Year: 1899

page_text: A communication from abroad by LAURENCE VINCENT BENET, Artillery Engineer,
of 21, Rue Royale, Paris, France, and HENRI ALBERT MERCIE, Mechanical
Engineer, of 21, Rue Royale, Paris, France.
We, THE HOTCHKISS ORDNANCE COMPANY LIMITED, of 49, Parliament Street,
S.W., London, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
Our invention relates to improvements in that class of guns in which a portion
of the gas developed by the explosion of the powder charge is utilized for opera-
ting the breech mechanism of the arm, and more particularly to that class in
which a motor-piston in perpetual engagement with a power accumulator is
operated by the gases resulting from the explosion. It is evident, however, that
the mechanism about to be described may be applied, in whole or in part, io guns
operated by any well-known mechanical means.
The object of our invention is to produce a simple and efficient mechanism
whereby, when a certain part thereof is given a reciprocating motion by the
action of the powder-gas acting in one direction and a spring acting in the oppo-
site direction, or by other mechanical means, all the operations of loading, firing,
extracting, ejecting and cocking are automatically performed and in proper
sequence. Further objects of our invention are to provide means whereby the
gun may be fired continuously or intermittently at the will of the operator, and
to so form all parts of the mechanism that the same may be dismounted and
assembled without the use of tools.
In pursuance of these ends, our invention consists in the manner of rein-
forcing the barrel by means of the breech-housing, and of securing it therein;
in the manner of securing the breech-housing to the receiver; in the manner of
stowing the mainspring or power accumulator; in the manner of connecting the
breech-block and the firing-pin to the motor-piston, and of controlling their
motions; in the construction of the extractors, and in the manner of imparting
to them a rectilinear motion; in the manner of gearing the feed strip directly
with the motor-piston, whereby the cartridges are brought to the loading position
without the interposition of feed mechanism; in the method of locking the feed-
strip when advanced by the piston, and of locking the piston in the " cocked
position on the exhaustion of the feed-strip; in the method of unlocking and
withdrawing the cartridge from the feed-strip when in the loading position; in
the structural features and manner of imparting motion to the ejector; in the
structural features and combinations of the various elements of the firing
gear, whereby continuous or intermittent fire may be delivered, or the mech-
anism locked against the danger of accidental discharge, and in the structural
features and combinations of various other co-operative parts, as hereinafter
described.
دو
Reference is had to the accompanying drawings in which the same parts are
indicated by the same letters throughout the several views.

page_text: Fig. 1 is a central vertical section through the improved gun, the barrel being
broken away, and parts being shown in elevation.
Fig. 2 represents a horizontal section along the line 2-2 of Fig. 1, looking
down.
ト
In Figs. 1 and 2, the breech-block is shown in the rear or open position.
Fig. 3 represents a section similar to that shown in Fig. 1, except that the
breech-block is in the front or closed position.
Fig. 4 represents a section similar to that shown in Fig. 3, except that the
breech-block is in the front or closed position.
Fig. 5 represents a section along the line 5-5 of Figs. 1 and 2, looking towards
the breech of the gun.
Fig. 6 represents a section along the line 6-6 of Figs. 1 and 2, looking
towards the breech of the gun.
Fig. 7 represents a central vertical section through the casing.
Fig. 8 represents a section along the line 8-8 of Fig. 7, looking down.
Fig. 9 is a side elevation of the casing as detached from the gun.
Fig. 10 is a plan view of the device shown in Fig. 9.
Fig. 11 is a view of the casing shown in Figs. 9 and 10 looking towards the
rear of the gun, parts being broken away.
Fig. 12 represents a transverse section of the piston along the line 12-12 of
Figs. 25 and 26, looking in the direction of the arrows.
Fig. 13 is an end elevation of the feed trough detached from the gun.
Fig. 14 is a plan view of the feed trough shown in Fig. 13.
Fig. 15 represents a section from the feed trough along the line 15-15 of
Figs. 13 and 14, looking in the direction of the arrows.
Fig. 16 is a section on the same line as that shown in Fig. 15, but looking in
the opposite direction.
Fig. 17 represents a transverse section across the feed trough along the
line 17-17 of Fig. 14, looking in the direction of the arrows.
Fig. 18 is an elevation of the rear end of the breech piece as detached from.
the gun.
Fig. 19 represents a section along the line 19-19 of Fig. 18, looking down.
Fig. 20 is a rear elevation of the device shown in Figs. 18 and 19.
Fig. 21 is a detail partly in section showing the co-operation of the piston,
breech-block and the extractors, and shows the extractors in the locked or
holding position.
Fig. 22 is a similar view to that shown in Fig. 21, except that the piston is
moved forward slightly, relieving the engagement of the extractors.
Fig. 23 is an end view of the device shown in Fig. 21, as seen from the left
of said figure.
Fig. 24 is a section along the line 24-24 of Fig. 22, looking in the direction
of the arrows.
Fig. 25 is a side elevation of the reciprocating piston, by means of which the
gun is operated.
Fig. 26 is a plan view of the piston shown in Fig. 25.
Fig. 27 represents the detachable cover for the discharge opening for the
empty shell, which serves to deflect the shell downward.
Fig. 28 is a plan view of the device shown in Fig. 27.
Fig. 29 is a section along the line 29-29 of Figs. 27 and 28, looking in the
direction of the arrows.
Fig. 30 is a detail view showing in perspective the screw pin for holding the
shell deflector in place on the gun.
Fig. 31 is a detail view showing in perspective the pin for holding the breech
cover in place.
Fig. 32 is a perspective view of one of the extractors as detached from the
gun.
Fig. 33 is a perspective view of the pivoted stop as detached from the gun.

page_text: Fig. 34 is a perspective view of the cocking handle used for cocking the gun
by, hand, as detached from the gun.
J.
Fig. 35'is a perspective view of the pin for securing the rear end of the breech
cover to the casing of the gun.
*
Fig. 36 is a perspective view of the pivoted ejector for ejecting' empty or
unexploded shell.
Figs. 37 to 40 inclusive represent various positions of the mechanism for con-
trolling the frequency of fire, as seen from the left of the gun.
Fig. 37 represents the apparatus set for automatic repeated fire, or volley firing.
Fig. 38 represents the apparatus set for safety.
Fig. 39 represents the apparatus set for single fire.
Fig. 40. represents the apparatus in the position showing the return of the
detent lever.
Fig. 41 répresents a plan view of the feed strip for holding the fixed ammu-
nition to be used in the gun.
Fig. 42 represents a section along the line 42-42 of Fig. 41.
Fig. 43 represents an end view of the device shown in Figs. 41 and 42, as
seen from the left of said figures.
Fig. 44 represents an end view of the device shown in Figs. 41 and 42, as
seen from the right of said figures.
Figs. 45 and 46 are a side elevation and plan view respectively of the resilient
strip used to engage the rim of the cartridge case and hold the shells in place on
the feed strip until the said spring is pressed.
Fig. 47 is an end elevation, and
Fig. 48 is a plan view of a device similar to that shown in Figs. 41 and 42,
except that the resilient strip is slotted and is fastened and held in place by the
heads of rivets instead of travelling in the guide-way.
Referring particularly to Figs. 1 to 4, A is the receiver which contains the
operative mechanism of the gun, which is preferably a single casting of gun-
metal or other material, which bears near its forward end the trunnions A¹, or
other device for supporting the gun on its carriage. In the front end of the
receiver is screwed or otherwise attached the breech-piece B, which is preferably
a single forging of tempered and annealed gun-steel. The rearward portion of
the breech-piéce is formed into the breech-housing B. To the front of the
breech-housing, the breech-piece is provided with an interior screw-thread b, and
to the front of this is slightly coned to receive the barrel C. That portion of the
breech-piece which projects from the front of the receiver, is formed into a series
of annular projections 61 which provide a large radiating surface, and assist in
absorbing and radiating the heat developed in the barrel by the powder gases.
The barrel C is a single forging of gun-steel, and is chambered and rifled in the
usual manner. It is solidly assembled with the breech-piece by means of the
screw-thread b, and the portion which falls under the radiating surface is coned so
as to be brought into close contact with the latter. When the barrel is assembled
with the breech-piece, it bears the same relation to the latter as the tube does
to the jacket in a "built up" gun, in that the breech-piece resists all of the longi-
tudinal strain due to the interior pressure of the powder gas, whilst materially
reinforcing the barrel against tangential strain. The cylinder support or collar C¹
is secured to the barrel to the front i the breech-piece, preferably by shrinkage,
and by means of the pin c. This collar serves to support the forward end of the
gas cylinder D. Through the barrel, cylinder-collar and cylinder is formed the
port cl, bringing, the bore into communication with the gas cylinder, and which
latter may be circular or of other form in cross-section.
The cylinder D) is screwed into the cylinder-collar Cas. at d¹, a coned bearing
being formed at d, to insure a gas-tight joint. To the rear, the cylinder engages
in a recess in the front end of the receiver by which it is supported. The front
of the cylinder is closed by the regulator D which consists of a hollowed plug
which registers with a relatively long screw-thread in the cylinder D. As the

page_text: regulator is screwed more or less into the cylinder, the volume of the chamber Do,
which lies between the regulator and the head of the piston will be diminished
or increased, and hence the tension of the gas entering through the port c¹ will
be increased or diminished, as is described and claimed in our British Patent
No. 29118 granted December 18 1896. To the rear of the chamber D°, the bore
of the cylinder is diminished at do; so as to fit the head of the piston snugly. It
is while the head of the piston is moving along this portion, that the gas acts
effectively upon it. Near the rear end of this reduced portion do is the exhaust
port d, which permits the gas to escape to the open air when unmasked by the
movement of the piston. To the rear of this, the bore of the cylinder is
greatly increased as at 12 for the sake of lightness.
The piston E (see Figs. 1, 3, 12, 25 and 20) is lodged in the receiver A, its
front end engaging in the reduced portion of the cylinder D, when in the forward
position, as already shown. It has a longitudinal reciprocating motion under
the influence of the powder gas from the barrel acting upon its forward end and
the mainspring Z pressing on the piston from the rear. Beginning at the front
of the piston, we find the cylindrical head E¹, which receives the pressure of the
powder gas, and serves to guide the piston in the cylinder. One or more grooves e¹,
are cut in the head to aid in preventing the passage of gas to the rear. To the
rear of the head, the piston is reduced in diameter as at e, and then increased in
diameter beginning at the shoulder e. This shoulder serves as an abutment for
the stop F (Figs. 1, 3, 5 and 33), which stop engages with it when the feed strip
is exhausted, thus holding the piston to the rear independently of the trigger and
retaining lug, as will be hereinafter described. The central portion of the piston
is flattened on top as shown at E2 in Figs. 12, 25 and 26, and on this plane sur-
face are formed the three cams et, cand e (see Fig. 26). These cams serve to
bring the feed strip to the loading position, as will be described later on.
On the right side of the piston is formed the ejector groove E3 (Figs. 1 and 25),
which consists of two portions e² and es, parallel to the axis of the piston, the
inclined portion e, and the flaring portion ell (see Fig. 25).
Beneath the piston is formed the cocking lug E, against which abuts the
head of the cocking handle G, when cocking the gun by hand. The cocking
handle (see Fig. 34), consists of the body G', on which are formed the four guide-
ribs g', and the handle G2. The cocking handle is mounted loosely in the
receiver, the guide-ribs gl engaging in the grooves a (Figs 1, 3 and 7), and the
handle projecting through the slot A° (Figs. 1, 3 and 8). When the piston is
in its forward position, the lug E bears against the head g of the cocking
handle G, and on pulling the latter, the piston will be withdrawn to the rear and
cocked, if desired. On releasing the piston, it flies forward under the impulse
of the mainspring Z, pushing the cocking handle before it. When the piston
is thrown to the rear under the pressure of the powder gas, the cocking-handle
remains in its forward position, shown in Fig. 3, not partaking of the motions
of the piston.
To the rear of the cocking-lug is the retaining lug H (Figs. 1, 3), which is a
single piece fitted into a dovetail recess in the under-side of the piston. It is
provided with a central pivot or stem h to facilitate assembling with the piston.
Within the piston is formed the longitudinal chamber E³, in which is lodged
the mainspring Z. This spring abuts against the bottom of the chamber in one
direction, and against the breech-cover A2 in the other. Between the rear end
of the mainspring and the breech-cover, the head of the guide-rod is inter-
posed, the spring bearing against the flange of the head of this guide-rod, and
the head against the breech-cover A². This guide-rod is preferably hollow, and
its object is to keep the mainspring in line when the piston is in its forward
position, and the greater part of the mainspring unsupported by the walls of the
chamber in the piston.
Near the rear of the piston is formed the head E, which is bored axially to
receive the stem K¹ of the breech-block K (see Figs. 1, 3, 21 and 22). The

page_text: grooves e¹6 are cut through the head E to permit the passage of the tenons, at
the rear of the breech-block. The head of the piston is bored transversely at
e12 for the passage of the pin L, which traverses the head E of the piston, the
stem K of the breech-block, and the enlargement M¹ of the firing-pin M and
controls the motion of the breech-block and firing-pin. The pin L is provided
at one end with the ears e (Figs. 2, 4 and 25), which are seated in recesses in the
head of the piston, their object being to afford a long bearing against the walls
of the receiver, and to prevent the pin from slipping out of place during the move-
ment of the piston. Finally, the head E of the piston is provided with cams e¹5
(Figs. 21 and 22), with the object of controlling the action of the extractors, as
will be described later on.
The breech-block K (Figs. 5, 6, 21 and 22) is provided to the front with the
two lugs which resist the pressure delivered by the head of the cartridge when
the breech is closed, and which act as guides during the longitudinal motion of
the breech-block when opening or closing. When the breech is closed, the
lugs are horizontal, and bear against the shoulders 62 of the breech-piece B in
rear of the housing B₁ (see Figs. 2, 4, and 18 to 26); when the breech is unlocked
by turning it through 90° about its longitudinal axis, the lugs k register with the
slots 69, and the breech-block is free to move to the rear. The lugs then engage
in the guideways a¹ (Figs. 5 and 6), in the receiver which prevent rotation of
the breech-block throughout the remainder of its movement. By this arrange-
ment, the breech-block cannot move longitudinally when its lugs k are engaged
behind the shoulders 2 in the housing B₁ of the breech-piece, and when engaged
therein, it can only rotate axially, as the conical surface of the head abuts
against the surface of the slots 63 to the front, and the lugs k abut against the
shoulders 6 to the rear.
:
These motions of rotation and translation are controlled by the piston acting
upon the breech-block through the pin L, which traverses the stem of the breech-
block passing through the cam slots K°. When the breech is closed and locked,
the piston is in its extreme forward position, the forward surface e14 of the piston
head hearing against the annular abutment on the breech-block (Figs. 3, 4,
21 and 22) the pin L is then in its extreme forward position with reference to
the slots Ko, and the firing pin M, which is also traversed by the pin L, is in its
forward position, its point projecting beyond the front face of the breech-block
through the hole 6, the parts then being in the position shown in Figs. 3 and 4.
On the piston moving to the rear under the impulse of the powder gas, the pin L
moves to the rear along the cam slots K°. The forward portion of these slots is
essentially parallel to the axis of the breech-block, and during this portion of
the movement, the pin L withdraws the firing-pin. whilst the breech-block.
remains fast. The pin I then reaches the spiral portion of the cam slots K°,
which make a gradually increasing angle with the axis of the breech-block; as
the breech-block cannot at first move to the rear, it rotates about its axis, dis-
engaging the lugs k from the shoulders 62 and unlocking the breech.
The grad-
ually increasing angle which the cam slots Ko make with the axis of the breech-
block enables the pin L to exert great power upon the breech-block during the
first part of the movement of unlocking, thus avoiding liability to stick or iam.
When the pin L reaches the end of the spiral portion of the slots K°. the block
is fully unlocked, the lugs k are then vertical and in line with the slots b³,
and the guideways a and the breech-block is in position to be with-
drawn. At this time, the slots K° become parallel to the axis for a short distance,
during which portion of the movement the extractors are locked, as will be
explained later on. When the pin has reached essentially the end of the slots.
the lugs 16 are struck by the rear surface of the head E6 of the breech-block, and
the block is withdrawn. thus fully opening the breech.
The firing-pin M is preferably a single piece, and is loaded in the breech-block
as already described, and is provided with the usual point, and with the swell M',
through which passes the pin L. To the rear of the swell M it prolonged by

page_text: the part M for the purpose of preventing the assembling of piston, breech-block,
firing-pin, and pin without passing the latter through the hole in the swell M¹.
For convenience in assembling, this part M2 terminates in a knurled boss m³.
From the description already given of the breech-block, it will be evident that
the point of the firing-pin cannot project beyond the face of the breech-block and
fire the cartridge until the breech shall have been fully closed and locked. It
will also be evident that the firing-pin will be withdrawn until the point is within
the breech-block, before the latter can begin to unlock. This insures safety
against premature discharge. It will also be noted that the cartridge will be
discharged the instant the breech is closed and locked, and before the barrel, when
highly heated by prolonged firing, can have any effect upon the powder contained
in the cartridge.
The breech-block is fitted with two independent extractors P (Figs. 1, 3, 21
to 24 and 32), but as these are symmetrical in form, and identical in action, a
description of one will suffice for both. They are preferably of the rigid type,
and perform their function without calling upon the resilience of the material
of which they are made. To the front of the extractor is formed the rib or
claw ??, for grasping the head of the cartridge, and to the rear of the claw is the
abutment p, which prevents the claw from approaching too near to the axis of
the breech-block. The projection p² prevents the front face of the lower extractor
from striking the primer of the cartridge when forcing it into the chamber of
the barrel, as will be described later on.
The body of the extractor engages in and registers with the groove a in the
receiver and 64 in the breech-piece, which permits it a motion of translation, but
not of rotation. Below the body is formed the hook p³, which engages in front
of the annular rib k, on the breech-block K and forms the connection between
these two pieces. To the rear of the hook p³ is formed the U-shaped tang P,
which engages to the rear of the rib on the breech-block, and bears against the
rear surface of this rib on either side thereof, as shown at p in Figs. 21 and 22:
These points are closer to the axis of the breech-block than the clawp and
hence any longitudinal tension on tang will tend to make the claw approach the
axis. To the rear, the body of the extractor is prolonged into the tail P3 which
is bent inwards slightly as at 25 and bears upon the head of the piston.
The action of the extractors will now be explained. Consider the piston to be
in its rearmost position, as shown in Fig. 21; the tails of the extractors will bear
on the cams e¹5 of the piston, and the abutments will bear against 'the head of
the breech-block. The extractors will therefore be held by means of the three
bearings p¹, 3 and 75. Suppose a cartridge to be in line with and ready to enter
the chamber of the barrel: as the piston moves forward, the breech-block will
remain fast until the pin L reaches the spiral portion of the grooves Ko, and
during this part of the motion, the cams els on the piston will move forward with
reference to the tails of the extractors until the parts p5 and e15 are in the position
shown in Fig. 22. The extractors will then be free to pivot about the U-shaped
tangs P2, and thus pass over the flange of the cartridge. The pin L then having
struck the spiral portion of the grooves K°, the piston and the breech-block move
forward together, and the lower extractor striking the head of the cartridge,
pushes it into the chamber.
After the discharge, the piston moves to the rear, unlocking the breech-block,
as already described. When the breech-block is unlocked, but before it moves
to the rear, the pin L passes along the straight portion of the cam slots K° and
during this motion, the cams 15 pass under the tails of the extractors and forces
the claws p to engage positively with the flange of the cartridge. As the breech-
block moves to the rear, the cartridge is extracted, the effort of extraction tending
to cause the extractors to revolve about the points 2 of the U-shaped tangs P,
and thus to grasp the cartridge more firmly.
The eiector consists of a single piece Q (Figs. 1, and 36), which is lodged and
works in a transverse slot at in the receiver. The lower portion Q¹ of the ejector

page_text: is formed so as to embrace one side of the body of the piston, and on this part
is formed the coffin-shaped stud Q which engages in the ejector groove E³, in
the piston; the head Q3 of the ejector is conformed to the radius of the cartridge
case so as to strike it on a relatively large surface; and to the rear of the head
is formed the abutment 3 to limit the backward motion. Considering the piston
to be in its extreme forward position, the ejector stud Q2 is in the straight
portion of the ejector groove ; and during the first portion of the rearward
motion of the piston, it remains inoperative in the slot a in the receiver; when
the piston has moved sufficiently to the rear to bring the breech-block and
extractors and with them the empty cartridge case in line with the ejector
aperture A in the casing, the inclined portion of the ejector groove e strikes
the ejector stud Q2 and causes the ejector to pivot about the piston. The ejector
head strikes the cartridge case, and forces it out of the grasp of the extractors
and into the deflector A, from which it falls to the ground. In order to allow
the shell to be knocked out of the extractors, the nibs of the latter are cut away
on one edge, as shown at 76 in Fig. 23. As the piston moves forward, the inclined
portion of the ejector slot causes the ejector to pivot to the rear into the slot a',
where it remains until another cartridge case reaches the ejection position.
The deflector A is preferably suspended by a rib als engaging a corresponding
surface on the receiver A (see Fig. 5), and is detachably connected to the casing
by the thumb screw a¹ (Fig. 30) passing through the slot a (Fig. 27).
Before describing the operations of feeding, it will be necessary to explain the
construction and function of the feed-strip, as this forms a co-operative part of
the feed mechanism, (see Figs. 5 and 41 to 48). The feed-strip consists prefer-
ably of a single casting R of bronze or other metal, and holds ten or such other
number of cartridges as may not exceed a suitable weight for quick handling. To
the iront of the strip are formed a series of clips which embrace the ogival
head of the projectiles; they are provided with a slightly overhanging lip r, so
formed that when the cartridge is slightly withdrawn to the rear, the projectile
is freed from the clips. To the rear of the strip is formed the series of clips R³,
which grasp the shell of each cartridge. The cartridges are prevented from
moving to the rear by means of the resilient undulating strip of thin metal R³,
which is provided with ears to engage in guides attached to or integral with
the plate R; these undulations being in line with the rims of the cartridges pre-
vent them from moving to the rear. The end lug is pressed into the enlarged
opening as shown in Fig. 41, and thus the strip is held in place. Instead of
this method of securing the strip in place, the latter may be provided with elon-
gated holes engaging the stems of rivets having enlarged heads 78, so as to
permit of a slight longitudinal motion of the strip R³. In either case, if pres-
sure be brought to bear upon an undulation from above, it will be flattened down,
and the cartridge may be withdrawn to the rear. On the under side of the feed-
strip are formed the lugs or tenons, which engage with the feed-cams et, es
and e on the top of the piston already described. They also register with the
lug on the stop F', which serves as a pawl to prevent the withdrawal of the feed-
strip when not engaged with the feed cams. The feed-strip is prolonged beyond
the emplacement of the first cartridge as at 0, to provide an extra tenon, and
under the last cartridges is provided the clearance R° to permit the action of
the stop F.
This stop is carried in the journal bearings a (Figs. 5 and 33) in the receiver,
by means of the trunnions f¹. The opening in the journal bearings as is made
smaller than the maximum diameter of the trunnions f¹ and the trunnions are
flattened on the sides, as shown in Figs. 5 and 33, so that they may be slipped
into the journal bearings and the stop swung upwards into place, when it will
be securely held. When swung into place, the spiral spring Fo is engaged with
the hook on the stop, and with the eyes on the feed trough S which holds said
stop securely and tends to pull it upwards. Under the trunnions fi is the
handle F¹ by means of which the stop may be swung downwards out of engage-

page_text: ment with the piston, when desired. On the upper part of the stop is formed
the cam surface f³ and the two ratchet teeth ƒ³ and f. If there be no feed-strip
in the gun, the stop is free to swing upwards until its body strikes the under
surface of the piston. If now the piston be in its rearward position, and if there
be no feed-strip engaged in the gun, the stop will be held against the under sur-
face of the piston by the tension of the spring Fo. If the piston be withdrawn
to the rear, when the abutment e falls in line with the stop, the latter will rise
under the influence of the spring and will prevent any forward movement of the
piston, and this, quite independent of the trigger. If now a feed-strip be inserted
in the feed-trough guides s' and pushed home, the front of the strip will strike
the cam on the stop, forcing it down to the level of the under side of the feed-
strip and free the piston. Hence while the feed-strip is in the gun, the stop is
inoperative. When the last cartridge is loaded into the gun, the opening Rin
the feed-strip falls above the stop, and the latter rises, and when the piston is
thrown to the rear by the gas of the last cartridge, the stop prevents it from
going forward until a fresh feed-strip shall have been inserted, or until the stop
is released by hand.
Returning now to the feed-strip, it will be noticed that the tenons r³ are spaced
by distances equal to the distance between the axes of adjacent cartridges; on
the stop, the ratchet teeth f* and fo are spaced by essentially half this distance.
Referring now to Fig. 5, we see that when the feed-strip is inserted into the gun
and forced home, the tooth ft engages behind the first tenon and prevents any
movement in withdrawal of the feed-strip. The feed-strip, as already remarked,
is inserted when the piston is to the rear. As the piston moves forward under
the influence of the mainspring, the feed cam e strikes the second tenon and
causes the feed-strip to advance until the cartridge is in the loading position; as
the piston moves to the rear, the feed-cam e strikes the third tenon, and advances
the feed-strip by one-half space when the second tenon is engaged by the tooth f³,
and a backward movement prevented; as the piston moves forward again, the
third tenon is struck by the feed-cam e and advanced a further half space, when
the tooth f engages the second tenon, and so on.
The feed-trough S is made in a separate piece from the receiver to facilitate
manufacture, and is secured in place by the taper pins $23; it is shaped to
facilitate the introduction of the feed-strips and is provided with guides s', in
which are engaged the edges of the feed-strip for the purpose of holding it
steady. The rear one of these guides s is so formed that a downward inclined
projection strikes each undulation of the thin metal strip as they arrive at
this point, thus permitting each successive cartridge to be drawn to the rear.
In the upper part of the feed-box is formed the guide s, which is inclined to
the rear, and which engages the flange of each successive cartridge. As each
undulation of the strip is forced down as already described, each successive car-
tridge is withdrawn to the rear by the guide s', thus freeing it from the clips R¹;
at this moment, the cartridge rides up on the tongue As, which is formed in the
receiver, and being pushed along by the clips R', is brought into the loading
position in line with the breech-block; in this position it is struck by the pro-
jection 2 on the lower extractor and is forced into the chamber of the barrel.
The inclined surfaces in the breech-housing of the breech-piece serve as guides
to direct the cartridge fairly home; it will also be observed that the cartridge
is firmly held and guided between the clips R¹, and the walls of the receiver.
If, during the firing of a feed-strip of cartridges, it is necessary to cease firing
and unload the gun, it is only necessary to turn down the stop by means of the
handle, when the ratchet teeth will be withdrawn from engagement with the
tenons, and the feed-strip may be freely withdrawn.
The rear of the receiver is closed by the breech-cover A2, which provides a
support for the shoulder piece O. The breech-cover is a single casting and is
assembled to the receiver by means of the pivot bolt a and the breech-cover
pin A', which pin is provided with the stud a³ which engages in the grooves all

page_text: in the breech-cover (Figs. 2 and 4), so that by giving a half turn to the spring
handle a, the stud a falls in line with the groove aй and the pin may be with-
drawn. When the pin is withdrawn, the breech-cover may be rotated about the
pivot bolt as, and the interior of the receiver exposed for the dismounting or
assembling of the component parts of the mechanism.
When the breech-cover is opened, the firing gear is exposed; this (as shown
in Figs. 3, and 37 to 40) comprises the firing lever T, the trigger piece U, the
trigger spring V and the controlling lever W, all of which are mounted in the
receiver. The trigger U consists of the shaft u on which is formed the trigger
proper u, and at the end of which shaft is the spring lever u² and the firing-
toe u The trigger spring V is under tension between the spring lever u² and
the tail of the firing lever T; the said spring tends to turn the trigger upwards
until stopped by the firing toe u striking the abutment X on the receiver, as
shown in full lines in Fig. 40. Moreover, the same spring tends to cause the
firing lever arm T to engage against the stop X', as shown in dotted lines in
Fig. 40.
As the piston moves to the rear, or to the right in Figs. 37 to 40, the
inclined surface of the lug H strikes the trigger and causes it to rotate down-
wards against the tension of the spring V. When the lug has passed over the
trigger, the latter rises and, engaging the shoulder h², prevents the piston from
moving to the front. The trigger may be dismounted by opening the breech-
cover, disengaging the trigger spring, turning the piece until the trigger proper
falls in line with the slot a8 (Fig. 7) cut into the side of the receiver, and with-
drawing.
The firing lever T is pivoted on the pin T on the exterior of the receiver and
plays between it and the cheek of the breech-cover. The journal bearing t for
the lever T is elongated about two diameters in the direction of the axis of the
trigger arm T, which arm has the rounded edge 2 adapted to strike back upon
and pass over the toe and the engaging edge adapted to engage the toe ³
when rotated in the opposite direction. On the branch T3 of the firing lever is
When the
the firing handle T which is grasped by the operator of the gun.
breech-cover is opened, the firing lever may be slipped off its pivot and dismounted.
The controlling lever W has an arm W on the spindle w, which spindle is
prolonged to form the handle Wo; this is grasped by the operator, at the same
time as the firing handle, and, by bringing the two towards each other by a pres-
sure of the fingers, he is enabled to fire the gun. On the spindle c is formed the
controlling stop w³, the function of which will be described later on.
trolling lever is mounted by slipping into its journals in the receiver and then
inserting the spring handle W2, swinging this upwards, the stud w engages in a
groove in the receiver forming a bayonet joint, and whilst so engaged, the handle
cannot be withdrawn.
The con-
The action of the firing gear is as follows: Suppose it be desired to lock the
gun at safety: the controlling lever handle W2 is turned to the position "safety,"
(indicated by the line of Figs. 38 to 40): if now the firing handle be pulled
towards the spindle we, as for firing, the arm T will strike the abutment 3 (sec
Fig. 38), on the controlling stop W3, and the motion of the firing lever will be
arrested before the arm T2 can move the toe far enough to release the trigger u
from engagement with the notch 2, and hence the gun cannot be fired while the
controlling lever is in the position -.
Now, suppose it is desired to fire single shots, pausing after each shot to correct
the aim, or for other reasons; the controlling lever is turned until the handle W2
is in the position "slow fire," indicated by the line 3-3 in Figs. 37-40. The
recess in the controlling stop W³ now registers with the firing handle T* and
the latter may be moved against the action of the spring V until in contact there-
with, or in the position shown in Fig. 39. As the firing lever is pulled towards
the spindle c. the trigger lever T2 presses against the firing toe ³, causing the
trigger-piece to rotate until the trigger escapes from the notch 2 and allows
the piston to fly forward (to the left in Figs. 37 to 40), firing the gun. At this

page_text: point, further movement of the trigger is arrested by the trigger u striking the
abutment y (see Figs. 1 and 3), formed in the receiver; the point of the tripping
arm T then bears against the point of the firing toe (as shown in full lines in
Fig. 39) and the strain on the firing handle causes the elongated journal ¹ to ride
up on the pivot T until the ring toe escapes from the tripping arm and the
tension of the trigger spring V causes the trigger-piece U to resume its first posi-
tion, shown in dotted lines in Fig. 39, but the tripping arm 12 will then be out
of engagement with the cocking arm. On the recoil of the piston, the trigger
will again engage with the notch ², and hold the piston to the rear as before,
except that the tripping arm 12 will now be back of the firing toe u³, and in order
to fire a second shot, it will be necessary to first release the firing lever, when the
cam surface t³ on the tripping arm will strike the cam surface u on the firing-toe
and the tension of the trigger spring will cause the elongated journal t¹ to ride up
on the pivot T, when the tripping arm will slip over and engage in front of the
firing toe and the firing lever will resume its initial position against the abut-
ment X, ready for another shot.
If it be desired to fire continuously, the controlling lever is turned until the
handle W2 takes the position "vollies" (indicated by the line 2-2 in Figs. 37
to 40); the portion of the controlling stop will now register with the firing
handle, the firing position being shown in full lines in Fig. 37. If the firing
handle be now pulled to the rear, it will strike the surface was shown in Fig. 37,
and the tripping arm will hold the trigger out of engagement with the lug H,
and the firing handle being held in this position, the gun will fire continuously
as long as it is supplied with ammunition. In this position of the controlling
lever, the firing handle cannot be pulled far enough to the rear to permit the
tripping arm to spring beyond the firing toe, but will permit sufficient movement
to hold the trigger out of engagement with the retaining lug H.
To explain the general action of the mechanism, let us consider the breech to
be closed, and the controlling lever set at slow fire." The cocking handle G³
is grasped by the operator and drawn smartly to the rear; the head of the cocking
handle bearing against the cocking tang on the piston withdraws the latter,
and the breech is unlocked and opened. When the inclined surface h¹ of the
lug H strikes the trigger ', it forces this down and when the lug has passed, the
trigger flies up under the action of the spring V and prevents a forward move-
ment of the piston; the piston moving slightly further to the rear, the stop F
rises and engages in front of the abutment e³, and the gun is at full cock with
the mainspring fully compressed. It is now impossible to fire the gun by pulling
the firing lever, as the piston is held by the stop F independently of the trigger.
The gun is now loaded by engaging a feed-strip R in the guides s¹ of the feed-
trough S, and pushing it smartly home (see Fig. 5). The first tenon of the
feed-strip strikes the cam surface f on the head of the stop F, causing the latter
to revolve about its axis f' against the action of the spring F° and disengage
itself from the abutment on the piston; the piston now moves slightly forward
until the lug 2 engages on the trigger u. As the feed-strip is entered in the
feed-trough, the projection presses down the first undulation of the thin metal
strip on the feed-strip and leaves the first cartridge free to move to the rear; the
flange of this cartridge has in the meantime engaged in the inclined groove st of
the feed-box, and the cartridge is withdrawn to the rear until it is free vertically
from the clips R1 and R2: the point of the tongue A8 has now passed under the
cartridge, and as the feed-strip is pushed into the gun, the cartridge rides up on
the tongue until it abuts against the wall of the receiver at a08; just before the
cartridge abuts against the wall of the receiver, the second ratchet
tooth f on the head of the stop F engages with the first tenon on the feed-strip,
and prevents any backward movement of the latter. The gun is now loaded and
ready to fire. The operator now pulls the firing lever smartly to the rear until
the firing handle T is stopped by striking the bottom of the recess 10 in the con-
trolling stop 3, the tripping arm T pressing up on the firing toe u³, causes the
'

page_text: trigger u to revolve until free of the notch h³, and the tripping arm, escaping
from engagement with the firing toe u³, passes to the rear of the latter; the
trigger spring V now causes the trigger to resume its original position. When
the trigger u is free from the notch, the piston flies forward under the impulse
of the mainspring Z; as the piston moves forward, the pin L moves along the
straight portion of the grooves K° in the breech-block (see Figs. 21 to 24); the
breech-block remains fast, but the projections et on the head E6 of the piston
move forward with reference to the tails of the extractors P, leaving the
extractors free to revolve slightly about the faces of the tangs P². As the
piston continues its forward motion, the pin L passes into the inclined portion
of the grooves K° in the breech-block and, as the latter is prevented from turning
by the tenons engaging in the guideways in the receiver, the breech-block
moves forward with the piston. As the breech-block moves forward, the pro-
jection p² on the lower extractor strikes the head of the first cartridge, and forces
it into the chamber of the gun; as the cartridge moves into the chamber, it is
guided by the wall of the receiver, the clips R1 and R2, and the inclined plane A8.
When the cartridge is fully home, the flange strikes the inclined surface of the
front ends of the extractors, causing the latter to rotate slightly about the
hooks, so as to bring the claws or nibs p into engagement with the flange of
the cartridge; at this moment, the motion of the breech-block to the front is
arrested by the coned surface of its head striking the corresponding surface 63
in the breech-piece B. The tenons on the breech-block having now entered
the chamber in the breech-piece, the block is free to revolve about its axis;
as the piston continues its motion to the front, the pin L moves along the in-
clined portion of the slots K in the breech-block, causing the latter to rotate
and bringing the tenons in line with the abutments 2 in the breech-piece,
when the breech is locked; the pin L now enters the short straight portion at
the rear end of the slots K°, and the piston continuing its forward motion forces
the firing pin M against the primer of the cartridge and fires the gun. The piston
is now stopped by the front face of the head E striking the annular abutment
on the breech-block.
As the piston moves forward, the feed came on the piston engages behind the
second tenon on the feed-strip, holding the latter in the loading position.
When the projectile has moved along the bore sufficiently to unmask the
port in the barrel (see Figs. 1 and 3), a portion of the powder gas passes into
the chamber Do in the gas cylinder D, and, impinging against the head E¹ of
the piston, throws the latter to the rear; when the piston has moved sufficiently
to the rear to unmask the exhaust port, the gas escapes into the open air.
As the piston moves to the rear, the pin L, moving first along the short straight
portion at the rear end of he slots K° in the breech-block K, withdraws the firing
pin clear of the face of the breech-block, and the said pin L then strikes the
inclined portion of the slots K° and as the breech-block is prevented from
moving to the rear by the tenons & bearing against the abutments 62, the breech-
block rotates about its axis until the tenons k register with the guide-ways b³,
when the breech-block is unlocked; at this time, the pin L passes into the straight
portion of the slots K in the breech-block, and as the pin moves along this
porfion, the projections el on the piston head Es pass under the tails 75 of the
extractors, causing these pieces to rotate about the hooks 23. and holding the
claws in positive engagement with the flange of the cartridge case. At this
point, the rear face of the piston head E6 strikes the tenons 16 at the end of the
breech-block, and the latter is dragged bodily to the rear by the piston dragging
with it the empty cartridge case held firmly in the extractors.
As the piston moves to the rear, the stud Q2 on the ejector Q moves along the
straight portion of the ejector groove E³ on the piston. When the breech-block
has moved sufficiently to the rear to bring the empty cartridge case in line with
the ejection aperture A, the ejector stud Q2 strikes the inclined part of the
ejector groove, and the ejector revolves about the piston; the ejector head Q³

page_text: now strikes the empty cartridge case, and forces it out of the grasp of the extrac-
tors and into the deflector A, from whence it falls to the ground. As the piston
moves to the rear, the feed came engages behind the third tenon on the feed-
strip R, and causes the latter to advance by one half space into the feed-trough;
at this point, the first ratchet tooth f engages behind the second tenon and holds
the strip in place. When the piston is fully to the rear, the trigger engages
with the lug H holding the piston at full cock ready for the next shot; the
operator now releases the firing handle, when the tripping arm will engage in
front of the firing toe as already explained, and by operating the firing lever the
gun may be fired. As the piston again moves forward after firing, the feed
cam e strikes the third tenon of the teed-strip, and advances the latter one half
space, this bringing the second cartridge to the loading position before it can be
struck by the lower extractor. When the last cartridge on a strip is brought to
the loading position, the stop F is permitted to rise by the opening R° in the feed
strip, and, as the piston is forced to the rear by the gas of the last cartridge, the
stop rises and prevents a forward movement or the piston until a fresh feed-strip
shall have been loaded into the feed-trough.
The cycle of operations is the same for volley firing, except that the firing lever
is held in the firing position until it is desired to cease firing.
When a fresh feed-strip is inserted, the lugs may not be in exact alignment
with the cam surface e', and so we provide the cam surface e, see Fig. 26, which
engages the first lug, and thus the first forward movement of the piston moves
the feed-strip so that it may be in operative engagement with the cams and e,
after which it is kept in engagement by means of the teeth f and f³ in the
stop F, as has been afready described.
To dismount the mechanism, proceed as follows: Turn the breech-cover pin
half a turn to the rear and withdraw; swing breech-cover about pivot bolt, until
it rests on the top of receiver; unhook trigger spring from trigger-piece and
firing lever; remove firing lever; withdraw trigger piece; swing handle of con-
trolling lever out of groove and slip out spindle; withdraw spindle of controlling
lever; withdraw mainspring guide-rod, and mainspring; withdraw piston and
breech-block; withdraw pin in piston head; give a quarter turn to breech-block,
and remove from piston; drop out firing pin; unhook and remove extractors;
slide ejector out of seat; unhook stop spring; swing stop downwards, and slide
trunnions out of journals.
To assemble the mechanism, proceed in the reverse order.
It will be noted that the various parts of the mechanism are so arranged as to
be held securely in place, and yet to be readily dismounted or assembled without
the use of tools.
It is evident that many features of our invention are capable of employment
and can be used in guns of different construction and mode of operation from the
gun shown in our drawings, and we do not limit ourselves to their use in such
combination alone.
Moreover, it is obvious that many changes might be made in the herein-
described construction which could be used without departing from the spirit of
our invention.

page_text: A communication from abroad by LAURENCE VINCENT BENET, Artillery Engineer,
of 21, Rue Royale, Paris, France, and HENRI ALBERT MERCIE, Mechanical
Engineer, of 21, Rue Royale, Paris, France.
We, THE HOTCHKISS ORDNANCE COMPANY, LIMITED, of 49, Parliament Street,
S.W., 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 improvements in that class of guns in which a portion
of the gas developed by the explosion of the powder charge is utilized for opera-
ting the breech mechanism of the arm, and more particularly to that class in
which a motor-piston in perpetual engagement with a power accumulator is
operated by the gases resulting from the explosion. It is evident, however, that
the mechanism about to be described may be applied, in whole or in part, to guns
operated by any well-known mechanical means.
the object of our invention is to produce a simple and efficient mechanism
whereby, when a certain part thereof is given a reciprocating motion by the
action of the powder gas acting in one direction and a spring acting in the oppo-
site direction, or by other mechanical means, all the operations of loading, firing,
extracting, ejecting and cocking are automatically performed and in proper
sequence. Further objects of our invention are to provide means whereby the
gun may be fired continuously or intermittently at the will of the operator, and
to so form all parts of the mechanism that the same may be dismounted and
assembled without the use of tools.
In pursuance of these ends, our invention consists in the manner of rein-
forcing the barrel by means of the breech-housing, and of securing it therein;
in the manner of securing the breech-housing to the receiver; in the manner of
stowing the mainspring or power accumulator; in the manner of connecting the
breech-block and the firing-pin to the motor-piston, and of controlling their
motions; in the construction of the extractors, and in the manner of imparting
to them a rectilinear motion; in the manner of gearing the feed strip directly
with the motor-piston, whereby the cartridges are brought to the loading position
without the interposition of feed mechanism in the method of locking the feed-
strip when advanced by the piston, and of locking the piston in the cocked
position on the exhaustion of the feed-strip; in the method of unlocking and
withdrawing the cartridge from the feed strip when in the loading position; in
the structural features and manner of imparting motion to the ejector; in the
structural features and combinations of the various elements of the firing
gear, whereby continuous or intermittent fire may be delivered, or the mech-
anism locked against the danger of accidental discharge, and in the structural
features and combinations of various other co-operative parts, as hereinafter
described.
Reference is had to the drawings accompanying our Provisional Specification
in which the same parts are indicated by the same letters throughout the several
views:
Fig. 1 is a central vertical section through the improved gun, the barrel being
broken away, and parts being shown in elevation.
Fig. 2 represents a horizontal section along the line 2-2 of Fig. 1 and looking
down.

page_text: In Figs. 1 and 2 the breech-block is shown in the rear or open position.
Fig. 3 represents a section similar to that shown in Fig. 1, except that the
breech-block is in the front or closed position.
Fig. 4 represents a section similar to that shown in Fig. 3 except that the
breech-block is in the front or closed position.
Fig. 5 represents a section along the line 5-5 of Figs. 1 and 2 and looking
towards the breech of the gun.
Fig. 6 represents a section along the line 6-6 of Figs. 1 and 2 and looking
towards the breech of the gun.
Fig. 7 represents a central vertical section through the casing.
Fig. 8 represents a section along the line 8-8 of Fig. 7 and looking down.
Fig. 9 is a side elevation of the casing as detached from the gun.
Fig. 10 is a plan view of the device shown in Fig. 9.
Fig. 11 is a view of the casing shown in Figs. 9 and 10 looking towards the
rear of the gun, parts being broken away.
Fig. 12 represents a transverse section of the piston along the line 12-12 of
Figs. 25 and 26 and looking in the direction of the arrows.
Fig. 13 is an end elevation of the feed trough detached from the gun.
Fig. 14 is a plan view of the feed trough shown in Fig. 13.
Fig. 15 represents a section from the feed trough along the line 15-15 of
Figs. 13 and 14 and looking in the direction of the arrows.
Fig. 16 is a section on the same line as that shown in Fig. 15, but looking in
the opposite direction.
Fig. 1 represents a transverse section across the feed trough along the
line 17-17 of Fig. 14, looking in the direction of the arrows.
Fig. 18 is an elevation of the rear end of the breech piece as detached from
the gun.
i
:
Fig. 19 represents a section along the line 19-19 of Fig. 18 and looking down.
Fig. 20 is a rear elevation of the device shown in Figs. 18 and 19.
Fig. 21 is a detail partly in section showing the co-operation of the piston,
breech-block and the extractors, and shows the extractors in the locked or
holding position.
Fig. 22 is a similar view to that shown in Fig. 21 except that the piston is
moved slightly forward, relieving the engagement of the extractors.
Fig. 23 is an end view of the device shown in Fig. 21 as seen from the left
of said figure.
Fig. 24 is a section along the line 24-24 of Figs. 21 or 22 and looking in the
direction of the arrows.
Fig. 25 is a side elevation of the reciprocating piston, by means of which the
gun is operated.
Fig. 20 is a plan view of the piston shown in Fig. 25.
Fig. 27 represents the detachable cover for the discharge opening for the
empty shell, which serves to deflect the shell downwards.
Fig. 28 is a plan view of the device shown in Fig. 27.
Fig. 29 is a section along the line 29-29 of Figs. 27 and 28 and looking in
the direction of the arrows.
Fig. 30 is a detail view showing in perspective the screw pin for holding the
shell deflector in place on the gun.
Fig. 31 is a detail view showing in perspective the pin for holding the breech
cover in place.
Fig. 32 is a perspective view of one of the extractors as detached from the
gun.
Fig. 33 is a perspective, view of the pivoted stop as detached from the gun.
Fig. 34 is a perspective view of the cocking handle used for cocking the gun
by hand, as detached from the gun.
Fig. 35 is a perspective view of the pin for securing the rear end of the breech
cover to the casing of the gun.

page_text: Fig. 36 is a perspective view of the pivoted ejector for ejecting empty or
unexploded shell.
Figs. 37 to 40 inclusive represent various positions of the mechanism for con-
trolling the frequency of fire, as seen from the left of the gun.
Fig. 37 represents the apparatus set for automatic repeated fire, or volley firing.
Fig. 38 represents the apparatus set for safety.
Fig. 39 represents the apparatus set for single fire.
Fig. 40 represents the apparatus in the position showing the return of the
detent lever after volley firing.
Fig. 41 represents a plan view of the feed strip for holding the fixed ammu-
nition to be used in the gun.
Fig. 42 represents a section along the line 42-42 of Fig. 41.
Fig. 43 represents an end view of the device shown in Figs. 41 and 42 as
seen from the left of said figures.
Fig. 44 represents an end view of the device shown in Figs. 41 and 42 as
seen from the right of said figures.
Figs. 45 and 46 are a side elevation and plan view respectively of the resilient
strip used to engage the rim of the cartridge case and holding the shells in place
on the feed strip until the said spring is pressed.
Fig. 47 is an end elevation, and
Fig. 48 is a plan view of a device similar to that shown in Figs. 41 and 42
except that the resilient strip is slotted and is fastened and held in place by the
heads of rivets instead of travelling in the guide-ways.
Referring particularly to Figs. 1 to 4, A is the receiver which contains the
operative mechanism of the gun, which is preferably a single casting of gun-
metal or other material, which bears near its forward end the trunnions A¹, or
other device for supporting the gun on its carriage. In the front end of the
receiver is screwed or otherwise attached the breech-piece B, which is preferably
a single forging of tempered and annealed gun-steel. The rearward portion of
the breech-piece is formed into the breech-housing B¹. To the front of the
breech-housing, the breech-piece is provided with an interior screw-thread b, and
to the front of this is slightly coned to receive the barrel C. That portion of the
breech-piece which projects from the front of the receiver, is formed into a series
of annular projections 6 which provide a large radiating surface, and assist in
absorbing and radiating the heat developed in the barrel by the powder gases.
The barrel C is a single forging of gun-steel, and is chambered and rifled in the
usual manner. It is solidly assembled with the breech-piece by means of the
screw-thread b. and the portion which falls under the radiating surface is coned so
as to be brought into close contact with the latter. When the barrel is assembled.
with the breech-piece, it bears the same relation to the latter as the tube does
to the jacket in a "built up" gun, in that the breech-piece resists all of the longi-
tudinal strain due to the interior pressure of the powder gas, whilst materially
reinforcing the barrel against tangential strain. The cylinder support or collar C¹
is secured to the barrel to the front of the breech-piece, preferably by shrinkage,
and by means of the pin c. This collar serves to support the forward end of the
gas cylinder D. Through the barrel cylinder-collar and cylinder is formed the
port cl, bringing the bore into communication with the gas cylinder, and which
latter may be circular or of other form in cross-section.
The cylinder D is screwed into the cylinder-collar C¹ as at d¹, a coned bearing
being formed at d, to insure a gas-tight joint. To the rear, the cylinder engages
in a recess in the front end of the receiver by which it is supported. The front
of the cylinder is closed by the regulator Di which consists of a hollowed plug
which registers with a relatively long screw-thread 2 in the cylinder D. As the
regulator is screwed more or less into the cylinder. the volume of the chamber Do,
which lies between the regulator and the head of the piston will be diminished
or increased, and hence the tension of the gas entering through the port c¹ will
be increased or diminished, as is described and claimed in our British Patent

page_text: No. 29118 dated Dec. 18 1896. To the rear of the chamber D°, the bore
of the cylinder is diminished at do, so as to fit the head of the piston snugly. It
is while the head of the piston is moving along this portion that the gas acts
effectively upon it. Near the rear end of this reduced portion do is the exhaust
port, which permits the gas to escape to the open air when unmasked by the
movement of the piston. To the rear of this, the bore of the cylinder is
greatly increased as at 12 for the sake of lightness.
This piston E (see Figs. 1, 3, 12, 25 and 26) is lodged in the receiver A, its
front end engaging in the reduced portion of the cylinder D, when in the forward
position, as already shown. It has a longitudinal reciprocating motion under
The influence of the powder gas from the barrel acting upon its forward end and
the mainspring Z pressing on the piston from the rear. Beginning at the front
of the piston, we find the cylindrical head E', which receives the pressure of the
powder gas, and serves to guide the piston in the cylinder. One or more grooves
are cut in the head to aid in preventing the passage of gas to the rear. To the
rear of the head, the piston is reduced in diameter as at e, and then increased in
diameter beginning at the shoulder . This shoulder serves as an abutment for
the stop F (Figs. 1, 3, 5 and 33), which stop engages with it when the feed strip
is exhausted, thus holding the piston to the rear independently of the trigger and
retaining lug, as will be hereinafter described. The central portion of the piston
is flattened on top as shown at E2 in Figs. 12, 25 and 26, and on this plane sur-
face are formed the three cams e', e and ef (see Fig. 26). These cams serve to
bring the feed strip to the loading position, as will be described later on.
On the right side of the piston is formed the ejector groove E3 (Figs. 1 and 25),
which consists of two portions e and e, parallel to the axis of the piston, the
inclined portion e, and the flaring front portion. ell (see Fig. 25).
Beneath the piston is formed the cocking lug E, against which abuts the
head g of the cocking handle G, when cocking the gun by hand. The cocking
handle (see Fig. 34) consists of the body G', on which are formed the four guide-
ribs g, and the handle G2. The cocking handle is mounted loosely in the
receiver, the guide-ribs gl engaging in the grooves a (Figs 1, 3 and 7), and the
handle projecting through the slot A° (Figs. 1, 3 and 8). When the piston is
in its forward position, the lug bears against the head g of the cocking
handle G, and on pulling the latter the piston will be withdrawn to the rear and
cocked if desired. On releasing the piston, it flies forward under the impulse
of the mainspring Z, pushing the cocking handle before it. When the piston
is thrown to the rear under the pressure of the powder gas, the cocking-handle
remains in its forward position, shown in Fig. 3, not partaking of the motions
of the piston.
To the rear of the cocking-lug is the retaining lug H (Figs. 1, 3, and 15), which
is a single piece fitted into a dovetail recess in the under-side of the piston. It is
provided with a central pivot or stem h to facilitate assembling with the piston.
Within the piston is formed the longitudinal chamber E5, in which is lodged
the mainspring Z. This spring abuts against the bottom of the chamber in one
direction, and against the breech-cover A2 in the other. Between the rear end
of the mainspring and the breech-cover, the head of the guide-rod is inter-
posed, the spring bearing against the flange of the head z of this guide-rod, and
the head against the breech-cover A². This guide-rod is preferably hollow, and
its object is to keep the mainspring in line when the piston is in its forward
position, and the greater part of the mainspring unsupported by the walls of the
chamber in the piston.
Near the rear of the piston is formed the head E6, which is bored axially to
receive the stem K¹ of the breech-block K (see Figs. 1, 3, 21 and 22). The
grooves e¹6 are cut through the head E6 to permit the passage of the tenons 16, at
the rear of the breech-block. The head of the piston is bored transversely at
12 for the passage of the pin L, which traverses the head E of the piston, the
stem K' of the breech-block, and the enlargement M¹ of the firing-pin M and

page_text: controls the motion of the breech-block and firing-pin. The pin L is provided
at one end with the ears e (Fig. 25), which are seated in recesses in the
head of the piston, their object being to afford a long bearing against the walls
of the receiver, and to prevent the pin from slipping out of place during the move-
ment of the piston. Finally the head E of the piston is provided with cams els
(Figs. 21 and 22), with the object of controlling the action of the extractors, as
will be described later on.
The breech-block K (Figs. 5, 6, 21 and 22) is provided at the front with the
two lugs which resist the pressure delivered by the head of the cartridge when
the breech is closed, and which act as guides during the longitudinal motion of
the breech-block when opening or closing. When the breech is closed, the
lugs are horizontal, and bear against the shoulders of the breech-piece B in
rear of the housing B₁ (see Figs. 2, 4, and 18 to 26); when the breech is unlocked
by turning it through 90° about its longitudinal axis, the lugs & register with the
slots 6, and the breech-block is free to move to the rear. The lugs then engage
in the guideways a (Figs. 5 and 6) in the receiver, which prevent rotation of
the breech-block throughout the remainder of its movement. By this arrange-
ment, the breech-block cannot move longitudinally when its lugs & are engaged
behind the shoulders 62 in the housing B of the breech-piece, and when engaged
therein, it can only rotate axially, as the conical surface of the head abuts
against the surface 63 to the front, and the lugs kabut against the shoulders b²
to the rear.
These motions of rotation and translation are controlled by the piston acting
upon the breech-block through the pin L, which traverses the stem of the breech-
block passing through the cam slots K°. When the breech is closed and locked,
the piston is in its extreme forward position, the forward surface el of the piston
head bearing against the annular abutment on the breech-block (Figs. 3, 4,
and 21 and 22). The pin L is then in its extreme forward position with reference
to the slots Ko, and the firing-pin M, which is also traversed by the pin L, is in its
forward position, its point projecting beyond the front face of the breech-block
through the hole, the parts then being in the position shown in Figs. 3.and 4.
On the piston moving to the rear under the impulse of the powder gas, the pin L
moves to the rear along the cam slots K°. The forward portion of these slots is
essentially parallel to the axis of the breech-block, and during this portion of
the movement, the pin I withdraws the firing-pin, whilst the breech-block
remains fast. The pin L then reaches the spiral portion of the cam slots Ko
which make a gradually increasing angle with the axis of the breech-block; as
the breech-block cannot at first move to the rear, it rotates about its axis, dis-
engaging the lugs from the shoulders 6 and unlocking the breech. The grad-
ually increasing angle which the cam slots Ko make with the axis of the breech-
block enables the pin L to exert great power upon the breech-block during the
first part of the movement of unlocking, thus avoiding liability to stick or jam.
When the pin L reaches the end of the spiral portion of the slots K°, the block
is fully unlocked, the lugs are then vertical and in line with the slots 63,
and the guideways and the breech-block is in position to be with-
drawn. At this time, the slots K° become parallel to the axis for a short distance,
during which portion of the movement the extractors are locked, as will be
explained later on. When the pin has reached essentially the end of the slots,
the lugs are struck by the rear surface of the head E6 of the breech-block, and
the block is withdrawn, thus fully opening the breech.
The firing-pin M is preferably a single piece, and is lodged in the breech-block
as already described, and is provided with the usual point, and with the swell M,
through which passes the pin L. To the rear of the swell M it is prolonged by
the part M² for the purpose of preventing the assembling of piston, breech-block,
firing-pin, and pin without passing the latter through the hole in the swell M¹.
For convenience in assembling, this part M2 terminates in a knurled boss m².
From the description already given of the breech-block, it will be evident that
the point of the firing-pin cannot project beyond the face of the breech-block and

page_text: fire the cartridge until the breech shall have been fully closed and locked. It
will also be evident that the firing-pin will be withdrawn until the point is within
the breech-block, before the latter can begin to unlock. This insures safety
against premature discharge. It will also be noted that the cartridge will be
discharged the instant the breech is closed and locked, and before the barrel, when
highly heated by prolonged firing, can have any effect upon the powder contained
in the cartridge.
The breech-block is fitted with two independent extractors P (Figs. 1, 3, 21
to 24 and 32), but as these are symmetrical in form, and identical in action, a
description of one will suffice for both. They are preferably of the rigid type,
and perform their function without calling upon the resilience of the material
of which they are made. To the front of the extractor is formed the rib or
claw p, for grasping the head of the cartridge, and to the rear of the claw is the
abutment p, which prevents the claw from approaching too near to the axis of
the breech-block. The projection 22 prevents the front face of the lower extractor
from striking the primer of the cartridge when forcing it into the chamber of
the barrel, as will be described later on.
The body P¹ of the extractor engages in and registers with the groove a³ in the
receiver and in the breech-block, which permits it a motion of translation, but
not of rotation. Below the body is formed the hook 3, which engages in front
of the annular rib 7, on the breech-block K and forms the connection between
these two pieces. To the rear of the hook 23 is formed the U-shaped tang P²,
which engages to the rear of the rib on the breech-block, and bears against the
rear surface of this rib on either side thereof, as shown at 74 in Figs. 21 and 22.
These points pt are closer to the horizontal plane containing the axis of the breech-
block than the claw and hence any longitudinal tension on the tang will tend
to make the claw approach the axis. To the rear the body of the extractor is pro-
longed into the tail P which is bent inwards slightly as at p and bears upon the
head of the piston.
The action of the extractors will now be explained. Consider the piston to be
in its rearmost position, as shown in Fig. 21 the tails of the extractors will bear
on the cams e¹ of the piston, and the abutment 2' will bear against the head of
the breech-block. The extractors will therefore be held by means of the three
bearings, and ³. Suppose a cartridge to be in line with and ready to enter
the chamber of the barrel as the piston moves forward, the breech-block will
remain fast until the pin I reaches the spiral portion of the grooves Ko, and
during this part of the motion the cams e on the piston will move forward with
reference to the tails of the extractors until the parts and e¹ are in the position
shown in Fig. 22. The extractors will then be free to pivot about the U-shaped
tangs P, and thus pass over the flange of the cartridge. The pin L then having
struck the spiral portion of the grooves Ko, the piston and the breech-block move
forward together, and the lower extractor striking the head of the cartridge,
pushes it into the chamber.
After the discharge, the piston moves to the rear, unlocking the breech-block,
as already described. When the breech-block is unlocked, but before it moves
to the rear, the pin L passes along the straight portion of the cam slots Ko and
during this motion the cams e pass under the tails of the extractors and force
the claws to engage positively with the flange of the cartridge. As the breech-
block moves to the rear, the cartridge is extracted, the effort of extraction tending
to cause the extractors to revolve about the points of the U-shaped tangs 1,
and thus to grasp the cartridge more firmly.
י
The ejector consists of a single piece Q (Figs. 1, 2, 4, 6 and 36) which is lodged
and works in a transverse slot at. in the receiver. The lower portion Q' of the ejec-
tor is formed so as to embrace one side of the body of the piston, and on this part
is formed the coffin-shaped stud Q² which engages in the ejector groove E³, in
the piston the head Q3 of the ejector is conformed to the radius of the cartridge
case so as to strike it on a relatively large surface and to the rear of the head
is formed the abutment to limit the backward motion. Considering the piston

page_text: to be in its extreme forward position, the ejector stud Q2 is in the straight
portion of the ejector groove E³, and during the first portion of the rearward
motion of the piston, it remains inoperative in the slot at in the receiver; when
the piston has moved sufficiently to the rear to bring the breech-block and
extractors and with them the empty cartridge case in line with the ejector
aperture A in the casing, the inclined portion e" of the ejector groove strikes
the ejector stud Q2 and causes the ejector to pivot about the piston. The ejector
hend strikes the cartridge case, and forces it out of the grasp of the extractors
and into the deflector A, from which it falls to the ground. In order to allow
the shell to be knocked out of the extractors, the nibs of the latter are cut away
on one edge as shown at 76 in Fig. 23. As the piston moves forward, the inclined
portion of the ejector slot causes the ejector to pivot to the rear into the slot a
where it remains until another cartridge case reaches the ejection position.
The deflector A is preferably suspended by a rib as engaging a corresponding
surface on the receiver A (see Fig. 5), and is detachably connected to the casing
by the thumb screw a¹6 (Fig. 30) passing through the slot a (Fig. 27).
Before describing the operations of feeding, it will be necessary to explain the
construction and function of the feed-strip, as this forms a co-operative part of
the feed mechanism, (see Figs. 5 and 41 to 48). The feed strip consists prefer-
ably of a single casting R of bronze or other metal, and holds ten or such other
number of cartridges as may not exceed a suitable weight for quick handling. To
the front of the strip are formed a series of clips R which embrace the ogival
heads of the projectiles; they are provided with a slightly overhanging lip r¹, so
formed that when the cartridge is slightly withdrawn to the rear, the projectile
is freed from the clips. To the rear of the strip is formed the series of clips R².
which grasp the shell of each cartridge. The cartridges are prevented from
moving to the rear by means of the resilient undulating strip of thin metal R³,
which is provided with cars 3 to engage in guides attached to or integral with
the plate R these undulations being in line with the rims of the cartridges pre-
vent them from moving to the rear. The end lug is pressed into the enlarged
opening as shown in Fig. 41, and thus the strip is held in place. Instead of
this method of securing the strip in place, the latter may be provided with elonga-
ted holes engaging the stems of rivets having enlarged heads 8, so as to
permit of a slight longitudinal motion of the strip R³. In either case, if pres-
sure be brought to bear upon an undulation from above, it will be flattened down.
and the cartridge may be withdrawn to the rear.. On the under side of the feed-
strip are formed the lugs or tenons 9, which engage with the feed-cams e, e
and e on the top of the piston already described. They also register with the
tooth on the stop F, which serves as a pawl to prevent the withdrawal of the feed
strip when not engaged with the feed cams. The feed-strip is prolonged beyond
the emplacement of the first cartridge as, at ro, to provide an extra tenon, and
under the last cartridges is provided the clearance R° to permit the action of
the stop F.
This stop F is carried in the journal bearings as (Figs. and 9) in the receiver,
by means of the trunnions f¹. The opening in the journal hearings a is made
smaller than the maximum diameter of the trunnions f¹ and the trunnions are
flattened on the sides, as shown in Figs. 5 and 33. so that they may be slipped
into the iournal bearings and the ston swung upwards into place, when it will
he securely held. When swung into place, the spiral spring F° is engaged with
the hook on the stop, and the eve on the feed trough S which holds said
stop securely and tends to pull it upwards. Under the trunnions f¹ is the
handle Fl hy means of which the stop may be swung downwards out of engage-
ment with the piston, when desired. On the upper part of the stop is formed
the cam surface f³ and the two ratchet teeth f* and f. If there be no feed-strip
in the gun the stop is free to swing upwards until its body strikes the under
surface of the piston. If now the piston be in its rearward position, and if there
be no feed-strip engaged in the gun, the stop will be held against the under sur-
•

page_text: face of the piston by the tension of the spring Fo. If the piston be withdrawn
to the rear, when the abutment a³ falls in line with the stop, the latter will rise
under the influence of the spring and will prevent any forward movement of the
piston, and this, quite independent of the trigger. If now a feed-strip be inserted
in the feed-trough guides s¹ and pushed home, the front of the strip will strike
the cam on the stop, forcing it down to the level of the under side of the feed-
strip and free the piston. Hence while the feed-strip is in the gun, the stop is
inoperative. When the last cartridge is loaded into the gun, the opening R° in
the feed-strip falls above the stop, and the latter rises, and when the piston is
thrown to the rear by the gas of the last cartridge, the stop prevents it from
going forward until a fresh feed-strip shall have been inserted, or until the stop
is released by hand.
Returning now to the feed-strip, it will be noticed that the tenons 79 are spaced
by distances equal to the distance between the axes of adjacent cartridges; on
the stop, the ratchet teeth f and fare spaced by essentially half this distance.
Referring now to Fig. 5, we see that when the feed-strip is inserted into the gun
and forced home, the tooth f4 engages behind the first tenon 9 and prevents any
movement in withdrawal of the feed-strip. The feed-strip, as already remarked,
is inserted when the piston is to the rear. As the piston moves forward under
the influence of the mainspring, the feed cam e strikes the second tenon and
causes the feed-strip to advance until the cartridge is in the loading position as
the piston moves to the rear, the feed-cam e strikes the third tenon, and advances
the feed-strip by one-half space when the second tenon is engaged by the tooth fo
and a backward movement prevented; as the piston moves forward again, the
third tenon is struck by the feed-cam e* and advanced a further half space, when
the tooth fengages the second tenon, and so on.
:
The feed-trough S is made in a separate piece from the receiver to facilitate
manufacture, and is secured in place by the taper pins s² ²; it is shaped to
facilitate the introduction of the feed strip and is provided with the guides s¹, in
which are engaged the edges of the feed-strip for the purpose of holding it
steady. The rear one of these guides is so formed that a downward inclined
projection strikes each undulation of the thin metal strip as they arrive at
this point, thus permitting each successive cartridge to be drawn to the rear.
In the upper part of the feed-box is formed the guide 4, which is inclined to
the rear, and which engages the flange of each successive cartridge. As each
undulation of the strip is forced down as already described, each successive car-
tridge is withdrawn to the rear by the guides, thus freeing it from the clips R¹:
at this moment, the cartridge rides up on the tongue A8, which is formed in the
receiver, and being pushed along by the clips R¹, is brought into the loading
position in line with the breech-block; in this position it is struck by the pro-
jection on the lower extractor and is forced into the chamber of the barrel.
The inclined surfaces in the breech-housing of the breech-piece serve as guides
to direct the cartridge fairly home; it will also be observed that the cartridge
is firmly held and guided between the clips R¹, and the walls of the receiver.
If during the firing of a feed-strip of cartridges, it is necessary to cease firing
and unload the gun, it is only necessary to turn down the stop by means of the
handle, when the ratchet teeth will be withdrawn from engagement with the
tenons, and the feed-strip may be freely withdrawn.
The rear of the receiver is closed by the breech-cover A2, which provides a
support for the shoulder piece 0. The breech-cover is a single casting and is
assembled to the receiver by means of the pivot bolt as and the breech-cover
pin A7, which pin is provided with the stud a which engages in the grooves all
in the breech-cover (Figs. 2 and 4), so that by giving a half turn to the spring
handle a the stud a falls in line with the groove a" and the pin may be with-
drawn. When the stud is withdrawn, the breech-cover may be rotated about the

page_text: pivot bolt as, and the interior of the receiver exposed for the dismounting or
assembling of the component parts of the mechanism.
When the breech-cover is opened, the firing gear is exposed; this (as shown
in Figs. 3, and 37 to 40) comprises the firing lever T, the trigger piece U, the
trigger spring and the controlling lever W, all of which are mounted in the
receiver. The trigger U consists of the shaft u on which is formed the trigger
proper u, and at the end of which shaft is the spring lever u and the firing;
toe 3. The trigger spring V is under tension between the spring lever u² and
the tail of the firing lever T; the said spring tends to turn the trigger upwards
until stopped by the firing toe u³ striking the abutment X on the receiver, as
shown in full lines in Fig. 40. Moreover the same spring tends to cause the
firing lever arm T3 to engage against the stop X', as shown in dotted lines in
Fig. 40. As the piston moves to the rear, or to the right in Figs. 37 to 40, the
inclined surface of the lug H strikes the trigger and causes it to rotate down-
wards against the tension of the spring V. When the lug has passed over the
trigger, the latter rises and, engaging the shoulder ², prevents the piston from
moving to the front. (The trigger may be dismounted by opening the breech-
cover, disengaging the trigger spring, turning the piece until the trigger proper
falls in line with the slot as (Fig. 7) cut into the side of the receiver, and with-
drawing.)
The firing lever T is pivoted on the pin T on the exterior of the receiver and
plays between it and the check of the breech-cover. The journal bearing for
the lever T is elongated about two diameters in the direction of the axis of the
trigger arni T, which arm has the rounded edge adapted to strike back upon
and pass over the toe and the engaging edge adapted to engage the toe uz
when rotated in the opposite direction. On the branch T of the firing lever is
the firing handle T which is grasped by the operator of the gun. When the
breech-cover is opened, the firing lever may be slipped off its pivot and dismounted.
The controlling lever W has an arm-W on the spindle w, which spindle is
prolonged to form the handle Wo; this is grasped by the operator, at the same
time as the firing handle, and, by bringing the two towards each other by a pres-
sure of the fingers, he is enabled to fire the gun. On the spindle w is formed the
The con-
controlling stop e; the function of which will be described later on.
trolling lever is mounted by slipping it into its journals in the receiver and then
inserting the spring handle W2, swinging this upwards, the stud engages in a
groove in the receiver forming a bayonet joint, and whilst so engaged, the handle
cannot be withdrawn.
The action of the firing gear is as follows: Suppose it be desired to lock the
gun at safety: the controlling lever handle We is turned to the position marked
safety," (indicated by the line - of Figs. 38 to 40); if now the firing-handle
be pulled towards the spindle w, as for firing, the arm T will strike the abut-
ment (see Fig. 38) on the controlling stop W, and the motion of the firing lever
will be arrested before the arm T2 can move the toe ³ far enough to release the
trigger from engagement with the notch 2, and hence the gun cannot be fired
while the controlling lever is in the position .
Now, suppose it is desired to fire single shots, pausing after each shot to correct
the aim, or for other reasons: the controlling lever is turned until the handle W
is in the position marked "slow fire," indicated by the line 3-3 in Figs. 37-40.
The recess in the controlling stop W3 now registers with the firing handle T
and the latter may be moved against the action of the spring V until in contact
therewith or in the position shown in Fig. 39. As the firing lever is pulled towards
the spindle . the trigger lever T2 presses against the firing toe causing the
trigger-piece U to rotate until the trigger ¹ escapes from the notch 2 and allows
the piston to fly forward (to the left in Figs. 37 to 40). firing the gun. At this
point, further movement of the trigger is arrested by the trigger striking the
abutment y (see Figs. 1 and 3), formed in the receiver the point of the tripping

page_text: arm T then bears against the point of the firing toe ³ (as shown in full lines in
Fig. 39), until the firing-too escapes from the tripping arm and the
tension of the trigger spring V causes the trigger-piece U to resume its first posi-
tion, shown in dotted lines in Fig. 39, but the tripping arm 12 will then be out
of engagement with the cocking arm. On the recoil of the piston, the trigger
will again engage with the notch, and hold the piston to the rear as before,
except that the tripping arm 12 will now be back of the firing toe u³, and in order
to fire a second shot it will be necessary to first release the firing lever, when the
cam surface on the tripping arm will strike the cam surface on the firing-toe
and the tension of the trigger spring will cause the elongated journal to ride up
on the pivot T, when the tripping arm will slip over and engage in front of the
firing toe and the firing lever will resume its initial position against the abut-
ment X, ready for another shot.
If it be desired to fire continuously, the controlling lever is turned until the
handle W takes the position marked "volleys" (indicated by the line 2-2 in
Figs. 37 to 40); the portion w³ of the controlling stop will now register with the
firing handle, the firing position being shown in full lines in Fig. 37. If the firing
handle be now pulled to the rear, it will strike the surface w5 as shown in Fig. 37,
and the tripping arm will hold the trigger out of engagement with the lug H,
and the firing handle being held in this position, the gun will fire continuously
as long as it is supplied with ammunition. In this position of the controlling
lever, the firing handle cannot be pulled far enough to the rear to permit the
tripping arm to spring beyond the firing toe, but will permit sufficient movement
to hold the trigger out of engagement with the retaining lug H.
To explain the general action of the mechanism, let us consider the breech to
be closed, and the controlling lever set at "slow fire." The cocking handle G2
is grasped by the operator and drawn smartly to the rear; the head of the cocking
handle bearing against the cocking tang on the piston withdraws the latter,
and the breech is unlocked and opened. When the inclined surface of the
lug strikes the trigger u¹, it forces this down and when the lug has passed the
trigger flies up under the action of the spring V and prevents a forward move-
ment of the piston; the piston moving slightly further to the rear, the stop F
rises and engages in front of the abutment e³, and the gun is at full cock with
the mainspring fully compressed. It is now impossible to fire the gun by pulling
the firing lever, as the piston is held by the stop F independently of the trigger.
The gun is now loaded by engaging a feed-strip R in the guides s¹ of the feed-
trough S, and pushing it smartly home (see Fig. 5). The first tenon of the
feed-strip strikes the cam surface f on the head of the stop F, causing the latter
to revolve about its axis fl against the action of the spring F° and disengage
itself from the abutment on the piston; the piston now moves slightly forward
until the lug 2 engages on the trigger u¹. As the feed-strip is entered in the
feed-trough, the projection presses down the first undulation of the thin metal
strip on the feed-strip and leaves the first cartridge free to move to the rear; the
flange of this cartridge has in the meantime engaged in the inclined groove
the feed-box, and the cartridge is withdrawn to the rear until it is free vertically
from the clips RI and R2: the point of the tongue As has now passed under the
cartridge and as the feed-strip is pushed into the gun, the cartridge rides up on
the tongue until it abuts against the wall of the receiver at as; just before the
cartridge abuts against the wall of the receiver, the second ratchet
tooth f on the head of the stop P engages with the first tenon on the feed strip
and prevents any backward movement of the latter. The gun is now loaded and
ready to fire. The operator now pulls the firing lever smartly to the rear until
the ring handle T is stopped by striking the bottom of the recess 4 in the con-
trolling stop W3, the tripping arm T2, pressing up on the firing-toe . causes the
trigger to revolve until free of the notch 12, and the tripping arm escaping
from engagement with the firing toe ³, passes to the rear of the latter: the
trigger spring now causes the trigger to resume its original position. When
of

page_text: the trigger is free from the notch 2, the piston flies forward under the impulse
of the mainspring Z; as the piston moves forward, the pin L moves along the
straight portion of the grooves K° in the breech-block (see Figs. 21 to 24); the
breech-biock remains fast, but the cams on the head of the piston
move forward with reference to the tails of the extractors P', leaving the
extractors free to revolve slightly about the faces of the tangs 12. As the
piston continues its forward motion, the pin L passes into the inclined portion
of the grooves K° in the breech-block and as the latter is prevented from turning
by the tenons engaging in the guideways a in the receiver, the breech-block
moves forward with the piston. As the breech-block moves forward, the pro-
jection on the lower extractor strikes the head of the first cartridge, and forces
it into the chamber of the gun; as the cartridge moves into the chamber it is
guided by the wall of the receiver, the clips R and R2 and the inclined plane As.
When the cartridge is fully home, the flange is struck by the inclined surfaces of
the front ends of the extractors, causing the latter to rotate slightly about the
hooks, so as to bring the claws or nibs into engagement with the flange of
the cartridge; at this moment, the motion of the breech-block to the front is
arrested by the coned surface of its head striking the corresponding surface b
in the breech-piece B. The tenons on the breech-block having now entered
the chamber B in the breech-piece, the block is free to revolve about its axis ;
as the piston continues its motion to the front, the pin L moves along the in-
clined portion of the slots K° in the breech-block, causing the latter to rotate
and bringing the tenons k in line with the abutments in the breech-piece,
and the breech is locked; the pin L now enters the short straight portion at
the front end of the slots K°, and the piston continuing its forward motion forces
the firing pin M against the primer of the cartridge and fires the gun. The piston
is now stopped by the front face of the head E striking the annular abutment k³
on the breech-block.
As the piston moves forward, the feed cam et on the piston engages behind the
second tenon on the feed-strip, holding the latter in the loading position.
When the projectile has moved along the bore sufficiently to unmask the
port in the barrel (see Figs. 1 and 3), a portion of the powder gas passes into
the chamber D° in the gas cylinder D, and, impinging against the head E' of
the piston, throws the latter to the rear: when the piston has moved sufficiently
to the rear to unmask the exhaust port, the gas escapes into the open air.
As the piston moves to the rear, the pin L moving first along the short straight
portion at the front end of the slots K in the breech-block K, withdraws the firing
pin clear of the face of the breech-block, and the said pin L then strikes the
inclined portion of the slots K° and as the breech-block is prevented from
moving to the rear by the tenons & bearing against the abutments ², the breech-
block rotates about its axis until the tenons & register with the guide-ways,
when the breech-block is unlocked; at this time, the pin L passes into the straight
portion of the slots h° in the breech-block, and as the pin moves along this
portion, the cams on the piston head Es pass under the tails of the
extractors, causing these pieces to rotate about the hooks and hold the
claws in positive engagement with the flange of the cartridge case. At this
point, the rear face of the piston head E strikes the tenons 16 at the end of the
breech-block, and the latter is dragged bodily to the rear by the piston dragging
with it the empty cartridge case held firmly in the extractors.
As the piston moves to the rear, the stud Q² on the ejector Q moves along the
straight portion es of the ejector groove E3 on the piston. When the breech-block
has moved sufficiently to the rear to bring the empty cartridge case in line with
the ejection aperture A, the ejector stud Q2 strikes the inclined part o of the
ejector groove, and the ejector revolves about the piston the ejector head Q
now strikes the empty cartridge case, and forces it out of the grasp of the extrac-
tors and into the deflector A, from whence it falls to the ground. As the piston
moves to the rear, the feed came engages behind the third tenon on the feed-

page_text: strip K, and causes the latter to advance by one half space into the feed-trough;
at this point, the first ratchet tooth ft engages behind the second tenon and holds
the strip in place. When the piston is fully to the rear, the trigger engages
with the lug H holding the piston at full cock ready for the next shot; the
operator now releases the firing handle, when the tripping arm will engage in
front of the firing toe as already explained, and by operating the firing lever the
gun
fired. As
may be
the piston again
feed
moves forward, the
cam et strikes the third tenon of the feed-strip, and advances the latter one half
space, this bringing the second cartridge to the loading position before it can be
struck by the lower extractor. When the last cartridge on a strip is brought to
the loading position, the stop F is permitted to rise by the opening R° in the feed
strip, and, as the piston is forced to the rear by the gas of the last cartridge, the
stop rises and prevents a forward movement of the piston until a fresh feed-strip
shall have been loaded into the feed-trough.
The cycle of operations is the same for volley firing, except that the firing lever
is held in the firing position until it is desired to cease firing.
When a fresh feed strip is inserted, the lugs may not be in exact alignment
with the cam surface e, and so we provide the cam surface e, see Fig. 26, which
engages the first lug, and thus the first forward movement of the piston moves
the feed-strip so that it may be in operative engagement with the cams e and e,
after which it is kept in engagement by means of the teeth f and f5 in the
stop E, as has been already described.
To dismount the mechanism, proceed as follows: Turn the breech-cover pin
half a turn to the rear and withdraw; swing breech-cover about pivot bolt, until
it rests on top of receiver; unhook trigger spring from trigger-piece and
firing lever; remove firing lever; withdraw trigger piece; swing handle of cou-
trolling lever out of groove and slip out spindle; withdraw spindle of controlling
lever; withdraw mainspring guide-rod, and mainspring; withdraw piston and
breech-block; withdraw pin in piston head; give a quarter turn to breech-block,
and remove from piston; drop out firing pin; unhook and remove extractors;
slide ejector out of seat; unhook stop spring; swing stop downwards, and slide
trunnions out of journals.
To assemble the mechanism, proceed in the reverse order.
It will be noted that the various parts of the mechanism are so arranged as to
be held securely in place, and yet to be readily dismounted or assembled without
the use of tools.
It is evident that many features of our invention are capable of employment
and can be used in guns of different construction and mode of operation from the
gun shown in our drawings, and we do not limit ourselves to their use in such
combination alone.
Morcover, it is obvious that many changes might be made in the herein-
described construction which could be used without departing from the spirit 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 breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block, a reciprocating motor piston actuated rearward by
the gases of discharge, and means operated by said piston for first rotating to
unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block, from said chamber, and for
returning and locking the same, substantially as described.
2. In a gas operated breech loading gun, the combination, with a breech-block
chamber, of a barrel, a cylinder connected to said barrel, a motor piston mounted in
said cylinder and actuated rearward by the gases of discharge, a mainspring for
moving said piston in the opposite direction, a breech-block, and means operated
by said piston for first rotating to unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block

page_text: from said chamber, and for returning and locking the same, substantially as
described.
i
3. In a breech-loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block, a reciprocating motor piston actuated rearward by
the gases of discharge, and a cam engagement between said piston and said breech
block for first rotating to unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block from
said chamber and for returning and locking the same, substantially as described.
4. In a gas operated breech loading gun, the combination, with a breech-block
chamber, of a barrel, a cylinder connected to said barrel, a motor piston mounted
in said cylinder, and actuated rearward by the gases of discharge, a mainspring for
moving said piston in the opposite direction, a breech-block, and a cam engagement
between said piston and said breech-block for first rotating to unlock and then
withdrawing said breech-block from said chamber, and for returning and locking
the same, substantially as described.
5. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block provided with a cam groove therein, and a recipro-
cating motor piston actuated rearward by the gases of discharge provided with a
stud or pin to engage in said cam groove for first rotating to unlock and then
withdrawing said breech-block, or vice versa, substantially as described.
6. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber of.a breech-block adapted to rotate and lock or unlock in and to move
longitudinally into and out of said chamber, with cam grooves on said breech-
block, and a reciprocating motor piston actuated rearward by the gases of discharge
provided with a pin passing through said breech-block and engaging said cam
grooves, substantially as described.
7. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block adapted to rotate and lock or unlock in and to move
longitudinally into and out of said chamber, with cam grooves on said breech-
block, of a reciprocating motor piston provided with a hollow head parallel to the
axis of said piston and engaging said breech-block, and a pin passing through said
hollow head and through the cam groove in said breech-block, substantially
as described.
S. In a breech loading gun having a reciprocating motor piston, the combina-
tion with the piston of a breech-block and a pin fast on the piston and engaging a
cam in the breech-block whereby the breech-block is given motion of translation
and rotation, substantially as described and for the purpose set forth.
9. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block, a reciprocating motor piston, means operated by said
piston for first rotating to unlock and then with drawing said breech-block from
said chamber, and for returning and locking the same, and extractors pivoted on
said breech-block and operated by said piston, substantially as described.
10. In a gas operated breech loading gun, the combination with a breech-block
chamber, of a barrel, a cylinder connected to said barrel, a motor piston mounted
in said cylinder, a mainspring for moving said piston in the opposite direction, a
breech-block, means operated by said piston for first rotating to unlock and then
withdrawing said breech-block from said chamber, and for returning and locking
the same, and extractors pivoted on said breech-block and operated by said piston,
substantially as described.
11. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-
block chamber, of a breech-block, a reciprocating motor piston, a cam engagement
between said piston and said breech-block for first rotating to unlock and then
withdrawing said breech-block from said chamber and for returning and locking
the same, and extractors pivoted on said breech-block and operated by said piston,
substantially as described.
12. In a gas operated breech loading gun, the combination, with a breech-block
chamber, of a barrel, a cylinder connected to said barrel, a motor piston mounted
in said cylinder a mainspring for moving said piston in the opposite direction, a

page_text: breech-block, a cam engagement between said piston and said breech-block_for
first rotating to unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block from said chamber,
and for returning and locking the same, and extractors pivoted on said breech-
block and operated by said piston, substantially as described,
13. In. a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-
block. chamber,, of a breech-block provided with a cam groove therein, a recipro-
cating motor piston with a stud or pin to engage in said cam groove for first
rotating to unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block, or vice versa, and
extractors pivoted on said breech-block and operated by said piston, substantially
as described.
14. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block adapted to rotate and lock or unlock in and to move
longitudinally into and out of said chamber, with cam grooves on said breech-
block, a reciprocating motor-piston provided with a pin passing through said
breech-block and engaging said cam grooves, and extractors pivoted on said breech-
block and operated by said piston, substantially as described.
15. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block adapted to rotate and lock or unlock in and to
move longitudinally into and out of said chamber, with cam grooves on said breech-
block, of a reciprocating motor piston provided with a hollow head parallel to
the axis of said piston and engaging said breech-block, a pin passing through said
hollow head and through the cam grooves in said breech-block, and extractors
pivoted on said breech-block and operated by said hollow head, substantially as
described.
16. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block having interrupted engagement in said chamber, a
reciprocating motor piston, means operated by said piston for first rotating to
unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block from said chamber, and for
returning and locking the same, and extractors travelling in longitudinal guide-
ways and revolubly connected to said breech-block, and operated by said piston,
substantially as described.
17. In a gas operated breech loading gun, the combination, with a breech-block
chamber, of a barrel, a cylinder connected to said barrel, a motor piston mounted
in said cylinder, a mainspring for moving said piston in the opposite direction, a
breech-block having interrupted engagement with said chamber, means operated
by said piston for first rotating to unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block
from said chamber, and for returning and locking the same, and extractors travel-
ling in longitudinal guide-ways and revolubly connected to said breech-block,
and operated by said piston, substantially as described.
18. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block having interrupted engagement with said chamber,
a reciprocating motor piston, a cam engagement between said piston and said
breech-block for first rotating to unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block
from said chamber, and for returning and locking the same, and extractors
travelling in longitudinal guide-ways and revolubly connected to said breech-
block, and operated by said piston, substantially as described.
19. In a gas operated breech loading gun, the combination, with a breech-
block chamber, of a barrel, a cylinder connected to said barrel, a motor piston
mounted in said cylinder, a mainspring for moving said piston in the opposite
direction, a breech-block, having interrupted engagement with said chamber, a
cam engagement between said piston and said breech-block for first rotating to
unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block from said chamber, and for
returning and locking the same, and extractors travelling in longitudinal guide-
ways and revolubly connected to said breech-block, and operated by said piston,
substantially as described.
20. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block provided with a cam groove therein and having

page_text: interrupted engagement with said chamber, a reciprocating motor piston provided
with a stud or pin to engage in said cam groove for first rotating to unlock and
then withdrawing said breech-block, or vice versa, and extractors travelling in longi-
tudinal guide-ways and revolubly connected to said breech-block, and operated by
said piston, substantially as described.
21. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block adapted to rotate and lock or unlock in and to move
longitudinally into and out of said chamber, with cam grooves on said breech-
block, a reciprocating motor piston provided with a pin passing through said
breech-block and engaging said cam grooves, and extractors travelling in longi-
tudinal guide-ways and revolubly connected to said breech-block, and operated by
said piston, substantially as described.
22. In a breech-loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block adapted to rotate and lock or unlock in and to move
longitudinally into and out of said chamber, with cam grooves on said breech-block,
of a reciprocating motor piston provided with a hollow head parallel to the axis
of said piston and engaging said breech-block, a pin passing through said hollow
head and through the cam grooves in said breech-block, and extractors travelling
in longitudinal guide-ways and revolubly connected to said breech-block, and
operated by said piston, substantially as described.
23. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block, a reciprocating motor piston, and means operated by
said piston for first rotating to unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block
from said chamber, and for returning and locking the same, with a firing-pin
secured to said piston and passing through said breech-block, substantially as
described.
24. In a gas operated breech loading gun, the combination, with a breech-block
chamber, of a barrel, a cylinder connected to said barrel, a motor piston mounted
in said cylinder, a mainspring for moving said piston in the opposite direction, a
breech block, and means operated by said piston for first rotating to unlock and
then withdrawing said breech-block from said chamber, and for returning and
locking the same, with a firing pin secured to said piston, and passing through
said breech-block, substantially as described.
25. In a breech-loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block, a reciprocating motor piston, and a cam engagement
between said piston and said breech-block for first rotating to unlock and then
withdrawing said breech-block from said chamber and for returning and locking
the same, with a firing pin secured to said piston and passing through said breech-
block, substantially as described.
26. In a gas operated breech loading gun, the combination, with a breech-block
chamber, of a barrel, a cylinder connected to said- barrel, a motor piston mounted
in said cylinder, a mainspring for moving said piston in the opposite direction,
a breech-block, and a cam engagement between said piston and said breech-block
for first rotating to unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block from said
chamber, and for returning and locking the same, with a firing-pin secured to
said piston and passing through said breech-block, substantially as described.
27. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block provided with a cam groove therein, and a recipro
cating motor piston provided with a stud or pin to engage in said groove for first
rotating to unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block or vice versa, and a
firing-pin secured to said piston and mounted in said breech-block, substantially
as described.
28. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block adapted to rotate and lock or unlock in and to move
longitudinally into and out of said chamber, with cam grooves on said breech-block,
a reciprocating motor piston provided with a pin passing through said breech-

page_text: block and engaging said cam grooves, and a firing pin secured to said pin and
mounted in said breech-block, substantially as described.
29. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block adapted to rotate and lock or unlock in and to move
longitudinally into and out of said chamber, with cam grooves on said breech-
block, of a reciprocating motor piston provided with a hollow head parallel to
the axis of said piston and engaging said breech-block, and a pin passing through
said hollow head and through the cam grooves in said breech-block, and a firing-pin
secured to said pin and mounted in said breech-block, substantially as described.
30. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block, a reciprocating motor piston, means operated by said
piston for first rotating to unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block from
said chamber, and for returning and locking the same, a firing-pin mounted in
said breech-block and secured to and moving with said piston, and extractors
pivoted on said breech-block and operated by said piston, substantially as described.
31. In a gas operated breech loading gun, the combination, with a breech-block
chamber, of a barrel, a cylinder connected to said barrel, a motor piston mounted
in said cylinder, a mainspring for moving said piston in the opposite direction, a
breech-block, means operated by said piston for first rotating to unlock and then
withdrawing said breech-block from said chamber, and for returning and locking
the same, a firing-pin mounted in said breech-block and secured to and moving
with said piston, and extractors pivoted on said breech-block and operated by
said piston, substantially as described.
32. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block, a reciprocating motor piston, a cam engagement
between said piston and said breech-block for first rotating to unlock and then with-
drawing said breech-block from said chamber and for returning and locking the
same, a firing-pin mounted in said breech-block and secured to and moving with
said piston, and extractors pivoted on said breech-block and operated by said
piston, substantially as described.
33. In a gas operated breech loading gun, the combination, with a breech-block
chamber, of a barrel, a cylinder connected to said barrel, a motor piston mounted
in said cylinder, a mainspring for moving said piston in the opposite direction, a
breech-block, a cam engagement between said piston and said breech-block for
first rotating to unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block from said chamber,
and for returning and locking the same, a firing-pin mounted in said breech-block
and secured to and moving with said piston, and extractors pivoted on said breech-
block and operated by said piston, substantially as described.
34. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block provided with a cam groove therein, a reciprocating
motor piston provided with a stud or pin to engage in said cam groove for first
rotating to unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block, or vice versa, a firing-
pin mounted in said breech-block and secured to and moving with said piston, and
extractors pivoted on said breech-block and operated by said piston, substantially
as described.
35. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block adapted to rotate and lock or unlock in and to move
longitudinally into and out of said chamber, with cam grooves on said breech-
block, a reciprocating motor piston provided with a pin passing through said
breech-block and engaging said cam grooves, a firing-pin mounted in said breech-
block and secured to and moving with said piston, and extractors pivoted on said
breech-block and operated by said piston, substantially as described.
36. In a breech loading gun, the combination with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block adapted to rotate and lock or unlock in and to move
longitudinally into and out of said chamber, with cam grooves on said breech-
block, of a reciprocating motor piston provided with a hollow head parallel to the
axis of said piston and engaging said breech-block a pin passing through said hollow

page_text: head and through the cam grooves in said breech-block, a firing-pin mounted in
said breech-block and secured to and moving with said piston, and extractors
pivoted on said breech-block and operated by said hollow head, substantially as
described.
37. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-
block chamber, of a breech-block, a reciprocating motor piston, means operated by
said piston for first rotating to unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block
from said chamber, and for returning and locking the same, extractors pivoted on
said breech-block and operated by said piston, means for feeding the cartridges to
the gun in front of said breech-block, and an ejector operated by said piston
in its rearward motion for ejecting the empty cartridge cases, substantially as
described.
38. In a gas operated breech loading gun, the combination, with a breech-block
chamber, of a barrel, a cylinder connected to said barrel, a motor piston mounted
in said cylinder, a mainspring for moving said piston in the opposite direction, a
breech-block means operated by said piston for first rotating to unlock and
then withdrawing said breech-block from said chamber and for returning and
locking the same, extractors pivoted on said breech-block and operated by said
piston, means for feeding the cartridges to the gun in front of said breech-block,
and an ejector operated by said piston in its rearward motion for ejecting the
empty cartridge cases, substantially as described.
39. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block, a reciprocating motor piston, a cam engagement
between said piston and said breech-block for first rotating to unlock and then
withdrawing said breech-block from said chamber and for returning and locking
the same, extractors pivoted on said breech-block and operated by said piston,
means for feeding the cartridges to the gun in front of said breech-block, and an
ejector operated by said piston in its rearward motion for ejecting the empty
cartridge cases, substantially as described.
40. In a gas operated breech loading gun, the combination with a breech-block
chamber, of a barrel, a cylinder connected to said barrel, a motor piston mounted
in said cylinder, a mainspring for moving said piston in the opposite direction,
a breech-block, a cam engagement between said piston and said breech-block for
first rotating to unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block from said chamber,
and for returning and locking the same, extractors pivoted in said breech-block
and operated by said piston, means for feeding the cartridges to the gun in front
of said breech-block, and an ejector operated by said piston in its rearward motion
for ejecting the empty cartridge cases, substantially as described.
41. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block provided with a cam groove therein, a reciprocating
motor piston provided with a stud or pin to engage in said cam groove for first
rotating to unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block, or vice versa, extractors
pivoted on said breech-block and operated by said piston, means for feeding the
cartridges to the gun in front of said breech-block, and an ejector operated by said
piston in its rearward motion for ejecting the empty cartridge cases, substan-
tially as described.
42. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block adapted to rotate and lock or unlock in and to move
longitudinally into and out of said chamber, with cam grooves on said breech-
block a reciprocating motor piston provided with a pin passing through said
breech-block and engaging said cam grooves, extractors pivoted on said breech-
block and operated by said piston means for feeding the cartridges to the gun
in front of said block, and an ejector operated by said piston in its rearward motion
for ejecting the empty cartridge cases, substantially as described.
43. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block adapted to rotate and lock or unlock in and to move
longitudinally into and out of said chamber, with cam grooves on said breech-block,

page_text: of a reciprocating motor piston provided with a hollow head parallel to the axi
of said piston and engaging said breech-block, a pin passing through said hollow
head and through the.cam grooves in said breech-block, extractors pivoted on said
breech-block and operated by said hollow head, means for feeding the cartridges
to the gun in front of said breech-block, and an ejector operated by said piston in
its rearward motion for ejecting the empty cartridge cases, substantially as
described.
44. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-
block chamber, of a breech-block, a reciprocating motor piston, means operated by
said piston for first rotating to unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block
from said chamber, and for returning and locking the same, extractors pivoted on
said breech-block and operated by said piston, means for feeding the cartridges to
the gun in front of said breech-block, an ejector for the empty cartridge cases
pivoted transversely to said piston, and a cam engagement between said piston
and said ejector, substantially as described.
45. In a gas operated breech loading gun, the combination with a breech-block
chamber, of a barrel, a cylinder connected to said barrel, a motor piston mounted
in said cylinder, a mainspring for moving said piston in the opposite direction, a
breech-block, means operated by said piston for first rotating to unlock and then
withdrawing said breech-block from said chamber, and for returning and locking
the same, extractors pivoted on said breech-block and operated by said piston,
means for feeding the cartridges to the gun in front of said breech-block, an
ejector for the empty cartridge cases pivoted transversely to said piston, and a cam
engagement between said piston and said ejector, substantially as described.
46. In a breech-loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block, a reciprocating motor piston, a cam engagement
between said piston and said breech-block for first rotating to unlock and then
withdrawing said breech-block from said chamber and for returning and locking
the same, extractors pivoted on said breech-block and operated by said piston,
means for feeding the cartridges to the gun in front of said breech-block, an ejector
for the empty cartridge cases pivoted transversely to said piston, and a cam
engagement between said piston and said ejector, substantially as described.
47. In a gas operated breech loading gun, the combination, with a breech-block
chamber, of a barrel, a cylinder connected to said barrel, a motor piston mounted
in said cylinder, a mainspring for moving said piston in the opposite direction, a
breech-block, a cam engagement between said piston and said breech-block for first
rotating to unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block from said chamber, and
for returning and locking the same, extractors pivoted on said breech-block and
operated by said piston, means for feeding the cartridges to the gun in front of said
breech-block, an ejector for the empty cartridge cases pivotted transversely to
said piston, and a cam engagement between said piston and said ejector, substan-
tially as described.
48. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block provided with a cam groove therein, a reciprocating
motor piston provided with a stud or pin to engage in said cam groove for first
rotating to unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block, or vice versa, extrac-
tors pivoted on said breech-block and operated by said piston, means for feeding the
cartridges to the gun in front of said breech-block, an ejector for the empty
cartridge cases pivoted transversely to said piston, and a cam engagement
between said piston and said ejector, substantially as described.
49. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block adapted to rotate and lock or unlock in and to move
longitudinally into and out of said chamber, with cam grooves on said breech-
block, a reciprocating motor piston provided with a pin passing through said
breech-block and engaging said cam grooves, extractors on said breech-block and
operated by said piston, means for feeding the cartridges to the gun in front of

page_text: said breech-block, an ejector for the empty cartridge cases pivoted transversely to
said piston, and a cam engagement between said piston and said ejector, substan-
tially as described.
50. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block adapted to rotate and lock or unlock in and to move
longitudinally into and out of said chamber, with cam grooves on said breech-
block, of a reciprocating motor piston provided with a hollow head parallel to the
axis of said piston and engaging said breech-block, a pin passing through said
hollow head and through the cam grooves in said breech-block, extractors on
said breech-block and operated by said hollow head, means for feeding the
cartridges to the gun in front of said breech-block, an ejector for the empty cart-
ridge cases pivoted transversely to said piston, and a cam engagement between said
piston and said ejector, substantially as described.
51. In a breech loading gun having a reciprocating motor piston and a breech-
block in constant engagement therewith, the combination of an extractor or
extractors which are thrown into positive engagement with the flange of the
cartridge or freed therefrom by the relative motions of piston and breech-block,
substantially as described.
52. In a breech loading gun having a reciprocating motor piston, the combina-
tion of a groove in the piston, an ejector having a stud in engagement with
said groove whereby the ejector is given an intermittent motion in a plane at
right angles to the motion of the piston, substantially as described.
53. An extractor for use in guns of the character described, having a claw or
nib to engage the flange of the cartridge case, a hook to engage the breech-block in
rear of said claw, and a tail projecting to the rear to form a lever arm when
engaged by the piston, substantially as described.
54. A pair of extractors for use in guns of the character described, each provided
with a claw or nib to engage the flange of the cartridge case, a hook to engage the
breech-block in rear of said claw, U-shaped tangs to project on either side of the
breech-block and fulcrum thereon, and a tail projecting to the rear to form à lever
arm when engaged by the piston, substantially as described.
55. An extractor for use in guns of the character described comprising
a nib p to engage the flange of the cartridge case, a projection 22 beyond said
nib to shove the cartridge home, a body provided with the hook p³, and a tail P³
having the bent end to engage with the piston, substantially as described.
56. A pair of extractors for use in guns of the character described, each compris
ing a main body 1, a nib p for engaging the flange of the cartridge case, a hook p³
to engage with the breech-block, U-shaped tangs adapted to pass around the breech-
block and pivot thereon, and a tail P3 having the bent end p to engage with the
piston, substantially as described.
57. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a reciprocating motor piston
provided with an abutment, of a pivoted stop, a spring normally pressing said stop
in the path of said abutment, and a feed strip both for supplying ammunition
to the gun and for holding said stop clear of said abutment while the gun is loaded,
with a cam engagement between said piston and said feed strip for moving the
latter across the gun, substantially as described.
58. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a reciprocating motor piston
provided with an abutment, of a pivoted stop, a spring normally pressing said
stop in the path of said abutment, and a feed strip both for supplying ammunition
to the gun and for holding said stop clear of said abutment while the gun is loaded.
with cams on said piston and lugs on said feed strip engaging said cams as the
piston vibrates, substantially as described.
59. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a reciprocating motor piston
provided with an abutment and cams, of a pivoted stop, a spring normally
pressing said stop in the path of said abutment, and a feed strip having lugs
engaging said cams and supplying ammunition to the gun and holding said stop

page_text: clear of said abutment while the gun is loaded, with means for holding the ammuni-
tion on said feed strip when clear of the gun, and for automatically releasing the
same from the feed strip as the latter is fed to the gun, substantially as described.
60. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a reciprocating motor
piston provided with an abutment, of a pivoted stop, a spring normally pressing
said stop in the path of said abutment, and a feed strip both for supplying ammuni-
tion to the gun and for holding said stop clear of said abutment while the gun is
loaded, with clips on said feed strip and resilient loops for holding the ammuni-
tion in said clips when clear of the gun, and for automatically releasing the
ammunition from said clips as the feed strip is fed to the gun, substantially as
described.
61. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a reciprocating motor
piston provided with cam surfaces thereon, of a receiver having guides for said
piston and for the feed strip, and a feed strip for the fixed ammunition having
lugs engaging the cam surfaces on the piston, whereby the reciprocating motion
of the piston imparts a positive motion to said feed strip, substantially as described.
62. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a reciprocating motor
piston provided with cam surfaces thereon, of a receiver having guides for said
piston and for the feed strip, and a feed strip for the fixed ammunition having
lugs engaging the cam surfaces on the piston, whereby the reciprocating motion of
the piston imparts a positive motion to said feed strip, with clips on said feed strip,
and resilient loops for holding the ammunition in said clips when clear of the gun,
and means for automatically releasing the ammunition from said clips as the feed
strip moves across the gun, substantially as described.
63. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a reciprocating motor piston
provided with cam surfaces and an abutment, of a receiver having guides for said
piston and the feed strip, a feed strip for the fixed ammunition provided with
lugs engaging said cam surfaces, a stop pivoted in said receiver below said feed
strip and pressed downward thereby, and provided with teeth for holding said
feed strip against backward motion, and a spring normally pressing said stop
upwards and causing it to engage said abutment when the feed strip is not in the
way, substantially as described.
64. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a reciprocating motor piston
provided with cam surfaces and an abutment, of a receiver having guides for said
piston and for the feed strip, a feed strip for the fixed ammunition provided with
lugs engaging said cam surfaces, and cut away along its rear portion to permit the
projection therethrough of the stop, a stop pivoted in said receiver below said
feed strip and pressed downward thereby, and provided with teeth for holding said
feed strip against backward motion, and a spring normally pressing said stop
upwards and causing it to engage said abutment when the feed strip is not in the
way, substantially as described.
65. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a reciprocating motor piston
provided with cam surfaces and an abutment, of a receiver having guides for said
piston and for the feed strip, a feed strip for the fixed ammunition provided with
lugs engaging said cam surfaces, a stop pivoted in said receiver below said feed
strip and pressed downward thereby, and provided with teeth adapted to engage
said lugs after the same have passed said cams for holding said feed strip against
backward motion, and a spring normally pressing said stop upwards and causing it
to engage said abutment when the feed strip is not in the way, substantially as
described.
66. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a reciprocating motor piston
provided with cam surfaces and an abutment, of a receiver having guides for said
piston and for the feed strip, a feed strip for the fixed ammunition provided with
lugs engaging said cam surfaces, and cut away along its rear portion to permit the
projection therethrough of the stop, a stop pivoted in said receiver below said feed
strip and pressed downward thereby, and provided with teeth adapted to engage
said lugs after the same have passed said cams for holding said feed strip against

page_text: backward motion, and a spring normally pressing said stop upwards and causing
it to engage said abutment when the feed strip is not in the way, substantially as
'described.
67. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a reciprocating piston pro-
vided with cams on its surface, of a feed strip provided with lugs or tenons engaging
said cams, whereby an intermittent advance of the feed strip is obtained, substan-
tially as described and for the purpose set forth.
68. In an automatic gun, the combination, with feed mechanism and guides for
the feed strip, of a feed-strip engaging in said guides, cartridge holding clips on
said feed strip, and a resilient abutment normally holding the cartridges in place
on said feed strip, but releasing said cartridges as the feed strip is fed across the
gun, substantially as described.
69. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a cartridge holding feed
strip provided with the cartridge holding clips and the resilient abutment in rear
of the rear clips, of a feed-box mounted in the gun and provided with a projection
for forcing the resilient abutment out of the path of the cartridge rims, and with
an inclined groove engaging said rims for withdrawing the cartridges from said
clips, with means for moving said feed strip and for delivering the released cart-
ridges to the chamber of the gun, substantially as described.
70. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a cartridge holding feed
strip provided with the cartridge holding clips and the resilient abutment in rear
of the rear clips, of a feed-box mounted in the gun and provided with a projection
for forcing the resilient abutment out of the path of the cartridge rims, and with an
inclined groove engaging said rims for withdrawing the cartridges from said clips,
with automatically operated means for moving said feed strip and for delivering the
released cartridges to the chamber of the gun, substantially as described.
71. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a motor piston and
mechanism for opening and closing the breech, of means for drawing the empty
cartridge case to the rear, and an ejector transversely disposed to and operated by
said piston, substantially as described.
72. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a motor piston and
mechanism for opening and closing the breech, of means for drawing the empty
cartridge case to the rear, and an ejector transversely disposed to and in cam
engagement with said piston, substantially as described.
73. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a motor piston and
mechanism for opening and closing the breech, of means for drawing the empty
cartridge case to the rear, and an ejector pivoted at right angles to and in cam
engagement with said piston, substantially as described.
74. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a receiver with guide-ways
therein and a chamber fransverse to said guide-ways, of a reciprocating piston
provided with a cam groove in the side thereof, means operated by said piston for
withdrawing the empty cartridge case rearward, and an ejector mounted in said
transverse chamber and having a lug engaging in said cam groove for ejecting
laterally said cartridge case, substantially as described.
75. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a receiver with guide-ways
therein and a chamber transverse to said guide-ways, of a recipro-
cating motor piston travelling in said guide-ways, and provided with
a cam groove in the side thereof, means operated by said piston for withdrawing
the empty cartridge case rearward, and an ejector mounted in said transverse
chamber and partly enclosing said piston and rocking thereon, and having a lug
engaging in said cam groove for ejecting laterally said cartridge case, substan-
tially as described.
76. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a receiver with guide-ways
therein and a chamber transverse to said guide-ways, of a reciprocating motor
piston travelling in said guide-ways, and provided with a cam groove in the side
thereof, means operated by said piston for withdrawing the empty cartridge case
rearward, and an ejector mounted in said transverse chamber and provided with

page_text: a head engaging the cartridge case substantially at right-angles to the axis of the
gun, and a rounded heel partly enclosing said piston and rocking thereon, with a
lug from said heel engaging said cam groove, substantially as described.
77. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a reciprocating motor
piston provided with a retaining lug, of a firing gear for controlling the frequency
of vibrations of said piston comprising a trigger for engaging said lug, a firing
lever for releasing said trigger, a spring co-acting between said firing-lever.and.
said trigger, and a controlling lever for regulating the travel of said firing-lever,
substantially as described.
78. In a breech loading gun, the combination with a reciprocating motor
piston, provided with a retaining lug, of a firing gear for controlling the..
frequency of vibrations of said piston, comprising a trigger for engaging-said lug,
a firing-lever for releasing said trigger, a spring co-acting between said firing-
lever and said tribber, and a stop of varying radius pivoted in the line of travel
of said firing-lever, substantially as described.
79. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a reciprocating motor piston,
provided with a retaining lug, of a firing gear for controlling the frequency of vibra-
tions of said piston, comprising a trigger for engaging said lug, a firing-lever for.
releasing said trigger, a spring co-acting between said firing-lever and said trigger,
and a stop of varying radius pivoted in the line of travel of said firing-lever with a
spring handle for adjusting said stop in the desired position, substantially as
described.
80. In a breech-loading gun, the combination, with a reciprocating motor
piston provided with a retaining lug, of a firing gear for controlling the frequency
of vibrations of said piston, comprising a trigger piece pivoted to the gun and
having a trigger engaging said lug, a cocking-toe and a spring arm, a pivoted
firing-lever having a firing-toe, an elongated slot for its pivot, a spring arm and
a firing-handle, a spring connecting the spring arms of said firing-lever and said
trigger-piece, and means for regulating the travel of said firing-handle, substan-
tially as described.
81. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a reciprocating motor
piston provided with a retaining lug, of a firing gear for controlling the frequency
of vibrations of said piston comprising a trigger-piece pivoted to the gun and
having a trigger engaging said lug, a cocking-toe and a spring arm, a pivoted
firing-lever having a firing-toe, an elongated slot for its pivot, a spring arm and a
firing-handle, a spring connecting said spring arm of said firing-lever and said
trigger-piece, and means for regulating the travel of said firing-handle, and a
pivoted stop of varying radius registering with the said firing-handle and limiting
the travel thereof, substantially as described.
82. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a reciprocating
motor piston provided with a retaining lug, of a firing gear for con-
trolling the frequency of vibrations of said piston, comprising a trigger
piece pivoted to the gun and having a trigger engaging said lug, a cocking-toe and
a spring arm, a pivoted firing lever having a firing-toe and an elongated slot for
its pivot, a spring arm and a firing-handle, a spring connecting the spring arm of
said firing-lever and said trigger-piece, means for regulating the travel of said
firing-handle, and a pivoted stop of varying radius registering with the said firing-
handle and limiting the travel thereof, with a spring handle for adjusting said stop
in the desired position, substantially as described.
83. A feed strip provided with cartridge holding clips, and a continuous resilient
abutment for holding the cartridges in place, substantially as described.
84. In a feed strip, the combination, with the front clip adapted to engage
the ogival head of the projectile and to retain the same against radial movement
when in place on said strip, or a rear clip to hold the rear portion of the cartridge,
and a resilient loop normally pressing upward in rear of the rim of the cartridge
case and normally holding the same against longitudinal movement in said clip.
substantially as described.

page_text: 85. In a feed strip, the combination, with a plurality of front clips engaging the
ogival heads of the projectiles and retaining the same against radial movement
when in place on said strip, of a plurality of rear clips holding the rear portion
of the cartridge, and a resilient strip having loops projecting upward in rear of
the rims of the cartridges and holding the same against longitudinal movement.
in said clips, substantially as described.
86. In a feed strip, the combination: with a plurality of front clips to hold the
ogival heads of the projectiles and to retain the same against radial movement when
in place on said strip, of a plurality of rear clips to hold the rear portion of
the cartridges, a guide-way in rear of said rear clips, and a resilient strip having ears
projecting into said guide-way, loops projecting upwards in rear of the rims of the
cartridges, substantially as described.
87. A cartridge holding feed strip provided with the cartridge holding clips,
the resilient abutment, and a series of tenons for engaging with a reciprocating part
of the breech mechanism, substantially as described.
88. A feed strip provided with cartridge holding clips, a continuous resilient
abutment for holding the cartridges in place, and a series of tenons on the lower
portion of said feed strip for engaging with a reciprocating part of the breech
mechanism, substantially as described.
89. In a feed strip, the combination, with the front clip adapted to engage the
ogival head of the projectile and to retain the same against radial movement when
in place on said strip, of a rear clip to hold the rear portion of the cartridge, a
resilient loop normally pressing upward in rear of the rim of the cartridge and
normally holding the same against longitudinal movement in said clip, and a series
of tenons on the lower portion of said feed strip for engaging with a reciprocating
part of the breech mechanism, substantially as described.
90. In a feed strip, the combination, with a plurality of front clips engaging the
ogival heads of the projectiles and retaining the same against radial movement when
in place on said strip, of a plurality of rear clips holding the rear portion of the
cartridge, a resilient strip having loops projecting upward in rear of the rims of the
cartridges and holding the same against longitudinal movement in said clips,
and a series of tenons on the lower portion of said feed strip for engaging with
a reciprocating part of the breech mechanism, substantially as described.
91. In a feed strip, the combination, with a plurality of front clips to hold the
ogival heads of the projectiles and to retain the same against radial movement
when in place on said strip, of a plurality of rear clips to hold the rear portion
of the cartridges, guide-ways in rear of said rear clips, a resilient strip having ears
projecting into said guide-ways, loops projecting upwards in rear of the rims
of the cartridges, and a series of tenons on the lower portion of said feed strip for
engaging with a reciprocating part of the breech mechanism, substantially as
described.
1000

page_text: A communication from abroad by LAURENCE VINCENT BENÉT, Artillery Engineer,
of 21, Rue Royale, Paris, France, and HENRI ALBERT MERCIE, Mechanical
Engineer, of 21, Rue Royale, Paris, France.
We, THE HOTCHKISS ORDNANCE COMPANY LIMITED, of 49, Parliament Street,
S.W., London, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
Our invention relates to improvements in that class of guns in which a portion
of the gas developed by the explosion of the powder charge is utilized for opera-
ting the breech mechanism of the arm, and more particularly to that class in
which a motor-piston in perpetual engagement with a power accumulator is
operated by the gases resulting from the explosion. It is evident, however, that
the mechanism about to be described may be applied, in whole or in part, to guns
operated by any well-known mechanical means.
The object of our invention is to produce a simple and efficient mechanism
whereby, when a certain part thereof given a reciprocating motion by the
action of the powder-gas acting in one direction and a spring acting in the oppo-
site direction, or by other mechanical means, all the operations of loading, firing,
extracting, ejecting and cocking are automatically performed and in proper
sequence. Further objects of our invention are to provide means whereby the
gun may be fired continuously or intermittently at the will of the operator, and
to so form all parts of the mechanism that the same may be dismounted and
assembled without the use of tools.
In pursuance of these ends, our invention consists in the manner of rein-
forcing the barrel by means of the breech-housing, and of securing it therein;
in the manner of securing the breech-housing to the receiver; in the manner of
stowing the mainspring or power accumulator; in the manner of connecting the
breech-block and the firing-pin to the motor-piston, and of controlling their
motions; in the construction of the extractors, and in the manner of imparting
to them a rectilinear motion; in the manner of gearing the feed strip directly
with the motor-piston, whereby the cartridges are brought to the loading position
without the interposition of feed mechanism; in the method of locking the feed-
cocked
strip when advanced by the piston, and of locking the piston in the
position on the exhaustion of the feed-strip; in the method of unlocking and
withdrawing the cartridge from the feed-strip when in the loading position; in
the structural features and manner of imparting motion to the ejector; in the
structural features and combinations of the various elements of the firing
gear, whereby continuous or intermittent fire may be delivered, or the mech-
anism locked against the danger of accidental discharge, and in the structural
features and combinations of various other co-operative parts, as hereinafter
described.
"
Reference is had to the accompanying drawings in which the same parts are
indicated by the same letters throughout the several views.

page_text: Fig. 1 is a central vertical section through the improved gun, the barrel being
broken away, and parts being shown in elevation.
Fig. 2 represents a horizontal section along the line 2-2 of Fig. 1, looking
down.
In Figs. 1 and 2, the breech-block is shown in the rear or open position.
Fig. represents a section similar to that shown in Fig. 1, except that the
breech-block is in the front or closed position.
Fig. 4 represents a section similar to that shown in Fig. 3, except that the
breech-block is in the front or closed position.
Fig. 5 represents a section along the line 5-5 of Figs. 1 and 2, looking towards
the breech of the gun.
Fig. 6 represents a section along the line 6-6 of Figs. 1 and 2, looking
towards the breech of the gun.
Fig. 7 represents a central vertical section through the casing.
Fig. 8 represents à section along the line 8-8 of Fig. 7, looking down.
Fig. 9 is a side elevation of the casing as detached from the gun.
Fig. 10 is a plan view of the device shown in Fig. 9.
Fig. 11 is a view of the casing shown in Figs. 9 and 10 looking towards the
rear of the gun, parts being broken away.
Fig. 12 represents a transverse section of the piston along the line 12-12 of
Figs. 25 and 26, looking in the direction of the arrows.
Fig. 13 is an end elevation of the feed trough detached from the gun.
Fig. 14 is a plan view of the feed trough shown in Fig. 13.
Fig. 15 represents a section from the feed trough along the line 15-15 of
Figs. 13 and 14, looking in the direction of the arrows.
Fig. 16 is a section on the same line as that shown in Fig. 15, but looking in
the opposite direction.
Fig. 17 represents a transverse section across the feed trough along the
line 17-17 of Fig. 14, looking in the direction of the arrows.
Fig. 18 is an elevation of the rear end of the breech piece as detached from
the gun.
Fig. 19 represents a section along the line 19-19 of Fig. 18, looking down.
Fig. 20 is a rear elevation of the device shown in Figs. 18 and 19.
Fig. 21 is a detail partly in section showing the co-operation of the piston,
breech-block and the extractors, and shows the extractors in the locked or
holding position.
Fig. 22 is a similar view to that shown in Fig. 21, except that the piston is
moved forward slightly, relieving the engagement of the extractors.
Fig. 23 is an end view of the device shown in Fig. 21, as seen from the left
of said figure.
Fig. 24 is a section along the line 24-24 of Fig. 22, looking in the direction
of the arrows.
Fig. 25 is a side elevation of the reciprocating piston, by means of which the
gun is operated.
Fig. 26 is a plan view of the piston shown in Fig. 25.
Fig. 27 represents the detachable cover for the discharge opening for the
empty shell, which serves to deflect the shell downward.
Fig. 28 is a plan view of the device shown in Fig. 27.
Fig. 29 is a section along the line 29-29 of Figs. 27 and 28, looking in the
direction of the arrows.
Fig. 30 is a detail view showing in perspective the screw pin for holding the
shell deflector in place on the gun.
Fig. 31 is a detail view showing in perspective the pin for holding the breech
cover in place.
Fig. 32 is a perspective view of one of the extractors as detached from the
gun.
Fig. 33 is a perspective view of the pivoted stop as detached from the gun.
:

page_text: Fig. 34 is a perspective view of the cocking handle used for cocking the gun
by hand, as detached from the gun.
Fig. 35 is a perspective view of the pin for securing the rear end of the breech
cover to the casing of the gun.
Fig. 36 is a perspective view of the pivoted ejector for ejecting empty or
unexploded shell.
Figs. 37 to 40 inclusive represent various positions of the mechanism for con-
trolling the frequency of fire, as seen from the left of the gun.
Fig. 37 represents the apparatus set for automatic repeated fire, or volley firing.
Fig. 38 represents the apparatus set for safety.
Fig. 39 represents the apparatus set for single fire.
Fig. 40 represents the apparatus in the position showing the return of the
detent lever.
Fig. 41 represents a plan view of the feed strip for holding the fixed ammu-
nition to be used in the gun.
Fig. 42 represents a section along the line 42-42 of Fig. 41.
Fig. 43 represents an end view of the device shown in Figs. 41 and 42, as
seen from the left of said figures.
Fig. 44 represents an end view of the device shown in Figs. 41 and 42, as
seen from the right of said figures.
Figs. 45 and 46 are a side elevation and plan view respectively of the resilient
strip used to engage the rim of the cartridge case and hold the shells in place on
the feed strip until the said spring is pressed.
Fig. 47 is an end elevation, and
Fig. 48 is a plan view of a device similar to that shown in Figs. 41 and 42,
except that the resilient strip is slotted and is fastened and held in place by the
heads of rivets instead of travelling in the guide-way.
Referring particularly to Figs. 1 to 4, A is the receiver which contains the
operative mechanism of the gun, which is preferably a single casting of gun-
metal or other material, which bears near its forward end the trunnions A¹, or
other device for supporting the gun on its carriage. In the front end of the
receiver is screwed or otherwise attached the breech-piece B, which is preferably
a single forging of tempered and annealed gun-steel. The rearward portion of
the breech-piece is formed into the breech-housing B. To the front of the
breech-housing, the breech-piece is provided with an interior screw-thread b, and
to the front of this is slightly coned to receive the barrel C. That portion of the
breech-piece which projects from the front of the receiver, is formed into a series
of annular projections which provide a large radiating surface, and assist in
absorbing and radiating the heat developed in the barrel by the powder gases:
The barrel C is a single forging of gun-steel, and is chambered and rifled in the
usual manner. It is solidly assembled with the breech-piece by means of the
screw-thread b, and the portion which falls under the radiating surface is coned so
as to be brought into close contact with the latter. When the barrel is assembled
with the breech-piece, it bears the same relation to the latter as the tube does
to the jacket in a "built up" gun, in that the breech-piece resists all of the longi-
tudinal strain due to the interior pressure of the powder gas, whilst materially
reinforcing the barrel against tangential strain. The cylinder support or collar ("
is secured to the barrel to the front of the breech-piece, preferably by shrinkage,
and by means of the pin c. This collar serves to support the forward end of the
gas cylinder 1. Through the barrel, cylinder-collar and cylinder is formed the
port cl, bringing the bore into communication with the gas cylinder, and which
atter may be circular or of other form in cross-section.
The cylinder D) is screwed into the cylinder-collar C as at d¹, a coned bearing
being formed at d, to insure a gas-tight joint. To the rear, the cylinder engages
na recess in the front end of the receiver by which it is supported. The front
of the cylinder is closed by the regulator Di which consists of a hollowed plug
which registers with a relatively long screw-thread & in the cylinder D. As the

page_text: regulator is screwed more or less into the cylinder, the volume of the chamber 10,
which lies between the regulator and the head of the piston will be diminished
or increased, and hence the tension of the gas entering through the port c¹ will
be increased or diminished, as is described and claimed in our British Patent
No. 29118 granted December 18 1896. To the rear of the chamber Do, the bore
of the cylinder is diminished at 1°, so as to fit the head of the piston snugly. It
is while the head of the piston is moving along this portion, that the gas acts
effectively upon it. Near the rear end of this reduced portion do is the exhaust
port d, which permits the gas to escape to the open air when unmasked by the
movement of the piston. To the rear of this, the bore of the cylinder is
greatly increased as at D2 for the sake of lightness.
The piston E (see Figs. 1, 3, 12, 25 and 26) is lodged in the receiver A, its
front end engaging in the reduced portion of the cylinder D, when in the forward
position, as already shown. It has a longitudinal reciprocating motion under
the influence of the powder gas from the barrel acting upon its forward end and
the mainspring Z pressing on the piston from the rear. Beginning at the front
of the piston, we find the cylindrical head E', which receives the pressure of the
powder gas, and serves to guide the piston in the cylinder. One or more grooves e¹,
are cut in the head to aid in preventing the passage of gas to the rear.
To the
rear of the head, the piston is reduced in diameter as at c², and then increased in
diameter beginning at the shoulder e This shoulder serves as an abutment for
the stop F (Figs. 1, 3, 5 and 33), which stop engages with it when the feed strip
is exhausted, thus holding the piston to the rear independently of the trigger and
retaining lug, as will be hereinafter described. The central portion of the piston
is flattened on top as shown at F2 in Figs. 12, 25 and 26, and on this plane sur-
face are formed the three cams et, e and ef (see Fig. 26). These cams serve to
bring the feed strip to the loading position, as will be described later on.
On the right side of the piston is formed the ejector groove E3 (Figs. 1 and 25),
which consists of two portions 7 and e³, parallel to the axis of the piston, the
inclined portion e, and the flaring portion e" (see Fig. 25).
Beneath the piston is formed the cocking lug E, against which abuts the
head 9 of the cocking handle G, when cocking the gun by hand. The cocking
handle (see Fig. 34), consists of the body G', on which are formed the four guide-
ribs g, and the handle G2. The cocking handle is mounted loosely in the
receiver, the guide-ribs g¹ engaging in the grooves a (Figs 1, 3 and 7), and the
handle projecting through the slot A° (Figs. 1, 3 and 8). When the piston is
in its forward position, the lug E bears against the head of the cocking
handle G, and on pulling the latter, the piston will be withdrawn to the rear and
cocked, if desired. On releasing the piston, it flies forward under the impulse
of the mainspring Z, pushing the cocking handle before it. When the piston
is thrown to the rear under the pressure of the powder gas, the cocking-handle
remains in its forward position, shown in Fig. 3, not partaking of the motions
of the piston.
To the rear of the cocking-lug is the retaining lug H (Figs. 1, 3), which is a
single piece fitted into a dovetail recess in the under-side of the piston. It is
provided with a central pivot or stem to facilitate assembling with the piston.
Within the piston is formed the longitudinal chamber E, in which is lodged
the mainspring %. This spring abuts against the bottom of the chamber in one
direction, and against the breech-cover A in the other. Between the rear end
of the mainspring and the breech-cover, the head of the guide-rod is inter-
posed, the spring bearing against the flange of the head of this guide-rod, and
the head against the breech-cover A². This guide-rod is preferably hollow, and
its object is to keep the mainspring in line when the piston is in its forward
position, and the greater part of the mainspring unsupported by the walls of the
chamber E in the piston.
Near the rear of the piston is formed the head Es, which is bored axially to
receive the stem K₁ of the breech-block K. (see Figs. 1, 3, 21 and 22). The

page_text: grooves el are cut through the head E6 to permit the passage of the tenons 16, at
the rear of the breech-block. The head of the piston is bored transversely at
el for the passage of the pin L, which traverses the head E6 of the piston, the
stem K of the breech-block, and the enlargement M' of the firing-pin M and
controls the motion of the breech-block and firing-pin. The pin L is provided
at one end with the ears e (Figs. 2, 4 and 25), which are seated in reçesses in the
head of the piston, their object being to afford a long bearing against the walls
of the receiver, and to prevent the pin from slipping out of place during the move-
ment of the piston. Finally, the head E of the piston is provided with cams e15
(Figs. 21 and 22), with the object of controlling the action of the extractors, as
will be described later on.
The breech-block K (Figs. 5, 6, 21 and 22) is provided to the front with the
two lugs which resist the pressure delivered by the head of the cartridge when
the breech is closed, and which act as guides during the longitudinal motion of
the breech-block when opening or closing. When the breech is closed, the
lugs are horizontal, and bear against the shoulders 62 of the breech-piece B in
rear of the housing B¹ (see Figs. 2, 4, and 18 to 26); when the breech is unlocked
by turning it through 90° about its longitudinal axis, the lugs k register with the
slots 63, and the breech-block is free to move to the rear. The lugs then engage
in the guideways a¹ (Figs. 5 and 6), in the receiver which prevent rotation of
the breech-block throughout the remainder of its movement. By this arrange-
ment, the breech-block cannot move longitudinally when its lugs are engaged
behind the shoulders 62 in the housing B of the breech-piece, and when engaged
therein, it can only rotate axially, as the conical surface of the head abuts
against the surface of the slots 63 to the front, and the lugs kabut against the
shoulders 62 to the rear.
These motions of rotation and translation are controlled by the piston acting
upon the breech-block through the pin L, which traverses the stem of the breech-
block passing through the cam slots K°. When the breech is closed and locked,
the piston is in its extreme forward position, the forward surface e¹ of the piston
head bearing against the annular abutment on the breech-block (Figs. 3, 4,
21 and 22); the pin L is then in its extreme forward position with reference to
the slots K°, and the firing pin M, which is also traversed by the pin I, is in its
forward position, its point projecting beyond the front face of the breech-block
through the hole, the parts then being in the position shown in Figs. 3 and 4.
On the piston moving to the rear under the impulse of the powder gas, the pin L
moves to the rear along the cam slots K°. The forward portion of these slots is
essentially parallel to the axis of the breech-block, and during this portion of
the movement, the pin L withdraws the firing-pin, whilst the breech-block
remains fast. The pin L then reaches the spiral portion of the cam slots K°.
which make a gradually increasing angle with the axis of the breech-block; as
the breech-block cannot at first move to the rear, it rotates about its axis, dis-
engaging the lugs & from the shoulders 62 and'unlocking the breech. The grad-
ually increasing angle which the cam slots K° make with the axis of the breech-
block enables the pin L to exert great power upon the breech-block during the
first part of the movement of unlocking, thus avoiding liability to stick or iam.
When the pin L reaches the end of the spiral portion of the slots K°, the block
is fully unlocked, the lugs k are then vertical and in line with the slots b³,
be with-
and the guideways and the breech-block is in position to
drawn. At this time, the slots K° become parallel to the axis for a short distance,
during which portion of the movement the extractors are locked, as will be
explained later on. When the pin has reached essentially the end of the slots.
the lugs are struck by the rear surface of the head E of the breech-block, and
the block is withdrawn, thus fully opening the breech.
The firing-pin M is preferably a single piece, and is loaded in the breech-block
as already described, and is provided with the usual point, and with the swell M¹,
through which passes the pin L. To the rear of the swell M¹ it is prolonged by

page_text: the part M² for the purpose of preventing the assembling of piston, breech-block,
firing-pin, and pin without passing the latter through the hole in the swell M¹.
For convenience in assembling, this part 2 terminates in a knurled boss m².
From the description already given of the breech-block, it will be evident that
the point of the firing-pin cannot project beyond the face of the breech-block and
fire the cartridge until the breech shall have been fully closed and locked. It
I will also be evident that the firing-pin will be withdrawn until the point is within
the breech-block, before the latter can begin to unlock. This insures safety
against premature discharge. It will also be noted that the cartridge will be
discharged the instant the breech is closed and locked, and before the barrel, when
highly heated by prolonged firing, can have any effect upon the powder contained
in the cartridge.
The breech-block is fitted with two independent extractors P (Figs. 1, 3, 21
to 24 and 32), but as these are symmetrical in form, and identical in action, a
description of one will suffice for both. They are preferably of the rigid type,
and perform their function without calling upon the resilience of the material
of which they are made. To the front of the extractor is formed the rib or
claw p, for grasping the head of the cartridge, and to the rear of the claw is the
abutment which prevents the claw from approaching too near to the axis of
the breech-block. The projection 2 prevents the front face of the lower extractor
from striking the primer of the cartridge when forcing it into the chamber of
the barrel, as will be described later on.
The body P of the extractor engages in and registers with the groove a in the
receiver and in the breech-piece, which permits it a motion of translation, but
not of rotation. Below the body is formed the hook p³, which engages in front
of the annular rib, on the breech-block K and forms the connection between
these two pieces. To the rear of the hook p³ is formed the U-shaped tang P2,
which engages to the rear of the rib on the breech-block, and bears against the
rear surface of this rib on either side thereof, as shown at p in Figs. 21 and 22.
These points 4 are closer to the axis of the breech-block than the claw and
hence any longitudinal tension on tang will tend to make the claw approach the
axis. To the rear, the body of the extractor is prolonged into the tail P³ which
is bent inwards slightly as at 75 and bears upon the head of the piston.
The action of the extractors will now be explained. Consider the piston to be
in its rearmost position, as shown in Fig. 21; the tails of the extractors will bear
on the cams e¹5 of the piston, and the abutments p¹ will bear against the head of
the breech-block. The extractors will therefore be held by means of the three
bearings p¹, p³ and p³. Suppose a cartridge to be in line with and ready to enter
the chamber of the barrel as the piston moves forward, the breech-block will
remain fast until the pin L reaches the spiral portion of the grooves Ko, and
during this part of the motion, the cams e¹5 on the piston will move forward with
reference to the tails of the extractors until the parts and e¹s are in the position
shown in Fig. 22. The extractors will then be free to pivot about the U-shaped
tangs P2, and thus pass over the flange of the cartridge. The pin L then having
struck the spiral portion of the grooves K°, the piston and the breech-block move
forward together, and the lower extractor striking the head of the cartridge,
pushes it into the chamber.
After the discharge, the piston moves to the rear, unlocking the breech-block,
as already described. When the breech-block is unlocked, but before it moves
to the rear, the pin L passes along the straight portion of the cam slots K° and
during this motion, the cams els pass under the tails of the extractors and forces
the claws P to engage positively with the flange of the cartridge. As the breech-
block moves to the rear, the cartridge is extracted, the effort of extraction tending
to cause the extractors to revolve about the points 2 of the U-shaped tangs P²,
and thus to grasp the cartridge more firmly.
The ejector consists of a single piece Q (Figs. 1, and 36), which is lodged and
works in a transverse slot at in the receiver. The lower portion Q¹ of the ejector

page_text: is formed so as to embrace one side of the body of the piston, and on this part
is formed the coffin-shaped stud Q which engages in the ejector groove E³, in
the piston; the head Q3 of the ejector is conformed to the radius of the cartridge
case so as to strike it on a relatively large surface; and to the rear of the head
is formed the abutment to limit the backward motion. Considering the piston
to be in its extreme forward position, the ejector stud Q2 is in the straight
portion of the ejector groove E, and during the first portion of the rearward
motion of the piston, it remains inoperative in the slot as in the receiver; when
the piston has moved sufficiently to the rear to bring the breech-block and
extractors and with them the empty cartridge case in line with the ejector
aperture A in the casing, the inclined portion of the ejector groove e strikes
the ejector stud Q and causes the ejector to pivot about the piston. The ejector
head strikes the cartridge case, and forces it out of the grasp of the extractors
and into the deflector A, from which it falls to the ground. In order to allow
the shell to be knocked out of the extractors, the nibs of the latter are cut away
on one edge, as shown at 2 in Fig. 23. As the piston moves forward, the inclined
portion of the ejector slot causes the ejector to pivot to the rear into the slot a*,
where it remains until another cartridge case reaches the ejection position.
The deflector A is preferably suspended by a rib as engaging a corresponding
surface on the receiver A (see Fig. 5), and is detachably connected to the casing
by the thumb screw a¹6 (Fig. 30) passing through the slot a (Fig. 27).
Before describing the operations of feeding, it will be necessary to explain the
construction and function of the feed-strip, as this forms a co-operative part of
the feed mechanism, (see Figs. 5 and 41 to 48). The feed-strip consists prefer-
ably of a single casting R of bronze or other metal, and holds ten or such other
number of cartridges as may not exceed a suitable weight for quick handling. To
the tront of the strip are formed a series of clips R which embrace the ogival
head of the projectiles; they are provided with a slightly overhanging lip r, so
formed that when the cartridge is slightly withdrawn to the rear, the projectile
is freed from the clips. To the rear of the strip is formed the series of clips R²,
which grasp the shell of each cartridge. The cartridges are prevented from
moving to the rear by means of the resilient undulating strip of thin metal R³,
which is provided with ears to engage in guides attached to or integral with
the plate R; these undulations being in line with the rims of the cartridges pre-
vent them from moving to the rear. The end lug is pressed into the enlarged
opening as shown in Fig. 41, and thus the strip. is held in place. Instead of
this method of securing the strip in place, the latter may be provided with elon-
gated holes engaging the stems of rivets having enlarged heads 8, so as to
permit of a slight longitudinal motion of the strip R. In either case, if pres-
sure be brought to bear upon an undulation from above, it will be flattened down,
and the cartridge may be withdrawn to the rear. On the under side of the feed-
strip are formed the lugs or tenons, which engage with the feed-cams et, eð
and e on the top of the piston already described. They also register with the
lug f on the stop F, which serves as a pawl to prevent the withdrawal of the feed-
strip when not engaged with the feed cams. The feed-strip is prolonged beyond
the emplacement of the first cartridge as at 0, to provide an extra tenon, and
under the last cartridges is provided the clearance R° to permit the action of
the stop F.
This stop is carried in the journal bearings aº (Figs. 5 and 33) in the receiver,
by means of the trunnions f¹. The opening in the journal bearings a is made
smaller than the maximum diameter of the trunnions f' and the trunnions are
flattened on the sides, as shown in Figs. 5 and 33, so that they may be slipped
into the journal bearings and the stop swung upwards into place, when it will
be securely held. When swung into place, the spiral spring Fo is engaged with
the hook on the stop, and with the eyes on the feed trough S which holds said
stop securely and tends to pull it upwards. Under the trunnions f¹ is the
handle F by means of which the stop may be swung downwards out of engage-

page_text: ment with the piston, when desired. On the upper part of the stop is formed
the cam surface f³ and the two ratchet teeth f* and f³. If there be no feed-strip
in the gun, the stop is free to swing upwards until its body strikes the under
surface of the piston. If now the piston be in its rearward position, and if there
be no feed-strip engaged in the gun, the stop will be held against the under sur-
face of the piston by the tension of the spring Fo. If the piston be withdrawn
to the rear, when the abutment e falls in line with the stop, the latter will rise
under the influence of the spring and will prevent any forward movement of the
piston, and this, quite independent of the trigger. If now a feed-strip be inserted
in the feed-trough guides and pushed home, the front of the strip will strike
the cam on the stop, forcing it down to the level of the under side of the feed-
strip and free the piston. Hence while the feed-strip is in the gun, the stop is
inoperative. When the last cartridge is loaded into the gun, the opening Rin
the feed-strip falls above the stop, and the latter rises, and when the piston is
thrown to the rear by the gas of the last cartridge, the stop prevents it from
going forward until a fresh feed-strip shall have been inserted, or until the stop
is released by hand.
Returning now to the feed-strip, it will be noticed that the tenons are spaced
by distances equal to the distance between the axes of adjacent cartridges; on
the stop, the ratchet teeth f and fo are spaced by essentially half this distance.
Referring now to Fig. 5, we see that when the feed-strip is inserted into the gun
and forced home, the tooth ft engages behind the first tenon and prevents any
movement in withdrawal of the teed-strip. The feed-strip, as already remarked,
is inserted when the piston is to the rear. As the piston moves forward under
the influence of the mainspring, the feed came strikes the second tenon and
causes the feed-strip to advance until the cartridge is in the loading position; as
the piston moves to the rear, the feed-came strikes the third tenon, and advances
the feed-strip by one-half space when the second tenon is engaged by the tooth f³,
and a backward movement prevented; as the piston moves forward again, the
third tenon is struck by the feed-cam e and advanced a further half space, when
the tooth f engages the second tenon, and so on.
The feed-trough S is made in a separate piece from the receiver to facilitate
manufacture, and is secured in place by the taper pins 2 ; it is shaped to
facilitate the introduction of the feed-strips and is provided with guides s', in
which are engaged the edges of the feed-strip for the purpose of holding it
steady. The rear one of these guides s is so formed that a downward inclined
projection strikes each undulation of the thin metal strip as they arrive at
this point, thus permitting each successive cartridge to be drawn to the rear.
In the upper part of the feed-box is formed the guide st, which is inclined to
the rear, and which engages the flange of each successive cartridge. As each
undulation of the strip is forced down as already described, each successive car-
tridge is withdrawn to the rear by the guide st, thus freeing it from the clips R';
at this moment, the cartridge rides up on the tongue As, which is formed in the
receiver, and being pushed along by the clips R, is brought into the loading
position in line with the breech-block; in this position it is struck by the pro-
jection 22 on the lower extractor and is forced into the chamber of the barrel.
The inclined surfaces in the breech-housing of the breech-piece serve as guides
to direct the cartridge fairly home; it will also be observed that the cartridge
is firmly held and guided between the clips R', and the walls of the receiver.
If, during the firing of a feed-strip of cartridges, it is necessary to cease firing
and unload the gun, it is only necessary to turn down the stop by means of the
handle, when the ratchet teeth will be withdrawn from engagement with the
tenons, and the feed-strip may be freely withdrawn.
The rear of the receiver is closed by the breech-cover A2, which provides a
support for the shoulder piece O. The breech-cover is a single casting and is
assembled to the receiver by means of the pivot bolt a and the breech-cover
pin A', which pin is provided with the stud which engages in the grooves all

page_text: in the breech-cover (Figs. 2 and 4), so that by giving a half turn to the spring
handle a¹, the stud a falls in line with the groove a and the pin may be with-
drawn. When the pin is withdrawn, the breech-cover may be rotated about the
pivot bolt as, and the interior of the receiver exposed for the dismounting or
assembling of the component parts of the mechanism.
When the breech-cover is opened, the firing gear is exposed; this (as shown
in Figs. 3, and 37 to 40) comprises the firing lever T, the trigger piece U, the
trigger spring V and the controlling lever W, all of which are mounted in the
receiver. The trigger U consists of the shaft u on which is formed the trigger
proper u, and at the end of which shaft is the spring lever u³ and the firing-
toe u³. The trigger spring V is under tension between the spring lever u² and
the tail of the firing lever T; the said spring tends to turn the trigger upwards
until stopped by the firing toe striking the abutment X on the receiver, as
shown in full lines in Fig. 40. Moreover, the same spring tends to cause the
firing lever arm 13 to engage against the stop X¹, as shown in dotted lines in
Fig. 40.
As the piston moves to the rear, or to the right in Figs. 37 to 40, the
inclined surface of the lug H strikes the trigger and causes it to rotate down-
wards against the tension of the spring V. When the lug has passed over the
trigger, the latter rises and, engaging the shoulder h², prevents the piston from
moving to the front. The trigger may be dismounted by opening the breech-
cover, disengaging the trigger spring, turning the piece until the trigger proper
falls in line with the slot a8 (Fig. 7) cut into the side of the receiver, and with-
drawing.
The firing lever Tis pivoted on the pin T on the exterior of the receiver and
plays between it and the cheek of the breech-cover. The journal bearing t¹ for
the lever T is elongated about two diameters in the direction of the axis of the
trigger arm T2, which arm has the rounded edge 2 adapted to strike back upon
and pass over the toe and the engaging edge adapted to engage the toe ³
when rotated in the opposite direction. On the branch T3 of the firing lever is
the firing handle T which is grasped by the operator of the gun. When the
breech-cover is opened, the firing lever may be slipped off its pivot and dismounted.
The controlling lever W has an arm W on the spindle w, which spindle is
prolonged to form the handle Wo; this is grasped by the operator, at the same
time as the firing handle, and, by bringing the two towards each other by a pres-
sure of the fingers, he is enabled to fire the gun. On the spindle w is formed the
controlling stop w, the function of which will be described later on.
The con-
trolling lever is mounted by slipping into its journals in the receiver and then
inserting the spring handle W, swinging this upwards, the stud engages in a
groove in the receiver forming a bayonet joint, and whilst so engaged, the handle
cannot be withdrawn.
The action of the firing gear is as follows: Suppose it be desired to lock the
gun at safety; the controlling lever handle We is turned to the position "safety,"
(indicated by the line of Figs. 38 to 40); if now the firing handle be pulled
towards the spindle w, as for firing, the arm T will strike the abutment (see
Fig. 38), on the controlling stop W, and the motion of the firing lever will be
arrested before the arm T can move the toe ³ far enough to release the trigger n¹
from engagement with the notch h², and hence the gun cannot be fired while the
controlling lever is in the position --.
Now, suppose it is desired to fire single shots, pausing after each shot to correct
the aim, or for other reasons: the controlling lever is turned until the handle W2
is in the position "slow fire," indicated by the line 3-3 in Figs. 37-40. The
recess in the controlling stop W³ now registers with the firing handle T and
the latter may be moved against the action of the spring V until in contact there-
with, or in the position shown in Fig. 39. As the firing lever is pulled towards
the spindle . the trigger lever T2 presses against the firing toe, causing the
rigger-piece U to rotate until the trigger ¹ escapes from the notch h³ and allows
he piston to fly forward (to the left in Figs. 37 to 40), firing the gun. At this

page_text: point, further, movement of the trigger is arrested by the trigger u striking the
abutment y (see Figs. 1 and 3), formed in the receiver; the point of the tripping
arm T then bears against the point of the firing toe u (as shown in full lines in
Fig. 39) and the strain on the firing handle causes the elongated journal t¹ to ride
up on the pivot T until the nring toe escapes from the tripping arm and the
tension of the trigger spring V causes the trigger-piece U to resume its first posi-.
tion, shown in dotted lines in Fig. 39, but the tripping arm 12 will then be out
of engagement with the cocking arm. On the recoil of the piston, the trigger
will again engage with the notch, and hold the piston to the rear as before,
except that the tripping arm 12 will now be back of the firing toe u³, and in order
to fire a second shot, it will be necessary to first release the firing lever, when the
cam surface t³ on the tripping arm will strike the cam surface u on the firing-toe
and the tension of the trigger spring will cause the elongated journal t¹ to ride up
on the pivot T, when the tripping arm will slip over and engage in front of the
firing toe and the firing lever will resume its initial position against the abut-
ment X, ready for another shot.
If it be desired to fire continuously, the controlling lever is turned until the
handle W2 takes the position "vollies" (indicated by the line 2-2 in Figs. 37
to 40); the portion of the controlling stop will now register with the firing
handle, the firing position being shown in full lines in Fig. 37. If the firing
handle be now pulled to the rear, it will strike the surface as shown in Fig. 37,
and the tripping arm will hold the trigger out of engagement with the lug H,
and the firing handle being held in this position, the gun will. fire continuously
as long as it is supplied with ammunition. In this position of the controlling
lever, the firing handle cannot be pulled far enough to the rear to permit the
tripping arm to spring beyond the firing toe, but will permit sufficient movement
to hold the trigger out of engagement with the retaining lug H.
To explain the general action of the mechanism, let us consider the-breech to
be closed, and the controlling lever set at "slow fire." The cocking handle G³
is grasped by the operator and drawn smartly to the rear; the head of the cocking
handle bearing against the cocking tang on the piston withdraws the latter,
and the breech is unlocked and opened. When the inclined surface h₁ of the
lug strikes the trigger u, it forces this down and when the lug has passed the
trigger flies up under the action of the spring V and prevents a forward move-
ment of the piston; the piston moving slightly further to the rear, the stop F
rises and engages in front of the abutment e³, and the gun is at full cock with
the mainspring fully compressed. It is now impossible to fire the gun by pulling
the firing lever, as the piston is held by the stop F independently of the trigger.
The gun is now loaded by engaging a feed-strip R in the guides s¹ of the feed-
trough S, and pushing it smartly home (see Fig. 5). The first tenon of the
feed-strip strikes the cam surface f on the head of the stop F, causing the latter
to revolve about its axis f against the action of the spring F° and disengage
itself from the abutment e on the piston; the piston now moves slightly forward
until the lug 2 engages on the trigger . As the feed-strip is entered in the
feed-trough, the projection presses down the first undulation of the thin metal
strip on the feed-strip and leaves the first cartridge free to move to the rear; the
flange of this cartridge has in the meantime engaged in the inclined groove sof
the feed-box, and the cartridge is withdrawn to the rear until it is free vertically
from the clips R' and R2: the point of the tongue A8 has now passed under the
cartridge, and as the feed-strip is pushed into the gun, the cartridge rides up on
the tongue until it abuts against the wall of the receiver at a08; just before the
ratchet
cartridge abuts against the wall. of the receiver, the second
tooth f on the head of the stop F engages with the first tenon on the feed-strip.
and prevents any backward movement of the latter. The gun is now loaded and
ready to fire. The operator now pulls the firing lever smartly to the rear until
the firing handle T is stopped by striking the bottom of the recess in the con-
trolling stop w³, the tripping arm T pressing up on the firing toe u³, causes the
.5.3

page_text: trigger u¹ to revolve until free of the notch ha, and the tripping arm, escaping
from engagement with the firing toe u³, passes to the rear of the latter; the
trigger spring V now causes the trigger to resume its original position. When
the trigger u is free from the notch, the piston flies forward under the impulse
of the mainspring Z; as the piston moves ₁orward, the pin L moves along the
straight portion of the grooves K° in the breech-block (see Figs. 21 to 24); the
breech-block remains fast, but the projections et on the head E of the piston
move forward with reference. to the tails. p of the extractors P, leaving the
extractors free to revolve slightly about the faces p of the tangs P³. As the
piston continues its forward motion, the pin L passes into the inclined portion
of the grooves K° in the breech-block and, as the latter is prevented from turning
by the tenons engaging in the guideways a' in the receiver, the breech-block
moves forward with the piston. As the breech-block moves forward, the pro-
jection 2 on the lower extractor strikes the head of the first cartridge, and forces
it into the chamber of the gun; as the cartridge moves into the chamber, it is
guided by the wall of the receiver, the clips R' and R2, and the inclined plane As.
When the cartridge is fully home, the flange strikes the inclined surface of the
front ends of the extractors, causing the latter to rotate slightly about the
hooks p³, so as to bring the claws or nibs pinto engagement with the flange of
the cartridge; at this moment, the motion of the breech-block to the front is
arrested by the coned surface of its head striking the corresponding surface 63
in the breech-piece B. The tenons on the breech-block having now entered
the chamber B in the breecli-piece, the block is free to revolve about its axis;
as the piston continues its motion to the front, the pin L moves along the in-
clined portion of the slots K° in the breech-block, causing the latter to rotate
and bringing the tenons & in line with the abutments in the breech-piece,
when the breech is locked; the pin L now enters the short straight portion at
the rear end of the slots K°, and the piston continuing its forward motion forces
the firing pin M against the primer of the cartridge and fires the gun. The piston
is now stopped by the front face of the head E striking the annular abutment ki
on the breech-block.
As the piston moves forward, the feed cam et on the piston engages behind the
second tenon on the feed-strip, holding the latter in the loading position.
When the projectile has moved along the bore sufficiently to unmask the
port in the barrel (see Figs. 1 and 3), a portion of the powder gas passes into
the chamber 1° in the gas cylinder D, and, impinging against the head E¹ of
the piston, throws the latter to the rear; when the piston has moved sufficiently
to the rear to unmask the exhaust port d³, the gas escapes into the open air.
As the piston moves to the rear, the pin L, moving first along the short straight
portion at the rear end of he slots K° in the breech-block K, withdraws the firing
pin clear of the face of the breech-block, and the said pin L then strikes the
inclined portion of the slots K° and as the breech-block is prevented from
moving to the rear by the tenons & bearing against the abutments b², the breech-
block rotates about its axis until the tenons k register with the guide-ways b³,
when the breech-block is unlocked; at this time, the pin L passes into the straight
portion of the slots K° in the breech-block, and as the pin moves along this
portion, the projections els on the piston head E6 pass under the tails 75 of the
extractors, causing these pieces to rotate about the hooks 23, and holding the
claws in positive engagement with the flange of the cartridge case.
At this
0 point, the rear face of the piston head E6 strikes the tenons 16 at the end of the
breech-block, and the latter is dragged bodily to the rear by the piston dragging
with it the empty cartridge case held firmly in the extractors.
As the piston moves to the rear, the stud Q2 on the ejector Q moves along the
straight portions of the ejector groove E3 on the piston. When the breech-block
5 has moved sufficiently to the rear to bring the empty cartridge case in line with
the ejection aperture A, the ejector stud Q2 strikes the inclined part of the
ejector groove, and the ejector revolves about the piston; the ejector head Q³

page_text: now strikes the empty cartridge case, and forces it out of the grasp of the extrac-
tors and into the deflector A, from whence it falls to the ground. As the piston
moves to the rear, the feed came engages, behind the third tenon on the feed-
strip R, and causes the latter to advance by one half space into the feed-trough;
at this point, the first ratchet tooth f* engages behind the second tenon and holds
the strip in place. When the piston is fully to the rear, the trigger engagés
with the lug H holding the piston at full cock ready for the next shot; the
operator now releases the firing handle, when the tripping arm will engage in
front of the firing toe as already explained, and by operating the firing lever the
gun may be fired. As the piston again moves forward after firing, the feed
came strikes the third tenon of the teed-strip, and advances the latter one half
space, this bringing the second cartridge to the loading position before it can be
struck by the lower extractor. When the last cartridge on a strip is brought to
the loading position, the stop F is permitted to rise by the opening Ro in the feed
strip, and, as the piston is forced to the rear by the gas of the last cartridge, the
stop rises and prevents a forward movement or the piston until a fresh feed-strip
shall have been loaded into the feed-trough.
The cycle of operations is the same for volley firing, except that the firing lever
is held in the firing position until it is desired to cease firing.
When a fresh feed-strip is inserted, the lugs 79 may not be in exact alignment
with the cam surface et, and so we provide the cam surface e, see Fig. 26, which
engages the first lug, and thus the first forward movement of the piston moves
the teed-strip so that it may be in operative engagement with the cams and e,
after which it is kept in engagement by means of the teeth f and f³ in the
stop F, as has been already described.
To dismount the mechanism, proceed as follows: Turn the breech-cover pin
half a turn to the rear and withdraw; swing breech-cover about pivot bolt, until
it rests on the top of receiver; unhook trigger spring from trigger-piece and
firing lever; remove firing lever; withdraw trigger piece; swing handle of con-
trolling lever out of groove and slip out spindle; withdraw spindle of controlling
lever; withdraw mainspring guide-rod, and mainspring; withdraw piston and
breech-block; withdraw pin in piston head; give a quarter turn to breech-block,
and remove from piston; drop out firing pin; unhook and remove extractors;
slide ejector out of seat; unhook stop spring; swing stop downwards, and slide
trunnions out of journals.
To assemble the mechanism, proceed in the reverse order.
It will be noted that the various parts of the mechanism are so arranged as to
be held securely in place, and yet to be readily dismounted or assembled without
the use of tools.
It is evident that many features of our invention are capable of employment
and can be used in guns of different construction and mode of operation from the
gun shown in our drawings, and we do not limit ourselves to their use in such
combination alone.
Moreover, it is obvious that many changes might be made in the herein-
described construction which could be used without departing from the spirit of
our invention.

page_text: A communication from abroad by LAURENCE VINCENT BENET, Artillery Engineer,
of 21, Rue Royale, Paris, France, and HENRI ALBERT MERCIE, Mechanical
Engineer, of 21, Rue Royale, Paris, France.
We, THE HOTCHKISS ORDNANCE COMPANY, LIMITED, of 49, Parliament Street,
S.W., 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 improvements in that class of guns in which a portion
of the gas developed by the explosion of the powder charge is utilized for opera-
ting the breech mechanism of the arm, and more particularly to that class in
which a motor-piston in perpetual engagement with a power accumulator is
operated by the gases resulting from the explosion. It is evident, however, that
the mechanism about to be described may be applied, in whole or in part, to guns
operated by any well-known mechanical means.
The object of our invention is to produce a simple and efficient mechanism
whereby, when a certain part thereof is given a reciprocating motion by the
action of the powder gas acting in one direction and a spring acting in the oppo-
site direction, or by other mechanical means, all the operations of loading, firing,
extracting, ejecting and cocking are automatically performed and in proper
sequence. Further objects of our invention are to provide means whereby the
gun may be fired continuously or intermittently at the will of the operator, and
to so form all parts of the mechanism that the same may be dismounted and
assembled without the use of tools.
In pursuance of these ends, our invention consists in the manner of rein-
forcing the barrel by means of the breech-housing, and of securing it therein;
in the manner of securing the breech-housing to the receiver; in the manner of
stowing the mainspring or power accumulator; in the manner of connecting the
breech-block and the firing-pin to the motor-piston, and of controlling their
motions; in the construction of the extractors, and in the manner of imparting
to them a rectilinear motion; in the manner of gearing the feed strip directly
with the motor-piston, whereby the cartridges are brought to the loading position
without the interposition of feed mechanism; in the method of locking the feed-
strip when advanced by the piston, and of locking the piston in the " cocked
position on the exhaustion of the feed-strip; in the method of unlocking and
withdrawing the cartridge from the feed strip when in the loading position; in
the structural features and manner of imparting motion to the ejector; in the
structural features and combinations of the various elements of the firing
gear, whereby continuous or intermittent fire may be delivered, or the mech-
anism locked against the danger of accidental discharge, and in the structural
features and combinations of various other co-operative parts, as hereinafter
described.
27
Reference is had to the drawings accompanying our Provisional Specification
in which the same parts are indicated by the same letters throughout the several
views:
Fig. 1 is a central vertical section through the improved gun, the barrel being
broken away, and parts being shown in elevation.
Fig. 2 represents a horizontal section along the line 2-2 of Fig. 1 and looking
down.

page_text: In Figs. 1 and 2 the breech-block is shown in the rear or open position.
Fig. 3 represents a section similar to that shown in Fig. 1, except that the
breech-block is in the front or closed position.
Fig. 4 represents a section similar to that shown in Fig. 3 except that the
breech-block is in the front or closed position.
Fig. 5 represents a section along the line 5-5 of Figs. 1 and 2 and looking
towards the breech of the gun.
Fig. 6 represents a section along the line 6-6 of Figs. 1 and 2 and looking
towards the breech of the gun.
Fig. 7 represents a central vertical section through the casing.
Fig. 8 represents a section along the line 8-8 of Fig. 7 and looking-down.
Fig. 9 is a side elevation of the casing as detached from the gun.
Fig. 10 is a plan view of the device shown in Fig. 9.
Fig. 11 is a view of the casing shown in Figs. 9 and 10 looking towards the
rear of the gun, parts being broken away.
Fig. 12 represents a transverse section of the piston along the line 12-12 of
Figs. 25 and 26 and looking in the direction of the arrows.
Fig. 13 is an end elevation of the feed trough detached from the gun.
Fig. 14 is a plan view of the feed trough shown in Fig. 13.
Fig. 15 represents a section from the feed trough along the line 15-15 of
Figs. 13 and 14 and looking in the direction of the arrows.
Fig. 16 is a section on the same line as that shown in Fig. 15, but looking in
the opposite direction.
Fig. 17 represents a transverse section across the feed trough along the
line 17-17 of Fig. 14, looking in the direction of the arrows.
Fig. 18 is an elevation of the rear end of the breech piece as detached from
the gun.
Fig. 19 represents a section along the line 19-19 of Fig. 18' and looking down.
Fig. 20 is a rear elevation of the device shown in Figs. 18 and 19.
Fig. 21 is a detail partly in section showing the co-operation of the piston,
breech-block and the extractors, and shows the extractors in the locked or
holding position.
Fig. 22 is a similar view to that shown in Fig. 21 except that the piston is
moved slightly forward, relieving the engagement of the extractors.
Fig. 23 is an end view of the device shown in Fig. 21 s seen from the left
of said figure.
Fig. 24 is a section along the line 24-24 of Figs. 21 or 22 and looking in the
direction of the arrows.
Fig. 25 is a side elevation of the reciprocating piston, by means of which the
gun is operated.
Fig. 26 is a plan view of the piston shown in Fig. 25.
Fig. 27 represents the detachable cover for the discharge opening for the
empty shell, which serves to deflect the shell downwards.
Fig. 28 is a plan view of the device shown in Fig. 27.
Fig. 29 is a section along the line 29-29 of Figs. 27 and 28 and looking in
the direction of the arrows.
Fig. 30 is a detail view showing in perspective the screw pin for holding the
shell deflector in place on the gun.
Fig. 31 is a detail view showing in perspective the pin for holding the breech
cover in place.
Fig. 32 is a perspective view of one of the extractors as, detached from the
gun.
Fig. 33 is a perspective view of the pivoted stop as detached from the gun.
Fig. 34 is a perspective view of the cocking handle used for cocking the gun
by hand, as detached from the gun.
Fig. 35 is a perspective view of the pin for securing the rear end of the breech
cover to the casing of the gun.

page_text: Fig. 3 18 a perspective
unexploded shell.
UL
Figs. 37 to 40 inclusive represent various positions of the mechanism for con-
trolling the frequency of fire, as seen from the left of the gun.
Fig. 37 represents the apparatus set for automatic repeated fire, or volley firing.
Fig. 38 represents the apparatus set for safety.
Fig. 39 represents the apparatus set for single fire.
Fig. 40 represents the apparatus in the position showing the return of the
detent lever after volley firing.
Fig. 41 represents a plan view of the feed strip for holding the fixed ammu-
nition to be used in the gun.
Fig. 42 represents a section along the line 42-42 of Fig. 41.
Fig. 43 represents an end view of the device shown in Figs. 41 and 42 as
seen from the left of said figures.
Fig. 44 represents an end view of the device shown in Figs. 41 and 42 as
seen from the right of said figures.
Figs. 45 and 46 are a side elevation and plan view respectively of the resilient
strip used to engage the rim of the cartridge case and holding the shells in place
on the feed strip until the said spring is pressed.
Fig. 47 is an end elevation, and
Fig. 48 is a plan view of a device similar to that shown in Figs. 41 and 42
except that the resilient strip is slotted and is fastened and held in place by the
heads of rivets instead of travelling in the guide-ways.
Referring particularly to Figs. 1 to 4, A is the receiver which contains the
operative mechanism of the gun, which is preferably a single casting of gun-
metal or other material, which bears near its forward end 'the trunnions A¹, or
other device for supporting the gun on its carriage. In the front end of the
receiver is screwed or otherwise attached the breech-piece B, which is preferably
a single forging of tempered and annealed gun-steel. The rearward portion of
the breech-piece is formed into the breech-housing B. To the front of the
breech-housing, the breech-piece is provided with an interior screw-thread 6, and
to the front of this is slightly coned to receive the barrel C. That portion of the
breech-piece which projects from the front of the receiver, is formed into a series
of annular projections 6 which provide a large radiating surface, and assist in
absorbing and radiating the heat developed in the barrel by the powder gases.
The barrel C is a single forging of gun-steel, and is chambered and rifled in the
usual manner. It is solidly assembled with the breech-piece by means of the
screw-thread b, and the portion which falls under the radiating surface is coned so
as to be brought into close contact with the latter. When the barrel is assembled
with the breech-piece. it bears the same relation to the latter as the tube does
to the jacket in a "built up" gun, in that the breech-piece resists all of the longi-
tudinal strain due to the interior pressure of the powder gas, whilst materially
reinforcing the barrel against tangential strain. The cylinder support or collar C¹
is secured to the barrel to the front of the breech-piece, preferably by shrinkage,
and by means of the pin c. This collar serves to support the forward end of the
gas cylinder D. Through the barrel cylinder-collar and cylinder is formed the
port c¹, bringing the bore into communication with the gas cylinder, and which
latter may be circular or of other form in cross-section.
The cylinder D is screwed into the cylinder-collar Cas at d¹, a coned bearing
being formed at d, to insure a gas-tight joint. To the rear, the cylinder engages
in a recess in the front end of the receiver by which it is supported. The front
of the cylinder is closed by the regulator D¹ which consists of a hollowed plug
which registers with a relatively long screw-thread & in the cylinder D. As the
regulator is screwed more or less into the cylinder, the volume of the chamber Do,
which lies between the regulator and the head of the piston will be diminished
or increased, and hence the tension of the gas entering through the port c¹ will
be increased or diminished, as is described and claimed in our British Patent

page_text: No. 29118 dated Dec. 18 1896. To the rear of the chamber D°, the bore
of the cylinder is diminished at do, so as to fit the head of the piston snugly. It
is while the head of the piston is moving along this portion that the gas acts
effectively upon it. Near the rear end of this reduced portion do is the exhaust
port, which permits the gas to escape to the open air when unmasked by the
movement of the piston. To the rear of this, the bore of the cylinder is
greatly increased as at 12 for the sake of lightness.
This piston E (see Figs. 1, 3, 12, 25 and 26) is lodged in the receiver A, its
front end engaging in the reduced portion of the cylinder D, when in the forward
position, as already shown. It has a longitudinal reciprocating motion under
the influence of the powder gas from the barrel acting upon its forward end and
the mainspring Z pressing on the piston from the rear. Beginning at the front
of the piston, we find the cylindrical head E', which receives the pressure of the
powder gas, and serves to guide the piston in the cylinder. One or more grooves e¹
are cut in the head to aid in preventing the passage of gas to the rear. To the
rear of the head, the piston is reduced in diameter as at e, and then increased in
diameter beginning at the shoulder e. This shoulder serves as an abutment for
the stop F (Figs. 1, 3,,5 and 33), which stop engages with it when the feed strip
is exhausted, thus holding the piston to the rear independently of the trigger and
retaining lug, as will be hereinafter described. The central portion of the piston
is flattened on top as shown at E2 in Figs. 12, 25 and 26, and on this plane sur-
face are formed the three cams et, e and e6 (see Fig. 26). These cams serve to
bring the feed strip to the loading position, as will be described later on.
On the right side of the piston is formed the ejector groove E3 (Figs. 1 and 25),
which consists of two portions e and e, parallel to the axis of the piston, the
inclined portion e, and the flaring front portion ell (see Fig. 25).
Beneath the piston is formed the cocking lug 4, against which abuts the
head g of the cocking handle G, when cocking the gun by hand. The cocking
handle (see Fig. 34) consists of the body G', on which are formed the four guide-
ribs g, and the handle G2. The cocking handle is mounted loosely in the
receiver, the guide-ribs g engaging in the grooves a (Figs 1, 3 and 7), and the
handle projecting through the slot A° (Figs. 1, 3 and 8). When the piston is
in its forward position, the lug E bears against the head g of the cocking
handle G, and on pulling the latter the piston will be withdrawn to the rear and
cocked if desired. On releasing the piston, it flies forward under the impulse
of the mainspring %, pushing the cocking handle before it. When the piston
is thrown to the rear under the pressure of the powder gas, the cocking-handle
remains in its forward position, shown in Fig. 3, not partaking of the motions
of the piston.
To the rear of the cocking-lug is the retaining lug H (Figs. 1, 3, and 15), which
is a single piece fitted into a dovetail recess in the under-side of the piston. It is
provided with a central pivot or stem to facilitate assembling with the piston.
Within the piston is formed the longitudinal chamber E, in which is lodged
the mainspring Z. This spring abuts against the bottom of the chamber in one
direction, and against the breech-cover A2 in the other. Between the rear end
of the mainspring and the breech-cover, the head of the guide-rod 71 is inter-
posed, the spring bearing against the flange of the head z of this guide-rod, and
the head against the breech-cover A². This guide-rod is preferably hollow, and
its object is to keep the mainspring in line when the piston is in its forward
position, and the greater part of the mainspring unsupported by the walls of the
chamber in the piston.
Near the rear of the piston is formed the head E, which is bored axially to
receive the stem K¹ of the breech-block K (see Figs. 1, 3, 21 and 22). The
grooves el are cut through the head E to permit the passage of the tenons 1, at
the rear of the breech-block. The head of the piston is bored transversely at
el for the passage of the pin L, which traverses the head E6 of the piston, the
stem K of the breech-block, and the enlargement M¹ of the firing-pin M and

page_text: controls the motion of the breech-block and firing-pin. The pin L is provided
at one end with the ears e (Fig. 25), which are seated in recesses in the
head of the piston, their object being to afford a long bearing against the walls
of the receiver, and to prevent the pin from slipping out of place during the move-
ment of the piston. Finally the head E of the piston provided with cams e15
(Figs. 21 and 22), with the object of controlling the action of the extractors, as
will be described later on.
The breech-block K (Figs. 5, 6, 21 and 22) is provided at the front with the
two lugs which resist the pressure delivered by the head of the cartridge when
the breech is closed, and which act as guides during the longitudinal motion of
the breech-block when opening or closing. When the breech is closed, the
lugs are horizontal, and bear against the shoulders 62 of the breech-piece B in
rear of the housing B₁ (see Figs. 2, 4, and 18 to 26); when the breech is unlocked
by turning it through 90° about its longitudinal axis, the lugs k register with the
slots 63, and the breech-block is free to move to the rear. The lugs then engage
in the guideways a¹ (Figs. 5 and 6) in the receiver, which prevent rotation of
the breech-block throughout the remainder of its movement. By this arrange-
ment, the breech-block cannot move longitudinally when its lugs & are engaged
behind the shoulders 62 in the housing 1 of the breech-piece, and when engaged
therein, it can only rotate axially, as the conical surface of the head abuts
against the surface to the front, and the lugs kabut against the shoulders 62
to the rear.
These motions of rotation and translation are controlled by the piston acting
upon the breech-block through the pin L, which traverses the stem of the breech-
block passing through the cam slots K°. When the breech is closed and locked..
the piston is in its extreme forward position, the forward surface e¹ of the piston
head bearing against the annular abutment on the breech-block (Figs. 3, 4,
and 21 and 22). The pin L is then in its extreme forward position with reference
to the slots Ko, and the firing-pin M, which is also traversed by the pin L, is in its
forward position, its point projecting beyond the front face of the breech-block
through the hole 6, the parts then being in the position shown in Figs. 3 and 4.
On the piston moving to the rear under the impulse of the powder gas, the pin L
moves to the rear along the cam slots K°. The forward portion of these slots is
essentially parallel to the axis of the breech-block, and during this portion of
the movement, the pin L withdraws the firing-pin, whilst the breech-block
remains fast. The pin L then reaches the spiral portion of the cam slots Kº,
which make a gradually increasing angle with the axis of the breech-block; as
the breech-block cannot at first move to the rear, it rotates about its axis, dis-
engaging the lugs from the shoulders 6 and unlocking the breech. The grad-
ually increasing angle which the cam slots K° make with the axis of the breech-
block enables the pin L to exert great power upon the breech-block during the
first part of the movement of unlocking, thus avoiding liability to stick or jam.
When the pin L reaches the end of the spiral portion of the slots Ko, the block
is fully unlocked, the lugs & are then vertical and in line with the slots b³,
and the guideways a and the breech-block is in position to be with-
drawn. At this time, the slots K° become parallel to the axis for a short distance,
during which portion of the movement the extractors are locked, as will be
explained later on. When the pin has reached essentially the end of the slots,
the lugs are struck by the rear surface of the head E of the breech-block, and
the block is withdrawn, thus fully opening the breech.
The firing-pin M is preferably a single piece, and is lodged in the breech-block
as already described, and is provided with the usual point, and with the swell M',
through which passes the pin L. To the rear of the swell M¹ it is prolonged by
the part 2 for the purpose of preventing the assembling of piston, breech-block,
firing-pin, and pin without passing the latter through the hole in the swell M¹.
For convenience in assembling, this part M2 terminates in a knurled boss m².
From the description already given of the breech-block, it will be evident that
the point of the firing-pin cannot project beyond the face of the breech-block and

page_text: fire the cartridge until the breech shall have been fully closed and locked. It
will also be evident that the firing-pin will be withdrawn until the point is within
the breech-block, before the latter can begin to unlock. This insures safety
against premature discharge. It will also be noted that the cartridge will be
discharged the instant the breech is closed and locked, and before the barrel, when
highly heated by prolonged firing, can have any effect upon the powder contained
in the cartridge.
The breech-block is fitted with two independent extractors P (Figs. 1, 3, 21
to 24 and 32), but as these are symmetrical in form, and identical in action, a
description of one will suffice for both. They are preferably of the rigid type,
and perform their function without calling upon the resilience of the material
of which they are made. To the front of the extractor is formed the rib or
claw p, for grasping the head of the cartridge, and to the rear of the claw is the
abutment, which prevents the claw from approaching too near to the axis of
the breech-block. The projection 22 prevents the front face of the lower extractor
from striking the primer of the cartridge when forcing it into the chamber of
the barrel, as will be described later on.
The body of the extractor engages in and registers with the groove a³ in the
receiver and in the breech-block, which permits it a motion of translation, but
not of rotation. Below the body is formed the hook 3, which engages in front
of the annular rib , on the breech-block K and forms the connection between
these two pieces. To the rear of the hook 23 is formed the U-shaped tang P2,
which engages to the rear of the rib on the breech-block, and bears against the
rear surface of this rib on either side thereof, as shown at pt in Figs. 21 and 22.
These points are closer to the horizontal plane containing the axis of the breech-
block than the claw p and hence any longitudinal tension on the tang will tend
to make the claw approach the axis. To the rear the body of the extractor is pro-
longed into the tail P3 which is bent inwards slightly as at p and bears upon the
head of the piston.
The action of the extractors will now be explained. Consider the piston to be
in its rearmost position, as shown in Fig. 21 the tails of the extractors will bear
on the cams es of the piston, and the abutment p will bear against the head of
the breech-block. The extractors will therefore be held by means of the three
bearings p¹, and 25. Suppose a cartridge to be in line with and ready to enter
the chamber of the barrel as the piston moves forward, the breech-block will
remain fast until the pin L reaches the spiral portion of the grooves Ko, and
during this part of the motion the cams c¹³ on the piston will move forward with
reference to the tails of the extractors until the parts p and e¹5 are in the position
shown in Fig. 22. The extractors will then be free to pivot about the U-shaped
tangs P, and thus pass over the flange of the cartridge. The pin L then having
struck the spiral portion of the grooves Ko, the piston and the breech-block move
forward together, and the lower extractor striking the head of the cartridge,
pushes it into the chamber.
After the discharge, the piston moves to the rear, unlocking the breech-block,
as already described. When the breech-block is unlocked, but before it moves
to the rear, the pin L passes along the straight portion of the cam slots K and
during this motion the cams e pass under the tails of the extractors and force
the claws to engage positively with the flange of the cartridge. As the breech-
block moves to the rear, the cartridge is extracted, the effort of extraction tending
to cause the extractors to revolve about the points of the U-shaped tangs P³,
and thus to grasp the cartridge more firmly.
The ejector consists of a single piece Q (Figs. 1, 2, 4, 6 and 36) which is lodged
and works in a transverse slot at in the receiver. The lower portion of the ejec-
tor is formed so as to embrace one side of the body of the piston, and on this part
is formed the coffin-shaped stud Q2 which engages in the ejector groove 13, in
the piston; the head Q of the ejector is conformed to the radius of the cartridge
case so as to strike it on a relatively large surface; and to the rear of the head
is formed the abutment to limit the backward motion. Considering the piston

page_text: to be in its extreme forward position, the ejector stud Q³ is in the straight
portion es of the ejector groove E³, and during the first portion of the rearward
motion of the piston, it remains inoperative in the slot a in the receiver; when
the piston has moved sufficiently to the rear to bring the breech-block and
extractors and with them the empty cartridge case in line with the ejector
aperture A in the casing, the inclined portion of the ejector groove strikes
the ejector stud Q2 and causes the ejector to pivot about the piston. The ejector
hend strikes the cartridge case, and forces it out of the grasp of the extractors
and into the deflector A5, from which it falls to the ground. In order to allow
the shell to be knocked out of the extractors, the nibs of the latter are cut away
on one edge as shown at p in Fig. 23. As the piston moves forward, the inclined
portion of the ejector slot causes the ejector to pivot to the rear into the slot at
where it remains until another cartridge case reaches the ejection position.
The deflector A is preferably suspended by a rib a¹ engaging a corresponding
surface on the receiver A (see Fig. 5), and is detachably connected to the casing
by the thumb screw a¹6 (Fig. 30) passing through the slot a (Fig. 27).
Before describing the operations of feeding, it will be necessary to explain the
construction and function of the feed-strip, as this forms co-operative part of
the feed mechanism, (see Figs. 5 and 41 to 48). The feed strip consists prefer-
ably of a single casting R of bronze or other metal, and holds ten or such other
number of cartridges as may not exceed a suitable weight for quick handling. To
the front of the strip are formed a series of clips R which embrace the ogival
heads of the projectiles; they are provided with a slightly overhanging lip r, so
formed that when the cartridge is slightly withdrawn to the rear, the projectile
is freed from the clips. To the rear of the strip is formed the series of clips R2,
which grasp the shell of each cartridge. The cartridges are prevented from
moving to the rear by means of the resilient undulating strip of thin metal R3,
which is provided with ears 3 to engage in guides attached to or integral with
the plate R; these undulations being in line with the rims of the cartridges pre-
vent them from moving to the rear. The end lug is pressed into the enlarged
opening as shown in Fig. 41, and thus the strip is held in place. Instead of
this method of securing the strip in place, the latter may be provided with elonga-
ted holes engaging the stems of rivets having enlarged heads 18, so as to
permit of a slight longitudinal motion of the strip R³. In either case, if pres-
sure be brought to bear upon an undulation from above, it will be flattened down.
On the under side of the feed-
and the cartridge may be withdrawn to the rear.
strip are formed the lugs or tenons, which engage with the feed-cams e, e³
and on the top of the piston already described. They also register with the
tooth f on the stop F, which serves as a pawl to prevent the withdrawal of the feed
strip when not engaged with the feed cams. The feed-strip is prolonged beyond
the emplacement of the first cartridge as at ro, to provide an extra tenon, and
under the last cartridges is provided the clearance R° to permit the action of
the stop F.
This stop is carried in the journal bearings a6 (Figs. 5 and 9) in the receiver,
by means of the trunnions f¹. The opening in the journal bearings a is made
smaller than the maximum diameter of the trunnions f¹ and the trunnions are
flattened on the sides, as shown in Figs. 5 and 33, so that they may be slipped
into the journal bearings and the stop swung upwards into place, when it will
be securely held. When swung into place, the spiral spring Fo is engaged with
the hook on the stop, and the eve s on the feed trough S which holds said
stop securely and tends to pull it upwards. Under the trunnions f¹ is the
handle F by means of which the stop may be swung downwards out of engage-
ment with the piston. when desired: On the upper part of the stop is formed
the cam surface f³ and the two ratchet teeth ft and f³. If there be no feed-strip
in the gun, the stop is free to swing upwards until its body strikes the under
surface of the piston. If now the piston be in its rearward position, and if there
be no feed-strip engaged in the gun, the stop will be held against the under sur-

page_text: face of the piston by the tension of the spring Fo.. If the piston be withdrawn
to the rear, when the abutment e³ falls in line with the stop, the latter will rise
under the influence of the spring and will prevent any forward movement of the
piston, and this, quite independent of the trigger. If now a feed-strip be inserted
in the feed-trough guides and pushed home, the front of the strip will strike
the cam on the stop, forcing it down to the level of the under side of the feed-
strip and free the piston. Hence while the feed-strip is in the gun, the stop is
inoperative. When the last cartridge is loaded into the gun, the opening R° in
the feed-strip falls above the stop, and the latter rises, and when the piston is
thrown to the rear by the gas of the last cartridge, the stop prevents it from
going forward until a fresh feed-strip shall have been inserted, or until the stop
is released by hand.
Returning now to the feed-strip, it will be noticed that the tenons are spaced
by distances equal to the distance between the axes of adjacent cartridges; on
the stop, the ratchet teeth f and fare spaced by essentially half this distance.
Referring now to Fig. 5, we see that when the feed-strip is inserted into the gun
and forced home, the tooth f engages behind the first tenon and prevents any
movement in withdrawal of the feed-strip. The feed-strip, as already remarked,
is inserted when the piston is to the rear. As the piston moves forward under
the influence of the mainspring, the feed came strikes the second tenon and
causes the feed-strip to advance until the cartridge is in the loading position as
the piston moves to the rear, the feed-cam e strikes the third tenon, and advances
the feed-strip by one-half space when the second tenon is engaged by the tooth f.
and a backward movement prevented as the piston moves forward again, the
third tenon is struck by the feed-cam e and advanced a further half space, when
the tooth f engages the second tenon, and so on.
The feed-trough S is made in a separate piece from the receiver to facilitate
manufacture, and is secured in place by the taper pins 22; it is shaped to
facilitate the introduction of the feed strip and is provided with the guides s¹, in
which are engaged the edges of the feed-strip for the purpose of holding it
steady. The rear one of these guides s¹ is so formed that a downward inclined
projection strikes each undulation of the thin metal strip as they arrive at
this point, thus permitting each successive cartridge to be drawn to the rear.
In the upper part of the feed-box is formed the guide st, which is inclined to
the rear, and which engages the flange of each successive cartridge. As each
undulation of the strip is forced down as already described, each successive car-
tridge is withdrawn to the rear by the guides, thus freeing it from the clips R¹:
at this moment, the cartridge rides up on the tongue As, which is formed in the
receiver, and being pushed along by the clips R', is brought into the loading
position in line with the breech-block; in this position it is struck by the pro-
jection on the lower extractor and is forced into the chamber of the barrel.
The inclined surfaces in the breech-housing of the breech-piece serve as guides
to direct the cartridge fairly home; it will also be observed that the cartridge
is firmly held and guided between the clips R', and the walls of the receiver.
If during the firing of a feed-strip of cartridges, it is necessary to cease firing
and unload the gun, it is only necessary to turn down the stop by means of the
handle, when the ratchet teeth will be withdrawn from engagement with the
tenons, and the feed-strip may be freely withdrawn.
The rear of the receiver is closed by the breech-cover A2, which provides a
support for the shoulder piece O. The breech-cover is a single casting and is
assembled to the receiver by means of the pivot bolt a8 and the breech-cover
pin A7, which pin is provided with the stud a which engages in the grooves all
in the breech-cover (Figs. 2 and 4), so that by giving a half turn to the spring
handle a the stud a falls in line with the groove all and the pin may be with-
drawn. When the stud -is-withdrawn, the breech-cover may be rotated about the

page_text: pivot bolt as, and the interior of the receiver exposed for the dismounting or
assembling of the component parts of the mechanism.
When the breech-cover is opened, the firing gear is exposed; this (as shown
in Figs. 3, and 37 to 40) comprises the firing lever T, the trigger piece U, the
trigger spring and the controlling lever W, all of which are mounted in the
receiver. The trigger U consists of the shaft on which is formed the trigger
proper u, and at the end of which shaft is the spring lever u² and the firing-
toe u. The trigger spring V is under tension between the spring lever u³ and
the tail of the firing lever T; the said spring tends to turn the trigger upwards
until stopped by the firing toe u striking the abutment X on the receiver, as
shown in full lines in Fig. 40. Moreover the same spring tends to cause the
firing lever arm T to engage against the stop X', as shown in dotted lines in
Fig. 40.
As the piston moves to the rear, or to the right in Figs. 37 to 40, the
inclined surface of the lug II strikes the trigger and causes it to rotate down-
wards against the tension of the spring V. When the lug has passed over the
trigger, the latter rises and, engaging the shoulder 2, prevents the piston from
moving to the front. (The trigger may be dismounted by opening the breech-
cover, disengaging the trigger spring, turning the piece until the trigger proper
falls in line with the slot as (Fig. 7) cut into the side of the receiver, and with-
drawing.)
The firing lever T is pivoted on the pin T on the exterior of the receiver and
plays between it and the cheek of the breech-cover. The journal bearing for
the lever T is elongated about two diameters in the direction of the axis of the
trigger arm T2, which arm has the rounded edge 2 adapted to strike back upon
and pass over the toe and the engaging edge adapted to engage the toe 3
when rotated in the opposite direction. On the branch T3 of the firing lever is
the firing handle T which is grasped by the operator of the gun. When the
breech-cover is opened, the firing lever may be slipped off its pivot and dismounted.
The controlling lever W has an arm W on the spindle w, which spindle is
prolonged to form the handle Wo; this is grasped by the operator, at the same
time as the firing handle, and, by bringing the two towards each other by a pres-
sure of the fingers, he is enabled to fire the gun. On the spindle w is formed the
controlling stop w, the function of which will be described later on.
The con-
trolling lever is mounted by slipping it into its journals in the receiver and then
inserting the spring handle W2, swinging this upwards, the stud w engages in a
groove in the receiver forming a bayonet joint, and whilst so engaged, the handle
cannot be withdrawn.
The action of the firing gear is as follows: Suppose it be desired to lock the
gun at safety: the controlling lever handle W2 is turned to the position marked
safety," (indicated by the line - of Figs. 38 to 40); if now the firing-handle
he pulled towards the spindle w, as for firing, the arm T will strike the abut-
ment (see Fig. 38) on the controlling stop W, and the motion of the firing lever
will be arrested before the arm T2 can move the toe far enough to release the
trigger from engagement with the notch h², and hence the gun cannot be fired
while the controlling lever is in the position -.
Now, suppose it is desired to fire single shots, pausing after each shot to correct
the aim, or for other reasons; the controlling lever is turned until the handle W
is in the position marked "slow fire," indicated by the line 33 in Figs. 37-40.
The recess in the controlling stop W3 now registers with the firing handle T
and the latter may be moved against the action of the spring V until in contact
therewith or in the position shown in Fig. 39. As the firing lever is pulled towards
the spindle . the trigger lever T2 presses against the firing toe causing the
trigger-piece U to rotate until the trigger escapes from the notch 2 and allows
the piston to fly forward (to the left in Figs. 37 to 40). firing the gun. At this
point, further movement of the trigger is arrested by the trigger striking the
abutment y (see Figs. 1 and 3), formed in the receiver: the point of the tripping.

page_text: and the
arm T2 then bears against the point of the firing toe u³ (as shown in full lines in
Fig. 39), until the firing-toe escapes from the tripping arm
tension of the trigger spring V causes the trigger-piece U to resume its first posi-
tion, shown in dotted lines in Fig. 39, but the tripping arm T2 will then be out
of engagement with the cocking arm. On the recoil of the piston, the trigger
will again engage with the notch 2, and hold the piston to the rear as before,
except that the tripping arm 12 will now be back of the firing toe u³, and in order
to fire a second shot it will be necessary to first release the firing lever, when the
cam surface on the tripping arm will strike the cam surface u on the firing-toe
and the tension of the trigger spring will cause the elongated journal t¹ to ride up
on the pivot T, when the tripping arm will slip over and engage in front of the
firing toe and the firing lever will resume its initial position against the abut-
ment X, ready for another shot.
If it be desired to fire continuously, the controlling lever is turned until the
handle W2 takes the position marked "volleys" (indicated by the line 2-2 in
Figs. 37 to 40); the portion of the controlling stop will now register with the
firing handle, the firing position being shown in full lines in Fig. 37. If the firing
handle be now pulled to the rear, it will strike the surface was shown in Fig. 37,
and the tripping arm will hold the trigger out of engagement with the lug H,
and the firing handle being held in this position, the gun will fire continuously
as long as it is supplied with ammunition. In this position of the controlling
lever, the firing handle cannot be pulled far enough to the rear to permit the
tripping arm to spring beyond the firing toe, but will permit sufficient movement
to hold the trigger out of engagement with the retaining lug H
To explain the general action of the mechanism, let us consider the breech to
be closed, and the controlling lever set at "slow fire." The cocking handle G³
is grasped by the operator and drawn smartly to the rear; the head of the cocking
handle bearing against the cocking tang E on the piston withdraws the latter,
and the breech is unlocked and opened. When the inclined surface h¹ of the
lug H strikes the trigger ¹, it forces this down and when the lug has passed the
trigger flies up under the action of the spring V and prevents a forward move-
ment of the piston; the piston moving slightly further to the rear, the stop F
rises and engages in front of the abutment e³, and the gun is at full cock with
the mainspring fully compressed. It is now impossible to fire the gun by pulling
the firing lever, as the piston is held by the stop F independently of the trigger.
The gun is now loaded by engaging a feed-strip R in the guides s¹ of the feed-
trough S, and pushing it smartly home (see Fig. 5). The first tenon of the
feed-strip strikes the cam surface f on the head of the stop F, causing the latter
to revolve about its axis f against the action of the spring F° and disengage
itself from the abutment on the piston; the piston now moves slightly forward
until the lug h² engages on the trigger . As the feed-strip is entered in the
feed-trough, the projection presses down the first undulation of the thin metal
strip on the feed-strip and leaves the first cartridge free to move to the rear; the
flange of this cartridge has in the meantime engaged in the inclined grooves of
the feed-box, and the cartridge is withdrawn to the rear until it is free vertically
from the clips R1 and R2: the point of the tongue A8 has now passed under the
cartridge and as the feed-strip is pushed into the gun, the cartridge rides up on
the tongue until it abuts against the wall of the receiver at 408; just before the
cartridge abuts against the wall of the receiver, the second ratchet
tooth f on the head of the stop P engages with the first tenon on the feed strip
and prevents any backward movement of the latter. The gun is now loaded and
ready to fire. The operator now pulls the firing lever smartly to the rear until
the ring handle T is stopped by striking the bottom of the recess in the con-
trolling stop W3, the tripping arm T2, pressing up on the firing-toe ³, causes the
trigger to revolve until free of the notch h², and the tripping arm escaping
from engagement with the firing toe u³, passes to the rear of the latter: the
trigger spring V now causes the trigger to resume its original position. When

page_text: the trigger u is free from the notch 2, the piston flies forward under the impulse
of the mainspring Z; as the piston moves forward, the pin L moves along the
straight portion of the grooves K° in the breech-block (see Figs. 21 to 24); the
breech-block remains fast, but the cams els on the head of the piston
move forward with reference to the tails of the extractors P, leaving the
extractors free to revolve slightly about the faces of the tangs P. As the
piston continues its forward motion, the pin L passes into the inclined portion
of the grooves K° in the breech-block and as the latter is prevented from turning
by the tenons engaging in the guideways a' in the receiver, the breech-block
moves forward with the piston. As the breech-block moves forward, the pro-
jection on the lower extractor strikes the head of the first cartridge, and forecs
it into the chamber of the gun; as the cartridge moves into the chamber it is
guided by the wall of the receiver, the clips R' and R2 and the inclined plane A8.
When the cartridge is fully home, the flange is struck by the inclined surfaces of
the front ends of the extractors, causing the latter to rotate slightly about the
hooks 23, so as to bring the claws or nibs p into engagement with the flange of
the cartridge; at this moment, the motion of the breech-block to the front is
arrested by the coned surface 3 of its head striking the corresponding surface 63
in the breech-piece B. The tenons on the breech-block having now entered
the chamber B in the breech-piece, the block is free to revolve about its axis;
as the piston continues its motion to the front, the pin L moves along the in-
clined portion of the slots K° in the breech-block, causing the latter to rotate
and bringing the tenons in line with the abutments in the breech-piece,
and the breech is locked; the pin L now enters the short straight portion at
the front end of the slots K°, and the piston continuing its forward motion forces
the firing pin M against the primer of the cartridge and fires the gun. The piston
is now stopped by the front face of the head E striking the annular abutment ³
on the breech-block.
As the piston moves forward, the feed came on the piston engages behind the
second tenon on the feed-strip, holding the latter in the loading position.
When the projectile has moved along the bore sufficiently to unmask the
port in the barrel (see Figs. 1 and 3), a portion of the powder gas passes into
the chamber Do in the gas cylinder D, and, impinging against the head E¹ of
the piston, throws the latter to the rear; when the piston has moved sufficiently
to the rear to unmask the exhaust port, the gas escapes into the open air.
As the piston moves to the rear, the pin L moving first along the short straight
portion at the front end of the slots K° in the breech-block K, withdraws the firing
pin M clear of the face of the breech-block, and the said pin L then strikes the
inclined portion of the slots K° and as the breech-block is prevented from
moving to the rear by the tenons & bearing against the abutments, the breech-
block rotates about its axis until the tenons & register with the guide-ways b
when the breech-block is unlocked; at this time, the pin L passes into the straight
portion of the slots h° in the breech-block, and as the pin moves along this
portion, the cams e on the piston head Es pass under the tails of the
extractors, causing these pieces to rotate about the hooks, and hold the
claws in positive engagement with the flange of the cartridge case. At this
point, the rear face of the piston head strikes the tenons 16 at the end of the
breech-block, and the latter is dragged bodily to the rear by the piston dragging
with it the empty cartridge case held firmly in the extractors.
As the piston moves to the rear, the stud Q on the ejector Q moves along the
straight portion es of the ejector groove E on the piston. When the breech-block
has moved sufficiently to the rear to bring the empty cartridge case in line with
the ejection aperture A, the ejector stud Q2 strikes the inclined part of the
ejector groove, and the ejector revolves about the piston; the ejector head Q³
now strikes the empty cartridge case, and forces it out of the grasp of the extrac-
tors and into the deflector A, from whence it falls to the ground. As the piston
moves to the rear, the feed came engages behind the third tenon on the feed-

page_text: strip R, and causes the latter to advance by one half space into the feed-trough;
at this point, the first ratchet tooth f engages behind the second tenon and holds
the strip in place. When the piston is fully to the rear, the trigger engages
with the lug H holding the piston at full cock ready for the next shot; the
operator now releases the firing handle, when the tripping arm will engage in
front of the firing toe as already explained, and by operating the firing lever the
gun may be fired. As the piston again moves forward, the feed
cam e strikes the third tenon of the feed-strip, and advances the latter one half
space, this bringing the second cartridge to the loading position before it can be
struck by the lower extractor. When the last cartridge on a strip is brought to
the loading position, the stop F is permitted to rise by the opening R° in the feed
strip, and, as the piston is forced to the rear by the gas of the last cartridge, the
stop rises and prevents a forward movement of the piston until a fresh feed-strip
shall have been loaded into the feed-trough.
The cycle of operations is the same for volley firing, except that the firing lever
is held in the firing position until it is desired to cease firing.
When a fresh feed strip is inserted, the lugs may not be in exact alignment
with the cam surface et, and so we provide the cam surface e, see Fig. 26, which
engages the first lug 79, and thus the first forward movement of the piston moves
the feed-strip so that it may be in operative engagement with the cams et ande,
after which it is kept in engagement by means of the teeth f and f5 in the
stop F, as has been already described.
To dismount the mechanism, proceed as follows: Turn the breech-cover pin
half a turn to the rear and withdraw; swing breech-cover about pivot bolt, until
it rests on top of receiver; unhook trigger spring from trigger-piece and
firing lever remove firing lever; withdraw trigger piece; swing handle of con-
trolling lever out of groove and slip out spindle; withdraw spindle of controlling
lever; withdraw mainspring guide-rod, and mainspring; withdraw piston and
breech-block; withdraw pin in piston head; give a quarter turn to breech-block,
and remove from piston; drop out firing pin; unhook and remove extractors;
slide ejector out of seat; unhook stop spring; swing stop downwards, and slide
trunnions out of journals.
To assemble the mechanism, proceed in the reverse order.
It will be noted that the various parts of the mechanism are so arranged as to
be held securely in place, and yet to be readily dismounted or assembled without
the use of tools.
It is evident that many features of our invention are capable of employment
and can be used in guns of different construction and mode of operation from the
gun shown in our drawings, and we do not limit ourselves to their use in such
combination alone.
Moreover, it is obvious that many changes might be made in the herein-
described construction which could be used without departing from the spirit 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 breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block, a reciprocating motor piston actuated rearward by
the gases of discharge, and means operated by said piston for first rotating to
unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block, from said chamber, and for
returning and locking the same, substantially as described.
2. In a gas operated breech loading gun, the combination, with a breech-block
chamber, of a barrel, a cylinder connected to said barrel, a motor piston mounted in
said cylinder and actuated rearward by the gases of discharge, a mainspring for
moving said piston in the opposite direction, a breech-block, and means operated
by said piston for first rotating to unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block

page_text: from said chamber, and for returning and locking the same, substantially as
described.
3. In a breech-loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block, a reciprocating motor piston actuated rearward by
the gases of discharge, and a cam engagement between said piston and said breech
block for first rotating to unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block from
said chamber and for returning and locking the same, substantially as described.
4. In a gas operated breech loading gun, the combination, with a breech-block
chamber, of a barrel, a cylinder connected to said barrel, a motor piston mounted
in said cylinder, and actuated rearward by the gases of discharge, a mainspring for
moving said piston in the opposite direction, a breech-block, and a cam engagement
between said piston and said breech-block for first rotating to unlock and then
withdrawing said breech-block from said chamber, and for returning and locking
the same, substantially as described.
5. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block provided with a cam groove therein, and a recipro-
cating motor piston actuated rearward by the gases of discharge provided with a
stud or pin to engage in said cam groove for first rotating to unlock and then
withdrawing said breech-block, or vice versa, substantially as described.
6. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber of a breech-block adapted to rotate and lock or unlock in and to move
longitudinally into and out of said chamber, with cam grooves on said breech-
block, and a reciprocating motor piston actuated rearward by the gases of discharge
provided with a pin passing through said breech-block and engaging said cam
grooves, substantially as described.
7. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block adapted to rotate and lock or unlock in and to move
longitudinally into and out of said chamber, with cam grooves on said breech-
block, of a reciprocating motor piston provided with a hollow head parallel to the
axis of said piston and engaging said breech-block, and a pin passing through said
hollow head and through the cam groove in said breech-block, substantially
as described.
8. In a breech loading gun having a reciprocating motor piston, the combina-
tion with the piston of a breech-block and a pin fast on the piston and engaging a
cam in the breech-block whereby the breech-block is given motion of translation
and rotation, substantially as described and for the purpose set forth.
9. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block, a reciprocating motor piston, means operated by said
piston for first rotating to unlock and then with drawing said breech-block from
said chamber, and for returning and locking the same, and extractors pivoted on
said breech-block and operated by said piston, substantially as described.
10. In a gas operated breech loading gun, the combination with a breech-block
chamber, of a barrel, a cylinder connected to said barrel, a motor piston mounted
in said cylinder, a mainspring for moving said piston in the opposite direction, a
breech-block, means operated by said piston for first rotating to unlock and then
withdrawing said breech-block from said chamber, and for returning and locking
the same, and extractors pivoted on said breech-block and operated by said piston,
substantially as described.
11. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-
block chamber, of a breech-block, a reciprocating motor piston, a cam engagement
between said piston and said breech-block for first rotating to unlock and then
withdrawing said breech-block from said chamber and for returning and locking
the same, and extractors pivoted on said breech-block and operated by said piston,
substantially as described.
12. In a gas operated breech loading gun, the combination, with a breech-block
chamber, of a barrel, a cylinder connected to said barrel, a motor piston mounted
in said cylinder a mainspring for moving said piston in the opposite direction, a

page_text: breech-block, a cam engagement between said piston and said breech-block for
first rotating to unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block from said chamber,
and for returning and locking the same, and extractors pivoted on said breech-
block and operated by said piston, substantially as described;
13. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-
block chamber, of a breech-block provided with a cam groove therein, a recipro-
cating motor piston with a stud or pin to engage in said cam groove for first
rotating to unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block, or vice versa, and
extractors pivoted on said breech-block and operated by said piston, substantially
as described.
14. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block adapted to rotate and lock or unlock in and to move
longitudinally into and out of said chamber, with cam grooves on said breech-
block, a reciprocating motor-piston provided with a pin passing through said
breech-block and engaging said cam grooves, and extractors pivoted on said breech-
block and operated by said piston, substantially as described.
15. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block adapted to rotate and lock or unlock in and to
move longitudinally into and out of said chamber, with cam grooves on said breech-
block, of a reciprocating motor piston provided with a hollow head parallel to
the axis of said piston and engaging said breech-block, a pin passing through said
hollow head and through the cam grooves in said breech-block, and extractors
pivoted on said breech-block and operated by said hollow head, substantially as
described.
16. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block having interrupted engagement in said chamber, a
reciprocating motor piston, means operated by said piston for first rotating to
unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block from said chamber, and for
returning and locking the same, and extractors travelling in longitudinal guide-
ways and revolubly connected to said breech-block, and operated by said piston,
substantially as described.
17. In a gas operated breech loading gun, the combination, with a breech-block
chamber, of a barrel, a cylinder connected to said barrel, a motor piston mounted
in said cylinder, a.mainspring for moving said piston in the opposite direction, a
breech-block having interrupted engagement with said chamber, means operated
by said piston for first rotating to unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block
from said chamber, and for returning and locking the same, and extractors travel-
ling in longitudinal guide-ways and revolubly connected to said breech-block,
and operated by said piston, substantially as described.
18. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block having interrupted engagement with said chamber,
a reciprocating motor piston, a cam engagement between said piston and said
breech-block for first rotating to unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block
from said chamber, and for returning and locking the same, and extractors
travelling in longitudinal guide-ways and revolubly connected to said breech-
block, and operated by said piston, substantially as described.
19. In a gas operated breech loading gun, the combination, with a breech-
block chamber, of a barrel, a cylinder connected to said barrel, a motor piston
mounted in said cylinder, a mainspring for moving said piston in the opposite
direction, a breech-block, having interrupted engagement with said chamber, a
cam engagement between said piston and said breech-block for first rotating to
unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block from said chamber, and for
returning and locking the same, and extractors travelling in longitudinal guide-
ways and revolubly connected to said breech-block, and operated by said piston,
substantially as described.
20. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block provided with a cam groove therein and having

page_text: interrupted engagement with said chamber, a reciprocating motor piston provided
with a stud or pin to engage in said cam groove for first rotating to unlock and
then withdrawing said breech-block, or vice versa, and extractors travelling in longi-
tudinal guide-ways and revolubly connected to said breech-block, and operated by
said piston, substantially as described.
21. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block adapted to rotate and lock or unlock in and to move
longitudinally into and out of said chamber, with cam grooves on said breech-
block, a reciprocating motor piston provided with a pin passing through said
breech-block and engaging said cam grooves, and extractors travelling in longi-
tudinal guide-ways and revolubly connected to said breech-block, and operated by
said piston, substantially as described.
22. In a breech-loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block adapted to rotate and lock or unlock in and to move
longitudinally into and out of said chamber, with cam grooves on said breech-block,
of a reciprocating motor piston provided with a hollow head parallel to the axis
of said piston and engaging said breech-block, a pin passing through said hollow
head and through the cam grooves in said breech-block, and extractors travelling
in longitudinal guide-ways and revolubly connected to said breech-block, and
operated by said piston, substantially as described.
23. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block, a reciprocating motor piston, and means operated by
said piston for first rotating to unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block
from said chamber, and for returning and locking the same, with a firing-pin
secured to said piston and passing through said breech-block, substantially as
described.
24. In a gas operated breech loading gun, the combination, with a breech-block
chamber, of a barrel, a cylinder connected to said barrel, a motor piston mounted
in said cylinder, a mainspring for moving said piston in the opposite direction, a
breech block, and means operated by said piston for first rotating to unlock and
then withdrawing said breech-block from said chamber, and for returning and
locking the same, with a firing pin secured to said piston, and passing through
said breech-block, substantially as described.
25. In a breech-loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of breech-block, a reciprocating motor piston, and a cam engagement
between said piston and said breech-block for first rotating to unlock and then
withdrawing said breech-block from said chamber and for returning and locking
the same, with a firing pin secured to said piston and passing through said breech-
block, substantially as described.
26. In a gas operated breech loading gun, the combination, with a breech-block
chamber, of a barrel, a cylinder connected to said barrel, a motor piston mounted
in said cylinder, a mainspring for moving said piston in the opposite direction,
a breech-block, and a cam engagement between said piston and said breech-block
for first rotating to unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block from said
chamber, and. for returning and locking the same, with a firing-pin secured to
said piston and passing through said breech-block, substantially as described.
27. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block provided with a cam groove therein, and a recipro-
cating motor piston provided with a stud or pin to engage in said groove for first
rotating to unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block or vice versa, and a
firing-pin secured to said piston and mounted in said breech-block, substantially
as described.
28. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block adapted to rotate and lock or unlock in and to move
ongitudinally into and out of said chamber, with cam grooves on said breech-block,
reciprocating motor piston provided with a pin passing through said breech-

page_text: block and engaging said cam grooves, and a firing pin secured to said pin and
mounted in said breech-block, substantially as described.
29. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block adapted to rotate and lock or unlock in and to move
longitudinally into and out of said chamber, with cam grooves on said breech-
block, of a reciprocating motor piston provided with a hollow head parallel to
the axis of said piston and engaging said breech-block, and a pin passing through
said hollow head and through the cam grooves in said breech-block, and a firing-pin
secured to said pin and mounted in said breech-block, substantially as described.
30. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block, a reciprocating motor piston, means operated by said
piston for first rotating to unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block from
said chamber, and for returning and locking the same, a firing-pin mounted in
said breech-block and secured to and moving with said piston, and extractors
pivoted on said breech-block and operated by said piston, substantially as described.
31. In a gas operated breech loading gun, the combination, with a breech-block
chamber, of a barrel, a cylinder connected to said barrel, a motor piston mounted
in said cylinder, a mainspring for moving said piston in the opposite direction, a
breech-block, means operated by said piston for first rotating to unlock and then
withdrawing said breech-block from said chamber, and for returning and locking
the same, a firing-pin mounted in said breech-block and secured to and moving
voted on said breech-block and operated by
said piston, substantially as described.
32. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block, a reciprocating motor piston, a cam engagement
between said piston and said breech-block for first rotating to unlock and then with-
drawing said breech-block from said chamber and for returning and locking the
same, a firing-pin mounted in said breech-block and secured to and moving with
said piston, and extractors pivoted on said breech-block and operated by said
piston, substantially as described.
33. In a gas operated breech loading gun, the combination, with a breech-block
chamber, of a barrel, a cylinder connected to said barrel, a motor piston mounted
in said cylinder, a mainspring for moving said piston in the opposite direction, a
breech-block, a cam engagement between said piston and said breech-block for
first rotating to unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block from said chamber,
and for returning and locking the same, a firing-pin mounted in said breech-block
and secured to and moving with said piston, and extractors pivoted on said breech-
block and operated by said piston, substantially as described.
34. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block provided with a cam groove therein, a reciprocating
motor piston provided with a stud or pin to engage in said cam groove for first
rotating to unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block, or vice versa, a firing.
pin mounted in said breech-block and secured to and moving with said piston, and
extractors pivoted on said breech-block and operated by said piston, substantially
as described.
35. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block adapted to rotate and lock or unlock in and to move
longitudinally into and out of said chamber, with cam grooves on said breech-
block, a reciprocating motor piston provided with a pin passing through said
breech-block and engaging said cam grooves, a firing-pin mounted in said breech-
block and secured to and moving with said piston, and extractors pivoted on said
breech-block and operated by said piston, substantially as described.
36. In a breech loading gun, the combination with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block adapted to rotate and lock or unlock in and to move
longitudinally into and out of said chamber, with cam grooves on said breech-
block, of a reciprocating motor piston provided with a hollow head parallel to the
axis of said piston and engaging said breech-block a pin passing through said hollow

page_text: head and through the cam grooves in said breech-block, a firing-pin mounted in
said breech-block and secured to and moving with said piston, and extractors
pivoted on said breech-block and operated by said hollow head, substantially as
described.
37. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-
block chamber, of a breech-block, a reciprocating motor piston, means operated by
said piston for first rotating to unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block
from said chamber, and for returning and locking the same, extractors pivoted on
said breech-block and operated by said piston, means for feeding the cartridges to
the gun in front of said breech-block, and an ejector operated by said piston
in its rearward motion for ejecting the empty cartridge cases, substantially as
described.
38. In a gas operated breech loading gun, the combination, with a breech-block
chamber, of a barrel, a cylinder connected to said barrel, a motor piston mounted
in said cylinder, a mainspring for moving said piston in the opposite direction, a
breech-block means operated by said piston for first rotating to unlock and
then withdrawing said breech-block from said chamber and for returning and
locking the same, extractors pivoted on said breech-block and operated by said
piston, means for feeding the cartridges to the gun in front of said breech-block,
and an ejector operated by said piston in its rearward motion for ejecting the
empty cartridge cases, substantially as described.
39. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block, a reciprocating motor piston, a cam engagement
between said piston and said breech-block for first rotating to unlock and then
withdrawing said breech-block from said chamber and for returning and locking
the same, extractors pivoted on said breech-block and operated by said piston,
means for feeding the cartridges to the gun in front of said breech-block, and an
ejector operated by said piston in its rearward motion for ejecting the empty
cartridge cases, substantially as described.
40. In a gas operated breech loading gun, the combination with a breech-block
chamber, of a barrel, a cylinder connected to said barrel, a motor piston mounted
in said cylinder, a mainspring for moving said piston in the opposite direction,
a breech-block, a cam engagement between said piston and said breech-block for
first rotating to unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block from said chamber,
and for returning and locking the same, extractors pivoted in said breech-block
and operated by said piston, means for feeding the cartridges to the gun in front
of said breech-block, and an ejector operated by said piston in its rearward motion
for ejecting the empty cartridge cases, substantially as described.
41. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block provided with a cam groove therein, a reciprocating
motor piston provided with a stud or pin to engage in said cam groove for first
rotating to unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block, or vice versa, extractors
pivoted on said breech-block and operated by said piston, means for feeding the
cartridges to the gun in front of said breech-block, and an ejector operated by said
piston in its rearward motion for ejecting the empty cartridge cases, substan-
tially as described.
42. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block adapted to rotate and lock or unlock in and to move
longitudinally into and out of said chamber, with cam grooves on said breech-
block a reciprocating motor piston provided with a pin passing through said
breech-block and engaging said cam grooves, extractors pivoted on said breech-
block and operated by said piston means for feeding the cartridges to the gun
in front of said block, and an ejector operated by said piston in its rearward motion
for ejecting the empty cartridge cases, substantially as described.
43. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block adapted to rotate and lock or unlock in and to move
longitudinally into and out of said chamber, with cam grooves on said breech-block,

page_text: of a reciprocating motor piston provided with a hollow head parallel to the axis
of said piston and engaging said breech-block, a pin passing through said hollow
head and through the cam grooves in said breech-block, extractors pivoted on said
breech-block and operated by said hollow head, means for feeding the cartridges
to the gun in front of said breech-block, and an ejector operated by said piston in
its rearward motion for ejecting the empty cartridge cases, substantially as
described.
44. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-
block chamber, of a breech-block, a reciprocating motor piston, means operated by
said piston for first rotating to unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block
from said chamber, and for returning and locking the same, extractors pivoted on
said breech-block and operated by said piston, means for feeding the cartridges to
the gun in front of said breech-block, an ejector for the empty cartridge cases
pivoted transversely to said piston, and a cam engagement between said piston
and said ejector, substantially as described.
45. In a gas operated breech loading gun, the combination with a breech-block
chamber, of a barrel, a cylinder connected to said barrel, a motor piston mounted
in said cylinder, a mainspring for moving said piston in the opposite direction, a
breech-block, means operated by said piston for first rotating to unlock and then
withdrawing said breech-block from said chamber, and for returning and locking
the same, extractors pivoted on said breech-block and operated by said piston.
means for feeding the cartridges to the gun in front of said breech-block, an
ejector for the empty cartridge cases pivoted transversely to said piston, and a cam
engagement between said piston and said ejector, substantially as described.
46. In a breech-loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block, a reciprocating motor piston, a cam engagement
between said piston and said breech-block for first rotating to unlock and then
withdrawing said breech-block from said chamber and for returning and locking
the same, extractors pivoted on said breech-block and operated by said piston,
means for feeding the cartridges to the gun in front of said breech-block, an ejector
for the empty cartridge cases pivoted transversely to said piston, and a cam
engagement between said piston and said ejector, substantially as described.
47. In a gas operated breech loading gun, the combination, with a breech-block
chamber, of a barrel, a cylinder connected to said barrel, a motor piston mounted
in said cylinder, a mainspring for moving said piston in the opposite direction, a
breech-block, a cam engagement between said piston and said breech-block for first
rotating to unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block from said chamber, and
for returning and locking the same, extractors pivoted on said breech-block and
operated by said piston, means for feeding the cartridges to the gun in front of said
breech-block, an ejector for the empty cartridge cases pivotted transversely to
said piston, and a cam engagement between said piston and said ejector, substan-
tially as described.
48. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block provided with a cam groove therein, a reciprocating
motor piston provided with a stud or pin to engage in said cam groove for first
rotating to unlock and then withdrawing said breech-block, or vice versa, extrac-
tors pivoted on said breech-block and operated by said piston, means for feeding the
cartridges to the gun in front of said breech-block, an ejector for the empty
cartridge cases pivoted transversely to said piston, and a cam engagement
between said piston and said ejector, substantially as described.
49. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block adapted to rotate and lock or unlock in and to move
longitudinally into and out of said chamber, with cam grooves on said breech-
block, a reciprocating motor piston provided with a pin passing through said
breech-block and engaging said cam grooves, extractors on said breech-block and
operated by said piston, means for feeding the cartridges to the gun in front of
<

page_text: said breech-block, an ejector for the empty cartridge cases pivoted transversely to
said piston, and a cam engagement between said piston and said ejector, substan-
tially as described.
50. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a barrel and a breech-block
chamber, of a breech-block adapted to rotate and lock or unlock in and to move
longitudinally into and out of said chamber, with cam grooves on said breech-
block, of a reciprocating motor piston provided with a hollow head parallel to the
axis of said piston and engaging said breech-block, a pin passing through said
hollow head and through the cam grooves in said breech-block, extractors on
said breech-block and operated by said hollow head, means for feeding the
cartridges to the gun in front of said breech-block, an ejector for the empty cart-
ridge cases pivoted transversely to said piston, and a cam engagement between said
piston and said ejector, substantially as described.
51. In a breech loading gun having a reciprocating motor piston and a breech-
block in constant engagement therewith, the combination of an extractor or
extractors which are thrown into positive engagement with the flange of the
cartridge or freed therefrom by the relative motions of piston and breech-block,
substantially as described.
52. In a breech loading gun having a reciprocating motor piston, the combina-
tion of a groove in the piston, an ejector having a stud in engagement with
said groove whereby the ejector is given an intermittent motion in a plane at
right angles to the motion of the piston, substantially as described.
53. An extractor for use in guns of the character described, having a claw or
nib to engage the flange of the cartridge case, a hook to engage the breech-block in
rear of said claw, and a tail projecting to the rear to form a lever arm when
engaged by the piston, substantially as described.
54. A pair of extractors for use in guns of the character described, each provided
with a claw or nib to engage the flange of the cartridge case, a hook to engage the
breech-block in rear of said claw, U-shaped tangs to project on either side of the
breech-block and fulcrum thereon, and a tail projecting to the rear to form a lever
arm when engaged by the piston, substantially as described.
55. An extractor for use in guns of the character described comprising
a nib to engage the flange of the cartridge case, a projection 72 beyond said
nib to shove the cartridge home, a body provided with the hook 2, and a tail P³
having the bent end 25 to engage with the piston, substantially as described.
56. A pair of extractors for use in guns of the character described, each compris
ing a main body 1", a nib for engaging the flange of the cartridge case, a hook p³
to engage with the breech-block, U-shaped tangs adapted to pass around the breech-
block and pivot thereon, and a tail 13 having the bent end to engage with the
piston, substantially as described.
57. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a reciprocating motor piston
provided with an abutment, of a pivoted stop, a spring normally pressing said stop
in the path of said abutment, and a feed strip both for supplying ammunition
to the gun and for holding said stop clear of said abutment while the gun is loaded,
with a cam engagement between said piston and said feed strip for moving the
latter across the gun, substantially as described.
58. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a reciprocating motor piston
provided with an abutment, of a pivoted stop, a spring normally pressing said
stop in the path of said abutment, and a feed strip both for supplying ammunition
to the gun and for holding said stop clear of said abutment while the gun is loaded.
with cams on said piston and lugs on said feed strip engaging said cams as the
piston vibrates, substantially as described.
59. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a reciprocating motor piston
provided with an abutment and cams, of a pivoted stop, a spring normally
pressing said stop in the path of said abutment, and a feed strip having lugs
engaging said cams and supplying ammunition to the gun and holding said stop

page_text: clear of said abutment while the gun is loaded, with means for holding the ammuni-
tion on said feed strip when clear of the gun, and for automatically releasing the
same from the feed strip as the latter is fed to the gun, substantially as described.
60. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a reciprocating motor
piston provided with an abutment, of a pivoted stop, a spring normally pressing
said stop in the path of said abutment, and a feed strip both for supplying ammuni-
tion to the gun and for holding said stop clear of said abutment while the gun is
loaded, with clips on said feed strip and resilient loops for holding the ammuni-
tion in said clips when clear of the gun, and for automatically releasing the
ammunition from said clips as the feed strip is fed to the gun, substantially as
described.
•
61. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a reciprocating motor
piston provided with cam surfaces thereon, of a receiver having guides for said
piston and for the feed strip, and a feed strip for the fixed ammunition having
lugs engaging the cam surfaces on the piston, whereby the reciprocating motion
of the piston imparts a positive motion to said feed strip, substantially as described.
62. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a reciprocating motor
piston provided with cam surfaces thereon, of a receiver having guides for said
piston and for the feed strip, and a feed strip for the fixed ammunition having
lugs engaging the cam surfaces on the piston, whereby the reciprocating motion of
the piston imparts a positive motion to said feed strip, with clips on said feed strip,
and resilient loops for holding the ammunition in said clips when clear of the gun,
and means for automatically releasing the ammunition from said clips as the feed
strip moves across the gun, substantially as described.
63. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a reciprocating motor piston
provided with cam surfaces and an abutment, of a receiver having guides for said
piston and the feed strip, a feed strip for the fixed ammunition provided with
lugs engaging said cam surfaces, a stop pivoted in said receiver below said feed
strip and pressed downward thereby, and provided with teeth for holding said
feed strip against backward motion, and a spring normally pressing said stop
upwards and causing it to engage said abutment when the feed strip is not in the
way, substantially as described.
64. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a reciprocating motor piston
provided with cam surfaces and an abutment, of a receiver having guides for said
piston and for the feed strip, a feed strip for the fixed ammunition provided with
lugs engaging said cam surfaces, and cut away along its rear portion to permit the
projection therethrough of the stop, a stop pivoted in said receiver below said
feed strip and pressed downward thereby, and provided with teeth for holding said
feed strip against backward motion, and a spring normally pressing said stop
upwards and causing it to engage said abutment when the feed strip is not in the
way, substantially as described.
65. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a reciprocating motor piston
provided with cam surfaces and an abutment, of a receiver having guides for said
piston and for the feed strip, a feed strip for the fixed ammunition provided with
lugs engaging said cam surfaces, a stop pivoted in said receiver below said feed
strip and pressed downward thereby, and provided with teeth adapted to engage
said lugs after the same have passed said cams for holding said feed strip against
backward motion, and a spring normally pressing said stop upwards and causing it
to engage said abutment when the feed strip is not in the way, substantially as
described.
66. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a reciprocating motor piston
provided with cam surfaces and an abutment, of a receiver having guides for said
piston and for the feed strip, a feed strip for the fixed ammunition provided with
lugs engaging said cam surfaces, and cut away along its rear portion to permit the
projection therethrough of the stop, a stop pivoted in said receiver below said feed
strip and pressed downward thereby, and provided with teeth adapted to engage
said lugs after the same have passed said cams for holding said feed strip against

page_text: backward motion, and a spring normally pressing said stop upwards and causing
it to engage said abutment when the feed strip is not in the way, substantially as
described.
67. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a reciprocating piston pro-
vided with cams on its surface, of a feed strip provided with lugs or tenons engaging
said cams, whereby an intermittent advance of the feed strip is obtained, substan-
tially as described and for the purpose set forth.
68. In an automatic gun, the combination, with feed mechanism and guides for
the feed strip, of a feed-strip engaging in said guides, cartridge holding clips on
said feed strip, and a resilient abutment normally holding the cartridges in place
on said feed strip, but releasing said cartridges as the feed strip is fed across the
gun, substantially as described.
69. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a cartridge holding feed
strip provided with the cartridge holding clips and the resilient abutment in rear
of the rear clips, of a feed-box mounted in the gun and provided with a projection
for forcing the resilient abutment out of the path of the cartridge rims, and with
an inclined groove engaging said rims for withdrawing the cartridges from said
clips, with means for moving said feed strip and for delivering the released cart-
ridges to the chamber of the gun, substantially as described.
70. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a cartridge holding feed
strip provided with the cartridge holding clips and the resilient abutment in rear
of the rear clips, of a feed-box mounted in the gun and provided with a projection
for forcing the resilient abutment out of the path of the cartridge rims, and with an
inclined groove engaging said rims for withdrawing the cartridges from said clips,
with automatically operated means for moving said feed strip and for delivering the
released cartridges to the chamber of the gun, substantially as described.
71. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a motor piston and
mechanism for opening and closing the breech, of means for drawing the empty
cartridge case to the rear, and an ejector transversely disposed to and operated by
said piston, substantially as described.
72. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a motor piston and
mechanism for opening and closing the breech, of means for drawing the empty
cartridge case to the rear, and an ejector transversely disposed to and in cam
engagement with said piston, substantially as described.
8. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a motor piston and
mechanism for opening and closing the breech, of means for drawing the empty
cartridge case to the rear, and an ejector pivoted at right angles to and in cam
engagement with said piston, substantially as described.
74. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a receiver with guide-ways
therein and a chamber transverse to said guide-ways, of a reciprocating piston
provided with a cam groove in the side thereof, means operated by said piston for
withdrawing the empty cartridge case rearward, and an ejector mounted in said
transverse chamber and having a lug engaging in said cam groove for ejecting
laterally said cartridge case, substantially as described.
75. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a receiver with guide-ways
therein and a chamber transverse to said guide-ways; of a recipro
cating motor piston travelling in said guide-ways, and provided with
a cam groove in the side thereof, meaus operated by said piston for withdrawing
the empty cartridge case rearward, and an ejector mounted in said transverse
chamber and partly enclosing said piston and rocking thereon, and having a lug
engaging in said cam groove for ejecting laterally said cartridge case, substan-
tially as described.
76. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a receiver with guide-ways
therein and a chamber transverse to said guide-ways, of a reciprocating motor
piston travelling in said guide-ways, and provided with a cam groove in the side
thereof, means operated by said piston for withdrawing the empty cartridge case
rearward, and an ejector mounted in said transverse chamber and provided with

page_text: a head engaging the cartridge case substantially at right-angles to the axis of the
gun, and a rounded heel partly enclosing said piston and rocking thereon, with a
Jug from said heel engaging said cam groove, substantially as described.
77. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a reciprocating motor
piston provided with a retaining lug, of a firing gear for controlling the frequency
of vibrations of said piston comprising a trigger for engaging said lug, a firing-
lever for releasing said trigger, a spring co-acting between said firing-lever and
said trigger, and a controlling lever for regulating the travel of said firing-lever,
substantially as described.
78. In a breech loading gun, the combination with a reciprocating motor
piston, provided with a retaining lug, of a firing gear for controlling the
frequency of vibrations of said piston, comprising a trigger for engaging said iug,
a firing-lever for releasing said trigger, a spring co-acting between said firing-
lever and said tribber, and a stop of varying radius pivoted in the line of travel
of said firing-lever, substantially as described.
79. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a reciprocating motor piston,
provided with a retaining lug, of a firing gear for controlling the frequency of vibra-
tions of said piston, comprising a trigger for engaging said lug, a firing-lever for
releasing said trigger, a spring co-acting between said firing-lever and said trigger,
and a stop of varying radius pivoted in the line of travel of said firing-lever with a
spring handle for adjusting said stop in the desired position, substantially as
described.
80. In a breech-loading gun, the combination, with a reciprocating motor
piston provided with a retaining lug, of a firing gear for controlling the frequency
of vibrations of said piston, comprising a trigger piece pivoted to the gun and
having a trigger engaging said lug, a cocking-toe and a spring arm, a pivoted
firing-lever having a firing-toe, an elongated slot for its pivot, a spring arm and
a firing-handle, a spring connecting the spring arms of said. firing-lever and said
trigger-piece, and means for regulating the travel of said firing-handle, substan-
tially as described.
81. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a reciprocating motor
piston provided with a retaining lug, of a firing gear for controlling the frequency
of vibrations of said piston comprising a trigger-piece pivoted to the gun and
having a trigger engaging said lug, a cocking-toe and a spring arm, a pivoted
firing-lever having a firing-toe, an elongated slot for its pivot, a spring arm and a
firing-handle, a spring connecting said spring arm of said firing-lever and said
trigger-piece, and means for regulating the travel of said firing-handle, and a
pivoted stop of varying radius registering with the said firing-handle and limiting
the travel thereof, substantially as described.
82. In a breech loading gun, the combination, with a reciprocating
motor piston provided with a retaining lug, of a firing gear for con-
trolling the frequency of vibrations of said piston, comprising a trigger
piece pivoted to the gun and having a trigger engaging said lug, a cocking-toe and
a spring arm, a pivoted firing lever having a firing-toe and an elongated slot for
its pivot, a spring arm and a firing-handle, a spring connecting the spring arm of
said firing-lever and said trigger-piece, means for regulating the travel of said
firing-handle, and a pivoted stop of varying radius registering with the said firing-
handle and limiting the travel thereof, with a spring handle for adjusting said stop
in the desired position, substantially as described.
83. A feed strip provided with cartridge holding clips, and a continuous resilient
abutment for holding the cartridges in place, substantially as described.
84. In a feed strip, the combination, with the front clip adapted to engage
the ogival head of the projectile and to retain the same against radial movement
when in place on said strip, or a rear clip to hold the rear portion of the cartridge,
and a resilient loop normally pressing upward in rear of the rim of the cartridge
case and normally holding the same against longitudinal movement in said clip.
substantially as described.

page_text: 85. In a feed strip, the combination, with a plurality of front clips engaging the
ogival heads of the projectiles and retaining the same against radial movement
when in place on said strip, of a plurality of rear clips holding the rear portion
of the cartridge, and a resilient strip having loops projecting upward in rear of
the rims of the cartridges and holding the same against longitudinal movement
in said clips, substantially as described.
86. In a feed strip, the combination. with a plurality of front clips to hold the
ogival heads of the projectiles and to retain the same against radial movement when
in place on said strip, of a plurality of rear clips to hold the rear portion of
the cartridges, a guide-way in rear of said rear clips, and a resilient strip having ears
projecting into said guide-way, loops projecting upwards in rear of the rims of the
cartridges, substantially as described.
87. A cartridge holding feed strip provided with the cartridge holding clips,
the resilient abutment, and a series of tenons for engaging with a reciprocating part
of the breech mechanism, substantially as described.
88. A feed strip provided with cartridge holding clips, a continuous resilient
abutment for holding the cartridges in place, and a series of tenons on the lower
portion of said feed strip for engaging with a reciprocating part of the breech
mechanism, substantially as described.
89. In a feed strip, the combination, with the front clip adapted to engage the
ogival head of the projectile and to retain the same against radial movement when
in place on said strip, of a rear clip to hold the rear portion of the cartridge, a
resilient loop normally pressing upward in rear of the rim of the cartridge and
normally holding the same against longitudinal movement in said clip, and a series
of tenons on the lower portion of said feed strip for engaging with a reciprocating
part of the breech mechanism, substantially as described.
90. In a feed strip, the combination, with a plurality of front clips engaging the
ogival heads of the projectiles and retaining the same against radial movement when
in place on said strip, of a plurality of rear clips holding the rear portion of the
cartridge, a resilient strip having loops projecting upward in rear of the rims of the
cartridges and holding the same against longitudinal movement in said clips,
and a series of tenons on the lower portion of said feed strip for engaging with
a reciprocating part of the breech mechanism, substantially as described.
91. In a feed strip, the combination, with a plurality of front clips to hold the
ogival heads of the projectiles and to retain the same against radial movement
when in place on said strip, of a plurality of rear clips to hold the rear portion
of the cartridges, guide-ways in rear of said rear clips, à resilient strip having ears
projecting into said guide-ways, loops projecting upwards in rear of the rims
of the cartridges, and a series of tenons on the lower portion of said feed strip for
engaging with a reciprocating part of the breech mechanism, substantially as
described.