GB190105792A - Improvements in and relating to Breech Loading and Discharge Actuated Guns. - Google Patents

Abstract

5792. McClean, S. N. March 19. Ordnance breech mechanism; field carriages.-Fig. 1 shows the gun and its carriage in side elevation, Fig. 2 the recoil apparatus in sectional elevation, Fig. 10 the breech-screw, Fig. 12 the breech and breechscrew carrier from which the breech-screw has been removed, and Fig. 15 the breech-screw mounted in its carrier. The recoil of the gun 1 in its cradle 3 carries back the cylinder 11, while at the same time the powder gases expand into the chamber 17, and carry the sleeve 16, rod 15, and piston 14 forward, thus compressing the air in the front end of the cylinder. The efficiency of the chamber 17 is increased by two hinged valves which automatically close the opening 18 as soon as the projectile has passed out. The return of the gun and chamber 17 to their original position is effected by the expansion of the air in the front end of the cylinder 11, the piston 14, during its rearward movement, compressing air in the rear end of the cylinder. This compressed air is connected by pipes 48, 49 to the elevating and training gear 4, 5, and by pipes 42, 43 to the ports 40, 41 of the breech-screw carrier 34. The breech-screw 25 is a continuously-threaded cone, and is carried by a screw 27 in the carrier 34, where it is rotated in either direction by compressed air from the ports 40, 41, the controlling-valve 44 to which may be arranged to be automatically operated by a latch 47 on the gun cradle 3. The hammer 54 is engaged by a sliding sear 55, which is operated by the trigger 56. In a modification, the sear is pivoted. A hand-wheel 58, Fig. 1, is carried on the breechscrew for opening and closing the breech by hand.