Improvements relating to Automatic Guns.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 29th Apr., 1890
Complete Specification Left, 28th Jan., 1891-Accepted, 28th Feb., 1891
MWAY IDIUNAD DE MULTICATION.
[Communicated from abroad by HIRAM STEVENS MAXIM, of Crayford Works,
Crayford, in the County of Kent, and Victoria Mansions, Victoria Street, in
the City of Westminster, Mechanical Engineer, at present residing in Madrid,
Spain.]
Improvements relating to Automatic Guns.
1, HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the firm of Haseltine, Lake & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex, do hereby declare the nature
of this invention to be as follows:-
:-
My invention relates partly to automatic guns of the kind or class described in
the Specification of former Letters Patent dated 3rd January A.D. 1884, No. 606,
that is to say, guns worked entirely by the force or pressure which the gases
generated by the combustion of the powder-charge, exert as they issue from the
muzzle of the gun.
My present invention also relates to automatic guns worked partly by the force
of the recoil and partly by. the force or pressure of the gases expelled from the
muzzle of the gun.
In my said former Specification, I have described guns in which a sliding sleeve
or other suitable device on the muzzle of the gun, is connected with the breech-
mechanism and is arranged, to be moved forward by the gases issuing from the
muzzle, for the purpose of operating the said mechanism.
I now provide for utilizing such force or pressure of the said gases, to effect the
backward movement of the gun in a frame, cradle or other suitable support, or to
augment or increase the recoil or backward movement due to the explosion of the
powder-charge, and thus operate or assist in operating the breech-mechanism.
For this purpose, I provide a cup-shaped piece or piston which has an aperture
for the passage of the shot or bullet, and which is firmly connected with the barrel
or other suitable part of the gun, and I arrange, in combination with this piston,
a cap or deflector, which is also provided with an aperture for the passage of the
shot or bullet, and which is firmly connected to the frame, cradle or other support
for the gun, and is situated in front of the said piston. This cap or deflector forms
with the said cup or piston,,a chamber wherein the gases expelled from the muzzle
will expand and whence such gases can escape through an annular space between
the said cap or deflector and the cup or piston, and through the central hole in the
said cap or deflector.
When the gun is fired, the shot or bullet passes through the said piston and cap
or deflector, and the gases issuing from the muzzle and expanding in the said
chamber, act in opposite directions upon the said cap or deflector and cup or piston,
and thus force the latter backward with the gun relatively to the frame, cradle or
other support.
For utilizing such backward movement of the gun for operating the breech-
mechanism, I can employ various devices such as are described in the Specifications
of former Letters Patent granted to the communicator of this invention. For
instance, in a gun wherein the breech-block moves longitudinally to open and close
the breech, I sometimes employ a crank-shaft mounted in suitable bearings in an
inner frame at the rear end of the barrel, and provided with an arm adapted to
strike against a suitable stop or abutment on the outer frame or cradle in the back-
ward movement of the gun, so that the said crank-shaft will be partially rotated to
open the breech and extract the empty cartridge-shell, and will, in such partial
rotation, store energy for effecting its return movement, as described in the
Specification of former Letters Patent dated 29th January A.D. 1885, No. 1307.

page_text: In a gun provided with a vertically movable breech-block, I sometimes employ a
lever or pawl, which, either in the backward or in the forward or return movement
of the gun, will engage with a hook or projection and effect the opening of the
breech, the extraction of the empty cartridge-shell and the storage of energy to be
subsequently utilized for closing the breech, as described, for instance, in the
Specification of former Letters Patent dated 30th March A.D. 1887, No. 4778.
I do not, however, limit myself to any particular devices for connecting the
movable cup or piston to the breech-mechanism for the purpose of utilizing the
backward movement of the gun as above specified, as various other devices can be
used for this purpose.
I provide a spring or springs or other suitable means for storing energy during
the backward movement of the gun, to be subsequently utilized for effecting the
forward or return movement thereof.
I find it advantageous to make the aforesaid cap or deflector adjustable longi-
tudinally relatively to the cup or piston, so that the action of the gases upon the
latter may be varied by increasing or diminishing the area of the annular passage
for the escape of the gases between the said cap or deflector and cup or piston.
Or, instead of making the cap or deflector adjustable, I can, if desired, make the
cup or piston adjustable for the purpose above specified.
My improved device or muzzle-attachment is conveniently and advantageously
constructed and arranged as follows, viz. -The cup or piston is firmly secured to the
muzzle of the gun, and the adjustable cap or deflector is secured in the forward
end of a casing, which encloses the said cup or piston. The forward end of the
said casing has apertures formed therein around the said cap or deflector, the parts
or bridges between these apertures being preferably V-shaped or of triangular form
in transverse section, with the apex at the rear, so that they will offer but little
resistance to the escape of the gases.
In some instances, I provide the said casing with apertures in its periphery for
the escape of the gases, which apertures may, if desired, be elongated so that the
gases will escape more and more freely as the cup or piston moves backward.
By my present improvements, I provide for the efficient use of the gun either
with ball-cartridges or with blank-cartridges, the force derived from the gases
which issue from the muzzle of the gun, being sufficient to operate the breech-
mechanism either with or without the force derived from the recoil when a
ball-cartridge is employed.
My improvements are applicable to guns in which all the operations necessary in
loading and firing are automatically performed, and also to guns in which some of
these operations are automatically performed and the remainder are effected
by hand.
Dated this 29th day of April 1890.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, Agents for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements relating to Automatic Guns.
I, HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the firm of Haseltine, Lake & Co., Patent Agents,
45, Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex, do hereby declare the
nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
My invention relates partly to automatic guns of the kind or class described in
the Specification of former Letters Patent dated 3rd January A.D. 1884, No. 606,
that is to say, guns worked entirely by the force or pressure which is exerted by
the gases generated by the combustion of the powder-charge, after their expulsion
from the muzzle of the gun.
My present invention also relates to automatic guns worked partly by the force

page_text: of the recoil and partly by the force or pressure of the gases expelled from the
muzzle of the gun.
In the said former Specification are described guns in which a sliding sleeve or
other suitable device on the muzzle of the gun is suitably connected with the
breech-mechanism and is arranged to be moved forward by the dynamic force
of the gases issuing from the muzzle, for the purpose of operating the said
mechanism.
.
I now provide for utilizing, for the operation of the breech-mechanism, not only
the dynamic force of the said gases, but also the expansion of the same in a
chamber formed in front of the muzzle between two parts, one of which is movable
relatively to the other and acts, through the medium of suitable devices; upon a
lever, crank-shaft or the like for operating the breech-mechanism. For this
purpose, employ two flanged or cup-shaped pieces or discs one of which is
stationary and the other of which is movable longitudinally to and fro, and which
are formed with apertures for the passage of the shot or bullet, and are so arranged
relatively to each other that a chamber is formed between then, in which the gases
issuing from the muzzle of the gun will expand, and from which such gases can
escape through the central aperture in the forward cup-shaped piece or disc, and
also through an annular space or passage between the two cup-shaped pieces or
discs. One of these pieces is preferably so formed that it serves as a kind of
cylinder in which the other piece moves somewhat like a piston.
I find it advantageous to utilize the force or pressure of the said gases in the
manner above mentioned, for effecting the backward movement of the gun in a
frame, cradle or other suitable support, or for augmenting or increasing the recoil
or backward movement of the gun due to the explosion of the powder-charge, and
to provide suitable means whereby, in such recoil or backward movement of the
gun, the breech-mechanism will be operated, or energy will be stored for effecting
the operation thereof in the running out or return of the gun to the firing
position.
For this purpose, the movable cup-shaped piece or disc is attached to the muzzle
of the gun, so that the gases expelled therefrom will drive the gun backward in its
frame, cradle or other support. The muzzle-attachment comprising the two flanged
or cup-shaped pieces can thus be applied to any gun provided with means whereby
the breech-mechanism will be operated by the recoil or backward movement
thereof, or by energy stored during such recoil or backward movement.
When it is desired to provide for the operation of the breech-mechanism entirely
by the force or pressure of the gases expelled from the muzzle of the gun, the
forward cup-shaped piece or disc of the said muzzle-attachment is made movable
relatively to the gun, and is connected with suitable devices for operating the
breech-mechanism.
My said invention, moreover, comprises other improvements hereinafter set
forth.
In the accompanying drawings, I have shown how my said invention may be
conveniently and advantageously carried into practice.
Figure is a longitudinal central section, showing one form of my improved
apparatus, a portion of the gun-barrel being shown in side elevation.
Figure 2 is a longitudinal central section, and
Figure 3 a front elevation, illustrating a slight modification in the construction of
the said apparatus.
Figure 4 is a section on the line, c, Figure 3, and
Figures 5 and 6 are longitudinal central sections, showing further modifications of
my said invention.
Like letters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.
A is the barrel of the gun; B is one of the aforesaid cup-shaped pieces or discs,
which is firmly secured to the muzzle of the gun. .C is the other cup-shaped piece
or disc, which is formed with a tubular extension C¹ and which in the forms of my
apparatus shown in Figures 1 and 5, is firmly secured in the forward end of a

page_text: hollow cylinder or casing D attached to a flanged piece E, which is secured to, or
forms a part of the frame, cradle or other support in which the gun is arranged to
slide. The cup-shaped piece or disc C (in Figures 1 and 5) is stationary and
serves as a deflector for the gases issuing from the muzzle of the gun. The cup-
shaped piece B is movable longitudinally to and fro with the gun relatively to the
picce C, and is formed somewhat like a cylinder which, when at the forward end of
its stroke or movement, encloses or surrounds the said cup-shaped or disc C, so that
a chamber is formed between them in which the gases issuing from the muzzle will
expand. An annular space F is left between the said cup-shaped pieces or discs
for the escape of the gases from the said chamber. The forward end of the
cylinder or casing D has formed therein around the extension C¹ of the disc or
deflector C, apertures D¹ for the escape of the gases, the parts or bridges D2
between these apertures being preferably V-shaped or of triangular form in
transverse section, as shown in Figure 4, with the apex at the rear so that they
will offer_but_little resistance to the escape of the gases from the said cylinder or
casing. The gases can also escape from the aforesaid chamber through the tubular
extension C'.
The said casing D may be provided with apertures D³ in the periphery for the
insertion of a tool or implement for screwing it upon or unscrewing it from the
piece. E.
In some instances, I also provide the said casing with elongated apertures D' as
shown in Figure 2, which serve for the escape of the gases. In this case, the gases
will escape more and more freely as the cup-shaped piece B moves backward
relatively to the said casing. The said apertures D₁ may be either parallel or taper
from end to end, or they may be of other suitable shape.
When the gun is discharged, the gases expelled from the muzzle impinge upon
the cup-shaped piece or disc C and are thereby, deflected towards the cup-shaped
piece or disc B, and the said gases, by their expansion in the chamber between the
said cup-shaped pieces or dises, drive the gun back, or assist in driving the gun
back in its frame, cradle or other support, thus operating the breech-mechanism or
storing energy to be subsequently used for effecting the operation thereof.
I find it advantageous to make the disc or deflector C adjustable longitudinally
relatively to the cup-shaped piece B, so that the action of the gases upon the latter
may be varied by increasing or diminishing the area of the annular passage F.
The force exerted to drive the gun backward in its frame or cradle, or to operate
the breech-mechanism can thus be increased or diminished at will. For this
purpose, I sometimes form screw-threads C2 upon the tubular extension C' and
screw the same into the forward end of the cylinder or casing D, and I make the
said extension C¹ with a hexagonal or other suitably shaped part C3 so that a key
or spanner may be applied thereto for the purpose of adjusting the said disc or
deflector. Or instead of making the said disc or deflector adjustable, I can, if
desired, make the cup-shaped piece B adjustable on the barrel A. for the purpose
above specified. In place of the cylinder or casing D, I may use a suitable frame
for supporting the forward cup-shaped piece or disc C. This frame should be
strong enough to resist the action of the gases thereon.
The improved muzzle-attachment shown in Figure 1 is advantageously applicable
to guns of various kinds wherein the breech-mechanism is arranged to be operated
by the force developed by the recoil; for example to guns such as are described in
the Specifications of the following former Letters Patent, viz.-No. 1307 of 1885,
No. 8281 of 1885, No. 4778 of 1887, and No. 8428 of 1888, the breech-mechanism
being constructed and arranged substantially as described in the said Specifications
respectively.
When the gun is to be used for firing blank-cartridges, I find it advantageous
to attach to the muzzle thereof, in place of the apparatus shown in Figure 1, the
modification of my apparatus shown in Figure 5. In this modification, the tubular
extension C¹ is made with a taper or conical passage through it, the diameter of
this: passage at its forward end being, considerably smaller than the bore of the gun.

page_text: The form of the pieces B and C is, moreover, modified so as to increase the effect
produced by the expansion of the gases.
The apparatus shown in Figure 1 and that shown in Figure 5 can be so constructed
that either one or the other of them can be applied to the gun, according to whether
the same is, for the time being, required for use with ball-cartridges or with blank-
cartridges.
In guns to be worked entirely by the force of the gases expelled from the muzzle,
the forward instead of the rear flanged or cup-shaped piece or disc is made movable
for the purpose above specified, the gun, in this case, being so held that it will not
recoil or move backward relatively to its mounting and the said forward cup-shaped
piece or disc is arranged to actuate suitable devices whereby, when the said cup-
shaped piece or disc is driven forward by the expansion of the expelled gases, the
breech-mechanism will be operated. An advantageous arrangement of mechanism
for this purpose is described in the Specification of Letters Patent No. 6591 bearing
the same date as the present application.
In Figure 6 of the accompanying drawings, I have shown a modification of my
present invention wherein the forward cup-shaped piece or disc C is formed with an
extension C which is fitted to slide to and fro in the forward end of the cylinder
or casing D, the rear cup-shaped piece or disc B being secured to the barrel A of
the gun, which is restrained from longitudinal movement by its trunnions or other-
wise. The movable cup-shaped piece or disc C is connected by rods or links G
with a lever or crank for operating the breech-mechanism, such, for instance, as that
described in the said former Specification No. 606 of 1884.
I do not, however, limit myself to any particular devices for connecting the
movable cup-shaped piece or disc with the breech-mechanism for the purpose of
utilizing the expansive force of the expelled gases in the manner above described,
as various other devices can be used for this purpose.
By my present improvements, I provide for the efficient use of the gun either
with ball-cartridges or with blank-cartridges, the force derived from the gases which
issue from the muzzle of the gun being sufficient to operate the breech-mechanism
either with or without the force derived from the recoil when a ball-cartridge is
employed. My improvements are applicable to guns in which all the operations
necessary in loading and firing are automatically performed, and also to guns in
which some of these operations are automatically performed and the remainder are
effected by hand.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondent, I wish it understood that I claim :-
First. The herein described method of providing for the operation of the breech-
mechanism of a gun by the expansion of the expelled gases in a chamber formed
in the front of the muzzle.
Second. The combination, with a gun, of two flanged or cup-shaped pieces or
discs which are arranged one in front of the other at the muzzle-end of the barrel
and one of which is movable relatively to the other and is so arranged that, when
acted upon by the gases expelled from the muzzle, it will operate or assist in
operating the breech-mechanism.
Third. A muzzle-attachment for a gun, comprising two flanged or cup-
shaped pieces or discs which are arranged one in front of the other so as to form
between them a suitable chamber, substantially as, and for the purpose, above
specified.
Fourth. The provision of suitable means whereby one of the said flanged or cup-
shaped pieces or discs may be adjusted relatively to the other to regulate the
action of the gases upon the same, for the purpose above specified.
Fifth. The combination, with a gun arranged to move longitudinally to and
fro in a frame, cradle or other support, of suitable means whereby the said gun

page_text: will be driven backward by the force or pressure of the gases expelled from the
muzzle, for the purposes above specified.
Sixth. The combination of a cup-shaped piece or disc secured to the muzzle of
a gun, and a disc or deflector in front of the same secured to a frame, cradle or
other support in which the gun is free to move longitudinally to and fro, substantially
as, and for the purposes, above specified.
Seventh. The combination, with the stationary and movable flanged or cup-
shaped pieces or discs, of the hollow cylinder or casing (with or without the
apertures in its side or wall), substantially as, and for the purposes, above
specified..
Eighth. The improved apparatus constructed substantially as described with
reference to Figure 1, or to Figure 5, or to Figure 6 of the accompanying
drawings and operating as, and for the purposes, above specified.
Dated this 28th day of Januowr 1801
HASELTINE, LAKE. & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, Agents for the Applicant.