface
of the said plates will act upon the rim of the spent cartridge and start the same
from the gun chamber. With this extracting device we combine an ejector con-
sisting of a lever pivoted to a downwardly projecting portion of the gun.
This lever has a long arın or a pair of long arms so arranged that in the opening of
the breech the said arm or arms engage with the flange or rim of the partly
extracted cartridge case. The said lever also has a short arm projecting into the
path of a portion of the breech block so that as the said block completes its descent
it strikes the said short arm and thereby actuates the ejector lever to throw or jerk
the said cartridge case entirely out of the gun.
Moreover I construct the breech frame of the gun with a shelf or shoulder
suitably arranged to receive the breech block as the same descends to its lowest or
loading position so that the said block will not cause any injurious shock or blow to
the lever. The said block for this purpose is formed with a lug or projection
extending into the proper position to come in contact with and be stopped by the
said shelf when the block falls.
Dated this 2nd day of June 1892.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, Agents for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Breech-mechanism for Quick-firing and other Guns.
I, MANASSAH GLEDHILL, Director of Sir Joseph Whitworth & Co., Ld., of
Openshaw, Manchester, in the County of Lancaster, 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 partly to breech-mechanism for guns of that class wherein
the breech is closed by a screw breech-block with interrupted or segmental screw-
threads, supported with a capability of turning on its axis in a carrier or bracket
hinged to one side of the breech end of the gun.
In breech-mechanism of this class, the opening of the breech involves firstly the
partial rotation of the breech-block about its axis; secondly the withdrawal of the
said block from the gun; and thirdly the movement of the said block away from
the breech by turning the bracket about its hinge or pivot, these movements being
reversed for closing the breech.
The main object of this part of my said invention is to provide simple and
efficient means whereby the opening or the closing of the breech can be effected by
the continuous movement of a lever or handle in one direction.
My invention also comprises the provision of novel firing mechanism, hereinafter

page_text: descrived,
axial vent.
comomation
According to another part of my invention which is more especially advantageous
for quick-firing guns of large calibre, I employ an arrangement of breech-mechanism
whereby the breech can be operated very rapidly by means of a hand lever, and
can be completely opened or completely closed by the said lever without removing
the hand from the same during the operation.
Moreover I provide means for preventing any possibility of firing the gun when
the breech is not properly closed and locked, and also for preventing any possibility
of the unfastening or unlocking of the breech-block by or during the firing of the gun.
I also provide for putting the mechanism to half cock after closing the breech.
These improvements are applicable to guns which fire metallic cartridges, or to-
those in which the breech-block is fitted with an obturator and with either a top or
rear vent.
In another modification of my invention the breech-block is in the form of a
taper plug arranged in combination with a breech-ring, by the rotative movement.
of which ring about its axis the said block, without being itself rotated, is locked
or unlocked. This modification of my breech-mechanism may be operated by hand,
and it may be advantageously used in combination with hydraulic apparatus for
opening and closing the breech.
Another part of my invention relates to a quick-firing gun having a breech-
block which slides vertically in the breech frame to open and close the breech, and
which is operated by a lever on a transverse shaft. This part of my invention is
designed to provide such a gun with strong, durable and efficient breech-mechanism..
In the accompanying drawings which illustrate my invention,
Figure is a rear elevation partly in section of a gun breech constructed
according to one part of my invention, the firing mechanism being removed.
Figure 2 is a horizontal central section of the same, the breech-block being
unlocked and ready for withdrawal.
Figure 3 is a horizontal section taken through the bearings of the shaft for
operating the breech-block.
Figure 4 is a side elevation of the breech, and
Figure 5 is a vertical central longitudinal section through the breech, the breech-
block being removed.
Figure 6 is a rear end elevation of the same breech drawn to a larger scale, and
showing the firing mechanism.
Figure 7 is a vertical longitudinal central section of the same.
Figures 7 and 7B are transverse sections of the slide hereinafter described taken.
on the lines y', y'; y², y² respectively of Figure 7.
Figure 8 is a rear end elevation of another gun breech constructed according to
my invention.
Figure 9 is a central longitudinal section on the line a, a, Figure 8, and
Figure 10 is a horizontal central section of the same.
Figure 11 is a section taken on the line a', . Figure 8, showing a detail herein-
after described.
Figure 12 is a rear end elevation of another gun breech constructed according to
my invention.
Figure 12 is a section taken on the line ¹¹ Figure 12 showing a notch herein-
after referred to.
Figure 13 is a horizontal central section of the said breech.
Figure 14 is a rear end elevation partly in section,
Figure 15 is a side elevation, and
Figure 16 is a plan of another gun breech constructed according to my invention..
Figure 17 is a section on the line y y Figure 15.
Figure 18 is a detail hereinafter described.
Figure 19 is a longitudinal vertical section of part of a gun constructed according
to the last part of my invention.

page_text: Figure 20 is a plan or top view of the breech-block and frame of the said guu.
Figure 21 is a transverse section on the line 2, 2 Figure 19.
Like letters indicate corresponding parts in all the figures.
A is the breech end of the gun barrel, B is the breech-block or breech-screw.
Referring now to Figures 1 to 5, C is a ring which I term the breech-ring; it
is supported with a capability of turning in a bearing on the end-plate D which is
secured to the end of the gun and forms a base piece to which the carrier ring or
bracket D is hinged. The ring C has formed across its inner surface, grooves or
notches which engage with corresponding projections B₁ on the breech-block
so that the said ring and block when turning about their axis must turn together,
but the block can move end wise through the ring. On the periphery of the said
breech-ring I form a few teeth C² with which engage the teeth of a rack E. The
said rack is mounted loosely on a plain cylindrical part of a shaft E' which extends
Iransversely across the end of the gun and which is supported in bearings E fixed
or formed on the end plate D. The said rack is prevented from sliding endwise
on the shaft E by collars E3 one of which is removable to allow of the rack being
placed in proper position on the shaft and removed therefrom. On another part
of the said shaft there is formed or secured a worm E which gears with a worm
wheel F secured upon a vertical shaft F' which serves as the hinge upon which the
aforesaid carrier ring D' is supported and turns. This vertical shaft turns in
bearings F2, F2 formed on the end plate D. The carrier ring D' is preferably
supported by a ball bearing at D² which permits a very free movement to the
carrier in the opening and closing of the breech. The said vertical shaft or hinge
bolt F has fixed on it a toothed pinion F3 which gears with a longitudinal rack B2
fixed on the side of the breech-block. The rear end tooth 62 of this rack is of such
length or in other words extends circumferentially around the block for such a
distance that it does not become disengaged from the pinion F3 when the block is
turned on its axis in opening or closing the breech.
Near the right hand end of the shaft E¹ I provide a double threaded screw E³
the teeth of which have the same pitch as those of the worm E. The screw engages
with a nut E fixed in the bearing E² and screws to and fro through the said nut
when the shaft E' is rotated.
G is a handle mounted on the squared left hand end of the shaft E'. The right
hand end of the said shaft is also prepared to receive an auxiliary handle for the
purpose of enabling additional turning effect to be applied to overcome the sticking
of the breech-block which may occasionally occur. The handle G is formed with a
Jong hub G2 which enters the bearings E for a purpose hereinafter described.
G³ is a pin which passes through the bearing E2 and through a circumferential
groove G formed in the hub G2 and is for the purpose of retaining the handle G
in place on the shaft. By turning the handles continuously in one or other direction
the series of operations necessary for opening or closing the breech can be easily
and quickly effected.
The action of the apparatus is as follows: when the handle or handles G is or
are turned in the proper direction assuming the breech to be properly closed, the
shaft E¹ by reason of the engagement of the screw E with the nut E and of its
worm E with the worm wheel Fis caused to travel axially carrying with it the
rack E, and thereby through the medium of the teeth C2 on the breech-ring C
turning the breech-block about its axis in the proper direction to disengage its
screw-threads from those of the gun.
The longitudinal thrust on the shaft E' during the unlocking of the breech-block
is taken up by the screw E' which prevents any undue pressure between the worm E*
and the worm wheel F and avoids setting up friction between the pinion F3
and the tooth 2 while the breech-block is being unlocked. The said screw E³
is so arranged that it screws completely out of or clears its nut E just before
the breech-block becomes unlocked. The rotary movement of the breech-
bluck in both directions is limited by the length of the recess in the end-
plate D in which the teeth of the sector C2 work. When the breech-block is

page_text: unlocked, the rotary movement thereof and the sliding movement of the shaft E
are arrested so that the continued rotation of the worm shaft will now cause the
vertical shaft F¹ to turn and thereby through the medium of the pinion F³ and
longitudinal rack B2 withdraw the breech-block from the gun. The block moves
outward until it is arrested by stops D₁ on the tray D³ of the carrier, whereupon
the continued turning of the handles in the same direction causes the carrier ring
with the block to swing on its hinge or pivot away from the breech.
C
I provide locking devices as follows, that is to say, a Figures 1 and 2 is a catch
for locking the actuating ring C when the breech-block is withdrawn; a¹ is its con-
trolling spring a² is the notch in the ring C with which it engages. c is a catch
for locking the breech-block to the carrier ring D¹; el is its controlling spring;
is a longitudinal groove in the side of the breech-block, with which groove the
catch c is adapted to engage; c³ is a deep recess at the rear end of the said groove.
c, care inclined faces formed in said groove for a purpose hereinafter described.
a³, a are projections formed on the catch a and adapted to engage as hereinafter
described with a projection on the catch c The working face a³ of the
projection a¹ is inclined as shown; the corresponding face c' of the projection of is
also inclined. The action of the said catches is as follows. When the breech-
block is unlocked ready for withdrawal, the notch or groove a² is opposite the
catch a but the said catch is prevented from entering the notch by reason of the
catch c which bears against the breech-block and has its projection e sustaining
the projection a³ of the catch a. When however the breech-block is partially with-
drawn, the groove c² passes under the catch c and the latter is allowed to drop
therein. The catch a is then free to enter the notch a² and lock the actuating
ring C. When the breech-block is fully withdrawn, the catch centers the recess e³
as far as it is permitted to do so by the projection a¹ of the catch a, and still further
enters when the carrier ring is turned on its hinge. In so doing it locks the breech-
block to the carrier ring. During the operation of re-closing the breech, the inclined
faces c', a³ of the projections c, a first engage each other, and the catch c is thereby
so far withdrawn from the recess e as to allow of the breech-block being pushed
into the breech. While the breech-block is being pushed in, the inclined face e of
the groove ² completes the raising of catch c out of the recess c³ and brings the
projections against the projection 3. Just as the breech-block is nearing home,
the incline c operates to raise the catch c completely out of the groove e² and
unlocks the breech-block, and at the same time operates through the projections co, a³
to lift the catch a from notch a² and release the actuating ring C, thus allowing the
breech-block to be screwed home.
€2
During the axial movement of the shaft E¹ the squared end of the shaft slides
through the hub G2 of the handle G which hub is made sufficiently long to
permit of such sliding movement. The toothed portion of the rack E, passes
behind the carrier bracket D' as shown in Figure 5 and is maintained in gear with
the teeth C².
During the closing of the breech the re-entry of the screw E³ into its nut E' is
ensured by reason of the fact that the worm E4, which is of the same pitch as the
screw E, remains always in gear with the worm wheel F.
For a gun having a breech-block such as that shown in Figures 1 and 2 which
has an obturator and an axial vent I arrange the firing mechanism as follows, that
is to say, I provide the breech with a plate H, Figures 6 and 7, which is adapted
to slide between guides Ho, H° formed on the rear end of the breech-block, and
which is automatically operated during the turning of the breech-block and
performs the operations of extracting and ejecting the spent primer, and re-cocking
the hammer or striker.
I is the hammer which is pivoted in bearings I, I¹ on the rear of the breech-
block. 12 is a short arm which is fixed ou the hammer axis, and the end of which
is adapted to engage with a spring catch 13 when the hammer is cocked, and retain
the hammer in the cocked position. The lanyard Iº for pulling the hammer to fire
the gun is attached to the said arm I². The hammer or striker is formed with a
R

page_text: tail piece which projects into a slot H' formed in the lower end of the sliding
plate H. The upper end of the said sliding plate carries a stud or finger H²
provided with an anti-friction bowl H³ which works in a stationary cam slot H4
formed in a piece H' fixed to the rear end of the gun. The said cam slot is so
arranged that in the turning of the breech-block about its axis to unlock the same,
the sliding plate H will be raised to automatically cock the hammer and to withdraw
and eject the spent primer as hereinafter described, and also to bring the slot H' in
the lower end of the plate opposite the axial vent to permit the primer to be ejected
and a fresh one to be inserted: The hammer is cocked by the lower end of the
slot which, when the plate H is raised, bears upon the tail of the hammer and
turns the hammer about its pivot.
The extracting devices are as follows, viz. lugs J are formed on the sliding
plate H and arranged to actuate an ejecting lever J which is pivoted at Jo to a
block J screwed in the end of the breech-block. The lower end of the said
ejecting lever is forked and engages with the rim of the primer K. The upper
part of the ejecting lever is provided on each side thereof with a projecting lug
or ear J having inclined upper and lower faces as shown. The projections or
lugs J on the plate H are so arranged that in the upward movement of the said
sliding plate they strike the lugs or ears J thereby suddenly turning the ejecting
lever about its pivot and jerking the spent primer K from the vent.
I provide a small spring J behind the arm J³ for the purpose of pressing forward
the upper part of the ejecting lever, and so allowing the inclined lugs J on the
slide H to pass clear of the lugs J when the breech is being closed. The lower
part of the ejecting lever takes its normal position by reason of its weight, or if it
should fail to do so it will be forced down again upon the insertion of the next
primer.
The sliding plate H carries a spring-controlled device L termed a communicator
which in firing is struck by the hammer and transmits the blow to the primer in the
axial vent. This communicator is so arranged that its axis coincides with that of
the vent when the breech-block is properly screwed home.
I arrange the slot H' in the plate H in such manner that should the breech not
be properly closed, the part of the plate at the lower end of the said slot would
stand in the way of the tail I of the hammer and would arrest the movement of
the hammer in case it should be pulled while the breech is in that position. It
follows therefore that the primer cannot be struck by the hammer until the breech-
block is securely closed and locked. I is a stop which strikes the plate H and
arrests the hammer after the latter has struck the communicator.
In the modification shown in Figures 8 to 10 I use a taper screw breech-block
which is supported as above described with reference to Figure 1 by a carrier or
bracket D which is in the form of a ring and hinged on the bolt F1 at one side of
the breech. The said carrier is provided with recesses D³ for receiving the screw-
threaded portions of the breech-block when the latter is withdrawn from the breech
as hereinafter described. The rear end of the breech-block which extends through
the carrier ring has on it two projecting cheeks B, B between which the operating
lever M is carried. The said lever extends across the ring D' and carries
pins M, M which project into grooves B, B5 in the inner faces of the said
cheeks B and thus connect the lever to the breech-block. The said lever M is
pivoted at M² to a piece M³ which is mounted on a curved guide D formed on or
attached to the carrier ring D'. The said curved guide is part of a circle having
its centre in the axis of the breech-block. The guide is grooved as at D' on each
side thereof with which grooves the internal flanges M*, M* formed on the piece M³
engage. The piece M³ can slide freely on the guide D¹.
It will be seen from this construction that when the breech-block is turned about
its axis, the fulcrum of the operating lever M maintains a constant distance from
the centre of the breech-block and while being securely held upon the ring D' it can
turn with the breech-block and thus adapt itself to the different positions of the
said block. When the breech-block has been turned to unlock the same from the

page_text: breech, the said block can then be partially withdrawn by a straight rearward pull
on the operating lever which acting through the pins M¹ causes the block to slide
through the carrier ring until the screw-threaded sections thereof arrive at the end
of the recesses D³, whereupon the continued rearward pull on the lever causes the
carrier ring to swing about its hinge and thus removes the breech-block clear of
the breech. The lever M is curved at the lower half of the forward face as
indicated at M' to allow of the rearward travel of the breech-block during the time
it is sliding through the carrier ring.
M' is a handle pivoted to the lever M at Ms in such manner that it can be turned
into a position to form a straight continuation of the lever M and so give ample
purchase for turning the breech-block, or it can be turned down to the position
shown in Figure 9 in which position it locks the breech-block to prevent the
rotation thereof while firing, as will be hereinafter described.
The pivot pin M of the said handle is arranged so as to be turned by and with
the handle and has on it a projection m which when the handle is raised to form a
straight continuation of the lever M is thereby brought in line with a recess or
key-way m' in the said lever M and is then pushed into the said recess by a
spring m² contained within a cap m³ and arranged to press against a shoulder of the
pivot pin. When the projection m is engaged with the key-way m¹ it locks the
handle M' and retains the said handle in the extended position, that is to say, in
line with the lever M. m' is a lug or shoulder on the breech ring forming a stop
with which one side of the operating lever comes in contact and is thereby arrested
when the breech-block is properly screwed home. The said stop also serves to
unlock the handle M' as follows, that is to say, the end of the pivot pin M8 is
constructed to project beyond the side of the lever M so that when the said lever is
turned to screw the breech-block home, the said pin strikes the stop m² before the
lever is arrested and is thereby driven inwards against the resistance of the
spring m² and thus withdraws the key m from the key-way m¹. The handle M' is
then free to be turned about its joint or pivot M8. In opening the breech, the
handle M is first raised and then operated to turn the breech-block, and
immediately the lever M retires from the stop m² the spring m² operates to push
the pin M out again and thus locks the handle M' by forcing the lug m into the
recess m'. m³ is another stop formed on the carrier ring to limit the rotary
movement of the lever M when unscrewing the breech-block. m³ is a recess or
depression formed in the face of the carrier ring D¹ in a position which is opposite
the hinge of the handle M' when the breech is closed. m is a short extension of
the handle M7 beyond the pivot, which extension is adapted to enter the said recess
when the handle is turned down as shown in Figure 9. When so turned down, the
handle serves to lock the breech-block in its closed position.
o is a plate fitted to slide within the lever M and connected at its upper end by a
short link o with the handle M' so that by turning the said handle about its
pivot M³ the plate o can be caused to slide along the lever M. As clearly shown
in Figure 10 the plate is constructed to slide in guide ways or grooves o* provided
in the lever. The pivot holes of the link o' are elongated to allow the lever M7 to
turn to the required extent. When this improved mechanism is adapted for firing
metallic cartridges the said sliding plate o carries a combined trigger and cocking
piece o². The said trigger is formed with a shank o³ which can slide in a socket of
fixed to the plate o. o is a spring for forcing the trigger outward from the socket.
o is the stem or spindle of the trigger which extends through the back of the
socket and is attached to an eye bolt o. 08 is the lanyard for pulling the trigger.
The hammer p is in the form of a three-armed lever, and has its fulcrum on a
pin p' extending transversely through a block p² let into the end of the breech-block.
One arm p³ of the said hammer extends backward through the rear face of the
breech-block into the path of the trigger. Another arm p¹ extends upward and
engages with the firing pin p, and the third arm p" has on it a pin or stud p² upon
which bears the main spring p. I prefer that the firing pin should be attached to
a piece p³ having a slot po through which the arm p₁ of the hammer extends.
10

page_text: With this construction it will be seen that when the trigger is pulled to release the
hammer, the arm p³ of the latter rises in front of the trigger, and prevents the
trigger recovering its initial position. When, however, the handle M is raised for
the purpose of opening the breech it carries with it the slide o and trigger until the
latter is raised above the arm p³ whereupon the spring of immediately acts to force
the trigger forward again above the end of the arm p³ of the hammer.
When the handle M' is turned down again to the position shown in Figure 9
after having re-closed the breech, the plate o is depressed carrying with it the
trigger, which latter is thereby caused to depress the arm på and thus recock the
hammer.
For preventing the raising of the handle M' unless and until the gun has been
fired, I provide a safety locking device as follows, that is to say, I attach to the
rear face of the lever M just below the trigger socket ot, a piece q carrying a spring
actuated bolt which projects through the lever and is adapted to enter a hole o
in the plate
o when the said plate is depressed, and thus lock the plate to the
operating lever. The said bolt q' has a projecting lip q2 which is adapted to engage
with a corresponding lip o projecting from the eye bolt o' so that when the said
bolt is pulled to release the hammer, it at the same time withdraws the locking
bolt from the hole o of the sliding plate o and thus allows the handle M' to be
raised for the purposes of unlocking the breech-block and opening the breech. The
bolt q is provided with a stem 93 to enable it to be withdrawn from the hole o" by
hand when desired.
In combination with the aforesaid breech-block and carrier ring I provide devices
for locking the carrier ring to the gun when the breech is closed, and for locking
the breech-block to the carrier ring when withdrawn from the gun. For these
purposes I attach to the peripheral surface of the ring a small bracket r to which I
pivot at a short lever which is curved at its forward end to form a latch, see
Figure 11. In the face of the breech end of the gun I form a cavity ² over which
I securely fix a plate 3 having a hole smaller than the cavity through which
hole the forward or curved end of the said lever can project. The other end of
the said lever is connected by a pin 5 with a spring-actuated bolt one end of
which passes through the carrier ring in the proper position to enter a hole r',
Figure 8, in the periphery of the breech-block, when the block has been withdrawn
from the gun.
The operation of this mechanism is as follows, that is to say, when the breech-
block has been turned to disengage its screw-threads from those of the breech, the
rearward pull on the handle M7 causes the block to slide out through the carrier
ring until its screw-threaded sections arrive at the end of the recesses D³ in the
ring. In this position of the block, the hole therein is in line with the pin 76 and
the latter can then enter the said hole when the forward end of the lever r¹ is
released. The continued pull on the handle M7 now causes the carrier ring to
swing on its hinges, because the latch or lever ¹ is no longer prevented from turning
about its pivot. The same movement which causes the lever or latch r¹ to clear the
edge of the hole also causes or allows the bolt to enter the hole in the breech-
block and lock the block to the carrier ring.
During the re-closing of the breech, the curved part of the lever slides over
the curved edge 10 of the hole and the lever is thereby turned about its pivot
thus compressing the spring on the bolt until the latch passes behind the inner
edge of the plate around the hole, and the bolt is withdrawn from the hole
thus freeing the breech-block. The latter is then pushed into the breech by the
continued thrust on the lever M', and in so doing a plain part of the breech-block
passes underneath the bolt thus locking the said bolt and preventing the
unlatching of the carrier ring until the breech has again been withdrawn as
above described.
The extracting mechanism comprises a lever s which is pivoted on a pin s¹ passed
through the body of the gun. The inner end of the said lever is adapted to
engage with the rim of the cartridge, and the outer end abuts against a plate or

page_text: pieces which is arranged to slide in parallel grooves s³ extending forward from
the joint or hinge of the carrier bracket along the side of the gun. The said
carrier has a lug or projection which in the opening of the breech acts upon
the rear extremity of the pieces and slides the said piece in its groove, thus
acting upon the extractor lever in such a manner as to withdraw the spent
cartridge from the gun.
Figures 12, 12 and 13, illustrate a modification of my invention wherein the
breech-block is in the form of a plug, but instead of being turned about its axis
to secure it in the gun, or to release it therefrom, it is secured and released by
turning the breech ring about its axis. N is the breech ring which is preferably
formed of steel. The exterior periphery of the said ring is formed with screw-
threads N¹ which engage with corresponding screw-threads in the body of the gun.
The inner periphery of the said ring is formed with a series of circular ribs and
grooves N2 at equal distances apart, and interrupted at intervals or divided into
segments. The breech-block is formed with corresponding circular segmental or
interrupted ribs and grooves which engage with those of the ring. The arrange-
ment in respect of the segmental form of the ribbed and grooved portions and
blank spaces is similar to that of an ordinary segmental or interrupted screw
breech-block. The breech-block and inner surface of the breech ring are made
with a considerable taper so that the block when unscrewed will be free to swing
about its hinge pin out of the breech without any longitudinal sliding movement
such as is required with cylindrical breech-screws.
The breech-block or plug is formed integrally or solidly with a part B° which,
by means of the pin or bolt F', is hinged to one side of the gun. On its rear end
the breech ring N has an internal quadrant or series of teeth N³ which gear with
a pinion P carried by the breech block.
The said pinion is fixed on or formed solid with a short shaft P' one end of
which enters a bearing in the end of the breech-block, and the other end of which
projects through a cover plate P2 which serves to keep the pinion in its place. On
the outer end of the shaft P¹ I fix a cam plate P³ which has hinged to it at Q' a
handle for rotating the pinion to turn the ring N about its axis in the gun. The
said breech-block or plug carries a spring actuated striker or firing pin R arranged
to slide in the axis of the block, and arranged in connection with a cocking
lever R pivoted at R² to a piece R³ which is received in a recess R* formed
in the end of the block. The trigger R³ is mounted in a socket R formed in a
slide R' which can travel in a slot P4 provided in the cover plate P2. R8 is the
piece to which the cord or lanyard for pulling the trigger is attached. R' is the
trigger spring which presses forward the trigger into engagement with the tail R10
of the cocking lever.
The cam plate P³ is provided with a spiral or cam groove P into which projects
a pin P' fixed or formed on the slide R' which carries the trigger, and by the
rotation of the said cam plate the said slide R7 can be moved to and fro in its
guide slot. The parts are shown in Figure 13 in the position they occupy when
the gun is ready to be fired. Upon pulling the trigger so as to release the cocking
lever, the firing pin is driven forward by its spring and fires the gun. When the
cam plate P³ is rotated to open the breech, the cam groove 16 operates through
the pin P to slide the plate R' to the left, until the trigger R³ is drawn past the
tail end R of the cocking lever and re-engages therewith. In closing the
breech, the backward rotation of the cam plate 13 pushes back the slide R' and
re-cocks the striking pin R.
The hinged connection of the handle Q with the cam plate P³ permits the said
handle to be turned upward as shown in dotted lines Figure 12 when required to
operate the mechanism, and turned downward as shown in full lines to bring a
projection Q near the pivot thereof into engagement with a groove or notch P
in the cover plate P2 to lock the breech ring when the breech is closed.
R is a stop on the body of the gun to limit the rotation of the breech ring.
An ejecting lever s is pivoted on a pin s¹ in the body of the gun in a convenient

page_text: position to be struck by a projection B10 on the hinge of the breech-block when the
said block is swung outward clear of the breech.
It will be obvious from the above description that the breech ring when turned
to lock or unlock the breech-plug has by reason of its screw threaded periphery a
slight longitudinal movement carrying the plug with it. To permit of this longi-
tudinal movement, the hole in the bracket for receiving the pin F' is slightly
elongated. The breech ring has around its forward or inner end a lip or flange N
against which the rim of the cartridge lies when the cartridge is pushed into the
gun. Therefore when the breech ring is turned to unlock the breech-plug, and
moves outward as above described, it operates through the flange N' to start or
loosen the spent cartridge from the gun, and so facilitates the final ejection by the
lever s.
In Figures 14 to 18 I have shown improved breech-mechanism in combination
with means for using either hydraulic or hand power for opening and closing the
breech, the mechanism being shown applied to a breech wherein the block is
arranged in combination with a ring such as that described with reference to
Figures 12 and 13. D¹ is a carrier bracket hinged at F to the gun and con-
structed with a tray D to receive the breech-block when the latter is withdrawn
from the breech. For withdrawing the breech-block from the gun I use a lever T
which is secured to the hinge bolt F of the carrier bracket, and is connected to
the block by means of a stud T¹ on the block which projects into a long slot T2 in
the end of the lever.
D' is a slot formed in the tray to allow the piu T¹ to travel to and fro.
I provide two arrangements of hydraulic apparatus either of which can be
worked by hand for operating the breech-block, one being used to unlock the
block and the other to withdraw the block when unlocked and swing it away from
the breech.
The hydraulic apparatus for turning the ring N to unlock the breech-block
comprises a cylinder V attached to the gun and provided with a piston V₁ which
has a hollow piston rod V. On the said rod at the part thereof external to the
cylinder is formed a worm V3 which is in gear with worm teeth No formed on the
periphery of the ring.
V Vare the inlet and outlet apertures for the liquid. The hydraulic apparatus
is double acting. V is a shaft which extends through the hollow piston rod from
end to end thereof and through the cylinder cover V which is suitably packed to
prevent leakage. V is a handle for turning the said shaft by hand.
When
The shaft is connected with the hollow piston rod by feather keys V8, or their
equivalent, which allow the piston rod to slide on the shaft while compelling the
worm and shaft to turn together when the shaft is rotated. The said shaft is
prevented from sliding endwise by a pin V₁ which passes transversely through the
cylinder cover and through a circumferential groove V10 cut in the shaft.
hydraulic power is used to turn the ring N, the worm V³ is, by the pressure acting
on the piston V, caused to slide axially on the shaft V5, and in this movement the
worm acts as a rack upon the teeth No and rotates the ring. When however hand
power is used, that is to say, when the shaft is rotated by means of the aforesaid
handle, the worm, being also rotated, acts as an ordinary worm upon the said
teeth and turns the ring. It is necessary when using hand power to prevent the
worm from sliding on the shaft Vs. For this purpose I provide a locking ring or
sleeve which is screwed into the gun and is formed with interrupted screw
threads somewhat similar to those of a breech-screw so that by partially rotating
the same it can be freed from the screw threads in the gun. When free, it will
allow the worm shaft to slide freely, but in its locked position it prevents the
sliding of the said worm and acts as a thrust bearing therefor. V12 is a handle for
turning the said ring or sleeve to lock the worm when the latter occupies the
extreme position on the left, that is to say, when the breech-block is screwed home
in the breech.
The apparatus for withdrawing the block from the breech when unlocked is

page_text: similar to that for unlocking the breech. It consists of a hydraulic cylinder W,
with inlet and outlet passages W', W' for the liquid, a piston W2, and hollow
piston rod W3 on the part of which external to the cylinder is formed a worm W4
which gears with a worm wheel W' fixed on the hinge bolt F of the carrier
bracket. There is also a shaft We passing through the hollow piston rod and
engaging with the worm by feather keys W. The said shaft is prevented from
axial movement by a pin W, and groove W as in the other cylinder. W10 is a
handle for turning the shaft by hand. The arrangement for locking the worm
when hand power is to be used comprises a U-shaped key or plug W" which is
intended to be passed through the side of the bearing into a groove W12 cut in the
said bearing so as to embrace a neck or reduced part W13 of the worm shaft. This
arrangement is clearly indicated in Figure 18 which shows a transverse section of
the locking device. The key or plug W is removed when hydraulic power is to
be used.
It is obvious that if the first described hydraulic or manually operated apparatus
be actuated to turn the ring N and so unlock the breech-block, the second
hydraulic or hand apparatus can then be put in operation to withdraw the block.
By the time the block is completely withdrawn, the stud T' arrives at the end of
the slot D in the tray, and the continued rotation of the hinge bolt F then acts to
swing the carrier bracket with the block thereon away from the breech.
Referring now to Figures 19 to 21, the breech-block B slides vertically in the
breech-frame to open and close the breech, and is operated by levers 1 and 2
mounted on a transverse shaft 3. The block B is concave on its upper surface
between its sides 60 which are formed with vertical ribs and grooves at b engaging
with similar ribs and grooves in the sides or cheeks of the breech-frame. These
ribs and grooves (of which there may be any convenient or requisite number) are
so formed and arranged as to afford a large area of bearing or resisting surface to
the block B to support the same against the pressure tending to force it away from
the breech of the gun.
The said ribs are inclined as shown in Figure 19. I prefer
that the ribs should be slightly undercut as shown at 1, Figure 20, in such a
manner as to counteract or resist any tendency that might exist to widen or
increase the space between the checks or sides of the breech-frame A. The con-
struction of the block and frame with these ribs and grooves permits a considerable
reduction in the length of the breech frame A, that is to say, in the distance
between the surface against which the forward face of the breech-block slides, and
the extreme rear end of the breech-frame. This reduction in the length of the
breech-frame greatly facilitates the loading of the gun, which can be very rapidly
performed. The grooves and ribs moreover give increased bearing surface and
shearing resistance.
The breech-block B carries the firing pin p³ arranged to slide in a cavity in the
block as shown in Figure 19. p is a three-armed lever the fulcrum or pivot pin pl
of which is supported in the sides of the breech-block. The arm engages with
the firing pin. The arm p is subjected to the action of the main spring p³, and
the arm engages, when the gun is cocked, with the rib o" of the trigger o².
The most important feature of this part of my invention consists in providing a gun
such as that above described with improved means for extracting and ejecting the
spent cartridges, according to which I combine, with a sliding wedge which starts
the cartridge-case from the gun chamber, an ejecting lever which completes the
expulsion of the cartridge case from the gun. For this purpose I fix or form on
the forward end of the breech-block, one or two, but preferably two, inclined or
wedge like ribs or blades 63, 63 so arranged that when the breech-block is properly
closed after having inserted a cartridge in the gun chamber, the said ribs or
blades, will become engaged behind and in contact with the cartridge rim or
flange. During the downward movement of the breech-block to open the breech,
the said block has, owing to the inclination of the ribs b, a slight rearward
movement imparted to it, and the ribs or blades 63, 63 are thereby caused to have a
wedge-like action upon the flange of the spent cartridge, thus exerting considerable

page_text: force to start the cartridge case from the gun chamber. s is the ejector-lever
which is pivoted at s' to the breech end of the gun. This lever has a long arm or
a pair of long arms so arranged as to engage with the flange or rim of the cartridge
in the gun-chamber as shown in Figure 19. The said lever also has a short arm s
projecting into the path of a shoulder or projection of the breech-block, so that
as the block descends in the opening of the breech the said shoulder strikes the
arms and thereby actuates the long arm of the ejector to throw or jerk the
already partly extracted or loosened spent cartridge entirely out of the gun.
I provide at the rear end of the breech frame a rib or shoulder A, and at the
rear upper end or corner of the breech-block a projection or lug 6 which descends
and rests upon the rib A° when the breech is opened. The object of this con-
struction is to receive the weight and take up the shock of the breech-block when
opening the breech, instead of allowing the whole weight to be thrown on the
lever 2.
In opening the breech, to eject a cartridge case, it is necessary to let the
breech-block fall almost by its own weight, so that the impetus of the falling block
will suddenly operate on the lever s and jerk out the cartridge-case. Were the
weight of the block allowed repeatedly to fall entirely on the lever 2, it would in
time damage, if not break, the latter. By providing the rib or shoulder A°, and
lug, prevent injury to the lever 2 and thereby add strength to the breech-
mechanism as a whole.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is
1. The breech-block or screw, fitted to slide through and turn with a ring which
is carried by a hinged bracket, arranged in combination with a transverse operating-
shaft, and mechanism whereby all of the movements involved in the opening, or in
the closing, of the breech are effected by the continuous rotation of the said shaft
in one direction.
2. The rack geared with teeth on the said ring, and mounted loosely on the
transverse operating-shaft which is capable of a limited endwise movement, in
combination with the worm formed or fixed on the said shaft and geared with the
worm wheel fixed on the hinge bolt which is geared by means of the pinion and
longitudinal rack with the breech-block, substantially as described, for the purpose
specified.
3. The combination, with the worm-shaft E' and worm E, of the screw threaded
part E formed with or secured on the worm shaft, and working in a stationary
nut E having the same pitch as the worm, substantially as, and for the purpose,
specified.
4. The combination, with the plate H constructed and operated substantially as
described, of the extractor or ejector pivoted to the breech-block, and adapted
to be actuated by the plate H when the latter is raised, substantially as described,
and for the purpose specified.
5. The cocking, firing and ejecting mechanism, constructed and operating
substantially as described with reference to Figures 6 and 7 of the drawings.
6. The mechanism for locking the actuating ring C when the breech-block is
withdrawn, and for locking the breech-block, when withdrawn, to the carrier ring,
substantially as described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, for the purpose
specified.
7. The operating lever connected with the breech-screw and hinged or pivoted
to a block which is free to slide on the curved guide fixed to the gun, substantially
as, and for the purpose, specified.
8. The aforesaid lever provided with the handle pivoted thereto and arranged in
combination with the devices shewn in the drawings for locking and unlocking the
breech-block, substantially as described.
9. The combination, with the lever M and handle M², of the means which

page_text: operate to lock the handle in its raised position so long as the breech-block is
wholly or partially unscrewed, and to unlock the same when the breech-block is
properly screwed home, substantially as, and for the purpose specified.
10. The combination, with the means for locking and unlocking the handle M',
of the means for preventing the rotation of the breech-block when the said handle
is turned down, substantially as described.
11. The combination, with the breech-operating lever and its handle, of a plate
which is adapted to slide in guides in the lever, and which is coupled by a link to
the handle, and a spring-controlled combined cocking piece and trigger mounted in
a socket carried by the said sliding plate, substantially as, and for the purpose,
specified.
12. The combination, with the devices claimed in the last preceding claiming
clause, of a spring controlled pin for locking the sliding plate, and arranged to
be withdrawn from the locking position when the trigger is pulled, substantially as,
and for the purpose, specified.
13. The combined cocking and firing mechanism, constructed substantially as
described with reference to Figures 8 to 10 of the drawings, and operating as
specified.
14. The locking devices constructed substantially as described with reference to
Figures 8 and 11, and operating as, and for the purposes, specified.
15. The extracting mechanism constructed and operated substantially in the
manner described with reference to Figures 8 and 10 of the drawings.
16. A screw-threaded rotatable breech-ring constructed and adapted to operate
as herein described, in combination with a non-rotatable taper or conical breech-
block which is hinged to the gun, and which by the turning of the said breech-ring
about its axis can be secured in the gun, or can be released to permit the breech to
be opened.
17. The combination, with the aforesaid taper breech-block and locking ring, of
the means for turning the locking ring about its axis, substantially as described,
for the purpose specified.
18. The combination, with the said breech-block, and the means for turning the
said locking ring about its axis, of the trigger slide R' having a pin P7 which
engages with a cam groove P in the rotary plate P³, substantially as described,
for the purpose specified.
19. The combination, with the said breech-block, of the cocking and firing
mechanism, constructed and operated substantially as described with reference to
Figures 12 and 13.
20. The locking-ring having the flange N at the inner end thereof, substantially
as, and for the purpose, specified.
21. The combination of the taper breech-block or plug pivoted to the gun, the
locking-ring flange N', and the ejector lever s arranged to be actuated when the
breech is opened, substantially as described, for the purpose specified.
22. The combination, with the non-rotatable breech-block, of the rotatable ring,
and means for operating the said ring, by manual power and by hydraulic power,
for the purpose specified.
23. The combination, with the non-rotatable breech-block of means for moving
the block endwise in and out of the gun, by manual power and by hydraulic power,
for the purpose specified.
24. The means for preventing the axial or end wise movements of the worm
shafts, substantially as described with reference to Figure 14 or to Figure 17, for
the purpose specified.
25. In breech-mechanism such as that described in Figures 19 to 21, the
combination, with the wedge-like ribs in the breech-block which loosen the
cartridge when the block descends, of an ejecting levers constructed substantially
as described, and operating as specified.
26. The projection on the breech-block, in combination with the shoulder A°
on the gun, substantially as, and for the purpose specified.

page_text: 27. A gun, provided with my improvements in breech-mechanism, constructed
and operating substantially as described with reference to Figures 1 to 5, or to
Figures 8 to 11, or to Figures 12 and 13, or to Figures 14 to 18, or to Figures 19
to 21 of the drawings.
Dated this 30th day of March 1893.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.