GB191506932A - Improvements in Cartridge Loading Machines. - Google Patents

Abstract

6932. Page, W. May 8. Cartridge-loading apparatus.-Relates to apparatus for forcing projectiles into the mouths of cartridge cases and crimping the edges of the cases in the grooves of the projectiles, and consists in the combination of a rotatable and movable support adapted to hold the cartridge case with the projectile held therein, a cartridge clamp on this support, an abutment with a floating centring-cap for the nose of the projectile, means operated by fluid pressure for forcing the cartridge against the abutment, and means for crimping the cartridge case about the projectile as the cartridge is rotated. In the form shown in Fig. 1, the apparatus comprises upper and lower plates 3, 2 connected by pillars 4, and two intermediate plates 6, 45 slidable on the pillars 4. The lower intermediate plate 6 carries jaws 14, 16 for clamping the base of the cartridge case 20. The jaw 14 is fixed; and the jaw 16 is pivoted at 17 and is secured in the closed position by a clamp after the cartridge case with the projectile loosely inserted in its mouth is placed in position. The same plate 6 is carried by a pneumatic or hydraulic piston 32 for forcing the cartridge upwards against a cup 24 loosely held to the upper plate 3 by a bolt 26; this centres the projectile and forces it into the mouth of the case. The pneumatic or hydraulic supply is controlled by a three-way valve 36 connected to the working cylinder 30 by a pipe 35, to exhaust by a pipe 38, and to the pressure supply by a pipe 37, which may contain a perforated diaphragm 40 or a needle valve 42 for slowing or controlling the speed of action of the piston 32. The edge of the case is crimped into the groove 44 in the projectile by rollers 59 carried by jaws 47, 48 clamped together by a spring handle 50, the cartridge being rotated within these jaws by a spur gear 63, 64 worked by a handle 65. The jaw 48 is hinged at 49<a> to the other jaw 47, which is held to the upper intermediate plate 45 by a pin passing through a slot in the said jaw and by fingers 49 fixed to the plate 45 and projecting over the said jaw; in this way the jaws are securely held to the plate 45 while free to centre themselves correctly around the cartridge.