US954798A - Automatic gun. - Google Patents

Description

G. HAMMOND. f

AUTOMATIC GUN. APPLICATION FILED JULY 27, 190e.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

Patented Apr. 12,1910.

Gr. HAMMOND.

Patented Apr. 12,1910.

4 SHEETBSHEET 2.

' G. HAMMOND.

` lAUTOMATIC GUN. APPLIGATION FILED JULY 27, 190e.

Patented Apr. 12, 1910.

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NNWWN. @Y w I `G. HAMMOND.

AUTOMATIC GUN.

Patented Apr. 12,1910..

APPLIUATION FILED JULY 27, 1908.

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HAMMOND, OF HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT, ASSIGNOB 0F ONE-HALF T0 THOMAS D ABLINGTON, OF NEW YORK., N. Y.

AUTOMATIC GUN'.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 12, 1910.

Application iled July 27, 19GB. Serial No. 445,529.

To .all whom 'it may concern:

Be it known that I, GRANT HAiiMoND, a citizen of the United States, residing at Hartford, in the county of Hartford and State of Connecticut, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Automatic Guns, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to fire-arms and particularly to an attachment to the Springield rifle or other U. S. servicegun new in use; in other words, the present invention coinpnehends and includes a mechanism which is capable of being attached to`the guns now in use, as well as to other types of guns hereinafter constructed and which mechanism is designed to makinJ such guns automatic in action and to convert the ordinary magazine gun into an automatic gun wherein the power required for rotating) the breech bolt, and retracting the firingolt against the tension o f its main spring, is derived from the expansive force of the gases of .an .exploded charge forcing a slidable mechanism forwardly and storing power in a spring, or springs suicient to reciprocate and turn the breech-bolt.

The primary object of the invention is to provide a mechanism of simple character which is capablbe of attachment to existing types of magazine guns and which may be applied thereto at slight expense and with Aas'.

little alteration: of such guns, whereby the gun may be, converted into an automatic gun, when desired.

A further object of the invention is to provide means whereby the automatic attachment may be instantly thrown into or out of connectionwilth the gun actionto speedily convert the matic, and vice-versa, and to semi-automatic.

With the above and other objects in view,

'my invention consists of theparts and the constructions, arrangements and combinations of parts which I will hereinafter describe and claim.

In the accompanying drawings forminof this speciiction and in which simi-'- ar reference characters indicate like parts in the several views :#-Figure 1 is a side ele- -vation of a. S ri eld rie show' m invention ap liiedni mg y eiseto,v Fig. 2 is an enlarged side e evatio'n showing the n mechanism removed from the stock, Fig. 3, is an enlarged side elevation of the rear end of n` from a single rer to autothe gun mechanism and the automatic attachment, Fig. 4 is a side elevation of the automatic attachment detachedfrom the gun barrel, Fig. 5 is a top plan view of Fig. 4, Fi -6 illustrates a fragment of the gun barre showing a portion of the slidable asoperated casing and associated parts, Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional View on the line 6 6 of Fig. 6, Fig. 8 vis a cross-sectional view on the line 8-8 of Fig. l, Fig. 9 illustrates' a portion of the rear end of the receiver and certain lof its adju-nots, Fig. 10 is a sectional ovicw of the trigger mechanism, Fig. 11 is a side elevation of the breech-bolt showing the f cooking-cam and a portion of the operating rod of the automatic mechanism, Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional View on the line 12-12 of Fig. 3, Figs. 13, 14 and 15 illustratesectional views of a part of 'the receiver showingfthe bolt-stop, L, Fig. 16 is a bottom plan view of the operating rod 30 and its connected parts, Fig. 17 is a sectional view of the rear portion ofthe slidable casing, showing t-h-e power springs` and the spring-actuated latch 26, Fig. 18 is a cross sectional view on the line|18-18 Vof Fig. 11, Fi 19, is a detail of the spring-pressed bloc 46, Fig. `20 is an enlarged side elevation of the gun showing a modified means for operatin the breech-bolt Fig. 21 is a side elevation 0 of the lautomatic attachment slides Fig. 22

is an end view of the modified cam-plate, 60,

of Fig-20, and, Fig. 23 is a sectional detail showin-g the en aging faces of the couplingpin 36 and bloc 39. F`- .24 is a detail ofthe frontend of the breech-gok showing its lugs and a part of the extractor. Fig. 25 is a det-ail- -o the forward end of the receiver.

In the accompanying drawings, I have 'The gun herein shown bein .-well known' -both as to its construction an operation,l I do not illustrate its internallarran lment in detaii nor willv I -attem to desem its-action in detail, but I wi only fully show and slidably mounted in describe those parts ofthe same with which my attachment is most intimately connected and which may require some changes 'to adapt the attachment thereto. The gun will, of course, include a suitable stock, A, barrel, B, breech -bolt, C, extractor, D, triggermechanism2 R, and the usual adjuncts of a gun of this type. The breech-bolt, C, is the receiver, E, and at its forward end it is provided with the lugs a1, which slidably lit the longitudinal grooves, b1, `which are usually formed along the inner'si'des of the receiver, to accurately guide the `breech-bolt in its sliding movement after said bolt has been partially turned-say 90-to unlock it, said ooves, 61, connecting at their forward en s with the usual transverse or cam grooves 01, behind the shoulders of which the lugs, a1", en-

age when said lugs are brought into re ister with the cam grooves and the bolt 1s given a rotary movement. The breech-bolt also has the usual cam-lug, d1", arranged at right-an les to the lugs, al, and adapted to engage t e wall, c1", at the back end of the cut-away portion of the receiver.- The rear end of the receiver, E, has thel usual circular opening )'10, to admit the breech-bolt, in the manner common in this type of gun. Within the breech-bolt is slidably mountedthe firing-bolt, 52, having the usual projecting.

lug, 62, on its bottom side extending throu h a bottom slot in the breechbolt'cap, il". T e breechbolt has a spiral groove, 49, and cocking cam, C the firing-bolt has the usual cooking head, 52', and such other parts as will be usually found in a gun'of the type shown, but`which parts, ,except as hereinafter specified, are not of my present invention.

i The attachment which is the essence of my present invention is fitted tothe barrel', B, of the gun by suitable means as by a tight-fitting sleeve, 10, which is formed' rigid with a bottom lug, 11. This lug is bored horizontally at 2 whereby the axis of said bore will .be parallel with that of the gun barrel when the sleeve, 10, is in position on the latter.y The lug and sleeve are also pierced b a hole,3, which 'is bored from the upper si e of the sleeve through the upper portion of the lug and until it intersects the bore, 2, said hole, 3, being designed to register with a corresponding gas port, 4, ma e through the under side o the barrel and leading into the bore of the latter, the as ort in the barrel and the hole in the n eing of such area as to provide for ara i exhaust of the gases of a previous expl ed charge after the bullet propelled by said charge has passed the muzzle of the arrel, as I will hereinafter describe.l

Into the bored and tapped lug, 11, is

screwed the rear end of a gas tube, 12, which projects a suitable distance forward of the lug and which tube incloses a chamber int-o which the gases of an exploded char e will rush under compression when the bu et uncovers the gas port in the barrel and communication is established between the bore of the barrel and the gas-chamber of said tube. The gas tube has, by preference, a nickel casing or sleeve,'13, threaded'or otherwise fixed to its front end and projecting beyond said end, said cas' or sleeve being bored to form relatively thin walls thereon which are exposed to s pressure and are designed to be expandedathereby against the walls of an inclosmg vtu 14, to form a gastight .j oint and prevent leakage of gas at this point and to form a scraper for any deposit on the walls of the tube 14. The exterior tube or sleeve, 14, has a close slidin fit with the interior gas tube, 12,'and its ront end is provided with a sleeve 14', which tightly fits the barrel, forming a guide through which the tube, 14, operates to maintain the alinement or parallelism of the tube, 14, relative to the barrel, when the automatic attachment is in operation.

The rear end of the tube, 12, is threaded and is provided with a gasport,'12, which when the tube is screwed home, is n register with the gas passage from the barrel to the chamber of thetube.; thev rear end of the othertube 14, is designed to screw into a similarly threaded hole formed in the forward tubular end of a relatively large cas- 15, in which the power springs are contained, said casing having its rear end internallythreaded to receive a screw -fplugg 17, (Fig-17) theinner face of which orms a stop or abutment forthe rear end of the power springs, 18 and 19, which springs are of different strength, the spring 18, being the weaker 'of the two and bein coiled about a rod, 20, arranged axially of t e casing, 15, and theother spring, 19, being of larger diameter, as well as of greater strength than the spring, 18,' and being arranged within the casing concentric with said spring, 18. The aforesaid'rod, 20, extends through a hole formed axially through the plug, 17, said rod extending substantially the' full length of the casing, 15,-and having anenlarged head, 21, fixed to its forward end and normally removed a short distance from the rear face of the lug, 11, von the bottom of lthe barrel sl ve, 10, as shown in Fig. 6,

said head, 21, serving as a stop for the forward end of the power springs, 18 and'19, and operating'in conjunction with the rear stop formed by the plug, 17, to compress the power springs when the casino' 15, andy its associated parts are moved forward.

As shown in Fig. 17, the rod, 20, is turned i -down for a portion of Iits length to forni a shoulder,20, which serves as a stop against which the inner :face of the rear plug, 17 :is designed to stnke .when the gun is fired and the casing, 15, is shoved forwardly by the expansion of the gases of discharge, said shoulder thereby serving as a stop for limiting the forward movement of said casing. The rod, 20, projects beyond the rear face of theI plug, V17, and is screwed or otherwise fixed to the front end of a V-shaped piece, 22, which fits over a lug, e, formed on the under side of the forward end ofthe receiver, E,'of.the gun, and whichlatter may be of the usual construction; the forward end of this V-shaped piece, 22, is shown as turned up round, at 23, and it has athreaded o ening to receive the rear threaded end o the said rod, 20, said end, 23, being of larger diameter than the rod so as to form a shoulder against which the threaded plug,

17, of the sliding casing, 15, contacts, as

shown in Fig. 17. Also as shown in Fig. 3, the-V-shaped piece, 22, is further held in position by the forward end of the usual trigger-guard plate, F, having the, usual post through which the screw, 24, passes to thereby secure the magazine, G, of the gun to the receiver; vthis magazine and triggerguard plate may be of the form usually found in guns of the character shown and previouslv described, and form no essential part of my present invention. l By reference to Figs. 2, 3, 4 and 5 it lwil be seen that the piece, 22, has formed upon lts end, 23, a cam-faced lug, 24, which is designed to engage and ride past the heel end, 25, 'of a spring-pressed latch, 26, that 1s pivotallyfmounted on an arm or diagonal extension, 26", of the rear end plug, 17 of' the' sliding casing, l5, the'front end of said latch having a hook-shaped toe, 27, the purpose of which will be hereinafter stated. The spring, 28, for operating the latch is a small spiral spring seated under the toe end of the latch, Ithe outer end of the spring pressing outwardly against the under side of the latch at a point forward of the pivot point, 26', of the latter, and normally, pressing the latch upwardly when the heel, 25,

of said latch is disengaged bythe aforesaid cam-faced lug, 24.

The arm or extension, 26", of the screw plug, 17, is bored to form an opening and thereby constitute substantially aV thin band,

29, at the outer end of the arm, said hole having its axis parallel with that of the barrel, B, of the gun, as to form a guide for a longltudinal hollow rod, 30, which lies parallel with the barrel and the sliding casing, 15, said rod containing within it a spiral spring, 31, shown in Fig. 16. A solid rod, 32, isfitted into the rear end of the hollow rod, 30, and extends far enough thereinto to receive a couple of transverse rivets;

that portion of the solid rod which enters the hollow vrod is, preferably, turned slightly eccentric to bring the bolt o erating parts 1u close to the receiver, E, o the gun. In-

channel, 34, made in one side and extending the full length of the receiver; the rear portion of this opening, 34, is somewhatlen.- larged and deepened (Fi 21) to accommodate the bolt-operating eatures. The porl tion, 35, extending rearwardly from the piece, 22, lies alongside of the receiver and forms a casing 'over the longitudinal groove or channel, 34, the operating rod, 30, passing throu h this casing or rear-extension of the piece, 22, and being slidably guided in the same and in the groove or channel, 34, said extension being enlarged or thickened at its rear end to form a bearing and guide for a coupling-pin, 36, verticallydisposed and provided with a round stem, 3.6, and a spherical head, 37, by which it may be manipulated. The upper projecting portion of this/pin, 36, also serves as a stop for the ejected shells, which are thrown out of the receiver with great force and would be 'liable to seriously injure a by-stander if the pin, or its equivalent was not interposed to stop the momentum of the shell.

The spiral spring, 31, is contained within the hollow operating rod, 30, the front end of said rod being closed by a plug throu h which is passed a rivet, 38, deslgned to ho d the plug in place, and to prevent its being forced out by the tension ofthe spring, 31. I also place, within the rear end of the hollow rod forward of the .front end of the 'solid rod, 32, a short cylindrical piece, 39, of about the interior dlameter'of the rod, 30, and against the solid forward vend of which the spring, 31, suitably seats. l The rear end of they ieee, 39, is slotted to form two parallel for s, (Fig. 19) the slotlying in re ister with the slot formed in the under slde of the rod, 30, and the shortpiece,

39, bein prevented from turning in the bore of t e rod .by means of a screw or 1n, 40, the head o which is substantially .ush with the outside of the rod, 30,. and the sldes of said head being substantially in slidin contact 'with the walls ofl the slot in the ro The lower end of the aforesaid cou ling-pin,

36, is offset and carries an upward y extendy ing plate, 41, which is arranged parallel withl the stem of the pin and is spaced therefrom a suitable distance, and is normally in register with the longitudinal slot in the bottom of the operating rod, 30, and the slotv in the rear end of the piece, 39, against the front end of which the spring, 31, constantlfy7 v bears, said piece, 39, having the front wall of its slot provided with a camprojection,

42, and said plate, 41, of the coup-ling pin,

36, having a cam-surface, 43, to engage the projection, 42, and a notch, 44, to receive the same, when the coupling lpin is pulled upward to cause the plate t ereof to sli-dab y IBO ISO

the cylindrical piece, 39, whereby the parts are held firmly in 4contact by the pressure` of the spring 31.

One side of the rear end of the receiver is formed with the slot, 33, which extends through the rear end of said receiver, the inner wall of this portion of the receiver being formed with a groove or channel, 46, in which is slidably mounted a piece, 47, of substantially trapezoidal. form, said piece, 47, having -a member which extends transversely from its side through the slot, 33, and is thence turned downwardly and provided with an enlar ed portion which is bored to receive the so id rod, 32, which projects from the rear of the operating hollow rod, 30, andis pinned to the latter to make it substantially a rigid part of the operating .c

rod. The inner face of the trapezoidal piece, 4:7 is milled to conform to theouter surface of the breech-bolt, C, and said face is provided with Aan inwardly projecting stud,

.48, which engages and operates in the s iral groove, 49,- cut inthe outer surface o therearend of said breech bolt. By reference to Fig. 11, it will be seen that the oove 49 is not of uniform width but the side walls are of unequal angles so as to make the lowervthan the upper end, the width of said groove Vin 4adually increasing toward said lower end, or purposes which I will hereinafter State. The operating lever or handle, 50, for the breech bolt is rigid-therewith, as usual yin the type ofgun shown and the point of the inclined rear end of the trapezoidal plate, 47, rests normally in contact with thefunder part of the lever or handle, 50, and forms the entering point of a wedge or, inclined plane` and is adapted to-impart to the lever or handle a powerful initial' lifting movement unlocking the breech bolt. vIt will be seenfroln Figs. 1, 3, 4, 5 and 16, that the rear end of the solid rod, 32, has strongly pinned to it apiece 51 which rojects diagonally toward theakis .of the ring-bolt, 52, which is of the'construction usually found in the type of glmill-ustrated, said piece, 51,.

having a segmentalouter end,- 53, which substantially incloses about two-thirds of circumference of that portion of the firing-bolt just in advance of the cooking head, 5 4; the underside. of this portionof the firing-bolt isflattened at 55, Fig. 18,' to facilitate the speedy removal of the operating rod, 30,

` from the firing-bolt, for by turnin the parts until the open-portion of the en 53, is in re ister with the flattened portion, 55, of the bolt,` the disengagement of the parts is quickly effected.

Referrin Figs. 13 an '10, the trigger, 56, is'. pivotally mounted within the scar bar, 57, and has a l spring, 58, seated in its upper rear' face to the trigger-mechanism of where it'contacts with the under side of the tail stra 59, of the receiver; the forward end of t e sear bar also carries a spring, 60, which is designed to contact with the under side of thev receiver, the sear bar being recessed to receive this spring. As the sear bar is the spring, 60,- it is manifest that the sear bar is forced up inthe usual manner to cause its sear61, to contact with and engage the usual lug, 62, on theunder side of the firingbolt and thereby hold .the piece in cocked position ready for firing.

In the under side of the scar-bar is bored a lon ltudinal hole, 63, into which is fitted a spira spring, 64, adapted to operate against the inner end of a pin, 65, slidably mounted in the hole, 63, to'thereby normally force the pin rearwardly, until the end wall of a slot, 66, in the pin contacts with a pin or stop, 67, and thereby limits the rearward movement;

The trigger is pivoted'to the tail strap of the receiver, and when it is pulled rearwardly to lower the sear, 61, and release the firingbolt, a projection, 68, on the front of the trigger presses down in a notch formed in the upper rear angle of the spring-pressed pin, 65, and thereby. rocks the Sear bar about its pivot, 69, to cause the sear at the, rear end of the sear bar to release the cocked firingbolt. Simultaneously with the release of scar, the projection, A68, rides out of contact with the spring-pressed pin, 65, when the spring, 60, at the front of the Sear-bar operates to return this bar and its Sear to normal firing-bolt on the. return o the bolt and compllmentary mechanism to locked osition. I

en the trigger is releasedby the ger of the operator, 1t is forced forward by its own spring, 58, and -its front projection, engages and pushes in the spring-pressed pin, 65,

until the projection, 68, escapes by the rear'` end of the same and enters the notch thereon,

when the trigger is again in position to be fired.-

In the modication, Fig. 20, I show that the breech-bolt may also be operated by a device somewhat different from the trapezoidal,` late. In this instance the whole mechamsm .of the n attachment is the same as before descri ed, but the tra ezoidal plate, 47,'and the inwardly projecting stud thereon land. the breech bolt having the spiral slot are eliminatedgalso, the end piece,

.51 o'f the operating rod, 32, which cocks the firing pin in advance .of the cookingcam of the bolt is omitted. In said Fig. 20, the drivin -rod, 32, extends ast the transverse coup ing-pin, 36, and Ilias rigidly attached to its rearward end a curved thin piece of metal, whichconforms largely to the cross-sectional shape of the `rear end` of the receiver, and .having a spiral-slot, 61',

ivoted to the receiver rearward ofv ful sprlngs, y force aga1nst the plug,

mill-ed through operating on the under-side of the lever, 50, v

i ling it, the lower wall of the slot to unlock and open the bolt, and ,the upper wall operating torclose and lock the action. This slot, 61 being open at the' rear, it will readily be seen that the breech bolt may beoperated by hand without compressing the return-spring inside of the driving-rod or operating the driving-rod` itself, but that when the operating rodis ypushed backward by the power springs the gun will in all cases be automatic, and that when the couppin is depressed the gun will be onehalf automatic as hereinbefore described.

The general operation of the gun shown is well known and will not be speciallyv described except in its connection with the novel features which make the gun automatic in action, and the operation of which features may b e expressed as follows: 'The gun being in 'normal condition, when the trigger .is pressedv backward the firing bolt is released, and the forward end, or firing pin strikes and explodes the primer, igniting 4the powder charge, and forcing the bullet along the bore of the gun, as usual. lVhen the bullet has'passed the hole, or gasport, 4, leading into and through` the gas tube, or pipe, 12, the entering gas forces the inclosed casing, 14, forward, compressing the power-springs, 18,y 19, from forward movement which screws into the V- fastened to the receiver, and allowing the spring-pressed latch, 26, which is pivoted to the plug, 17, which screws into the rear end of the large casing, 15, and which latch has now ridden ast the endv of the operating rod, 30 to bring its toe or projecting undercut lug, 27, in front of the end of the operating rod, 30.' Gordinately with the arriv l of the latch at the point where it may spring over the end of the operating rod, 30', the forward end of the plug, 17, m the rear of the large casing, 15, has come into contact with the square faced shoulder, 20, of the spring-retaining rod, 20, over which the springs lay, and has stopped the forward movement of the thimble or sleeve, 14, and the casing, 15. The parts, as is readily seen, must remain in this position until the bullet leaves the muzzle ofthe barrel. as the bullet clears the muzzle, the gas rushes out of the chamber of the tube, 12, through the gas ports into the barrel, and the-power- 18 and 1'9 act to exert their 17 lin the rear of the large casing to cause it to move backward carrying, 32, with it, thus unlocking and forcing the freed bolt rearward, compressing the smaller by the rod, 20,

` spring, 31, in thedriving rod', 30, until the heel end, 25, of the spring pressed latch, 26,4 engages with the cam faced lug,

24, on the V-shaped piece, 22, when the latch is despring, 31, in the inside which are held advance of the cooking cam haped pie, 22,

ASSQOIIw as" stated above, the

or pushing the driving rod,

pressed out of engagement with the driving rod, 30; the momentum of the breech ,bolt

and attachments carries the bolt the rewhen the return ofthe driving rod, 30, returns the bolt to its locked position. It will be readily understood that Iin, the action as described the empty shell is ejected and a loaded one inserted leaving the gun in position to again be fired by releasing th triggerand again ulling it rearwardly.

The operation o the driving rod and its attachments is as follows: In normal position, the inclined or cam end of the trape- Zoid, 47, lies a short distance in front of the bottom face-'of the operating lever 50, and, therefore, when the rod, 30, is moved backward, the piece 51 at the end of the driving rod,'32, which` couples the rod to the firing bolt, begins cooking the firing bolt slightly before the trapezoid, 47, and stud thereon act upon the base of the lever or handle, 50,

mainder of its stroke,

bolt is revolved by theabove mentioned devices, the firing v br' lt,. '54, is moved slightly away from, or in advance of the cooking cam, C which greatlyreduces the power necessary to turn and unlock the bolt. The art, 53, which presses against the head o the firing bolt,:54, to cock the piece slightly in whenlthe bolt has reached its most rearward movement, would if the spirally-disposed slot,l49, which is cut in thc-shell of the bolt were true,say 45 angley on both sides, press KAwith the full tension of the mainspring against the whole drivin rod and attachments, and force the inwar ly projecting stud 48, of the trapezoid, 47, out of the bolt-slot, thus sticking the return of the bolt as the driving-rod an its attachments would be forced out of alinement. But byA making the slot slightly widening toward the lower end, a slight lost motion is provided andthe firing pin comes forward, slightly, before the bolt starts to return. The, slot in t-hel bolt being yof a steeper pitch in. its forward wall the' stud lwhich operates in the slot can thuswmove forward until the lug on. the bottom of the firing bolt contacts with and rests against the end of the breech bolt. v c

When the driving rod is pushed backward, firingy vpin, is vmoved slighthly in advance ofthe cooking cam, at

`the same time the entering pointA of the wedge ofthe trapezoid, 4,5,- islifting up the lever, 50, of the bolt and when has ceased its action the inwardly projecting stud. of the trapezvoid completes the work n, and the bolt is revolved its full 90 beingforced backward to the end-of its stroke by the power of the springs 18 and 19, acting against the large casing, the contact'being made by the spring-pressed latch pivoted to the plug in the end of the casing.

"and breech bolt, C, whereby asV the breechioo ios

thus be- When the coupling-pin, 36, which is transtrear bolt-stop, and endangering the person 6,5 versely situated in the enlarged end of the firing the n. rearwardly eXtendin part o the Vshaped In all ot er guns of the automatic type the piece, 2 2, which' anc ors the attachment to speed of theoperation-o the breech-bolt is e receiver, is in its normal position; z'. e., subjectto the variationsof pressure gener- Anot forced or pulled up inthe longitudinal ated by the powder charge, which varies as slot in the o ratin rod, 30, and thus bemuch as 15% below to 15% above service retween the bi rcate parts of the piece, 39, quirements. j,

against which the driving rod-spring, 31, Having thus described myinvention what presses,the gun may be fired and the opera- I claim as new and desire to secure by Lettion will be one-half automatic, the empty ters Patent is l shell will be ejected and the boltleft in its 1. An automatic gun having a bolt mechrearward position, ready to be pushed home anism including a reciprocating breech-bolt and locked by hand. The advantage of this and means for imparting a' rotary movement action is this: When the magazine is charged thereto; a mechanism operated forwardly by A with cartrid es and the usual' cut-out lever, the gases of discharge; said bolt mechanism 8O L, on the le t side of the receiver is turned being normally uncoupled from the gasdown, the breech-bolt will be stopped short operated mechanism whereby it is devoid of of its full stroke, that is, will not be forced :is-pressure; complementary means intermebackwardfar enough to allow the cartridges iate of the bolt-mechanism and gas-operinthe magazine, G, to be fed u and one be ated'mechanisin, for storing the energy o the'85 brought in front of the bolt Thea the magaexploded charge; and means for coupling zine, therefore, cannot be used Vunless the cutthe bolt-mechanism with the means for stor` out lever is raised.` In this position' then, ing the power of said'charge substantially cothe gun is a single-firehalf-automatic arm, ordinately with the exhaust of the gases and and a cartrid e may be taken from the belt permitting the stored energy to impart reor pocket, laid' -in frontv of the bolt, and ciprocatory and rotatory movement to the pushed inbyhand. In the other position, breech bolt. A

when the cut-out-,lever is turned up and the 2. In a gun, the combination withV a re- Jtransverse coupling pin, 36, is pulled up, the. ciprocating breech-bolt and means for imi nfisautomatic, the breech-bolt being `unparting a rotary movement thereto; of an ocked, then pushed backward to extreme automatic attachment for the gun, said atlimit, the empty shell ejected, the bolt forced tachment comprisin A a slide-mechanism forward by the spring,`3l, in the drivin .operable forwardly y the gases of disrod, 30, a new shell fed from magazine an charge; a compression motor connected to the breech bolt closed and locked. said slidemechanism and adapted to store 100 en the transverse coupling pin, 36,is in the energy of said gases for subsequent use its downward or depressed position and the in reciprocating and turnin the breech bolt;

bolt stop, L, is turned so that the bolt may be an operating-rod and attac ment for fixing removed from the receiver, the bolt and drivit to vthe breechbolt, and an automatically ing rod, 30, maybe pulled out `for inspection,` engageable and releasable latch and catch and the driving-rod removed from the bolt. mechanism between 'the gas-operating slide This is very important in case` of a shot mechanism and the operatingrod.

striking the, automatic attachment, as the 3. An automatic gun having a reciproca? driving-rod .could be quickly removed and tory breech bolt means for imparting rotary the breech-boltpushed back into the receiver, movement to said bolt, means normally disthus having the original hand-operated gun. connected with the breech bolt and operated In the return movement of the bolt it is in a forward direction by the ases of disturned to its locked position by the inwardly charge, a motor actuated by sai forwardlyproJecting stud acting upon the forward operating means and storing energy during Wall of the spiral slot, as will be well underthe discharge of gases, and means automat- Stood by those acquainted lwith gunsof the` ically coupling the bol-t with the motor cotype shown.` Itis also important thatI the ordinately with the exhaust of the gases.

I mechanism which compresses the power 4. In an automatic gun, the combination d springs, 18 and `19,'operates foi-war y by ofmeans operatedby the gases of discharge, expansion of the gasesleaving the energy a breechbolt mechanism maintained unstored inthe sprin s for lretracting the gun coupled from the gas-operated means until action, as the recoil of the gun is thereby thebullet leavesthe muzzle of the gun, said `greatly reduced. It will,y a so, readily be mechanism includinga reci rocating breech- .seenfthat the pressure exerted to rotate and bolt andrmeans for imparting rotary mo1vereciprocateA the breech-bolt is at all times ment thereto; a motor normally coupledptoy constant, and, the power springs -ma be the gas-operated means and actuated thereby timed yso that the bolt will not move ackto store power for subse uent reciprocation ward with undue force, thus breaking the i and rotation of the 'breec -bo1t; and means for connecting the breech bolt with the motor cordinate with the exhaust of the gases and the release of the power of the motor.

5. An' automatic gun having a slidable casing operable in a forward direction by the gases of discharge; a breech bolt mechanism, said mechanism comprising a reciprocating breech-bolt and means for imparting rotary movement thereto; and means including a power spring and a fixed stop in n the range of action of the casing for storing an equal amount of energy for'rotating and reciprocatlng the breech bolt regardlessof the diiferent pressures generated by the comreciprocatin bustion of the powder charge.

6. An automatic gun having a reciprocatory and .rotatory breech bolt,v a slidable casing operatedvin a forward direction by the gases of discharge, and mechanism between the bolt and casin for storing an equal amount of energy Ior rotating and the breech bolt in one direction regard ess of the different pressures generated by the .combustion of variable powder charges.

7. An automatic gun having in combination a'sliding' member subjected to and actuated by the gases 'of dischar a motor member connected with the sli lng member and ,storing power derived from 'the gases of discharge, said sliding member holding the motor in check until the expansion of the gases is completed and the power of the stored energy overcomes the pressure of the gases on the sliding member; a breech-bolt mechanism Vremoved from the direct pressure of the ases of discharge, said mechanism including areciprocatmg breech-bolt andv meansffor imparting a rotary movement thereto;`and means for automatically coupling the bolt mechanism with the motor cordinately with the release of the gas pressure on the sliding member.

8. In an automatic gun, the combination with a reciprocatory breech-bolt; means for im arting rotary movement to said bolt; a sli e operated in one direction by the gases of the exploded charge, said bolt being normally uncoupled from said slide and being vdirectly unaifected by the gas-pressure, a mechanism intermediate of the slide and breech bolt and-normally disconnected from the latter, and connected to the slide so as to store the energy of the ases of the exploded charge, and hold said energy stored while the bullet is in the gun; and means for automatically coupling the breech bolt with the intermediate mechanism substantially cordinately with the exhaust of the gases and the release of the stored energ 9. In an automatic gun, a reciprocab e breech-bolt, means for imparting rotary movement thereto, a gas-operated mechan- -ism exposed to the gases of the exploded charge, and moved in va forward direction thereby and withoutimparting gas pressure to the breech-bolt; a Vsprin motor connected to said mechanism an placed under compression thereby, and operating expansively in a rearward direction; and means for coupling the spring-motor to the breechbolt whereby the energy stored in the motor is utilized to reciprocate and rotate said with the barrel, a reciprocable breech-bolt,

means for imparting rotary movementto the bolt, -of a casing, a closed sleeve extension thereof, and means slidably connecting it with the barrel, a tube rigid with said sleeve' extension and ports connecting the interior of the tube with the gun barrel, said casing being movable in a. forward direction by the gases of the exploded charge means includln a ower-spring within the Casin and he d reiiativeto the movement thereo and adapted to be compressed during the forward movement of the casing and the expansion of the gases, and means for oo'u ling the power spring to the breech bot during the forward movement of the casing, whereby said spring o erates expansively to retract and rotate t e breech bolt.

12. In an automatic un, the combination with the barrel and t e breech bolt, of. a

slidably mounted casing, atubular extension i of the front end thereof, a tube within the front extension of the casing and inclosing a gas-chamber which is in open communica.- tion with the bore of the barrel, a rod extending through the rear of the casing and means connecting the same to the breechbolt, power sprin s encircling the rod between the forwar fend of the rod `and' the rear end of the casing, said springs adapted to be compressed when the casing is moved forward by the gases of discharge, and means for coupling the casing to the breech bolt substantially cordinate y haust of .the gases of discharge, whereby the energy of the power springs 1s utilized to reciprocate and rotate the lbreech bolt.

13. An automatic gun having a reciprocatory breech-bolt, means for 4impartmg a with the ex-l .A

rotary movement to said-bolt, means no1" i mally' disconnected with the breech bolt and' operated in one direction by the gases of the nected to the first named means and adapted to store the-energg of said gases. during the generation thereo and means for automatvically coupling the breech bolt to the motor duringV the rearward opening movement of the bolt. l ,Y

14'. An automatic gun having Va reciprocatory vbreech-bolt, means for lmparting a rotary movement to said bolt, means normally disconnected with the breech bolt and operatedin one. direction by the gases of the exploded charge, a boltimpelling motor connected to the first named means and adapted to store` the energy of said gases during the generation thereof, andV means for automatically couplin the breech-bolt to the motor thereof, sai means comprising a pivoted spring pressed catch carried by the gas-operated means, a member car- 1aed by the bolt and positioned to be engaged bysaid catch-on the forward movement of the gas-,operated means, Vwhereby the motor and bolt are coupled to ether during the ex` -haust-of the `gases ofg discharge, and the motor furnishes the power ,to operate the bolt reciprocally andturnably.

415. Anautomatic gun having'a reciprocatory and rotatory breech bolt, meansnorf a 'pivoted spring said :bolt member.

mally disconnected with the breech bolt and operatedin one direction bythe gases of the exploded charge, a bolt im elling motor connected to. the irst-v name means and adapted to store the energyv of said gases during the generation thereof,` and means for automatically coupling the breech bolt to the motor thereof, said means comprising pressed catch carried by the gas o rate means, a member carried. by the bo t and positioned to be engaged by said catch on the forward movement of the :is-operated means, whereby the motor and olt are .coupled togther during the exhaust ofthe gases of disc arge and the motor :fur-A nishes the ower to operate the bolt reciprocally an turnably and 'means for releasing the catch from ltsengagement with thev 16. An automatic having af reciprocatory breech bolt, means for' imparting rox" tary movement thereto`,nieans normallydisconnected with the breech` boltand operated in one direction by the gases ofthe exploded char e, a bolt-'impelling motor connected to they rst named means and 4adapted to store the energy of'said gases during the generation thereof, and means for automatically coupling the breech bolt to the 'motor thereof, said meanscomprising a'catch carried bythe gas-operated means and a member carried by the-bolt'and adapted to bemain-A tained inengagement with the catch during l the rearward opening movement of the bolt, and a cam-faced lug disposed in the range of action of the catch and adapted to trip the same to cause it to release its engagement with said bolt member substantially cordinately with the completion of the rearward movement of the bolt.

17. In an automatic un, the combination with the barrel and the reech bolt, of a slidably mounted casing having a tubular eX- vtension of the front end, a sleeve fixed to the barrel and having a lug projecting from its under side, saidcasing being cut away on the upper side of its front portion to -form a shoulder adapted to abut against the front wall of said lug, and saidtubular extension adapted to screw into engagement with the front end of the casing, said lu y having an internally threaded bore an having a port made transversely through it and connecting with the similar port leadin into the bore of the barrel, a tube threads into engagement with the bore of said lug and contained within said tubular exteno sion of the casing and adapted to form a chamber for the gases of discharge, a screw plug closing the rear end of the slidable casmg, a rod extending through said casing and through and beyond said plug, means for fixing the rear end of the rod to a sta-V tionary' ortion of the gun, a stop at the fronten of said rod, and power springs ysurrounding the rod and havin their opposite ends abutting the plug an said front stop, said casing adapted to be moved for- Wardly'by the gases of the exploded charge to compress sai springs and to store energy Y. therein for subsequently reciprocating and rotating the br'eech bolt.

18. In lan automatic gun, the combination with the barrel and the breech bolt, of a slidably mounted casing having 4a tubular extension of the front end, a sleeve fixed to the barrel and having a lug rojecting from its under side, said casing being cut away on the *upper side of its front portion to form a shoulderadapted to abut a ainst the front wall of said lug, and said tu ular extension adapted to screwV into engagement with the front end of the casing, said lug ing a port made transversely through it and connecting with the similar port leadin Vinto the bore of the barrel, a'tube threade into enga ement with the bore of said lug and contained within said tubular extension of the casing and ada ted to form a chamber for the gases of dlscharge, a screw plug `closing the rear end of the slidable casing, a rod extending through said casing and through and beyond said plug, means for fixing the rear end of the rod to a ,stationary portion of the n, a stop at the frontend of said rod, an power springs surrounding the-rod and having their -cpposite ends abutting the plug and said front stop, said casing ada ted to be moved forwardly by the gases o the exploded charge to compress said springs and to store energy therein for subsequently reciprocating and rotating the breech bolt and said rod having a shoulder intermediate of its ends againstwhich the inner face of the screw plug strikes to limit the compression of said springs.

19. In an automatic gun, the combination with the barrel and tlie breech bolt, of 4a slidably mounted casing having a tubular extension of the front end, a sleeve fixed to the barrel and having a lug projecting from its-under side, said casing being cut away on the upper side of its front portion to form a shoulder adapted to abut against the front wall of said lug, and said tubular extension adapted to screw into engagement with the front end of the casing, said lug having an internally threaded bore and having a port made transversely through it and connecting with the similar port leading into the bore of the barrel, a tube threaded into engagement with the bore of said lug and 'contained within said tubular extension of the casing and adapted to form a chamber for the gases of discharge, a screw plug closingl the rear end of the slidable casing, a rod extending through said casing and through and vbeyond said plug, means for xing the rear end of the rod to a stationary portion of the gun, a stop at the front end ofsaid rod, and power springs surroundingl the rod and having their opposite ends abutting the plug and said front stop, said casing ada tedto be moved forwardly by the gases o the exploded charge to lcompress said springs and to store energyvtherein for subsequently reciprocating and rotating the breech bolt, and said rod having a shoulder intermediate of its ends against which the rear plug contacts to limit the compression of the springs whereby said springs store an equal amount of energy for rotating and reciprocating the breech bolt regardless 'of the different pressures generated by the gases of the exploded charge.

20. In an automatic gun, the combination nickel sleeve at its front end with expansible walls adapted to form a gas tight joint with the inner walls of said extension and to serve as a scraper therefor, a plug closing the rear end of the slidable casing, a rod exof the barrel and the breech bolt, of ay sleevel relative to said tube and said tube having al tending through said casing and plug and having means for fixing its rear end to a fixed part of the gun, said rod having a collar or stop at its front end and having a shoulder intermediatel of said ends against which the plug is adapted to contact, and power springs within the vcasing and surrounding said rod and adapted to be compressed when the casing is moved forward under the influence of the gases of the exploded charge. A, A

21. In an automatic gun, the combination with the barrel and the breech bolt,l of a slidably mounted casing, a tubular extension of the front end thereof, a tube with-in said .i front extension and inclosing a gas chamber which is in open communication with the bore of the barrel,a rodextending through the rear of the casing, means connecting t e rear end of the rod with. the xed part of the gun, power springs inclosing the rod afnd confined between the front end of said plug and the front Aendof the rod, said springs adapted to be compressed when the casing is moved forwardly by the gases of the exploded charge, and means'for coup-- ling theV casing to the breech bolt `substantially cordinately with. the exhaust of the gases of discharge, said vmeans including a pivotally mounted'spring-pressed latch carried by the casing, a slidably mounted rod arranged parallel with the casing, and with which the latch s ada 'ted to engage on the forward movement oiP the casin whereby the casing and rod are couple together 100 during the return movement of said casing,

an extension of saidk slidiblerod and means connectin the rear end of said extension with the ring bolt, means for releasing the latch from its engagement with said slid- 105 able rod, a spring within the slidableI rod for returning the rod to normal osition and moving the breech bolt in a orward direction.

22'. In an automatic gun, the combination 110 lof a b olt mechanism, a mechanism operated 1 forwardly lby the gases of the exploded. charge, said bolt mechanism being nor- -mally uncoupled from the gas operated mechanism whereby it is devoid of gas ressure, power springs intermediate of the' Bolt mechanism andthe bolt operated mechanism for storing the energy of the exploded charge, and means for coupling the bolt mechanism with the power springs substantially cordinately with the exhaust of the gases to permit the stored energy of the sprin to impart a reciprocable in ovement to t e breech bolt in a rearward direc-l tion and to turn said bolt, said last-named means including a 'slidably `mounted springressed rod-arranged parallel with the lgun barrel and having its rear end connected with the bolt mechanism of the gun, latching means carried by the gas operated mech- 13o anism and adapted to engage said rod on the forward movement of said mechanism whereby said mechanism and rod operate together in a rearward direction, and means for `automatically `tripping the latching mechanism` to cause it to release the slidy able rod fat substantially the termination of the rearward `movement of the breech bolt.

23, In an automatic gun, the combination 4of means operated by the gases of the exy ranged parallel with the barrel of the gun,

coupling means between the gas operated means and the slidable rod and adapted to couple the two when the gas operated means is moved forwardly by the gases of the eX- ploded charge, said slidable rod and gas operated means moving together in a rearward direction during the exhaust of the gases and a cam member carried by the slidable rod andnormally disposed proximate tothe lever'of the lbolt and adapted to be forced under said lever to thereby raise the same and unlock the breech bolt to allow the same to be moved rearwardly.

'24. In an automatic gun, the combination with a reciprocatory and rotatory breech bolt, of slidably mounted means normally disconnected from the breech bolt and operated in a forward direction bythe gases of the exploded charge, a power-spring mechanism actuated by the first-named means and.,

adapted to store energy during the genera tion of gases, and means for automatically coupling the'gas operated means with the breech-bolt, said last means comprising a fixed guide, a rod slidably mounted therein, having its rear end connected to the breech bolt, coactingcoupling members on the slidable rod andthe gas operated means adapted to engage on the forward movement of the gas o erated means, a spring acting on the slidab e rod and compressed during the rearward movement thereof, ,and adapted to return and close the breech bolt, and means for automatically uncoupling the rod and gas operated mechanism at substantially the completion of the rearward opening movement of the breech bolt.

25. In an automatic gun, the combination with a reciprocatory and rotatorybreech bolt said bolt having an operating hand-lever, of a slidable casing operated 1n a forward direction by the gases of the exploded `rod to be moved together rearwardly by the action of the power spring mechanism, and means for tripping the latch to release the` slidable casing from its engagement with the slidable rod.

26. In an automatic gun, the combination with the receiver having a slot in the side of its rear end, and a breech bolt having a hand lever, of a slidable-casing operated in a forward direction by the gases of the exploded charge, a motor actuated by the ,casing to store energy during the generation of gases, and to release its energy during the exhaust of said gases, a slidably mounted spring pressed rod and means for automatically coupling and uncoupling it to the slidable casing, and a trapezoidal-shaped cam-member operating inslde of the receiver to ride under the hand-lever of the bolt to thereby lift the same and unlock the bolt, and having a part extending transversely through the slotl thereof and connected to the slidable rod.

27. In an automatic gun, the combination with the receiver having a slot in the side of its rear end, and a breech bolt having a hand-lever, of a slidable-casing operated in a forward direction by the gases of the eX- ploded charge, a motor actuated by the casing to store energy during the generation of v gases, and to release its energy during the exhaust of said gases, a slidably mounted spring pressed rod and means for automatically coupling and uncoupling it4 to the slidable casing, and a trapezoidal-shaped cammember operating inside of the receiver to ride under the hand lever of the bolt to thereby lift the same and unlock the bolt, and having a part extending transversely through the slot thereof and connected to the slidable rod, and an arm on the rear end of the slidable rod and extending diagonally toward the axis of the bolt and connected to the firing bolt of the latter.

28. In an automatic n of the character described the combination of a breech bolt, a slidable casin perated forwardly by the gases of the eXp oded charge, a power spring mechanism connected to the Vcasing and placed-under compression during the forward movement thereof, and operating expansively in a rearward direction to impart reciprocatory and rotatory movement to the f ing during the breech bolt-"1 a slidably mounted rod and means connecting it to the breech bolt, means automatically cou ling it .to the slidable casorward movement of the latter, means for uncoupling the rod and casing during the rearward movement of the latter, a spring within the slidable rod, a bearing block against which the rear end of the spring seats, a guide for the slidable rod, and a coupling pin mevably lmounted in the ide and adapted to engage and release the earing block.

29. In an automatic gun of the character described the combination of a breech bolt, a

slidable casing operated forwardly by the` gases of the exploded charge, a power sprin .mechanism connected to the casing an placed under compression during the forward movement thereof, and operating expansively in a rearward direction to impart reciprocatory and rotatory movement to the breech bolt, a slidably mounted rod and means connecting it to the breech bolt, means automatically coupling it to the slidable casing during the forward movement of the latter, means for uncooupling the rod and casing during the rearward movement of the latter, a spring within the lslidable rod, a bearing block against which the rear end of the spring seats, a `guide for the slidable rod and a coupling pin vertically in said' guide, said'pin having a spaced member and said bearing block having a slitted rear end to receive the spaced member of the pin to detachably hold the block to allow the spring to becompressed as the rod is moved rearwardly, said s rin operating to return and close the breech bot.

30. In a gun having a reciprocatory and rotatorybreech bolt, a spring pressed horizontally slidable rod, a loose bearing block within the rod and `formin a seat for one end of the spring, a vertical y slidable coupling pin adapted to be moved into and out of engagement with the bearing block to thereby control the action of the spring and to make the breech bolt automatic or nonautomatic at pleasure; a power spring mechanism placed under compression by the gases of the exploded charge and operating exanslbly in a rearward direction, and means or connecting and disconnecting the power# spring mechanism with the slidable rod.

31. InLa gunhaving a reciprocatory and rotatory breech bolt, a spring pressed horizontally slidable rod a loose bearing block within the rod and formin a seat for one end of the. spring, a vertical y slidable coup'- ling pin adaptedpto be moved into and out of engagement 'with the bearing block to thereby control the action of the spring and to make the breech bolt automatic or nonautomatic at pleasure; a power spring mechanism placed under compression by the gases of the exploded charge and operating expansibly in a rearward direction, and means for connecting and disconnectingl the power spring mechanism with the slida l coupling pin serving as a stop for ejected shells and having a cam-shaped face and notch and'said bearing block having a slot to receive the pin and having a lug to enter said notch.

32. In a gun of the character described, a reciprocatory and rotatory breech bolt having a spirally arran d slot in its circumference with the wal s of the slot arranged at different angles whereby the slot increases in width toward the lower end, in combination with a horizontally slidable member having atransverse .lug operatin in said slot, and a hand-lever fixed to the olt, said slidable member having van inclined front end the point of which is adapted to ride under the lever to raise the same slightly in advance of the action of the projection against the walls of the spiral slot.

0 33. In a gun, breech-bolt and the firing bolt thereof, of a slidably mounted rod arranged parallel with the breech bolt, and an arm iixed to the rear of the rod and extending diagonally and having its outer end inclosin the ring bolt just in advance of the head t ereof, said inclosing portion being cut away on one side and said tiring bolt having a companion part flattened, whereby the arm and the combination with they e rod, said firing bolt are detachably connected one with the other.

34. In a gun, the combination with the receiver thereof and the bolt mechanism, of a spring-pressed scar-bar pivotally mounted at the front portion and having a sear at the rear end, a horizontal spring pressed pin slidably mounted in the lower front portlon of the Sear-bar, and provided with a notch,

and a spring-pressed pivoted trigger located between the front and rear ends of the sear bar, and having a projection to engage the notch of the spring-pressed pin whereby when thetrigger is pulled rearwardly-the scar bar is first depressed and then released from engagement with the trigger.

35. In an automatic `with the breech bolt having a cocking cam on its rear end, a tiring bolt having a lug to be engaged by said cam, a slidably mounted casing operated in a forwardly direction by the gases of discharge, a power spring mechanism connected to and compressed by the casing and adapted to store the ener of the explodedcharge, a spring-pressed oltoperating rod and means for .coupling it to the' ower-spring mechanism su stantially cor inately withfthe exhaust of the gases of discharge and release of the stored energy 'in the power-spring mechanism whereby the .latter operates the bolt rearwardly, and an arm on the operating rod connected to the tiring bolt and adapted to move the same gun, the combination slot in its circumference,

initially slightly in advance of the action of the cocking cam yon the lug of said firing bolt, thereby removing excessive strain from the' breech-bolt. i i

3G.y In a gun of the character described, a reciprocatory and rotatory breech bolt having a cocking cam on its rear end and a spiral its opposite walls arranged at dierent angies whereby the slot widens toward `the lower end, in combination with a firing bolt having a lug engaged by the cooking cam said slot having and a rearwardly spring pressed rod having a ymember connected to the firing bolt ami adapted to initially move the ring bolt 15 so that its lug moves slightly in advance of the engaging wall of the cooking cam and the strain on the breech bolt is relieved.

In testimony whereof I afix my signature in presence. of two witnesses.

GRANT HAMMOND, Witnesses:

C. W. FOWLER, T. W. FowLEn.

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