Machines Ling Cartridge Shells.
Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 29th. Mar., 1887
Specification Accepted, 28th Apr., 1888
111 Machines Ling Cartridge Shells.
I, GERSHOM MOORE PETERS, residing at Xenia, in the County of Greene, and
State of Ohio, one of the United States of America gentleman, 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 improvements in machines for loading cartridge shells.
The device consists primarily of a circular table peculiarly actuated, and revolving
within a stationary table: the revolving table being provided with the shell holding
cases; the filling device being supported by the stationary table.
The tables, filling devices and means for actuating them will be hereinafter more
fully described and shown in the accompanying drawings, in which,
Fig. 1, is a vertical section of my device.
Fig. 2, a detail cross section through the cam wheel and rollers.
Fig. 3, a vertical section of a modified form of shaft for actuating the filling
devices.
Fig. 4, a detail side view of a modification in the method of connecting the
actuating shaft with the wad cutting and filling devices, the radiating levers being
dispensed with.
Fig. 5, a side elevation of a modification of the spiral flange on the cam wheel.
Fig. 6, a detail view of one of the rollers bolted to a circular plate or flange on the
hollow shaft.
Fig. 7, a vertical section of supports for the shells while the wads are being
rammed.
Fig. 8, a side elevation of same showing means of adjustment for regulating the
pressure.
Fig. 9, a plan of the modified cam wheel.
Fig. 10, a side elevation of the cam wheel for actuating the central shaft.
Fig. 11, a plan view of same.
Fig. 12, a side elevation of wheel for rotating the movable table.
Fig. 13, a bottom plan view of same.
Fig. 14, a top plan view of a machine similar to that shown in Fig. 2 but arranged
to revolve in the opposite direction.
+
Unit 271

page_text: 10, a detan perspective view of the shen placer removed from Gife mache
Fig. 17, a side elevation of a modified construction of the shell placer and actuating
mechanism.
Fig. 18, a longitudinal section of the feeding device for conducting the shells to
the placer.
Fig. 19, a vertical section of the capping device.
Fig. 20, a top view of the cap separator.
Fig. 21, a front elevation and,
Fig. 22, a side elevation of the powder loading device.
Fig. 23, a section of the slide for receiving and discharging the powder into
the shell.
Fig. 24, a detail side view of the powder gage.
Fig. 25, a vertical section of the shot hopper.
Fig. 26, a side view of one of the wad cutters and placers.
Fig. 27, a front view of same.
Fig. 28, a vertical section of same.
Fig. 29, a side view, and
Fig. 30, a vertical section of the indenting device.
Figs. 31, and, 32, enlarged detail views of the indenting points.
Fig. 33, a side view of the shell extractor and upper wad printing mechanism.
Fig. 34, a top plan view of the shell clamp and clutch.
Fig. 35, a side view partly in section of the device for filling and compressing ball
cartridges.
Fig. 36, a side view of the forked extension of the actuating shaft, and
Fig. 37, a cross section of the wheel for rotating the movable table, and
Figs. 38, and, 39, transverse sections through the shell placer.
The object of my device is to readily and rapidly fill and cap cartridge shells by
continuous and automatic movements. There have been devices heretofore used in
which the shells have been loaded from receptacles containing powder, shot and wads.
In these devices the wads have been first cut and then placed in receptacles and then
fed into the shells from said receptacles. In my device the pasteboard, felt (or wad
material) is fed from a strip wound on rollers, and automatically cut and rammed or
pressed into the shell, thus saving time and labor in their replacement and economy
in first cost of material.
To attain these ends I have constructed the device here illustrated and which
consists generally of two principal parts viz. a circular stationary table, B (Figs. 1
and 14) supporting the various filling devices, and a revolving table, A, carrying the
cases which hold the shells while they are being borne from point to point.
These tables are supported by any suitable stand, the movable table, A, is rotated
by means of a camwheel, d, Figs. 10 and 11 turned by a suitable pulley, E, con-
nected with any power device. This cam wheel accomplishes a twofold purpose of
turning the revolving table and operating the filling devices. In fig. 1, there is shown
the means for rotating the movable table, A. The central shaft, M, is connected to
the cam wheel, d, by an arm, S5, and has two forked extensions, m³, on either side
of the shaft and guided in grooves of the bearings for the motor shaft.
The shaft, M, is perfectly straight and rises directly in line with the centre of the
cam wheel, d. It will be seen that the cam, j, (fig. 11) which lifts and lowers the
shaft, M, is essentially the same as shown in fig. 9, except that it is in the reverse
position as related to the cam for moving the table. In this instance an unbroken
spiral flange, a operates the table. This flange is embraced by two ball rollers, b
connected with, arm, c, which rests in and is pivoted to a sliding frame, e, which has
horizontal bearings, in f.
In the middle portion of arm, c, and sliding frame, e, and running lengthwise
there is a slot through which the shaft, M, freely passes, and of sufficient extent to
permit said parts to move back and forth without striking the shaft. On the outer
end of the arm, c, there is a small roller, y, which plays in grooves in wheel, (which
A

page_text: In
is solidly secured to shaft, G, and therefore to table, A.) causing it to start and stop
in its revolution as the spiral flange, a, revolves the sliding frame, e, (or the arm, c)
back and forth. A bottom plan of the grooves in wheel, h, is shown in fig. 13.
fig. 12, the wheel is in its proper position and shows more clearly the flanges
enclosing the grooves. The grooves, k, are straight and point toward the centre
as radii.
These grooves are employed to, hold the table stationary while the filling and wad
cutting devices are in operation: the small roller, g, occupying them for three-
quarters of the revolution of, d. The curved grooves, l, are employed to move the
fable. The roller, g, moves outward from the centre along, and back toward, 1 ;
the roller moving rigidly in a straight line through the diameter of, h, forces the
wheel, h, or the table, A, around one eighth of its revolution. The question here
arises how shall we prevent, g, from returning in, k, or how shall we compel it to take
groove, 7. This is accomplished by the shape of the grooves and the pivoted frame
of the arm, c, hereafter to be described. The curved grooves, 1, which cause the
movement of the table are greater in depth than the straight groove, k, thus affording
an unbroken curve throughout their length.
When the roller, g, by means of the ogee curve or flange, a, lying between radii, 2,
and, 3, (fig. 11,) reaches the inner end of groove, 1, it is lifted by the action of
flange, a, and operating rollers, 1, sufficiently to pass into, k, where it is moved out-
wardly along, , by the ogee portion of the flange between radii 4, and, 5. On
reaching the outer end of, k, it is again thrown up into, 1, by the portion of the
flange between radii, 2, and, 3, when the operation is again repeated. The flange, a,
of wheel, d is beveled to engage the flanges, b, of the rollers. The rollers, , are
cut in two or horizontally at, 68, so as to avoid friction the upper portion of the
flange, a, being farther away from the centre of the wheel than the lower portion it
will travel faster than the lower portion and in order to provide for the excess of
motion of the upper portion of the rollers, they are cut away horizontally as at, 1ª.
The object of the flanges impinging against the bevels of the flange is to produce a
perpendicular movement for engaging and disengaging roller, g, from the curved
slots, l, as before described.
This is accomplished by means of the flange, a, moving out from and in toward the
centre of the wheel, d, at the proper points in its revolution. From radii, 2, to, 3,
the rollers, &, embracing the flange, move the table one-eighth of a revolution while
the filling devices are in momentary suspenso; then from, 3, to, 4, the rollers ascend
one inch causing the arm, c, to tilt and throws down its outer end containing roller, g,
and this takes roller, g, out of the deepest portion of the curved slot, 1; and while
this is being done the rammers are entering and the devices are being operated by
the downward stroke.
From 4, to, 5, the ogee part of the flange moves the sliding frame, e, with the
arm, c, outward, carrying the roller, g, through the shallow straight slot, k, at the
same time the filling devices are all held stationary at the bottom of the stroke,
the rammers being within the shells. From, 5, to, 2, the rollers, b, are caused to
descend one inch toward the centre causing, g, to rise up into the next curved slot, 7,
at the same time the filling devices are carried up to the top of the stroke.
These movements will be found to be smooth, positive and easily performed; and
the device for effecting them is simple and easy of operation. It is evident that
table, A, may be operated by means of a ratchet on the under side, or by means of
eccentric gearing; but in none of these movements can there be the same positiveness,
accuracy and freedom from wear, as in the method just described.
In the loading of shot gun shells eight distinct devices are employed and these
devices have motion imparted to them by the mechanism just described. By referring
to fig. 14, a', is the shell placer, where the shell is put into the case, C, and started
on its round; b₁, is the capper; c', the powder loader; d, the cutter and placer of
the felt wad; e, the shot loader; f¹, the cutter and placer of the paste-board wad;
g1, the indenter; and; 1. the extractor of the loaded, shell.
I will now describe in succession and order each of these several devices. In

page_text: fig. 15, there is shown a sectional view of one of the eight shell cases in the act of
receiving a shell. These cases are bolted to the revolving table, A, with the part for
holding the shell reaching over the stationary table, B, and resting nearly upon it,
there being just room to escape friction. These cases are made to fit closely about the
shell and are provided with a seat for the flange.
They are open at the bottom and the shells are shoved into them from beneath as
into the breach of a gun. Two or more slots, i¹, arranged at equal distances around
the case and extending from near the top to one third or more of the distance down-
ward, afford openings for the passage of indenting points to make indentations for
holding the load in place. On the inside extending around the top is a slight
projection, j, for the purpose of protecting the edge of the shell.
In order to aid in guiding the powder and shot and also in compressing the wads
to fit the shell, the top of the case is made flaring or beveled as at, k¹. The shell is
shoved up into the case through an opening in the table, B, and is held in place until
the case is moved away from the opening by means of spring catches, ', which fly"
together the moment the flange of the shell passes them. An incline, m', (with one-
cighth of an inch or more fall) is provided to shove the shell up as the case is moved
forward, should the placing device from any cause fail to accomplish its full stroke.
The shell placing device shown in fig. 16, receives the shell from the feeder; the
pocket, n, which receives the shell at an angle is made to swing on a pivot, p², in a
perpendicular direction.
When the shell enters the pocket it is moved forward into an erect position ;
then the bolt or piston, o¹, is shot forward carrying the shell into the case which stands
over it.
These two movements are accomplished by means of the sliding cam, 1, (which is
connected with one of the radiating levers). The stroke being downward, the first
effect is to move the lever, o³, operating the pocket, n', then holding it still while the
lever, o³, connecting with the bolt, o', is, moved. This action may be obtained in a
variety of ways. In Fig. 17, the pocket n', and the socket, n², containing the bolt, or
piston, ot, are shown as constructed of one solid, piece and they may be pivoted at
the bottom of the socket n² to the supporting bracket. The bolt, o', in this instance
'is not operated by a cam but by continuous movement of the lever p², the starting
point of the bolt being sufficiently low for it not to strike the shell until the latter is
in proper position in the socket, n¹. In Fig. 16, the lever, p², contains a cam slot.
suitably adjusted and connected with pocket, n', and socket, n², causing it to move
forward and backward on its pivot at the right moments to enable it to perform its
work.
In Fig. 17, the throw of the bolt is regulated by a set screw, o¹0. There may be
other ways of operating these parts for instance, the cams may be separated and the
parts n', o, be operated by cranks working in these cams l, and the piston, s¹ may be
raised and lowered by means of cog gearing.
Or there may be but one cam and that to operate the pocket, n'.
The lever operating o', may be connected by a link to a pin in cam, p¹, and begin
to move the instant the cam moves, but having its starting point so far back that it..
will not strike the shell until the pocket gets into an erect position by passing up
through a closely fitting passage before striking the shell thus simply straightening
the pocket up along the line of the bolt. In this case a spring may be employed to
bring the pocket back into position to receive the next shell from the feeding tube.
While the pocket, n', is in position receiving the shell from the feeding tube it is,
practically a continuation and part of it and as it is thrown forward into an erect
position it leaves the bottom of the tube open, and naturally all the shells would drop
out. To prevent this a flange or cut off, 7, is attached to the pocket, n', and moves
forward with it to close the bottom of the tube, the pocket being just deep enough to
receive one shell. The shells are thrown promiscuously into a hopper, Fig. 18,
and are conducted (the proper end foremost) to the placer. The hopper is wide
spread at the top but contracts towards the bottom to nearly the width of the diameter
of the shell,.and finally terminates in a long narrow trough tilted at an angle of about

page_text: 45 degrees. An endless belt, s¹, runs along the narrow bottom of the hopper drawing
the shells along lengthwise one by one and depositing them in the narrow descending
trough, t, down which they slide endwise. With some shells the butts will be fore-
most and with others the reverse.
The object now is to turn these latter so that all shall go down with butts foremost
and so enter the pocket, n'. This is accomplished by gravity and the peculiar_con-
struction of the feed tube. The butt end being. much the heavier, it will go down
first if the shell can be brought on a pivot near the middle. To effect this an opening
is made in the bottom of the trough, t¹, near its lower end as at, n', less in width than
the length of a shell. This forms a shoulder, ¹, at this point. Now the shells
coming butt foremost will naturally tilt immediately on coming to the opening and
continue down.
Those the reverse will pass on over the opening until the tip rests on the opposite
side and the butt is permitted to drop in the opening first as shown in the drawing.
I will preferably have several such openings on the way from the hopper to the shell
placer. The pulley, w¹, for carrying the belt, s¹, may be run in connection with the
shaft which turns the cam wheel, D. The shells before reaching their terminus pass
into a narrow tube, xl, having a diameter but little larger than the shells in order that
they may be guided accurately into the pocket, n', in which they closely fit. As
before stated, as soon as a shell enters the pocket, a¹, it is ejected, the guard q¹, is
moved forward with it so as to cut off the feed, the piston forces it upward into the
placer and when it descends again, the table moves to the right to the capper and a
new shell case is presented for another shell.
The caps are fed to the capper by means of a conductor, y', (fig. 19) in such way
as to bring them into position one at a time. The caps start on their edge as at, e,
and roll down in that way till near the bottom, when by a twist in the passage, they
are turned over on their backs or solid ends. At, A¹, they enter one at a time through
an opening in the side of a perpendicular tube, B', and rest on the top end of the bolt
or piston, C¹. The piston is shoved upward by means of the lever, D₁ (which as in
the instance of the other operating devices is connected with a lever, N. The cap is
thus shoved into the seat provided for it in the base of the shell which stands
immediately over it as here shown. The tube, B³, is set somewhat loosely in the
stationary table, B, and is capable of being moved up and down.
.
On the top part of this tube as at, E', is a die set with the initial letters of the shell
company, the size or gage of the shell, and the size of the shot. As the piston, C³,
passes upward, its shoulder, F1, pressing against the bottom of the tube causes it to
make impressions of its letters or numbers on the base of the shell. There may also
be a chisel or analogous projection to compress the base about the primer. To afford
a firm resistance to this upward pressure a piston, G¹, is made to descend on the inside
of the shell by means of the same lever, N, and press down against the bottom while
the piston, C, is passing upward. The caps are taken from a hopper by means of a
belt (as in the case of the shells) only in this case the belt is of thick leather with
perforations large enough to receive a cap edgewise. They are thrown one after
another into the narrow trough, H', (fig. 20) and roll down towards y'. Being
heavier on one side than the other, as they come down to the dividing ridge at, 1,
they tilt on one side or the other according to the weight and curving away on either
side in opposite directions enter the trough, y', exactly the same with the solid sides
all facing one way.
The shell having been capped it is turned to the powder filler or loader. This
consists first of a hopper, J', containing the powder and a tube, K¹ (preferably of gun
inetal) for connecting the hopper with the feeding apparatus, L. The hopper is
supported by rods or braces, M³, (figs. 21, and, 22).
The object of thus elevating the hopper is to carry it above the heads of the
workmen, thus enabling them to escape harm should an accident occur. Great care
is taken to provide against explosion of the powder, all bearings being made of iron
or brass so as to avoid sparks generated by friction. If perchance there should be an
explosion the gases will pass out through the tube, K'. It is preferable to have the

page_text: .
a
hopper, J, in a room adjacent to the machine, the pipe, K', passing through
partition so that the force of an accidental explosion will be away from the operating
device. In fig. 22, I have shown more particularly the slide, for receiving and
discharging the powder. The slide, N¹, is actuated by the lever, N, or by a simple
bell crank lever. This slide is moved in and out horizontally; first, in to receive the
powder as it descends through the tube, K¹, and then out, to discharge it into the
shell..
The slide is very closely boxed in, so that there can be no leakage of powder. If
it be found necessary to have a cut-off, it can be effected by a thin movable plate on
the under side of the slide, N¹, closing the opening, P, and preventing it from
discharging its contents, or the plate may be in the bottom of the box enclosing the
slide. Fig. 23, shows a transverse section of the slide, in which, P', is the opening in
the slide which receives and contains the charge from the tube, K¹, standing just
above it; and, Q', is where the charge is delivered into the shell which stands at the
moment just below.
The opening, P', is made adjustable to suit the size of the charge desired, by means
of the movable plate, R¹, which is bent downward into the opening and closely
occupying one side. This plate may have a scale marked on it for the various loads
and regulated by a set screw, S¹ (fig. 22). In order that there may always be powder
in the hopper, I have provided a gage, so arranged that the operator can tell at a
glance just how much powder is contained. An inside pivoted lid U', Fig. 24 lies on
top of the powder and descends as the powder is discharged; this lid has an
indicator, T, attached to it on the outside of the hopper, and shows the gradual
discharge of the powder. This may be accomplished without the indicator, by having
the hopper made of strong glass, or by having a slot down the side of a metal hopper
in which glass is fixed so that the powder may be seen as it descends. In this case
the hopper may be round and flaring or jar shaped. The lid may also be of glass to
afford light from above.
The shot are received from a hopper and discharged into the shell by the same kind
of slide as, N¹, connected with the powder receptacle, and if necessary the same kind
of a cut off mechanism. The hopper itself Fig. 25 is of peculiar construction.
In order to relieve the heavy weight of the shot, a sloping bottom, V1, is employed
which throws the shot toward the small opening, WI, which lets them into the narrow
chamber, X, where they rest upon the slide and roll into the opening whenever
presented. To make a perfect separation and prevent the shot from becoming choked
and mutilated, there is a thin pointed steel blade spring, Y₁, that rests down on the
slide, and, as the slide is drawn out, cuts through between the shot for the charge and
that to remain. There is also a shot gage for this hopper which consists simply of a
sheet iron plate resting upon the shot and sinking as the shot descends; a rod or
narrow board is fastened to it and reaching up through the lid makes the descent
perceptible to the eye. Glass may also be used as described for the powder hopper.
The shell having been charged with powder it is whirled to the felt wad cutter and
placer. There are two wad cutters one for the cutting and placing the felt wad on the
powder, and the other for cutting and placing the paste-board wad on the shot.
Wad cutters and placers have been used for the filling of cartridge shells, in which
by a single stroke the wad may be cut and carried down into the shell. In this
case, however, the rammer is simply a punch which performs the double work of
cutting and placing. While this is simple, it is defective in that it will not admit of
the wad being cut larger than the diameter of the shell. It is also well known that
when the wad is cut of the exact diameter of the shell, or (as is generally the case)
just a little less than the diameter, that the wads soon work loose and the charge is
liable to work out. In my device, while the cutting and placing are accomplished by
the single stroke of a common lever, the cutter and rammer are separate and each has
a movement of its own. The cutter is a steel tube inside of which a solid rammer
plays up and down.
This steel tube cuts the wad, then stops while the rammer moving on, carries it
down into the shell. By this adjustment, the wad may be cut larger than the internal

page_text: diameter of the shell, and by the rammer being slightly smaller, with the aid of the
beveled top of the shell case, may be compressed tightly into the shell. A narrow
strip of felt or paste-board, unrolled from a reel suspended from above is passed
between the rollers, A2, by which it is carried under the cutter; B2 Fig. 28.
These rollers must move while the cutter is raised and the passage is cleared. This
is effected by means of a saw-toothed flange, C2, on the under side and running around
near the edge of the revolving tablet, A. There are eight of these saw teeth, one for
each movement of the table. The side of these teeth, which gives movement to the
rollers, is very gradual in its slope, so as not to give too quick and sudden a motion
to the rollers, thus causing them to slip on the material which they are feeding.
These teeth throw down the lever, D³, which is of bell crank form and connected with
the ratchet on the rollers by the rod or link E. The lever is thrown up again (so
throwing back the ratchet to take a new hold after it has passed the point of the teeth,
by means of a spring as, F. In order to adjust the throw of the rollers or the feed
of the strips, the link, E is attached to the sleeve, G2, which is moved up and down.
by nuts placed on either side, thus increasing or decreasing the leverage of lever, D².
The rammer, H2, having completed its downward stroke, the wad is placed in
the shell. The operating devico is attached to lever, N, at point, I2, (fig. 20). In tho
front view (fig. 27) of the wad cutter and placer; there is shown the face of the
rollers, A2, (which may be smooth corrugated or toothed) the arms, J2, which connect.
with the cutter, 132, and their relation on either side with the rammer, H. In the
sectional side view (fig. 28) the passage, K², through which the wad strip passes is
now closed by the descent of the cutter and rammer.
H2,
The strip passes in at the right, and the refuse passes out at the left. The die
plate, L2, contains a circular opening into which the cutter closely fits, cutting the
wad in its downward passage. This plate is preferably of bell metal, to avoid steel
coming against steel and striking fire, and yet at the same time presenting a hard,
knife like edge against which to cut. The relation of the cutter, B2, and rammer,
is here fully shown, the rammer being inside the cutter. In operation they start
together above the opening, K2, the rammer being drawn up inside the centre, say
half an inch they descend in that way until the cutter has passed through the wad
strip, when it stops as shown at bottom of plate, L².
The rammer continues on carrying the cut wad into the shell and returns; when
the rammer is again within the cutter both rise together. This compound movement
is effected by means of a cam and mechanism connected therewith as follows:
It will be seen that the raminer is attached directly to lever N, at point, 12, and has
a continuous movement throughout the stroke of the lever. The upper part of the
rammer is flattened and contains a cam slot, M². In this slotted cam plays a roller, N³,
These
attached to two cogged segments, 02, one on either side of the rammer.
cogged segments fit, one each, into the cogged heads of the arms, J, which as before
described connect with and operate the cutter, B2. It is therefore evident, that when,
H2, begins' to descend it will move by means of its cam, M³, the segment, O2, which
will cause the cutter, B2, to descend a certain distance and then be stopped and held
in its position by the perpendicular portion of the slot, until the cam portion returns
to carry it up. The cutter may be made square at the end and be used as a punch
for the paste-board wads, or may have a chisel-shaped edge for the felt strip.
23
After the last wad has been placed above the shot (as described) it is necessary
the
to hold the wads and charge in place. Ordinarily this is done by "crimping
shells but I use an indenting device and indent the shells just over the upper wad.
The wad having been placed upon the shot, the case and shell are turned to the
indenter which is shown in figs. 29, and, 30. It is provided with a rammer for
compressing the load after the last wad has been placed, and with means for making
indentations at the moment when the greatest pressure is being exerted by the rammer.
1, is said rammer and, Q2, one of the indenters, there being two or more, but.
preferably three as here shown. The rammer with the indenters out, descends to the
full length of its stroke, where it remains until the indenters are driven into the side
of the shell and withdrawn, when all are again raised. This compound movement .is

page_text: all produced by the single stroke of the lever, N, attached at, 12, and by means of
the same cog and cam arrangement just described in connection with the wad cutter and
placer only in this instance there is a reversal of the parts. The lever, N, takes hold
of the arms, S2, which have flattened heads containing the cams, by which the cogged
segment is moved a certain distance and then arrested and so operating the raminer, P²
by means of the gearing before described.
The indenters, Q, are preferably pointed and triangular in shape as in fig. 31, so
that the indentations left in the shells are triangular and pyramidal in shape, their
bases being cut out and pushed in over the wad. At the end of the rammer there are
depressions in the sides, to accommodate these indentations as indicated in figs. 29,
and,..30. These indenters instead of being pointed and triangular, may be rounding as
shown in fig. 32, providing they have a sharpened projecting edge for cutting the
base of the indentations and pushing them in over the wad.
These indenting points are made adjustable by nut and screw at, T2, to accommodate
the wearing to which they are subject. They are driven in and out by means of
sliding bars U2, having a slanting projection, which plays up and down in slots cut
in the head pieces in which the indenters are set, and acting on the principle of
a cam.
These sliding bars, U2, are supported by and have bearings in the arms, V2, which
are firmly attached to the rammer, P2, moving up and down with it and remaining
stationary with it. The bars, U2, are connected with the head picco, W2, which is a
movable sleeve around the rammer, P2, and is operated by the arms, S2, as described.
The shells stand on cases containing coiled springs, X, (figs. 7, and, 8) in order
that as the wads are being forced down and the load compressed, the pressure exerted
may be regulated and the devices be made self adjusting to various loads. This is
accomplished by means of the springs X, pressing against a movable plate, Y, and
are adjustable in their tension from beneath by the set screw, Z. These cases are sot
in the stationary table, B, the plate, Y, being brought on a level with the surface of
the table. After the shell has been filled and fastened it is turned to the last device
in the series viz. the extractor, where it is pushed out of the case into a receptacle below
the table. Such a device is shown in side view Fig. 33. This device however
performs a threefold function, for it also prints on the paste-board wad the initials of
the loading company and the designation of the load, so that a gunner by picking up
a shell can see whether it is the particular make he wants as well as the size of the
shot buck, duck, quail &c. Again, it serves to seize and hold the revolving table in
exactly the right place for all the cases to be entered by the various filling devices,
consequent upon the rollers, R, not always tightly and firmly embracing the
flange, P, (see fig. 5) and by the tendency of the revolving table to rebound when
suddenly stopped.
The actuating mechanism is attached to a radiating lever at, X². The shell is driven
downward out of the case by the rod, Y, there being an opening in the stationary
table, B, through which it passes into a box below. This rod, Y², in pushing out
the shell presses down upon the paste board wad. The lower end is therefore
provided with a die as, Z2, which contains the designating letters and figures before
mentioned. This die by means of the screw shown at the bottom, can be removed
and replaced by another as often as there is a change in the loading. For instance
a thousand shells containing, No. 4, shot may be filled. When No. 8, shot shells are
to be filled it will simply be necessary to put in that particular die, and so on for
each particular number. To keep this die inked, an ink pot, A³, is provided which
has a narrow neck, B³, with a small opening through the centre to conduct the ink to
the cup containing an ink pad. This ink pot is pivoted at, D³. Now as the
rod, Y², nears the top of its stroke, the upper part of the ink pot is tilted backward
and downward until the ink-pad is thrown up against the die, Z. This is the limit
of the stroke.
The instant the rod, Y², starts downward the ink pot is swung upward causing the
ink pad to move from under Z, and out of the way. This is accomplished by its
connection with lever, E³, which is directly employed to throw in and out the

page_text: clutch. The coil spring, G3, is used to relieve the sudden and hard pressure of
the ink pad. The lever, E³, is operated by the cam, H³, similar in form to that shown
in the wad cutters and the indenters. It will be seen that the moment the down-
ward stroke is begun, the lever, E³, throws in the clutch, F3 and then remains
stationary until the return stroke is nearly completed when it flies back, the clutch is
withdrawn and the revolving table is permitted to move. The lever, ³, may work
directly in the cam, H³, but the combination of links, I³, and, J³, is added to give
case to the movement. In fig. 34, we have a top view of a part of the clutch, F³,
showing the manner it embraces and clamps the shell case, C, with the curved
prongs, K. The clutch, I³, is adjustable by a screw taking hold of the pivot, L³, so
that as tho prongs wear away, they can be moved forward, so keeping them tightly
pressed against the case, C, when they are thrown in. This clutch, F³, may be
dispensed with if the device for rotating the table, A, is employed as set forth in
figs. 9, and, 13.
In case the machine is used for loading ball cartridges, the shot filler and paste-
board wad cutter, may be dispensed with.
If the shells are of metal the indentor may also be dispensed with. In this case a
device such as shown in fig. 35, will be used for filling and compressing the balls.
In this device M³, is the tube containing the balls; N³, is the rammer for
pressing the balls into the shells, and is connected with a lever, N, at, 03. A link, P³,
is connected with a slide similar to that shown in the shot and powder loaders: the
opening in this need not be adjustable, but just large enough to receive one ball at a
time. This slide receives into its opening a ball then is moved forward until the ball
is directly under the rammer, N3, and just in time to be caught by it and carried down
into the shell which stands in line underneath. This movement is effected through
the link P³, connected with the swinging arm, Q³, which contains a cam slot, R³, in
which moves the pin, S3, projecting from the rammer, N³. As the rammer rises and
when near the top of its stroke the slide is moved back to receive a ball: the instant
the rammer starts downward, the slide is thrown outward in time to bring the ball
under it.
The balls may be fed by hand into the tube, M³, or by belt similar to that described
in connection with the capper taking them from a hopper. If slugs are used they
may be sorted and the proper ends turned foremost by gravity like the shells on their
way from the hopper to the placer. It must be remembered that these various actions
aro continuous, automatic and rapid. One person can take charge of a machine; it
only being necessary to seo that the various hoppers and wad strips are kept supplied.
Different means for rotating the movable table and operating the filling devices may
be used, than the ones particularly claimed.
I may use radiating levers, N (fig. 14) attached to the central shaft, said levers
being supported by a secondary table, H secured to or supported by the stationary
table, B, by means of feet, I. Í may also have a head block, U, (fig. 4), the radiating
arms of which connect directly with the devices or the arms may support a rim, V,
which may be connected by links above or below as at, W. Figs. 3, 5, and, 9,
show another form of cam wheel by means of which the revolving table may be
operated.
This wheel, D, has a flange, P, the spiral part, Q, of which causes the table to move,
being placed opposite that part of the cam which holds the filling devices in suspense.
R, (figs. 5, and 6) are teeth or rollers bolted to the circular plate, F, secured to the
flange at bottom of shaft, G. These rollers are placed in pairs (eight pairs in all) the
distance between them being equal to the width or thickness of the flange P of the
wheel D. The flange throws off one pair of these rollers at, S, (fig. 5) and takes on
another pair, at, T. The spiral portion of the flange is made tapering toward the end,
necessitated by its diagonal direction and the swinging to one side of the pair of rollers
as the circular plate, F, turns on its centre.
The cam wheel, D, is driven by any suitable pulley and accomplishes the doublo
purpose of operating the filling devices and turning the revolving table. It first
B

page_text: operates the devices then holds their movable parts suspended while it turns the table
one-eighth of its revolution, or far enough to move a given case from one filling
device to another. The first effect is accomplished by means of lifting and lowering
a perpendicular shaft, M, which at the top is connected with levers, N, radiating
to the various filling devices. The next effect is effected by means of the spiral
flange passing between the teeth or rollers on the hollow shaft, G (before
referred to).
This shaft, G, is secured to and moves with table, B, and is made hollow for the
passage of the shaft, M. In fig. 3, K, is an antifriction roller working in cam, J, and
is connected by an arm, L, with shaft, M. This shaft is bent inward at, O, and
thrown forward by the arm, L, in order to bring it into the centre of hollow shaft, G,
which is forward and nearly in line with the edge of the cam wheel so that the
movement of shaft, M, will be vertical and positive. It is evident that other forms
of cam wheels, shafts and levers may be used for operating the filling devices without
departing from the spirit of my invention.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
1 claim is:-
1. In a cartridge loading machine, the combination with a movable table and
means for actuating same, of a stationary table supporting the shell filling devices,
and provided with an opening for the passage of the shell to a shell holder an
incline to force the shell up as the case is moved forward, and spring catches to hold
the shell in place until the case is moved away from the opening in the table, as set
forth.
2. In a cartridge loading machine, the combination with a rotating table carrying a
series of shell holders, of a stationary table having adjustable plates supporting the
shell as it stands under indenter and the wad cutters and placers, said plates being
vertically adjustable whereby the pressure upon the shells may be regulated while the
loads are being compressed, as set forth.
3. In a cartridge loading machino, the combination with a revolving table and
mechanism for moving it, of a series of shell holding cases secured to said table,
said cases having openings at top and bottom, the bottom reaching over a stationary
table provided with an opening for the passage of a shell to said cases, as set
forth.
4. In a cartridge loading machine, the combination with the shell indenting
mechanism, of a series of shell holding cases provided with slots for the passage of
indenting points as set forth.
5. In a cartridge loading machine the combination with the filling mechanism, of a
series of shell holding cases having slots for the passage of indenting points and
beveled at the top to guide the powder and shot and aid in compressing the wads, and
provided with an interior projection at the upper end to protect the edge of the shell,
as set forth.
6. The combination with the filling mechanism and a shell feeder, of a shell placer
consisting of a pivoted pocket normally opened toward the shell feeder and turning
into line with the shell holding case and provided with a bolt or piston to force the
shell into the shell case, as set forth.
7. In a cartridge loading machine the combination with a movable table, of a hollow
shaft the upper end secured to said table, and said shaft being actuated by a cam
wheel having a spiral flange, engaging with ball rollers attached to a slotted sliding
frame through which said shaft passes, whereby the shaft and table are intermittently
actuated as set forth.

page_text: 8. In a cartridge loading machine the combination with a movable table, of a hollow
shaft secured thereto a solid shaft passing through the hollow shaft and sliding frame
as described and connected to the filling devices, a cam wheel for actuating said shaft,
and a motor for actuating said cam wheel, as set forth.
9. The combination with the stationary table supporting the filling device, of a
movable table carrying the shell holders, a shaft connected to the filling mechanism
and passing through the slotted sliding frame having ball rollers as described, and a
spirally flanged cam wheel for operating same whereby the filling devices are first
operated and then held until the table is turned far enough to move a given cartridge
case from one filling device to the next in the series, as set forth.
10. The combination with the filling devices, of a shaft having radial arms directly
attached to the filling devico and actuated by a cam wheel, as set forth.
11. The combination with the stationary table and movable table, a hollow shaft
secured thereto, and a shaft passing through said hollow shaft and connected with the
filling devices, each shaft being intermittently and independently actuated as set
forth.
12. The combination with the stationary table supporting the filling devices, the
rotating table and the shafts connected to said table and filling devices, of a spirally
flanged cam wheel connected with the shaft which actuates all the filling devices as set
forth.
13. The combination with the movable table the central main shaft and the flanged
cam wheel of a sliding frame, and a grooved wheel secured to a hollow shaft which
operates the movable table, said frame and grooved wheel being actuated by the flanged
cain wheel, as set forth.
14. The combination with the movable table, the central main shaft and the
spiral flanged wheel, of a sliding frame provided with two rollers embracing the
flange, a pivoted arm connected to said frame and having a roller engaging in grooves
on the under side of the wheel which operates the shaft of the movable table, as set
forth.
15. The combination with the movable table, hollow shaft and central main shaft,
the sliding frame and its actuating mechanism, of a wheel for moving the rotating
table shaft said wheel having straight and curved grooves on its under surface to engage
a roller on the pivoted arm of the sliding frame, said wheel and thereby the rotating
table being intermittently turned and held in position by the passage of the rollers
through said grooves, as set forth.
16. The combination with the movable table actuating shaft and flanged wheel, d,
of the sliding frame, e, having two rollers engaging with the flange on said wheel
cach of said rollers being divided horizontally, as and for the purpose set forth.
17. The combination with the movable table and shell holders, and the stationary
table having an opening for the passage of the shells, of a placer swinging on a pivot
in a perpendicular direction and provided with a bolt to force the shell from the pocket
into a shell holding case, as set forth.
18. In a cartridge loading machine, the combination with a sliding cam and levers,
actuated thereby of a pivoted shell placer provided with a bolt or piston operated by
the movement of said cam, to force the shell into a holding case the downward motion
of the cam moving the lever to turn the pocket vertical and holding it erect until the
lever connected with the bolt is operated, as set forth.
19. The combination with the automatically operated shell placer and actuating
mechanism therefor, of a flange or cut off attached to and moving with the placer to
close the bottom of the feed tube when the placer is in an erect position, as set
forth.
20. In a cartridge loading machine, the combination with the filling devices and

page_text: actuating mechanism of a pivoted shell placer inclined to the shell feeder to receive
the shells at an angle, said placer being actuated by a cam and levers operated by the
central shaft, the downward movement of the cam causing the placer to be raised to
an opening leading to the shell carrier, and forcing the shell therein, the up movement
of said cam returning to the placer its normal position as set forth.
21. In a shell feeder for cartridge loading machines the combination with a hopper,
of an endless belt on the bottom thereof, a narrow descending trough at the end of the
belt, said trough having one or more openings of less width than the length of a shell
whereby the shells are caused to fall butt first into said openings and pass to the shell
placer with the butts presented to the opening in the placer, as set forth.
22. In a cap placer for cartridge loading machines the combination with a feed
receptacle, of a tube, 131, below the shell case having an opening in one side for the
passage of the cap to the underside of the shell, a bolt or piston in said tube and upon
the top of which the cap rests, and an actuating lever for forcing the bolt upward and
the cap into the seat of the shell, as set forth.
23. In a capper for cartridge loading machines, the combination with the stationary
table, of a cap receiving tube B &, set loosely therein and having a vertical movement,
a die on the top of said tube and a cap seating plunger reciprocating in such tube and
also pressing upward the same to impress indicating letters or figures on the base of
the shell as set forth.
24. In a cartridge loading machine the combination with the cap placing piston and
actuating mechanism, of a piston, G¹, adapted to pass down into the inside of the
shell and press against the bottom while the cap placing piston is pressing upward,
whereby the cap is firmly imbedded in the seat of the shell, as set forth.
25. In a cartridge loading device, the combination with the cap placing mechanism
of a cap feeder consisting of a trough, the upper end having two channels to receive
the caps from the belt or hopper, and entering the main tube in opposite directions
said trough having a twist in the passage whereby the caps are caused to turn over on
their solid ends as they enter the placing tube as set forth.
26. In a powder feeding device for cartridge loading machines the combination with
a raised hopper and a delivery tube connecting with the feeding apparatus, of a slide
provided with an adjustable plate, said slide being attached to the actuating arm
connected with the automatically operated central shaft and actuated intermittently
thereby, to alternately receive and discharge a graduated amount of powder, as set
forth.
27. In a cartridge loading machine the combination with the intermittently
actuated graduated slide, of a raised hopper connected with said slide by a narrow
tube and intermittently operated and closed by the slide and provided with an interior
pivoted cover descending with the powder, and an exterior indicator, as set forth.
28. In a shot filling device for cartridge loading machines the combination with a
movable slide intermittently actuated of a hopper having a sloping bottom provided
with an opening leading to said slide, as set forth.
29. The combination with the central shaft and actuating mechanism therefor, of a
wad cutter and placer consisting of a tubular cutter and an interior and separate
rammer said rammer passing through the cutter as set forth.
30. The combination with the central shaft and actuating mechanism, of a wad
cutter and placer consisting of a tubular cutter actuated by a cam on the rammer, and
an interior rammer passing through the cutter and actuated directly by the central
shaft, as set forth.
31. In a shot filling device for cartridge loading machines the combination with a
movable slide intermittently actuated by a lever connected with the central operating
shaft of a hopper having a sloping bottom provided with an opening leading to said

page_text: slide, the slide having a spring blade resting thereon to cut through the shot' as the
slide is moved in and out, as set forth.
32. The combination with the central shaft, and actuating mechanism therefor and
wad strip, of a tubular cutter and a solid rammer passing through the cutter, said
rammer being attached to and actuated directly by the central shaft, said cutter being
actuated by a cam on the rammer, whereby the cutter is carried through the wad strip
and then held in position while the rammer passes through said cutter and presses the
wad into the shell, as set forth.
33. In a wad cutter and placer, the combination with the central shaft, of a slotted
cam intermittently actuated by the shaft, a tubular cutter and separate rammer, the
upper part of said rammer containing a cam, a roller and two cogged segments one on
each side of the rammer and engaging with arms to operate the cutter, the segments
and cam causing the cutter to descend until the cam reaches the perpendicular portion
of the slot and then held in position until the rammer completes its movement, às set
forth.
34. The combination with the central shaft, actuating mechanism therefor, and wad
feeding mechanism, of a tubular cutter, solid rammer and die interposed between the
wad strip and shell, said cutter and rammer descending together through the wad
strip, the rammer passing through the lie on the upstroke of the actuating cam, the
down stroke of said cam raising both cutter and rainmer to their normal position, as
set forth.
35. In a wad feeder for cartridge loading machines, the combination with the wad
strip, wad cutter and actuating mechanism therefor, of the feed rollers, A², lever, D2,
and link E, connecting said lever with a ratchet on the rollers, said rollers being
actuated by a toothed flange on the under side of the revolving table, as set forth.
36. In a wad feeder for cartridge loading machines, the combination with the wad
cutters, rammers and actuating mechanism therefor of feed rollers and lever, D2, the
link, E, and adjustable sleeve, G2, attached thereto whereby the throw of the rollers
and feed of the strip is regulated, as set forth.
37. In a cartridge loading machine, the combination with the wad cutter and
placer and actuating mechanism therefor of the feed wheels, A2, actuated by a lever, D²,
in contact with the toothed flange, C2, tlie adjustable sleeve, G³, plate, L³, cam, M³,
cogged segments and their gearing, as set forth.
38. In a cartridge loading machine an indenting device for holding the charge in
place consisting of a rammer automatically entering the top of the shell, and two or
more indenters driven through the sides of the shell above the upper wad, as set
forth.
39. In a cartridge loading machine the combination with indenters for passing
through the sides of the shell, of a rammer provided with depressions to receive the
pointed ends of the indenters, as set forth.
40. An automatic indenter for cartridge loading machines provided with adjustable
and removable indenting points, which points pass through the shell and fitting
depressions in the rammer, as set forth.
41. In a cartridge loading machine the combination with the shell indenters, of the
sliding bars, U2, moving in slots in a movable head piece or sleeve on the rammer
and operated by arms, S², said sliding bars supported by bearings, V2, attached to and
moving with the rammer, as set forth.
42. In an extractor for cartridge loading machines the combination with an ejecting
rod provided with a die, of the inking pot provided with a spring to regulate the
pressure of the pad on the die, as set forth.
43. In an extractor for cartridge loading machines an automatic shell ejecting rod
provided with a die on its lower end to stamp indications on the exposed face of the
upper wad as set forth.

page_text: 44. In a cartridge loading machine the combination with the shell feeding mechanism
and a shell ejecting rod, of a lever and shaft automatically and intermittently operating
same a stationary table provided with an opening for the passage of the ejected shell,
a revolving table, a clutch, F³, and a lever, E³ operating to throw the clutch in and
out, as set forth.
45. In an extractor for cartridge loading machines the combination with the
revolving table and mechanism for operating it of a clutch provided with curved
prongs to embrace and clamp the shell case, said clutch being automatically and.
intermittently closed and released and thus alternately hold and release the revolving.
table and shell cases, as set forth.
46. In an extractor for cartridge loading machines, an automatically adjustable
clutch, F³, as & for the purpose set forth.
47. In a cartridge loading machine, the combination with the movable table, filling
devices and actuating mechanism therefor, of the extractor, Y², die, Z³, ink pot, pad,
regulating spring, cam and lever, E³, the clutch and adjustable pivot, L³, as set
fortli.