Patent GB-190119025-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in and relating to Trap-shooting Machines.
Inventor: LORD HUGH COMPTON
Filed: 1901-09-24
Granted: 1902-09-24
Abstract: 19,025. Lord, H. C. Sept. 24. Trap-shooting.-Relates to apparatus for throwing targets, usually of disc form, which is arranged so that flight of the target can be regulated as regards direction, elevation, speed, &c., as required. A base-plate A, mounted on three legs A<1>, A<2>, carries standards, between which is pivoted a tilting frame B, which can be locked at any required angle by a stay b<5>. The frame B carries a shaft c, on which is adjustably mounted a disc C. The lower face of the disc is provided with an annulus of bristles, which slant forward in the direction of movement. Beneath the disc is a fixed annular plate D, provided with a glass bed d' and surrounded for a certain distance with a guide or cushion E formed of bristles. The guide E is carried by a spider E' journalled bya a piu e' carried by a second spider E<2> supported by the plate D, a lever E<3> being provided to allow the guide to be raised to discharge broken targets. When the targets are delivered to the machine, the disc C is rotated through chain and bevel gearing &c. by a person seated on the saddle H<1> and actuating cranks f<2>. The targets are carried round by the brush, and receive a rotary motion by running in contact with the cushion E, and finally escape tangentially from the machine at the end of the cushion. The driving-mechanism is adjustable by means of a slot a<1>, and a second slotf allows the tension of the chain to be adjusted. The guide E may be fixed in any one of several positions, so as to vary the direction of flight of the target ; or, it may be given an oscillating movement to cause the targets to be thrown in indeterminate directions. The frame B, instead of being secured at a fixed inclination by the stay b<5> &c., may be oscillated on its axis by connecting a link K carried by the gearwheel I<1> with a fixed pivot k, thus causing the targets to be thrown out at different elevations. To vary the velocity of the target, the plate D is adjustably pivoted to the frame B, and receives a rocking motion from a cam so that its distance from the disc C, and hence the friction of the brush on the target, is continually varied. The targets are delivered from a magazine to a receptacle carried on an inclined axis and swung round so as to bring it within the guide E. The receptacle is returned under the magazine by the action of a clutch-dog and face-cam, and is held in that position until the dog is released, when it is swung back by a spring to deliver the target to the machine. The movement of the mechanism for delivering the targets to the machine is controlled by cams, levers, &c. operated electrically. A switch making successive contacts is employed to cause the double movement of the receptacle for delivering the target to the machine. The magazine for the targets is constructed with catches, which are automatically operated synchronously with the delivering-receptacle, so as to allow a single target to escape as required. The catches are operated by suitable mechanism from the cams and clutches which drive the delivering-receptacle. A' bell o<7>, carried on a pivoted spring arm, is arranged to be rung by a spring tappet o<8> when the disc C is travelling at proper speed, but is put out of action by centrifugal force if the speed falls below or rises above the normal rate.