Improvements in Breech-mechanism for Ordnance.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 5th Apr., 1894-Accepted, 5th May, 1894
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
[Communicated from abroad by JEAN BAPTISTE GUSTAVE ADOLPHE CANET,
of 87, Avenue Henri-Martin, Paris, in the Republic of France, Engineer.]
Improvements in Breech-mechanism for Ordnance.
I, HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake & Co., Patent
Agents, 45 Southampton. Buildings, in the County of Middlesex, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained, in and by the following
statement :-
My invention relates to novel breech-mechanism for guns. It is applicable to
guns of various classes and calibres but is more especially intended for those of
small calibre.
:
My said invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings which shew
various sectional views and elevations of the breeches of guns and in which the
same letters indicate corresponding parts.
:
Figure 1 is a vertical central section of the breech end of a gun provided with
iny present improvements, the breech being closed.
Figure 2 is a similar section showing the breech open.
Figure 3 is a rear view of the same.
Figure 4 is a horizontal central section showing the breech closed.
Figure 5 is a side elevation, and
:
[
Figure 6 is a vertical transverse section of the breech, the breech-block being
removed to show the extractor.
Figure 7 is a vertical section with the breech closed, and
Figure 8 is a similar section the breech being open, showing a slight modification
of my invention.
Figures 9 to 12 show a modified form of firing mechanism.
Figure 9 is a horizontal section and shows the mechanism after firing.
Figure 10 is a similar section showing the hammer cocked.
Figure 11 is an end view, and
Figure 12 is a side view of the firing mechanism.
Figures 13, 14; 15 and 16; 17 and 18 show other modified forms of fring
mechanism hereinafter described.
Figures 19 and 20 illustrate a further modified form of the extractor, and
Figure 21 is a vertical section, and Figure 22 is a horizontal section through the
breech to illustrate a special shape of breech-block.
One of the most important features of my invention is a gun breech in which
there is a rotatable breech-block, i.e. a block having a spherical surface or more
generally a surface of revolution which block is contained in a chamber or seating
of similar form provided in the breech end of the gun. This block has a hole and
can be adjusted so that the said hole will be in line with the bore of the gun to
permit the cartridge to be introduced, or by a simple angular movement can be
adjusted to completely close the breech.
In the different figures of the accompanying drawings the block is shewn
spherical, the hole therein is cylindrical and the angular displacement required to
close or open the breech is 90°; it is however obvious that (1) the block may be
ellipsoidal, or cylindrical, or formed otherwise with a surface of revolution having
any meridianal section. (2) The hole through the block may be of any suitable
section, and in the same block there may be one two or more holes. (3) The
angular displacement may be greater or less than 90°.

page_text: Ine construction which I preferably employ is that which is shown in Figures
to 6.
The block B is contained in a chamber or seating formed partly in the gun C,
and partly in a ring D which is screw-threaded on its exterior surface and is
screwed into the rear part of the gun. In certain cases the screw threads of this
ring and those of the breech instead of being continuous are interrupted as in
ordinary screw breech blocks; a fraction of a turn then suffices to effect the union
of the two parts. Instead of the above I can employ other suitable means for
securing the ring in its position.
The amplitude of the angular displacement of the block as above stated is 90°
more or less. Its rotary movement is limited by a screw E forming a stop against
which the parts F and G abut, one when the breech is properly closed and the
"other when it is fully open.
The block is actuated through a horizontal shaft H by a handle H¹ at the side
of the gun which handle by movements in opposite directions serves to open and
close the breech.
The extractor is forked i.e. it has two branches L and is pivoted at its lower part
on a horizontal axis M carried by a longitudinally sliding piece P which is guided
in two channels Q and R formed in the gun.
The sliding piece P is actuated by a cam or tappet S carried in the block and
controlled by a spring T; the form of this cam or tappet is such that it will clear
the sliding piece P at the termination of the action of the extractor. By the action
of the cam S upon the sliding piece P the cartridge case is loosened and then the
extractor moves back with the said case until the aforesaid two parts S and P are
out of contact.
It may here be observed that the movement of the extractor has two phases; in
the first which corresponds with the loosening of the cartridge case a part near its
upper end bears against the seat and becomes its fulcrum, and consequently the
leverage is very great, so that a considerable force is exerted (with a small
velocity) upon the cartridge case. In the second phase which corresponds to the
extraction proper, the part of the extractor near the joint or pivot becomes the
fulcrum, the leverage is then much less than in the first phase but the velocity of
the movement of the cartridge case is greatly increased and the cartridge case is
jerked out.
The empty case being removed, the introduction of a fresh cartridge returns the
extractor to its normal position without any resistance by the latter since there is
no extractor spring; moreover if it is not pushed far enough two inclined planes K
on the breech-block press it to the bottom of its recess during the closing of the
breech-block.
The firing pin a is actuated by a two armed lever bb' Figure 4 pivoted in the
block to turn about an axis c, and by a hammer d which extends through the
side of the breech and is constantly acted upon by a spring e; a detent f pressed
by a spring g into engagement with a bearing on the gun opposes the action of
the spring e until it is pulled to the rear; the hammer d being thereby released
actuates the lever b b which drives the firing pin forward to ignite the cartridge.
These parts of the mechanism are returned to their normal positions during the
recoil. For this purpose the hammer is furnished with two ears Figure 3
having inclined faces k k which are arranged in combination with two inclined
planes on the mounting or carriage. When the gun recoils, the hammer d is
by these inclines forced outward, the effect being to move the spring e and permit
the detent f to return to its original position. The firing mechanism is then again
ready for action.
The hammer d when released to strike the lever enters a recess in the block;
and in case of a hang fire it is impossible to open the breech without first recocking
the hammer because of the excentric position of the hammer d relatively to the
3phere. It is then necessary to first force back the spring e by means of a
suitable lever and so withdraw the hammer from engagement with the block.

page_text: This construction therefore constitutes a safe-guard against accidents in case of
hang fire.
Figures 7 to 20 represent different modifications of the above described firing
and extracting mechanism equally applicable to other forms of breech-mechanism
patented by my foreign correspondent.
In Figures 7 and 8 the extractor is actuated as above described during the
rotation of the block by a cam S which is movable about an axis sand which is
controlled by a leaf spring T; in the opening of the breech the said cam causes
the extractor to turn upon its axis or pivot M; in the reverse movement it is
turned back against the pressure of the spring T and returns to its original position
under the action of the said spring as soon as it has passed the extremity of the
tail L of the extractor.
In the modification shewn in Figures 19 and 20 the tail L° of the extractor
is furnished with a notch or recess 1, 2, 3, 4. The face 1, 2 of the recess is
inclined as shown, and works in conjunction with a face 5, 6 on the ring D for
the purpose hereinafter specified. The tail Lo of the extractor tends constantly
to rise under the influence of the spring L. The aforesaid cam S is replaced
by a fixed stop or shoulder U which when the breech is opened bears against the
shoulder 3, 4 and consequently engages with the extractor causing the upper
branch L thereof to slide on the bottom of its seat 7, 8 and thus withdraw the
cartridge case. During this time by the action of two inclined faces 1, 2 and 5, 6,
the tail L° of the extractor is depressed as shewn in Figure 20, until it clears
the shoulder U of the breech-block whereupon the extractor can freely return
to its original position and a fresh cartridge can be inserted.
Figures 9 to 12 illustrate a modification of the aforesaid firing mechanism.
The firing pin and the two armed lever which are not changed, are not shown.
The hammer d is actuated by a spiral spring e and as in the first described arrange-
ment, has two wings or ears h h which, as they move, during the recoil, along two
inclines on the stationary part of the gun mounting, automatically move the
mechanism into the firing position.
The trigger is a rod which has a wide notch or recess 9, 10, and the forward
portion of which is adapted to move within a slide or guide groove 11, 12.
It traverses the hammer with slight friction and is guided at its rear part by a
groove 13.
Figure 10 shows the mechanism cocked. When the trigger fis pulled back it
releases the hammer which drops into the notch 9, 10 and actuates the firing pin.
During the recoil, the trigger which through the medium of the part fl bears upon
the part 11, remains stationary. The lugs or ears h move up the inclines and
compress the spring e and the hammer again passes the corner 9; during the
return of the gun to battery, the trigger is driven forward through the medium
of a small shoulder f provided for the purpose, this movement continuing until the
The hammer then passes
forward end f' arrives at the end of the recess 11, 12.
over the shoulder f³ and the various parts are brought back to the position
illustrated in Figure 10 wherein they are again ready for firing.
In the arrangement shown in Figures 15 and 16 which is a modification of those
above described, the inclined planes are dispensed with. The hammer contains
the trigger or detent fand its spring g. It is operated by a cam 1 which is adapted
to turn about the pivot fo forming part of the hammer and rests upon a part of
the gun whereon it is kept pressed by the spring e. By moving the tail-piece f
of the said cam, in the direction of the arrow, Figure 16, a part or tappet * is
caused to act upon the detent f, compressing the spring g, and thereby releasing
the hammer and allowing it to yield to the action of its spring and to drive the
firing pin forward against the cartridge or priming. During the recoil, the tail-
piece of the cam comes in contact with a stationary portion V of the gun
mounting which turus the said tail piece back, making it revolve in the direction
opposite to that indicated by the arrow. The various parts accordingly resume
the positions they occupied before firing.

page_text: Figures 13 and 14 represent a modification of the arrangement last above
described. The hammer d controlled by a spiral spring e is enclosed within a
recess or chamber formed by a stationary part X; it is furnished at its outer end
with a quick pitched screw-thread d' on which is fitted the nut f forming part of
a handle f2. To the head d² of the hammer there is pivoted the trigger which is
controlled by the spring e and which carries at its upper part a tooth or projection 7
adapted to engage in two notches 15 and 16 provided in the stationary part X.
Figure 13 and the portion of Figure 14 drawn in full lines shew this mechanism
ready for firing. The trigger f is retained by its tooth or pawl f' in the notch 15,
thereby preventing the hammer from actuating the firing pin. By imparting, at
that moment a rotary movement to the handle or hand-lever in the direction of
the arrow, Figure 14, so as to move it to the position indicated by dotted lines, the
nut f is caused to rise upon the screw d¹ and thereby to recede from the part X a
distance corresponding to the movement or stroke of the hammer d. At the same
time the cam which forms part of the said handle, is gradually withdrawn from
the trigger, the tooth f' of which then escapes from the notch 15. Precisely at
this moment the hammer yields to the action of the spring e and drives the firing
pin a towards the priming. During the recoil, a stop or tappet V provided on the
gun mounting moves the handle 2 back to the position indicated in full lines in
Figure 14. In this movement, the handle again comes into contact with the end
of the part X and the latter serves as its fulcrum for withdrawing the hammer d
and compressing the spring e, which at the same time acts upon the detent f
thereby causing the tooth to enter the notch 15. The mechanism is then in
position for firing. In case of a hang-fire, it is ouly necessary to turn the handle
in the direction opposite to that indicated in Figure 14 to return the parts into
position for firing.
The firing mechanism illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, and in the various modifica-
tions of said figures, can only act when the breech is completely closed. It thus
serves as a safety device to prevent premature firing, and as a security against
accident in case of a hang-fire.
The arrangements shown in Figures 17 and 18 comprise simple modifications of
the aforesaid hammer and trigger. All the remaining parts of the breech are
unaltered. The same parts being designated by like letters of reference, the
foregoing description of these parts need not be repeated.
Figures 21 and 22 represent a breech wherein the block has the shape of a solid
of revolution, each half of the central section of which may be defined as consisting
of a sector of a circle and two rectangular trapezes. This block oscillates about
the two cylindrical journals B1 and the base of the cartridge rests upon the
spherical portion B. In this case the ring D consists of two parts one of
which, D, is screw-threaded, while the other D', which is not screw-threaded, has
a recess exactly corresponding in shape or outline with the block, on one of its
sides. The firing and other mechanism above described is applicable to this
arrangement of my invention.
When the block B has more than one hole extending therethrough for the passage
of the cartridges, the axes of said holes are contained in one plane, and inake a
suitable angle with each other. The metal between the holes serves as the
abutment for the cartridge when in the bore of the gun, and also serves to close
the bore.
:
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to me
by my foreign correspondent, I declare that what I claim is :-
1. A spherical or other rotatable breech-block such as that hereindescribed
fitted in a chamber behind the breech of a gun, which block has an aperture
extending through it in such a direction that by turning the block on an axis
transverse to the bore it will open or close the breech in the manuer above specified,
and which block is so constructed that a cartridge inserted through the said

page_text: aperture into the gun can be forced home by the surface of the block in turning
the same to close the breech.
2. The combination, with a breech-block such as that herein described, of the
shaft provided with a side handle which is adapted to be operated by hand, or
which, for automatic working is combined with suitable mechanism connected to
the gun mounting or carriage, so as to properly time the opening and closing of the
breech and insertion of a cartridge into the gun.
3. The modification of my invention wherein the block is provided with two or
more apertures and is so constructed and arranged as to permit the necessary
angular motion for opening and closing the breech, substantially as above set
forth.
4. The ring connected to the breech by screw threads or by other suitable means.
for keeping the block in its chamber, substantially as set forth.
5. The combination with the breech-block of the extracting mechanism constructed
and operating substantially as above set forth with reference to Figures 1 to 6 or
to Figures 7 and 8, or to Figures 19 and 20.
6. The firing mechanism constructed substantially as described with reference to
Figures 1 to 6; or to Figures 9 to 12; or to Figures 13 and 14; or to Figures 15.
and 16; or to Figure 17; or to Figure 18, and operating as and for the purpose
specified.
7. A gun provided with breech mechanism such as that hereinabove described
with reference to any of the forms or modifications illustrated in the accompanying:
drawings.
Dated this ɔth day or April 1034.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.