GB141128A - Improvements in cartridge feeding-mechanism for automatic or semi-automatic firearms - Google Patents

Abstract

141,128. Fairfax, H. W. Gabbett-. fan 7, 1919. Machine guns; cartridge belts, hoppers, and the like. - Relates to cartridge-feed mechanism for automatic and semi-automatic guns, and consists in the combination with a magazine enclosing an endless chain of carriers mounted to rotate on drums, driven by the reciprocating breech mechanism, of a device for feeding cartridges thereinto from a belt as this is drawn through said device, the action being independent of the number or spacing of any cartridges already in the magazine. In the form shown in Figs. 1 and 3, a magazine of metal, leather, celluloid, or other material encloses a chain A, B of carriers rotatable on drums C, D, the drum C having a rearward extension carrying a drum G formed with a series of cam-slots H engaged by a projection X on the breech-bolt, so that as this reciprocates the carrier A, B is driven to aline the cartridges successively with the barrel. Rotatably mounted on brackets L pivoted externally at M, Fig. 5, on the end-walls of the magazine is a feed-drum J round which a belt of cartridges is adapted to be pulled. Normally, the brackets L are swung down so that this feed device rests in a housing U<1> closed by a flap U. When turned up, an idle wheel P mounted on the rear bracket L and driven by a wheel 0 on the spindle K of the drum J engages a wheel F on the spindle of the drum C, and a tooth Q on the bracket depresses a rod R and opens the cover S of the feed-opening against the action of a spring T. If now the belt be pulled over the drum J in the direction of the arrow, the carrier AB will be rotated, and the cartridges will be lifted from the belt and fed in succession to the carrier by the action of a spring- actuated comb V turning on pivots mounted in the end-walls of the magazine. When a cartridge already in the carrier A, B strikes the heel V<1> of the comb, this is displaced away from the belt so that the corresponding cartridge in the belt is not fed into the magazine. A modification of the external feed device is described having two belt drums, one rotatably mounted on a fixed bracket and the other rotatable relatively thereto, the movement of the latter into its operative position being adapted to uncover the feed aperture of the magazine. A comb is provided for the feed operation, but the drive 0, P is replaced by a ratchetmechanism adapted to be driven by a spring-controlled pivoted arm which is rotated intermittently by the cartridges in the belt as they approach the feed aperture. Specification 128,354 is referred to.