IM- PROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO MACHINE-GUNS.
Year: 1879

page_text: "
LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co.,
Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for the Invention of "IM-
PROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO MACHINE-GUNS.' A communication from
abroad by De Witt Clinton Farrington, of Lowell, Massachusetts, United States
of America.
Sealed the 27th December 1879, and dated the 19th August 1879.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert Lake at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 19th August 1879.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. " IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO MACHINE-
GUNS." [A communication from abroad by De Witt Clinton Farrington, of Lowell,
Massachusetts, United States of America.]
This Invention relates to improvements in and connected with the machine-gun
described in the Specification of former Letters Patent granted to me May 14th,
A.D. 1878, No. 1935.
In carrying the present Invention into practice I substitute in place of the two
cartridge-carrying wheels for transferring the cartridge from the hopper to align-
ment with the bore of the gun-barrel, as formerly used, a single cartridge-carrying
wheel, and I combine it with a feed-table which shall receive the cartridge directly
from the hopper, and allow the cartridge to be transferred from the feed-table to the
carrying wheel by an automatically reciprocating finger suitably arranged and
actuated in combination with the other parts for that purpose.
I also construct the chambers of such carrying wheel of a peculiar funnel shape or
form, with the smaller end towards the gun-barrel, so as to allow the cartridge to be
freely received by the carrying wheel into alignment with the bore of the barrel,
and then to guide and direct the cartridge with certainty into said bore.
I also construct the working guides and bearings of the several shafts and hammer-
mechanism upon removable boxes or platforms, which are all held in position firmly
for operation by a single latch and spring attached to the cover or some other con-
venient part, thus enabling the gun mechanism to be readily and quickly separated,
I Duice S77

page_text: removed, and replaced in position for firing without the use of tools to take the same
apart or secure them in working position.
I also provide a new form of cam-mechanism to lock and hold the carrying wheel
in position for firing, and unlock the same to allow it to bring forward a fresh cart-
ridge without any jar or liability to get out of order, said cam-mechanism consisting
of a circular disc having its periphery concentric with its axis revolving closely in
corresponding notches or arcs cut in a disc fixed to the carrier-wheel or its shaft,
and said first-mentioned circular disc being notched or cut away in one part of its
periphery sufficiently to allow said second-mentioned disc with the attached carrier-
wheel to be revolved while such cut-away periphery is passing it.
I also construct and combine in and with such gun a laterally reciprocating feed-
table for delivering the cartridges from the hopper to the bore of the gun, in lieu of
the carrier-wheels formerly used, and I provide a peculiar construction and com-
bination of mechanism for accomplishing the operation of such reciprocating feeding
table as follows, that is to say, the said feed-table works on ways, and an arm or
lever is pivotted to the table in an elongated bearing, and which is made to move
the feed table by a cam, in which works a lug pin attached to the said arm.
latter is pivotted to the frame of the machine, and the rotation of the last named
cam gives its upper end the requisite movement to and fro, it being fixed to the
main shaft of the machine.
The

page_text: 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 19th
February 1880.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. 'IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO MACHINE
GUNS." A communication from abroad by De Witt Clinton Farrington, of Lowell,
Massachusetts, United States of America.
This Invention relates to improvements in and connected with the machine-gun
described in the Specification of former Letters Patent granted to me May 14th,
A.D. 1878, No. 1935.
•
In carrying the present Invention into practice I substitute in place of the two
cartridge-carrying wheels for transferring the cartridge from the hopper into align-.
ment with the bore of the gun-barrel, as formerly used, as single cartridge-carrying
wheel, and I combine it with a feed-table which receives the cartridge directly from
the hopper, and allows the cartridge to be transferred from the feed-table to the
carrying wheel by an automatically reciprocating finger suitably arranged and
actuated in combination with the other parts for that purpose.
I also construct the chambers of such carrying wheel of a peculiar funnel shape or
form, with the smaller end towards the gun-barrel, so as to allow the cartridge to
be freely received by the carrying wheel into alignment with the bore of the barrel,
and then to guide and direct the cartridge with certainty into said bore.
I also construct the working guides and bearings of the several shafts and hammer-
mechanism upon removable boxes or platforms, which are all held in position firmly
for operation by a single latch and spring attached to the cover or some other con-
venient part, thus enabling the gun-mechanism to be readily and quickly separated,
removed, and replaced in position for firing without the use of tools to take the same
apart or secure them in working position.
I also provide a new form of cam-mechanism to lock and hold the carrying wheel.
in position for firing, and unlock the same to allow it to bring forward a fresh cart-
ridge without any jar or liability to get out of order, said cam-mechanism consisting
of a circular disc having its periphery concentric, with its axis revolving closely in
corresponding notches or arcs cut in a disc fixed to the carrier-wheel or its shaft,
and said first mentioned circular disc being notched or cut away in one part of its
periphery sufficiently to allow said second-mentioned disc with the attached carrier-
wheel to be revolved while such cut-away periphery is passing it.
I also construct and combine in and with such gun a laterally reciprocating feed-
table or carrier for delivering the cartridges from the hopper to the bore of the gun,
in lieu of the carrier-wheels formerly used, and I provide a peculiar construction
and combination of mechanism for accomplishing the operation of such reciprocating
feeding table.
I also construct an automatic reciprocating finger which has a movement to and
from the carrying wheel, but which can accomodate itself in its forward movement
to any obstruction or failure in the operation of the other parts of the machine
without interrupting their continued movement.
I also construct mechanism in which the parts shall be so adjusted and propor-
tioned to one another that the cartridge shall be moved a distance less than once its
diameter to pass from the hopper to the path of the carrying wheel.

page_text: +
Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6 represent my improvements in the rotary carrier chamber.
Figure 7 is a vertical section on the line F, F, Figure 1.
Figure 8 is a vertical section of the mechanism of the gun when complete, with
the cover on, through the line D, D, Figure 1.
Figure 9 is a rear end view of part of the mechanism.
Figure 10 is a section through the upper part of the frame, case, cover, and
-removable plate on the line E, E, Figure 1.
:
Figure 11 is a plan of my improved mechanism when the reciprocating carrier
alone is used, and is especially designed for ammunition of large calibre.
Figure 12 is a vertical section on the line A, A, and
Figure 13 is a vertical section on the line B, B, Figure 11.
Like letters indicate the same parts throughout the Drawings.
The first part of my Invention is illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, and 10 of the
Drawings.
A is the frame of the machine, B' is the driving shaft of the rotary cartridge-
carrier, C is the rotary carrier, and D is its driving wheel. These parts operate
similarly, in a general way, to those of corresponding construction described in the
Specification of my former Letters Patent hereinbefore referred to. E¹, E', are the
barrels of the gun.
In lieu of the second rotary carrier operating with the first I place a platform F¹
slightly above the horizontal plane of the centre of the rotary carrier C. Above
this table is placed the cartridge-hopper G, Figure 8, so that the cartridges descend
successively upon the platform F', which may be slightly hollowed out to receive.
them. Sufficient space is left between the hopper G and the platform F¹ to allow
a cartridge to be pushed sidewise from the table into the chambers of the rotary
carrier C, and the said carrier is placed so near the hopper G₁ that but one cart-
ridge can lie upon the table at one time. This construction and arrangement pre-
vent any cartridge from becoming jammed in this passage, for should a cartridge
rebound from the chamber of the carrier it will be forced back after the finger,
hereinafter described, by the periphery of the carrier, and, passing under those in
the hopper, sustain them until it is again pushed forward toward the carrier.
Working back and forth just above the upper surface of the table F' is the recipro-
cating feed finger H', which is pressed forward towards the rotary carrier by the
,bolt 2 acting (by a spring behind it in the case or tube 3) upon the arm 1 to which
the feed-finger is attached, and which is pivoted at 4. In the side or face of the
arm 1 is fixed a pin or lug 5, which being operated upon by the cam K¹ as it revolves
serves to alternately move the arın and feed-finger to and fro with the aid of the
pin 2, which holds the lug 5 against the cam K¹. The cam K³ is attached to the
main shaft 6 of the gun-mechanism, which near its other end has attached to it the
wheel or disc L' and its attached cam 9, engaging with the wheel D'. The cam K¹
is so located as to reciprocate the feed-finger H at every advance of the rotating
feed-carrier, and cartridges being placed in the hopper it will press them off the
platform F into the chambers of the rotary carrier successively as the said chambers
are presented by the rotation.
'
On the cartridge being deposited in the rotary carrier-chamber as described each
single movement of the rotary carrier forward carries the chamber and its cartridge
downward past the edge of the platform F to the position shown in Figure 8, in a
horizontal plane with the axis of the rotary carrier which brings the cartridge into
line with the gun-barrel, when it is driven forward into the gun-barrel and dis-
charged, as shewn and described in the Specification and Drawing of the said former
Letters Patent. The advantages of my present improvements are that all liability
of the cartridges to get into the rotary carriers in a position to clog them is avoided.
With the two rotary carriers acting in conjunction the movement was positive and
unyielding, while with the platforin and feed-finger above described the spring-bolt
2 allows the feed-finger to have a yielding pressure against the cartridge, and
permits the latter to fly back, if not properly received in its chamber, at one move-

page_text: ment of the rotary carrier, and be presented to the next chamber, without stopping
the action of the machine.
The second part of my Invention is more especially shown in Figures 3, 4, 5, and
.6, and it consists in the pecular formation of the chambers of the rotary carrier, so
that each chamber shall be larger in the part where it receives the cartridge than
at the end which abuts against the bore of the gun-barrel, and be funnel-shaped or
tapering between its ends and smallest in diameter near the gun-barrel. Figures 4
and 6 represent in perspective the two internal halves of a chamber divided on a
plane passing longitudinally through the centre of the chamber, and also through
the axis of the rotary carrier on the line z, z, Figure 5. At the end 7 of the chamber
it is smallest, corresponding with the size of the bore of the gun where it receives
the head of the cartridge. In Figure 3, 7a represents a top view of a division
between the chambers of the carrier.
The effect of this construction is to allow the freedom of fit of the cartridge which
is necessary when it is received from the platform F' into the chamber 7 of the
carrier and carried into line with the bore of the gun, and at the same time to
ensure the proper guidance of the cartridge into the gun-bore as it is forced forward
into it through the smaller part of the chamber by the hammer in the usual manner,
and this enlarged construction of the chamber permits the table or platform upon
which the cartridge falls from the hopper to be placed above the plane of the axis
of the carrier without interfering with the free entry of the cartridge into the cells
or chambers, and also permits the opening of the chamber upon the periphery of the
carrier to be made smaller than its diameter within, thus forming a concave floor in
the chamber, upon which the cartridge is pushed from off the table, whose outer-
most edge extends up around the shell of the cartridge, and serves to retain it in
the chamber and counteract the centrifugal force which the rotation of the carrier
in rapid firing tends to impart to it. Should the chamber not be provided with
this, or an equivalent construction, the accuracy and certainty of operation of the
gun in rapid firing would be diminished.
The third part of my Invention consists in so constructing and combining certain
parts of the gun-mechanism that all of its bearings and working parts are held down
by the lid or cover and its locking mechanism, without the aid of screws, bolts, or
other common fastenings. The object of this part of my Invention is to allow of
the instantaneous removal and replacing of parts which may be broken or injured
without the aid of tools, which may have become lost, mislaid, or injured when
wanted.
Referring to Figures 1, 7, 8, 9, and 10, O¹ is the metal cover or lid, which contains
within it the upper half of the boxes of the shaft B¹ and the upper guard of
the ways 12, 12, in which the plunger and hammer move back and forth, as
described in the Specification of the said former Letters Patent. The metal lid O¹
is hinged at one side, and on the other has a locking device O2 consisting of a dog,
formed and pivoted as shown, to engage with a lip or flange on the metal frame,
and be unlocked by pulling outward the projecting lever end of the dog. It is.
manifest that when the lid O' is unlocked and thrown back the shaft B', with its
cam-wheels, can be lifted out of its bearings instantly; likewise the plunger and
hammer can be lifted from the ways 12, 12, and removed. The lower halves of the
boxes of the shaft B' are formed in the plate 15, as are also the ways 12, 12. A slot
through the plate 15 between the ways affords space for the lugs or pins upon the
plunger and hammer to project downward and engage with the cam which operates
them. This plate, 5, is fitted accurately and closely in the space formed in the frame
for it all around, and rests evenly upon abutments 16, 16, (Figures 7, 8, and 10)
attached to the sides of the frame beneath it..
Thiere being no other fastenings to the plate 15, when the shaft B² and plunger
and hammer are removed, as described, the plate 15 can be lifted upwards by hand
and taken out of the frame A¹ instantly. The plate 15 carries attached to it arms
or projections 17, the lower ends of which form the upper halves of the boxes which

page_text: sustain the bearings of the shaft 6, and when the plate 15 is removed these attached
arms 17 are removed with it, thus leaving the main shaft 6, with all its attach-
ments, free to be lifted out of the top of the frame. By this means the use of all
tools in taking the mechanism apart is avoided, which is very important in such
places as a battle-field, where the gun is likely to be used, and an examination and
substitution of some of the working parts without delay or trouble becomes
necessary.
The fourth part of my Invention consists in providing a new form of locking
mechanism for the carrier-shaft B¹. As described in the Specification of the said
former Letters Patent, the carrier-shaft is rotated by the cam 9 attached to the disc
L', Figure 7. Behind the cam-wheel D¹ is attached a second wheel or disc D",
having its periphery cut away in a succession of regular arcs as shown, which exactly
correspond with the periphery of the disc L', and in which this periphery closely
revolves. Just behind the cam 9 the periphery of the disc. L' is cut away sufficiently
to allow the disc D" to rotate past the wheel L while the cam 9 is engaged with
the toothed wheel D¹. As soon as the cam 9 has passed beyond its engagement
with the wheel D₁ the concentric part of the wheel L' enters a corresponding arc in
the wheel D, and continues to revolve therein until the progression of the wheel
L brings the cam 9 again into engagement with the wheel D', when the corre-
sponding cut away portion in the periphery of the wheel L' allows wheels D' and
D to again rotate one tooth or cog. By this means wheels D¹ and D" are locked
while the discharge of the arm takes place, and the feed-carrier C₁ being set upon
the shaft B' in proper relation to the wheels D', D", the movements of the latter
impart the proper alternate rotation and rest to the feed-carrier. The advantage of
this locking and unlocking device is, that it operates certainly and smoothly, without
jar or disturbance of the other mechanism of the gun.
The fifth part of my Invention consists in the construction and application to the
said gun of a horizontally reciprocating feed-table, in place of the rotating carrier
or the stationary table and rotating carrier above described. Figures 11, 12, and 13
show this part of the said Invention. 20, 20, are the gun-barrels held in the disc or
ring 21, as described in the Specification of the said former Letters Patent; 22 is
the cartridge feed-hopper; 23 is the laterally reciprocating feed-table working on
ways 30, 30; 24 is an arm or lever pivoted thereto in an elongated bearing at 25.
This arm is made to move the feed-table by the cam 26, in which works a lug or
pin 27 attached to the arm 24. This arm 24 is pivoted to the frame of the machine
at 28, and the rotation of the cam 26 gives its upper end the requisite movement to
and fro, it being fixed to the main shaft 6 of the machine.
The operation of this mechanism is as follows:-The hopper 22 being supplied
with cartridges the cam 26 is set in motion by the ordinary rotation of the main
shaft 6, and the reciprocating table 23 receives a cartridge from the bottom of the
hopper at every movement, and transfers it, in the concavity made in the top of the
table, to a position in line with the bore of the barrel, ready to be operated upon by
the plunger and hammer in the usual way. The remainder of the gun-mechanism
is similar to that shewn in the Drawings accompanying the Specification of the
Letters Patent herein before referred to, but any other suitable mechanism may be
used in place thereof.
This Invention is more especially designed for large ammunition, where a com-
paratively slow firing of the gun is permissible.
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. The combination of the feed-table, the feed-finger, and the carrier, substan-
tially as and for the purpose herein described.
Second. The combination of the feed-table, the feed-finger, the carrier, and the
hopper, substantially as and for the purpose above described.
Third. The feed-finger and its arm 1 in combination with the spring-bolt,
substantially as and for the purpose above described.

page_text: Fourth. In combination with the feed-finger, the arm 1, and the spring-bolt, the
cam K, substantially as and for the purpose herein described.
Fifth. The chambers 7 of the carrier-wheel, made funnel-shaped or taper, and
smallest towards the bore of the gun, substantially as and for the purpose above
described.
Sixth. The combination of the cover, the removable plate 15, and arms 17,
substantially as and for the purpose berein described.
Seventh. The combination of the locking wheels L' and D" with the cam 9 and
wheel D', substantially as and for the purpose above described.
Eighth. In combination with the hopper 22, the reciprocating carrier, and the
gun-barrel, substantially as and for the purpose herein described.
Ninth. In combination with the reciprocating carrier or table, the arm 24, and
cam 26, substantially as and for the purpose above described.
Tenth. In combination with the carrier C and finger H', the hopper so adjusted
that the distance between the hopper and the path of the carrier is less than one
diameter of the cartridges employed, substantially as and for the purpose herein
described.
Eleventh. In combination substantially as described with the hopper, the carrier,
and the table F', the finger H', which moves to and fro a distance less than two
diameters of the cartridge employed.
Twelfth. The combination of the table F¹, placed above the plane of the axis of
the carrier, and the carrier C¹, having chambers whose entrance is of less diameter
than their interior, substantially as and for the purpose herein described.
Thirteenth. The combination of the finger H¹ and the carrier C', provided with
chambers which have a diameter greater than the entrance in their sides, substan-
tially as and for the purpose above described.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Nineteenth day of February, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and eighty.