Abstract: Provided is a cartridge feed guide particularly useful for a pistol-caliber firearm with a blow-back bolt. It includes a barrel with a chamber with an open entrance to receive a cartridge. A guide member is situated rearward of the chamber entrance and has a pair of generally upwardly extending and laterally spaced apart pillars configured to guide a cartridge being pushed by the bolt from a magazine by limiting lateral angular of the cartridge. The guide member can also provide a fulcrum on which a vertical angle of the cartridge pivots as it is being chambered.

Abstract: A breech system having a weapon barrel which is mounted in a cradle such that it can be moved from a rest position to a recoil position, said breech system comprising a base piece, comprising a breech wedge which can be moved between a closed and open position, a breech mechanism which is attached to the base piece and a guide piece which is fixed to the cradle and has a guide element, wherein the guide element has an actuating element for actuating the breech mechanism, wherein the breech mechanism has a lever mechanism that can be actuated by the actuating element, wherein the breech mechanism has a locking lever which is coupled to the lever mechanism, and wherein the breech wedge can be locked in the open position by the locking lever.

Abstract: A firearm for firing case-telescoped (CT) rounds includes a barrel configured for transit of a bullet of a live CT cartridge in a live-fire operating mode. The live CT cartridge is chambered and fired from a live-fire chamber installed in the live-fire operating mode. The firearm further includes a blank-fire chamber configured to chamber and fire a blank CT cartridge in a blank-fire operating mode, wherein the blank-fire chamber has a second diameter less than a first diameter of the live-fire chamber, to prevent chambering of the live CT cartridge in the blank-fire operating mode. The arrangement can enhance safety by preventing accidental firing of a live round during operation when it is assumed that only blanks are being fired.

Abstract: A wrapping device and a web supplying method are used on board of an agricultural harvester. A supply reel with wrapping material is held between two parts of an unrolling station. A web moving member moves a web taken from this supply reel away from the unrolling station. For replacing the supply reel with a further supply reel, the further supply reel is placed on at least one supporting roller. The or every supporting roller is stationary and is positioned angularly below the unrolling station and between two unrolling station parts. The further supply reel on the supporting roller is shifted in a shifting direction towards an unrolling station part.

Abstract: A firearm recoil buffer having a tubular body with a closed end, an open end, and an interior surface including an inset notch adjacent the open end. Fill material is provided in the tubular body to add a preselected amount of weight. A closure member has an attachment portion with a pawl portion that connectably engages the inset notch when the closure member is assembled by pressing into the tubular body.

Abstract: A sliding breechblock for a cannon includes a translatable, removable insert assembly that contains electrical firing pin and data link modules. The removable insert assembly is translatable in a direction normal to the central longitudinal axis of the barrel thereby enabling removal of the insert assembly without removing the breechblock from the breech ring. Mating portions formed on the breechblock and on the insert assembly prevent displacement of the insert assembly with respect to the breechblock in the direction along the central longitudinal axis of the barrel.

Abstract: A breech mechanism sliding contact assembly that allows for ignition, gun ground, and ammunition data link circuits to be broken while the breechblock is open. The sliding contact assembly further allows these circuits to be reconnected when the breechblock is closed. The breech mechanism sliding contact assembly comprises two separate connectors: a block slide connector that assembles to the breechblock and a ring slide connector that assembles to the breech ring. The two connectors operate in compact, pre-existing headspaces between the breechblock and the breech ring.

Abstract: The invention comprises an improved recoil control device comprising a bolt head and an inertia block or slider for use in a variety of firearms. In one embodiment, the bolt head and inertia block are articulated so that the displacement of the bolt head results in a force component outside the firing axis of the barrel of the firearm. The device can be incorporated into firearms of a variety of sizes and configurations to produce recoil reduction and/or weight reduction advantages.

Abstract: The invention comprises an improved recoil control device comprising a bolt head and an inertia block or slider for use in a variety of firearms. In one embodiment, the bolt head and inertia block are articulated so that the displacement of the bolt head results in a force component outside the firing axis of the barrel of the firearm. The device can be incorporated into firearms of a variety of sizes and configurations to produce recoil reduction and/or weight reduction advantages.

Abstract: A firearm with an improved breech bolt assembly comprises a barrel (12), a breech bolt assembly (18, 21), a body (14) equipped on opposite sides with ports (15) for the ejection of a cartridge case, in addition to a magazine (17), wherein the breech bolt assembly, which is moveable with respect to the body (14) comprises a breech bolt-holder slide (21), a breech bolt (18) equipped with a rotating locking head (25), cam guide rails (26, 27) of the relative movement between the breech bolt (18) and slide (21), and also stopping means (28, 29) of the relative movement comprising a control pin (28) which can be moved vertically with respect to a first control seat (29), charged by a recoil spring (30) applied between the slide (21) and the pin (28), said pin (28) having a cocking handle (23), or reloading lever, rotatingly applied thereto, for the manual moving of the breech bolt assembly (10).

Abstract: The invention relates to a single-shot rifle, comprising a receiver (1), a barrel (6) which is attached to the receiver (1), a bolt (8) housing a firing pin (24), located in correspondence with the back end of the barrel (6), wherein the bolt (8) and the back end of the barrel (6) are configured such that the bolt (8) can be coupled to the back end of the barrel (6) by means of a sliding movement in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, such that the bolt (8) can travel between a loading position in which it leaves the back end of the barrel (6) clear such that the user can introduce a bullet in a chamber of the barrel (6) through said back end of the barrel (6), and a firing position in which said chamber is locked by said bolt (8), the barrel (6) and the bolt (8) being attached by means of at least one rib (61) entering at least one channel (81).

Abstract: The invention concerns a sliding block breech mechanism for a cannon with a breech ring arranged at the rear end of a cannon barrel and with a sliding breech block that slides perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the cannon barrel in a cavity of the breech ring. To achieve an improved distribution of force inside the breech ring when the cannon is fired compared to previously known sliding block breech mechanisms and thus to optimize the maximum stress load, the invention proposes to provide a sliding block breech mechanism whose sliding breech block has at least two lugs arranged axially one behind the other, wherein the pressure flanks of the first lugs, i.e., the lugs closer to the cannon barrel, have a positive direction of inclination, and the pressure flanks of the second lugs have a negative direction of inclination.

Abstract: A wedge-type breechblock is provided for a weapon having a barrel that recoils relative to a cradle, the barrel having a bore with an axis, and a breech plate. The breechblock includes a closing wedge for arranging in the breech plate such that the closing wedge can be displaced transverse to the axis of the bore. A pin-type carrier, through a control lever and a breech mechanism shaft, activates the closing wedge. An ascending curved track is located on a guiding device, and guides the pin-type carrier during a counter-recoil motion of the barrel from an intake region to a highest point, so that the control lever is pivoted during the counter-recoil motion of the barrel and the breech mechanism shaft is turned to move the closing wedge to an opened position.

Abstract: A weapon having a barrel (3) supported in a cradle (2) for axial recoil movement, and having a breech block wedge (7) displaceable, transversely to the barrel axis (6) by a control unit (11) connected to the cradle and acting on a piston rod (8). The control unit (11) includes a spring-loaded shift rod (13) aligned with the piston rod (8), a spring-loaded control rod (15) aligned with a control cam (10) secured to the breech ring (4), and a detent pawl (17) that can be pivoted by a cam (16) from a blocking to a release position. The piston and shift rods (8, 13) are disposed such that during forward motion of the barrel (3), the breech block wedge (7) is already opened by axial displacement of the rods (8, 13) before the control cam (10) displaces the control rod (15).

Abstract: A weapon includes a barrel; a breech ring attached to a rearward end of the barrel; a groove provided in the breech ring; a movable breechblock mounted in the breech ring and having open and closed positions; a slide mounted in the breech ring and being guided by the breech ring groove for displacements relative to the breech ring; a connecting element for coupling the slide to the breechblock for causing motion of the breechblock between the open and closed positions by the displacements of the slide; and a control cam rotatably supported in the breech ring. The control cam has a cam track coupled to the slide for effecting displacements of the slide upon rotation of the control cam Further, an external drive is provided for rotating the control cam.

Abstract: A large-caliber weapon includes a barrel having a longitudinal barrel axis; a cradle supporting the barrel; a breech ring mounted on an end of the barrel; a breech wedge disposed in the breech ring for linear displacements transversely to the barrel axis; a control lug affixed to the breech wedge; and an opening lever pivotally mounted on the cradle for angular displacements about a lever axis oriented perpendicularly to the barrel axis. The opening lever is disposed externally of the breech ring and has an initial position and an actuated end position. The opening lever is engaged by the control lug of the breech wedge in a position of rest of the barrel such that upon motion of the opening lever from its initial position to its actuated end position, the breech wedge is moved from a closed position into an open position.

Abstract: An obturator for guarding the primary sealing surfaces of a step wedge brhblock gun from post-firing residue buildup assures greater survivability of the obturator without the necessity of cleaning after each firing. The device includes an active tube insert for facilitating face seal force multiplication, out of bore lip and face seals, an inbore piston polymer with expanding residue guard, and an out of bore face seal with a residue-tolerant polymer.

Abstract: A manual breechblock opening device that actuates a breechblock lever to open a wedge breechblock of a gun against an elastic return force includes a manual control member, a drivetrain and a holder. The manual control member is disposed within reach of an operator. The drivetrain includes a rotating output shaft coupled to the breechblock lever and a rotating input shaft coupled to the output shaft and coupleable to the manual control member. Actuating the manual control member rotates the drivetrain in a first rotational direction and causes the output shaft to engage the breechblock lever and to open the wedge breechblock. The blocking member is coupled to and disposed to prevent the rotation of the drivetrain in a second rotational direction that is opposite the first rotational direction.

Abstract: A falling breechblock action for a single shot firearm, which is easy to make, assemble and disassemble, has an internal firing mechanism and a cooperating underlever. The action has a trigger, a hammer, an extractor and an extractor retainer, and avoids indirect linkages and cams and traditional complex safety mechanisms. The action links the underlever directly to the firing mechanism with a shaft. The underlever indirectly moves the breechblock. The initial downward movement of the underlever rotates the hammer rearwards into the cocked position and renders the complete mechanism safe. Further downward movement of the underlever draws down the breechblock. In so doing, the extractor is actuated by the breechblock. Upward movement of the underlever initially raises the breechblock and subsequently compresses a mainspring which is coaxial with the shaft. Only with the underlever fully up is the action capable of discharging a cartridge.

Abstract: A modular concept for a gun which uses a breech conversion kit allows the firing of cased and caseless ammunition with the same gun. The cannon has 2 breech mechanism (10) which includes a first sliding breech-block (19) which engages the rear end (15) of a cartridge case in the firing position. Said first sliding breech-block (19) is interchanged for a second sliding breech-block (21) when firing caseless ammunition. Said second breech-block is in contact with a scaling member (23) which is mounted pivotally on an axis (27) which is located on the upper face of breech ring (11).

Abstract: A breech block has, for each cheek of a breech ring, at least one bearing surface facing a rear of the breech. The bearing surface is adjustable to slide along a paired bearing surface of a matching bearing element of the cheek and bears on the paired bearing surface to transfer strain to the cheek generated during firing of a round. The bearing surface of the breech block and the paired bearing surface of the cheek of the breech ring face each other so that the plane of each of the matched bearing surfaces intersects a plane defined by the axis of the barrel and a horizontal line along a half-line terminating at the axis. The half-line defines an angle greater than 90.degree. with respect to the axis.

Abstract: A split wedge/breechblock for inserting and extracting the bridge seal from he powder chamber of a gun tube. The device includes a sealing mechanism for the sliding surfaces between the wedge and the breechblock, a bridge seal for use in the XM 297 gun system, and an improved stepped wedge and breechblock design which eliminates adverse downward forces during gun firing.

Abstract: A first member, such as a primer cartridge (33), is inserted in an aperture in a second member, such as a chamber (8) in a gun breech block (4,5), by means of an apparatus such as a primer loader (52), comprising a tubular member whose bore (16) serves as a guide for positioning the first member and which is aligned with the aperture in the second member. A fourth member, such as a ramming rod (19), may be provided to move the first member into the guide and thence into the aperture as the fourth member advances from a first to a second position. In the case where the primer cartridge passes across a gap (18) in order to enter the aperture, the fourth member may be arranged to advance an additional distance to a third position wherein the additional distance is not less than the width of the gap, the additional distance being the permitted movement of a fifth member, such as a slidable bush (38), between two positions.

Abstract: A breech closure for a barrel-type firearm is described, in which a flow passage for an igniting jet from an igniting cartridge held in a magazine extends through a breechblock. The breechblock is formed on that side which faces the magazine with a cylindrical recess, which is coaxial to the flow passage for the igniting jet and contains a metal sealing cup, the side wall of which contacts the peripheral surface of the recess and which has a bottom, which is formed with a central through opening for receiving the igniting jet and constitutes a conical disk spring, which bears on the contacting surface of the magazine around said through opening, the rim of which is enlarged to form a bead on the inside of the cup.

Abstract: A weapon (10) includes a breech block (12) moving between a closed position in which breech block (12) seals off a chamber (17) and an open position in which chamber (17) is open to receive ammunition from a loading tube (13).The means forming lock (16) is designed to hold breech block (12) open and unlocking means (14) is adapted to bring the means forming lock (16) into the unlocked position when loading tube (13) is moved away from chamber (17), and is mounted on loading tube (13).

Abstract: A gun 10, such as a shot gun or the like, of the type which includes a firing pin carrying bolt 25 which is reciprocally movable relative to the firing chamber 23 of the gun 10 between a first or firing position where the firing pin 29 can engage the rear end of a cartridge 22 located in the firing chamber 23 of the gun 10, to a second or reload position located towards the rear end of the gun 10, the gun 10 being characterised in that it includes at least two locks for positively maintaining the bolt the firing position while and after a shot has been fired and before the gun is reloaded, the locks comprising a first one 39 located rearwardly of and at a level above the firing chamber 23 of the gun 10, and at least one of two further locks, the second one 51 located at a level below and in a position forward of the firing chamber 23, and a third one 77 located at a level below and in a position rearwardly of the firing chamber 23.

Abstract: A wedge-type breechblock is disposed at the breech end of a gun. A cartridge chamber having a length L1 in the wedge-type breechblock accommodates propellant igniters, with obturation being effected by the respective propellant igniters. A firing mechanism operatively disposed at the wedge-type breechblock detonates propellant igniters loaded into the cartridge chamber from a magazine. A propellant igniter magazine is disposed adjacent the wedge-type breechblock and includes a guide chute and individual propellant igniters lined up in a row in the guide chute. The propellant igniters each have a casing and a length L2 which is greater than the length L1 of the cartridge chamber so that when a propellant igniter is loaded in the cartridge chamber in a firing position, a rear portion of the propellant igniter remains within the casing.

Abstract: A firing mechanism for a breech-loaded weapon to assure safety and provide reliability of operation. A receiver is formed from a central portion that has a receptor whereby the mechanism can be assembled to the rear end of a weapon barrel, there being a pair of yoke legs extending rearward from this central portion. Each of the yoke legs have slideways to receive a closely dimensioned breech block. The breech block is moved in a reciprocating motion, when desired, by action of a lever. A shaft attached to this lever causes operation of linkage members which, in turn, move the breech block from a fully caged position within the yoke arm slideways to a shell-loading position. During this motion a hammer assembly is moved to a cocked position and an ejector removes any spent shell from the weapon.

Abstract: An ejector system for the extraction of cartridge casings from a tubular weapon provided with two ejector levers that are pivotal about an axis. Prior art ejector systems of this type have the drawback in that the ejector claws which pull the cartridge casing out of the cartridge chamber after firing are fastened directly to the ejector levers so that, due to the circular arc movement of the ejector claws, the cartridge casings are ejected in an undefined direction of flight from round to round. However, large caliber weapons, particularly those equipped with automatic loading mechanism, require a defined ejection path of the cartridge casings. To avoid the above drawbacks, the disclosed ejector system fastens each ejector claw to an ejector that is linearly displaceable parallel to the longitudinal axis of the gun barrel.

Abstract: A sliding breech block system and method for repetitive firing of electrothermal cartridges in an electrothermal gun are provided. The sliding breech block system comprises a high-power, low resistance, flexible coaxial cable which is routed through a sliding breech-block, a pulse-forming network, and two groups of bristles for conducting the pulses from the breech block to the electrothermal cartridge. The power cable comprises two layers of individually insulated, multi-strand wires both within a jacket of braided wire. The method for repetitively igniting an electrothermal gun comprises the steps of fixedly attaching tightly-packed, brass bristles to the electrothermal cartridge conductors, sliding the breech-block into position so that its surface contacts the brass bristles of the cartridge, and supplying an electrical current from the pulse-forming network to the cartridge by means of a flexible high-power cable.

Abstract: A device used especially in a large caliber weapon for controlling the train of motion of an ammunition unit during the ramming thereof in the weapon, and of the case of the ammunition unit on firing of the gun includes an impact arrangement which upon ramming of the ammunition unit enter into interaction with and retard the ammunition unit. An energy storing device is chargeable through the impact with kinetic energy existing in the retarding ammunition unit. In response to energy transmitted from the energy storing device the closing of the breech block is activated. The breech block in the closed position retains the case of the ammunition unit during the firing and during a predetermined portion of the rearwardly directed movement in the gun effected on firing. The impact arrangement includes an impact member interactable with a flange on the case and displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the gun, and an impact spring means interactable with the impact member and with an impact piston.

Abstract: A blocking device for blocking the closing movement of a wedge-type breechblock of a gun if an obturating ring is missing. The blocking device includes a detector which is urged toward a recess in the gun barrel base ring and which enters the recess if the recess is not occupied by an obturating ring. In order to avoid damage to the sealing system of the base ring during the blocking process, the blocking device is configured as a synchronous mechanism so that, if the detector moves into the recess in the absence of an obturating ring, a blocking member simultaneously moves in the opposite direction and enters a recess in the breech ring of the gun. In one embodiment, the synchronism of the blocking device is produced by a gear which meshes with toothed regions on the detector and of the blocking member. In another embodiment, the synchronism is produced by a dual level member which extends into recesses in the detector and the blocking member.

Abstract: A gun includes a gun barrel having a breech end; a wedge-type breechblock disposed at the breech end; a flash bore in the breechblock; a seal disposed adjacent to and surrounding an inlet opening of the flash bore; a firing mechanism mounted on the breechblock; a propellant igniter magazine removably receivable in the breechblock and including a housing and an endless guide channel defined in the housing; and a plurality of casings received in the guide channel. The casings are arranged in a side-by-side contacting relationship with one another; each casing having opposite open ends and a chamber for receiving a propellant igniter cartridge therein. There is further provided an advancing mechanism for step-wise advancing the casings in the endless guide channel for moving each casing into and out of a firing position in which a respective casing is in alignment with the flash bore and in engagement with the seal.

Abstract: It is known to arrange a breech mechanism for a gun so as to be displaceable within a parallel guide arranged at a right angle to the bore axis of the gun barrel, and to bring a mushroom shaped head for obturation to the chamber in a partial circular arc. Due to the plurality of drive means for the mushroom head, complicated motion sequences result within the breechblock system which may lead to increased susceptibility to malfunction and do not permit high firing rates. Such a breech mechanism is not suitable or the use of a highly elastic obturator disposed in the gun barrel.

Abstract: A breech mechanism embodies a multi-lug sliding breech block having a pluity of pairs of lugs. At the instant before firing, the bearing surfaces of at least one pair of lugs are spaced a predetermined distance apart from the bearing surfaces of the respective threads, or lugs, of the breech ring. When the cannon is fired, a reactive force acting on the breech block elastically deforms the material of the ring and block, forcing all the bearing surfaces into an abutting contact relationship whereby the stresses produced within the material of the mechanism are more uniformly distributed throughout the breech ring and the breech block thereby increasing the service life of the mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a breech wedge for artillery cannon, of a type that includes means for supporting a primer-cartridge magazine that is driven in translation and rotation under the control of an assembly consisting of a rack and pinion. This first pinion is mounted on a shaft supporting a second pinion, which cooperates with a second rack integral with a fork sliding on the wedge. A control lever pivots on the breech sleeve and supports a roller, which cooperates with a groove in the fork in such a way as to slide the fork on the breech wedge. A second roller cooperates with a groove in the wedge in such a way as to cause the wedge to slide on the breech sleeve.

Abstract: A wedge-type breechblock arrangement for a gun having a breech-ring and being mounted on a gun cradle. The arrangement includes a breech wedge movable in the breech-ring transversely to the bore axis of the gun for opening and closing the breech end of the gun. A ramp is mounted on the cradle and a breech-opening shaft is connected with the breech wedge in the form-locking manner. A run-up lever is fixed to the breech-opening shaft and is in operative engagement with the ramp during an opening movement of the breech wedge. A holding device is provided for holding the breech wedge in an open position and for releasing the breech wedge to initiate movement to close the breech wedge. A blocking device is fixed to the cradle and includes a pivotally mounted blocking lever for pivoting into the path of movement of the run-up lever to block movement of the breech-opening shaft for limiting a first partial closing movement of the breech wedge.

Abstract: A hand-operated opening lever in a gun is pivotal about an opener shaft to move a wedge-type breechblock between an open position and a closed position, and includes: a lever body which is movable between a first, rest position and a second position for respective manual opening and closing operations; the lever body including a manually displaceable locking bolt and an energy storing device which includes a receiving chamber; a transfer device in form-locking connection with the opener shaft for transferring stored energy between the opener shaft and the lever body for actuating the opener shaft to move the wedge-type breechblock between the open position and the closed position; the transfer device, during automatic opening of the breechblock, causing energy to be stored in the energy storing device in the lever body, and transferring stored energy from the energy storing device to the breechblock during automatic closing of the breechblock; the transfer device including a follower member selectively engage

Abstract: In an automatic weapon having a wedge-type breech 6, a linearly advancing and retracting feed finger 5 is provided to transport caseless ammunition 4 into the cartridge chamber 10a of the gun barrel 10, with the feed finger pushing against the rear face of the powder body 4a of the cartridged ammunition 4. An ammunition-receiving device is employed to prevent recoil of the ammunition 4 and consequent damage to the powder body 4a. The ammunition-receiving device includes leaf springs 2 which are disposed in the feed opening 3 of the gun housing 1, with the free ends 2a of the leaf springs 2 projecting radially inwardly to thus constrict the inner width of the feed opening 3. The free ends 2a of leaf springs 2 press on the outer surface of powder body 4a of the caseless ammunition and inhibit its forward movement.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an automatic gun which employs case ejectors (1, 1') for realizing extraction and ejection of the cartridge case from a spent round. The case ejector is also utilized for arresting the breech block during the recoil of the weapon and holding the breech block in an open position so that ramming home of a new round (3') may be executed. The ejector is exposed to the round in process of being rammed home, which round, during its thrust towards the homed position in the barrel, entrains the ejector so that the breech block (2) is released and may execute its closing movement int. al. with the assistance of spring means placed under tension during the opening movement of the breech block. The ejector and the breech block are designed with cooperating arrest and abutment surfaces which take up portions of the kinetic energy of the round which is in the process of being rammed.

Abstract: A weapon arrangement for a gun barrel adapted to fire a projectile the propellant charge of which is loaded separately from the projectile in to the loading chamber of the gun barrel. Such projectiles have a long range and can be fired at a rapid firing sequence. The wedge breech block is slidably movable mounted in a mating slit of the bottom member at an angle of about 65.degree. with respect to the vertical plane. The mating slit is open towards the rear. A loading tray is pivotally mounted on an extension of the cradle which extends parallel to the gun barrel axis. The loading tray pivots laterally from an inoperative position to a loading position in which it is in alignment with the gun barrel axis so that a projectile from an ammunition magazine can be fed via two ammunition feed chains to the loading tray. A transfer arm is pivotally mounted about the trunion axis of the gun barrel and serves to transfer the projectile from the feed chains to the loading tray.

Abstract: An automatic weapon is provided with a device for increasing the rate of fire. The breech mechanism of the weapon is controlled by means of recoil movements which arise on discharge of the weapon, and by an operating cam and spring member included in the breech mechanism. Two case ejectors are disposed for arresting the breech block in the total recoil position of the breech and holding the breech block in the open position for ramming-home of a new round. In the arrested position of the breech block, the ejectors are exposable to the new round during its ramming cycle. A portion of the kinetic energy inherent in the round is transmitted to the ejectors which, may accompany the round and release the breech block for actuation by the spring member towards its closed position. The operating cam is movably disposed at least when the breech is located in the total recoil position.

Abstract: An arrangement for bridging over the path traversed by cartridge being loaded via a loading tray and loading channel in a breech plate into the loading chamber of the weapon. The arrangement includes a trough-shaped flap which is pivotally mounted on the breech plate in such a way that it provides a guidance for the cartridge so that it cannot be damaged by a difference in height between the lower edge of the loading chamber and the breech block. The flap is pivoted about a horizontal axis when the breech block is in the open position and its free end remains at the level of the lower edge of the loading chamber until the cartridge casing has been securely guided into the loading chamber.

Abstract: An improved sealing system for use in a sliding seal. The seal has a sliding member with first and second L-shaped seals and an annular opening. One L-shaped seal serves to seal junction of the annular opening with the sliding member and the second seal serves to seal the sliding member to the bore.

Abstract: A large-caliber gun has a breech support, a breech block movable relative thereto between open and closed positions, and a shaft centered on an axis and rotatable therabout in the support. Link mechanism connects the shaft and the breech block for angularly displacing the shaft between first and second positions respectively corresponding to the open and closed breech positions. A crank is fixed on the shaft. A lever pivotal about the axis between first and second positions has an abutment engageable angularly in only one direction with the crank. The shaft and crank are angularly displaceable independently of the lever. The lever can be pivoted from its second to its first position to similarly pivot the crank and shaft and displace the breech block into the open position. A spring-loaded biasing unit is connected between the lever and the crank and urges the crank angularly back against the abutment of the lever.

Abstract: A primer cartridge magazine is removably mounted in the reciprocally movable slider of a wedge-type breech mechanism of a gun. The magazine has a longitudinal spring mounted therein which biases a stack of primer cartridges via a guide member towards the bottom of the magazine at which bottom a primer cartridge inlet and outlet is disposed. The magazine has a pair of parallel opposite walls which define a widened top portion having a pair of indicating windows. An indicating disc is rotatably mounted by means of a composite shaft in the widened portion and indicates via the indicating windows by means of a plurality of numbers disposed on each face of the indicating disc the stock of primer cartridges in the magazine. A tension band is connected to the indicating disc and guide member. A first locking mechanism locks the indicating disc against rotation when the magazine is not assembled in the slider. A second locking mechanism locks the indicating disc against rotation during loading of the magazine.

Abstract: A device for quickly stopping a remote controlled automatic cannon having a breech block which can be moved by means of an endless control groove in an essentially rotationally symmetrical control roller, with each region of the control groove being associated with a respective function step within the firing cycle of the cannon. The device includes an element which rotates in dependence on the control roller and is provided with a stop abutment which is associated with a region of the control groove; and a control piston, which corresponds with the stop abutment, and which, during operation, can be moved axially, by propellant gases developed during firing of the cannon, so that one free end of the piston moves out of the circular path of movement of the stop abutment against a return force, and thus from a blocking position with respect to the stop abutment, into a release position with respect to the stop abutment.

Abstract: A mechanism that automatically opens the breech block wedge on a semi-automatic weapon, especially a tank cannon with a training liner. Mounted on the breech of the weapon is an electromechanical drive mechanism that includes an electric motor with a drive shaft on which is mounted an energy-saving flywheel that can be connected through adjustable couplings and a reduction gear to an opener shaft on which is mounted an opener lever that shifts the breech block wedge into the open position when the shaft rotates. The flywheel is accelerated to a nominal speed when the couplings are disengaged. Electronic controls then engage the couplings for a predetermined amount of time and turn off the electric motor. Some of the energy of rotation of the flywheel is transferred to the opener lever. The couplings are then disengaged and the electric motor turned on again. The electronic controls are practically activated by the firing pulse and/or the actual firing procedure.

Abstract: An ignition arrangement for a barrel weapon having a sliding wedge-type breech block in which a pressure bolt is rotatably mounted in the breech block and the firing pin is slidably movably mounted in the pressure bolt. The firing pin has a transverse rod which extends into a first pair of slots in the pressure bolt and a second pair of longitudinal slots in the breech block. The first pair of slots has a first transverse portion and a second helical portion. The pressure bolt is axially connected to a spiral spring biased control disc which has an actuating cam and a release cam. Coacting cam surfaces are adjustably mounted in the barrel weapon. The opening and closing movements of the breech block cause corresponding rotational movements of the pressure bolt due to the coactions of the actuating or release cams of the control disc with the coacting cam surfaces in the barrel weapon.

Abstract: An industrial gun, of the type having a transverse sliding breechblock, has a firing mechanism which automatically cocks and then releases a hammer as the breechblock closes. A sear is pivoted in the yoke or receiver of the gun in a position to engage and cock a hammer carried by the breechblock as the breechblock is moved from an open to a closed position. A cam surface on the sear bears against a cooperating cam surface on the hammer to release the hammer from the sear as the breechblock reaches the fully-closed position, in which a firing pin carried by the breechblock attains correct alignment with a shell in the gun chamber. A set screw provides an adjustable cam surface on the hammer to allow the correlation of the timing of the hammer release with the breechblock movement to be readjusted precisely as the parts wear with use.