Patent classifications
F42B33/004
Ammunition production loading machine
Described is an ammunition production loading machine. The machine will load two cartridges at once and is referred to as a ‘two-out” machine. The machine will be of a mechanical nature reducing the potential loss of production that occurs with pneumatic systems. Any pneumatic systems on the machine will operate only in failure instances, i.e. in the case of a powder failure the pneumatic system will obstruct the projectile feed mechanism. The machine consists of seven (7) major components, which operate in unison. The machine is intended to run a single caliber so changeover adjustments and time required to change calibers are eliminated. The machine is capable of precisely loading a complete cartridge at a rate of 240 parts per minute in a completely automated manner. The key features of this novel machine are the full automation from station to station and a cartridge retaining bullet crimp case bushing in a rotating main disk, which rotates cases from station to station. The bullet crimp case bushing has a tapered feature inside which crimps the case to the bullet. Machines in the prior art utilize slotted case inserts or features to hold the cartridge base in position for loading, which relies on a separate tool for crimping and are not fully automated. The herein described machine is fully automated and does not require a person to manually move parts from one station to the next, nor loading of individual inserts to effectuate the bullet to case connection.
SMALL CALIBER CRIMPING PRIMER AND PRIMER FEED
As described above, this new primer feed system is both accurate and consistent. The primer feed station begins by loading primers from the vendor packaging into the vibratory feed bowl via the primer chute. The bowl has an adjustable height polycarbonate guard that is inside the main safety polycarbonate doors and exits above the machine. The bowl then orients the primers open side up and discharges them into the primer track. Crimping can be done with 3 or 5 pins or a complete radial crimp. Previous versions of the crimp station on these crimping machines involved a pin mounted to the upper ram and a lower pin actuated by the lower ram. It was difficult to time and adjust properly for a consistent crimp. This new approach to crimping has proved much more reliable, accurate and easier to adjust. It still utilizes an upper pin mounted to the upper moving ram assembly but the lower pin is fixed.
PROGRESSIVE AMMUNITION PRESS SYSTEM
Progressive ammunition press system, components thereof, and associated methods. The press system may include a press control system integrated with the press. The press may include a case carriage including a case carrier supported by a bearing. Case retainer gates may be provided for retaining cases in the case carrier. A bullet feeding system can be arranged to permit bullet feeding and seating in a single station of the press. A primer feeder can be self-contained, gear-driven, and/or recirculating.
TABLE TOP PRIMING MACHINE FOR SMALL CALIBER AMMUNITION
The herein described Table Top Priming Machine for Small Caliber Ammunition provides a simple, safe, and more precise means to produce reliable ammunition than other priming machines in the prior art. The Table Top Priming Machine uses a unique rotary disk assembly to hold cases as the machine installs primers into the cases. Gravity assists with securing cases in the disk assembly and promotes ejection of the finished cases. The compact construction of the machine makes the machine accessible for individuals or manufactures with limited space to create consistent ammunition at high speeds with limited space. Furthermore, the machine's design allows for any end user to assemble and maintain the machine with general hand tools, which obviates the need for specialized maintenance from the manufacturer.
Rotary-drive ammunition reloading systems with discontinuous stroke speed
An ammunition reloading system is configured to be operatively coupled with an ammunition reloading press to enable automated operation of the press. The reloading system includes a motor and a power transmission assembly that enables rotational power in a single direction from the motor to drive the ammunition reloading press. A controller is communicatively coupled to the motor and to one or more press position sensors to determine a position of the press within a press stroke cycle and increase or decrease the speed of the motor accordingly.
Ammunition reloading systems and methods
An automatic ammunition reloading system includes an actuation assembly in communication with a control system. The actuation assembly is joined to a reloading press by attaching to a control segment of the ammunition press so as to put the reloading press in operative relation with the actuation assembly. The control system receives input from one or more press position sensors to determine an actuation distance of the control lever for a full stroke of the reloading press. The control system controls operation of the actuation assembly so as to power the reloading press.
Empty casing feed for a reloader
A discrete empty casing feeder for a cartridge reloader is controlled electronically by a control module. Empty casings are loaded on top of each other in a conventional feeder tube and are gravity fed through the feeder tube onto an upper rotating carousel. The discrete empty casing drops into a cylinder in the upper carousel and the carousel and casing rotate until the casing reaches a hole in the floor under the upper carousel. The discrete empty casing drops onto a solenoid lever in a tube. When the typical lower turret is raised mechanically, a sensor detects that the lower turret and push ram are in the correct position. The trap lever opens and drops the empty shell casing into a slot in the front of the push ram. The push ram then pushes the correctly oriented discrete casing onto the conventional turret. As the shell casings go through a normal reloading cycle, a fully loaded cartridge is ejected from the lower turret and the entire process begins again.
TABLE TOP PRIMING MACHINE FOR SMALL CALIBER AMMUNITION
The herein described Table Top Priming Machine for Small Caliber Ammunition provides a simple, safe, and more precise means to produce reliable ammunition than other priming machines in the prior art. The Table Top Priming Machine uses a unique rotary disk assembly to hold cases as the machine installs primers into the cases. Gravity assists with securing cases in the disk assembly and promotes ejection of the finished cases. The compact construction of the machine makes the machine accessible for individuals or manufactures with limited space to create consistent ammunition at high speeds with limited space. Furthermore, the machine's design allows for any end user to assemble and maintain the machine with general hand tools, which obviates the need for specialized maintenance from the manufacturer.
AMMUNITION RELOADING SYSTEMS AND METHODS
An automatic ammunition reloading system includes an actuation assembly in communication with a control system. The actuation assembly is joined to a reloading press by attaching to a control segment of the ammunition press so as to put the reloading press in operative relation with the actuation assembly. The control system receives input from one or more press position sensors to determine an actuation distance of the control lever for a full stroke of the reloading press. The control system controls operation of the actuation assembly so as to power the reloading press.
AMMUNITION RELOADING SYSTEMS AND METHODS
An automatic ammunition reloading system includes an actuation assembly in communication with a control system. The actuation assembly is joined to a reloading press by attaching to a control segment of the ammunition press so as to put the reloading press in operative relation with the actuation assembly. The control system receives input from one or more press position sensors to determine an actuation distance of the control lever for a full stroke of the reloading press. The control system controls operation of the actuation assembly so as to power the reloading press.