Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus actuated by the explosion of a cartridge (2), particularly a slaughtering pistol, of the type comprising: a hammer (4) able to slide in a bore between a cocking position and a percussion position where it is in contact with a striker (3); flexible means (5) able to carry hammer (4) from its cocking position to its percussion position; a locking element (6) able to lock hammer (4) in its cocking position as well as in a safety position between the cocking position and the percussion position.

Abstract: A cartridge feed arrangement for an apparatus operating by means of an explosive charge and a loader to feed the apparatus.The invention relates to a cartridge feed device for an apparatus operating by means of an explosive charge, of the type in which, after unlocking the breech (4), the barrel (2) can be pivoted with respect to the breech (4) around an axis parallel to that of the gun barrel so as to bring into alignment with the axis of the cartridge chamber (6) a passage (5) containing a line of cartridges (14).The cartridges (14) are arranged in parallel lines in an annular space (7) located on the periphery of the breech (4). One line of cartridges being in a position such that after unlocking the breech (4) and pivoting the barrel (2) with respect to it, said line is located in the axis of the cartridge chamber (6).

Abstract: An apparatus for stunning animals and which has multiple propulsive charges. The apparatus is of the type in which a spike or plunger is projected toward the head of an animal to be slaughtered. The barrel of the apparatus is mounted on a part pivoted to the breech for pivotal movement about an axis parallel to the axis of the barrel. This arrangement mounts the barrel for pivotal movement between a position in which the barrel can be locked to the breech for firing, and a position in which the cartridge chamber of the barrel is aligned with cartridges in the cylinder of a magazine located in a handle connected to the breech. This arrangement permits simply pivoting the barrel into alignment with the magazine to load a cartridge into the chamber, and then pivoting the barrel back to the firing position in which it can be locked to the breech.

Abstract: A fastener driving gun with a driving piston actuated by a cartridge to drive a fastener. The piston has an elongated shank with a tapered surface which engages a cooperating surface of the barrel, in the forward position of the piston, to prevent ejection of any substantial portion of the piston in the event of piston breakage. The taper of the piston can be 3% or less.