Category: Loading / Unloading

British 2021

A.D. 1856 № 2021 N.

Fire-arms.

LETTERS PATENT to Hezekiah Conant, of the State of Connecticut, of the United States of America, for the Invention of “A New And Useful Improvement In Fire-Arms.”

Sealed the 21st November 1856, and dated the 30th August 1856.

PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Hezekiah Conant at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 30th August 1856.

I, Hezekiah Conant, of the State of Connecticut, of the United States of America, do hereby declare the nature of my Invention of “A New And Useful Improvement In Fire-Arms,” to be as follows, that is to say:—

It consists in the application of a metallic ring, and a chamber, or its equivalent, to the breech slide, or breech or rear end of the barrel, in breech loading fire-arms, or to the forward end of the bore or charge chamber of a revolver fire-arm, or to the rear end of the barrel of such a revolver or such a breech-loading fire-arm, the object of such being to prevent or hinder at the time of an explosion of the charge of such fire-arm the escape of gas or smoke between the joint or contiguous surfaces of the parts against which the ring may be pressed by the force of the said explosion.

Figure 1 of the Drawing herewith presented exhibits a longitudinal section of a portion of a breech-loading fire-arm, and shows my improvement as applied thereto; Figure 2 is a side view of the ring; Figure 3, a transverse section of it; Figure 4, a front view of the breech slide.

In such Drawings, A denotes the stock of the fire-arm; B, the barrel of the same; C, the breech slide; such arm being supposed to be what is usually termed a Sharp’s carbine or rifle.

The chamber is shown at b as formed in the breech slide C, and as having the ring D arranged in it; and with respect to the rear end of the barrel, as shown in Figure 1. The inner diameter of the ring corresponds with that of the bore of the barrel, the ring being cut or formed so that it may expand by the heat and power of the explosion of the charge, so as to be pressed against the adjacent surfaces of the slide and barrel and close the joint between them.

SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed by the said Hezekiah Conant in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 7th January 1857.

TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, Hezekiah Conant, of the State of Connecticut, of the United States of America, send greeting.

WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters Patent, bearing date the Thirtieth day of August, A.D. 1856, in the twentieth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said Hezekiah Conant, Her special license that I, the said Hezekiah Conant, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said Hezekiah Conant, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man, an Invention of “An Improvement In Fire-Arms,” upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said Hezekiah Conant, by an instrument in writing under my hand and seal, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.

NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Hezekiah Conant, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following Specification, and the Drawing, which accompany and make part of the same.

Figure 1 of the said Drawing denotes a longitudinal section of a breech loading carbine or fire-arm having my Invention or improvement applied to it; Figure 2 is a front elevation of its breech slide; Figure 3 is a side view of the expansion ring, which constitutes part of my improvement; Figure 4 is a transverse section of the said ring.

The nature of my Invention consists in the application of a metallic ring, and a chamber, or its equivalent, to the breech slide, or rear end of the barrel, in breech-loading fire-arms, or to the forward end of the bore or charge chamber of a revolver fire-arm, or to the rear end of the barrel of such revolver or such a breech-loading fire-arm, the object of such being to prevent or hinder at the time of the explosion of the charge of such fire-arm the escape of gas or smoke between the joint or contiguous surfaces of the parts against which the ring may be pressed by the force of the said explosion.

In the said Drawings, or in such of them as the same may be shown, A, denotes the stock of the fire-arm; B, the barrel of the same; C, the breech slide; such fire-arm being of the kind well known under the name of Sharp’s carbine or ride.

In carrying out my Invention, I form in the front face of the breech slide C a recess or chamber b, the axis of which should be in line with that of the bore of the barrel B when the slide is raised up to its highest position. The diameter of this chamber should be somewhat larger than that of the bore of the barrel, and so as to receive and hold a metallic annulus or ring D, which should have its internal diameter to correspond in size with that of the bore of the barrel. The inner face of the ring is bevelled down to an acute angle with the front face of it, and when the ring is in place, such front face of it rests in contact with the rear end of the barrel, as shown in Figure 1. The chamber 6 not only serves to receive the ring, but also a part of the charge of powder while the fire-arm is loaded.

In the operation of my Invention, the explosive force of the charge when it is fired will force the ring forward against the rear end of the barrel; it, or the heat of it, will also expand the ring, so as to cause it to closely fit against the circular sides of the chamber b, such chamber being formed to concentrically receive and fit upon the circumference of the ring.

My improvement is also applicable to the front end or muzzle of each charge chamber of a “Colt’s revolver,” or other like fire-arm; and instead of inserting the ring in the charge chamber, it may be arranged in a chamber or groove formed in the rear end of the barrel of such revolver, and so as to abut or be forced against the muzzle of the charge chamber during and by the explosion of its powder. The effect of closing the joint or opening between the contiguous surfaces of the barrel and the revolving charge chamber will be the same as above mentioned.

What I claim as my Invention is, the application of a metallic ring D, and a chamber b, or its equivalent, to the breech slide, or the breech or rear end of the barrel, in a breech-loading fire-arm, or to the forward end of the charge chamber, or the rear end of the barrel of a revolver, and so as to operate therewith, substantially, in manner and for the object or purpose, and under circumstances as heretofore specified.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my signature & seal, this 9th day of October, A. D. 1856.

HEZEKIAH CONANT. (L.S.)

US 196491
UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.
DEXTER SMITH, OF SPRINGFIELD, MASS, ASSIGNOR TO DANIEL B. WESSON.
IMPROVEMENT IN REVOLVING FIRE-ARMS.
Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 196,491, dated October 23, 1877; application filed September 27, 1877.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, Dexter Smith, of Springfield, in the State of Massachusetts, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Revolving Fire-Arms; and that the following is a full, clear, and exact description there of, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, making a part of this specification, and to the letters of reference marked thereon.

My invention relates to an ejector for revolving fire-arms; its object being to first start the shells from the chambers of the cylinder by a slow or positive movement, and, after they are so started, to eject them entirely from the chambers by a quick movement.

To this end my invention consists of an ejector-stem extending through, or nearly through, the cylinder at its forward end, in connection with a bolt, spring, and latch, arranged to be operated by projections in the joint where the barrel is hinged to the frame, all of which will be more fully hereinafter described.

Figure I is a side view of a revolving fire-arm made according to my invention, with a portion broken away, showing the several parts in position and the barrel locked to the frame. Fig. II is a similar view with the barrel unlocked from the frame, and the latter and the recoil-plate moved down and away from the rear end of the cylinder, and the ejector forced outward as in ejecting the shells. Fig. III is a reverse plan or bottom view of the bolt; and Fig.IV is a side view of the bolt and its latch, both the last figures made somewhat enlarged to show their construction.

In the drawings, A represents the frame, B the barrel, and C the cylinder, of a revolving fire-arm, the said cylinder being provided with an ejector-plate, b, of the ordinary kind used with many-chambered cylinders, and having a stem, a, extending into and through the cylinder, said stem having a shoulder at i, and the hole through the cylinder also having a shoulder at c, to limit the movement of the ejector-plate and stem.

Within a recess beneath the barrel is placed a spring, o, with a small disk or plate, r, in rear of said spring, and behind this plate or disk is placed a sliding bolt, m, with a latch, m, pivoted in its forward end. This latch has a point, n, projecting beyond the forward end of the bolt, and the latch has also a recess or gain, f’, made in its lower side.

The joint where the barrel swings in the frame at F is provided with a cam, l, projecting therefrom, and also another at g, on its forward and lower edge; and the bolt m is also provided with a shoulder, e, in rear of which the bolt is somewhat reduced in diameter, as shown clearly in Figs. I and II; and the frame beneath the latch, when the latter is forward in its place, is provided with a catch or bar, f.

The operation of my invention is as follows: When the cartridges are inserted into the chambers of the cylinder, and the frame is tilted up to lock the barrel thereto, the cam l strikes against the shoulder e of the bolt, and the latter, with its latch, is forced forward, compressing the spring 0, the latter and the disk r pressing against the point in, and forcing the latch downward until it catches against the bar f by its recess f’. The bolt is then fastened, so that it cannot pass toward the rear and against the ejector-stem. If the cartridges are then exploded, and it is desired to eject the shells, the latch. D is raised, or the barrel unlocked from the frame, and as the latter is forced down the projection or cam l is forced against the for Ward end of the stem a, and the latter forced back slightly, just sufficiently to start the shells from the chambers of the cylinder. As the former continues its downward movement, however, the cam l moves so far backward and downward that it loses its contact with the end of the ejector-stem, and the latter stops its rearward movement. As the frame is moved still farther downward, the projection g, in passing up, strikes against the rear end of the latch m’, forcing it up sufficiently to unlatch it from the catch or barf, and the bolt is quickly forced back by the spring o, causing it to strike a Smart blow against the ejector-stem, forcing the ejector back quickly, and throwing all the shells entirely out of the chambers, the ejector-stem and bolt being then in position shown in Fig. II. Cartridges may then be partially inserted into the chambers, and as the frame and recoil-plate is moved up again in rear of the cylinder, the cam l strikes against the shoulder e of the bolt, as before, forcing that forward and latching it, the ejector plate and cartridges being forced in by the pressure of the recoil-plate against them. By this quick movement of the ejector and bolt I am enabled to eject the shells from the chambers and throw them entirely out and free from the cylinder without the least trouble.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new is—

1. In combination with the hinged joint F, the extractor or ejector stem a, bolt m, with its latch m’, and spring o, all substantially as described.

2. In combination with the bolt on and its latch m’, the spring o, for operating both the latch and the bolt, substantially as described.

DEXTER SMITH.

Witnesses:
T. A. Curtis,
C. E. Buckland.

US 193836
UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.
DEXTER SMITH, OF SPRING-FIELD, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR TO DANIEL B. WESSON, OF SAME PLACE.
IMPROVEMENT IN REVOLVING FIRE-ARMS.
Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 193,836, dated August 7, 1877; application filed June 12, 1877.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, Dexter Smith, of Springfield, in the State of Massachusetts, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Fire-Arms; and that the following is a full, clear, and exact description thereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, making a part of this specification, and to the letters of reference marked thereon.

My invention relates to that part of the arm which operates to extract the shell after the cartridge has been exploded.

It consists of an extractor-stem, operating in connection with a fixed projection, and a sliding piece, which latter has a forward movement independent of the extractor-stem, by which movement the sliding piece is caused to engage. With the fixed projection, and, by tilting either the barrel or the frame, to extract the empty shell from the chamber, the nature and character of the invention being more fully hereinafter described.

Figure 1 represents one modification of my invention, and Fig. 2 represents another modification of the same.

In the drawings, A represents the frame of a revolving fire-arm, to which my invention is applicable. B represents the barrel, and C the chambered cylinder, arranged to revolve on the tubular pivot or base pin h, fixed to the arm just beneath the barrel B, and the extractor-stem b extends into this tubular pivot or base pin, in the usual manner.

A recess is made in the arm in front of the base-pin h, and, as arranged in the modification shown in Fig. 1, into this recess is fitted a tube, s, to slide to and fro therein, with a spline therein, and a pin inserted, or other convenient arrangement for limiting the sliding movement of the tube.

A rod or sliding piece, a, is inserted into this tube, with a spring, n, Wound upon the forward and smaller part, said spring bearing, at its rear end, against a shoulder or projection on the sliding piece, and at its forward end against a shoulder in the forward end of the tubes, the end of the piece a projecting through the forward end of the tube, and having a button or knob, k, secured thereto.

In Fig. 1 a small projection, c, is made upon the sliding piece a, which, when the barrel is locked to the frame, stands just in front of the fixed projection f on the joint D.

The extractor and its stem b, and their arrangement within the cylinder with the actuating-spring in, are the same as ordinarily used. In Fig. 1 the extractor-stem b is made somewhat short, or of about the same length as the cylinder, with a screw, e, turned into the end of the stem, to serve as a shoulder for the end of the spring on to bear against, and the sliding piece a is directly in front of this screw.

As arranged in Fig. 1, the operation of my invention is as follows: With the parts all in place, as shown in the drawings, if the frame A be held stationary, and the forward end of the barrel be tilted down, the small projection c upon the sliding piece a comes into contact with the fixed projection f on the joint D on the frame part of the arm; and while this tilting movement continues the sliding piece is pushed back and upward against the extractor-stem and screw e, forcing the extractor back and removing the shells. During the latter part of this backward movement the sliding piece a, moving in a straight line while being carried around the joint, finally moves so far away from the fixed projection f that the latter loses contact With the point c, and the extractor and stem b are quickly carried back into the cylinder, and the sliding piece a and the tube s (which has moved with the sliding piece) back into their original position in their recess. As the forward end of the barrel is then tilted up to lock the barrel to the frame, the point c is then in front of the fixed projection f, instead of behind it, as at first, and as the barrel moves up, the point c comes in contact with the front side of the projection f, and the sliding piece is carried forward to the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1, or until the point c is carried forward so far as to lose contact with the projection f, when the spring a carries the sliding piece a quickly backward, with the point c behind the projection f, or into the original position shown in Fig. 1.

The same mechanical equivalents, with the same principle of operation, are shown in Fig. 2, in which b is the extractor-stem, enlarged about midway to form a shoulder at i for a bearing, for the spring m, and with a shoulder at i’, against which the sliding piece a strikes.

The extractor-stem b is made longer than that shown in Fig. 1, and extends forward in to the recess beneath the barrel, that part of it forward of the shoulder i’ being made Smaller, and the sliding piece a in Fig. 2 is made in the form of an annular collar, and slides freely to and fro on the small part of the stem, a spring, n, placed upon this part of the stem, and bearing at its forward end against a knob or button, k, secured to the end of the stem, or made thereon, operating to keep the collar or sliding piece a back against the shoulder i’.

The operation in this modification is precisely similar to that already hereinbefore described— that is to say, as the barrel B is tilted down, the fixed projection f comes in contact with the front side of the point, c, which, in this case, is made annular, and the extractor-stem and the sliding piece a are carried back and upward until the annular point closes its contact with the projection f, and the spring on forces the stem and sliding piece a quickly back into their original position, the projection f being then in the rear of the sliding piece a. As the barrel is then tilted upward again the projection c on the sliding piece comes in contact with the front side of the projection f, and the sliding piece is carried forward until it loses contact with the projection, when it is forced quickly to the rear side of the latter by the spring n into its original position, as shown in Fig. 2.

It is evident that this invention is equally well adapted to be used upon all fire-arms in which the barrel is pivoted to and tilts upon a frame or breech, and the extractor can be arranged to remove one or more shells, according to the nature of the arm, without departing from the principle of operation, as above described.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new is—

In an automatic extractor for fire-arms, the combination of a fixed projection with a sliding piece arranged in connection, with the extractor-stem, said sliding piece having a backward movement; when engaged; with the fixed projection to. extract, the shells, and, having also a movement forward independent of the extractor, to enable it to engage with the fixed projection, and place itself in position to extract the shells, substantially as described.

DEXTER SMITH.

Witnesses:
T. A. Curtis,
E. A. Thayer.

US 186470
UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.
HENRY L. GARDNER, OF SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS.
IMPROVEMENT IN REVOLVING FIRE-ARMS.
Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 186,420, dated January 23, 1877; application filed November 3, 1876.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, Henry L. Gardner, of Springfield, in the State of Massachusetts, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Revolving Fire-Arms; and that the following is a full, clear, and exact description thereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, making a part of this specification, and to the letters of reference marked thereon.

My invention relates to many-chambered revolving fire-arms; its object being to eject the empty shells automatically by discharging the arm, and without ejecting a loaded cartridge; and to this end my invention consists of a cylinder or barrel having two or more chambers, which are connected by a small hole or orifice, made in such manner that the gas generated by the explosion of the cartridge in one chamber will pass through said hole or orifice into the next chamber, and, if the cartridge therein has been exploded, force out or eject its shell, but will not affect the cartridge if it has not been exploded, as will be more fully hereinafter described.

Figure I is a side view of so much of a revolving fire-arm as is necessary to show the invention, with a part of the cylinder broken away to show the inside of the chamber to which the invention is applied; and Fig. II is a longitudinal section through the frame, the upper chambers of the cylinder, and the axis of the barrel.

In the drawings, A represents the frame of an ordinary revolving fire-arm, in the side of which, at the rear end of the cylinder, is made a recess, c, with a projection, D, behind that. C represents the cylinder, arranged to revolve by means of the ordinary mechanism, and provided with any number of chambers, f, which communicate with each other through the small hole or orifice e, which may be made either perpendicular to the axis of each chamber f, or obliquely thereto, as shown in Fig. II. I prefer the latter construction, because the force of the gas from the exploding cartridge is directed into the empty shell, the effect of which is to eject it with more certainty; but in either case the small hole or orifice e is made in such manner and in such position in the chamber that the gas escaping through said orifice shall strike against the side of the projectile, if the latter still remains in the chamber, and no effect will thereby be produced to force out or eject, at the rear end of the chamber, the loaded cartridge.

The operation of my invention is as follows:

Suppose all the chambers f of the cylinder to be loaded with cartridges, and when the first shell is exploded the gas from the explosion, as the projectile leaves the chamber, is forced through the orifice e into the next chamber; but as this next chamber contains a loaded cartridge, the force of said escaping gas is exerted directly against the side of the projectile, and there is no tendency to eject it or expel it rearward from its chamber. The cylinder is then rotated by the cocking of the hammer, bringing the next chamber into position to discharge the cartridge therein; and, as this is discharged, the gas there from is forced through the orifice e into the chamber containing the empty shell, which is now directly in front of the cavity c and projection D, and, as this gas enters the chamber in front of the shell, the latter is forced rearward out of the chamber, as shown in Fig. II, and the shell striking against the projection D, its rear Ward movement is stopped, and it falls to the ground. As each cartridge is discharged, and its empty shell ejected, another cartridge is immediately inserted from the rear each time the cylinder stops in its rotary movement, so that all the chambers are kept always loaded, and are loaded as fast as they are discharged.

I am aware that the gas from the explosion of one cartridge in a series of chambers has been used to eject an empty shell, by means of a device attached to the barrel or frame in front of the cylinder, whereby gas was conducted from the barrel into the front end of the next chamber; and I am also aware that more or less gas always escapes through the joint between the rear end of the barrel and the front end of the cylinder, into the chamber next to that which is in line with the barrel.

But the device used to conduct the gas from the barrel into the front end of the chamber just mentioned is open to serious objection, inasmuch as, when all the chambers are loaded, it is necessary to throw the gas conducting device out of gear or to one side; otherwise the gas entering the chamber in front of the projectile, the latter is liable to be thrown backward with sufficient force to injure the person using the arm. And this is more particularly liable to occur if the first cartridge is fired in any haste.

My invention entirely obviates this objection, because when the first cartridge is exploded, the gas therefrom is forced directly against the side of the projectile in the next chamber, and no force is therefore exerted to throw it rearward, or to expel it in either direction, so that the arm is perfectly safe, and no care is required in firing the first cartridge.

It is evident that the orifice e may be made in the front end of the cylinder and extend back and enter each chamber at a point in the rear of the conical part of the projectile, so that the gas which would escape from the barrel B would be forced back into said orifice and strike against the side of the projectile, as before described, as that is the chief point of the invention, viz: to prevent the gas from entering the chamber in front of the projectile, and forcing the latter back out of its chamber.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new is—

In a revolving fire-arm, a cylinder containing two or more chambers, f, into each of which is made an orifice, e, through which the gas is forced from the explosion of each cartridge, and enters each chamber at a point in the rear of the conical part of the projectile, substantially as and for the purpose described.

HENRY L. GARDNER.

Witnesses:
T. A. Curtis,
G. H. Blanden.

US 186445
UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.
STEPHEN W. WOOD, OF CORNWALL, NEW YORK.
IMPROVEMENT IN REVOLVING FIRE-ARMS.
Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 186,445, dated January 23, 1877; application filed August 25, 1876.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, Stephen W. Wood, of Cornwall, county of Orange, and State of New York, have invented a new and useful Improvement in an Extracting Device for Removing the Empty Shells from Revolving Fire-Arms; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description thereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawing, making part of this specification, in which—

Figure 1 represents a central longitudinal section of the cylinder of a revolving pistol, together with so much of the frame thereof as seems necessary to illustrate my invention; Fig. 2, detached view of the tubular cylindrical extractor in section; Fig. 3, a detached view, also in section, of the stud for supporting and connecting the cylinder to the frame of the arm, and upon which it revolves; Fig. 4, detached view of the ratchet by which the cylinder is revolved; Fig. 5, a central longitudinal section of a modification, in detail, of the extractor, also detached.

My invention consists, in revolving fire arms, in constructing the body of the ejecting device tubular, so as to operate over or around the ratchet, rigidly secured to the revolving cylinder, and so that the stud for supporting the revolving cylinder may be firmly secured to the frame of the arm and remain stationary therewith, and the tubular ejecting device operating therein and surrounding the ratchet, permitted to revolve with the cylinder, substantially as herein described; also, in revolving fire-arms, a tubular ejecting device for ejecting the empty shells from the chambers of the cylinder, adapted to operate on the exterior of a fixed ratchet, rigidly secured to the cylinder, and by which the cylinder is revolved, substantially in the manner herein set forth.

My invention pertaining strictly to the ejecting device for removing the empty shells from the chambers in revolving fire-arms, only so much of the frame of an arm is represent ed in the accompanying drawing as is deemed necessary to illustrate its operation.

A represents an L-shaped sleeve, which is fitted to the lower strap B of the frame D. The barrel, lock, and handle of the arm (not being shown) may be constructed after any of the well-known plans in common use. To this sleeve A is firmly secured the fixed or permanent cylindrical and tubular base pin or stud C, for supporting the cylinder E, an upon which stud it revolves freely.

To retain the cylinder in position upon this fixed stud or base pin, a collar, g, is formed on its near end, which bears against a corresponding shoulder, h, therein, so that when the cylinder is mounted upon this stud, and the stud secured to the L-shaped sleeve A the cylinder will be held firmly in line parallel with the bore of the barrel, and permit ted to revolve thereon.

The cylinder being thus mounted upon the stud C, and the stud secured to the L-shaped sleeve A, as represented in Fig. 1, the cylindrical and tubular ejecting device G is placed in said stud C with its shank or stem projecting through and beyond the frame of the arm, by which the requisite longitudinal notion is obtained to eject the empty shells.

After inserting the ejecting device within the hollow stud, the ratchet I is then placed within the end of the tubular ejector, and rigidly secured to the cylinder by a pin, m, passing through it. Thus the several interior parts, consisting of the hollow stud C, tubular ejecting device G, and ratchet I, are placed within the cylinder, and one placed within an other, so that the stud C remaining stationary, and the cylinder revolving thereon, the ejecting device within the stud revolves with the cylinder, and the ratchet placed within this ejecting device and secured to the cylinder rigidly, revolves there with in unison with the ejector G, by means of the pin m, though not in anywise connected or attached to this ratchet.

In order to secure the ratchet I to the cylinder by the pin m, so that the cylinder may be revolved thereby, and at the same time permit the stud C to remain stationary, an annular space, O, is provided between the inner surface of the ejector-plate and the edge of the stud C, so that the pin m may pass be tween them and into the cylinder, thus connecting the ratchet I and the cylinder together, the same as though the ratchet were formed thereon in the usual manner.

In order to obtain a longitudinal movement of the ejecting device to expel the empty shells from the chambers of the cylinder, a slot, r, is formed in the body thereof, through which the ratchet-pin m passes in connecting the ratchet to the cylinder, and which pin also serves to retain the spider s of the ejecting device in proper position with reference to the chambers in the cylinder, and having only a longitudinal movement. This slot r may be located in the stem of the ejecting device instead of in the body thereof, as represented in detached view, Fig. 5.

To return the ejector to its position within the body of the cylinder, for reloading, after having ejected the empty shells from the chambers thereof, a spring, w, is placed within the tubular part thereof, and retained in position by resting against the rear end of the fixed ratchet I. Thus, when the ejecting device is pushed forward by pressing upon the end P of its stem to expel the empty shells the spring w is compressed between the bottom of its tubular body and the inner end of the ratchet secured to the cylinder; and when the pressure upon the stem is removed, returns the ejector to its seat in the end of the cylinder, as represented in Fig. 1.

Having thus fully described my improvement in extractors for removing the empty shells from the chambers in revolving fire-arms, what I claim therein as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is—

In revolving fire-arms, the combination of a fixed or stationary base-pin or stud, a ratchet secured to the cylinder, and a tubular ejecting device, constructed substantially as here in set forth.

S. W. WOOD.

Witnesses:
J. S. Sweeney,
R. F. Parkhurst.

US 176412
UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.
DEXTER SMITH, CHARLES C. MARSHALL AND JOSEPH. C. MARSHALL OF SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS.
IMPROVEMENT IN EXTRACTORS REVOLVING FIRE-ARMS.
Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 126,412, dated April 18, 1876; application filed January 17, 1876.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, Dexter Smith, Charles C. Marshall, and Joseph. C. Marshall, all of Springfield, in the State of Massachusetts, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Revolving Fire-Arms; and that the following is a full, clear, and exact description thereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, making a part of this description and specification, and to the letters of reference marked thereon.

The object of our invention is to extract the shells or cartridges, one at a time, from the rear end of the chambers of a revolving fire-arm, and to revolve the cylinder for that purpose at one and the same movement of the extracting mechanism; and to this end our invention consists of a bent lever or crank, pivoted to the frame in the rear of the recoil-shield, and an extractor, both operated by a slide, so that the extractor is moved up against the rear end of the cylinder, and the latter rotated to bring the heads of all the shells successively into position behind the extractor-hook, and the shells extracted in rapid succession as fast as the cylinder is rotated, as will be more fully hereinafter described.

Figure I is a perspective view of a revolving fire-arm having our invention applied. Fig. II is a side view of the same with the lock-plate removed. Fig. III is a horizontal section 9f that part of the arm to which our invention is applied; and Fig. IV is a side view, showing the inside of the slide.

In the drawing, A represents the frame of a revolving fire-arm, in the side of which is made a recess, h, in which is fitted, to move freely, the slide e, which is provided with a groove, b, to receive, and in which moves to and fro, the extractor. The slide is also recessed in said groove at e’, into which protrudes a small pin 9 projection upon the extractor; and the slide is also provided with another recess, c, the rear part of which turns downward at c’. The extractor displaced in the groove l of the slide e, and a pin or projection, t, upon the extractor protrudes into the elongated recess e’, and the extractor is also provided with a notch or indent, t’, as shown in Fig. III. A Spring, m, is secured to the inside of the frame A, and is provided with a projection, x, which protrudes through the frame and into the notch or indent it in the extractor, as shown in Fig. III; and the spring is also provided with an indent v’, and the extreme end of the spring is turned outward a little, so that the vertical arm of the pivoted levers, when thrown backward, may pass in behind the spring and force it outward; and that part of the lever 8 is provided with a small projection, , which fits into the indent v when the vertical arm of the lever is thrown back. The lever s has an arm extending forward in a horizontal direction, from the pivot b to a point in the recoil-shield just in rear of the ratchet-teeth upon the rear end of the cylinder; and to the end of this arm may be pivoted a dog, n, to engage with the ratchet-teeth on the rear end of the cylinder; or the dog may be omitted, and the front end of the lever itself engage with the ratchet-teeth, the hole in the lever being elongated, through which the pivot b passes, with a spring forcing the lever forward, to allow the lever to move back in moving over the teeth.

The operation of our invention is as follows: Cartridges being placed in the chambers C at the rear end, the slide e is moved forward, by which movement, the rear end of the recess c’ strikes against the pin or projection t on the extractor d, and the latter is moved forward until the small hook on its extreme end is in its position against the rear end of the cylinder; and when the extractor is in this position the little detent or point x upon the spring m, which protrudes through the frame, drops into the notch t in the side of the extractor, and holds it in that position against the rear end of the cylinder. At the forward movement of the slide the projection f on the lower end of the levers enters the recess c, the rear part, c’, of which carries the vertical arm of said lever forward, and raises the horizontal arm and dog n, pivoted thereto, until the latter engages with the next tooth on the cylinder. When the slide e is moved backward, the vertical part c’ of the recess c in the slide, in which is the projection f, carries the vertical arm of the lever back, forcing down the horizontal arm, and rotating the cylinder until a shell or cartridge-head is brought into position with its flange behind the hook of the extractor. When this has occurred, the lever s, passing in behind the extreme forward end of the spring m, forces it outward, releasing the little point x from the notch t’ in the extractor, and at this backward movement of the lever s the small vertical projection v upon the side of the said lever drops into the notch v’ in the forward end of the spring m. As the slide is continued to be moved back, it now moves the extractor rearward by the contact of the front end of the recess e’ against, the projection t upon the extractor, drawing the shell, which drops out of the way as soon as it clears. the chamber of the cylinder. As the slide is again moved forward, the lever s being held, stationary, the projection f thereon will enter the recess e readily, and when the rear part c’ of said recess strikes the projection, the lever is carried forward, forcing the part v out of the notch v’ in the spring m, and the latter is then ready to operate against the extractor and hold that in position while the cylinder is rotated to bring another shell into position behind the extractor-hook, as before.

It is obvious that the piece e, employed to operate the extractor and the lever s, may be arranged to swing upon a pivot, instead of sliding, without departing from the principle of its operation.

Having described our invention, what we claim as new is—

1. A revolving fire-arm in which the chambered cylinder is or, may be rotated and the extractor operated by means of a movable piece placed in the rear of the revolving cylinder, substantially as described.

2. The combination of the slide e, the extractor d, the spring m, and the pivoted lever s, all substantially as and for the purpose described.

3. In combination with the frame A, the spring m and the extractor d, whereby the said extractor is held in place against the rear end, of the cylinder while the latter is being revolved to bring reach shell into position to be extracted, substantially, as described.

DEXTER SMITH.
CHARLES C. MARSHALL.
JOSEPH. C. MARSHALL.

Witnesses:
T. A. Curtis,
C. E. Buckland.

US 166173
UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.
ROLLIN WHITE, OF LOWELL, MASSACHUSETTS.
IMPROVEMENT IN REVOLVING FIRE-ARMS.
Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 166,173, dated July 27, 1875; application filed June 26, 1875.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, Rollin White, of Lowell, in the county of Middlesex and in the State of Massachusetts, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Fire-Arms; and do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description thereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the letters of reference marked thereon, making a part of this specification.

My invention relates particularly to revolving fire-arms having a many-chambered cylinder rotated by the raising of the hammer. The object of the first part of my invention is to remove the old shells by the insertion of new cartridges at the other end of the cylinder or by the firing of said new cartridges; and to this end the nature of my invention consists in a cylinder for revolving fire-arms made wholly or in part reversible, so that new cartridges may be inserted in the opposite direction to that of the old shells. The second part of my invention has for its object to prevent the pawl from entering the ratchet until the locking-bolt has been first released; and this part of my invention consists in a peculiar construction of the pawl and locking-bolt, all as hereinafter more fully set forth.

In order to enable others skilled in the art to which my invention appertains to make and use the same, I will now proceed to describe its construction and operation, referring to the annexed drawing, in which—

Figure 1 is a side view of a revolving fire-arm, with the lock-plate removed, the breech and frame being in section, and showing one form of my reversible cylinder. Fig. 2 is a transverse section of the same through the line x x, Fig. 1. Figs. 3, 4, and 5 show other forms of reversible cylinder.

A represents the butt, B the frame, and C the barrel, of a revolving fire-arm, the barrel being hinged in the usual manner to the frame. D represents the revolving cylinder, which is provided near each end with a series of recesses, a, on its outer side for the lock-bolt to enter into and hold the cylinder in position for firing. This cylinder is made reversible, so that the cartridges may be inserted from either end.

In Fig.1. I have shown the ratchet b arranged in the breech-plate E, and a pin, i, projecting from said ratchet entering a hole, x, in the end of the cylinder, so that the ratchet will rotate the same. A hole, x, is made in each end of the cylinder, so that either end may be placed on the ratchet. The cylinder D is formed with a circumferential groove in the center for the reception of a band, d, within which the cylinder is allowed to rotate. The band d is provided on opposite sides with pins or pivots e e, which enter longitudinal grooves in the top and bottom bars of the frame, and in said grooves are suitable stops to prevent the band and cylinder from being removed from the frame.

After all the chambers in the cylinder have been fired the barrel is thrown open in the usual manner. The cylinder is then moved outward until the pivots e are stopped, when the cylinder is swung around on said pivots and new cartridges inserted in the opposite end of the cylinder. The insertion of these new cartridges pushes out the old shells, and the cylinder is then put back in its place in a reversed position; or the old shells may be fired out with the new cartridges, in which case the bore of the barrel and chambers of the cylinder must be properly constructed to allow for the diameter of the cartridges. Where the cylinder revolves on a center pin or center pivots a ratchet, b’, is formed on each end of the cylinder, as shown in Fig. 3.

In the above I have described the cylinder in one piece, but it may be made in sections, and one section only reversible.

In Fig. 4 I have shown it made in two sections, D^1 and D^2, the outer section D^2 being formed with a center tube, h, on which the inner section D is placed, and the tube projecting through said inner section and formed with a ratchet on its projecting end. In this case the inner section D^1 is the part that is reversed, and when new cartridges are inserted on one slide the old shells are pushed out on the other. This section D should be of such thickness that the shell of the cartridge will project beyond the joint between the two sections, and thereby prevent the escape of gases through said joint. In Fig. 5 I have shown the cylinder made in three sections, D^3, D^4, and D^5, in which case it is the middle section D^4 only that is reversible, the inner section D^3 being swiveled or otherwise similarly attached to the breech-plate E, of which it forms a part. G represents the hammer, constructed in the usual manner, and having below its pivot-point a pawl, m, pivoted to it, which pawl is pressed forward by a spring, n, to engage with the ratchet and rotate the cylinder at the same time as the hammer is raised. s is the lock-bolt formed upon the front end of an L-shaped lever, I, pivoted in the lower part of the frame B. The upper rear end of the lock-bolt lever I is formed with a shoulder, y, and the ratchet-pawl m is formed on its under or front side, with a shoulder, Z, to catch on or abut against the shoulder on the lever, as shown in Fig. 1. When in the position shown in this figure the cylinder is locked by the bolts, and the hammer down. It will then be noticed that in raising the hammer the pawl m has a certain distance to travel before it enters the ratchet, and while it is traveling said distance the shoulder 2 of the pawl, pressing against the shoulder y of the lock-bolt lever I, turns said lever on its pivot, releasing the lock-bolts from the cylinder, so that, by the time the pawl commences to operate on the ratchet, the cylinder will be free to rotate.

When the hammer is let down the pawl passes over the inner end of the lock-bolt lever until the shoulders y z come against each other again.

Should it happen at any time that said shoulders are not engaged with each other and the hammer then raised, the lock-bolt lever will then remain unchanged, and the pawl will not enter the ratchet, as it is thrown backward from the same by the inner end of the lever.

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

1. In a revolving fire-arm, a cylinder made wholly or in part reversible, for the insertion of cartridges in either end, as herein set forth.

2. The combination, in a revolving fire-arm, of the ratchet-pawl m, provided with the shoulder z, and the lock-bolt lever, provided with the shoulder y, to operate as and for the purposes herein set forth.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing I have hereunto set my hand this 16th day of June, 1875.

ROLLIN WHITE.

Witnesses:
J. N. Marshall,
Martin L. Hamblet.

US 162863
UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.
DEXTER SMITH AND JOSEPH. C. MARSEIALL OF SPRING FIELD, MASS.
IMPROVEMENT IN REVOLVING FIRE-ARMS.
Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 62,863, dated May 4, 1875; application filed March 26, 1875.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, Dexter Smith and Joseph. C. Marshall, of Springfield, in the State of Massachusetts, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Revolving Fire-Arms; and we do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description thereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawings making a part of this specification and description.

The object of our invention is to push out the empty cartridge-shells from each chamber of the cylinder after they have been discharged, and to rotate the latter to bring each chamber into position for that purpose; and to this end our invention consists of an extractor-rod, which operates in front of the cylinder to pass through each chamber of the cylinder to push out the shell, and which rod actuates a pivoted arm carrying a pawl, which engages with a ratchet on the front of the cylinder or its bearing, so as to rotate the cylinder and bring each chamber in succession into a position for the rod to enter it to push out the shell.

Figure I is a side view of so much of a revolving fire-arm as is necessary to show our invention as applied thereto with the bolt or slide removed. Fig. II is a side view of the socket in which the extractor-rod moves; and Fig. III is a longitudinal section, showing the extractor-rod and the slot made therein, in which the projection on the pivoted arm moves to operate the pawl in rotating the cylinder.

In the drawings, A represents the barrel of a revolving fire-arm; C, the chambered cylinder, and D the lock-frame, in which the rear projection a of the cylinder has its bearing to rotate, and upon the end of which projection is a ratchet, by which to rotate the cylinder by the movements of the hammer. The front projection c of the cylinder has a bearing in the barrel, and upon the end of the front projection is a ratchet, b. An arm, F, is pivoted to the barrel at 9, to which arm is pivoted the pawl or dog f, having a hooked end, which is held in contact with the ratchet b by a spring, h, secured to the pivoted arm. A socket, C’, is made upon the side of the barrel A, in which slides freely the extractor-rod E, the rear end e of which is made conical, and which is provided with a longitudinal slot, s, the rear end of which slot is inclined for a little distance, as shown at s’, the knob m being inserted through the slot in of the socket C’, and attached to the ejector-rod E. The pivoted arm F is provided with a projection, i, which, when the parts are together, protrudes into the slots of the ejector-rod. The recoil-plate is recessed at e, so that the cartridges may be inserted into the chambers of the cylinder from the rear, and may be pushed out in that direction by the extractor-rod operating in front of the cylinder.

The operation of my invention is as follows: All the parts being in place, after the cartridges have been discharged, the projection i is in the extreme rear end of the slot s, which, when the rod is in place, is the most elevated of the inclined part shown at s’, which, of course, holds the pivoted bar F and the pawl in their most elevated position; but as soon as the ejector-rod E is started in a rearward direction the inclined part s’ of the slot s draws the projection i, bar F, and pawl f downward suddenly, and the pawl being engaged with the ratchet b on the front end of the bearing c, the cylinder is quickly rotated. The rod moving to the rear, its small extreme end enters the first chamber which comes into line, and prevents the chamber from passing by the rod, and the conical end of the latter guides the rod into the chamber, the projection i having passed into the straight portion of the slots, so that the rod is moved through the chamber it has entered, and the shell is forced out at the rear. As the rod is moved forward by its knob in, (the latter and the slot in causing the rod to move always in a longitudinal direction without turning,) as its rear conical end moves out of that chamber, the projection i moves into the inclined part s’ of the slots, and the bar F and pawl fare raised to engage with the next ratchet-tooth b, and as the rod is again started the inclined part s’ of the slot in the rod again draws the pawl f down, causing a further rotation of the cylinder, and the extreme end of the conical part of the rod enters the next chamber, to prevent its passing the rod too far, and the rod enters that chamber to push out the shell, and so on, each movement of the rod to the rear bringing each chamber in succession in line with the rod, and pushing out the shell therein until all the shells are ejected; and this may be done as rapidly as is desired without touching any other part of the mechanism of the arm.

Of course, in practice, the socket C’ may be made solid with the arm, or in one piece with the barrel; and instead of the slots in the extractor-rod and the straight pivoted arm, the latter may be made in the form shown at D’, pivoted at g’, with shoulders at t and t’, with a projection on the rod to strike against the shoulder t as the rod is moved forward, which movement would raise the pawl, and as the rod is moved back the projection on the rod strikes the shoulder t, which draws down the pawl and rotates the cylinder, as before.

It is evident that if it should be desired to rotate the cylinder for any purpose other than to eject the shells, it may be done by only moving the extractor-rod a short distance to the rear, and without its entering the chamber of the cylinder even sufficiently to interfere with any loaded cartridge which might be in the chamber.

We are aware that a cylinder has heretofore been rotated for the purpose of firing the cartridges in the chambers in succession or otherwise by means of a ratchet made on the front part of the cylinder; and we do not claim the same, nor any part thereof, as said rotation was accomplished by a lever extending so far to the rear as to be operated by the same hand which held the arm in discharging it, and the mechanism was not connected with the extractor-rod in any manner.

Having thus described our invention, what We claim as new is—

1. In a revolving fire-arm, an extractor-rod located in front of the chambered cylinder, and operating to eject the empty shells from the rear of the chambers, and to rotate the cylinder to bring the chambers into position for that purpose.

2. A revolving fire-arm in which the chambered cylinder may be rotated by the operation of the extractor-rod located in front of the cylinder.

DEXTER SMITH.
JOSEPH. C. MARSHALL.

Witnesses:
T. A. Curtis,
C. E. Buckland.

US 160551
UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.
DEXTER SMITH, OF SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS.
IMPROVEMENT IN REVOLVING FIRE-ARMS.
Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 160,55, dated March 9, 1875; application filed January 21, 1875.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, Dexter Smith, of Springfield, in the State of Massachusetts, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Revolving Fire-Arms; and that the following is a full, clear, and exact description and specification of the same.

The object of this invention is to extract all the shells at once from the chambers of a cylinder; and, for the effectual accomplishment of this object, my invention consists of an ordinary extractor-plate, disposed upon the rear end of a hollow or tubular stem, which is arranged to slide upon the center-pin supporting the cylinder. The latter has a limited movement upon the hollow extractor-stem, and a peripheral shoulder is made upon a projection on the rear side of the extractor-plate, against which the hooked end of a catch impinges, to hold the extractor stationary when the cylinder is moved forward to extract the shells.

The hooked catches are each provided with a protuberance, which impinges against the side of the hammer, being pressed in against the hammer by a spring, and the hammer, having a recess made in the side, operates the catches to disengage them from the peripheral shoulder on the projection at the rear of the extractor-plate.

In order that the invention may be fully understood I will describe it, having reference to the figures shown in the accompanying drawing, and to the letters marked thereon.

Figure 1 represents a revolving fire-arm having my invention applied thereto. Fig. 2 is a horizontal longitudinal section at line I. Fig. 3 is a side view of the cylinder with the extractor and stem drawn out of the cylinder. Fig. 4 is a transverse vertical section at line A’, showing the front of recoil-plate. Fig. 5 is a side view of the hammer, showing the recess in the side by which the catch is operated; and Fig. 6 is a rear view of the extractor-plate.

E is the chambered cylinder, having a central hole, in which is fitted to slide freely therein the stem C, which is made hollow, and arranged to slide upon the center-pin O, the latter being made upon, and extending forward from, the recoil-plate F. The extractor-stem is made to give a rotary motion to the cylinder by a slot, H’, in the stem, and pin H extending through the cylinder and into the slot, or by making the central hole in the cylinder prismatic, and the stem C of a corresponding form, or by connecting the two by any proper means. Up on the rear end of the stem C is made the extractor-plate C’, which is of the form shown in Fig. 6; and upon the rear side of this plate is a projection, n, upon the extreme end of which are made the crown ratchet-teeth, with which the dog engages to revolve it by the movement of the hammer, and around which extends the peripheral shoulder i. The recoil plate F is perforated at f’ on either side of the center-pin O, and a catch, f, is secured within the frame A on either side of the hammer D, and the catch is provided with a protuberance, h, at the side of the hammer, and also with a hook projection extending inward at the extreme end, and the catch is pressed inward by a spring, s, causing the protuberance h to impinge against the hammer, in the side of which is made a recess, g.

The operation of the invention is as follows: The barrel B being tilted upward, as shown in dotted lines in Fig, 1, the cylinder, with its extractor, is removed from the center-pin by raising the hammer slightly. The shells are then inserted into the chambers, while the extract or-plate C’ is in place, against the rear of the cylinder, and the latter is then replaced upon the Center-pin O, the hook projection upon the outer end of each catch f being forced into its position in front of the peripheral shoulder i as the cylinder is pressed back against the recoil-plate, and the hammer let down.

If the extreme end of the catch f is beveled in Ward, the catch will snap into place in front of the shoulder i without raising the hammer. The shells may then be all withdrawn at once by tilting the barrel up, as before, and drawing the cylinder forward. While this is being done the protuberance h on the catch f is pressed into the recess g in the side of the hammer, the latter being down; and the hook projection on the extreme end of the catch f being thus held in front of the peripheral shoulder i, the the extractor-plate C’ is held stationary while the cylinder is moved forward, and the shells are all withdrawn from the chambers of the cylinder at once, and drop out of the extractor-plate. After this is done the hammer is raised a little, which causes the protuberance to ride out of the recess g’ and against the thicker part of the hammer, which forces the catches outward, and releases them from contact with the front side of the peripheral shoulder i, and the extractor-plate C is then free to slide forward and be removed with the cylinder.

One or more of the catches f may be used; and if two are used, they may be arranged one on each side the hammer.

What I claim as new is—

1. The extractor-plate C’, having the hollow stem C, arranged to move upon the center-pin O, and within the cylinder E, and provided with the peripheral shoulder i, in combination with one or more catches, f, arranged within the recoil-plate and frame, and operated by the movements of the hammer, substantially as described.

2. The extractor-plate C’, having the hollow stem C, arranged to move upon the center-pin O, and within the cylinder E, and provided with the peripheral shoulder i, in combination with one or more catches, f, to hold the extractor stationary while the shells are being with drawn, substantially as before set forth.

DEXTER SMITH.

Witnesses:
T. A. Curtis,
C. E. Buckland.