IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINE GUNS
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake,
& Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINE GUNS." A communication from abroad by
Fortune L. Bailey, of Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America.
Sealed the 16th June 1876, and dated the 21st April 1876.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert Lake at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 21st April 1876.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINE GUNS."
A com-
munication.
This Invention relates, to the construction of a machine gun with barrels
moving longitudinally in a revolving frame supported upon trunnions, these
barrels being so governed in their movement by a fixed guide or cam upon
the frame that each when brought into proper alignment for firing shall close
back over a cartridge fixed upon a belt carried by the revolving frame, and
thereby be brought into its proper position for firing, and after being discharged
shall move forward and be withdrawn from the said cartridge shell, leaving it
upon the belt.
It relates, secondly, to the combination of a series of cartridge holders with a
flexible belt arranged to pass over and be carried by a drum forming part of the
revolving frame, whereby the cartridges may be brought successively into proper
position to be covered by the barrels as required for firing.
It relates, thirdly, to the combination with the base or breech block at the rear
end of the revolving frame carrying the barrels of a series of pivoted spring-
actuated hammers, one for each barrel, which shall be cccked and released each in
turn at the proper moment for striking the cartridge to be fired by means of a fixed
cam on the inner face of the casing covering the hammers.
And it relates, fourthly, to a modification of the firing mechanism of the gun,
consisting in the use, as a substitute for independent hammers for each barrel as
above set forth, of a pair of spring-actuated hammers moving horizontally in a case
Price Sd1

page_text: secured in the fixed casing of the gun at its breech, so as to admit of being readily
detached therefrom, and which are superimposed so that each may strike the same
point, and are cocked and released by means of a series of spiral cams formed about
the rear end of the revolving frame or shaft which carries the barrels ; said cams
being so arranged with reference to the barrels, that the hammers shall be
alternately cocked as each barrel approaches the line of sight, and shall be released
or explode the cartridge the instant the barrel is in line for firing, the movement
of cocking and releasing each hammer being repeated on the approach of every
alternate barrel.
The gun carriage is made after any approved design, and mounted as usual upon
wheels. The fixed frame carries the trunnions by which the gun is suspended over
the carriage; and there is an elevating screw.for adjusting-the-gun vertically in
sighting it. To the rear portion of this fixed frame is secured, a casing which covers
and incloses the butt.ends of the barrels and the firing mechanism, and rotating
gear of the gun, and forms its breech and cascabel. The upper half of the casing
may be hinged or made detachable so that it may be thrown open to uncover the
mechanism of the gun for inspection. A shaft extends from end to end longitudi-
nally through the centre of the frame, and revolves freely in suitable bearings
provided therefor in the cross-bars at front and rear of said frame. The barrels
pass through circular apertures in the flanges, and have free longitudinal play
therein, and each is fitted with a feather or key engaging a slot in the rim of
the encircling aperture to keep the barrel from turning upon its axis. A longi-
tudinal reciprocating movement is imparted to each barrel when the shaft revolves
by means of a continuous cam, rib, or guide formed upon the inner face of the
inclosing casing so as to project inwardly around its entire circumference, and
engage a notch formed in a lug or extension of the feather projecting from each
barrel. The butt ends of the barrels are left open, and are each bored out to
form a chamber for the reception of 'a metallic cartridge fitting closely therein.
The cartridges are supplied to the gun by means of a belt by which they
are carried. This belt is carried over a drum formed for the purpose between
the flanges. Longitudinal recesses are formed in the periphery of the drum
at equal distances apart, their position being determined by radial lines extended
from the centre of the drum through the centre of each barrel. Metallic strips
or bars are secured transversely upon the under side of the said belt at regular
intervals, corresponding to the distances between the longitudinal recesses in the
drum. To the end of each strip, at a right angle 'thereto, a metallic ring or
annular plate is secured. The outer diameter of each ring is equal to that of the
base of the cartridges to be used in the gun, and its inner diameter corresponds
so nearly with that of the body of the cartridge as to embrace it firmly when
inserted therein.
The cartridge belt may be made endless, and loaded cartridges be substituted for
the empty shells thereon as fast as they pass down from the drum after being
fired; or, as is preferable, the belt may be made in sections, and a section of
loaded cartridges be hooked or otherwise fastened upon one side whenever a section
of the empty shells is removed from the other, and the presentation of cartridges to
the barrels be thus continued without break or intermission so long as the gun
in operation.
•
is
The apparatus for exploding the cartridges comprises hammers consisting of
right-angled bent levers pivoted at their angle within a cylindrical case which
encircles the end of the shaft in the rear of the abutment flange. The said case is
secured upon the shaft by means of a central concentric sleeve or hub which is
made to slip over said shaft against the flange, and is then fastened. The hammer
levers are pivoted to offsets which may project radially either from the concentric
hub outwardly within the case or inwardly from its inner perimeter, and are so
pivoted that cach lever shall vibrate in a radial plane with its outer arm projecting
rearwardly out through a slot cut for the purpose in the rear or base of the cylin-
drical case, and its inner arm projecting out radially through a slot in the periphery of

page_text: said case, this last arm terminating in a head or end made to project forward so as
to pass through an aperture in, the abutment flange, and strike the cartridge found
in position on the opposite side thereof. Springs secured to the shaft throw the
hammer head forcibly against the cartridge barrel. The spring controlling each
hammer is depressed, and the hammer thereby cocked and thereafter disengaged,
and the hammer again released by means of a cam plate fixed on the inner perimeter
of the upper portion of the fixed casing.
The revolution of the shaft carrying with it the hammers, gun barrels, and belt
carrier is produced by means of a crank fixed either directly upon the rear end of
the shaft or else upon a short side shaft carrying a spur wheel inėshing into a bevil
wheel upon the shaft..
In one form of the firing mechanism the cartridges are exploded as the barrels
attain the proper position for firing by means of the sliding reciprocating super-
imposed hammers secured within a detachable case within the gun casing in line
over the new portion of the shaft, the shaft being enlarged at this point to con-
stitute a drum which shall carry cams upon its circumference, by means whereof
the two hammers are alternately cocked and released. These hammers consist each
of a plate or bar, the two being arranged to slide longitudinally one over the other
in parallel ways formed in the inclosing case. The lower plate is slotted centrally
and longitudinally, and a lug or cocking pin projects through it from the bottom of
the upper plate. A similar lug or più projects downward from the front end of
the lower plate, the two pins being left to project an equal distance beyond the
bottom face of said lower plate. Loose firing pins are fitted in the flange or play
through it opposite to each gun barrel, and the front ends of the hammers strike
these pins when brought in range therewith and released. The rear end of each
hammer engages with a powerful spring fixed in the case, which operates to carry.
'the hammer forward against the firing pin in line therewith.
The case inclosing the hammers is made separate from the gun casing, being
confined therein by secure fastenings which admit, however, of ready detachment for
the purpose of removing the hammers. If either hammer should break or become
disabled in action a duplicate may be quickly substituted therefor. A single
hammer may be employed in the stead of the'twin hammers, to be cocked and
released by a single series of cams so as to fire each barrel in turn.
It is evident that a continuous groove may be substituted for the aforesaid con-
tinuous guide rib to receive a lug formed on each barrel in place of the notch, the
barrel being guided by an engagement of the lug with the groove.
All the movements of the gun in loading, firing, and in the removal of the
discharged cartridges are thus automatically produced with precision and regularity,
and without cessation or interruption so long as the crank is turned, and the sections
of loaded cartridges are attached to the belt. As each barrel is fired when in line
with the centre of the gun carriage, as well as on the exact line of sight, the utinost
precision of aim may be obtained with the gun, and its position when trained to
cover any mark will while the firing continues remain unchanged without any
extra stays or supports.
5 SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said William Robert Lake in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 21st
October 1876.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINE GUNS." A com-
0 munication from abroad by Fortune L. Bailey, of Indianapolis, Indiana, United
States of America.
i
This Invention relates; first, to the construction of a machine gun with barrels
moving longitudinally in a revolving, frame supported upon trunnions, these

page_text: barrels being so governed in their movements by a fixed guide or cam upon the
frame as that each when brought into proper alignment for firing shall close
back over a cartridge fixed upon a belt carried by the revolving frame, and
thereby brought into its proper position for firing, and after being discharged
shall move forward and be withdrawn from the said cartridge shell, leaving it
upon the belt.
It relates, secondly, to the combination of a series of cartridge holders with a
flexible belt arranged to pass over and be carried by a drum forming part of the
revolving frame, whereby the cartridges may be brought successively into proper
position to be covered by the barrels as required for firing.
It relates, thirdly, to the combination with the base or breech block at the rear
end of the revolving frame carrying the barrels of a series of pivoted spring-
actuated hammers, one for each barrel, which shall be cocked and released each in
turn at the proper moment for striking the cartridge to be fixed by means of a
fixed cam on the inner face of the casing covering the hammers.
And it relates, fourthly, to a modification of the firing mechanism of the gun,
consisting in the use, as a substitute for independent hammers for each barrel as
above set forth, of a pair of spring-actuated hammers moving horizontally in a
case secured in the fixed casing of the gun at its breech, so as to admit of being
readily detached therefrom, and which are superimposed so that each may strike
the same point, and are cocked and released by means of a series of spiral cams
formed about the rear end of the revolving frame or shaft which carries the
barrels said cams being so arranged with reference to the barrels as that the
hammers shall be alternately cocked as each barrel approaches the line of sight,
and shall be released to explode the cartridge the instant the barrel is in line for
firing, the movement of cocking and releasing each hammer being repeated on the
approach of every alternate barrel.
Figure 1 is a side elevation of this improved gun properly mounted in readiness
for action.
Figures 2 to 6 illustrate the said gun as constructed with a separate hammer for
each barrel; Figure 2 being a transverse vertical section through the cascabel in the
rear of the hammers or revolving gear; Figure 3 a side elevation of the gun, with
the casing covering the cartridge drum and hammer chamber removed and showing
the cartridge belt in position; Figure 4 a central vertical longitudinal section of
the gun, with cartridge belt in position; Figure 5 a top view thereof, with the
casing covering the rear portions of the gun and the cartridge belt, both removed;
and Figure 6 a vertical transverse section illustrating the combination of the cart-
ridge belt with the gun.
Figures 7, 8, 9, and 10, represent a gun constructed with a pair of hammers so
arranged as to admit of being readily detached therefrom, and removed for repair
or renewal, or for the purpose of disabling the gun in case of its temporary or
entire abandonnent in face of an enemy; Figure 7 being a central longitudinal
vertical section of the said gun and twin hammers; Figure 8 a detached view in
elevation of the rear end of the rotating shaft of the said gun; Figure 9 a bottom
view of the hammers and case shown in Figure 7, with that portion of the case
inclosing the springs cut away in section; and. Figure 10 a vertical transverse
section of the hammer case and hammers in line through the cocking pin of the
upper hammer.
A is the gun carriage made after any approved design and mounted as usual
upon wheels B, C. C, is the fixed frame which carries the trunnions a, a, (see
Figures 1 and 5), by which the gun is suspended over the carriage, and D, Figure 1,
the elevated screw for adjusting the gun vertically in sighting it. To the rear
portion of this fixed frame C is secured a casing C1, C2, which covers and incloses

page_text: the butt ends of the barrels and the firing mechanism and rotating gear of the gun,
and forms its breech and cascabel. The upper half of the casing may be hinged
or made detachable, so that it may be thrown open to uncover the mechanism of
the gun for inspection, 6 (Figures 3, 4, and 5) representing a lock or catch arranged
to secure it when closed.
E (Figures 4 and 7) is a shaft extending from end to end longitudinally through
the centre of the frame C, C, and which revolves freely, in suitable bearings pro-
vided therefor in the cross bars at front and rear of said frame.
+
H, H, H; are a series of gun barrels arranged to be supported at equal distances
apart around the central shaft E, parallel thereto by ineans of flanges G, G¹,
(Figure 3) projecting radially from said shaft E; the one near .its forward end to
support the front ends of the barrels, the other, sufficiently far back to support the
rear ends.
The barrels pass through circular apertures in the flanges G, G³, and
have free longitudinal play therein, and each is fitted with a feather or key W
engaging a slot in the rim of the encircling aperture (see Figures 3, 5, and 7) to
prevent the barrel from turning upon its axis. A third flange F formed on the
shaft E in the rear of the second flange G (see Figure 3) serves as an abutment or
breech block to support the base of the cartridges when the barrels. are loaded and
pressed back against it ready for firing.
•
A longitudinal reciprocating movement is imparted to each barrel when the
shaft E revolves by means of a continuous cam rib or guide K, (see Figures 4
and 7, and dotted lines in Figure 5), formed upon the inner face of the inclosing
casing so as to project inwardly around its entire circumference and engage a notch s
(see Figure 4), formed in a lug or extension of the feather W projecting from each
barrel. This fixed guide rib or cam K is made to follow such inclined and parallel
lines around the inner circumference of the casing, so that each barrel in-revolving
about the shaft, will as it approaches the highest point be carried back toward the
abutment flange F so as to nearly strike it, and after having passed the central
point in line over the shaft E will gradually recede from the flange a distance
exceeding the length of the cartridge to be used. The butt ends of the barrels are
left open and are each bored out to form a chamber for the reception of a metallic
cartridge fitting closely therein.
.
The cartridges Q, Q, are supplied to the gun by means of a belt L, Figures 1
and 3, by which they are carried. This belt is carried over a drum E2 (Figures 4
and 8), formed for the purpose between the flanges F, G; longitudinal recesses m, m,
(see Figures 5 and 6) are formed in the periphery of the drum E2 at equal distances
apart, their position being determined by radial. lines extended from the centre
of the drum through the centre of each barrel. Metallic strips or bars n, n, (see
Figure 4) are secured transversely upon the underside of the belt L at regular
intervals corresponding to the distances between the longitudinal recesses in the
drum E. The strips n, n, are of such width and thickness as to fit nicely within
said recesses m, m, and to the end of each strip at a right angle therewith, and
along one edge of the belt L and parallel thereto a metallic ring or annular
plate P is secured. The outer diameter of each ring is equal to that of the base
of the cartridges Q to be used in the gun, and its inner diameter corresponds so
nearly with that of the body of the cartridge as to embrace it firmly when inserted
therein, whilst the distance from the centre of the ring to the face of the belt is
made so much greater than the radius of one of the gun barrels at its butt end
as that the barrels may readily slip over the cartridge between it and the belt
without binding upon the latter (see Figures 3, 4, and 6.) When this cartridge
belt L is laid over the drum E² the under strips n, m, drop into the longitudinal
recesses m, m, in the drum, and the cartridges Q, Q, supported in the annular discs
or rings P, P, are each in succession brought into line with the bore of the gun
barrel, so that the axes of both cartridge and barrel shall exactly coincide. Hence
when the barrels are successively forced back the rear end of each as it approaches
the highest point will slip over the cartridge supported in line therewith, and

page_text: ferce it back closely against the breech block or abutment flange F (see Figure 4),
which will afford it firm support and serve to receive the force of the recoil when
the cartridge is exploded.
The cartridge belt L may be endless and loaded cartridges may be substituted for
the empty shells thereon as fast as they pass down from the drum after being fired,
or as is preferable the belt may be made in sections, and a section of loaded cart-
ridges be hooked or otherwise fastened upon one side whenever a section of the
empty shells is removed from the other, and the presentation of cartridges to the
barrels be thus continued without break or intermission so long as the gun is in
operation.
.
In the apparatus for exploding the cartridges, illustrated in Figures 2 to 6, N, N,
are hammers; consisting of right angled bent levers pivoted at their angle within
a cylindrical case T, Figures 3 and 4, which encircles the end of the shaft E in
the rear of the abutment flange F. The case T is secured upon the shaft E by
means of a central concentric sleeve or hub, which is made to slip over and upon
said shaft against the flange F and is then fastened. The hammer levers are
pivoted to offsets, which may project radially either from the concentric hub
outwardly within the case T, or inwardly from its inner perimeter, and are so
pivoted as that each lever shall vibrate in a radial plane with its outer arm pro-
jecting rearwardly out through a slot cut for the purpose in the rear or base of the
cylindrical case, T (see Figure 4), and its inner arm cut radially through a slot
in the periphery of said case, this last arm terminating in a head or end inade to
project forward so as to pass through an aperture in the abutment flange F and
strike the cartridge found in position on the opposite side thereof, all as shewn in
the sectional views, Figures 2 and 4.
Springs e, e, (Figures 4 and 5) secured to the shaft E bear up one under the
outer arm of each hammer, so as to throw the hammer head forcibly against the
cartridge.
The number of hammers is made in this form of apparatus to correspond with the
number of barrels in the gun (see Figure 2), and being carried by the same shaft
as the barrels revolve therewith so that each hammer is always in line with its
appropriate barrel. The spring controlling each hammer is depressed, and the
hammer thereby cocked and thereafter disengaged and the hammer again released
at the moment its barrel has been brought into proper position for firing, so that
it shall strike and explode the cartridge within the barrel by means of a cam plate M
(see Figures 2 and 4) fixed on the inner perimeter of the upper portion of the fixed
casing enclosing and covering the hammers and hammer cylinder, and which forms
the breach piece of the gun.
The revolution of the shaft E, carrying with it the hammers N, gun barrels H,
and belt carrier E2, is produced by means of a crank U, fixed either directly upon
the rear end of the shaft as it projects through the cascabel or else upon a short side
shaft carrying a spur wheel meshing into a bevel wheel upon the shaft or into bevel
cogs y, y, upon the periphery of the cylindrical hammer case T answering the same
end.
In operating the gun thus constructed a cartridge belt L is passed over
the drum E, the strips upon the under side of the former being placed in
the counter part recesses in the periphery of the latter, and the gun is ready
for firing. The gun is then loaded and fired automatically by simply turning the
crank U.
The revolution of the shaft E, produced by turning the crank, brings the gun
barrels successively into a central vertical plane coincident with the longitudinal
axis of the gun, and by means of the fixed cam guide upon the casing are,
while approaching this position, forced back over a cartridge which has been
brought into proper alignment by the revolution of the drum, and which is
supported rearwardly by the flange F. At the same time the hammer for
that particular barrel is cocked by means of the fixed ca M upon the casing C²,

page_text: which bears down the outer arm of the hammer lever and compresses its spring
until when the barrel has reached the proper central point coincident with the
axis of the gun and the line of sight along which the gun has been aimed the
lever arm passes from under the end of the cam, and the hammer thus released
instantly drops and strikes with the full force of the spring upon the cartridge to
explode the same.
Under the continued revolution of the shaft as the next barrel is brought into
line the barrel just fired is gradually withdrawn from the empty cartridge shell
until the latter is entirely released therefrom, and being carried by the belt can be
readily removed for reloading. As fast as one length or section of belt passes to
the gun another may be hooked on and the belt be thus made practically endless,
and the supply of cartridges to the gun be continued without interrupting the firing
so long as may be required, the sections of emptied cartridges being unhooked and
removed from the other side to be again reloaded.
In the form of firing mechanisın, illustrated in Figures 7 to 10, the cartridges are
exploded as the barrels attain the proper position for firing by means of two sliding
reciprocating superimposed hammers a, a, secured within a detachable case d
within the gun casing C in line over the rear portion of the shaft E, the shaft
being enlarged at this point to constitute a drum E¹ which shall carry cams upon
its circumference, by means whereof the two hammers are alternately cocked and
released. These hammers consist each of a plate or bar, the two being arranged to
slide longitudinally one over the other in parallel ways formed in the inclosing case
d (see Figure 10), the lower plate is slotted centrally and longitudinally and a lug
or cocking pin i projects through it from the bottom of the upper plate a¹ A similar
lug or pin projects downward from the front end of the lower plate, the two pins
being left to project an equal distance beyond the bottom face of said lower plate
(see Figure 7.)
Loose firing pins R, R, are fitted in the flange F or play through it opposite to
each gun barrel, and the front ends of the hammers strike these pins when brought
in range therewith and released. The rear end of each hammer engages with a
powerful spring f fixed in the case d, which operates to carry the hammer forward
against the firing pin in line therewith. The haminers a¹, a, are alternately
forced back or cocked and the springs thereby retracted and compressed by means
of a double set of spiral cams g, y', formed upon the periphery of the drum E¹
on the shaft E (see Figures 7 and 8.) The hammers are so arranged and
fixed with reference to the revolving cams g, g', that their projecting cocking
pins i, i, shall engage said cams. The pitch of the cams is so determined
and the length and position of each so adjusted that at the moment one
hammer is released to strike the firing pin the other will be already partially
cocked. The two hammers are thus made to strike alternately upon the
firing pins as each is brought into proper position. As the cams, firing pins,
cartridges, and gun barrels all revolve in unison upon a cominon shaft E the
action of the cams in producing a blow of the hammer to explode the cartridge
must necessarily be fixed and invariable, occurring always at the precise moment
when the barrel has embraced and covered the cartridge and reached the proper
line for firing.
As the revolution of the shaft E brings each gun barrel successively into position
for firing it forces back at the same time one of the hammers until at the very
instant the barrel reaches its proper alignment with the sights of the gun, and the
cartridge is completely enclosed and forced back for support against the abutment
flange F, said hammer passing the end of the cam g is released and forced by the
spring with a violent blow against the loose firing pin R to drive it against the
cartridge and cause its explosion. As soon, however, as the hammer is thus
released its cocking pin i is engaged by the cam next approaching, which gradually
forces it back again so that it may repeat its blow. By the use of the twin ham-
mers and double cams the hammers may be cocked in turn and the firing of the
barrels maintained thereby in succession by means of spiral cams which have an

page_text: easy pitch so that their movements in cocking and releasing the hammers are per-
formed smoothly and without strain.
The case inclosing the hammers is made séparate from the gun casing being
confined therein by secure fastenings, which admit, however, of ready detachment
for the purpose of removing the hammers. If either hammer should break or
become disabled in action a duplicate may be quickly substituted therefor. The
barrels H, H, cams g, gl, and firing pins R, R, admit also of ready detachment and
replacement so that damage to any working part of the gun admits of prompt
repair by the substitution of a duplicate part or by the removal and repair of the
affected part.
A single hammer may be employed in the place of the twin hammers a¹, a², to be
cocked and released by a single series of cams g so as to fire each barrel in turn and
such use of a single hammer is contemplated, but in such case the cams would need
be of a rapid pitch and the movement be more or less violent.
It is evident that a continuous groove may be substituted for the continuous
guide rib to receive a lug formed on each barrel in place of the notch s, the
barrel being guided by an engagement of the lug with the groove.
All the movements of the gun in loading, firing, and in the removal of the dis-
charged cartridges are thus automatically produced with precision and regularity,
and without cessation or interruption, so long as the crank is turned and the
sections of loaded cartridges are attached to the belt, as each barrel is fired when
in line with the centre of the gun-carriage as well as on the exact line of sight the
utmost precision of aim may be obtained with the gun, and its position when trained
to cover any mark will, while, the firing continues, remain unchanged without any
extra stays or supports.
The construction of a gun with many barrels revolving about or upon a central
shaft and which are automatically loaded and fired as in succession they reach in
their revolution a given point by mechanism brought into play by the revolution of
the barrels is not claimed as new: Nor is the use of a belt of cartridges in loading
the gun claimed in and of itself as new.
The novelty of the present Invention is found in the reciprocating movement
which is imparted to the revolving barrels; in the novel combination as described
of a belt of cartridges with the reciprocating and revolving barrels ; and to the
special forms of firing mechanism described.
Having thus fully described the said Invention as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondent, and the manner of performing the same, I wish it understood
that I claim
First. A series of reciprocating gun barrels, combined in the construction of a
"machine" or "battery". gun, with a revolving shaft and supporting flanges,
and with a fixed cam, way or guide as above described and for the purpose set
forth.
Second. A flexible strip or belt carrying cartridges, combined with the revolving
shaft and reciprocating barrels. of a machine gun, as above described and for the
purpose set forth. -
1
•
Third. A series of annular plates or discs combined with a belt, each to uphold
a cartridge in a transverse position over the belt apart therefrom as above described
and for the purpose set forth.
1
:
4
Fourth. In combination with the respective barrels of a machine gun and with a
single fixed cam in the casing thereof, a series of spring-actuated hammers pivoted
to the revolving shaft carrying said barrels and successively cocked and released
by the cam during the revolution of the shaft as above described and for the
purpose set forth.
.
Fifth. Detachable spring-actuated reciprocating hammers secured to the fixed
casing of a machine gun, and combined with its revolving barrels and shaft, and
with spiral cams formed upon said shaft, substantially as above specified and for the
purpose set forth."
+

page_text: Sixth. Loose firing, pins combined with the revolving flange the shaft and the
stationary reciprocating hammers of a machine gun as above specified and for the
purpose herein set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord One
thousand cight hundred and seventy-six.
W. . ROB³. LAKE. (L.S.)