Improvements in Cartridge Loading Machines.
Year: 1889

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Cartridge Loading Machines.
I, ALEXANDER EUSTON of the City of St. Louis in the State of Missouri, United
States of North America, Shot and White Lead Manufacturer do hereby declare the
nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
My Invention relates to certain improvements in an automatic machine or
apparatus for loading cartridges and it consists in features of novelty hereinafter fully
described, and pointed out in the claims.
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Referring to the accompanying drawings Figure 1 is a side elevation and Figure 2
is a plan of my improved machine. Figure 3 is an enlarged horizontal section, taken
on line III- --III, Figure 1. Figure 4 is an enlarged, detail section, taken on
line IV. --IV, figure 2. Figure 5 is a similar view, taken on line V.
figure 3. Figure 6 is an enlarged, horizontal section, taken on line VI ---- VI,
figure 1. Figure 7 is an enlarged, horizontal section, taken on line VII ---- VII,
figure 11. Figure 8 is an edge view of the ratchet for turning the table. Figure
is a detail section, taken on line IX---- IX, figure 7. Figure 10 is a similar view
taken on line X- X figure 6. Figure 11 is a vertical, longitudinal section,
taken on line XI- ✗I figure 7. Figure 12 is a similar view taken on.
line XII. XII figure 7. Figure 13 is a detail, enlarged section, taken on
line XIII-XIII, figure 2. Figure 14 is a detail view of the mechanism for
operating the vertically movable gates that control the passage of the empty shells
from their supporting table. Figure 15 is a detail section taken on line XV-
figure 13. Figure 16 is a section taken on line XVI----XVI figure 13, shewing
the shell supporting table in top view. Figure 17 is an enlarged perspective view
of the end of the rocking arm that moves the shells or empty cartridges into loading
position. Figure 18 is a detail section, taken on line XVIII----XVIII, figure 3.
Figure 19 is a detail section, taken on line XIX----XIX, figure 3. Figure 20 is
an enlarged detail view of the bracket that secures the shell moving lever to the table
of the machine. Figure 21 is a section, taken on line XXI ---- XXI, figure 20, or
on the same line figure 3. Figure 22 is a perspective view of the bracket connecting
the lever that moves the shell-pushing arm to the movable disc of the machine.
Figure 23 is a section taken on line XXIII - - XXIII, figure 3. Figure 24 is a
similar view, taken on line XXIV - XXIV figure 18. Figures 25 and 26 are
detail vertical sections, taken on line XXV-. -XXVI figure 2, the two figures
showing the parts in different positions. Figure 27 is a horizontal section, taken on
line XXVII-XXVII, figure 25. Figure 28 is an enlarged detail vertical section
taken on line XXVIII-- XXVIII figure 29. Figure 29 is an enlarged detail
view of the plunger of the powder or shot charger. Figure 30 is a top view of the
arm that connects the plunger of the powder or shot-charger to the movable disc.
Figure 31 is an enlarged detail vertical section, taken on line XXXI-XXXI,
figure 2. Figure 32 is a similar view taken on line XXXII -- XXXII figure 2.
Figure 33 is a top view of one of the vertically reciprocating shell-protectors to be
used while the wads are being applied. Figure 34 is a detail section, taken on
line XXXIV- - XXXIV figure 31. Figure 35 is a detail, longitudinal section,
shewing the connection between the sliding dovetail plates found in figure XXXI
and figure XXXIV, and their operating levers. Figure 36 is a detail section taken
on line XXXVI -- XXXVI figure 6. Figure 37 is a detail longitudinal section
taken on line XXXVII-XXXVII figure 2. Figure 38 is a similar view, taken
on line XXXVIII -
XXXVIII figure 2. Figure 39 is a similar view taken on
line XXXIX- XXXIX figure 37 and enlarged. Figure 40 is a similar view
taken on line XL----XL figure 38. Figure 41 is a bottom view of one of the dies
for giving the shells the first crimp. Figure 42 is a similar view of the die for giving
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the shell the second crimp. Figure 43 is a view of the shell after it has received the
first crimp and Figure 44 is a similar view, after the shell has received the second
crimp. Figure 45 is a detail elevation of the printing or marking mechanism.
Figure 46 is an enlarged. detail section taken on line XLVI---- XLVI figure 45.
Figure 47 is a detail, transverse section, taken on line XLVII--- XLVII figure 45.
Figure 48 is an enlarged perspective view of the inking pad. Figure 49 is an
enlarged bottom view of the printing die. Figure 50 is a top view of the printing
die. Figure 51 is a top view of a loaded shell, after it has been printed or marked.
Referring to the drawings, 1 represents legs, upon which is mounted a shell
supporting table 2. Over the table 2 is a vertically movable disc or plate 3 and a
top plate 4.
The plate 4 is supported on the table 2 by connecting rods 5, (see
figure 32), these rods being also shewn in section in figures 3 and 6 and they act to
guide the disc 3. The connection between the rods and the top plate 4 is further
illustrated in detail figure 4, the upper ends of the rods baving reduced threaded
portions to receive the top plate and upon which screw nuts 6, which hold the top
plate in place.
In detail, figure 5, the connection between the sliding disc and the rods 5 is
illustrated, the disc being provided with perforated enlargements 7, through which
the rods pass; these enlargements giving a broad bearing between the movable disc
and the rods to prevent any wabbling or uneven movement.
While the machine is in operation the disc 3 is constantly being raised and lowered,
and my preferred means of doing this consists in the use of pitmans or rods 8
connected to the disc at 9, see figures 1 and 3, at their upper ends and connected at
their lower ends to a frame or yoke, consisting of parallel bars 10 connected by
rods 11. There is a yoke at each side of the machine, and within each yoke fits an
eccentric 12 on the driving shaft 13. I provide one of these rods 8 and its accom-
panying parts just mentioned on each side of the machine, and it will be understood
that as the shaft 13 is turned the disc 3 will be raised and lowered by the eccentrics
bearing in the frames 10, 11. The frames are held in position by guides 14 secured
to cross pieces 15 of the frame 1. The connection between the disc 3 and the rods 8
consists preferably of a bar 16, which is bolted to the table at 17, and which fits at
its outer ends in holes made in the upper ends of the links 8.
The shaft 13 is provided with a tight and loose pulley 18 to receive the driving-belt,
and on it is shown a flywheel 18.
The table 2 bas a revolving centre 19. The dividing line between the stationary
part and the revolving part of the table is indicated by the numeral 20 in figures 11
and 6. This centre is revolved intermittently, and not constantly; that is, it moves,
stops and then moves again; each movement and stoppage taking place at the proper
time. It is thus intermittently moved by means of a ratchet-wheel 21 rigidly secured
to the centre by means of a central shaft 22, extending from the ratchet wheel up to
the top of the machine. The ratchet-wheel is engaged by a spring-pawl 23, (see
figures 7 and 11) pivoted to a swinging arm 24, which I have shown bifurcated and
mounted loosely on the lower end of the shaft 22. This arm 24 is arrangeed
horizontally, and its outer end is engaged by a vertical lever 25 pivotted at 26 to the
frame 1 of the machine. Both ends of the lever 25 are bifurcated or forked, the upper
end receiving the outer end of the arm 24, see figures 11 and 12, and the lower end
embracing a cam 27 on the shaft 13. As the shaft 13 revolves in a direction indicated
by the arrow in figure 12, it moves the upper end of the lever 25 in the arc of a
circle, indicated by the dotted line A, figure 12; the lever being moved in one
direction by the cam 27 bearing against one of the arms on its lower end and moved
in the other direction by this cam engaging the other arm on its lower end. When
the lever is moved in one direction, it swings the arm 24 on its pivot, and the pawl 23
slips over one notch or tooth of the disc or ratchet-wheel 21. Then, as the lever
moves in the other direction, it turns the ratchet-wheel or disc the distance of one notch
or tooth and turns the centre 19 a corresponding distance. Thus, as the shaft 13
continues to revolve, the centre 19 is turned intermittently through means of the
described mechanism.

page_text: Upon the centre 19 is secured a number of holders 30 for receiving the shells or
empty cartridges 31, (see figures 6, 10 and 13). The shape of these holders is shewn
best in figure 10 and consists simply of a forked plate slotted at 32 to receive a
bolt 33 by which it is adjustably connected to the turning-centre 19. The fork is in
the front end of each plate and is just large enough to receive the shell. It is raised
slightly from the turning centre 19 to allow the rim 34 (see figure 13), of the shell
to slide under the fork; the object being' to prevent the shell tipping over, (after
it is shoved into the holder) during the starting and stopping of the turning
centre 19.
I will now describe the mechanism for automatically feeding or moving the empty
shells into the holders 30 on the turning centre 19.
35 represents a funnel secured to a movable bar or support 36 (see figure 18).
The shells are automatically dropped into this funnel, one at a time, with the cap or
flange-end foremost. They move down through the funnel and drop upon the table 2
as shewn in figure 13. The funnel 35 is sufficiently near the table 2 that, when a
shell has fallen upon the table, its upper end is still within the neck of the funnel.
(see figure 13). Now, as soon as the shell falls upon the table, the funnel 35 rises
from the position shewn in full lines in figure 13 to the position shewn in dotted lines.
This causes the funnel to clear the shell. The object of having the upper ends of
the shells within the neck of the funnel, when they drop into place, is to prevent
them from tipping over and to hold them upright and before they can be moved from
beneath the funnel, the latter has to rise, as stated. As soon as the funnel rises each
shell is pushed forward from the position shewn in full lines, figure 13, off the
stationary part of the table 2 to the position shewn by dotted lines in figure 13 on to
the turning centre 19 of the table 2 where it is received by one of the holders 30.
This movement of the shell is effected by a crescent, or other suitably shaped lever 37,
pivotted at 38 to the stationary part of the table 2, by means of a bracket 37, see
figures 3, 6, 20 and 21. One end of this lever is formed with a circular socket 39,
which comes against the shells and forces them from the stationary part of the table
on to the turning centre, and into engagement with the holders, as stated. When a
shell falls upon the table, it would occupy about the position shown at 40, figure 6,
and then the socket 39 of the lever would come against it and move it, as stated.
The object of forming the circular socket on the end of the lever is to form. such a
pocket to receive the shell as will cause it to be moved in the direction indicated, by
the circular dotted arrow in figure 6, or in such a direction that it will properly.
enter the holder. This end of the lever 37 is provided with a wing 41, which moves
beneath the mouth of the funnel, so that when another shell drops into the funnel
before the lever returns, it is caught by the wing and prevented from falling behind
the lever. A perspective view of this part of the lever is shown in figure 17.
The lever 37 is, of course, arranged in a horizontal position and it is operated by
means of a plate 42 pivotted, at 43 to a hanger or bracket 44 secured to the top
plate 4, (see figure 19). The lower end of this lever 42 fits in a slot 45 of the
fever 37, (see figures 3, 6 and 19). The plate 42 is provided with a slot 46, which
is preferably made parallel or straight throughout the greater portion of its length,
but at its upper end is curved or bent, as shown at 47. figure 19. In this slot fits a
pin 48 on an arm 49 secured to the vertically moving disc 3. It will thus be seen
that as the disc moves from the position shown in full lines, figure 19, to the position shown
in dotted lines, the plate 42 will be moved from the position shown in full lines to the
position shown in dotted lines, and, in doing so, the lever 37 is moved from the position
shown in full lines, figure 13, to the position shown in dotted lines thus moving the
empty shell on to the turning centre of the table 2 and as the disc 3 moves down
again, the lever 37 is moved back to its normal position.
On the opposite end of the lever 37 to that I have been describing is a hook 50
which moves the cartridges or loaded shells off the turning centre 19, as more
particularly described further on.
The funnel 35 is raised (to permit the passage of the shells) by its supporting
bar 36, which passes through a perforation in a plate 51 secured to the vertically

page_text: moving disc 3, see figure 18. On the supporting bar 36 is an adjustable collar 52
(see figures 18 and 24) against which the plate 51 strikes, as the disc 3 has about com-
pleted its upward movement, and to lift the funnel from the position shown in full
lines, figure 18, to the position shown in dotted lines. Of course, the parts are so
disposed that this upward movement of the funnel takes place just at the time the
shell or empty cartridge is to be moved, as already described. The lower end of the
bar 36 enters a hole or perforation 53 in the table 2, and it is further guided by a
bracket 54 secured to the table 2, and through which the bar passes. The bracket is
provided with a spring-bolt 55, the function of which is to create a friction against
the bar 36 to prevent a lost motion so that when the bar is lifted by the disc 3, its
momentum will not carry it slightly beyond where it would be carried by the disc 3
and when it is allowed to fall again to its normal position, the friction of the spring-
bolt upon it prevents its upward bounding. The shells are fed into the funnel from
an inclined table or holder 56, upon which they are placed by hand, or otherwise.
They are allowed to enter the funnel, one at a time, by mechanism constructed as
follows:
The shells are all placed with their cap ends towards the side 57 of the holder (see
figure 16) and as they leave the delivery end of the holder, as shown at 58, figure 13,
they are made to drop cap-end first, by an inclined stop or projection 59 and a
gate 59, on the opposite side of the holder to that 57, see figure 16. Thus, the
shells coming against this gate and projection, are retarded at their open ends, allowing
the cap ends to move first off the holder, as shown by dotted lines in figure 13.
The shells are compelled to move, one at a time, off the holder by means of gates or
valves, 60, 61 see figure 13. These gates or valves consist simply of small strips of
metal guided in a cross-piece 62, and pivotted at their upper ends to the opposite end
of a bar 63 pivotted at 64 to a projection 65 on an arm 66 secured to the top-plate 4
of the machine. The bar is moved from the position shewn in full lines figure 13 to
the position shown in dotted lines to operate the valves, and it is thus moved by a lever 67
pivotted at 68 to the lower end of the arm 66 and which is connected at its upper end
to a projection 69 on the bar 63, by means of a link 70.
On the disc 3 is secured a friction-roller 71. As the disc 3 falls to the position
shewn in full lines, figure 18, the roller 71 comes against the lower end of the lever 67
and forces the valves 60, 61 into the position shewn in full lines, figure 13, that is,
the valve 60 is lowered and the valve 61 raised. As this movement takes place, the
shell that was between the two valves on the holder rolls downward upon the holder,
and, coming against the gate 59, and projection 59, turns-cap-end first, and falls into
the funnel 35. As the disc rises, the roller 71 comes against the upper end of the
lever 67 and forces it and the valves 60, 61 from the position shewn in full lines,
figure 13, to the position shewn in dotted lines figure 13. This raises the valve 60
and lowers the valve 61 and the shells roll downward upon the holder, the lower one
coming against the valve 61. Then, as the disc 3 falls again, the valve 61 is raised,
and the valve 60 lowered, the latter coming down between the first and second shells
at the lower end of the holder, and the latter allowing the shell, which is bearing
against it, to pass to the funnel, as described and thus the operation goes on con-
tinuously.
In figure 14, I have shewn an edge view of the valves and their operating bar,
and in figure 15 I have shewn a section through the projection 65 and the link 70
which exhibits part of the arm 66 and the lever 67 in edge view. These parts are
so disposed, of course, that the shells will be automatically released just at the proper
time, that is, a shell would be released from behind the valve 61 just as the end 39
of the lever 37 has made its backward movement, and, then, while the lever 37 is
moving toward the table 2, this valve will shut and the valve 60, open, and another
shell will roll against the valve 61 and is ready to roll into the funnel as soon as the
lover 37 makes its backward movement again.
The turning-centre 19 is provided with a number of the adjustable holders 30, and
their distance apart indicates the distance the turning-centre would move upon each
operation of the moving lever 24, so that each time the turning centre stops, a holder 30

page_text: 13 in front of the end 39 of the lever 37, and as the lever operates each time a holder
comes opposite it, a shell is forced into each holder.
As all the shells go through the same process, after they are pushed onto the
turning centre 19, (one step of this process being accomplished each time the turning-
centre stops), it will only be necessary to describe the process in connection with the
loading of one shell, and this will now be done.
Take, for instance, the shell B in figure 6. It has been shoved onto the turning-
centre of the table 2, and the centre has turned the distance of one notch of the
ratchet-wheel 21. This brings the shell beneath a case or canister 80, (see figure 3),
which contains the powder.
The automatic mechanism for charging the shell with powder is best shewn in
figures 25 to 30, both inclusive.
The canister 80 is mounted on the upper end of a short pipe or tube 81 which
communicates at bottom with a cylinder 82 mounted on a standard 83 secured to the
stationary part of the table 2, see figure 25).
On the vertically moving disc 3 there is a bracket 84, which is perforated to receive
the reduced end 85 of a plunger 86 that passes down through the cylinder 82, and
which is made hollow at its lower portion from 87 to 88, to receive a plug 89. Above
the plug 89, the plunger has a perforation 90, that, when the plunger is raised,
forms a communication between the cylinder 82 and a chamber within the plunger
above the plug 89. The plunger works in a short sleeve or tube 91 secured to the
lower end of the cylinder 82 and beneath the lower end of this tube, when the
plunger is in its lower position, there is a perforation 92 in the plunger just above
the plug 89. Now as the disc 3 rises, the bracket 84 comes against the head 93
of the plunger 86 and lifts the plunger until the opening 90 is within the chamber
of the cylinder 82. A charge of powder now passes from the cylinder into the
hollow plunger; the opening 92 of the plunger at this time being within the sleeve 91,
so that the powder cannot pass out of the hollow plunger. Then, as the disc 3
completes its downward movement, it forces the plunger downwardly again, and the
opening 90 is moved out of communication with the chamber of the cylinder 82, and
then the opening 92 moves beneath the lower end of the sleeve 91, and the powder
runs out of the hollow plunger through the opening or perforation 92, as shown by
the small arrows in figure 25, into a funnel 94 secured to and carried by the
plunger, and from the funnel the powder passes into the shell B. It will thus be
seen that the mouth of the funnel 94 has slightly entered the shell, and this is done
to prevent any danger of the entire charge of powder not entering the shell. Before
the centre 19 starts to move again, the disc 3 has raised the point of the funnel out
of the shell, and thus the operation goes on, the disc 3 carrying the plunger up to
receive a charge of powder and moving it down again to discharge the powder,
while, in the meantime, the turning centre 19 has brought another shell into position
to receive the powder.
The plug 89 is made adjustable in the plunger so as to regulate the size of the
charge. It has a pin 95 fitting in a slot 96 in the back of the plunger, and the sides
of the slot are graduated, as shown in figure 29, to indicate the size of the charge,
that is, the number of drams. My preferred means of making the plug 89 adjustable
is by screwing it on to the inner end of a threaded rod 97, which is shown most
plainly in figure 28; the rod passing through a plug 98 in the lower end of the
plunger and to which the funnel 94 is secured by means of a set screw 94. The
rod 97 thus moves with the plunger, and it is held from movement in a vertical
direction independently of the plunger by means of a small set-screw 99 that enters
a circumferential groove 100 in the rod, as shown plainly in figure 28. As the
plug 89 is screwed onto the rod, (or as the rod is screwed into the plug), it will be
seen that by turning the rod, the plug will be raised or lowered within the plunger,
thus increasing or decreasing the charge of powder, at will.
An enlarged view of the bracket 84 is shown in figure 30, and an enlarged
top view of the funnel 94, together with a section of the plunger, is shown in
figure 27.

page_text: When the shell B has received its charge of powder, the centre 19 moves and the
shell is carried beneath a device for inserting a wad; the wadding device being
constructed as shewn most clearly in figures 31, 34 and 35. It consists of a stationary
tube 101, into which the wads are placed, as shown in figure 31. Beneath this tube
is a table 102, upon which works a slide 103. The slide is secured at 104 to the
lower end of a lever 105 pivotted at 106 to a hanger 106 secured to the top plate 4.
The lever has a slot 107 in which fits a pin 108 secured to an arm 109 made fast to
the vertically movable disc 3. The slot 107 is made on an incline out of the vertical,
and it will be seen that as the disc 3 rises and falls, the lever will be moved from
the position shewn in full lines, figure 31, to the position shewn in dotted lines. The
slide 103 is dove-tailed into the table 102, as shown in figure 34, and it has ears or
projections 110 by which it is secured to the lever 105, by a simple pin 111
passing through them, see figure 35. Each time the slide 103 moves forward it
pushes a wad beneath a plunger 112, which has screw-threaded connection with the
vertically-movable disc 3, so as to be adjustable, and it moves in a vertical line over
the point occupied by the shell that is to receive the wads. The parts are so arranged
or disposed, that, when the slide .03 and the lever 105 move from the position shewn
in full lines, figure 31, to the position shewn in dotted lines, the disc then comes
down, bringing the plunger on to the wad which has been shoved over the mouth of
the shell, which has been moved there to receive it by the turning of the centre 19,
and the wad is pressed by the plunger into the shell on top of the powder.
The upper end of the plunger 112 preferably passes through a hole made in the
stationary top 4, which serves as a guide.
By forming a threaded connection between the plunger and the disc, the former is
made adjustable up or down, as required, to regulate it.
As the wads are being forced into the shells, the upper ends of the shells are
protected from splitting by guards 60 mounted on the rods 5, see figures 6, 32, 33
and 36. These guards are arranged with their shell receiving opening 601, see
figure 33, directly over the points where the shells stop to receive the wads. As the
shells are brought beneath them, they are lowered automatically to embrace the upper
ends of the shells by cams 602 on the shaft 13, which bear against levers 603
pivotted at 604 to the frame 1, (see figures 7 and 11). The levers are connected by
rods 605 to the guards 600, see figures 7, 11, 32 and 36. They pass up through the
table 2, which serves as a guide. As soon as the wads have been applied, the guards
rise, allowing the shells to move with the turning centre 19. The wads are forced
from the table on to the guards, and are forced through the guards into the
shells.
113 represents a weight on top of the wads in the tube 101 and which may be
lifted out of the tube to apply the wads, and for this purpose it is provided with
a shank or knob 114 fitting in and projecting from a slot 115 in the sides of the
tube 92.
Generally, more than one wad is desirable on top of the powder, and all that
is necessary to do with my machine is to provide the required number of duplicates
of the mechanism I have just described. I have shewn three of these devices in
figure 3, and I have described the guards 600 in the plural, as there is one of them
for each wadding-mechanism.
After the wads have all been applied, the next thing is to charge the shell with
shot, and for this purpose the shell is brought beneath the shot-case or canister 115
shewn in figures 3 and 26. This shot-canister is provided with a mechanism for
automatically discharging the shot into the shells, and this mechanism is exactly
like, and is operated by, the same means, as that already described in connection
with the powder charging mechanism. There are no differences between the two
mechanisms, and their modes of operation. One is shewn in figure 25 and the other
in figure 26, and it will be unnecessary to repeat the description already given.
For the purpose of identifying the parts, I have marked them with the same
numerals as applied to the corresponding parts of the powder charger.

page_text: When a shell has been charged with shot, it is next moved beneath a wadding-
device made or constructed exactly in accordance with the device I have just
described, and, if more than one wad is desired, they are applied in the way I have
specified. When the last wad has been applied, the next thing is to crimp the
ends of the shells, and this is done by a mechanisin shewn best in figures 39, 40, 41
and 42.
The shell is crimped by two operations: the first by means of a plunger 120, under
which the shell has beer. brought by the turning of the centre 19. This is provided
on its lower end with a die 121 having an interior socket or hole in its lower end, of
the shape shown in figure 29. The lower end of the plunger 120 passes down
beneath the upper end of the socket of the die and rests, (when down) upon the top
wad 123 of the shell. As the die comes down upon the end of the shell, it crimps it,
as shewn in figure 43.
An end view of this die and plunger is shewn in figure 41.
The plunger is operated by having a threaded connection with the vertically moving
disc 3, so as to be adjustable up or down, as shewn in figure 37. It preferably passes
through the top-plate 4, which serves as a guide. When a shell has been crimped
by the first crimper, and the plunger 120 raises, the turning-centre 19 moves the
shell under the next plunger, which completes the process of crimping.
This second plunger, 124, is shewn in figure 40. It has serew-threaded connection
with the disc 3, so as to be adjustable (see figure 38) and it has a die 125 similar to
that 121 of the plunger 120. The socket or opening is of a somewhat different
shape, being elongated, and with straight sides. The end 126 of the plunger in this
case is somewhat larger than the end 122 of the plunger 120; when the plunger
comes down on the.shell, its end 126 forces or folds the crimp down on the wad,
while the die 125 embraces and holds the upper end of the shell. This completes the
loading of the shell, and the only thing that remains is to print or mark the shell, as
shewn in figure 51 if such marking should be desired.
The mechanism I have employed for doing this is shewn in figures 45 and 46 most
plainly. It consists of a vertical rod 130, which has threaded connection with
the vertically movable disc 3, so as to be adjustable, and it preferably passes
through the top 4, as described. To the lower end of this rod is secured a printing
die 131 upon which is the mark or character to be produced or printed upon the
wad. Each time the disc 3 rises, the face of the die is inked by means of a roller 132
journalled in the lower end of a lever 133 pivotted to the disc 3, at 134. The
upper end of this lever is provided with a pin 135, which fits in a slot 136 in an
arm 137 secured to the top 4. The arm 137 is stationary, and, as the disc rises,
it will be seen that the lower end of the lever 132 will be moved to change the
inking roller from the position shewn in full lines, figure th, to the position
shewn in dotted lines, and as it does so, it moves boneath the face of the printing-
die and inks it. As it moves back again, it comes in contact with an inking
pad 140 secured to one of the tie-rods 5, or some other suitable support. It will
thus be seen that as each shell is brought beneath the printing-die, it will be
printed, and, as soon as the die rises, the turning-centre 19 moves again and the
shell is carried from beneath the die.
A bottom or face view of the die is shewn in figure 19.
A rear view of the inking-pad 140 is shewn in figure 48.
A top view of the inking-die is shewn in figure 50, and a view of the shell, marked,
is shewn in figure 51.
When the shell leaves the printing die, it is completed, and is automatically
removed from the table by mechanism shewn best in figures 6 and 23, and which has
been heretofore incidentally referred to; it consisting in the end 50 of the lever 37,
the parts being so arranged or disposed that this end of the lever is behind the shell,
when it moves up to this position. As shown in figure 6, the lever has made part
of its movement in discharging the shell, and as it continues to make its movement,
the shell is carried outward off the turning-centre 19 and on to the stationary part

page_text: of the table 2, where it falls through a hole or opening 145, beneath which is a
receiving tube 146 that carries the shell to any suitable receptacle or place. On
the opposite side of the opening 145 to that which the end 50 of the lever 37
approaches is a concave bracket 147, the function of which is to prevent the shell
falling out of a vertical line, as it is moved over the opening 145 thus compelling
the shell to move down vertically through the opening.
This completes the description of the operation of the machine so far as loading
and printing the shells is concerned and it is only necessary to add that, if desired, a
roller 150 may be secured opposite each point where the shells stop, for the purpose
of holding or supporting the shells in conjunction with the holders 30, while they are
receiving their charges, wads, &c.
As already stated, the outer ends of the holders 30) are raised slightly on the
turning-centre 19. It sometimes happens that shot will fall upon the turning-centre
and get into these holders, preventing the shells from fitting properly. As an
automatic means of keeping these clean, I secure a little horn-shaped finger .160
to the stationary part of the table 2, and which laps on to the turning-centre the
distance of the socket parts of the holders. At this finger, an opening 161 is made
in the stationary part of the table 2. Now, it will be seen that as the centre 19 turns,
this finger will remove any shot that may have gotten into the holders; the end of
the finger entering the space beneath the outer ends of the holders, as the holders
pass it, or the space which receives the flange of the shell. I prefer to use a
mechanism in connection with the turning-centre 19 that will automatically engage
the turning centre at the end of each movement and hold it positively until the
pawl and ratchet are again ready to move it. The mechanism I have shown for
accomplishing this consists of a lever 300 pivotted at 301 to an arm 302 made fast
to the frame of the machine. To the upper end of this lever a pin 303 is secured,
the inner end of which works in a hole 304 in the stationary part of the table 2, and
enters, when forced inward, a hole or perforation 305 in the turning-centre 19 of the
table 2. see figure 11. The pin is held out of the perforation 305, except just at the
instant the table completes each movement, when it enters, forming a positive stop.
It is moved and held out of engagement with this perforation by a roller 306 secured
to one of the yokes 10, 11 of the eccentrics 12. As the yoke completes each upward
movement, it enters or comes opposite a depression 307 in the lever 300 and the
pin is then forced into the perforation by a spring 308 surrounding a short rod 309 secured
to the lower end of the lever and passing through a guide-bracket 310 made fast to
the frame 1. This affords a positive means of stopping the turning-centre at the end
of each movement. As soon as the yoke 10, 11 starts to move downward again, it
moves the pin out of engagement with the hole, and the centre is free to turn when
the proper time comes.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
Invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what !
claim is :-
1. In a cartridge-loader, the combination with a rotating circular shell supporting
table and mechanism for imparting an intermittent movement to the same, of a
vertically-reciprocating similar circular disc above the table having mounted on its
periphery suitable charging mechanism, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
2. In a cartridge loader, the combination of a table having a fixed portion and a
movable portion and mechanism for rotating the movable portion, consisting of a
ratchet-wheel 21 secured thereto a pawl 23 engaging the ratchet-wheel 21, pivotted
lever 24 to which the pawl is secured a vertical pivotted lever 25 having a forked
upper end engaging the arm, and a cam 27 engaging the lower end of the lever for
moving the same, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
3. In a cartridge-loader, the combination of a table having a fixed portion and
movable portion, in the same horizontal plane, and mechanism for moving the shells
from the fixed to the movable portion of the table, said mechanism consisting

page_text: essentially of a pivotted lever moving horizontally above the table, and having an end
embracing the shell for sliding it into place, and mechanism for moving the lever,
substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
4. In a cartridge-loader the combination of a table having a fixed and movable
portion in substantially the same plane a vertical delivery tube above the fixed
portion, holders secured to the movable portion, and a pivotted lever having an end
moving horizontally over the parts and beneath the delivery tube embracing and
moving the shells from the fixed portion of the table on to the movable portion,
and into engagement with the holders, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
5. In a cartridge-loader, the combination of a table having a fixed and movable
portion, adjustable holders secured to the movable portion, and a lever operated by
suitable mechanism, and moving the shells laterally off of the fixed portion onto the
movable portion of the table, and guards 10 provided with friction rollers, substantially
as and for the purpose set forth.
6. In a cartridge-loader, the combination of a table, a funnel for delivering the
cartridges vertically onto the table, and device for delivering the shells into the
funnel, and a horizontally swinging arm 39 moving under said funnel and having
the tail 41, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
7. In a cartridge-loader, the combination of a table, and mechanism for delivering
the shells on to the table, consisting of an adjustable funnel normally distant from the
table less than the length of the shell, and mechanism automatically delivering
the shells into the funnel, one at a time, and lifting the funnel, substantially as and
for the purpose set forth.
a
8. In a cartridge-loader the combination of a table, and mechanism for delivering
the shells onto the table, consisting of a funnel an inclined holder for receiving
number of the shells, and two reciprocating gates extending into the passage and
operated alternately up and down, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
9. In a cartridge-loader, the combination of the table, and mechanism for moving
the shells on to the table, consisting of a funnel, a holder, vertically-reciprocating
gates projecting into the holder, bar to which the gates are secured and means for
alternately moving the bar to raise and lower the gates, automatically, substantially as
and for the purpose set forth.
10. In a cartridge-loader, the combination of the table, a funnel located over the
table, and means for delivering the shells into the funnel, consisting of a holder 56,
vertically-movable gates 60, 61, bar 63 to which the gates are secured, link 70
connected to the bar at one end, pivotted lever 67 to which the link is connected at
the other end, and a movable disc 3 for operating said lever substantially as and for
the purpose set forth.
11. In a cartridge-loader, the combination of the table, a funnel located over the
table, and mechanism for delivering the shells, one at a time, into the funnel,
consisting of a holder having an inclined end 59 and slide 591-2 for retarding one
end and the opposite inclined depression 58 for dropping the other, substantially as
and for the purpose set forth.
12. In a cartridge-loader, the combination of the table, and funnel for delivering
the shells onto the table, and an oscillating lever having an end for embracing the
shell, and a rearwardly extending wing 41, for closing the funnel orifice substantially
as and for the purpose set forth.
13. In a cartridge-loader, the combination of a table, a funnel for delivering the
shells on to the table, normally distant from the table, less than the length of the shell,
whereby the shell is not wholly released, and a reciprocating disc 3 to which the
funnel is connected for lifting it a short distance, after each shell has been deposited,
substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
14. In a cartridge-loader, the combination of a table for supporting the shells, and
a powder or shot charging device, the latter consisting essentially of a receiver or
canister, a cylinder into which the canister discharges, a hollow movable plunger
having perforations to receive and discharge the powder or shot, and a funnel for
B

page_text: transferring the powder or shot from the plunger to the shells, said funnel being
mounted on a vertically movable rod, whereby it enters and is withdrawn from the
shell, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
15. In a cartridge-loader, the combination of a table, and the powder or shot-
charging device, consisting essentially of a cylinder into which the powder or shot
is deposited, a hollow vertically-movable plunger having perforations to receive and
discharge the powder or shot, connection between the plunger and disc 3 for raising
and lowering said plunger, and a funnel for transferring the powder or shot from the
plunger to the shell, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
16. In a cartridge loader, the combination of a table for supporting the shells, and
a powder or shot-charging device, consisting, essentially of a cylinder into which the
powder or shot is deposited, a hollow plunger located within the cylinder and having
perforations to receive and discharge the powder or shot, and a funnel for transferring
the powder or shot from the plunger into the shell, said plunger being connected to
and operated by a movable dise 3, substantially as and for the
set forth.
purpose
17. In a cartridge-loader, the combination of a table for supporting the shells, and
a powder. or shot-mechanism consisting essentially of a cylinder, a hollow plunger
located within the cylinder and having perforations to receive and discharge the
powder or shot, a funnel for transferring the powder or shot from the plunger to
the shells, and an adjustable bottom in the plunger, consisting of a plug and a screw-
threaded rod entering the plug from the bottom and having a projecting end for
turning, for raising and lowering the plug, substantially as and for the purpose
set forth.
18. In a cartridge-loader, the combination of a table for receiving the shells, and a
shot or powder charging mechanism, consisting, essentially, of a cylinder, a hollow
plunger located within the cylinder and having receiving and discharging openings
at different elevations, a tube secured to the cylinder and through which the plunger
passes, and a funnel for transferring the powder or shot from the plunger to the
shells, said plunger passing through an arm 93, on the disc 3, substantially as
set forth.
19. In a cartridge-loader, the combination of a table for receiving the shells, and a
powder or shot-charging mechanism, consisting essentially of a cylinder, a hollow
plunger located within the cylinder, and having receiving and discharging openings, a
movable bottom in said plunger, a longitudinal rod screwing into said bottom for
regulating it, and a pin in said bottom fitting in a graduated slot of the plunger for
preventing the bottom from turning, and for indicating its location, substantially as
and for the purpose set forth.
20. In a cartridge-loader, the combination, of a table for supporting the shells,
and a powder or shot charging-mechanism, consisting essentially of a cylinder, a hollow
plunger, located within the cylinder and having openings for receiving and discharging
the powder or shot, a funnel for transferring the powder or shot from the plunger to
the shells, and means for raising and lowering the plunger, consisting of a vibrating
disc 3 and arms or brackets 84 mounted thereon, substantially as and for the purpose
set forth.
21. In a cartridge-loader, the combination of a table for supporting the shells, and
a powder or shot-charging mechanism having a funnel for transferring the powder or
shot to the shells, said funnel being normally distant from the table less than the
length of the shell, and connected to a vertically-vibrating disc 3, whereby it enters
the shells, while the powder or shot is being transferred, and then rises out of the
shells to permit the latter to be moved away, substantially as and for the purpose
set forth.
22. In a cartridge-loader, the combination of a table for holding the shells, and a
powder or shot-charging mechanism, consisting, essentially, of a supply-cylinder, a
vertically-movable charging plunger moving in said cylinder, and a funnel secured
to and beneath the plunger so as to be raised and lowered thereby, substantially
as and for the purpose set forth.

page_text: 23. In a cartridge-loader, the combination of a supporting-table, a wadding-device
consisting of a vertically reciprocating plunger, a receiving tube, a slide for presenting
the wads, a pivotted lever secured to the slide, provided with a vertical cam slot, and
an arm having an operating pin and connected to the plunger, whereby the vertical
movement of the plunger causes the delivery of a wad, substantially as and for the
purpose set forth.
24. In a cartridge-loader, the combination of the supporting-table, and a wadding
device consisting essentially of a plunger, a vertically movable disc 3 carrying the
plunger a delivery tube, a table beneath the delivery-tube, a slide located on the table
and moving beneath the tube, and working connection between the disc and the slide,
substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
25. In a cartridge-loader, the combination of a supporting-table, and a wadding-
device consisting essentially of a planger, means for moving the wads beneath the
plunger, a guard for protecting the mouths of the shells consisting of an adjustable
arm having a cylindrical opening slotted to receive the mouth of the shell, and means
for automatically moving the guard, consisting of a rod, lever and cam, substantially
as and for the purpose set forth.
26. In a cartridge-loader, the combination of the intermittently moving supporting-
table, and crimping mechanism consisting of reciprocating rods 120 and 124, and
dies 121 and 125 on the respective rods by which the shell is successively treated, the
former contracting the shell and the latter having a projection 126 for turning in the
edge, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
27. In a cartridge-loader, the combination of the intermittently-moving supporting-
table, and a crimping-device consisting of the rods 120 and 124, vertically recipro-
cating disc 3 with which the rods have screw-threaded connection, and dies on the
lower ends of the respective rods by which the shell is successively treated, the die
on the former having a projection 122 and being formed to contract the shell around
said projection, and the latter having a projection 126 of larger diameter than the
former projection, whereby it engages the contracted portion and turns it in,
substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
28. In a cartridge-loader, the combination of the supporting-table and a printing
device consisting essentially of a movable rod, a printing roller, an adjustable inking
pad, and mechanism for moving the printing roller automatically against the pad-end
over the face of the printing-die, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
29. In a cartridge-loader, the combination of the supporting-table, and a printing
device consisting of a movable adjustable rod, a pivotted lever, a die secured to the
lower end of the rod, a roller secured to the lower end of the lever for inking the face
of the die, and mechanism for operating the roller consisting of a stationary slotted
arm having an inclined groove in which fits a pin on said lever substantially as and
for the purpose set forth.
30. In a cartridge-loader, the combination of the supporting table, and a printing
mechanism consisting of a movable rod, a printing die on the end of the rod, and an
inking-mechanism consisting of a pivotted lever, a slotted stationary arm with which
the lever is connected by a pin, a roller secured to the lever, and a pad 140, substan-
tially as and for the purpose set forth.
31. In a cartridge loader, the combination of a rotating supporting table, and
mechanism for moving the shells on to and from the table, consisting of a pivotted
lever 37 having ends 39 and 50 moving alternately over said table, substantially as
and for the purpose set forth.
32. In a cartridge-loader, the combination of the supporting table 2, a movable
disc 3 over the table and means for moving the shells on to and from the table
consisting of a pivotted lever 37 having shell engaging ends 39 and 50, a slotted
lever 42 pivotted to a fixed part of the machine and engaging the lever 37 with its free
end, and an arm 49 carried by the disc 3 and having a pin 48 engaging the slot in
lever 42, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
33. In a cartridge-loader the combination of a table having a stationary perforated
part 2 and a movable centre 19, a lever 37 for moving the shells off the moving part,

page_text: $
a tube 146 secured to the stationary part beneath the perforation, and a bracket 147 at
the perforation and in the path of the lever for stopping the shells in a vertical
position and allowing them to pass into the tube, substantially as and for the purpose
set forth.
34. In a cartridge-loader, the combination with a table having a stationary part, a
turning centre, and suitable loading devices disposed at intervals above said table, of
laterally opening shell holders 30 secured to the turning-centre, and adjustable
holders 150 opposite to said holders 30 and secured to the stationary part beneath the
respective loading devices, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
35. In a cartridge-loader, the combination of a shell-supporting table having a
stationary outer part, and a turning-centre, shell-holders 30 secured to the turning-
centre, clearing finger 160 secured to the stationary part and extending over the
movable part and entering said holders, and a perforation 161 adjacent to the finger
for outlet of the material collected, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
36. In a cartridge-loader, the combination of a shell-supporting table having a
stationary outer part, and a turning-centre, mechanism for moving the centre inter-
mittently, and a stop mechanism consisting of a rod fitting in perforations in the two
parts of the table, a pivotted lever to which the rod is secured, and means for
operating the lever, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
37. In a cartridge-loader, the combination of a shell supporting table having a
stationary pivoted part, and a turning-centre, mechanism for giving the table an
intermittent movement, and mechanism for stopping the table, consisting of a rod 303
fitting in perforations in the table, pivoted lever to which the rod is secured and
which has a depression 307, spring rod 309, and a movable roller 306, all substantially
as and for the purpose set forth.
38. In combination with a suitable table and a reciprocating part above the same,
in a cartridge-holder; a crimping device consisting of two dies carried by the
vibrating part and to the action of which the shell is successively subjected the former
having a contracted bore with a central core, and the latter having a straight bore
with a central core, the core of the latter being of greater diameter than the former,
whereby the portion of the shell contracted by the former, is turned in by the latter,
substantially as shown and described.
39. In a cartridge loader, the combination with a fixed table and a movable table
for substantially the purposes explained of a brush or sweep secured to the fixed
table, and projecting over the movable one substantially as and for the purpose set
forth.
40. In a cartridge-loader, the combination with a fixed table and a movable table
of an arm on the fixed table overhanging the movable table in close proximity thereto
said fixed table having an outlet at or near the arm for allowing the material gathered
by said arm to pass off, all substantially as shewn and described.
Dated this Tenth day of June 1889.
CRUIKSHANK & FAIRWEATHER,
62, Saint Vincent Street, Glasgow, Agents.