Improvements in Breech Loading Ordnance.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 28th Jan., 1896
Complete Specification Left, 28th Oct., 1896-Accepted, 28th Jan., 1897
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Breech Loading Ordnance.
I, HENRI SCHNEIDER, of Le Creusôt (Saone et Loire) in the Republic of
France Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
This invention relates to improvements in the breech mechanism of quick firing
ordnance; the improvements more particularly applying to screw fastening devices
with shutters and hinge-pins or pivots and their object being,
(1) To enable the opening and closing movements to be performed more quickly
than hitherto.
(2) To reduce the number of the constituent parts of the mechanism; and
(3) To permit the mechanism to be quickly taken to pieces without the aid of
any tool.
The mechanism comprises but a very small number of simple strong and well
protected parts, which may with great facility be placed in position and removed
by hand, and the whole arrangement or combination of parts but slightly projects
from the breech end of the gun.
For firing, a peculiar self arming device of an improved construction is provided,
all parts of which device are concealed and protected by the shutter.
The hinge pin or pivot may be arranged, either on the right or on the left hand
side of the gun.
The mechanism comprises the following parts riz.:-
The breech screw or block.
The hinged shutter.
The crank handle with its pin or pivot.
The crank bolt and its spring.
The firing bolt or pin; its sleeve provided with its wings or lugs, its spring and
its point or striker.
The sear and its spring. The trigger and the extractor, with its pivot or pin and
bevelled sleeve or socket.
The breech screw is supported by the shutter to which it is constantly joined, by
means of a screw thread corresponding to that of the gun barrel. The threads of
the screw and harrel respectively are interrupted for four eighth parts of the
circumference at the upper and lower parts of the barrel, so that the breech is
released by turuing the screw to the extent of one eighth of a revolution. The
shape and dimensions of the screw threaded segments, and of the recessed segments
are such, that it is unnecessary to draw the screw back in order to disengage it
from the barrel, for when once the breech has been opened, the said screw is
carried along, and out of the way, by the hinged shutter.
The breech screw is provided, in the rear, with a straight rack adapted to gear
or engage with a corresponding rack, formed on the pin of the crank.
The hinged shutter is provided with a screw thread which serves to retain and
guide the breech screw, and also with recesses for the reception of the pin of the
crank, of the erank bolt, and of the trigger.
The crank is preferably integral with its pin, such pin being provided with a
rack, gearing with the breech screw, and with a screw threaded portion, engaging

page_text: By turning the crank in one direction or in the other (as the case may be) the
crank pin will be caused to either rise or descend within the nut in the shutter, and
this movement causes the breech block to turn either in one, or in the other
direction. Checking pieces or wedges are provided in order to limit the extent of
rotation, of the crank in either direction, when the shutter is turned down on one
side, the crank axle or pin comes into engagement with the crank bolt it being
released again when the breech is closed, i.e., when the end of the said crank bolt,
meets the surface at the rear of the gun.
The crank bolt surrounds the ecrank axle, and is provided with a projection stud
or pin, adapted at a certain period of the operation, to be brought by a spring into
engagement with a recess provided in the said crank axle or pin.
The extractor consists of a species of fork or yoke, the two arms of which form
clamps or claws, adapted to effect the extraction of the cartridge case, by engaging
with it, ahead of the flange, and on a level with the axis thereof. By a sudden
oscillating movement of the said fork or yoke, the empty cartridge case is first.
loosened, and then driven out. For this purpose the extractor is mounted upon a
pin or spindle, provided with a stud or button, upon which pressure is exercised at
the proper time by an incline of a socket, connected with the hinge pin by means
of a screw.
The firing pin er bolt situated in the centre of the breech block, carries two
helical and symmetrical inelines which when the breech is opened, press upon two
similar inclines formed in the breech screw, an arming or cocking spring is
interposed between the striker of the firing bolt and a sleeve provided with wings,
flaps or lugs, which as it rests within the breech screw can take no part in the
movements of the firing bolt, a key passing both through the shutter and the
firing bolt, prevents the latter from turning, while, however, allowing it to shift
longitudinally under the mutual action of the helical inclines, when the screw is
turned for the purpose of opening the breech. Thus the cocking spring is compressed
in consequence of the backward displacement of the firing bolt or pin.
The sear consisting of a species of ring or eye, in which the firing bolt is
arranged to engage is situated within a mortice or recess provided in the breech
screw, and subjected to the action of an opposing spring, such sear resting by
means of its tail piece, bent at right angles, upon a trigger device, capable of
oscillating upon the breech screw.
The operation of the improved mechanism is as follows:---
In order to open the breech, the crank handle is grasped and turned from right
to left until it can be moved no further. In performing this movement, the axle or
pin of the crank becomes screwed into the shutter, and the rack or indentation
formed on the said axle, by engaging with corresponding teeth formed on the
breech screw, will cause it to turn round. During this movement the helical
inclines of the screw act upon those of the firing bolt which recedes, and in so
doing, compresses its spring. At the termination of the movement the sear catches
underneath the rear part or block of the firing bolt and thus retains it in position
for firing.
When the releasing movement is about to be completed, the crank meets or
strikes the shutter and carries it round with it until it meets the barrel of the gun,
with its tail piece. The bres ch will then be fully opened.
When the release of the breech block is completed and the rotary movement of
the hinged shutter commenced, the fastening holt upon being pushed by its spring
engages with the crank pin or axle its stud entering for the purpose the recess
provided in the said axle, whereby it locks the screw, within the shutter. When
the breech has been almost wholly removed from the barrel, the incline of the
socket will press upon the button or stud of the operating spindle of the cartridge
case extractor, which will, in consequence be suddenly swung round with the result
that the empty cartridge case will be loosened and instantly ejected in the rearward
direction.
In order to close the breech it is only necessary, after the insertion of a fresh

page_text: cartridge into the gun barrel, to turn the crank handle from left to right, until it
is arrested. The crank, will then, at first, carry round with it the complete
mechanism since its pin or axle is still in engagement with the fastening bolt, but
when the shutter presses upon the rear end of the gun, the said bolt of the crank
axle will be repelled, so that the crank axle will be released and consequently it can
turn by itself in the required direction to close the breech.
As the sear is situated within the breech screw, and the trigger, within the
shutter, either of these two parts can control the other only when the beak or nose
of the sear comes opposite the nose of the trigger. It is therefore impossible to
fire, unless the breech is completely closed. As, on the other hand, the breech-
opening movement is not reversible, the breech mechanism offers every desirable
security for a safe and reliable operation.
To take the breech mechanism to pieces (which is done without the employment
of any instrument or tool), the method of operation, in regard to the several parts
of the same, is as follows:-
(1) Firing device. The breech being closed, remove the key of the firing pin
and then draw out the firing pin itself in the backward direction after turning it
45° to the right.
(2) Extractor. Open the breech fully and unscrew the set screw of the operating
socket, somewhat, by turning it backwards three times round. Withdraw the
socket, by sufficiently raising the hinge pin for the purpose, and take the extractor
pin and extractor out of their recess.
(3) Mechanism. Remove the crank by pressing upon its fastening bolt, take
the said bolt and its spring from the recess wherein they are situated, detach the
screw from the shutter by turning such screw to the right until its threads are
entirely disengaged from the retaining threads of the shutter (which takes, say
five, revolutions and a half).
When the screw has thus been completely removed from the shutter, the sear
and spring will become disengaged of their own accord, then remove the pin from
the hinge and release the trigger.
When it is desired to fit the parts together again, this is effected by simply
reversing the operations just described :-
Insert the shutter between the ears or flaps of the hinge; then put in place the
hinge-pin.
Insert the spring of the bolt of the crank axle or pin into the shutter; also the
bolt itself and the trigger; then fit the sear spring and the sear itself to the
screw.
Screw the breech screw right home into the shutter, taking care to place a
finger upon the nose of the sear so as to assist its engagement with the retaining
screw thread; then insert the crank pin into the shutter and throw the racks into
gear by pressing upon the crank bolt,
Replace the extractor, and its spindle or pivot and socket in their proper
positions, and tighten the set screw which retains the said socket in place..
Close the breech; insert the firing pin into its recess or chamber by acting upon
the trigger, and finally put the key of the firing pin back in its place."
A guiding mark on the shutter serves to indicate the precise direction in which
the firing pin should be inserted into the breech block.
It will be seen that the mechanism may be taken to pieces and fitted together
again while the breech is still open.
In order to disengage the firing pin or bolt, when that is the case, the said pin.
or bolt should be turned 45° to the right, before it is pulled back; and, to replace
it under the same conditions, it should be turned to the left, while it is being
inserted into the recess or chamber provided for its reception, which movement will
cause the spring to be wound up or compressed and therefore requires a certain
effort on the part of the operator; uo such effort being necessary, however, when
the firing pin has to be replaced with the breech closed.
The pitch of the screw, its sectional area, and that of the barrel, the amplitude

page_text: and direction of the rotary motion of the operating handle, and the forms and
dimensions of the several parts, as well as the materials employed in their
construction, may vary according to circumstances or requirements, without
departing from the nature of the invention, and the invention is not limited to any
definite standard in these respects.
Dated this 28th day of January 1896.
JOHNSONS & WILLCOX,
47 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., Agents.
1, HENRI SCHNEIDER of Le Creusôt (Saone et Loire) in the Republic of
France, Engineer, 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 :-
This invention relates to improvements in the breech mechanism of quick firing
ordnance; the improvements more particularly applying to screw fastening devices
with shutters and hinge pins or pivots; and their object being
(1) To enable the opening and closing movements to be performed more quickly
than hitherto ;
(2) To reduce the number of the constituent parts of the mechanism; and
(3) To permit the mechanism to be quickly taken to pieces without the aid of
any tool.
The mechanism comprises but a very small number of simple, strong and well
protected parts, which may with great facility be placed in position and removed
by hand, and the whole arrangement or combination of parts but slightly projects
from the breech end of the gun.
For firing, a peculiar self arming device of an improved construction is provided,
all parts of which device are concealed and protected by the shutter.
The hinge-pin or pivot may be arranged either on the right or on the left hand
side of the gun.
I will describe the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Figure 1 is a vertical longitudinal section of the breech of a quick firing great
gun, constructed in accordance with this invention;
Figure 2 is a elevation of the breech end;
Figure 3 is a side elevation thereof, partly in section ;
Figure 4 is a plan of the arrangement, wherein the breech screw or block, as it
appears after the hinged shutter has been released and turned on one side is
indicated in dotted lines;
Figure 5 is a detail view of the breech block and accessories, being a longitudinal
section thereof drawn to a larger scale,
Figures 6 and 7 shew in side elevation and cross section the firing bolt or pin
retained in position for firing by the trigger mechanism;
Figure 8 is a detached view of the operating crank handle and crank pin.
Figures 9 and 10 are detached views in elevation and plan of the extractor and
its pin or pivot.
Figure 11 is a section of the crank bolt on the line 11-11, Figure 3.
Figures 12 and 13 are detached views shewing the firing bolt in side and end
elevation, illustrating the construction or arrangement of its spiral inclines.
Figures 14 and 15 are similar views of the corresponding inclines on the breech
block, and,

page_text: Figure 16 represents the incline on the sleeve or socket for operating the
extractor.
The mechanism shewn in the drawings comprises the following parts,
A breech screw or block A; a hinged shutter B; a crank handle C, with its pin
or pivot D; a crank bolt E, and its spring; a firing bolt or pin F, its sleeve M
provided with its wings or lugs; its spring N and its point or striker O; a sear G
and its spring P; a trigger H; and an extractor I with its pivot or pin J and
bevelled sleeve or socket K.
The breech screw A is supported by the shutter B to which it is always joined
by means of a screw thread a corresponding to that of the gun barrel. The
threads of the breech screw or block and barrel respectively are interrupted for
four eighth parts of the circumference, as shewn at a Figures 1 2 & 4 so that the
breech block is released from the barrel and the breech opened by turning the
block to the extent of one eighth of a revolution. The shape and dimensions of
the screw-threaded segments and of the recessed segments are such that it is
unnecessary to draw the block back in order to disengage it from the barrel, for
when once the block has been turned and released it is carried along, and out of
the way, by the hinged shutter B. The breech screw or block A is provided in
the rear with a set of teeth or rack as adapted to gear or engage with a corresponding
rack a formed on the pin D of the crank C.
The hinged shutter B is provided with a screw thread corresponding to a² on the
block which serves to retain and guide the said block and also with recesses for
the reception of the pin D of the crank C, of the crank bolt E and of the
trigger H.
The crank C is preferably integral with its pin D; such pin being provided with
the rack a, gearing with the teeth a³ on the breech block A as aforesaid and with
a screw-threaded portion a¹ engaging with the shutter B as a screw engages in
a nut.
By turning the crank handle C in one direction or in the other (as the case
may be) the crank pin D will be caused to either rise or descend within the
shutter; and this movement causes the breech screw or block to turn either in one
or in the other direction. Checking pieces or wedges are provided in order to
limit the extent of rotation of the crank in either direction: while the shutter is
being turned to one side, the crank axle or pin D comes into engagement with the
crank bolt E; it being released again when the breech is closed i.e. when the
end of the said crank bolt E meets the surface A R at the rear of the gun
(Figure 3).
The crank bolt E (Figure 11) surrounds the crank axle D and is provided with
a projecting stud or pin e, adapted at a certain period of the operation, to be
brought by a spring into engagement with a recess e' provided in the said crank
axle or pin D.
The extractor I consists of a species of fork or yoke (Figures 9 and 10) the two
arms of which form clamps or claws adapted to effect the extraction of the cartridge
case, by engaging with it, ahead of the flange, and on a level with the axis thereof
(Figures 1 and 2). By a sharp oscillating movement of the said fork or yoke the
empty cartridge case is first loosened and then driven out. For this purpose, the
extractor is mounted upon a pin or spindle J, provided with a stud or button i upon
which pressure is exercised at the proper time by an incline f on a sleeve or
socket K (Figures 2 and 16) made fast to the hinge pin of the shutter B by means
of a screw nut o.
The firing pin or bolt F situated in the centre of the breech block carries at F
(Figures 1, 5, 12 and 13) two helical and symmetrical inclines which when the
breech is opened, press upon two similar inclines F formed in the breech block
(Figures 14 and 15). An arming or cocking spring N is interposed between the
striker O of the firing bolt and a sleeve M provided with wings, flaps or lugs
which, as it rests within the breech block can take no part in the movements of the
firing bolt. A key R, passing both through the shutter and the firing bolt,

page_text: prevents the latter from turning, while, however, allowing it to shift longitudinally
under the mutual action of the helical inclines, when the breech block is turned
round for the purpose of opening the breech. Thus the cocking spring N is
compressed in consequence of the backward displacement of the firing bolt
or pin.
The sear G (Figures 1, 5, 6 and 7) consisting of a species of ring or eye in which
the firing bolt F is arranged to engage, is situated within a mortice or recess
provided in the breech block, and subjected to the action of an opposing spring P;
such sear resting by means of its tail piece, bent at right angles, upon a trigger
device H capable of oscillating upon the breech block.
The operation of the improved mechanism is as follows:-
In order to open the breech the crank handle C is grasped and turned from right
to left until it can be moved no further.
In performing this movement the axle or pin D of the crank becomes screwed
into the shutter B and the rack teeth a formed on the said axle, by engaging with
the corresponding teeth as formed on the breech screw of block A, will cause the
breech block to be turned round. During this movement the helical inclines F2 on
the block act upon the inclines F' of the firing bolt F, which recedes, and, in so
doing, compresses its spring N. At the termination of the movement, the sear G
catches underneath the rear part or block of the firing bolt and thus retains it in
position for firing (see Figure 6).
When the releasing movement is about to be completed, the crank C meets, or
strikes, the shutter, at d, and carries it round with it, opening the breech until it
meets the barrel of the gun, with its tail piece c. The breech will then be fully
opened as indicated in dotted lines in Figure 4.
When the release of the breech screw is completed and the rotary movement of
the hinged shutter commenced the fastening bolt E, upon being pushed by its
spring, engages with the crank pin or axle D, its stud e entering for the purpose
the recess e provided in the said axle whereby it locks the screw within the shutter.
When the breech screw has been almost wholly removed from the barrel, the
incline of the sleeve or socket K will press upon the button or stud i of the
operating spindle J of the cartridge case extractor, which will, in consequence be
sharply swung round, with the result that the empty cartridge case will be loosened
and instantly ejected in the rearward direction.
In order to close the breech it is only necessary, after the insertion of a fresh
cartridge into the gun barrel, to turn the crank handle C from left to right, until
it is arrested.
The crank will then, at first, carry round with it the complete mechanism since
its pin or axle is still in engagement with the fastening bolt E, but when the
shutter presses upon the rear end of the gun, the said bolt E of the crank axle will
be repelled, so that the crank axle D will be released and consequently it can turn
by itself in the required direction for engaging the breech screw in the barrel and
so closing the breech.
As the sear G is situated within the breech screw or block A, and the trigger H,
within the shutter B, the operation of the one by the other can only take place
when the beak or nose of the sear comes opposite the nose of the trigger. It is
therefore impossible to fire, unless the breech is completely closed. As on the
other hand, the breech-opening movement is not reversible, the breech mechanism
offers every desirable security for a safe and reliable operation.
To take the breech mechanism to pieces (which is done without the employment
of any instrument or tool), the method of operation, in regard to the several parts
of the same, is as follows:-
(1) Firing devices.-The breech being closed, remove the key R of the firing
pin and then draw out the firing pin itself in the backward direction after
turning it 45° to the right,
(2) Extractor.-Open the breech fully and unscrew the set screw o of the
operating sleeve or socket K somewhat, by turning it round backwards say three

page_text: times, withdraw the socket, by sufficiently raising the hinge pin for the purpose,
and take the extractor pin and extractor out of their recess.
(3) Mechanism. Remove the crank C by pressing upon its fastening bolt E
take the said bolt and its spring from the recess wherein they are situated; detach
the screw or block A from the shutter B by turning such block to the right until
its threads are entirely disengaged from the retaining threads of the shutter (which
takes, say, five revolutions and a half).
When the block has thus been completely removed from the shutter, the sear
and spring will become disengaged of their own accord, then remove the pin from
the hinge and release the trigger.
When it is desired to fit the parts together again, this is effected by simply
reversing the operations just described :-
Insert the shutter between the ears or flaps of the hinge; then put in place the
hinge-pin.
Insert the spring of the bolt E of the crank axle or pin into the shutter; also-
the bolt itself and the trigger H; then fit the sear spring and the sear G itself to
the block.
Screw the breech block right home, into the shutter taking care to place a finger
upon the nose of the sear G so as to assist its engagement with the retaining screw
thread of the shutter; then insert the crank pin D into the shutter and throw the
racks into gear by pressing upon the bolt E.
Replace the extractor I, and its spindle or pivot J and socket K in their proper
positions, and tighten the set screw o which retains the said socket in place.
Close the breech; insert the firing pin F into its recess or chamber by acting
upon the trigger H, and finally put the key R of the firing pin F back in its place.
A guiding mark on the shutter B serves to indicate the precise direction in
which the firing pin should be inserted into the breech block.
The firing mechanism may be taken to pieces and fitted together again while the
breech is still open. In order to disengage the firing pin or bolt, when that is the
case, the said pin or bolt should be turned 45°, to the right, before it is pulled
back; and, to replace it under the same conditions, it should be turned to the left,
while it is being inserted into the recess or chamber provided for its reception;.
which movement will cause the spring to be wound up or compressed and therefore
requires a certain effort on the part of the operator; no such effort being necessary,
however, when the firing pin has to be replaced with the breech closed.
The pitch of the thread in the breech block, its division into segments, and that
of the barrel, the amplitude and direction of the rotary motion of the operating
handle, and the forms and dimensions of the several parts, as well as the materials
employed in their construction, may vary according to circumstances or require--
ments, without departing from the nature of the invention, and the inventor is not
limited to any definite standard in these respects.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is:-
1. In breech loading ordnance, breech-closing mechanism, comprising: a breech
screw or block: A with interrupted screw-threads; a hinged shutter B and a
crank-handle C, the pin or axle D of which is fitted with a rack which serves to
form the gearing requisite for releasing the breech block; all arranged and
operating in such a manner that the opening and closing of the breech are effected
by a continuous rotary movement of the crank handle C; the parts of the
mechanism being arranged so as to be connected or disconnected by band without
the employment of any tool substantially as described.
2. In breech closing mechanism, as claimed in the preceding claim, the following
features:-
(a) The connection between the pin or axle D of the crank C and the breech

page_text: screw or block A, formed through the medium of a rack integral with the
said block and of projections arranged in the form of the teeth of a rack
upon the said crank axle or pin D, for the purpose of releasing the breech
block during the initial period of the rotary movement of the crank-handle,
and
(b) The spring bolt E engaging with the pin D of the crank C, after the release
of the breech block, in such a manner as to arrest or lock in position the
said block in its support, while the latter is being turned, all substantially
as described.
3. In breech loading ordnance, the combination of the breech-closing
mechanism, as claimed in Claim one, with a cartridge-case extractor consisting of
a fork or yoke 1 the arms of which seize the flange of the cartridge case, and the
oscillating pin or pivot of which is externally fitted with a lever engaging with an
incline or helical cam-surface, such as f, forming part of a socket or sleeve K
integral with the hinge-pin; all arranged and operating substantially as and for the
purpose described.
4. In breech loading ordnance, the combination of the breech-closing mechanism,
as claimed in Claim one, with a firing device consisting of a pin, bolt, or rod F, a
sleeve M with flaps or lugs, passed onto the said rod and adapted to compress the
spring N of the said rod, a sear G, and a trigger-device H; all arranged and
operating substantially as and for the purposes described.
5. In breech loading ordnance, the complete breech-closing mechanism substan-
tially as hereinbefore described and shewn in the accompanying drawings; such
méchanism permitting not only of the breech being opened or closed by a continuous
rotary movement of the operating crank handle but also of the cartridge case,
after firing, being loosened and ejected, and the firing pin being brought to the
proper position for firing, as specified.
Dated this 28th day of October 1896.
JOHNSONS & WILLCOX,
47 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., Agents.