Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for loading a barrel of a muzzle loading firearm to provide powder and a projectile at a breach end of the barrel. The apparatus comprises: (i) a handle having a central longitudinal axis and adapted to be gripped by one hand, the handle having an opening between opposed ends along the axis; (ii) a moveable casing having a head and mounted in the opening adjacent one end of the handle and adapted to receive a ramrod of the muzzle loading rifle into the casing; (iii) a retaining means for retaining the casing within the opening, the retaining means mounted on the handle with at least a portion of the retaining means mounted inside the opening; and (iv) a coil spring mounted in the opening inside the handle between the portion of the retaining means mounted in the opening and the head of the casing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for loading a barrel of a muzzle loading firearm to provide powder and a projectile at a breach end of the barrel. The apparatus comprises: (i) a handle having a central longitudinal axis and adapted to be gripped by one hand, the handle having an opening between opposed ends along the axis; (ii) a moveable casing having a head and mounted in the opening adjacent one end of the handle and adapted to receive a ramrod of the muzzle loading rifle into the casing; (iii) a retaining means for retaining the casing within the opening, the retaining means mounted on the handle with at least a portion of the retaining means mounted inside the opening; and (iv) a coil spring mounted in the opening inside the handle between the portion of the retaining means mounted in the opening and the head of the casing.

Abstract: A dispersed dye sublimation imaging method of a substrate includes a pre-conditioning step, before the substrate is imaged, which uses controlled heat and humidity. The pre-conditioning step, by raising the surface energy levels of the substrate and thermally stabilizing the substrate before pressured contact in the imaging zone, allows for more precise control of dye sublimation during image. Pre-conditioning also allows: the use of higher temperature dyes; the use of higher temperatures and shorter dwell times in the imaging zone; and/or the use of lower imaging temperatures. The pre-conditioning also provides for greater migration and penetration of the dispersed dye into the surface of the substrate being imaged. The shorter dwell time and thermally stabilized pre-conditioned substrate also reduces movement between the substrate and dye carrier device, which provides for increased resolution of the imaged substrate.