Improvements in Quick Firing Guns.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 7th Nov., 1899
Complete Specification Left, 20th Apr., 1900-Accepted, 2nd June, 1900
Date of Application, fin NY, 1899
Complete Specification Left, 20th Apr., 1900-Accepted, 2nd June, 1900
Improvements in Quick Firing Guns.
A communication from abroad by LAURENCE, V. BENÉT, Artillery Engineer.
of 21, Rue Royale, Paris, France, and HENRI A. MERCIE, Mechanical
Engineer, of 21, Rue Royale, Paris, France.
We, THE HOTCHKISS ORDNANCE COMPANY, LIMITED, of 49, Parliament Street,
S.W., in the County of London, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
to be as follows:-
Our invention relates to that class of guns employing fixed metallic ammunition,
and more particularly to that class of guns wherein the breeclý mechanism is
operated by means of a rotating or swinging hand-lever, and especially to guns
mounted on one of the forms of the so-called automatic recoil mounts.
The object of our invention is to provide means by which the breech is auto-
matically opened upon the discharge of the piece with consequent extraction
and ejection of the empty cartridge case; means for automatically locking the
breech in the " open" position; means for automatically unlocking the breech
upon the introduction of a fresh cartridge; and means for automatically closing
the breech when unlocked. A secondary object of our invention is to provide
mechanism performing the above, stated functions, which may be applied to
existing guns without essential modification of the breech mechanism, and which
will, within reasonable limits, be independent of the amount of recoil realized by
each round fired, and of the precision with which the gun returns to the "' in
battery" or firing position.
60 far
In the accompanying drawings which illustrate our invention, it is shown as
applied to the well known Hotchkiss quick firing gun mounted on the well known
Fletcher recoil mounting. In the following description the mechanism of the
gun and mounting will be described and referred to only in
as it may relate to and co-operate with our invention. Fig. 1 is a side elevation of
gun and mounting, showing the gun as loaded, with the breech closed,
and ready for firing. Fig. 2 18 the corresponding view in plan.
Fig. 3 15 a longitudinal section along the line A, A of Fig. 2.
Fig. 4 is a horizontal section through the line B, B of Fig. 3, the extractor being
shown in plan. Fig. 5 is a longitudinal section of the extractor along the line B, B
of Fig. 3. Fig. 6 is a cross section through the line C, C of Fig. 5. Fig. 7
is the elevation, and Fig. 8 the plan view of the gun and mounting during the
recoil but before the recoil has been completed. Fig. 9 is the elevation, and
Fig. 10 the plan view of the gun and mounting during the return to battery,
but before the return to battery has been completed. Fig. 11 is a longitudinal
section through the line D, D of Fig. 9. Fig. 12 is a section through the line E, I
of Fig. 11. Fig. 14 is a side elevation of the gun and mounting showing the
D
077

page_text: gun completely in battery, and ready for reloading. Fig. 14 is a side view of the
extractor, and Fig. 15 a section through the line F, F of Fig. 14.
In all the figures, like numbers designate like parts.
In the present illustration of the application of our invention to the well known
Hotchkiss gun, no change is made in the mechanism for manoeuvering the breech
block, and for cocking and firing the piece, with the following exception: the
extractor groove 1 is prolonged to the rear to form the horizontal abutment 2,
which registers with the lower surface 8 of the extractor stud 6, when the extractor
is in its rearmost position.
The extractor 3, slides as usual, in the T-slot 4, cut in the left side of the
breech housing. It is provided with a claw 5 and a stud 6, which latter is
in engagement with the extractor groove 1; the extraction of the empty car-
tridge case is produced when, during the downward movement of the breech
block, the extractor stud 6 is struck by the upper surface of the inclined
portion 7 of the extractor groove. On the breech block rising to close the breech,
the abutment 2 in the extractor groove 1 strikes against the lower surface 8 of the
extractor stud 6, and prevents the breech from closing.
66
In order to secure the breech block in this position, and to prevent any rebound
of the extractor, the latter is arranged as follows: To the rear is formed the
shoulder 9, and the back of the extractor is sloped to the front and rear so as
to form a hump at 10, about which it may pivot in its T-slot. A spring 11,
mounted in the extractor, bears against the bottom of the T-slot, and tends to
pivot the extractor about the hump 10, forcing the claw 5 toward, and the
shoulder 9 away from the axis of the gun. It is therefore evident that when the
breech is fully open, and the extractor in its rearward position, the shoulder 9
will engage behind the rear surface of the breech housing at 12, and lock the
extractor against any forward movement. In this position, the gun is ready
for loading, and both breech block and extractor are locked in the
position. On inserting a fresh cartridge, the flange of the cartridge case
strikes the claw 5 of the extractor, causing this latter to pivot about
the hump 10, freeing the shoulder 9 from engagement with the surface of the
breech housing 12, and to slide forward releasing the surface 8 of the extractor
atud 6 from engagement with the abutment 2 of the extractor slot, thus per-
mitting the breech block to rise and close the breech. If, before loading, a con-
stant tension be applied to the crank handle 16, tending to turn it to the front,
by means of a spring or otherwise, on inserting a cartridge in the gun the extractor
and breech block will be unlocked, and the breech will immediately be closed,
and the gun ready for firing.
open
The spring 11, Figs. 14 and 15, is secured by means of a dove-tail and the
projection 13 which engages behind the shoulder 14 formed in its seat in the
extractor. In order to dismount the spring, it is necessary to lift its front end
freeing the projection 18 from the shoulder 14 and slipping the spring to the
front, an operation which can only be performed after removing the extractor
from the gun.
On the hub 15 of the crank handle 16 is formed a pair of lugs 17, between
which is pivoted on the pin 18, the lug 19 of the rod 20. The rear end of this
rod is formed into a hook 21, on which is hung one end of the stout spiral
spring 22. The body 20 of the rod engages in and is supported by the sleeve 23,
and is terminated by the concave surface 24.
The sleeve 23 is hinged to the bracket 25 by means of the pin 26; this bracket
may be riveted or otherwise attached to the cradle of the gun mounting, or be
cast in one with this piece. As the cradle of the mounting does not participate
in the recoil, it is evident that the rod 20, recoiling with the gun, will slide within
the sleeve, whilst the latter will remain in place.
Above the sleeve 23, and to the front of its pin 26, the bell crank 27 is pivoted
to the bracket 25 by means of the pin 28. The bell crank is provided with
two branches 29 and 30. Of these the upper branch 29 is provided with an

page_text: eye on in which may be engaged the forward end of the spiral spring 22, which
is therefore in tension between the hook 21 of the rod 20 and the branch 29
of the bell crank 27.
:
When the gun recoils, carrying with it the rod 20, the spring 22 is extended,
and the bell crank 27 swings about its pivot 28 until the lower branch 30 bears
against the upper surface of the rod 20; the sleeve 23 is provided with a slot
to permit the passage of the branch 30. When the gun has so far recoiled that
the end 24 of the rod has cleared the end of the branch 30, the bell crank swings
downward until its motion is arrested by the abutment 271 striking against the
surface 27; in this position, Figs. 7 and 8, the end of the branch 30 is in wake
of the end 24 of the rod 20. The gun continues to recoil, but on returning to
battery the end 24 of the rod 20 strikes against the end of the branch 30 of the
bell crank 27. To insure a proper bearing, and to provide for freeing the rod
as explained later on, the end 24 and the branch 30 are respectively concave and
convex with a radius struck from the axis of the pin 28 as a centre. The rod 20
being held fast, and the gun continuing its motion of returning to battery, through
the pin 18 and the lugs 17 causes the crank handle to turn to the rear opening
the breech, the various parts of the mechanism passing from the positions shown
by Figs. 7 and 8, to those shown by Figs. 9 and 10. In this position, as already
explained, the extractor and breech block are locked in the
"
open position.
The gun continuing its motion of returning to battery, the lug 32 which is
either attached to or cast in one with the slide of the mounting and therefore moves
with the gun, strikes the upper branch 29 of the bell crank 27, causing this latter
to revolve and free its lower branch 30 from engagement with the end 24 of the
rod 20. The mechanism is now in the position shown in Fig. 13, the spring 22
in full tension between the hell crank 27 and the hook 21 of the rod 20. If
now the extractor be unlocked from the engagement of its shoulder 9 with the
surface 12 of the breech housing, and it be pushed to the front freeing stud 6
from engagement with the abutment 2 on the breech block, the latter will be
raised closing the breech, by the tension of the spring 22 acting through the rod 20
upon the crank handle.
The action of the mechanism is as follows: Suppose the discharge to have
just taken place, Fig. 1; the gun recoils carrying with it the rod 20, which slides
along the sleeve 23, and extends the spiral spring 22. The tension of the spring
causes the branch 30 of the bell crank 27 to bear firmly upon the upper surface of
the rod; when the end 24 of the rod has passed beyond the extremity of the
branch 30, the bell crank 27 revolves about its pivot 28 until the abutment 27¹
strikes against the surface 27", and the extremity of the branch 30 is in wake of .
the rod 20 Fig. 7. The gun completes its recoil with the parts of the mechanism
in these relative positions, and on returning to battery, the end of the rod 24
strikes against the extremity of the branch 30 of the bell crank, and as the
rod cannot continue its motion towards the front, it causes the crank handle 16
to revolve, opening the breech. During the opening of the breech, the extractor
moves to the rear, first extracting, and then ejecting the empty cartridge case.
When the breech is fully open, the shoulder 9 of the extractor is beyond the rear
surface 12 of the breech housing, and the pressure of the spring 11 causes the
extractor to rotate about the hump 10, the shouldor 9 looks behind the surface 12,
and any rebound or forward movement of the extractor is prevented. In this
position of the extractor, the surface 8 of its stud 6 is in position above the
abutment 2 of the extructor slot 1, and the breech block is prevented from rising.
to close the breech. As the gun continues its movement into battery, the lug 32
strikes the upper branch 29 of the bell crank, 27, causing this piece to rotate and
free the branch 30 from engagement with the end 24 of the rod, Fig 13. The
gun now returns fully into battery. As the rod 20 is now free, the spiral
spring 22 is in tension between the crank handle 16 and the lug 32, through the
intermediary of the bell crank to the front, and of the hook 21, the pin 17, and
the lugs 19 to the rear. If now a fresh cartridge be inserted in the chamber of

page_text: the gun, its flange or rim will strike the claw 5 of the extractor, causing this
latter to rotate about the hump 10 freeing the shoulder 9 from the surface 12,
and to move forward freeing the surface 8 of the extractor stud from engagement
with the abutment 2 of the extractor slot 1; the tension of the spring 22 causes
the crank handle 16 to rotate to the front closing the breech, and the gun is loaded
and ready for another shot.
It should be particularly observed that the lengths of the branch 30 of the bell
crank 27, and of the rod 20, may be so adjusted that the opening of the breech
may be operated, within reasonable limits, at any period of the return to battery,
thus providing for an abnormally short recoil, as in the case of firing with reduced
charges, or faulty working of the mounting. On the other hand, the position of
the lug 32 may be so adjusted that the freeing of the branch 30 from engagement
with the end 24 of the rod may be effected-within reasonable limits at any
period of the return to battery, thus permitting provision to be made for an
incomplete return to battery, as in the case of a weakened returning spring, or
faulty working of the mounting.
It goes without saying, that if the spring 22 be removed, or if the rod 20 be
disengaged from the lugs of the crank handle 16, that the opening and closing
of the breech may be operated by hand as in the case of an ordinary quick
firing gun.
Whilst this invention is shown as applied to the mechanism of the well known
Hotchkiss quick firing gun, it is obvious that it may be applied in whole or
in part, with or without slight or considerable modification, to the mechanisms
of quick firing guns of any systems whatever. We do not, therefore, limit our-
selves to this particular application of our invention.
WIL
Tamm ha 1900
W. LLOYD WISE,
46, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C.,
Chartered Patent Agent.
Марготсщущие
A communication from abroad by LAURENCE V. BENET, Artillery Engineer,
of 21, Rue Royale, Paris, France, and HENRI A. MERCIÉ, Mechanical
Engineer, of 21, Rue Royale, Paris, France.
We, THE HOTCHKISS ORDNANCE COMPANY, LIMITED, of 49, Parliament Street,
S.W., in the County of London, 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:—
Our invention relates to that class of guns employing fixed metallic ammunition,
and more particularly to that class of guns wherein the breech mechanism is
operated by means of a rotating or swinging hand-lever, and especially to guns
mounted on one of the forms of the so-called automatic recoil mounts.
The object of our invention is to provide means by which the breech is auto-
matically opened upon the discharge of the piece with consequent extraction
and ejection of the empty cartridge case; means for automatically locking the
breech in the "open" position; means for automatically unlocking the breech
upon the introduction of a fresh cartridge; and means for automatically closing
the breech when unlocked. A secondary object of our invention is to provide a

page_text: mechanism performing the above stated functions, which may be applied to
existing guns without essential modification of the breech mechanism, and which
will, within reasonable limits, be independent of the amount of recoil realized by
each round fired, and of the precision with which the gun returns to the
battery" or firing position.
"6
in
In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate two means of carrying out our
invention, the invention is shown as applied, in both instances, to the well known
Hotchkiss quick-firing gun.
Figs. 1 to 16 inclusive show one arrangement.
Figs. 17 to 25 show a modified construction.
Fig. 1 is a side elevation of gun and mounting, showing the gun as loaded, with
the breech closed, and ready for firing.
Fig. 2 is the corresponding view in plan.
Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section along the line A A of Fig. 2.
Fig. 4 is a longitudinal section through the line B B of Fig. 3, the extractor
being aliown in plan.
Fig. 5 is a horizontal section of the extractor along the line B B of Fig. 3.
Fig. is a cross section through the line C C of Fig. 5.
Fig. 7 is a transverse section on the line I D of Figs. 1 and 2.
Fig. 8 is the elevation, and Fig. 9 the plan view of the gun and mounting
during the recoil, but before the recoil has been completed.
Fig. 10 is the elevation, and Fig. 11 the plan view of the gun and mounting
during the return to battery, but before the return to battery has been completed.
Fig. 12 is a longitudinal section through the line E E of Fig. 11.
Fig. 13 is a section through the line F F of Fig. 12.
Fig. 14 is a side elevation of the gun and mounting showing the gun com-
pletely in battery, and ready for reloading.
Fig. 15 is a side view of the extractor, and Fig. 16 a section through the line G G
of Fig. 15.
In the present illustration of the application of our invention to the well known
Hotchkiss gun, no change is made in the mechanism for manoeuvering the breech
block, and for cocking and firing the piece, with the following exception; the
extractor groove 1 is prolonged to the rear to form the horizontal abutment 2,
which registers with the lower surface 8, Fig. 15, of the extractor stud 6, when
the extractor is in its rearmost position.
The extractor 3 slides as usual in the T-slot 4, cut in the left side of the
breech. housing. It is provided with a claw 5 and a stud 6, which latter is
in engagement with the extractor groove 1; the extraction of the empty car-
tridge case is produced when, during the downward movement of the breech
block. the extractor stud 6 is struck by the upper surface of the inclined
portion (Figs. 1 and 8) of the extractor groove 1. On the breech block rising
to close the breech, the abutment 2 in the extractor groove 1 strikes against
the lower surface 8 of the extractor stud 6, and prevents the breech from closing.
In order to secure the breech block in this position, and to prevent any rebound
of the extractor, the latter is arranged as follows: To the rear is formed the
shoulder 9, and the back of the extractor is sloped to the front and rear so as
to form a hump at 10 (Fig. 16) about which it may pivot in its T-slot. A spring 11
mounted in the extractor bears against the bottom of the T-slot, and tends to
pivot the extractor about the hump 10, forcing the claw 5 toward, and the
shoulder 9 away from the axis of the gun. It is therefore evident that when the
breech is fully open, and the extractor in its rearward position, the shoulder 9
will engage behind the rear surface of the breech housing at 12 and lock the
extractor against any forward movement.
In this position, the gun is ready for loading, and both breech block and extractor
are locked in the "open" position. On inserting a fresh cartridge, the flange of the
cartridge case strikes the claw 5 of the extractor, causing this latter to pivot about
the hump 10, freeing the shoulder 9 from engagement with the surface 12 of the

page_text: .breech housing, and to slide forward, releasing the surface 8 of the extractor
stud 6 from engagement with the abutment 2 of the extractor slot, thus per-
mitting the breech block to rise and close the breech. If, before loading, a con-
stant tension be applied to the crank handle 16, tending to turn it to the front,
by means of a spring or otherwise, on inserting a cartridge in the gun the extractor
and breech block will be unlocked, and the breech will immediately be closed,
and the gun ready for firing.
The spring 11, Figs. 15 and 16, is secured by means of a dove tail and a
projection 13 which engages behind the shoulder 14 formed in its seat in the
extractor 3. In order to dismount the spring, it is necessary to lift its front end
freeing the projection 13 from the shoulder 14 and slipping the spring to the
front, an operation which can only be performed after removing the extractor
from the gun.
On the hub 15 of the crank handle 16 is formed a pair of lugs 17, between
which is pivoted on a pin 18 the lug 19 of a rod 20. The rear end of this
rod is formed into a hook 21, on which is hung one end of a stout spiral
spring 22. The body of the rod 20 engages in and is supported by a sleeve 23,
and is terminated by a concave surface 24.
The sleeve 23 is hinged to a bracket 25 by means of the pin 26; this bracket
may be rivetted or otherwise attached to the cradle 27, Fig. 7, of the gun mounting.
As the said cradle does not participate in the recoil, it is evident that the rod 20,
recoiling with the gun, will slide within the sleeve 23, whilst the latter will remain
in place.
Above the sleeve 23, and to the front of its pin 26, is a bell crank 28 pivoted to
the bracket 25 by a pin 29 and provided with two branches 30 and 31. Of
these the upper branch 30 is provided with an eye 32 in which may be engaged
the forward end of the spiral spring 22, which is therefore in tension between the
hook 21 of the rod 20 and the branch 30 of the bell crank 28.
When the gun recoils, carrying with it the rod 20, the spring 22 is extended,
and the bell crank 28 swings about its pivot 29 until the lower branch 31 bears
against the upper surface of the rod 20; the sleeve 23 is provided with a slot to
permit the passage of the branch 31. When the gun has so far recoiled that
the end 24 of the rod has cleared the end of the branch 31, the bell crank swings
downward until its motion is arrested by an abutment 33 striking against a
surface 34 formed on the inside of the bracket 25; in this position, Figs. 8 and 9,
the end of the branch 31 is in wake of the end 24 of the rod 20. The gun
continues to recoil, but, on returning to battery, the end 24 of the rod 20. strikes
against the end of the branch 31 of the bell crank 28. To insure a proper bearing,
and to provide for freeing the rod, as explained later on, the end 24 and the
branch 31 are respectively concave or convex with a radius substantially struck
from the axis of the pin 29 as a centre. The rod 20 being held fast, and the gun
continuing its motion of returning to battery, causes the crank handle, through
the pin 18 and the lugs 17, to turn to the rear, opening the breech, the various
parts of the mechanism passing from the positions shown by Figs. 8 and 9 to
those shown by Figs. 10 and 11. In this position, as already explained, the
extractor 3 and breech block are locked in the " open" position.
The gun continuing its motion of returning to battery, a lug 35 which is
either attached to or cast in one with the slide 36, Fig. 7, of the mounting and
therefore moves with the gun, strikes the upper branch 30 of the bell crank 28,
causing this latter to revolve and free its lower branch 31 from engagement
with the end 24 of the rod 20. The mechanism now in the position shown
in Fig. 14, the spring 22 in full tension between the bell crank 28 and the
hook 21 of the rod 20. If now the extractor 3 be unlocked from the engagement
of its shoulder 9 with the surface 12 of the breech housing, and it be pushed to
the front, freeing stud 0 from engagement with the abutment 2 on the breech
block, the latter will be raised, closing the breech, by the tension of the spring 22
acting through the rod 20 upon the crank handle 16.

page_text: The action of the mechanism is as follows: Suppose the discharge to have
just taken place, Fig. 1; the gun recoils carrying with it the rod 20, which slides
along the sleeve 23, and extends the spiral spring 22. The tension of the spring
causes the branch 31 of the bell crank 28 to bear firmly upon the upper surface
of the rod; when the end 24 of the rod has passed beyond the extremity of the
said branch 31, the bell crank 28 revolves about its pivot 29 until the abutment 33
strikes against the surface 34, and the extremity of the branch 31 is in wake of
the rod 20, Fig. 8. The gun completes its recoil with the parts of the mechanism
in these relative positions, and on returning to battery, the end 24 of the rod 20
strikes against the extremity of the branch 31 of the bell crank 28, and as the
rod cannot continue its motion towards the front, it causes the crank-handle 16
to revolve, opening the breech see Fig. 10. During the opening of the breech
the extractor 3 moves to the rear, first extracting and then ejecting the empty
cartridge case. When the breech is fully open, Figs. 10, 11, the shoulder 9 of
the extractor is beyond the rear surface 12, Figs. 12 and 13, of the breech housing,
and the pressure of the spring 11 causes the extractor to rotate about the hump 10,
the shoulder 9 locks behind the surface 12, and any rebound or forward movement
of the extractor is prevented. In this position of the extractor, the surface 8,
Fig. 16, of its stud 6 is in position above the abutment 2 of the extractor slot 1,
and the breech block is prevented from rising to close the breech. As the gun con-
tinues its movement into battery, the lug 35 strikes the upper branch 30 of the bell
crank 28, causing this piece to rotate and freeing the branch 31 from engagement
with the end 24 of the rod 20, Fig. 14. The gun now returns fully into battery.
As the rod 20 is now free, the spiral spring 22 is in tension between the crank
handle 16 and the lug 35, through the intermediary of the bell crank 28 to the
front, and of the hook 21, the pin. 17, and the lugs 19, to the rear.
If now a
fresh cartridge be inserted in the chamber of the gun, its Hange or rim will
atrike the claw 5 of the extractor and cause this latter to rotate about the hump 10,
freeing the 'shoulder 9 from the surface 12, and to move forward, freeing the sur-
face 8 of the extractor stud 6 from engagement with the abutment 2 of the extractor
slot 1; the tension of the spring 22 causes the crank handle 16 to rotate to the
front closing the breech, and the gun is loaded and ready for another shot.
It should be particularly observed that the lengths of the branch 31 of the
bell crank 28, and of the rod 20 may be so adjusted that the opening of the breech
may be operated, within reasonable limits, at any period of the return to battery,
thus providing for an abnormally short recoil, as in the case of firing with reduced
charges, or faulty working of the mounting. On the other hand, the position
of the lug 35 may be so adjusted that the freeing of the branch 31 from engage-
ment with the end 24 of the rod may be effected-within reasonable limits at
any period of the return to battery, thus permitting provision to be made for an
incomplete return to battery, as in the case of a weakened returning sprint, or
faulty working of the mounting.
It goes without saying that if the spring 22 be removed, or if the rod 20 be
disengaged from the lugs of the crank handle 16, the opening and closing
of the breech may be operated by hand as in the case of an ordinary quick
firing gun.
In the modified construction shown in Figs. 17 to 25:
Fig. 17 is an elevation, and Fig. 18 a plan showing the gun loaded, the breech
block in the closed position, ready for firing.
Fig. 19 is a section on the line A A Fig. 17 looking in the direction of the
arrow.
Fig. 20 is a section on the line B B Fig. 17 looking in the direction of the
ArTOW.
Fig. 21 is an elevation showing the gun after a shot has been fired, and at
the time the recoil is taking place.
Fig. 22 is an elevation showing the gun at a given moment of its return to
battery.

page_text: Fig. 23 is an elevation showing the gun after the return to battery is completed.
Fig. 24 is a longitudinal vertical section on the broken line C Č of Fig. 18.
Fig. 25 is a part cross section taken on the broken line D D, Figs. 17 and 18,
passing both through the trunnions of the gun barrel and through the trunnions
of the cradle.
The breech block with its internal mechanism and the extractor 3 remain
the same as in the previous arrangement. The function of the extractor remaining
the same, it has not, for simplicity's sake, been illustrated in detail.
As in the previous arrangement, the crank handle 16 is connected, by B
pair of lugs 17 and a pin 18, to the lug 19 of a rod 20 which, instead of sliding
in a sleeve, as in the former arrangement, is hollow and contains the spring 22,
one end of which is attached, at 36, to the end of the rod 20, whilst the other end
is attached, at 37, to any suitable fixed point of the cradle 27 or to some fixed point
of the mounting 38.
The rod 20 is provided with two teeth-39, 40, with a tang 41 having a circularly
shaped abutment 42 and with a handle 43. Both teeth 39, 40 engage in turn,
according to the position assumed by the rod (Figs. 17 and 21) with a notched
plate 44, Fig. 25, fastened to the cradle 27. In the cradle are formed two inclined
apertures 45, 46 for receiving the rod. The abutment 42 of the tang 41 with
which engages the hub 15 of the crank handle 16, Figs. 22 and 23. is raised at a
given moment for the purpose of freeing the tooth 39 from the plate 44, thus
releasing the rod 20 which, being then ready to act under the influence of the
spring 22, returns to its initial position shown in Fig. 17, causing the breech
block to move upwards and close the breech. The handle 43, besides performing
a given function in the operation of the mechanism, as will appear hereinafter,
also serves for pulling the rod to the rear when it is desired to put the crank
handle 16 into place. For this purpose, when the said crank handle 16 is to be
mounted onto its shaft, the handle 43 is drawn rearward until the tooth 39 engages
the plate 44, Fig. 21; the lug 19 of the crank handle 16 is then in a proper
position to receive the pin 18 of the lugs 17 of the hub 15.
The action of this modified mechanism is as follows: Suppose the discharge to
have just taken place, Fig. 17, the gun recoils, the rod 20 is carried along and
tension is put on the spring 22. The gun then begins to return to battery,
and, as soon as the tooth 39 strikes the plate 44 see Fig. 21, the rod 20 is stopped
and the spring remains extended, the gun still continuing, however, to execute
its return movement. It is then that the crank handle receives rotary motion
from the handle 43 on the one hand and from the pin 18 on the other; the parts
assume then the position shown in Fig. 22, with the breech open and held open
by the extractor shoulder 9, see Fig. 22, as in the previous arrangement. The
extraction and ejection of the empty cartridge shell are effected while the opening
of the breech takes place. It is to be observed that the crank handle 16 is thus
acted upon at the outset by the handle 43 operating with a relatively large leverage
and then by the pin 18, operating with less leverage, but producing a quick move-
ment. Furthermore, it will be observed that, owing to the relative positions
of the points 18, 44 and 37, the spring 22 is bent strongly upwards, causing the
tooth 39 to snap sharply into engagement with the plate 44, see Fig. 21. As
the gun completes its return to battery, in passing from the position shown in
Fig. 22 to that shown in Fig. 23, the hub 15 of the crank handle 16 also completes
its rotary movement and comes into contact with the abutment 42 of the rod 20,
causing the latter to slightly rise and the tooth 39 to be freed from the plate 44.
The parts then occupy the position shown in Fig. 23, with the breech open
and the spring extended, ready for another shot. It will therefore be merely
sufficient, as in the former arrangement, to insert a fresh cartridge into the chamber
of the gun in order that, as the flange thereof strikes the extractor claw 5, the
extractor may be released and allow the spring 22 to act and again close the
breech, the rod 20 re-assuming, at the same time, its initial position shown in
Fig. 17. The gun is now ready for another shot.

page_text: It goes without saying that, in this modified construction also, if the spring 22
be removed, or if the rod 20 be disengaged from the lugs of the crank handle 16,
the opening and closing of the breech may be operated by hand, as in the case of
an ordinary quick-firing gun.
It is also obvious that the cradles, illustrated in the accompanying drawings,
have only been shown as examples, and that they can be replaced by any other
system of suitable cradle.
Whilst this invention is shown as applied to the mechanism of the well known
Hotchkiss quick firing-gun, it is evident that it may be applied in whole or in
part, with or without slight or considerable modification, to the mechanisms of
quick-firing guns of any systems whatever. We do not therefore limit ourselves
to this particular application of our invention.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what
we claim is:-
1. In a rapid fire-gun, the combination with a breech block and automatic
mechanism for moving this block into and out of the closed position, the said
block having a cam groove therein, of a sliding extractor rounded on the face
opposite the claw and provided with a catch on said rounded face to engage
the gun body and engage the breech block, substantially as described.
2. In a rapid fire gun, the combination, with a vertically movable breech
block and automatic mechanism for moving this block into and out of the closed
position, the said block having a cam groove therein, of a longitudinally sliding
extractor rounded on the face opposite the claw and provided with a catch on
said rounded face to engage the gun body, and a cam lug to engage the breech
block, substantially as described.
3. A sliding extractor for use in automatic guns, comprising a bar adapted to
engage the breech block, with a claw on one side of said bar, a catch and a
rounded face on the opposite side of said bar, and a spring adapted to press the
claw of the extractor in towards the axis of the bore of the gun, substantially as
described.
4. A sliding extractor for use in automatic guns, comprising a bar with a cam
lug and a claw on one side of said bar, a catch and a rounded face on the opposite
side of said bar, and a spring adapted to press the claw of the extractor in towards
the axis of the bore of the gun, substantially as described.
5. A sliding extractor for use in automatic guns, comprising a bar with a cam
lug and a claw on one side of said bar, a catch to engage the gun body, and a
rounded face on the opposite side of said bar, and a spring detachably secured to
said extractor and adapted to press the claw of the extractor in towards the axis
of the bore of the gun, substantially as described.
6. A sliding extractor for use in automatic guns, comprising a bar with a cam
lug and a claw on one side of said bar, a catch to engage the gun body, and a
rounded face on the opposite side of said bar, and a curved spring secured to said
extractor and adapted to press the claw of the extractor in towards the axis of
the bore of the gun, substantially as described.
7. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a movable breech block,
of a sliding extractor curved to rock on an axis transverse to its line of motion
and engaging the said breech block and the gun, and means for moving said
breech block, substantially as described.
8. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a sliding breech block,
of a sliding extractor curved to rock on an axis transverse to its line of motion
and engaging the said breech block and the gun, and means for moving said
breech block, substantially as described.
9. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a movable breech block.
of a sliding extractor curved to rock on an axis transverse to its line of motion

page_text: and engaging the said breech block and the gun, means for releasing said
extractor and automatic means for moving said breech block, substantially as
described.
"
10. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a sliding breech block,
of a sliding extractor curved to rock on an axis transverse to its line of motion
and engaging the said breech block and the gun, means for releasing said
extractor and automatic means for moving said breech block, substantially as
described.
11. An automatic gear for recoil mounta for breech loading guns comprising
a rock shaft for operating the breech block, an arm secured to said rock shaft,
a sliding bar pivoted to said arm, a spring connected to said sliding bar and to
a non-recoiling part of said mount, and means for arresting the motion of said
sliding bar on counter-recoil, substantially as described.
12. An automatic gear for recoil mounts for breech loading guns comprising
a rock shaft for operating the breech block, an arm secured to said rock shaft,
a sliding bar pivoted to said arm, a lever pivoted to a non-recoiling part of
said mount and having an arm engaging said sliding bar on counter recoil,
and a spring connecting said lever and said sliding bar, substantially as described.
13. An automatic gear for recoil mounts for breech loading guns comprising
a rock shaft for operating the breech block, an arm secured to said rock shaft,
a sliding bar pivoted to said arm, a hook on the gun, a bell crank lever pivoted
to a non-recoiling part of the mount and having one arm engaging said hook
and the other arm engaging said sliding bar on counter-recoil. and a spring con-
necting said lever and said sliding bar, substantially as described.
14. In a breech loading gun, the combination," with a breech block and an
extractor automatically operated by said block to withdraw the empty cartridge
case and to lock the said block in the open position, of a rock shaft for operating
the breech block, an arm secured to said rock shaft, a sliding bar pivoted to said
arm, a spring connected to said sliding bar and to a non-recoiling part of said
mount, and means for arresting the motion of said sliding bar on counter-recoil,
substantially as described.
16. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a breech block and an
extractor automatically operated by said block to withdraw the empty cartridge
case and to lock the said block in the open position, of a rock shaft for operating
the breech block, an arm secured to said rock shaft, a sliding bar pivoted to said
arm, a bell crank lever pivoted to a non-recoiling part of said mount and having
an arm engaging said sliding bar on counter-recoil, a hook on the gun engaging
the opposite arm of said bell crank lever, and a spring connecting said lever
and said sliding bar, substantially as described.
16. An automatic gear for recoil mounts for breech loading guns comprising
a rock shaft for operating the breech block, an arm accured to said rock shaft,
a sliding bar pivoted to said arm, a spring connected to said sliding bar and to
a non-recoiling part of said mount, and means for arresting the motion of said
sliding bar on counter-recoil, and for automatically releasing the same when
desired, substantially as described.
17. An automatic gear for recoil mounts for breech loading guns comprising
a rock shaft for operating the breech block, an arm secured to said rock shaft,
a sliding bar pivoted to said arm, a lever pivoted to a non-recoiling part of
said mount and having an arm engaging said sliding bar on counter recoil,
and automatically releasing same, and a spring connecting said lever and said
sliding bar, substantially as described.
18. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a breech block and an
extractor automatically operated by said block to withdraw the empty cartridge
case and to lock the said block in the open position, of a rock shaft for operating
the breech block, an arm secured to said rock shaft, a sliding bar pivoted to
said arm, a spring connected to said sliding bar and to a non-recoiling part of
said mount, and means for arresting the motion of said sliding bar on counter-

page_text: recoil, and for automatically releasing said bar when desired, substantially as
described.
19. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a breech block and an
extractor automatically operated by said block to withdraw the empty cartridge
case and to lock the said block in the open position, of a rock shaft for operating
the breech block, an arm secured to said rock shaft, a sliding bar pivoted to
said arm, a lever pivoted to a non-recoiling part of said mount and having an
arm engaging said sliding bar on counter-recoil, a spring connecting said lever
and said sliding bar, and means for automatically disengaging said lever from
said bar, substantially as described.
20. An automatic gear for recoil mounts for breech loading guns comprising
a rock shaft for operating the breech block, an arm secured to said rock shaft,
a sliding bar pivoted to said arm, a pivoted guide sleeve for said bar, a spring
connected to said sliding bar and to a non-recoiling part of said mount, and means
for arresting the motion of said sliding bar on counter-recoil, substantially as
described.
21. An automatic gear for recoil mounts for breech loading guns comprising
a rock shaft for operating the breech block, an arm secured to, said rock shaft,
a sliding bar pivoted to said arm, a slotted pivoted guide sleeve for said bar,
a lever pivoted to a non-recoiling part of said mount and having an arm passing
through the slot in said sleeve and engaging said sliding bar on counter-recoil,
and a spring connecting said lever and said sliding bar, substantially as described.
22. An automatic gear for recoil mounts for breech loading guns comprising
a rock shaft for operating the breech block, an arm secured to said rock shaft,
a sliding bar pivoted to said arm, a slotted pivoted guide sleeve for said, bar,
a hook on the gun, a bell orank lever pivoted to a non-recoiling part of the mount
and having one arm passing through said slot and engaging said hook and the other
arm engaging said sliding bar on counter-recoil, and a spring connecting said
lever and said sliding bar, substantially as described.
23. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a breech block and an
extractor automatically operated by said block to withdraw the empty cartridge
case and to lock the said block in the open position, of a rock shaft for operating
the breech block, an arm secured to said rock shaft, a sliding bar pivoted to
said arm, a pivoted guide sleeve for said bar, a spring connected to said sliding
brar and to a non-recoiling part of said mount, and means for arresting the
motion of said sliding bar on counter recoil, substantially as described.
24. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a breech block and an
extractor automatically operated by said block to withdraw the empty cartridge
case and to look the said block in the open position, of a rock shaft for operating
the breech blook, an arm secured to said rock shaft, a sliding bar pivoted to
said arm, a slotted pivoted guide sleeve for said bar, a lever pivoted to a non-
recoiling part of said mount and having an arm passing through said slot and
engaging said sliding bar on counter-recoil, and a spring connecting said lever
and said sliding bar, substantially as described.
25. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a vertically movable block
and a sliding extractor automatically operated by said block to withdraw the
empty cartridge case and to look the said block in the open position, of a rock
shaft for operating the breech block, an arm secured to said rock shaft, a sliding
bar pivoted to said arm, a lever pivoted to a non-recoiling part of said mount and
having an arm engaging said sliding bar on counter-recoil, and a spring connecting
said lever and said sliding bar substantially as described.
26. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a sliding breech block
and a transversely sliding extractor automatically operated by said block to
withdraw the empty cartridge case and to lock the said block in the open position,
of a rock shaft for operating the breech block, an arm secured to said rock-shaft,
a sliding bar pivoted to said arm, a guide sleeve for said sliding bar, a lever
pivoted to a non-recoiling part of said mount and having an arm engaging said

page_text: sliding bar on counter-recoil, and a spring connecting said lever and said sliding
bar, substantially as described.
27. The modified mechanism, constructed and operating substantially as herein
set forth, and as illustrated in Figs. 17 to 25 of the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 20th day of April 1900.
For the Applicants,
1"
W. LLOYD WISE,
46, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C.,
Chartered Patent Agent.