Patent ID: 6015078
Filing Date: 2000-01-18
Classification: B25C

Abstract:
Plug fixing apparatus comprising a barrel holder, and barrel and retractable holding means for selectively holding the barrel in the barrel holder and allowing the barrel to slide between a propellant charge loading position and a firing position wherein said retractable holding means includes a holding a having a holding finger mounted on the barrel holder to pivot about an axis parallel to an axis of the barrel holder, and a ring mounted to rotate on the barrel holder about the axis of the barrel holder to thereby pivot said holding finger into and out of locking engagement with said barrel, said ring being engageable with said holding arm in each opposite rotational direction of the ring to positively contact said holding arm to induce said pivoting movement of said holding finger during ring rotation;wherein the holding arm has a cam surface engageable with the ring in such a manner that the rotation of the ring displaces the holding finger between a release position of the barrel and a holding position of the barrel, in which the holding finger projects into an interior of the barrel holder;said rind includes an opening and the holding arm comprises a release head (14; 35) extending into the opening;wherein the release head has an inclined face and said ring opening has circumferentially spaced release and locking edges wherein the release edge is adapted to be rotated into contact with the inclined face to pivot the holding arm into the release position.