US1709496A

US1709496A - Air gun

Info

Publication number: US1709496A
Authority: US
Inventors: Smyth Charles
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1926-03-22
Filing date: 1926-03-22
Publication date: 1929-04-16
Anticipated expiration: 1946-04-16

Description

C. SMYTH April 16, 1929.

AIR GUN` Filed nai-ch 22, 1926 -5 sheets-sheet.

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C. SMYTH AIR GUN w n 5 m s M @d m 5 l April 1e, 1929.

c. sMYTH AIR GUN Filed Iarch 22, 1926 5 Sheets-Sheet CHARLES 5MY7'H.

April 16, 192.9. C, SMYTH 1,?09,496

AIR GUN Filed March 22, 1926 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 CHARLES 5M Y TH.

Strom/w13 April 1s, 1929. C.' SMYTH AIR GUN Filed March 22, 1926 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Fi gl- CHA/n E5 5M YTH,

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Patented Apr. 16, 1929.

CHARLES SMYTH, 0F DAYTON, OHIO.

AIB GUN.

Application led March 22` 1926. Serial No. 96,511.

This invention relates to an air. gun and more particularly to an air gun designed for target shooting purposes .at amusement re sorts and similar places.

One object of the invention is to provide such an air gun which in appearance and manipulation will simulate an artillery rifle, or cannon, and which will discharge a projectile with suiiicient force to cause the same to travel with reasonable accuracy a distance suflicient for target shooting purposes.

A further object of the invention 1s to provide such a gun in which the source of power for discharging the projectile will not be readily apparent, thus imparting to the gun an atmosphere of mystery which adds to its interest as an amusement device.

A further object of the invention is to provide such a gun with simple and eii'icient means for inserting the projectile therein and for controlling the discharge thereof.

l A further object of the invention is to provide such a gun in which the means for 1nserting a projectile and for controlling the discharge thereof will be so controlled as to insure the proper sequence of operations, thus enabling the gun to be operated by a person unfamiliar therewith without danger of in jury to the mechanism.

A further object of the invention is to provide such a gun with means for automatically determining the .quantity of air admitted thereto for the purpose of discharging the projectile.

A further object of the invention is to provide such a gun with means whereby a plurality of projectiles will be successively presented in position for insertion into the barrel of the gun.

Other objects of the invention will appear as the mechanism is described in detail.

In the accompanying drawings Fig. 1 is a side elevation of an air gun embodying my invention; Fig. 2 is a transverse sectional View taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section view showing the outer casing in section and showing the operating mechanism in side elevation and partly broken away; Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view with the casing in vsection and showing the operating mechanism in plan view; Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 5 5 of Fig. 4'; Fig. 6 is a transverse sectional view taken von the line 6-6 of Fig. 4; Fig. 7 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 7-7 of Fig. 3; Fig. 8

is a transverse sectional View taken on the line 8-8 of Fig. 4; Fig. 9 is a transverse sectional View taken on the line9-9 of Fig. 4; Fig. 10 is a vertical sectional view taken centrally of t-he rear portion of the operating mecha nism; Fig. 11 is a sectional detail view of the breech mechanism for the gun; Fig. 12 is a detail view of the cut-off forming a part of the breech mechanism; Fig. 13 is a detail View of the latch for retainin is moved when the projectile is inserted in the barrel; Fig. 14 is a plan View of the actuating device for the air valve; Fig. 15 is a vertical sectional view of the air valve showing the actuating device therefor in elevation; Fig. 16 is a transverse sectional view on line 16-16 of Fig. 15; Fig. 17 is a top plan view partly broken away of the projectile casing or magazine; Fig. 18 is a bottom plan View of the projectile casing; Fig. 19 is a longitudinal sectional View of the projectile casing taken on the line 19-19 of Fig. 17; Fig. 20 is a transverse sectional view of the projectile casing taken on the line 20-20 of Fig. 17;-and Fig. 21 is a sectional detail view of the projectile.

In these drawings I have illustrated one embodiment of my invention and have shown the operating mechanism as enclosed within an outer casing comprising 4front and rear portions 1 and 2 connected by a collar 3. The collar 3 has laterally extending trunnions 4 by means of which the casing, 1 and 2, is

mounted on a supporting frame 5, for movement about a horizontal axis. The supporting frame 5 in turn is mounted on a base 6 for movement about a vertical axis. The casing 1 and 2, and the mounting therefor are in general appearance similar to an artillery rifle and the gun itself, that is, the casing 1 and 2 and the parts enclosed therein, is adjustable about both a horizontal and vertical axis to enable the same to be aimed at the target.

Mounted Within the rear portion 1 of the outer casing is a supporting frame comprising

transverse frame members

7, 8 and 9, which are preferably substantially7 disksliaped to fit Within the cylindrical casing 1, and an inner collar 10 arranged within the outer collar 3 and carrying a spider 11. The

transverse frame members

7, 8 and 9 and the collar 1() are connected one to the other by tie rods 12 on which are mounted spacing sleeves 13 to maintain the several transverse members rigidly in their properly the air valveA controlling device in the position to which it spaced positions. The barrel o f the gun comprises an elongated tube 14 which 1s supported with its rear -end in line with an openlng 15 in the transverse frame member 8, which opening constitutes a continuation of the barrel and forms a part of the breech thereof. The barrel or tube 14 extends forwardly throughthe frame member 9 and spider 11 and extends beyond the spider 11 to the forward end of the front portion 2 of the outer casing. Preferably the rear end of the barrel is supported in aA boss 16 formed centrally of a housing 1.7, rigidly secured to the transverse frame member 8 and spaced therefrom to form an air chamber 18. As here shown, the boss 16 is split longitudinally "so that the end of the ba'rrel maybe inserted therein and the boss then clamped tightly about the same to secure it in position but to permit of its ready removal.

The projectile is inserted in the barrelI through the breech opening 15 in the frame member 8 and to this end means are provided for supporting the projectile in line with the breech opening and in the path of a plunger 19, slidably mounted in the rear A transverse frame member 7 and in the head 20 of the outer casing. As here shown, this plunger has at its rear end a handle 21 with which are also connected guide rods 22 arranged above and below the plunger 10 and slidably mounted in the transverse frame members 7 8 and 9. The projectiles may be placed in position for insertion into the barrel and supported in that osition in any suitable manner, either individually or in groups, but I prefer to utilize a projectile casing or magazine adapted to contain a 'plurality of rojectiles and to so control the position o this casing that the projectiles therein will be moved successively into line with the breech opening 15 `for the barrel. As shown in Figs. 17, 18 and 19, this projectile casing 123 is flat in form and is provided with a plurality of chambers or guide-ways 23 each adapted to receive a projectile 24, there being in the present instance six such chambers, thus enabling six projectiles to be placed in the gun at one time and then moved successively into loading position. 'Ihe'upper wall of the casing is preferably continuous and each chamber may, if desired, be provided with a flat spring 25, or other suitable device, to frictionally engage the projectile therein and hold the same against accidental displacement., The lower wall of the casing has a slot 26 extending longitudinally thereof for its full length and exposing portions of the lower surfaces of the several projectiles which are within the casing.v The casing is, in the present instance,vof such a width that it will it snugly but slidably between the

transverse frame members

7 and 8 and I have mounted between these frame members a supporting plate 27 arranged in an inclined position beneath the breech openiu 15, and the outer casing 1 has in its upper side a slot 28 through which the rojectile casing may be introduced and 1n its lower side an opening 29 through which that casing may be removed. Mounted on the supporting plate 27 is a stop, such as a block 30, arranged to enter the slot 26 in the bottom wall of the rojectile casing, when the latter is placed 1n position on the supporting plate, and to be engaged by the lowermost projectile in the casing to limit the downward movement of the casing. The supporting plate 27 and the stop block 30 are so arranged with relation to the breech opening l5 that theprojectile which is in contact with the stop block will be supported in line with the breech opening and with the plunger 19 so that the forward movement of the plunger will cause it to engage the rear end of the projectile, force the same through the breech opening and into the barrel 14 with its rear end lying beyond the air chamber 18. After the projectile has been inserted in the barrel the plunger is withdrawn to its normal position beyond the rear end of the projectile casing, thus releasing that casing and permitting `the same to move downwardly by gravity to bring the next projectile into contact with the stop 30. In this manner the several projectiles in the casing the successively and 'automatically moved into loading position. The projectile itself may be of any suitable character but I have here shown it of an elongated cylindrical shape with a tapered forward end so that it has much the appearance of a large caliber cartridge. Preferably the forward end of the projectile is weighted, as shown at 31, so as to cause the projectile to travel in a substantially horizontal position with its tapered end forward.

After the projectile has been inserted in the barrel of the gun the breech opening 15 is closed and air under pressure admitted to the air chamber 18 in sufiicient quantities and of suiicient pressure to discharge the projectile from the barrel with a force suflicient to carry the same in an approximately straight line for a distance ample for target shooting, usually from fifty to one hundred feet. The closing of the breech opening and the admission of air to theair lchamber take place successively and are preferably controlled by a single operating device which so controls the operations that the breech opening will necessarily be closed before air is admitted to the air chamber. As here shown, the breech opening is closed by means of a cutoff 32 in the form of an elongated plate or valve which is pivotally mounted in the air chamber 18 for movement into and out of line with the breech opening 15. Preferably the cut-off has its contact face covered with yieldable material, as shown at 33, and is acted upon by a spring 34 which presses this yieldable material firmly into contact with the forward face of' the frame member 18 about the opening 15 and thus insures a tight closure of the breech opening. The cut-off -1s rigidly secured to a pivot pin 35 mounted 1n the wall of the housing 17 and having secured thereto an arm 36 with which is connected a spring 37 arranged to hold the cut-off normally out of line with the breech opening. -As here shown, the arm 36 is arranged to engage the lower surface of the barrel 14 to limit the movement thereof. The pivot pin or stud shaft 35 lies in the path of a pin 39 carried by an arm 40 rigidly secured to a shaft 41 which is supported by the transverse frame members 7 8 and 9 and extends beyond the head 20 ofthe outer casing 1, where it is provided withaan operating handle 42. A second arm 43 rigidly secured tothe shaft 41 is acted upon by a spring 44 to hold the shaft 41 and its connected parts in their normal positions. It will be apparent that when the shaft is rotated in a direction against the tension of the spring 44 the pin 39 will engage the arm 38 and thus move the plvot pin 35 and the cut-off 32 against the action of the spring 37, thereby7 moving the cut-off into a position to close the breech opening.

The air chamber 18 in the housing 17 may be connected with any suitable source of supply for air under pressure, such as an air compressor and, as here shown, the housing has a nipple 45 leadingto the air chamber and conz nected bv a flexible conduit 46 with one side of an air valve 47 the other side of which i s connected bv a flexible conduit 48 with a p1pe 49 extending through one of the trunn1ons 4 of the ycollar 3 and thence downwardly through one of the side members of the frame 5 and then inwardly to the center of the frame and downwardly through the pivotal. connection between the frame and the base 'or standard 6 and thence down through the standard to the ground, from whence it may be extended under ground'or under any suitable cover to a. source of air supply located at some distance from the gun. With this arrangement of the air supply the source of power for operating the gun is not readily apparent and this apparent lack of a source of power adds to t e interest in the gun as an amusement device.

The valve 47, which controls the admission of air to the barrel of the gun, may be ofany suitable character and may be operated in any suitable manner, but preferably the operating mechanism for the valve is of such a character that it will be moved to a retracted position when the projectile is inserted in the gun and will then be caused to operate the valve after'the cut-off 32 has been closed.

As here shown, the valve casing has a transverse apertured partition 50 arranged between the

conduits

46 and 48 and provided with a valve seat surrounding the aperture,

and a valve member 51 is' arranged to engage that seat to control the communication between the two conduits. The valve member has a guide stem 52 extending below the partition and arranged int-he path of a plunger 53 slidably mounted in the lower part of the valve casing and 'so arranged that the upward movement of the plunger will cause it to engage the valve stemand move the valve member to its open position. By making the plunger 53 separate from the valve stem sufficient play between the two parts may be allowed to insure that the valve will always seat itself when released regardless. of any variations in the length of the plunger. The lower end of the plunger 53 lies in the path of a pin 54 carriedby the rear end of a lever 55 which is pivotally mounted at its forward end on a bracket 56, this bracket being supported by a bar or base plate 57 rigidly secured lto the transverse frame members and collar 10 and forming a part of the main frame. The lever 55 is moved about its axis and vertical movement imparted to the pin 54 to cause the latter to control the position of the valve member 51 and this movement of the lever 55 is controlled by a cam plate 58 which is carried by a lever 59 pivotally mounted at its' forward end on the upright flange ofan angle bar 60 which is slid-ably mounted on the base plate 57. The length of the cam plate 58 is so proportioned with relation to the movement imparted to the angle bar 60 that when that bar is moved to the limit of its movement in either direction the cam 58 will have been carried entirely beyond the pin 54. At its forward end the cam plate 58 has its lower edge beveled, as shown at 6l, and the upper edge of the cam is so arranged with relation to the pin 54 that when the angle bar or slide plate 50 is moved forwardly the beveled forward edge of the cam will engage the pin and ride over the same, thus moving the lever 59 upwardly and permitting the cam to pass the ,'pin without imparting any movement thereto. rear end the cam 58 has its upper edge beveled, as shown at 62, and'this beveled edge is so arranged with relation to the pin 54 that,

when the cam .is moved rearwardly, from its foremost positlon, the beveled rear end of the ,cam will pass beneath the pin 54.and thus move the same upwardly and cause it to open the valve. The valve will be held in its open position as long as the pin remains in contact with the upper surface of the cam and thus the length of time that the valve remains open and the amount of air admitted to the barrel At its of. the gun, is determined by the speed at which the cam 58 moves from one position to the other.

The slide plate 60 which carries the operating cam for the valve may be actuated in any suitable manner but, in the present instance, this plate isacted upon by a spring which tends to move the same toward and hold the same normally in its rearmost positions and means are provided whereby the operation of the plunger 19 to insert a projectile in the barrel of the gun will move this slide plate forwardly against the action of its spring and cause the same to be locked in that position. After the plunger has returned to its normalposition the operation of the shaft 41 first closes the cut-ofi' 32 and then releases the slide plate 60 for movement by its spring, this movement causing the cam to open the valve and admit air to the gun barrel. This may be accomplished in various ways. In the present instance, I have connected the slide bar at its rear end with a rod 62 which is .slidably mounted in brackets 63`and 64 on the base plate 57. A spring 65 coiled about the rod 62 and confined between the bracket 63 and stop collar 66 on the rod tends to move the latter and the slide 60 rearwardly. The guide rods 22, connected with the handle 21 for the plunger 19, have secured thereto a cross head 67 which in turn is rigidly secured to a sleeve 68 slidably mounted on the barrel or tube 14. A spring 69 confined between a collar 70 on the end of the sleeve 68 and the spider 11 serves to return the sleeve and consequently the handle 21 and plunger 19 to their normal positions when the handle is released. A collar 72 secured to the lower guide rod' 22 has a depending portion or lug 73 arranged to engage a finger 74 extending upwardly from the collar 66. The lug 73 is normally spaced such a distance from the finger 74 that it will not engage the finger until the plunger has partlyv completed its movement, thus causing less movement to be imparted to the controlling rod ,than is im parted to the plunger 19. Cooperating with a stop 75 on the rod 62 is a latch 76 which is pivotally mounted on the bracket 64, extends lengthwise of the rod 62 above the same and when unrestrained will be moved by gravity into Contact with the rod. `When the parts are in their normal positions the stop 75 will lie in the rear of the free end of the latch 76 and the forward movement of the rod 62 will move the stop 75 beyond the end of the latch which will ride over the same and then drop into the path thereof so as to prevent the rearward movement of the rod by the spring 65, the stop being so arranged on the rod 65 that when it is in operative engagement with the latch the valve actuating cam 58 will lie on the forward side of the pin 54. The'latch 76 is connected by means of a link 77 with an arm 7 8 loosely mounted on the shaft 4l, (see Figs. 7 and 13), so that the shaft may rotate in the hub of the arm. Rigidly secured to this shaft 41, adjacent to the arm 78, is a second arm 79 having a pin `8O arranged to engage the arm 78 when the shaft 41 is rotated and lift the arm 78 and the latch 76, thus releasing. the controlling rod 62 for movement by thespring 65. It will be noted that the pin 80 of the latch actuating device is normally spaced a considerable distance from the adjacent edge of the arm 7 8. Consequently the shaft 41 is permitted to move a distance sufficient toV insure the operation of the cut-off 32 before the controlling rod is 4released and the air valve opened by the rearward movement of thaty rod. As has been stated the amount of air admitted to the barrel of the gun is controlled by the length of time required for the valve actuating cam 58 to pass the pin 54. The movement of the rod 62 and consequently of the cam may be regulated in any suitable manner. As here shown, the rear end of the rod 62 is provided with a piston 81 which is mounted in an air cylinder or dash pot 82, the relief port of which iscontrolled by a screw 83 so that the escape of air therefrom may be regulated and the movement of the rod 66 timed accordingly. Means are also provided to insure that the plunger and its connected parts are moved to the full end of their movement in either direction thus insuring the proper positioning of all the parts. As here shown, a pawl 84 is pivotally mounted on the cross .head 67 carried'by the guide rod 22 and swings freely thereon. This pawl is so arranged that when the guide rods are moved forwardly it will engage a toothed rack 85 rigidly secured to the base plate 57 and will ride over that rack in an inclined position so that the rear end of the pawl will engage the successive teeth of the rack and prevent the rearward movement of the pawl and guide rods until the guide rods have been moved forward fary enough to perlnit the pawl to clear the toothed rack and again assume a vertical position. When the guide rods are moved rearwardly through the action of thespring 69 the pawl will ride over the toothed rack in the opposite direction, thus preventing the forward movement of the guide rods and their connected parts until they have been moved to their rear ost positions.

Loc ring devices are provided to prevent the operation of the discharge controlling shaft 41 while the plunger 19 is in anadvanced position and to prevent the advancement of the plunger 19 when the shaft 41 has been moved from its normal position. (See Figs. 3, 4 and 8.) Pivotally mounted on the transverse frame member 9 is an arm 86, the inner end of which is movable into and out of the path of a collar 87 rigidly secured to the sleeve 68. A spring 88 acts on this arm to hold the same normally out of the path of the collar 87 and in contact with a shoulder or cam 89 on the shaft 41. This shoulder 89 is so arranged that when the shaft is rotated in an operative direction it will force the arm 86 upwardly and into the path of the collar 87, thus preventing the forward movement of the sleeve 68 and the parts conond arm 90 the lower end of which is movablel into and out of a position directly above and in the path of the arm 86 A spring 91 acts on the arm 90 to move the same into the path 'of the arm 86. Carried by the lower portion of the arm 90 is a finger 92 which overlaps the rear side ofthe collar 87 on the sleeve 68 and is so arranged that when that` sleeve is moved to its rearmost position it will engage the finger and move the arm 90 out of4 the path of the arm`86. The shoulder or cam 89 which engages the'lower edge of the arm 86 being rigidly secured to the shaft 41 it will be obvious that that shaft cannot be rotated unless the arm 86 is free to move upwardly and when this movement is prevented bythe arm 90 the shaft 41 is positively locked against movement. A finger 93 on theshaft 41 contacts with one of the tie rods l2 .to limit the movement of the shaft 41 in a reverse direction. I have also provided means for preventing the operation of the plunger 19 when there is no projectile case in position in the gun. To this end I have mounted in the frame members 8 and 9 a shaft 94, the rear end of which extends beneath `the supporting plate 27 for the projectile case andhas secured thereto an arm 95, the end portion of which is bent upwardly, as shown yat 96 and adapted to extend through a slot 97 in the supporting plate into the path of the projectile case. Secured to the shaft 94, adjacent to the frame member 9, isa second arm 98 which is acted upon by a spring 99 which tends to move the shaft 94 in a direction to retain the end portion 96 of the arm 95 above the surface of the supporting,plate 27. lVhen the portion 96 of the arm 95 extends above the surface of the plate 27 the spring 994 will move the arm 98 into the path of the collar 87 on the sleeve 68 and it will thus prevent the forward movement of the sleeve and the plunger. lVhen a projectile case is inserted in the gun the lower surface thereof will contact with the upturned end portion of the arm 95 and force the same downwardly. below the surface of the supporting plate and this movement will also serve to carry the arm 98 outfof'V the path of the collar 87 and thereby release the plunger for movement.

The operation of the mechanism will be readily understood` from the foregoing description and it will be apparent that when the gun is to be used the projectile case containing one or more projectiles is inserted in the casing of the gun and the lowermost projectile therein is automatically centered with relation to the breech opening of the gun. The insertion of this casing having released the plunger 19 for operation the operator grasps the handle 21 and forces the plunger forward, thus forcing the projectile into the barrel of the gun. The full stroke mechamsm makes it necessary 'for' the plunger to be moved forward its full distance and thus insures the proper positioriing of the projectile in the barrel of the gun. ,This forward movement of the plunger-also carries j the valve controlling rod 62 toits foremost. position in which position it is engaged by the latch `7 6 whichy retains it in its'advanced position when the plunger has been released and returned to its retracted position by the spring 69. As soon as the plunger has been released the operating handle 42 of the shaft 41 is actuated, `thus rotating the shaft 41 and causing the locking arm 86 to be moved into a position to hold the plunger against movement. The further movement 'of the shafty moves the cut-01T 32 into a position to close the breech opening and after this has been accomplished the pin of the arm 79 will engage the arm 78 and a/ctuate the latch 76 to release the controlling rod 62 for movement y by the spring65. This movement bf the rod carries the valve actuating cam beneath 'the pin 54 and opens the valve to admit air to the air chamber 18 and the barrel in the rear ofthe projectile. The air pressure is maintained during an interval determined by the adjusting screw 83 of the dash pot 82. The air thus admitted to the barrel will discharge the projectile from the barrel with sufficient force to carry it in a substantially straightline for a considerable distance.

l/Vhile I have shown and described one embodiment of my invention I- wish it to be understood that'I do not desire to be limited to -the details thereof as various modifications may occur to a person skilled in the art.

Having now fully described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. In an air gun, a main frame comprising a transverse frame member having an opening therethrough, aplate mounted on said frame member and having a hollow boss in line with said opening and'having means for spacing a portion thereof'from said framev member to form an air chamber, a barrel mouned in said hollow boss, a closure mounted in said air chamber for movement into and out of a position to close the opening in said frame member, means for actuating said closure, and means for introducing air under .pressure -into said air chamber.

2. In an air gun, a barrel having a breach opening through which a projectile may be inserted therein, means for supporting a projectilevin line with said opening, a plunger to move said projectile through said o enin into said barrel, means to close said reec opening after said projectile has been inserted in said barrel, a conduit to connect said barrel with a source of supply for air under pressure, a valve interposed in said conduit, a spring operated valve actuating device,

'jectile in line with said opening, a plunger to move said'projectile through said opening into said barrel, means to close said breech opening after said projectile has been inserted in said barrel, a detent to connect said barrel with a source of supply for air under pres,-

- sure, a valve in said conduit, a spring operated valve actuating device, cooperating parts connected with said plunger and with said valve actuating device to cause the latter to be moved against the tension of its spring by the forward movement of said plunger` a detent to hold said valve actuating'device against movement by its spring, and means to move said detent into an inoperative position.

4. In an air gun, a main, frame, a barrel mounted in said main frame and having a breech opening through which a projectile may be inserted therein, means for supporting a projectile in line with said opening. a plunger to move said projectile through said opening into said barrel, guide rods connected with said plunger and slidably mounted in said main frame, a sleeve slidably inounted on said barrel` means for rigidly connecting said sleeve with said guide rods, a spring acting on said sleeve to resist the forward movement thereof, means to close said breech pening after a projectile has been inserted in said barrel, and means to admit air under pressure to said barrel after said opening has been closed.

5. In an air gun, a main frame. a barrel mounted in said main frame and having a breech opening through which a propectile may be inserted therein, means for supporting a projectile in line with said opening, a

plunger to move said projectile through said opening into said barrel, guide rods connected with said plunger and slidablv mounted in said main frame, a sleeve slidably mountl ed 'on said barrel. means` for rigidly connecting'said sleeve with said guide rods, a spring acting on said sleeve to resist the forward movement thereot'v` means to close said breech opening after a projectile has been inserted` in said barrel, a detent to connectsaid barrel with a source of supply for air under pressure, a rod slidably'mounted on said frame. a valve actuating member connected with said rod, a spring acting on said rod to move the same in one direction, cooperating parts carried by said rod and one of said guide rods to move said spring controlled rod against the action of said spring, a detent to hold in said main frame, a sleeve slidably mounted f on said barrel, means for rigidly connecting said sleeve with said guide rods, a spring acting on said sleeve to resist the forward movement thereof, means to close said breech opening after a projectile has been inserted 1n said barrel, a detent to connect said barrel with a source of supply for air under pressure, a rod slidably mounted on said frame, a

valve actuating member connected with said rod, a spring acting on said rod to move the saine in one direction, cooperating parts carried by said rod andone of said guide rods to move said spring controlled rod against the action of saidspring, a detent to hold said .spring controlled rod against movement by its spring, means to move said detent into an inoperative position, and adjustable means to regulate the movement of said rod by said spring.

7. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening through which a projectile may be inserted therein, means for supporting a projectile in line with said opening, a plunger to move said projectile through said opening into said barrel, a .closure for said breech opening, a conduit to connect saidbarrel with a source of supply for air under pressure, a valve in said conduit, a spring operated device for actuating said valve, a part connected with said plunger to retract said valve actuating device against the action of its spring when a projectile is inserted in said barrel, a detent toretain said valve actuating device in its retracted position, and means for first actuating the closure foi' said breech opening and tlien actuating said detent to release said valve actuating device.

8. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech 11.3

opening through which a projectile may be inserted therein, means for supporting a projectile in line with said opening, a plunger to move said projectile through said opening into said barrel, a closure for said breech opening, a conduit to connect said barrel with a source of supply for air under pressui'e, a valve in said conduit` a spring operated device for actuating said valve, a part connected with said plunger to retract said valve actuating device against the action of its spring when a projectile is inserted in said barrel, a detent to retain said valve actuating device in its retracted position, and a rotatable shaft operatively connected with said closure for said breech opening and foperatively connected with said latch, said connections being so arranged that therotation of said shaft will first cause said closure to be moved to its closed position and will then move said detent to its inoperative position.

valve actuating device against the action of Y its spring when a projectile isinser'ted in said barrel, a detent to retainsaid valve a'ctuf opening through which a projectile may be inserted therein, means for supporting a projectile in line with said opening, a plunger to'move said projectile through said opening int-o said barrel, a closure for said breech opening, a conduit to connect said barrel with.

a source of supply for air under pressure,

a valve in said conduit, a spring operated de-l vicevfor actuating said valve, apart connected with said plunger to retract said valve actuating device against the action of its spring -`When aprojectile is inserted in said j barrel, a detent to retain said valve actuating device in its retracted position, a rotatable shaft operatively connected with said closure and with said detent, and means to prevent the operation of said plunger when said shaft has been moved from itsnormal position. l

1l. In an air gun. a barrel having a breech opening through which a projectile may be inserted therein. means for supporting a projectile in line with said opening, a plunger to move said projectile through said opening into said barrel, a closure for said breech opening, a conduit to connect said barrel with a source of supply for air under pressure, a valve in said conduit, a spring operated device for actuating said'valve, a part connected with said plunger to retract said valve actuating device against ,the action of its spring when a projectile is inserted in ating device in vits retracted position, a rosaid barrel, a detent to retain said valve actuatlng device in its retracted position, means to actua'te said detent to release said valve actuating device, and means for preventing the operatlon of sald releasing means when said plunger has been inoved from its nor-y mal position.

12. In an air gun a barrel having a breech opening through Which a projectile may be in-l serted therein, means for supporting a projectile in line with said opening, a plunger to move said projectile through said opening intosaid barrel, a closure for said breech opening, an. air conduit connected with said barrel, a valve in said conduit, an actuating device for said valve, a device having means to control the'operation of said closure and of said valve actuating device, and a locking device to prevent the operation of said plung-v er' when said controlling device has been moved from its initial position.

13. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening through which a projectilemay be insertedtherein, means for supporting a projectile in line with said opening, a plunger to move said projectile throughsaid opening into said barrel, a closure for `said breech opening, an air conduit connected with said barrel, a valve in said conduit, an actuating device for said valve, a device having means to control the operation of said closure and of said valve actuating device, and. means to prevent the operation of said controlling device when said plunger has been movedfro'm its initial position.

14. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening through which a projectile may be inserted therein, means for supporting a projectile in line with said opening, a plunger to move a projectile through said opening into said barrel, a sleeve slidably mounted on said barrel and connected with said plunger, a spring acting on said sleeve to hold said plunger normally in its rearmost position, a closure for said breech opening, an air conduit connected with said barrel, a valve in said conduit, a valve actuating device, a shaft having rotatory movement to control the` 'jectile in line with said opening, a plunger 'to move a projectile through said opening into said barrel, a sleeve slidably mounted on said barrel and connected with said plunger, a spring acting on said sleeve to holdsaid plunger normallyin its rearmost position,

ya closure for said breech opening, an air conduit connected with said barrel, a valve in said conduit, a valve actuating device, a shaft having rotatory movement to controll the operation of said closure and said valve actuating device, a stop on said sleeve, a locking arm mounted for movement into and out of the ath of said stop, a lug rigidly secured to said3 shaft and arranged to engage said arm, and means controlled by the position of the stop on said sleeve to hold said pivoted arm in contact with the projection on said j connected with said barrel, a valve'in said conduit, a valve actuating device, a shaft having rotatory movement to control the operation ofsa1d closure and said valve actuating device, a stop on said sleeve, a locking arm` mounted for movement into and out of the path of said stop, a lug rigidly secured to said shaft and arranged to engage said arm, a second arm pivotally mounted for movement. into and out ofthe path of the first mentioned arm, a finger carried by said second arm and lso arranged with relation to the stop on said sleeve that said second arm will be moved out of the path of the first mentioned arm when said plunger is in its fully retracted position, and a spring tending to move said second arm into the path of the first mentioned arm, thereby holding the same in contact with the projection on said shaft and preventing the rotation of said shaft.

17. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening through which a projectile may be inserted therein, a easing adapted to contain a plurality of projectiles, means for movably supporting said casing adjacent to said breech opening, whereby said projectiles may be moved successively into line with said breech opening, a plunger to move that projectile which is in line with said breech opening into said barrel, means to close said breech opening after a projectile has been inserted in said barrel, and means to admit air under pressure to said barrel after said opening has been closed.

1S. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening through which a projectile may be inserted therein, an inclined supporting member arranged beneath said breech opening, a projectile case adapted to be slidably supported on said supporting member and having a slot on the lower side thereof, a stop on said supporting member arranged to extend through said slot and engage the lowermost projectile in said casing and support said projectile in line with said breech opening, a plunger to move said projectile through said opening into said barrel, means to close said breech opening after said projectile has been inserted in said barrel, and means to` admit air under pressure to said barrel after said opening has been closed.

19. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening through which a projectile may be inserted therein, an'inclined supporting member arranged beneath said breech opening, a projectile case adapted to be slidably supported on said supporting member and having a slot on the lower side thereof, a stop on said sup orting member arranged to extend throng 1 said slot and engage the lowermost projectile in said casing and support said projectilein line with said breech opening, a plungerjto move said projectile through said breech opening into said barrel, means` to close said breech opening after saidprojectile has been inserted in said barrel, means to admit air underl pressure to said barrel after said opening has been closed, means for normally locking said plunger against movement, and means actuated by said projectile case when the latter is placed in operative position on said supporting member to move said locking means into a locking position.

QOXln an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening through which a projectile may be inserted therein, an inclinedsupporting member arranged beneath said breech opening, a projectile case adapted to be slidably supported on said supporting member and having a slot on the lower side thereof, a stop on said supporting member arranged to veX- tcnd through said slot and engage the lowermost projectile in said casing and support said projectile in line with said breech opening, a plunger tomove said projectile through said opening into said barrel, means to close said breech opening after said projectile has been inserted in said barrehmeans to admit air under pressure`to said barrel after said opening has been closed, a sleeve slidably mounted on said barrel connected with said plunger, a spring acting on said sleeve to move said plunger to its retracted position. a stop on said sleeve, a shaft extending lengthwise of said sleeve, an arm rigidly secured to said shaft, a spring to move said arm into the path of said stop and lock said sleeve andVV said plunger against movement, a second arm inserted. therein, a supporting member ar ing member with a projectile in line Withl said breech opening, a plunger to move said projectile through said breech opening into said barrel, means to close said breech opening after said projectile has been inserted in said barrel, means to admit air under pressure to said barrel after -said breech opening has been closed, a device for lockingsaid plunger against movement, and means actuated by said projectile case when the latter is laced in position on said supporting mem- Eer to control the position of said locking device.

22. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening through which a projectile may be inserted therein, means for supporting a projectile in line with said opening, a plunger to move said projectile through said openino' into said barrel, a closure for lsaid breec opening, a conduit to connect said barrel With a source of supply for air under pressure,

a valve in said conduit, a spring operated de-` vice for actuating said valve, a part connected with said plunger to retract said valve ac tuating device against the action of its spring when a projectile is inserted in lsaid barrel, a detent to retain said valve actuating device in its retracted position, means for first actuating a closure for said breech opening and then actuating said detent to release said valve actuating device, and adjustable means to determine the time said valve shall remain open.

23. In an airv gun, a barrel, means for inserting a projectile'in said barrel, an air conduit leading to said barrel in the rear of said projectile, a valve interposed in said conduit and comprising a casing having a valve seat, a valve member arranged to be held in contact with said seat solely by air pressure, a plunger slidably mounted in said casing and arranged to engage said valve member and move the same from said seat, and means for actuating said plunger'.

24. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening'througli which a projectile may be inserted therein, means for closing said breech opening, an air conduit leading to said barrel, a valve interposed in said conduit and comprising a casing having a valve seat, a valve member arranged to be held in contact with said seat by air pressure, a plunger slidably mounted in said casing and arranged to engage said valve member and move the saine from said seat, a spring actuated device to operatey said plunger, and a single device for controlling said breech closing means and said actuating device for said plunger.

25. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening, means for inserting' a projectile. in said barrel through said breech opening, a movable closure for said breech opening, an air conduit communicating with said barrel 1n the rear of said projectile, a valve in said conduit, and a device' separate from said means for inserting the projectile to first move said closure to a position to close said breech opening and then open. said air valve.

26.. I n an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening, means for inserting a projectile in said barrel through said breech' opening, a movable closure fork said breech opening, an air conduit `communicating with said barrel in the rear of said projectile, a valve in said conduit, and a device separate from saidmeans for inserting the projectile to first move said closure to a position to close said breech opening and then open said air valve and positively retain the same in its ppen position'for a predetermined period of ime.

27 In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening, means for inserting a projectile in said barrel through said breech opening, a movable closure for said breech opening. an air conduit communicating with said barrel in the rear of said projectile, a valve in said conduit, a device separate from said means for inserting the projectile to iirst move said closure to a position to close said breech opening and then open said air valve and positively retain the same in its open position for a predetermined period of time, and means for varying the period of time lduring which said air valve is retained in its open position.

28.. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening, 4means for inserting a projectile in said barrel through said breech opening, a cut-off separate from said projectile inserting means and movable into and out of a position to close said breech opening, means for actuating said cut-off, an air conduit communicating with said barrel in the rear of said projectile, a valve in` said conduit, means for actuating said valve, and a device operable independently of the operation oi' said projectile inserting means to cause said cut-oit actuating means and said valve actuating means to operate successively.

29. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening, means for insert-ing a projectile in said barrel through said breech olieniiig, a cut-ott separate from said projectile insei-ting means and movable into and out of a position to close said breech opening, means for actuating said cut-off, an air conduit communicating With said barrell in the rear of said projectile, a valve in said conduit, means oractuating said valve, a shaft separate from said projectile inserting means and operatively connected with said cut-oil actuating means and said valve actuating means, and means for actuating said shaft.

30. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening, a device for inserting -a projectile in said barrel through said opening, a cutofi movable into and out of a position t o close said opening, an air conduit communicating with said barrel, a valve in said conduit, a spring actuated device for opening said valve, means controlled by said projectile insertiiig device to retract said valve opening device against the action of its spring, a detent to retain said device in .its retracted position when said projectile 1nserting device is returned to its normal position, and a single device to control the movement of said cut-off and the position of said detent.

31. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening, a device for inserting a projectile in said barrel through said opening, a cut-olf movable into and out of a position to close said opening, an air conduitcommunicating with said barrel, a valve in said conduitha spring actuated device for opening. said valve, means controlled by said projectile inserting device to retract said valve opening device against the action of its spring, a detent to retain said device in its retracted position when said projectile inserting device is returned to its normal position, and means to move said cut-off to its closed position and to move said detent to its inoperative position.

32. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening, a'device for inserting a projectile'in said barrel through said opening, a cut-oft' movable into and out of a position to close said opening, an air conduit communicating With said barrel, a valve in said conduit, a spring actuated device for opening said valve, means controlled by said projectile inserting device to retract said valve opening device against the action of its spring, a detent to retain said device in its retracted position when said projectile inserting device is returned to its normal position, means to move said cut-off to its closed position and to move said detent to its inoperative position, and means to prevent the movement of said valve opening device in a reverse direction ,until it has completed its movement in the direction in which it has been started.

33. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening, a device for inserting a projectile in said barrel through said opening, a cut-off movable into and out of a position to close said opening, an air conduit communicating with said barrel, a valve in said conduit, a spring actuated device for opening said valve, means controlled by said projectile inserting device tol retract said valve opening device against the action of its spring, a detent to retain said deviceein/ts retracted position when said projectile inserting device is returned to its normal position, means to move said cut-0E to its closed position and to move said detent to its inoperative position, and

moans to retard the movement of said valve opening device by its spring and retain the opening, an air conduit communicating with' said barrel, a valve in said conduit, a device separate from said projectile inserting device to control the operation of said valve, and means controlled by the position of said controlling device to prevent the operation of said projectile inserting device when said controlling device has been moved from its normal position.

35. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening, an operable device for insertin a rojectile in said barrel, a cut-oli inova le into and out of a position to close said breech opening, an air' conduit communicating with said barrel, a valve in said conduit, a device separate from said projectile inserting device to control the operation of said valve and means controlled by the position of said projectile inserting device to prevent the operation of said controlling device when said projectile inserting device has been moved from its normal position.

36. Inl an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening, an operable device for ,inserting a projectile in said barrel, a cut-off movable into and out of a. position to close said breech opening, an air conduit communicating with said barrel, a valve in said conduit, a shaft to control the operation of said cut-ofiI and said valve, and means to automatically lock said shaft againstoperation when said projectile inserting device is moved from its normal position. l

37. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening, an operable device for inserting a projectile in said barrel, a cut-off movable into and out of a position to close said breech opening, an air conduit communicating with said barrel, a valve in said conduit, a shaft to control the operation of said cut-off and said valve, and means to automatically lock'said projectile inserting device against operation when said shaft is moved from its normal position.

38. In an air gun. a barrel having a breech opening. an operable device for inserting a projectile in said barrel, a cut-olf movable into and out of a position to close said breech opening, an air conduit communicating with said barrel, a valve in said conduit, a stud operatively connected with said valve to control the opening and closing thereof, a slide bar,a lever pivotally mounted on said slide bar, a cam carried by said lever and so arranged that when one end of said cam is moved into engagement with said stud said lever Will be moved about its axis to permit rx, i

said cam to pass said stud without actuating the same and When'the other end of said cam is moved into engagement with said stud said cam will actuate saidstud and cause the same to open said air valve, and means to actuate said slide bar.

39. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening, a'n operable device for insertinga projectile in said barrel, a cut-off movable into and out of a position to close said breech opening, an air conduit communicating with said barrel, a valve in said conduit, a stud operatively connected with said valve to control the openingland closing thereof, a slide bar, a lever pivotally mounted on said slide bar, a cam carried by said lever and so arranged that when one end of said cam j is moved into engagement With said stud Said lever Will be moved about its axis to permit said cam to pass said stud Without actuating the same and When the other end of said cam is moved into engagement With said stud said cam will actuate said stud and cause the same to open said air valve, a spring to move said slide bar and said cam in the last mentioned direction, means actuated by said projectile inserting device to move said slide bai' against the action of said spring, a detent t o hold said bar against movement by said spring, and means to move said detent to an inoperative position.

40. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening, an operable device for inserting a projectile in said barrel, a cut-ofi' movable into and out of a position to close said breech opening, an air conduit communicating with said barrel, a valve in said conduit comprising a casing and a valve member movably mounted in said casing, a plunger mounted in said casing to control the position of said valve member, a stud movably mounted in line with said plunger, a slideibar mounted adjacent to said stud, a lever pivotally mounted on said slide bar, an elongated cam carried by said lever and having one end shaped to ride over said stud and having its other end shaped to pass beneath said stud and cause the latter to actuate said plunger, and means for actuating said 'slide bar.

41.' In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening, an operable device for inserting a projectile in said bari'el, a cut-off movable into and out of a position to close said breech opening, an air conduit communicating with said barrel, a valve in said conduit comprising a casing and a valve member. movably mounted in said casing, a plunger mounted in said casing to control the position of said valve member, a stud movably mounted in line with said plunger, a slide bar mounted adjacent to said stud, a lever pivotally mounted on said slide bar, an elongated arm carried by said lever and havingone end shaped to ride over said stud and having its other end shaped to pass beneath said stud and cause the latter to actuate said plunger, meansl for actuating said slide bar, and adjustable means for regulating the movement of said slide bar.

42. In an air un, a frame,'a housing mounted on said rame and constituting an air chamber, a' barrel having its rear end supported in one Wall of said housing and communicating With said chamber, the opposite wall of said housing having an opening in line with said barrel, means for inserting a projectile in said barrel through said opening, a closure mounted Within said housing for movement into and out of a position to close said opening, means for` introducing air under pressure into said chamber, Whereby said closure will be pressed against said' wall about said opening, and means for actuating said closure and for controlling the admission of air to said chamber.

43. In an air gun, a supporting structure, a barrel carried by said supporting structure and havinga breech opening through.

which a projectile may be inserted therein, a movable projectile supporting device adapted to carry a plurality of projectiles, means to support said device in .different positions on said supporting structure to aline different projectiles With said breech opening, means to move a projectile from said device through said breech opening into said barrel, means to Close said breech opening after said projectile has been inserted in said barrel, and means to admit air under pressure to said barrel after said breech opening has been closed.

445. In an air gun, a barrel, means for in serting a projectile in said barrel, an air conduit leading to said barrel in the rear of said projectile, a valve interposed in said conduit and comprising a casing having a valve seat, a valve member arranged to be held in contact with said seat solely by air pressure, a plunger slidably mounted in said casing, and arranged to engage said valve member and move the same from said seat, and an actuating device for saidk plunger having means to hold said valve in said open position for a. predetermined lengtliof time. l

45.' In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening through which a projectile may be inserted therein, means for closing .said breech opening after said projectile has been inserted, an air conduit communicating Wit-h said barrel in the rear of said projectile, a valve to control the passage of air through said conduit, a spring actuated controlling device to open said valve, and means to retard the movement of said spiin actuated device to determine the length o time said valve shall remain open.

' 46. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening through which a projectile may be inserted therein, means for closing said breech opening after said projectile has been inserted, an air conduit communicating with said barrel in the rear of said projectile, a valve to control the passage of air through said conduit, a device to control the opening and closing of said valve, actuating mechanism for said controlling device, and means for controlling the movement of said valve controlling device by said actuating mechanism to cause said valve to remain open for a predetermined period of time.

47. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening through which a projectile may be inserted therein, means for closing said breech opening after sai'dprojectile has been inserted, an air conduit communicating with said barrel in therear of said projectile, a valve to control the passage of air through said conduit, a, valve controlling device having means for retaining said valve in its open position during a predetermined movement ofvsaid device, and means for controlling tlie speed at Which said controlling de-` vice moves.

48. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening through Which a projectile may be inserted therein` means for closing said breech opening after said projectile has been inserted, an air conduit communicating with said barrel in the rear of said projectile, a valve to control the passage of air through said conduit, a member connected With said valve, a controlling device having a part of predetermined length to engage said member, move said valve to its open position and retain said valve in its open position as long as said part remains in engagement with said member, and means for moving said part at a predetermined speed.

49. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening through, which a projectile may be inserted therein, means for closing said breech opening after said projectile has been inserted, an air conduit communicating with said barrel in the rear of said projectile, a valve to control the passage of air through said conduit, a valve controlling device having a part movable in two directions, and means controlled by said part to cause said valve to be opened when said part moves in one direction only.

50. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening through which a projectile may be inserted therein, a device for inserting a pro- Lectile in said barrel, meansefor closing said .reech opening after a projectile has been insertedin said barrel, an air conduit communicating with said barrel in the rear of said projectile, a valve in said conduit, an actuating device comprising a part to vengage said valve, and' means controlled separately from said projectile inserting device to cause said part of said actuating device to engage and open said valve and to retain said part in engagement with said valve for a predetermined peri'od of time.

51. In an air gun, a barrel having a breech opening through which a projectile may be inserted therein, a device for inserting a projectile in said barrel, means for closing said breech opening after a projectile has been inserted in said barrel, an air conduit communieating with said barrel in the rear of said projectile, a valve.. in said conduit, an actuating device comprising a part to engage said valve, means controlled by said projectile inserting device to move said part of said actuating dev ice toa position preliminaryto the operation of said valve, and means controlled separately from said projectile inserting de- .vice to cause said part to engage and open said valve and retain said part in engagement with said valve for a predetermined period of time.

52. In a'n air gun, a barrel having a breech opening through which a projectile may be inserted therein, means for closing said opening after a projectile has been inserted, an air conduit leading to said barrel in the rear of said projectile, a valve in said conduit, an actuating device for said valve comprising a part movable in one 'direction Without opening said valve, and adapted to open said valve when moved in the other direction, means for controlling the movement of said part in the last mentioned direction to cause said valve to be retained in said open position for a predetermined interval, and means to prehereto.

CHARLES SMYTH.