Indexing shell reloader

Abstract

A shell reloading tool is provided with a current sensor designed to automatically detect conditions indicative of a crushed shell and reverse and stop the motor to allow the hull to be removed and fixed prior to any additional damage being caused to the hull or reloader. A circuit board is provided to override the current sensor at the initial startup of the motor and at the highest pressure point of the reloading process.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to shell reloaders and, more specifically, to automatically indexing shell reloaders.

2. Description of the Prior Art

It is known in the art to provide reloaders for shot shells and centerfire cartridges. Many reloaders are provided for home use to allow for low cost, customized reloading of cartridges, according to precise specifications. Such home use reloaders are typically provided with a handle, at least one reloading tool and a shell plate. A shell, such as a hull or cartridge case, is typically placed on the shell plate. The handle is then pivoted downward and then upward to move the shell into and out of engagement with the reloading tool. It is known in the art to provide a shell plate with multiple seats, positioned in alignment with a plurality of reloading tools. The shell is advanced or “indexed” to the next operation after each full cycle of the handle. These “indexing” reloaders sequentially perform a plurality of operations on a plurality of shells provided on the shell plate. With each indexing, one cartridge is typically completed and a new empty shell is positioned on the shell plate.

It is known in the art to provide hydraulic actuation in lieu of the handle. Typically, the handle is replaced with a hydraulic linear actuator. The hydraulic linear actuator is coupled to a foot pedal or the like, for actuating the reloader to move the shell into and out of engagement with the tool head.

One drawback associated with the prior art hydraulic actuators is the inability to control actuation of the system in the event a shell is out of specification or moves out of alignment. In the event a shell is out of specification or moves out of alignment, contact with the tool head will often buckle or crush the shell, which may, in turn, cause the casing to be stuck on the tool head and/or scratch tools associated with the tool head. Once a shell becomes stuck on a tool, removal may take a substantial amount of time and may, in and of itself, cause damage to the tool. It would, therefore, be desirable to provide automatic actuation of the reloader in a manner that allows for stopping or reversal of the motion of the hull or case into engagement with the tool head before the shell becomes stuck, or the tool head damaged.

Another drawback associated with the prior art is the large amount of noise generated by prior art hydraulic actuators. Not only is this noise a potential harm to a user's ears, but the noise also drowns out the sound of the reloader. Abnormal sounds associated with the reloader often alert the user to investigate the cause of the sound. It would, therefore, be desirable to decrease the noise level associated with the automatic reloader to allow a user to troubleshoot and remedy a potential problem, based on an abhorrent noise prior to any malfunction causing significant damage. The difficulties in the prior art noted hereinabove are substantially eliminated by the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an improved system for loading shells. The system includes a shell and a shell-loading tool, along with means for moving the shell and shell-loading tool into and out of contact with one another. Means are also provided for detecting a predetermined overload condition as the shell and shell-loading tool are moved into and out of contact with one another. Means are also provided for attenuating the moving means in response to the detecting means detecting the predetermined overload condition.

In the preferred embodiment, an electric motor is used to motivate the shell-loading tool and shell into and out of contact with one another. An overload sensor is preferably coupled to the electric motor to stop the electric motor in response to detection of a predetermined overload situation, indicated by an increase in amperage of the electric motor in response to a shell casing being crushed by the tool head, or similar detrimental condition.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatically indexing reloader which is of a low cost manufacture. It is another object of the present invention to provide an automatic reloader with quiet operation.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an automatic reloader, which automatically stops the reloading process in response to a predetermined overload condition.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an automatic reloader which is lightweight and portable.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an automatic actuator for a reloader, which is attachable to and detachable from a plurality of reloaders.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an automatic reloader with improved safety features.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an automatic reloader with improved maintenance characteristics.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of an automatic reloader of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of a reloader prior to conversion to automation according to the present invention;

FIG. 3A illustrates a top perspective view of the actuation arm assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B illustrates an exploded view of the actuation arm assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 4A illustrates a top perspective view of the link strap assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4B illustrates an exploded view of the link strap assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of the motor subassembly of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a top perspective view of the pull rod connected to the actuation wheel;

FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the motor and actuation wheel;

FIG. 8 illustrates a top perspective view of the pull rod connected to the actuation arms; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a side elevation of an alternative embodiment of the present invention showing the rotational motor flexibly coupled to the reloader.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The automatic indexing reloader of the present invention is shown generally as (10) in FIG. 1. Although the reloader (10) may be constructed as a dedicated, automatic indexing unit, in the preferred embodiment, the present invention is used to convert a standard reloader (12) into an automatically indexing reloader (10). FIGS. 1 and 2.

As shown in FIG. 2, the reloader (12) includes a base (14), preferably constructed of sheet steel and coupled to a column (16). Provided around the column (16) is a shell carrier (18). Also provided around the column (16) for movement in relationship to thereto is a turret assembly (20). Coupled to the top of the column (16) is a shot container (22) which, in turn, is coupled to a drop tube (24), such as those known in the art. Similarly, a powder container (26) is coupled to a drop tube (28). Also secured to the column (16) is a primer tray (30).

A handle (32) is coupled to the turret assembly (20) by a plurality of linkages (34), in a manner such as that known in the art, to linearly actuate the turret assembly (20) downward toward the shell carrier (18), and to linearly actuate the turret assembly (20) upward away from the shell carrier (18). Although the foregoing elements may be combined in any manner, size, configuration or orientation known in the art, in the preferred embodiment, the reloader (12) is an MEC Reloader Model 9000 manufactured by Mayville Engineering Company of Mayville, Wisconsin.

When it is desired to convert the reloader (12) to the automatically indexing reloader (10) of the present invention, the handle (32) is removed, along with its associated linkages. The handle (32) is replaced by a pair of actuation arms (36) and (38) which, as shown in FIG. 3, are preferably generally L-shaped steel arms provided with three sets of holes (40), (42), (44), (46), (48) and (50). The actuation arms (36) and (38) are secured to the column (16) by a linkage bolt (52). The linkage bolt (52) is provided through a first washer (54), one side (56) of the column (16), a spacing washer (58), the second side (60) of the column (16), and through a second washer (62). A nut (63) is then secured to the end of the linkage bolt (52). It is important not to over tighten the linkage bolt (52), as the actuation arms (36) and (38) should move freely relative to the column (16).

Once the actuation arms (36) and (38) have been installed, link straps (64) and (66), and the cam plate (68) are installed. As shown in FIG. 4, the link straps are provided with two sets of holes (70), (72), (74) and (76), and are each provided with a threaded hole (78) and (80). The cam plate (68) is provided with a hole (82) and a slot (84). The link straps (64) and (66) are coupled to the turret assembly (20) by a linkage bolt (86) provided through the hole (74) in the first link strap (64), a washer (88), the turret assembly (20), a second washer (90), the hole (76) in the second link strap (66), a hole (92) in the original cam plate (94) and a nut (96). The nut is not overly tightened so as to allow the link straps (64) and (66) to rotate relative to the turret assembly (20). The original link bolt (98) is provided through hole (70) in the first link strap (64), through a washer (100), through the hole (44) in the first actuation arm (36), through the hole (46) in the second actuation arm (38), through a washer (102), through a hole (104) in the original indexing actuation bracket (106), through a hole (108) in the original cam plate (94), and through the slot (84) in the cam plate (68). The cam plate (68) is provided with a slot (84), rather than a hole, to allow for adjustment of the cam plate (68) relative to the cam plate (94). The link bolt (98) is secured by a nut (109) which, again, is not overly tightened so as to allow the linkages to rotate relative to one another. Thereafter, a steel bar called a reloader support bracket (110) is secured to the existing bar actuation mounting bracket (1 12)on one end and to the existing side plate indexer (115) on the other end, using bolts (114) and nuts (116) to reduce frame flex and aid in adjusting the system. The remainder of the reloader (12) is then reassembled.

Once the reloader (12) has been reassembled, it is thereafter secured to a motor housing assembly (118). FIG. 5. The motor housing assembly (118) is preferably constructed of a housing (120) fabricated from 3/16 inch carbon steel cut and formed using any desired means known in the art. As shown in FIG. 6, a rectangular motor bracket face (122) with triangular gussets and constructed of 3/16 inch carbon steel is welded or otherwise secured to the underside of the housing (120). Secured to one side of the motor bracket face (122) and to the housing (120) is a motor (124) which, preferably, is a one-twelfth horsepower motor, such as those well known in the art. While the motor may be of any desired configuration or construction, in the preferred embodiment the motor (124) is a 120-volt, 60 cycle electric motor with a one hundred twenty to one drive ratio designed to generate rotational motion utilizing a stainless steel shaft (126) passing through the motor bracket face (122). Secured to the end of the shaft (126) is a stainless steel shaft hub (128) which, in turn, is secured to an actuation wheel (130). As shown in FIG. 6, the actuation wheel (130) is fabricated from 3/16 inch carbon steel and is six inches in diameter. Preferably, the perimeter of the actuation wheel (130) is provided with a plurality of holes (132), each positioned 1/8 inch closer to the center of the actuation wheel (130). Also provided around the perimeter of the actuation wheel (130) is a second set of holes (134), all equidistant from the center of the actuation wheel (130), and each sized to accommodate a 1/4 inch by 1/2 inch carriage bolt (136) secured through one of the holes (134) by a nut (138).

As shown in FIG. 6, a limit switch (140) is secured to the motor bracket face (122) and electrically coupled to the motor (124) so as to deactuate the motor (124) upon contact of the carriage bolt (136) with the limit switch (140). The carriage bolt (136) may be adjusted to different holes (134) around the perimeter of the actuation wheel (130) to vary the point at which the carriage bolt (136) triggers the limit switch (140). A pull rod (142) is secured through one of the hole (132) in the actuation wheel (130) by a bolt (144) and nut (146). The other end of the pull rod (142) is secured between the actuation arms (36) and (38) by a pin (148) passing through the holes (40) and (42) of the actuation arms (36) and (38). The pin is secured into place with a metal clip (150) passing through a hole (152) in the pin (148). As shown in FIG. 6, the motor (124) is preferably coupled to a current sensor (154), such as a TCS series alternating current sensor with programmable logic controller interface, sold by SSAC, Inc. of Baldwinsville, N.Y. The current sensor (154) is preferably coupled to a circuit board (156) which, in turn, is coupled to the limit switch (140). The circuit board (156) is preferably programmed to override the current sensor (154) during the first second of start-up of the motor (124), in which the amperage may spike three times the normal operating amperage. The circuit board (156) is also preferably constructed to coordinate with the limit switch (140) to override the current sensor (154), preferably during the last fifteen percent, and more preferably, during the last ten percent, of the loading stroke, where the majority of the loading pressure is required.

The circuit board (156) is also programmed to detect an overage current in excess of 1.0 amps during the remainder of the loading procedure. The amount of current required to trigger the circuit board (156) to reverse the motor (124) may, of course, be adjusted as desired, but is preferably adjusted so as to slightly reverse and stop the motor (124) in response to a shell (158), such as a hull or case, being crushed during the reloading procedure.

Coupled to the housing (120) is a faceplate (162) and back plate (164), preferably constructed of steel and secured to the housing (120) by bolts or weldments. Provided on the face plate (162) is an on/off switch (166) which is coupled to the motor (124). Also provided on the faceplate (162) is a fuse (168), which is coupled to the motor (124) for easy replacement if amperage to the motor (124) exceeds a predetermined amount. Provided on either side of the housing (120) are actuation switches (170) and (172). The actuation switches (170) and (172) are spaced sufficiently far apart to prevent actuation of both with one hand. The switches (170) and (172) are preferably coupled to the circuit board (156), which is coded to actuate the motor (124) only upon simultaneous actuation of the actuation switches (168) and (170) to avoid a user moving a hand into the automatic indexing reloader (10) during the reloading process.

The reloader (12) is coupled to the housing (120) by a plurality of bolts (174). Although the reloader (12) may be secured to the housing (120) by any suitable means, in the preferred embodiment the reloader (12) is releasably coupled to the housing (120), making it possible to utilize the motor housing assembly (118) in association with additional reloaders.

When it is desired to utilize the automatic indexing reloader (10) of the present invention, a user inserts a shell (158) into the shell carrier (18) actuates the on/off switch (166) and actuates the switches (170) and (172) causing the motor (124) to rotate the actuation wheel (130). This, in turn, causes the pull rod (142) to move the reloader (12) through a reloading cycle, and index the shell (158) to the next station. Once the operation has been performed and the shell (158) indexed to the next station, the carriage bolt (136) actuates the limit switch (140) to shut off the motor (124). An additional shell (158) may be positioned on the shell carrier (18) and the actuation switches (170) and (172) again actuated to move the reloader (12) through another reloading stroke and index the shell (158) to the next station. This process continues until one of the consumables used in the reloading process is gone, a malfunction occurs, or the desired number of shells (158) have been loaded.

In the event a shell (158) is reloaded incorrectly, is misshapen or, for any other reason, begins to be crushed by the reloader (12) during the reloading process, the increased pressure against the turret assembly (20) causes the current sensor (154) to trigger the circuit board (156) to slightly reverse actuation of the motor (124). The crushed shell (158) may thereafter be discarded, fixed or thrown away, depending on the severity of the crushing and the consistency required in the reloading process.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown generally as 176 in FIG. 9. In this embodiment, a reloader 178 is provided which operates in response to a shaft 180 being rotated by a handle 182. The reloader 178 is of a type known in the art to require a first manual operation after the shaft 180 is rotated in a first direction and a second manual operation after the shaft 180 is rotated in a second, opposite direction. In the preferred embodiment, the reloader 178 is a Platinum 2000 reloader manufactured by Ponsness/Warren of Rathdrum, Id. In this embodiment, the handle 182 is removed, and a flexible shaft coupling, such as a “Lovejoy”coupling is coupled between the shaft 180 of the reloader 178 and a shaft 186 coupled to a motor 188 such as that described above. In this alternative embodiment, the motor 188 is coupled to a standard alternating current outlet 190 and bolted to a base plate 192 by a pair of shoulder straps 194. The motor 188 is also coupled to a computer chip 196, such as those well known in the art. The chip 196 is programmed to act as a central processing unit and is coupled to a button switch 198. When the switch 198 is actuated, the chip 196 actuates the motor 188 to turn the shaft 180 a predetermined amount sufficient to place the reloader 178 in a position for a first manual operation, after which the chip 196 causes the motor to stop. When the switch 198 is again depressed, the chip 196 actuates the motor 188 to turn the shaft 180 in the opposite direction a predetermined amount sufficient to place the reloader 178 in a position for a second manual operation, after which the chip 196 causes the motor to stop. When the switch 198 is actuated again, the chip 196 actuates the motor 188 to turn the shaft 180 back in the opposite direction a predetermined amount sufficient to place the reloader 178 in the position for the first manual operation, after which the chip 196 causes the motor to stop. Every time the switch 198 is reversed, the chip 196 actuates the motor 188 to turn the shaft 180 in the direction opposite the last direction.

When it is desired to use the alternative embodiment of the present invention, the user (not shown) actuates the switch 198 to turn the shaft 180 a predetermined amount sufficient to place the reloader 178 in a position for a first manual operation, after which the chip 196 causes the motor to stop. The user then inserts a wad 200 into a powder-filled hull 202. The user then depresses the switch 198 again to turn the shaft 180 in the opposite direction a predetermined amount sufficient to place the reloader 178 in a position for a second manual operation, after which the chip 196 causes the motor to stop. The user then inserts an empty hull 204 into the reloader 178. The user then repeats these operations until the desired number of operations have been performed.

The foregoing description of the drawings merely explain and illustrate the invention, and the invention is not limited thereto, except insofar as the claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications and variations therein without departing from the scope of the invention. By way of example, although all assemblies described herein are preferably constructed within a ninety percent variance, and more preferably within a twenty-five percent variance, from the dimensions listed above, the automatic indexing reloader (10) may be constructed of any desired material, or of any suitable dimensions.

Claims

1. An improved system for loading shells comprising:

(a) a shell loading tool;

(b) a shell;

(c) means for moving a shell loading tool and a shell into and out of contact with one another;

(d) means for detecting a predetermined overload condition as said shell loading tool and said shell move into and out of contact with one another;

and

(e) means for attenuating said moving means in response to said detecting means detecting said predetermined overload condition.

2. The improved system for loading shells of claim 1, wherein said attenuating means is means for stopping said moving means in response to said detecting means detecting said predetermined overload condition.

3. The improved system for loading shells of claim 2, wherein said moving means is an electric motor.

4. The improved system for loading shells of claim 3, wherein said detecting means is a current sensor.

5. The improved system for loading shells of claim 1, wherein said moving means is an electric motor.

6. The improved system for loading shells of claim 1, wherein said detecting means is a current sensor.

7. The improved system for loading shells of claim 1, wherein said moving means comprises:

(a) a rotary motion converter; and

(b) means coupled to said rotary motion converter for rotating said rotary motion converter through at least three hundred degrees of rotation.

8. The improved system for loading shells of claim 7, wherein said rotating means is an electric rotary motor.

9. The improved system for loading shells of claim 8, wherein said detecting means is a current sensor.

10. The improved system for loading shells of claim 9, wherein said attenuating means is means for stopping said moving means in response to said detecting means detecting said predetermined overload condition.

11. An automatic indexer for a shell loader comprising:

(a) a reciprocator;

(b) means for coupling said reciprocator to a shell loader;

(c) means coupled to said reciprocator for detecting a predetermined overload condition; and

(d) means for attenuating said reciprocator in response to said detecting means detecting said predetermined overload condition.

12. The automatic indexer for a shell loader of claim 11, wherein said attenuating means is means for stopping said reciprocator.

13. The automatic indexer for a shell loader of claim 11, wherein said reciprocator comprises an electric motor.

14. The automatic indexer for a shell loader of claim 13, wherein said detecting means is a current sensor.

15. The automatic indexer for a shell loader of claim 11, wherein said detecting means is a current sensor.

16. The automatic indexer for a shell loader of claim 11, wherein said reciprocator comprises a rotary motion converter, and means coupled to said rotary motion converter for rotating said rotary motion converter through at least three hundred degrees of rotation.

17. An automatic indexer for a shell loader comprising:

(a) a shell loading tool;

(b) means for reciprocating said shell loading tool;

(c) means for detecting a predetermined resistance condition during reciprocation of said shell loading tool; and

(d) means for attenuating said reciprocating means in response to detecting means detecting said predetermined resistance condition.

18. The automatic indexer for a shell loader of claim 17, wherein said attenuating means is means for stopping said reciprocating means in response to said detecting means detecting said predetermined resistance condition.

19. The automatic indexer for a shell loader of claim 18, wherein said reciprocating means is an electric motor.

20. The automatic indexer for a shell loader of claim 19, wherein said attenuating means is a current sensor.