Improvements in Breech-loading Ordnance.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 22nd Apr., 1890-Accepted, 21st June, 1890
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Breech-loading Ordnance.
I. ANTHONY VICTORIN, of 143 First Street, Troy, Rensselaer County, New York,
United States of America, Constructing 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 :-
My invention pertains to that class of ordnance, or cannon, having a breech-plug...
which is provided with an interrupted screw thread, and which when withdrawn from
the gun, swings laterally upon a hinged support or so-called console, thus leaving the
breech free for insertion of the charge.
My invention comprises (1) an independent, removable, annular breech-plate or
housing which carries, as well as covers and protects the breech-mechanism proper;
(2) improved means for rotating the breech-block and locking the crank handle by
which such operation is effected; (3) an improved construction of the rotatable
translating roller, or cylinder by which the breech-block is forced into and with-
drawn from the breech, the same being provided with two intersecting spiral grooves,
instead of a single groove, as heretofore, whereby an important advantage is obtained;
(4) an improved automatic means for locking and releasing the pivoted latch that
secures the swinging breech-block carrier or console closed, as required for firing;
and (5) an improved automatic cover or guard for the vent, that prevents premature
insertion of the primer.
Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings forming part of this
specification, in which
Fig. 1 (sheet 1) is a face view of the apparatus, as applied to a piece of ordnance,
the movable parts being in position for firing.
Fig. 2 (sheet 2) is a face view of the breech-plate or housing detached.
Fig. 3 (sheet 2) is a central, vertical, transverse section of said housing, on line 3-3,
fig. 2.
Fig. 4 (sheet 3) is a central, vertical, longitudinal section on line 4-4,. fig. 1,
showing the entire breech of the gun.
Fig. 5 (sheet 4) is a central, horizontal section on line 5-5, fig. 1.
Fig. 6 (sheet 5) is mainly a longitudinal or side elevation-part being in section;
showing the breech-block withdrawn from the bore.
Fig. 7 (sheet 6) is a diagonal, longitudinal section, on the line 7-7, fig. 1, the
breech-block being shown in the position required for firing.
Figs. 8 and 9 (sheet 7) are-detail face views, part being broken away, showing the
different positions of the vent cover.
Figs. 10 and 11 (sheet 8) are respectively a face view and cross section of one..
form of the toothed ring for rotating the breech-block.
Figs. 12 and 13 (sheet 8) are similar views of an alternative form of such ring.
Fig. 14 (sheet 9) is a face view corresponding to fig. 1, save that it shows an
alternative means for operating the breech-block ring and double-threaded roller.
Fig. 15 (sheet 10) is a central, longitudinal section, on line 15-15, fig. 14.
Figs. 16 and 17 (sheet 11) are detail views, partly face and partly sectional,
showing multiple gearing for operating the breech-block, and the two positions of.
the vent cover.
Fig. 18 (sheet 3). is a detail section showing the locking bolt applied to the
crank that operates the breech-block ring.
Figs. 19 and 20 (sheet 3) show such locking bolt and connected parts.
Fig. 21 (sheet 5) is a plan view of the lever latch for locking the console.
Fig. 22 (sheet 6) is an end view of the breech-block stud that works in a groove of
the sonalo valle

page_text: Fig. 23 (sheet 10) includes a plan and end view of the spline rod used as an
alternative means for operating the double-threaded roller.
I will first briefly indicate the chief parts of the entire invention or apparatus,
referring particularly to figures 1 and 4. The letter, A, indicates the annular breech
plate, or housing, attached to the breech of the gun; B, the toothed ring; F, the
pinion, and N, the crank for rotating the screw block C; M, the bolt for locking said
crank, and O, a wing nut for turning such locking bolt; E, the lever latch; for
securing the console D in the closed position, and L, the bolt for locking the catch in
engagement; G, the double-threaded roller or cylinder, for translating the breech-
block I, a hand crank for rotating such roller; and Q, the automatic cover or
guard for the vent.
:
The breech plate or housing, A, (figs. 2, 3, 4 and 5), is annular in form, and has
the same or slightly less diameter than the breech of the gun, to which it is removably
attached by screws (or other suitable means). The inner side of said plate, or
housing, A, is provided with suitable recesses and bores for receiving various parts of
the breech mechanism proper, namely, the geared ring, B, that rotates the breech-
block, also a pinion or multiple gearing (as the case may be) that turns said ring. It
is also provided with exterior recesses and oil holes and is otherwise suitably constructed
for attachment of the hinged console, D, and for engagement of the pivoted latch
lever, E, that locks the console closed."
The following advantages result from the use of this breech plate or housing:-It
avoids the necessity of cutting away and the consequent weakening of the breech
portion of the gun, which would be required if the breech mechanism were attached
directly to the gun. The time required for making the gun is reduced, since the
parts of the breech-mechanism are assembled on the housing instead of being applied
to the gun itself, and are thus held in readiness for attachment to the body of the gun
when the latter is prepared for their reception. In shipping the gun, however, the
breech mechanism may remain assembled with the gun, it being necessary to detach
only the breech-block and console. The housing serves as a means for attaching the
console and gearing of the breech mechanism to the body of the gun, the whole
mechanism being encased or housed, so that it is protected from dust, sand, &c., as
well as from injury by contact with external objects, and always kept well oiled.
Furthermore, the housing enables the breech mechanism to be conveniently detached
from the body of the gun, for the purpose of repair, or for transfer to another gun of
the same type and calibre.
The breech-block, A, requires to be rotated a part (in this case one-sixth) of a
revolution, to lock or unlock its screw-thread. For this purpose, I employ the ring, B,
and gearing connected therewith. The ring, B, may have two different forms, and
the gearing will vary correspondingly. In figs. 10 and 11, the ring, B, is shown
constructed with a toothed sector or radial extension, a, whose length is about half the
diameter of the ring proper. In such cases, a pinion, F, (figs. 1, 4, 8 and 9) gears
with the sector, a, and is keyed on a short crank shaft, b, which is held and adapted
to rotate in suitable bearings arranged in the upper portion of the breech-plate or
housing, perpendicular to the face of the latter. By rotating said crank shaft, b, the
pinion, F, turns the ring, B, in its annular seat, which is a bronze ring, c, held in a
suitable recess in the housing, A; and it also rotates the breech-block, C. The
required connection between the ring, B, and breech-block, C, is effected by the
internal segmental lug, d, or inward projection of the ring, which has such length and
radial width as adapt it to fit with tolerable accuracy, yet permit it to slide freely in,
one of the several broad, lengthwise grooves, e, that separate the screw segments el
of the breech-block. Thus the latter is compelled to rotate with the ring, B, which
is fixed as to other movement-but it is left unhindered as to the lengthwise move-
ment required to insert it in, or withdraw it from, the breech. In the alternative
form of the ring, B, shown in figs. 12, 13, 16, and 17, the before-described sector is
dispensed with, and a toothed segment, a¹, is formed directly on the body of the ring.
A multiple gearing, consisting of a small spur wheel, F, and a relatively larger
one, F is interposed between this segment, a', and the pinion, F, on the crank
!

page_text: shaft, b. Both are keyed on the same axis, f, which has suitable bearings in the
housing, A, and the smaller wheel, F, meshes with the segment, a', and the larger, F",
with the crank pinion, F. This last described mechanism, namely, the segment
ring, B, and the multiple gearing, are more particularly adapted for guns of the
largest calibre, whose breech blocks, owing to their diameter and weight, necessarily
require more power to rotate them.
In place of imparting the required longitudinal translating movement to the
breech block, C, by means of a rotating roller, or cylinder, having a single exterior
screw thread or groove, I employ a roller, G, (figs. 14 and 6) which is provided with
two such threads or grooves, g, h, one right-hand and the other left, which intersect
each other as shown. The shallower thread, or groove, g, has a uniform pitch, and
receives a corresponding thread or rib, g', formed on the interior of the slotted,
tubular casing, or box, with which the console, D, is provided to contain the said
roller. The other groove, h, is deeper, and receives the free end of a downwardly-
bent stud, H, rigidly attached to the rear end of the breech-block, C. For rotating
the double-threaded roller, G, a hand crank, I, may be affixed to its outer end as
shown; but may employ an alternative means which will be presently described.
The aforesaid stud, H, is moved into and out of the groove, h, in consequence of the
initial or final rotary motion of the breech-block, C, in locking or unlocking.
Assuming the breech-block, C, to be in the bore of the gun, and to have been
unlocked from the screw segments of the latter by means of the toothed ring, B, and
its connected gearing, as before described, the stud, H, will then be engaged with the
thread, h, of the roller, G, as shown in fig. 6, and, upon rotating the latter (by means
of its crank, 1), the breech-block, C, will be drawn out of the gun, since the roller will
withdraw from the console, D, and the stud, H. be caused to travel simultaneously
through a number of the turns or revolutions of the thread, h, (whose number will be
equal to the rotations of the roller), and also along the straight, open slot, k, (fig. 5),
formed in the upper side of the console box or casing. In this operation, the effect
of the two threads or spiral grooves, g, h, of the roller, G, in the matter of rapidity
of effective movement of the breech-block, C, is such, that a very short roller may be
employed in place of the long one which would be otherwise necessary to do the
same work in the same time. The importance of thus practically lessening the
maximum length of the complete gun is obvious. The groove, h, for the stud, HI,
may have a uniform pitch, or the pitch may be gradually increased from the outer to
the inner end of the roller, for the purpose of enabling the translation of the breech-
block to be effected with an accelerating speed. By reference to figs. 4 and 15, it
will be seen the first turn of the thread, h, is not uniform with the others, but that its
pitch gradually lessens and the thread is finally slightly reversed in direction. This
obviously increases the leverage of the screw thread on the stud, H, in the initial
movement of the breech-block in withdrawal, so that a much greater force may be
applied at that time to overcome any resistance that may occur by reason of the gas
check sticking to the bore. When I dispense with a crank, I, I employ gearing to
rotate the translating roller, G. In figs. 14 and 15, I show a pinion, J, arranged in a
suitable recess in the face of the housing, A, in alignment with the roller, G, and
provided with a square, axial aperture, or socket, to receive the squared end of a
spline rod, K, that extends axially through the bored roiler, G. A suitable arrange-
ment of gears serves to transmit rotation to the said pinion, and thereby to the spline
rod, K, and roller, G, thus accomplishing the translation of the breech-block as before
described. A circular collar, l, is fixed on the spline rod, K, and abuts a shoulder
(fig. 15) on the console, D, thus preventing any longitudinal movement of the spline
rod, so that it remains with the console when the latter is swung away from the bore
of the gun, and re-enters the socket of pinion, J, when the console, D, returns to its
former position. This means of operating the roller, G, is most to be preferred when
unusual power is required to effect the desired movement, as in the case of guns of
the largest calibre.
The console, D, is locked closed, or in the position required for firing the gun-as
in fig. 4by the hooked lever latch, E, which is pivotted to the under side of the

page_text: console. Its hook is turned upward, and engages a shoulder m on the breech-plate, A.
Such hooked end is also made heavier than the other, but the latter is pressed down
by the spring-actuated bolt, L, thus engaging the book automatically with the breech-
plate. To hold the latch locked or engaged with the breech-plate until the console
is ready to be swung away from the bere, I employ the afore-mentioned, sliding,
spring-actuated bolt, L, which is arranged vertically in a suitable bore, n, in the under
side of the console. Its reduced stem is normally in contact with the roller, G, and
its enlarged head bears on the lever latch (Figures 4 and 15). The spiral spring, o,
encircles the reduced stem of the bolt, and tends to press the bolt downward, so that
its head rests on the outer arm of the latch. It will now be seen, that when the
breech-block is in the gun, and the roller, G, consequently lies wholly in the box, or
casing, of the console, D, the said bolt, L, is held down (fig. 4) so that the latch, E,
is locked rigidly and positively, thus preventing its disengagement by the shock of
firing, or other causes, and consequently obviating all danger that would thence arise.
But, as shown in Fig. 6, when the translating roller, G, is withdrawn from its
casing, the locking bolt, L, being no longer held down by the roller, the rear end of
the latch may either be pulled up manually, or the lever allowed to disengage
automatically, in consequence of the location of its pivot below the level of the hook,
and due adjustment of the tension of the spring relative to the weighted end of the
latch E. The slight shock caused by a stop of the breech-block coming in contact
with the console at the end of the longitudinal travel of the breech block in pulling
it out of the gun, causes the lever latch, E, to tilt and force the bolt, L, upward, as
shown in Fig. 6. Thus the latch is both unlocked and disengaged either manually
or automatically, from the housing, so that the console, D, may be swung outward,
carrying the breech-block out of the way of the bore. When the console is swung
back to the firing position, the latch, E, is immediately tilted automatically by sliding
with the back of its hook on the curved front of the catch on the breech-plate, till
the hook of the latch enters the recess in the breech-plate, and is immediately
forced up by the action of the spring-actuated bolt, L, and thus brought into engage-
ment with the catch, m, of said breech-plate. The roller, G, may then be rotated to
carry it inward over the bolt and thus lock the latter and thereby the lever, also,
securely in place.
It is obviously necessary and important that the crank for operating the pinion. F,
(or the multiple gearing, F, F"), shall be locked immovably during the operation of
loading, when the breech is open, since premature turning of the crank might result
in such damage to the breech mechanism as to disable the gun. For this purpose 1
employ the means illustrated in figs. 18, 19, and 20. The chief element is a spring-
pressed sliding bolt, M, having its shouldered head, p, bevelled and adapted to enter
either of the two sockets, gr, (figs. 1, 2 and 4) formed in the housing, as will be
presently further explained. The bolt, M, works transversely through the crank
handle, N, and locks.it in vertical position (figs. 1 and 4), as required for firing, or, in
the horizontal position (figs. 1 and 6), which it invariably assumes when the breech
block has been rotated far enough to unlock its screw. The bolt head, p, is cylindrical
and works in a corresponding bore in the handle, N, while its stem works in a cup or
thimble-shaped guide, u, (figs. 18 and 19), which is threaded exteriorly and screwed
into the socket forming the enlarged outer portion of the aforesaid bore in the
crank, N. A wing nut, O, is fixed on the outer end of the bolt, M, and a spiral
spring, w, encircles its stem, within the cup-shaped guide, u. A loose washer, æ,
interposed between the spring w, and the flanged head, p, of the bolt, M, to relieve
unduo friction. The outer end of the spring, w, presses against the head of the bolt
guide, . The flange, y, of the bolt head bears, normally, against the shoulder of
the bore, in which the cylindrical head, p, works. The inner end of the wing nut, O,
is constructed with radial, diametrically-opposite projections, -, that aro bevelled
or knife-edged, (fig. 20), and constitute bearings, or contact points, that rest normally
in correspondingly arranged recesses or notches, 1-2, formed in the head of the
bolt guide, u. It is intended that the sides of these radial notches, 21, shall be
sufficiently inclined or bevelled to allow the said projections, z, of the wing nut, O, to
is

page_text: ride up them, and thus be forced out of the notches, ¹, by the manual application of
a moderate, tractive and torsional force to the handle portion of the nut. In other
words, the bolt, M, may be retracted against the tension of the spring, w, and rotated
by pulling on the wing nut, O, and also turning it so that its contact points,, are
forced laterally out of the notches, ¹. This movement of the bolt, M, locks and
unlocks the handle, N, in the following manner :-One portion-say half-of the end
of the bolt head, p, is right-angular, or perpendicular to its axis, while the other
portion is inclined thereto, or bevelled at an obtuse angle-see figs. 18 and 19. The
head fits easily in the shallow sockets, q, in the housing, A, but enters them only
to about the depth of the bevelled, or cut-away portion. Consequently, it requires but
a moderate force to cause the bevelled side of the holt head, p, to ride up and over the
edge of either socket, q or r, and thus free the head, p, from the socket altogether.
Assuming now that the breech is closed and the crank, N, is in the vertical position,
and the locking bolt, M, engaged in the socket, 7, behind the crank, then, if the
right-angled side or edge of the bolt head, p, is toward the left, as shown in Fig. 4,
it will be seen that the crank is locked or held from movement to the left. But if the
wing nut, O, be pulled and turned half round, as before explained, the bolt head, p,
will be reversed in position, so that its right and obtuse-angled sides change places,
then the bolt head may be readily forced from the socket, and the crank, N, rotated
(to the left) as many times as required to unlock the breech-block. In this operation
the bolt head, p, drops into the recesses, 7 and, successively, at each rotation, but
without locking the crank, N, because the bevelled side of the bolt head, p, is in the
direction of the motion. But when such movement of the crank, N, is completed,
the bolt head, p. enters the upper socket, r, and secures the crank, N, in horizontal
position, (fig. 6), and also locks it against reversal, or movement to the right, since
the right-angled side of the bolt head, p, is then turned in the direction in which
the movement must be made. Hence, the bolt, M, must be reversed, or turned half
way round, preliminary to initiating the rotation of the crank, N, for the purpose of
again locking the breech-block. It will therefore be perceived, that a reversal of
rotation of the crank always calls for the preliminary reversal of the bolt to unlock
the crank; and also, that the bolt itself is held from accidental rotation by means of
the engaged bearings or knife-edges and the notches in the bolt guide.
In firing the gun, a primer is inserteil in the vent, or axial bore of the stem of the
"mushroom" breech plug, P, and to prevent this being done prematurely and avoid
the danger that would thereby result, I employ an automatic cover or guard, Q, for
the vent, which, as shown in figs 8 and 9, is in the nature of a lever. It is an
oblong plate or flat bar (it may, however, have different forms), pivoted in the upper
third of its length, in a recess in the rear end of the breech-block,.C, and swinging
free on its pivot. The longer pendant arm, c', of said cover swings over and conceals
the vent at all times save when the breech-block, (), is in position for firing, and then
it is automatically moved laterally and held out of the way, until the breech-block is
again rotated to unlock it. This movement of the vent cover, Q, is caused by
engagement of the upper end of its shorter arm, cl, with a shouldered groove, d³,
(figs. 7, 8 and 9) formed at the lower inner edge of the upper portion of the annular
breech plate, A. The groove, d', is an are of a circle whose radius is the length of
the vent cover, Q, and the upper edge of the upper arm of the latter is constructed
on the same curve as the groove, so as to work in easy contact with the bottom of the
latter, when moving along it. It may here be noted, that the groove, d', is shown
located at different points on the circle of the bore of the gun, in figs. 14, 16 and 17,
in order to accommodate the particular gearing used for actuating the toothed
ring, B. By the construction and arrangement in either case, as above described,
and the consequent contact of the conforming curvatures of the groove and upper
arm of the vent cover, the latter is held in radial position (as in figs. 9 and 17) when
the breech-block, C, is making its final or locking turn; and, in such position the
cover effectually guards the vent. The length of the groove, d', is, however, so
proportioned to the arc through which the breech-block moves, that, at the instant the
latter completes its rotary closing movement, the "horn or slight projection of the

page_text: upper right-hand corner of the vent cover (figs. 9 and 16), comes in contact with the
shoulder, e, forming the right hand end of the groove, d', and thereby the cover, Q,
is swung laterally and uncovers the vent, as shown in figs. 8 and 16. The bottom of
the groove, d, is slightly recessed at the right hand end to accommodate the aforesaid
"horn" when the cover, Q, is thus thrown out of the guard position. The side of
the groove, d, is also cut away at its outer end, as shown (figs. 8 and 16), to allow
the upper arm, c", of the vent cover to pass in and out, when the breech-block is
being translated.
The order of operation of the parts is as follows:-Assuming the breech-block to be
locked in the bore of the gun, the first step is to turn the wing nut, O, to reverse the
position of the locking bolt, M, and the next step is the rotation of the crank, N, to
the left (see arrow, figs. 1 and 14), by which the pinion, F, turns the ring, B, and
rotates the breech-block, one-sixth of a revolution, so that its screw segments are
unlocked from those of the bore. During the above operation, the cover, Q, is
automatically moved over the vent. The third step is the rotation of the roller, G, by
means of crank I, thus withdrawing the breech-block from the bore, and bringing it
onto the console, as represented in fig. 6. During this translating movement, the
lever catch L, is automatically released and thus unlocks the console. The fourth
and last step is to swing the console laterally to completely open the breech, for
insertion of the charge; which being done, the above-described order of operation is
reversed, the console, D, being swung back and the latch, E, manually engaged with
the shoulder of the breech-plate as shown in fig. 4; then the roller, G, is rotated (to
the left) to carry the breech-block into the bore, when the bolt, M, is reversed to
unlock the crank, N, which is next rotated to the right, thus rotating the breech-
block and finally locking it in the bore, when the crank itself will be locked by said
bolt, M, in the vertical position, as shown in figs. 1, 4 14 and 15. In such locking
movement of the breech-block, the cover, Q, automatically uncovers the vent, and the
gun is ready for firing.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said Inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is
F
1. The independent, removable, annular breech-block or housing, for breech-loading
ordnance, the same having an inner recess and a transverse bore, respectively adapted
to receive the pinion and geared ring, for operating the breech-block, and the shaft
of the pinion that engages said ring, substantially as shown and described.
2. The combination with a breech-loading gun, or cannon, of the removable annular
breech-plate or housing, having transverse bores to receive fastening screws and a
pinion shaft, and provided with inner recesses for the breech-block ring, and the
gearing that operates it, also with exterior recesses for reception and engagement
of a crank lock and the console latch, respectively, substantially as shown and
described.
3. The ring for rotating the breech-block, the same having a toothed, exterior,
peripheral section, for meshing with suitable operating gearing, and an interior lug
for sliding engagement with a longitudinal groove in the breech-block, as shown and
described.
4. The combination with the body of the gun, having a breech provided with an
interrupted screw, the rotatable breech-block having a corresponding interrupted
screw, of the rotatable ring held and guided in its reciprocating movement as
specified, and having a toothed peripheral section, and interior lug; gearing adopted
to mesh with such toothed section, and means for operating said gearing, substantially
as shown and described.
5. The combination with the annular breech-plate or housing secured to the
body of the gun and the latter having its bore provided with separated screw
segments, and the rotatable breech-block baving exterior screw segments and
intervening grooves or vacant spaces, of the rotatable ring held in a recess in
the housing, gearing which is also attached to the housing, and a rotatable shaft

page_text: and crank arranged as shown and described, for rotating together the gearing,
ring and breech-block, as set forth.
6. The combination, with the breech-bored body of the gun, having an interior
interrupted screw, the breech-block having a corresponding, interrupted, exterior
screw, and the recessed and bored housing secured to the breech, of the ring, B,
fitted and adapted to reciprocate circularly in the housing, and provided with the
peripherally-toothed sector, a; the pinion, F, engaging said sector, and the shaft
of said pinion projecting through the outer face of the housing, and the crank, N,
applied thereto, as shown and described.
7. The combination with a breech-loading gun having breech sockets, a rotatable
crank, and suitable connecting mechanism for rotating a breech-block, of the
spring-pressed locking bolt attached to said crank and having a bevelled head and
a suitable handle, and adapted to turn and slide, for engaging with and disengaging
from the breech of the gun, as set forth.
8. The combination, with the housing, having exterior sockets, q and r; the
rotatable screw breech-block; a toothed ring which engages it as specified; gearing,
for rotating said ring; the crank shaft; and a crank, having a transverse bore or
perforation, of a locking bolt, held and working in said bore of the crank and adapted
to detachably engage the said sockets, as shown and described.
9. The combination of the rotatable, spring-pressed, crank-locking bolt, having its
head bevelled as specified, and a suitable handle for turning it, with the breech-plate
having sockets for receiving said bolt head; the crank to which the bolt is applied,
and the rotatable gearing, toothed ring, and breech-block, all as shown and
described.
10. The combination with a breech-loading gun, having breech-sockets, a crank for
rotating the breech-block, and the spring-pressed, crank-locking bolt arranged in a
suitable bore of the crank, which is provided with notches or sockets contiguously
arranged, of a wing nut or handle fixed on the outer end of said bolt, and having
bevelled bearings or contact points, as shown and described, for the purposes
specified.
11. The combination of the wing nut, or handle, having bevelled, or knife-edged
bearings, with the rotatable, sliding spring-pressed bolt having a portion of the face or
end, of its head bevelled as described; the crank having corresponding notches located
around the bore wherein the bolt is fitted, and having bevelled or inclined sides, to
permit the described engagement and disengagement of the said bearings; the breech
of the gun provided with sockets to receive the aforesaid bolt; the rotatable breech-
block and means for operatively connecting it with said crank, substantially as
shown and described.
12. The cup-shaped and axially-bored bolt guide, having shallow radial notches in
its face; the crank having a transverse bore in which such guide is secured; the bolt
fitted to slide and rotate in the guide, and having an enlarged, bevelled head; a spiral
spring which encircles the bolt stem within the guide, and the wing nut having
bevelled bearings; in combination with the gun having breech sockets; the rotatable
breech-block; and means for operatively connecting it with the said crank ;
stantially as shown and described.
sub-
13. The combination, with a breech-bored gun, a breech-block adapted to slide
therein, and a hinged console having a longitudinally-slotted, screw-threaded box or
casing, of the translating roller or cylinder, arranged in said casing, and having two
intersecting spiral grooves, one for engagement with a projection of the breech-block,
and the other with the thread of the console casing; and means for rotating said
roller; substantially as shown and described.
14. The combination of the roller, having two intersecting spiral grooves, one of
which has a decreased pitch at its inner end, with the threaded console box, the
breech-block having the stud for engaging the groove having such differential
pitch, and the breech-bored body of the gun, substantially as shown and described,
for the purpose specified.

page_text: 15. The combination with the body of the breech-loading gun, and the swinging
console, or breech-block carrier, of the pivoted lever, latch and a locking-bolt, suitably
attached to the console, and adapted to engage the latch, for holding it normally
engaged with the breech of the gun, substantially as shown and described.
16. The combination of a pivoted console latch and a sliding bolt for locking it,
with the swinging console, the sliding breech-block, and a translating roller, having
end wise movement, whereby it is adapted to co-operato with the latch and roller,
as shown and described.
17. The combination of the pivoted and hooked lever, console latch and the spring-
actuated sliding bolt for locking it, with the swinging console, and the spirally-
grooved translating roller adapted for rotating and end wise movement, the said bolt
being normally in contact with the roller and the outer arm of the latch, whereby it
is adapted to hold the latter locked or to automatically release it, according to
the position of the roller and the breech-block, for firing or loading the gun, as
set forth.
18. The combination of the pivoted vent cover, swinging at right angles to the
axis, of the gun, with the rotating breech-block to the rear end of which it is attached,
and a contact or abutting shoulder on the gun breech, substantially as specified.
19. The combination with the rotary breech-block and the gun breech having a
groove and terminating shoulder or abutment, of the swinging vent cover pivoted
to the rear end of said breech-block and having the end of its upper arm constructed
on the same curvature as said groove, substantially as shown and described, for the
purpose specified.
20. The combination of the vent cover with the rotary breech-block to whose rear
end.it is pivotally attached, and the gun breech, having a groove to receive, and a
terminating shoulder to engage, the upper arm of the vent cover, as shown and
described, whereby the latter is adapted to operate automatically for guarding and
uncovering the vent according to the position of the breech-block, as specified.
21. The combination, with the rotary breech-block. and the gun breech having au
are groove with terminal shoulder, and depression located contiguously, of the
pivoted, swinging vent cover, pivoted to the rear end of said breech-block, and
whose upper arin conforms to the curvature of said groove and works in contact with
the bottom thereof, and is also provided with a "horn" or projecting corner portion
adapted for engagement with said shoulder and to enter said depression, as shown
and described.
22. The combination, with the rotary breech-block and the gun breech having an
arc.groove with notched or cut-away portion at one end, of the swinging vent cover
pivoted to the rear end of said breech-block, and whose upper arm conforms to and
works in said groove and is adapted to pass through the said notch, as shown and
described.
23. The combination with the rotary breech-block, of the swinging vent cover
pivoted to the rear end of the former, the crank and gearing, and the bolt for holding
said crank locked; the gun breech having a shoulder which the vent cover engages
when the crank has been rotated to the locking position, preparatory to firing, sub-
stantially as shown and described.
24. The combination with the grooved and shouldered gun breech, of the pivoted
swinging vent cover; the screw breech-block having rotary and endwise movement
the means for rotating and locking the breech-block, and the spirally-grooved roller
for translating the same; the console latch and its locking bolt; the crank and
gearing for rotating the breech-block; and the bolt for locking said crank; all as
shown and described.
Dated this 22nd day of April 1890.
A. VICTORIN.
By A. M. & Wm. .Clark,
53, Chancery Lane, London, Patent Agent.