Abstract: Disclosed are various examples of support assemblies comprising multiple elements engaged together and independently rotatable within or substantially parallel to a reference plane while resisting twisting, rotation, or other movement in directions other than substantially within or parallel to the reference plane. The elements typically include projecting members received within cavities of adjacent elements that are configured to allow the resulting assembly to collectively flex within, or substantially parallel to, the reference plane while resisting movement in other directions.

Abstract: Disclosed are various examples of support assemblies comprising multiple elements engaged together and independently rotatable within or substantially parallel to a reference plane while resisting twisting, rotation, or other movement in directions other than substantially within or parallel to the reference plane. The elements typically include projecting members received within cavities of adjacent elements that are configured to allow the resulting assembly to collectively flex within, or substantially parallel to, the reference plane while resisting movement in other directions.

Abstract: A device (1), and a barreled weapon (10) including the device, for loading the barreled weapon (10) with ammunition bodies (2), in particular with artillery projectiles, includes a rammer for moving an ammunition body (2) along a loading path (L) from a loading position outside of the loading chamber (12) into a rammed position in the loading chamber (12) of the barreled weapon (10), wherein a correction rammer (4) connected downstream of the rammer in the loading path is used to correct ramming errors if necessary. A method for loading the barreled weapon includes correcting ramming errors with a correction rammer (4) downstream of the rammer of the barreled weapon in the loading path of the weapon.

Abstract: Disclosed are various examples of support assemblies comprising multiple elements engaged together and independently rotatable within or substantially parallel to a reference plane while resisting twisting, rotation, or other movement in directions other than substantially within or parallel to the reference plane. The elements typically include projecting members received within cavities of adjacent elements that are configured to allow the resulting assembly to collectively flex within, or substantially parallel to, the reference plane while resisting movement in other directions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shell (1) intended for firing from a weapon (6), preferably a mortar weapon (6), the shell (1) being designed for securing the shell (1) in a mortar weapon (6) in order thereby to prevent movement of the shell (1) when adjusting the angle of elevation of the weapon (6). According to the invention this is achieved in that the shell (1) comprises a locking part (19, 28, 37), the locking part (19, 28, 37) forming an integral part of the shell (1) and being designed so that the shell (1) after ramming home is locked to a corresponding securing part (19) in the mortar (6). The invention also relates to a mortar (6) intended for firing said shell (1), the mortar (6) being characterized in that the mortar (6) comprises a corresponding securing part (19) for locking the shell (1).

Abstract: A storage system (10) for artillery ammunition, capable of containing artillery ammunition (100) of various types and comprising a plurality of drums (11) rotating about a central axis (Y) of their own and having a plurality of cells (11a), each adapted to contain one of the ammunition (100). The storage system (10) includes a rotatable support (12), which can turn about an axis of rotation (Z) of its own, parallel to the central axis (Y), on which the plurality of rotary drums (11) are rotatably pivoted. The system further includes at least one data processing unit for the automated selection of a drum (11?) from among the plurality of rotary drums (11).

Abstract: There is disclosed a munition handling apparatus where the conventional ram is replaced with a high pressure fluid actuation. For this the apparatus is provided with a container that incorporates a piston which slides along the container to urge the munition out as the fluid pressure is applied.

Abstract: A push-pull chain that can bend in one direction only, and is provided with at least two rollers on each of the driving pins, one of the rollers engages a drive sprocket and the other of said at least two rollers engages a chain guide surface. An actuator for e.g. opening and closing a window that uses this dual-roller push-pull chain. A link driven push-pull chain that can bend in one direction only, with links that is shaped as an engagement surface for engaging a drive sprocket. An actuator for e.g. opening and closing a window that uses the link driven push-pull chain.

Abstract: A hand operated projectile extractor to remove unspent projectiles from 155 mm howitzers, which extractor is generally cylindrical, about 18 inches in length, with a handle extending from the rear thereof and with an overall weight of at least about 30 pounds, to provide enough momentum to eject the projectile. When rammed into the muzzle of a howitzer and down the barrel thereof, the ogive of the projectile enters the open front of the extractor's cylindrical body and will be impacted by a compression ring along the extractor's front edge, which compression ring has a minimum internal diameter of 4.75 inches and is formed of particular flat and curved surfaces which will not bind to either the projectile or the barrel.

Abstract: Projectile ramming apparatus includes a rammer pawl for engaging the base of a projectile with a rigidizable chain attached to the rammer pawl for providing reciprocating movement thereto. The rigidizable chaining includes a plurality of rows of links having adjacent links pivotally attached to one another. A perimeter of each link enables fixed engagement of adjacent links on each row upon coordinated pivoting of adjacent links in each row and, further, for enabling release of the fixed engagement upon reverse coordinated pivoting of adjacent links. A drive is provided for reciprocally moving the chain and for pivoting adjacent links in order to rigidize the chain as the chain is moved in a forward direction; and unlocking, or unrigidizing, adjacent links as the chain is moved in a reverse direction. The chain is moved at a generally constant velocity enabled by the link perimeter.

Abstract: A tool conforms at one end to an annular nozzle end of a rocket and conforms peripherally to a tube of a launcher for the rocket so that the tool may be inserted into the tube to urge the rocket precisely into a loaded position without slipping from the nozzle and damaging elements inside the nozzle. The tool is configured to receive a blast paddle of the launcher when the paddle is pivoted across the tube to engage a detent and an igniter contact with the rocket in the loaded position. The tool is configured to urge the rocket from the loaded position for unloading from the tube and is constructed of static dissipative material.

Abstract: A transfer device for pushing a projectile (3) into the barrel of a weapon in the direction of the barrel (1) of the weapon along a transfer trough (2). The transfer device has two turning wheels (5, 6), a flexible power transmission element (7) forming a closed loop, and two transfer elements (8, 10) mounted to push the projectile (3) in consecutive steps towards the barrel (1) of the weapon.

Abstract: A lightweight rammer system and method for engaging an artillery projectile or propellant charge, wherein the rammer system comprises an internal combustion generator comprising a first firing mechanism; an actuator driven by the firing mechanism, wherein the actuator comprises a propellant combustible into a pressurized fluid; and a pressure accumulator connected to the actuator, wherein the pressure accumulator controllably releases the pressurized fluid; a ramming component connected to the internal combustion generator and powered by the pressurized fluid; and means for regenerating pressure in the pressure accumulator actuated by recoil motion of the ramming component.

Abstract: A powder operated tool including a frame, a tool body and a reusable combined cartridge holder and ram rear end receiver. The frame includes an anvil section. The tool body is adjustably connected to the frame. The tool body comprises a ram, and a breech assembly connected to a rear end of the tool body. The breech assembly includes a striker, a breech pad and a firing pin. The reusable combined cartridge holder and ram rear end receiver is removably connected to the tool body.

Abstract: A firing module having a fully automatic shell supply mechanism for supplying shells to a heavy weapon in a housing. A shell ram having a loading tray is disposed on a free end of a shell transfer arm that is pivotable between a raised position, in which the loading tray is aligned with the gun bore axis, parallel to a plane of elevation, and a lowered position, in which the tray is essentially vertical. A gripping mechanism on a shell transport arm grasps a vertical shell stored in at least one ammunition magazine for supplying a shell from a shell transporter, to the loading tray, in the lowered position of the shell transfer arm. The ammunition magazines and transporter are disposed in the housing ahead of a trunnion. The loading tray is pivotable about a pivot axis, which is essentially vertical in the lowered position of the shell transfer arm, by at least 180° between a receiving position opening ahead of the trunnion, and a delivery position opening behind the trunnion.

Abstract: An adapter device (10) is used in order to allow a projectile (12), such as missile, to be launched from a standard launching tube (14), without having to modify the latter. This device comprises an adapter tube (24) in which the projectile (12) is placed, a retaining ring (22) which is mounted on the end of the launching tube (14) and a hooking system (26) for securing the adapter tube (24) to the launching tube. The adapter tube (24) has a front portion (38) provided with grooves for guiding the folded fins of the projectile (12) and a rear portion provided with a bottom onto which is fixed a pulley (36) for returning an optical fiber (20) used for guiding the projectile (12).

Abstract: The invention concerns a device (1) for artillery intended to ram a projectile (7) into the chamber of a weapon barrel, such device comprising an impulse jack (12) incorporating a mobile rod (25) driving a carriage (10) mounted able to slide with respect to a chute (11), the carriage (10) being able to drive the projectile towards the weapon chamber using drive means (9). This device comprises a loading tray (5) intended to receive the projectile, such loading tray with respect to which the carriage (10) may translate to drive the projectile (7) and wherein the impulse jack (12) is a dual-acting jack and it is the withdrawal movement of the mobile rod (25) that is used to drive the projectile.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for flick ramming projectile components such as shells or propellant powder charges in artillery pieces is disclosed which accelerates the projectile component to the necessary ramming velocity using an electromechanically generated energy supply in the form of starting acceleration from an electric motor. The rotating starting acceleration of the electric motor is mechanically converted into rectilinear acceleration, and the electric motor may be supplemented wit an energy supply obtained from a previously charged energy accumulator which is triggered simultaneously with the start of the electric motor.

Abstract: An arrangement for retrieving large-caliber ammunition from an ammunition magazine and transferring these to a loading and ramming position, in which the respective ammunition unit is located directly behind and coaxially aligned with a barrel of a large-caliber weapon mounted in such a way that it can pivot around a horizontal axis to assume different elevation positions. The transferring arrangement comprises a swing arm pivotably mounted around the horizontal axis between a retrieving position and a delivery position for each ammunition unit, and an ammunition pickup unit which is mounted on the swing arm in such a way that it can pivot. The ammunition pickup unit is arranged to assume a first angular position relative to the swing arm when this assumes its retrieving position, and to assume a second angular position relative to the swing arm when this assumes its delivery position.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device (1) for artillery intended to ram a projectile (7) into the chamber of a weapon barrel, such device comprising an impulse jack (12) incorporating a mobile rod (25) driving a carriage (10) mounted able to slide with respect to a chute (11), the carriage (10) being able to drive the projectile towards the weapon chamber using drive means (9).

Abstract: An apparatus (20) for discharging shells from a magazine. The apparatus comprises a first ramming element (42) for initial, primary linear discharge of a shell (G) from the magazine, and a second ramming element (56) for continued, secondary feed of the shell (G) to an advanced position while the return movement of the first ramming element (42) is effected.

Abstract: An arrangement for retrieving large-calibre ammunition from an ammunition magazine and transferring these to a loading and ramming position, in which the respective ammunition unit is located directly behind and coaxially aligned with a barrel of a large-calibre weapon mounted in such a way that it can pivot around a horizontal axis to assume different elevation positions. The transferring arrangement comprises a swing arm pivotably mounted around the horizontal axis between a retrieving position and a delivery position for each ammunition unit, and an ammunition pickup unit which is mounted on the swing arm in such a way that it can pivot. The ammunition pickup unit is arranged to assume a first angular position relative to the swing arm when this assumes its retrieving position, and to assume a second angular position relative to the swing arm when this assumes its delivery position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for handling artillery shells (14-16) when loading artillery guns (1) that have an integral shell magazine (9) fixed in the traverse system but independent from the elevating mass, which magazine on command feeds out shells (14-16) one by one with a specific linear velocity in the longitudinal axis of each shell. Each shell is subsequently transferred to the loading position for the gun by a loading pendulum (13) and cradle (6). The basic idea behind the present invention is that the outfeed velocity of the shells (14-16) from the magazine (9) shall be braked to zero in a brake module (12) mounted on the gun while they lie in a shell carrier (17, 18) mounted on the loading pendulum (13).

Abstract: The invention relates to a loading device for a medium or large caliber weapon supplied with rounds constituted by a projectile and modular charges. It comprises means to receive a projectile and modular charges, a vehicle incorporating at least two housings and suitable support means to allow the vehicle to move from a starting replenishing position to a final weapon loading position in which the projectile housing then the modular charge housing are successively brought into said position. The support means are constituted by a cage having two sides between which the vehicle travels. The vehicle is constituted by a slide and a drum provided with housings at its parallel edges each intended to receive a container. Application of 155 mm 52 caliber weapons.

Abstract: A dual action retention pawl for securing ammunition in a breech loading gun having a bore along a longitudinal axis of a barrel of the gun and a breech opening with a moveable breech block at a rear of the bore. The dual action retention pawl includes a base, a pawl arm, and an activation arm operably attached to the base. The pawl arm pivots to a retracted position in response to ammunition engaging the activation arm when the ammunition is loaded into the breech opening and returns to a retention position once the ammunition is loaded to retain the ammunition within the barrel of the gun. The pawl arm pivots to the retracted position in response to the breech block engaging the activation arm when the breech block is moved to close the breech opening.

Abstract: A device for assembling complete propellant charges from a plurality of modular propellant charges. A plurality of magazine tubes each receives a plurality of modular charges. Each magazine tube has an outfeed aperture. A plurality of ejectors eject the modular charges from the magazine tubes. At least one retrieval tube receives the modular charges from the magazine tubes. A manipulator alters a position of the at least one retrieval tube adjacent any of the magazine tubes for retrieving the modular charges from among the magazine tubes. The manipulator also alters the position of the at least one retrieval tube to be adjacent a loading mechanism of an artillery gun.

Abstract: An artillery-shell rammer with a carriage provided with a shell accommodation trough. The trough is aligned with the weapon's chamber behind the barrel and has a shell positioner at the rear. The carriage travels back and forth on a rail along a track paralleling the axis of the barrel and is coupled to a drive mechanism that accelerates it toward the barrel. Means of braking the carriage are provided at a prescribed distance back of the barrel. The drive mechanism is provided with at least one linear motor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a loading device for a shell in the cannon chamber of a weapon fitted with a screw breech incorporating a receiving tray onto which the shell is positioned, enabling it to be brought from a set up position to a loading position in which the shell is aligned with the cannon axis, ramming means and means to wedge the shell in the cannon operating successively, the ramming means and the wedging means being integral with the tray, said tray being connected to the slide of the weapon in an articulated manner in order to move the shell from the set up position to the loading position, the wedging means being connected in an articulated manner with respect to the tray such that after the shell has been rammed into place said wedging means partially engage in the tray substantially in the cannon axis, said tray being engaged in the weapon breech in abutment against a sealing cone of the cannon. The tray is fitted at its front end with protection means abutting against said sealing cone.

Abstract: A loading system of artillery guns to enable modular charges that are combinable into larger units to be handled in a main magazine with a number of mutually parallel magazine tubes designed to accommodate the modular charges and a retrieval tube whose infeed/outfeed aperture can be docked with the outfeed aperture of any magazine tube. The retrieval tube is used to transfer a selected number of modular charges from the magazine tubes to a loading pendulum used for loading the gun.

Abstract: A rammer for an artillery piece with a barrel that can be elevated. The rammer has a cradle upstream of the barrel. The cradle is aligned with the powder chamber, has an accommodation for the shell, travels subject to a guide along a track that parallels the axis of the barrel, is coupled to a piston-and-cylinder mechanism that accelerates it toward the barrel, and is provided with a brake. The piston-and-cylinder mechanism is controlled by pneumatic controls that accommodate a rapid-opening valve. The valve diverts air back and forth between a source of compressed air and a vent. There is a pressure-reduction component with an electrically controlled proportional pressure-regulation valve between the source of compressed air and the rapid-opening valve. Signals from a fire direction system or position generator are forwarded to the electric controls. The pressure-regulation valve is then activated, reducing the ramming pressure in accordance with a prescribed formula as elevation decreases.

Abstract: A ramming brake is provided for use with a projectile launched from the barrel of a gun having a tapered portion. The ramming brake includes a braking ring that has a tapered surface configured to wedge into a tapered portion of the gun barrel. In a particular configuration, the braking ring wedges in the tapered breach of the gun barrel. The ramming brake further includes a retaining mechanism that is used to couple the braking ring to the projectile. This retaining mechanism restrains and controls the movement of the projectile after the braking ring wedges into the tapered portion of the barrel.

Abstract: The invention discloses a structured set of electro-hydraulic pilot servo valves to operate an actuator arm to raise and lower an ammunition cradle. The servo valve structure and operational logic provides redundancy and reduces probability of failure. If one of the valves malfunctions, the remaining other two valves vote to carry more flow to compensate for the lost capacity thereby continuously maintaining system performance at pre-failure or near full capacity levels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for artillery guns with fully or semi-automatic loading systems for stowing, handling and, prior to loading the gun in question, for preparing complete propellant charges consisting of modular charges of M(A)CS type, i.e. such complete charges that consist of a number of mutually combinable modular charges which, as they may contain different types of propellant and may be of different standardized lengths can be of different strengths, and which all have a primarily rigid combustible outer casing and where each one incorporates the necessary ignition system. As claimed in the present invention each modular charge is stowed linearly after the other in magazine tubes (4) arranged compactly in parallel on top of and beside each other, each one containing a number of a modular charges of a specific type.

Abstract: Projectile ramming apparatus includes a rammer pawl for engaging the base of a projectile with a rigidizable chain attached to the rammer pawl for providing reciprocating movement thereto. The rigidizable chaining includes a plurality of rows of links having adjacent links pivotally attached to one another. A perimeter of each link enables fixed engagement of adjacent links on each row upon coordinated pivoting of adjacent links in each row and, further, for enabling release of the fixed engagement upon reverse coordinated pivoting of adjacent links. A drive is provided for reciprocally moving the chain and for pivoting adjacent links in order to rigidize the chain as the chain is moved in a forward direction; and unlocking, or unrigidizing, adjacent links as the chain is moved in a reverse direction.

Abstract: A weapon assembly for an armored vehicle includes a turret; a turret cage attached to and being disposed underneath the turret; a weapon supported in the turret and having a barrel; and a belt magazine received in part in the turret and in part in the turret cage. The belt magazine has a loading belt and a plurality of horizontally disposed, ammunition-accommodating container tubes attached to the loading belt. The belt magazine further has a frontal receiving position above the turret cage and laterally of the turret. A loading tube is swingably supported behind the weapon for movement between a first position and a second position. In the first position the loading tube is in alignment with the container tube when the latter is in the frontal receiving position. In the second position the loading tube is in alignment with the weapon barrel in a rearward receiving position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for the preparation of propellant charges for automatic loading into artillery guns of the type which are loaded with propellant in the form of propellant modules usually designed charge modules, which have uniform section and combustible mainly stiff casings. The invention is based on the utilization of a special type of magazine in which sets of charge modules which correspond to the maximum charge for the artillery gun are successively fed to a module feeding device opening where the quantity of charge modules required for the next projectile is fed from the magazine to a loading pendulum which is swung into position at the module feeding device opening. Loading pendulum is fitted with devices for arranging the charge modules in a straight column above or following each other and for compressing the charge modules longitudinally into a unified propellant charge which can subsequently be rammed automatically by a conventional flick rammer.

Abstract: An ammunition storage and retrieval system comprises a passive magazine having left and right backs of cells arranged in rows, with each cell accommodating a projectile in vertical, base-down orientation; the cells and cell rows being defined by adjacent pairs of elongated superstructures. A projectile loading head is movably mounted by a traveling beam, in turn, movably mounted by elevated rails, such that the loading head may be translated through a center aisle to address a selected row in either bank and then through the selected row to a selected cell for downloading of a projectile therein. A projectile receiver, dependent from the loading head, includes projectile gripping arms and a projectile lifting foot, which are articulated in coordination with operation of projectile locking members mounted by the superstructures to effect downloading.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for loading artillery guns intended for non-cartridge ammunition is provided. The loading is done by a pair of flick rammers including a first flick rammer for shells and a second flick rammer for propellant charges. Each of the flick rammers is positioned at an end position where the flick rammers are loaded with the shell and propellant charge, respectively, and in which the gun can recoil between the flick rammers. After the first flick rammer is loaded, it is moved towards the second flick rammer into a position in which the shell in the first flick rammer is in line with a gun barrel. The first flick rammer is then activated to move the shell into the gun barrel. The flick rammers are then jointly displaced in an opposite direction until the first flick rammer is in its end position and the propellant charges in the second flick rammer are in line with the gun barrel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically transferring a vertically standing ammunition component from a delivery opening in a carriage mounted magazine to a flick rammer incorporated in a gun elevation system is provided. In the method, a loading pendulum is positioned immediately outside the delivery opening of the magazine and parallel to the ammunition component. The ammunition component is then ejected from the magazine onto the loading pendulum without changing the vertical orientation of the ammunition component. The ammunition component is then locked in the loading pendulum and the loading pendulum is raised about a first axle to a substantially horizontal position. An outer cradle, in which the loading pendulum is suspended, is then lowered about a second axle coinciding with the trunnion center of the gun to an angle which coincides with the elevation of the gun and to a position above the flick rammer such that the ammunition component is immediate above the flick rammer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a material handling system. More particularly, the invention pertains to the method and apparatus for automatically loading a two-piece ammunition into a gun tube. A continuous rammer mechanism having a plurality of strategically spaced pawls is structured to accelerate the two-piece ammunition into the gun tube. The system compensates for different angles of gun trajectory by adjusting the speed and output of a drive motor to thereby provide a consistent ramming acceleration of the ammunition.

Abstract: Ammunition transfer apparatus for movement of ammunition rounds from a magazine to a gun spaced apart therefrom is provided. The apparatus includes a transfer unit for withdrawing ammunition rounds from the magazine and inserting withdrawn ammunition rounds into the gun and a reciprocating drive, disposed between the magazine and the gun, for alternatively moving the transfer unit into a first position for withdrawing ammunition rounds and a second position for inserting ammunition rounds. In addition a carrier is attached to the reciprocating drive, for causing up to approximately a 180.degree. rotation of the transfer unit between the first and second positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting device in an armoured vehicle. The lifting device comprises a holder, which can be engaged with a body to be raised, particularly a shell. A driven lifting element is also provided, by means of which the holder can be raised and lowered. In order to be able to take up and transfer in simple, flexible manner the shells, the lifting element is a cable drivable by means of a winch, which is guided on a pivotable, multicomponent articulated arm and carries the holder at its lower end. Preferably the cable passes through the articulated arm and its free end extends substantially vertically downwards, the articulated arm being pivotable substantially in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A mortar includes a weapon tube; a breech ring affixed to a rear part of the weapon tube; a loading tray supported by the weapon tube and extending rearwardly of the breech ring for receiving a mortar grenade prior to an introduction thereof into the weapon tube; and a breechblock plug movable along the loading tray for pushing a mortar grenade from the loading tray into the weapon tube. The breechblock plug has first and second positions: in the first position the breechblock plug is situated at a rear part of the loading tray and in the second position the breechblock plug is situated in the weapon tube. Further, a firing pin is provided which traverses the breechblock plug. The breechblock plug is secured in its second position by a locking mechanism.

Abstract: Ejection device for a firearm having an automatic or manual cycle, wherein the firearm includes a frame (1), a barrel (2) mounted on this frame (1) and which is equipped with a firing chamber (3) and movable elements (4) which can be moved backward in relation to the firearm (1) during recoil, and wherein the movable elements (4) include an extractor (9) for carrying along a casing (10) during recoil and an element (8) to close the chamber (3). The ejection device also contains an ejector (11) mounted in the closing element (8). The ejection device includes an ejection lever (16) mounted in a pivoting manner around a transverse axis (17) on the frame (1) at the back of the chamber (3), and including a guiding element (18) provided with a passage (19) for a casing (10). The ejection lever (16) tilts between a lower position whereat the entry of the its passage (19) is situated in the ejection trajectory of the case (10) as the movable elements (4) return forward and a higher position.

Abstract: A device assists in the loading and/or unloading of a field artillery gun using cylindrical uni-modular charges or powder bags. The loading/unloading device includes an implement to carry the charges into the chamber of the gun, and to release the charges before firing. A method for loading/unloading a field artillery gun includes placing the charges on an implement; and inserting the implement into the chamber along with the charges to position the charges within the chamber before firing.

Abstract: A mechanism for inserting a munition into a chamber of a weapon includes a drive device, a munition feed device, a ramming device, a locking device and a retractable stop assembly. The drive device includes a drive element that drives the mechanism through a first rotation and a second rotation about the same axis of rotation. The munition feed device transports and feeds the munition, and the device is coupled to and rotationally driven by the drive device from an initial position through the first rotation to a ramming position and through the second rotation from the ramming position to a locking position. The ramming device is connected to and disposed to rotate with the munition feed device such that the ramming device is aligned with and disposed to ram the munition into the breech chamber when the mechanism is in the ramming position.

Abstract: A first member, such as a primer cartridge (33), is inserted in an aperture in a second member, such as a chamber (8) in a gun breech block (4,5), by means of an apparatus such as a primer loader (52), comprising a tubular member whose bore (16) serves as a guide for positioning the first member and which is aligned with the aperture in the second member. A fourth member, such as a ramming rod (19), may be provided to move the first member into the guide and thence into the aperture as the fourth member advances from a first to a second position. In the case where the primer cartridge passes across a gap (18) in order to enter the aperture, the fourth member may be arranged to advance an additional distance to a third position wherein the additional distance is not less than the width of the gap, the additional distance being the permitted movement of a fifth member, such as a slidable bush (38), between two positions.

Abstract: A material hand-off mechanism and process which utilizes a pendulating arm to deliver material to and or accept it from a load station which cooperatively engages the arm. The load station and the arm provide interceptive, interactive and linkless conveyance capable of independent and parallel operations to enhance efficiency and availability of the system. Particularly, the mechanism is suited to transfer ammunition from a storage station into a gun tube. The ammunition is rammed into the gun breech using a flick ram mechanism, which operates in cooperation with the arm, and enables a sure ram of ammunition comprising different modules.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a system for loading a round of ammunition into a pivoting chamber of a gun, in particular a gun of small or medium caliber, the chamber pivoting in reciprocating motion between an open position and a closed position. A first device takes charge of a round of ammunition in a feed station to position it axially on the axis of the chamber when the chamber is in its open position, and to pivot the round while synchronously guiding it with the pivoting motion of the chamber, and a second device loads the round into the chamber, by bearing against the cap of the round so as to push it progressively into the chamber during the pivoting motion of the chamber. Both the first device for taking charge of a round of ammunition, and the second device for loading it into the chamber are controlled by the pivoting motion of the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for rapid loading of separate-loading ammunition in artillery guns, the shell and propellant charge being placed after one another on or in a carrier being accelerated up to a high velocity centered about the longitudinal axis of the gun barrel. Thereafter, the carrier is rapidly retarded to arrest while the shell and the propellant charge are allowed to continue in the direction of the acceleration to their respective ramming positions in the gun.