GB604362A - Improvements in or relating to flexible passages for chutes - Google Patents

Abstract

604,362. Ammunition shoots. HUGHES TOOL CO. March 28, 1945, No. 7839. Convention date, Oct. 27, 1941. [Class 92 (ii)] [Also in Group XXX] A flexible passage or shoot for the passage of flexible devices, such as ammunition belts, includes a number of transverse elements disposed sideby-side to outline the passage, means for interconnecting the elements for limited movement towards and away from one another, and a number of overlapping wall plates supported within the passage by the transverse elements and forming an articulated lining therefor. Fig. 7 shows a part of one form of shoot in a partly completed condition, this construction comprising a series of spaced elements 30 consisting of a length of wire bent to the shape shown for the passage of belted ammunition from a container to a gun. The lower runs of the elements are bent to provide a recess 33 to provide a clear passage for the ammunition belt, and the upper parts of the elements leave, as shown, a longitudinal opening 32 for access throughout the length of the shoot. The loops formed on the upper parts are embraced by flat loops of thin sheet metal segments 37 which are pinched at 42 to prevent removal. Each loop is extended in the direction of travel of the ammunition to form a wall plate 40 which overlaps the next segment. The sides of the shoot are also fitted with similar segments 36 which are staggered in relation to the segments 37, and the lower wall of the shoot is similarly fitted with segments 38 on both sides of the recess 33, these being staggered in relation to the segments 36. The segments 36 and 38 are also formed with wall plates similar to the plates 40. By this construction the elements are permitted to move towards one another or can move to enable the shoot to be flexed in all directions. The ends of the shoot have their side wall segments suitably constructed for ready attachment to the gun and to the ammunition container. In a modification, Fig. 12, the elements 70 are formed of separated lengths of wire, having their ends 71 turned up. to retain segments 37 in position, and in another modification, Fig. 13 (not shown), the elements are formed of separate closed loops, no opening 32 being provided in this construction. Fig. 14 shows another construction in which the elements 83 are formed of a single length of wire fitted with segments 86, 87, 88 to form a closed shoot. In another modification the loops of the various segments embrace three adjacent runs of the wire.