GB262858A - Improvements in ramming devices employed in the loading of guns - Google Patents

Abstract

262,858. Beardmore & Co., Ltd., W., and Webster, T. H. Sept. 16, 1925. Loading-appliances.-A ramming device comprises two rammers, one for the projectile and one for the charge, which are moved forward simultaneously during the ramming operation but are retracted successively, the charge rammer being held in the forward position by the ramming device until the projectile rammer has been retracted, and being then retracted in its turn by the rammer-actuating means. As shown, the main or projectile rammer 8 is a hollow cylinder carried by a telescopic ram 3, 3<1> moving in a cylinder 1. The secondary or charge rammer 9 is situated within the projectile rammer 8 and is attached to a telescopic ram 6, 6<1> moving within a cylinder 4. The cylinders 1, 4 are carried together by a block 12 pivoted on a bracket 13. This ramming device is swung out to receive the charge 14 and is then swung back into line with the gun barrel and with the projectile 16 in a pivotal loading tray 17. A valve 18 is set to admit compressed fluid behind the pistons 3, 3<1> and ram the charge and projectile home, the charge rammer 9 being carried forward by the projectile rammer 8, and compressed fluid entering behind the rams 6, 6<1> by a non- return valve 19. The valve 18 is then set to exhaust the cylinder 1 and retract the rams 3, 3<1> and projectile rammer 8; meanwhile, the charge rammer 9 and the rams 6, 6<1> are held in their forward position by the pressure fluid trapped behind the rams 6, 6<1> until a projection 21 on the projectile rammer 8 strikes a tappet 22 and sets a valve 20 to exhaust the cylinder 4 and retract the rams 6, 6<1> with the charge rammer 9. The pressure fluid devices may be replaced by a spring motor device associated with a detent and ratchet for controlling the retraction of the charge rammer.