US2463555A - Apparatus for gauging and separating defective links in ammunition belts - Google Patents

Description

March 8, 1949. g, c, o sz ws 2,463,555

APPARATUS FOR GAUGING AND SEPARATING DEFECTIVE LINKS IN AMMUNITION BELTS Filed May l 1946 r 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN V EN TOR.

Stephen C.Olszewski BY m/ wmw ATTORNEYS S. c. OLSZEWS GAUGI KS arch 8, 1949.

Kl EPARATING DEFECTIVE ION 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed May 15, 1946 m Q I l mm. mm ,P 3K 3. .VN .QN UTE 0 flw fi J O.

\u o & mm 3: CV

INVENTORL Stephen Colszewski ATTORZWYS ar 8 1 s; c. OLSZEWSKI APPARATUS FOR GAUGING AND SEP ARATING DEFECTI LINKS IN AMMUNITION BELTS Filed May 15, 1946 6 Sheets-lamest 4 N Am. i NZ mb m0. C n a In p Q ITL 5 ATTOPNEYJ March 8, 1949. c, o sz wsm 2,463,555

S. APPARATUS FOR GAUGING AND SEPARATING DEFECTIVE Filed May 15, 1946 LINKS IN AMMUNITION BELTS 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 IN V EN TOR.

Stephen C.Olszewski x Mfw ATTORNEYS arch 8,. 1949. s. c. OLSZEWSKI 2,453,555

APPARATUS FOR GAUGING AND SEPARATING DEFECTIVE LINKS IN AMMUNITION BELTS Filed May 15, 1946 e Sheets-Sheet 6 W] es s? iihw IN V EN TOR.

ATTORNEYS Stephen C. Olszewski I BY Patented Mar. 8 1 949 UNETED SATES APPARATUS FOR GAUGING AND SEPARAT- ING DEFECTIVE LINKS IN AMMUNITION BELTS (Granted under the act of March 3, 1883, as amended April 30, 1928; 370 O. G. 757) 24 Claims.

The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government for governmental purposes, without the payment to me of any royalty thereon.

This invention relates to a gaging apparatus. More particularly the invention pertains to an apparatus for use in detecting defects in ammunition belts for automatic and semiautomatic designers to the perfection of ammunition belts and feeding mechanisms for weapons of this type and in the main several satisfactory types of ammunition belts have been developed, one of which is of the disintegrating type consisting of i a series of similar belt links articulately inter connected by the cartridges. In the use of such a belt in a machine gun, for example, the cartridges are fed into the gun in a path normal to the bore of the gun and the cartridges are successively fired and the cases extracted during a normal cycle interrupted only by the necessity for inserting a new belt.

Experience has shown however that ammunition belts of most any type are subject to the occurrence of several defects in the components thereof, such as, for example, misalignment of cartridges; that is to say, certain of the cartridges may be inserted into the belt so that the nose and base portions thereof project laterally at varying distances from the opposite sides respectively of the series of interconnected belt links. Likewise, the links themselves may be distorted, misaligned or otherwise defective. The same misalignment and distortion will also occur in a belt of the continuous flexible type, that is, in a belt that is not disintegrating but in which a long, flexible weblike element is slitted or otherwise formed to receive cartridges. Although the necessary precautions are taken in the manufacture and assembly of ammunition belts, it has been found that considerable misalignment between the cartridges and belt body and distortion of the belt body or portions or links thereof occurs in the period between the assembly of the belt and the actual use thereof. This is particularly true in instances in which the assembled ammunition belts are transported for great distances and stored for substantial periods under varying circumstances in-- volving rough handling and varying climatic conditions. In such cases, it becomes necessary that using troops recheck the belts before firing.

It is accordingly a principal object of the present invention to provide a simple and efiicient apparatus, preferably portable, that may be utilized in forward combat areas by the using troops for the purpose of reconditioning ammunition belts so that defects therein may be eliminated before firing.

It is an important object of the invention to provide an apparatus of this type in which the ammunition belt may be fed through gage means so that defects of misalignment, distortion and the like may be detected, and to include in the apparatus means for extractin and removing cartridges from the portion or component of the belt determined by the gaging means to be defective.

It is another important object of the invention to provide driving means for feeding the cartridges into the gaging means and to incorpo-' rate in the driving means control mechanism responsive to the detection of a defective component in the belt for disconnecting the feeding means and for setting into operation means for extracting the necessary cartridge or cartridges.

The invention has for another object the provision of simple control mechanism, preferably electrically operated, which is actuated by the gaging means upon the detection of a defect in the belt and to associate with the control mechanism positive means for continuing operation of the mechanism even though the electrical circuit is interrupted by the absence of a defect in a subsequent portion of the ammunition belt.

Another object of the invention is the provision of means in the driving mechanism constructed and arranged to provide for the operation of such mechanism in predetermined cycles so that the functioning of the feeding means and extracting means are related in a definite cycle of operation, for the purpose of disconnecting the feeding means while the extracting means is operating and to reconnect the feeding means after the extracting operation is completed.

Still other objects of the invention are to provide means for guiding the belt into the gage means so that the desired relationship between the cartridges and belt or belt links may be properly gaged; to provide gage means including gaging elements that may be easily removed for adjustment or replacement without disturbing other elements of the apparatus; and to provide generally an apparatus of lightweight construction that may be easily and quickly assembled and disassembled and transported from one location to another.

Briefly and specifically the foregoing and other objects are achieved in one preferred form of the invention by the provision of apparatus including a support over which an ammunition belt may be fed through gaging means that operate to detect misalignment between the cartridges and body of the belt. The apparatus further includes means for extracting cartridges from the portion of the belt determined to be misaligned or otherwise defective. In the use of the apparatus with an ammunition belt of the disintegrating type the extracting means is arranged to extract a pair of adjacent cartridges so that the defective link may be removed from the belt series. Upon the detection of a defect in a belt link or other portion of the belt, the gage means operates to close an electrical circuit to a first solenoid which in turn closes a second circuit to a second solenoid for the purpose of controlling the drive means so that operation of the belt-feeding means is interrupted and operation of the cartridge-extracting means is established. A secondary actuating means is provided in conjunction with the first solenoid so that the second circuit remains closed even though the first circuit is broken because of the absence of a defect in a subsequent or portion of the belt link and so that the time lag between the detection of a defective link and the beginning of the cycle of extraction does not preclude the stopping of the feeding mechanism. The extracting mechanism is so arranged that the cartridges are extracted or withdrawn and caused to retain positions corresponding to their original positions in the belt so that the cartridges may be ejected or deposited in such a manner that they may be easily collected and used again, if not defective, in the same belt or in other ammunition belts of the same type.

A complete understanding of theconstruction and operation of the invention and the various features thereof may be had from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying sheets of drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of the apparatus;

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1, the illustration being on a somewhat enlarged scale and being partly in section as viewed along the line 22 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an end elevation of the apparatus shown in Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 4 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially on the line 44 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a horizontal sectional view, on an enlarged scale, of the driving means for the feeding mechanism and extracting mechanism, the view being taken substantially along the line 55 of Fi 2;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary View on an enlarged scale showing the driving head and feed pawl of the feeding mechanism;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged detailed view showing the timing, or clutch wheel;

Fig; 8 is an enlarged transverse sectional view illustrating a preferred f orm'of belt gaging means,

the view being taken substantially on the line 8-8 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic illustration of the electrical circuits involved in the control mechanism and the association thereof with the various control components; the latter being likewise i1- lustrated diagrammatically, both as to structure and relative location;

Fig. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view taken substantiallyon the line lill0 of Fig. 4 and showing the spring mounting of the cartridge nose guide;

Fig. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view taken substantially on the line lI--H of Fig. 4 and showing the construction of the lower extractor jaw; and

Fig. 12 is an end elevational View of the timing, rockshaft and yoke structure, with the gear casing illustrated in phantom.

Figures 13 and 14 are respectively an elevational and a plan view, illustrating in detail the connection for operating the control arm.

The supporting structure is preferably built'up of a plurality of castings, rigidly connected toe gether and provided with suitable supports, and a trough 01' channel on which the beltmay be supported and fed through the gaging means. best shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, the supporting structure includes a first casting 20 having a rear flange 2 I, (right hand as viewed in Figs. 1 and 2) formed generally as a U having opposite, vertical leg portions Zia. and 2 lb, against which is abutted the forward portion of a longitudinally extending channel or trough 22. As shown in Fig. 3, the cross section of the channel 22 is coincident with the inner edges of the U-shaped flange 2| and both are shaped to conform to the cartridges of an ammunition belt to be carried thereby and to pass there through. A vertical leg 23 is rigidly but removably secured to this structure at the junction of the flange portion 21a and channel 22. A similar leg 24 is provided at the other side of the casting and trough and is secured to the flange portion Mb. The troughor channel 22 is extended a suitable distance rearwardly and is supported at its rear end by a pair of legs (not shown) similar to the legs 23 and 24. The length or extent of the trough 22 depends upon the length of the ammunition belt to be supported and this of course may vary according to circumstances.

The casting or housing 20 is provided with a front flange 25, also formed generally as a U having opposite, vertical flanged legs 25a. and 251) (Fig. 1), that parallels and is aligned with the rear flange 2| and that serves as meansfor mounting a second hollow casting structure 26, the interior construction of which will be described below. This casting 26 has an apertured, transverse rear flange 2?, rigidly but removably secured to the flange 25 of the casting 20' (Fig. 1), and a parallel front edge portion 28 against which is abutted the rear face of a trough or channel 29 similar to the trough 22. The rear end of the trough 29 and each of the opposite sides of the edge portion 28 form junctions which respectively receive the upper ends of a pair of supporting legs 30, preferably of the type previously described. The front edge portion 28, trough 29 and legs 3 are rigidly but removably secured together. The relationship between the two troughs 22 and 29, the two castings 2G and EEand the legs 23, 24 and 30 is such as to provide, when assembled, a rigid 'unitary structure. It will be noted that these parts may be easily and quickly disassembled forrepair or-replacement or for easy-transportthereof.-

The housing 26 is provided at one side thereof with a vertical flange 3| that parallels the main axis of the trough 22 (Fig. 1). This flange is secured to a complementary flange 32 formed on a third casting 33. The casting 33 has its main body portion extending at right angles to the previously described structure and has its free end provided with a transverse supporting member 34 carried at its opposite sides by the upper ends of'a pair of legs 35 similar to the legs 23, Z4 and 36 previously described (Fig. 1). The side of the casting 25 opposite the flange 31 is provided with an integral longitudinal supporting portion 36 provided with upper and lower horizontally extending flanges 31 between which is supported and rigidly secured, as by bolts 33, a casting or bracket 33. This bracket is preferably in the form of a casting having opposite vertical flanges fill to which are rigidly secured the upper ends of a pair of supporting legs 4|. The front (left hand side, Fig. 1) of the Vertical flange 32 on the casting 33 includes a secondary flange 42 that is in transverse alignment with the front edge 28 of the casting 25 and that is secured to the proximate supporting leg 30; a similar flange 43, transversely aligned with the secondary flange 42, is formed on the front end of the longitudinal supporting portion 38 and is secured to the other leg 33. The other or rear side of said vertical flange 32 has formed thereon a secondary flange 44 (Figs. 1 and 2), which is secured to the front flange leg 25a of the casting 2!]. The rear end of the longitudinal supporting portion 3-6 is formed with a flange 43a (Fig. 1), which is located at the side of the flange 27 opposite and in transverse alignment with the secondary flange 44 at the rear of the flange 32 on the casting 33. This flange 63a is secured to the other flange leg 25b of the casting 20. The relationship between the castings 25, 33 and $3 and the legs 35 and 4| is such that the parts may be easily and quickly disassembled, and this structure, in conjunction with the casting 28 and legs 23 and 30, forms a unitary organization when assembled.

As best shown in Fig. 3, the housing 28 is provided with a belt supporting tray or trough portion 45 generally shaped to conform to a cartridge lying on its side. It will be noted also from this figure that the bottom of the trough or channel 22 is coincident with the bottom of the tray portion 45. The ammunition belt, when supported on the trough 22, is thus properly fed and guided over the tray 45 and to the gage means to be presently described.

The housing 26 is preferably formed of separabie upper and lower halves 56 and 41 (Fig. 4) and the interior of the composite casting 25 formed thereby includes at one side thereof horizontally disposed guide portions 48 spaced vertically apart and shaped to receive the base ends of cartridge cases of cartridges in the belt. Similarly spaced apart portions 59 are provided at the opposite sides of the casting halves 55 and l! and serve as an opening through which the nose portions of the cartridges pass as the belt is fed through the casting 26. The upper surfaces of the lower portions 58 and 59 are in effect extensions of the bottom of the tray 55. The longitudinal vertical portion at one side of the tray 45 in the casting 26 provides a longitudinal guide 50 against which the rims of the cartridges may seat, (Figs. 1 and 3). This guide cooperates with the trough 22 (left-hand side as viewed in Fig. 3), the lower portion of the tray 45, and with the guide portions 48 and 49 to guide the ammunition belt in its travel through the apparatus.

As best shown in Fig. 4, the supporting portion 35 of the casting 25 has slidably mounted between the vertically spaced apart horizontal flanges 31 thereof a longitudinally extending guide 5| (Fig. 10) having its inner face cut out to provide a longitudinal groove 52 in which the nose portions of the cartridges may seat. The member 5| is formed with two pairs of integral upper and lower ears 53 each of which receives a vertical pin 54 which serves to connect the member 5| to a pair of rods 55 mounted in bores in the bracket 39. As best shown in Fig. 10, each rod 55 is provided at its free end outside of the bracket 39 with stop means 56 in the form of a nut and washer. The bores in the bracket 39 are enlarged and each houses a compression spring 5? the function of which is to urge the guide member 5! into engagement with the nose portions of the cartridges. This arrangement provides spring-pressed means serving to seat the rear portions of the cartridges firmly against an extension of the guide 50, as will hereinafter appear.

As best shown in Fig. 1, the casting 33 is of elongated structure having opposite, parallel side rails 65 delineating an elongated opening 6|. The side rails 65 serve to support slidably thereon a reciprocable extracting element 52. This element is provided with a guide 63 (Fig. 11) that extends parallel to the path of travel of the ammunition belt and that is further aligned with and in effect forms an extension of the longitudinal guide wall 53 in the casting 20, (Fig. 4). The guide 63, like the guide wall 50, serves as means against which the rims of the cartridges may seat. The spring-pressed member 5| serves to seat the cartridges firmly and accurately against the guide 53.

The extracting element 62 has pivoted thereon upper and lower jaws 34 and 65, each of which has its forward portion formed to engage the extracting groove of a cartridge. In the present instance the jaws 64 and 55 are of sufficient transverse extent to provide for the gripping of a pair of adjacent cartridges (Fig. 11). The jaws are respectively pivoted on pins 56 and 51 each of which carries a torsion spring 58 providing resilient means for urging the jaws into gripping relation with the extracting grooves of a pair of adjacent cartridges. The extracting element 62 has formed thereon at its under side a pair of depending ears 69 which carry a transverse pin 70 for pivotally connecting to the ears a pair of reciprocating links 1| by means of which the extracting element 62 may be reciprocated on the slide rails 63 of the casting 33. The driving means for reciprocating the links H will be described below in connection with the description of the driving mechanism for feeding the ammunition belt.

The rear portion of the casting 33 includes a stop member 12 against which the rear portions of the jaws E i and 65 may abut. This action effects separation of the gripping portions of the jaws and permits the cartridges to be dropped downwardly through the opening 6| in the casting 33. The gripping portion of the lower jaw 65 is provided with a forward extension '|3 that is adapted to project along and under the base portion of the cartridges. This extension serves to support the cartridges during the extracting operation so that the cartridges are held in a horizontal position corresponding to the former positions thereof in: the "belt. so" that, uponrelease of. the-jaws by the-stoplz, the cartridges may -drop in a generally-horizontal position through the opening 6I- and be. so deposited as tobe easily and quickly. collected andused again. The upper jaw 64 has a .pair of transversely spaced, rearwardly directed tail portions 14; and the lower jaw 55 has but a single tails When'the jaws portion 'lfi-(Figs. 2, i and 11). 64 and 65' are separated upon abutting-the stop I2, the tail '!5 on the jaw 65 'may move between the two tail portions M on the jaw 64,- thus providing formaximum separation of the jaws.v

The housing 28 is provided with a pair of upstanding bracket portions l9 carrying at their upper ends a. transverse rockshaft 88 on which is keyed a depending arm 8!. The lower portions of the brackets 19 attheir junctions with the main. body portion of the casting 20, are respectively provided with integral longitudinal keys 82 (Fig. 3), which serve to carry for re-- ciprocation thereon a driving head 83 having at itszopposite-sides keyways sli-dably engaging thekeys 82. The lower portion of the depending arm 8| is formed with a transverse, vertically elongated opening 84- in which is carried'a transverse pivot pin 85 (Fig. 6) to which is pivotally connected a lug 88 adjustabl secured to the driving head 83 by means of a slot 8'! in the lug (Figs. 1 and 6) and a bolt 88-passed therethrough and through the driving head 83. The

the flange 89 and serve, in con-junction withthe slot 37 and bolt 83, as. means'by which thedriving head 83 and lug SG'may be adjusted along the line of reciprocation of the parts. The driving head further includes, preferably integrally therewith, a pair of forwardly extending ears 92 which carry a transverse pivot pin 93 on which is pivotally-mounted a feeding pawl 94; (Fig. 6). The lower portion of the pawl is adapted to engage links in the belt as the driving head is reciprocated to feed the ammunition belt. The upper portion of the pawl is engaged by a spring-pressed plunger 95 carried between the flange 89 and a drilled parallel flange 95.

formed on the driving head 83 adjacent the pawl 94. The transverse rockshaft 89 at the upper ends of the brackets 79 on the casting 28 is extended at one end and has keyed thereto the upper end of a driving arm 9?. This arm is reciprocated by driving mechanism the details of which will be set forth in connection with the description of the driving of the extracting mechanism.

Fig. 8 illustrates a portion of an ammunition belt of the disintegrating type in which 'a series of like belt links i813, preferably formed of metal or other suitable material, are articulately interconnected by cartridges. Each link includes a pair of spaced,'coaxial, cartridge-gripping loops l0! and an integral, single connecting loop, I02

formed about an axis paralleling the axis of the loops [0i and extending from the link body in substantial alignment with the space between the loops l0! so that it interfits with the space be tween the loops I0! of an adjacent link (Figs. 1, 3 and 4). A cartridge passes through the spaced loops H)! of one link and through the single loop lllfoiv an adjacent link and serves as a pivot 8 or pintle. :for articulately, connecting .adjacent links?- As-previously mentioned, it is vital inlthe ass sembly of.-the completedbelt that the cartridges andlinks be properly aligned with the respectto the main axis of the .body of the. belt. In other.v words, .all the cartridges must be inserted in the links so. that. the. base portions ofv the cartridges project thesamedistance at one side of. the series.

.of. .links I08, It is-also. important. that the nose portions. of the cartridges project uniformly from the. opposite side. of thebelt links. Still-further, it.tis...impor tant -.that..the transverse dimension between pposite sides of the spaced loops I02 of each belt. link I00 be maintained within rather close. tolerances... For the purpose of the present disclosure, this latter dimension is indicated at- A. in Fig. 1. The distance. 78 in Fig. 1 represents the distance between aline containing the front sides-or edges of the front loops. I02- of the series of links and the line on which the rims 0r.

bases of all cartridges should lie. It is an important function of the apparatus constructed according to the present-invention to check or gage ammunition belts for the purpose of determining that the. dimensions A and B, among others, are withinthe limits of the prescribed tolerances and toy remove from the belt any link or links that do not meet the specifications.

Itwill be readily seen that these dimensions. aresubject tovariance because of the conditions.

incident to the handling and storage of the ammunition belts. For example, excessively rough handling, ofthe containers in which the belts are shipped or, transported is likely to resultin axial displacement of certain of the cartridges with respect to the links. Also, climatic conditions may result in contraction or expansion of the links, either of which conditions normally causes distortion of the links, particularly because of thefact that. the links are composed of metal or other material that differsfrom the metal of the cartridge case, Experience has shown that relatively slight misalignment of cartridges or distortion of links may result in serious stoppages in weaponsin'which'the belt is being used. It is proposed by the present invention to provide apparatus by means of 'whichthe belt links may be-rechecked ashort time before firing so that there is eliminated or'reduced to a minimum the possibility that stoppage may occur as a result oi: failure of thexweapon to feed because of a defective cartridgebelt.

For the-purpose of checking the dimensions A and B as previously described, the apparatusherein'set forth is'provided with gage means between whichthe ammunition belt is fed. As set forth above, the casting 26 is preferably formed of. upper'andlower halves 46 and; 41. As

best.sho-wn/in-FigA, the upper half is provided atitsitop with an opening H0 closed by a removable-cover Ill. The casting half 41' is provided at its bottom with a similar opening II2 closed by -a removable cover H3. Each cover element It! and H3 is rigidly attached to parts ABu-and 41 respectively, of casting. 26, by means of bolts not shown, and-serves to mount a gaging element 1 14, there beingan upper and a lower element. for the purpose of checking both upper andlower-portions of the ammunition .belt links.

Asfishown in.Figs. 4 and 8, each gage element 1 M-com-prises a. main-body portion having a pair. of. age-members! l5 spaced apart in a direction, axially of the. cartridge, Each gage. element. I I4 is supportedfrom its respective supporting cover.

II I or II3 by means of a pair of spaced, fiat steel springs I I0. The spacing between the inner portions of the gage members II5 on the gaging elements H4 is set at the dimension A (Fig. 1) and the gage members are so positioned as to be enabled to detect any lateral or transverse distortion or displacement of the links I00. The front gage member of each element I I4 is spaced from the guide 50 a distance equal to the distance B (Fig. 1). The spring mounting of the gaging elements permits shifting thereof in accordance with the detection of distortion, displacement or other defects in the links.

Shifting of either gaging element in response to the detection of defects in the ammunition belt is utilized to effect the operation of actuating and control mechanism for discontinuing the operation of the feeding mechanism and for initiating operation of the extracting mechanism. According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention herein described, the actuating and control mechanism combines the use of electrical circuits and mechanical means in such a manner that the control of the feeding and extracting mechanisms is simple and positive.

Each of the portions 49 in the casting 26 carries a transverse pivot pin I on which is pivotally mounted a control or switch arm I2I (Fig. 4). The portion of the arm within the casting 26 is provided with a pair of control pins I22 spaced apart on an extended diameter of the pivot pin I20. Each gaging element I I 4 carries an operating finger I23 that is preferably formed as a T having the crossbar thereof engageable with the control pins I22 on the control arm I2I. The

arrangement is such that shifting of the gaging element in either direction will serve to rock the control arm I2I in a counterclockwise direction. A compression spring I24 is engaged between each control arm I El and a proximate portion of the supporting portion 36 of the flanges 31. The force available from the spring I24 is sufiicient only to maintain the control arm I2I in its neutral position and is not sumcient to cause misalignment or displacement of either gaging element in either direction. The bracket 39 carries upper and lower supporting members I25 each of which in turn carries an electrical switch I25. Each switch includes an operating plunger I21 normally engageable with an adjustable stud I 28 on the control arm I2 I. The arrangement is such that rocking of either of the control arms I2! in response to shifting of either gage element H4 will effect closing of electrical contacts in the respective switch I25. Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic illustration of the electrical circuit which includes the switches I25 and other components to be presently described.

As best shown in Fig. 4, the upper portion of the casting 25 carries therein a rockshaft I 30 disposed on an axis transverse to the axes of the cartridges in the ammunition belt. This rockshaft has keyed thereto an upwardly extending switch arm I3I normally spring-pressed in a clockwise direction by a spring and plunger assembly I 32 connected between the arm and a bracket I mounted on the upper cover III of the casting 25. The upper portion of the casting 33 adjacent its connection with the casting fit is formed with a transverse bracket I34, which is spaced above the extracting slides it and which carries electrically-energizable device such as a solenoid I35. The plunger of this solenoid is extendable to engage the switch arm I 3| The upper cover III of the casting 25 is further provided with a bracket I36 (Fig. 1) which supports an electrical switch I31 having its plunger I 38 in position to be engaged by the switch arm I3I as that arm is rocked in a counterclockwise direction by action of the solenoid I35. The solenoid I is connected to both switches I26 so that actuation of either switch serves to energize the solenoid and consequently, through the solenoid plunger and arm I3I, to actuate the switch I31 and to close the circuit therethrough (Fig. 9).

The rockshaft I30 on which the swinging arm I-iI is mounted, has keyed thereto a lever I40 which extends rearwardly above and parallel to the extractor element 62 (Figs. 2 and 4). The free end of the lever is provided with a pair of depending ears I l-I which carry a transverse pin I42 on which is mounted a pair of spaced, aligned pawls or catches I43, each of which is tensioned by a torsion spring I44 for pivoting in a counterclockwise direction. An upper portion of the extracting element 62 is provided with an integral transverse bar or lug I45 and, in the normal position of the lever I40 and pawls I43, a lower arm I40 on each pawl engages the front edge of the lug or bar I45 on the extractor element. Stated otherwise, the pawls are cooked by the lug I45 when theextractor 62 is in its initial position. When either of the switches I26 is actuated to energize the solenoid I35 for rocking of the rockshaft I30 and swinging of the switch arm I3I, the lever I40 is swung upwardly and the arms I 46 of the pawls I43 are released from the front edge of the lug I45 on the extractor element 62. The lever I40 is provided with stop lugs I41 which limit movement of the pawls I43 to positions in which the arms I46 engage the upper surface of the lug I45 and extend vertically between the lug and the lever I40, thus maintaining the actuated position of the switch arm I31. As will be hereinafter more clearly brought out, the pawls I43 are cocked and the lever I40 restored to its original position after completion of the extraction cycle. I

The switch I31 is electrically connected to control means for controlling the operation of the driving mechanism for the feeding means and the extracting means. As best shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the lower portion of the casting 20 is provided with a horizontal flange I50 which serves as means for mounting a gear casing or housing I5I, the casing being provided with a complementary flange I52 rigidly but removably secured to the flange I 50 on the casting 20. The gear casing is preferably formed of upper and lower halves removably secured together and forming axially aligned bearings I53 and I54 for the journaling of a driving shaft I55 (Fig. 5). This shaft extends beyond the bearing I54 and is connected by a suitable coupling I56 to any suitable source of power, herein indicated as an electric motor I51.

As shown in Fig. 5, the shaft I55 is provided intermediate its ends with a splined portion I58 which carries thereon an axially shiftable clutch member I59 operable by means of a shifter yoke I60 of conventional construction. The shifter yoke is keyed to a rockshaft IiiI journaled in an upper portion of the casing I51! on an axis at right angles to the axis of rotation of the driving shaft I55 (Fig. 12). The exterior of the housing I5I has secured thereto a bracket I62 (Fig. 2) on which is mounted a second electrically-energizable device such as a solenoid I63. This solenoid is connected in an electrical circuit closed by actuation of the switch means I31 and includes a plunger engageable with an arm or rlever Hill-keyed to the outer end of the rockshaft 25 i It will be seen that actuation of the solenoid by closing of the switch means 131 results in rock- .ing of the rockshait .15l and thus shifts the clutch member 158 on the spline 158 of the driving shaft 155. The shaft 155 "has 'journaled thereon at one side of thejclutch member 159 a first driven member I65 which "is provided with clutch teeth engageable with the clutch teeth at the proximate end of the clutch member 159. The

. to the axis of the shaft 155and journaled atone end in a bearing 1'69 in'a wall of the casing 151 and atyits other end in a bearing 110' formed at an interior portion of "the casing 15!. The shaft 168 has keyed thereto intermediate the bearings l5!) and 115 a, pinion 11! which is in constant mesh with a gear 112 keyed to a crankshaft 113 which parallels the short shaft 158 and isjour- .naled. in the side wall of the housing "151 that carries the bearing 169. The crankshaft I-lthas keyed thereto outside the housing l51- a crank 114. A longitudinallyslotted connecting arm 115 .has its upper end bifurcated to provide a pair of split ears 1'16 which are connected=by pivot pins ill to the forward ends of the reciprocating links 11' for the extractor element '62 (Fig. 4). A depending "bracket 1-18 is rigidly carried at its upper 'end by the gear-casing 151 and is provided at its lower end with a pivot 1'19 that mountsthe lower "endof the connecting arm H5. The crank pin of the-crank 1'14 carries a slide block i140, which 'connects'the crank 114 to the arm 115 by -means i of the slot 'in. the latter, thus providing for transforming the rotationalmotion or thecrank arm 174 into oscillatory motion of the arm 1 15.

As further shown in- Fig:- 5,-the clutch member 159 is normally positioned out of driving engage- 'ment' withthe 'dri-ven-member 165 and is in driv- '"ing engagement "with i a second =driven' member "180" which is .j-ournaled-in the bearing I53 and which-servesto journal the end of the shaft 155. Itwillbe'understood of course that the proximate ends of the clutch-member 1*59 andsecond driven anember 18oareprovided with complementary engageable teeth. The outer end of the driven "member -"180-is formed as a sleeve which extends "outside the housing 151 and which has keyed thereto a crank 181 to a crankpin 182 of which is connected the lower endof the oscillating arm 91, which, as previously described, effects recipro- "cation of the driving head-84 of thefeeding means for the ammunition belt.

' As previously stated, it isan=important object of'the present invention to "provide means associated with the driving means for timing the .;driving of the feeding mechanism and extracting mechanism so that the feeding and extractingfunctions will-be alternately performed; that is to say; so that the extracting mechanism is inoperable while the feeding mechanism is operating and so that-the extracting mechanism is setinto'operation when the drive to the feeding mechanism isinterrupted. For this purpose the crankshaft '1 13 has keyed thereto, at its end within the housing "551 and adjacent the gear 1'12,- a-circular rotatable member 185 which, as

"-best 'shown in Figi'l has its circular periphery "interrupted by a notch 185. "The rockshaft 151 has-keyed 'theretowithin the housing. 151- a de- .the arm. S31" and an eyebolt 192 carried by an intermediate :wall portion of the gear casing 151.

The spring'H-H is comparatively powerful and exerts a force tending to maintain. engagement between the lugs 188 and the arm 18? and the notch 186 in the rotatable element or wheel 185. It will be noted that the rocker arm 181 and the solenoid-actuated arm i5 8, are on the same rock- -shait '15! '(Fig. 12) and that upward swinging -of the arm [5-5 resu1ts'in swinging of therarm 87 in a counterclockwise direction so that the lugs its are disengaged from the notch 186: the Wheel 1535 is thus-rotated, since the'rockingof the shaft 152' simultaneously results in shifting the clutch-member 1'53 out of engagementwith the feed-mechanism driven member 80 and'into driving engagement with the extractor-mechanism driven member 155. The roller 53 rides on the. periphery of the wheel 185 until the wheel completes one revolution, after-which the spring l9! returns the arm to its original position so that the lugs 188 again engage in the notch 185.

In the operation of the preferred form of the invention herein illustrated and described, an ammunition belt, preferably consisting of the links 1% articulately interconnected by the cartridges, is placed in the channel or trough 22 and the leading portion of the belt is fed into the opening 45 in the'first casting 25. The bases or rims of the cartridges will be properly seatedagainst the longitudinal guiding wall '50 because of the shape of the trough 22. The feeding pawl 94 is engaged with the leading belt link and thedriving motor started to drive the shaft I55, which through the spline i553, clutch member T59 and feed-mechanism driven member 18% rotates the crank 181', thereby efiecting oscillation of the arm 81 and reciprocation of the feed-mechanism'driving head 85 tofeed the belt through theopening 4-5 and subsequently through the gaging e'lements 1 14. As the belt is fed through-the gaging these defects will be immediately detected-ordetermined by the gage portions 1 15. It is immaterial whether the defect in the belt be in an upper or lower portion or at either side thereof, since, as previously pointed out, the arrangement of the gage means is such as to check any of these portions of the belt, and the mounting of the gaging elements on the spring members 116 is such that movement thereof in either direction will effect actuation of the respective switch to close the circuit to the first solenoid 135. The switches 126 are preferably of the type known as Micro switches which, as is well known to those skilled in the art are relatively sensitive. There- 'fore, slight movement of either gage element in arm I3I and lever I40 are mounted, serves to release the lower arms I46 of the cocked pawls I43 from the bar or lug I45 on the extractor 52 so that the pawl arms I48 swing about under tension of the springs IM and engage the upper surface of the lug or bar I 45 on the extractor element 62. This action results in maintaining the switch arm I3I in position closing the switch I31, and the circuit to the solenoid I83 remains closed even though the circuit to the solenoid I35 is broken since the switch arm is held by the lever I40 and pawls I43. The circumstance in which this circuit could be otherwise broken would possibly occur if the particular defect in the link were comparatively slight so that the feeding mechanism, in the time lag between detection of the defect and interruption of the drive to said feeding mechanism might tend to continue feeding the belt, with the result that the defective portion of the link might be moved past the gaging means and slightly out of reach of the gaging portions I I5. In that event, the feeding mechanism would continue to feed the belt and extraction of the necessary cartridges would not occur and, consequently, the defective link would not be removed. However, since the released pawls I43 swing the lever I40 upwardly and maintain the switch arm I3I in contact with the plunger I38 of the switch I37, completion of the circuit to the solenoid IE3 is assured. In this manner, positive control means is provided for disconnecting operation of the feeding mechanism and for establishing operation of the extracting mechanism.

Energizing of the solenoid I53 causes extension of the plunger thereof into engagement with the arm I64 on the rockshaft IGI in the housing or gear casing I5l. Rocking of the shaft IS! in a counterclockwise direction serves, by means of the yoke I68, to shift the clutch member I59 out of engagement with the feed-mechanism driven member I 80 and into engagement with the extracting-mechanism driven member I65. At the same time, the rocker arm I8! is swung so that the lugs I88 thereon are disengaged from the notch I86 in the wheel I85. Engagement of the clutch member I59 with the extracting mechanism driven member I65 drives the gear I12 and wheel I85 by means of the bevel pinions I66 and I51, shaft I In and pinion Ill, thus rotating the crankshaft I13 and crank arm I'M. Rotation of the crank I'M effects oscillation of the extracting-mechanism swinging arm I75, which, by means of the links ll and pins 1!) and I'll moves the extracting element 82 rearwardly and then forwardly on the extractor slides BI on the casting 33. In the normal position of the extractor jaws 64 and 65, the gripping portions thereof will be associated with the guiding portion of the guide 63 so that the cartridges may pass therethrough; that is, the gripping portions of the jaws 64 and 55 provide projections through which the extracting grooves of the cartridges will pass in the absence of the detection of any defects in the ammunition belt (Fig. 4) Upon actuation of the solenoid I63 to discontinue operation of the feeding mechanism and to establish operation of the extracting mechanism, rearward movement of the extracting element 62 efiects extraction of a pair of adjacent cartridges. An examination of the belt shown in Fig. 1 will indicate that the extraction of two adjacent cartridges is necessary to free a link from the belt assembly.

During rearward travel of the extracting element B2 in the first half of the extraction cycle, the extracted cartridges are supported substantially horizontally, this result being achieved by the projecting supporting portion I3 at the forward end of the lower jaw 65 (Fig. 4). At the end of the rearward stroke of the extractor element 62, the rearward portions of the laws 64 and E5 strike the stop I2 and the jaws are spread apart and the cartridges are allowed to drop downwardly through the lower opening 6| in the casting 33. The ejection of the cartridges is such that the cartridges are substantially horizontal as they drop downwardly below the apparatus. In the event that the cartridges are permitted to drop directly to the ground or floor beneath the apparatus, the disposition thereof will be orderly and such as will facilitate collection thereof for subsequent use. If it is desired, a collecting means or conveyor or other suitable device may be associated with the apparatus for the purpose of gathering or carrying away the ejected cartridges.

As the extractor element 62 moves rearwardly, the lug M5 thereon is moved out from under the arms MB on the pawls I43 on the lever I40 and the lever I40 is permitted to return to its initial position, return movement thereof being effected by action of the spring I 32 against the switch arm I3I. In the event that the circuit to the solenoid 435 has been broken, return action of the switch arm ISI is unopposed. On the other hand,

if the solenoid I35 is still energized because either of the switches I26 is closed, the switch arm I3I will not return to its initial position. However, failure of the switch arm to return is immaterial, since it can have no effect on the operation of 35 the driving mechanism in the gear casing I5I, for

the reason that the clutch member I59 has already been shifted into engagement with the extracting-rnechanism driven member I 65 which, as aforesaid, causes rotation of the wheel I85.

goAs previously set forth, the lugs I88 and roller I90 on the rocker arm I8? are disengaged from the notch I85 in the wheel I85 and, during rotation of the Wheel I 85, the roller I933 rides on the periphery thereof. Consequently, even though the circuit to the solenoid I63 is broken, the relationship between the arm I8! and the wheel I85 prevents reverse rocking of the rockshaft I6I, and shifting of the clutch member I59 out of engagement with the extracting-mechanism driven member I65 is prevented until the wheel I85 has made one complete rotation. As the wheel I 85 rotates, the extraction cycle is being performed;

this cycle Will be completed simultaneously with the completion of one revolution by the wheel I and the spring IQI, in continuous tension against the arm I81, will return the arm to its initial position \so that the lugs I88 again engage the notch I86 in the wheel I85. At the same time return action of the arm I31 will rock the rockshaft IEI in a clockwise direction so that the yoke ISI! shifts the clutch member I59 out of engagement with the extracting-mechanism driven member I55 and back into engagement with the feed-mechanism driven member IBII. The normal starting phase of the apparatus includes engagement of the clutch member With the feedmechanism driven member I80, since, unless the solenoid I63 is energized, the spring I9I will maintain the arm I87 in that position in which the lugs I88 on the arm engage the notch I86 in the wheel I35.

It will be seen from the foregoing description that the above enumerated and other objects of the invention are completely achieved by the preferred form of the inventionherein illustrated.

repairs and adjustments.

firing thereof. The apparatus is constructed of a minimum number of components or units that are easily and readily assembled and disassem- "b-led so that the apparatus may be quickly transported from one location to another. This construction likewise lends itself to facilitating of gaging elements I it, being carried by the removable covers Hi and H3, are easily disassembled :from the apparatus for adjustment, repair orreplacement.

The combination of the electrical circuits and the mechanical cocked pawl l4! and one-revolution timer Wheel i255 is such that adequate control is had over the functioning of the feeding and extracting mechanisms.

Other features of the invention will undoubtedly occur to those skilled in the art. Likewise, the foregoing description and illustration will suggest several modifications and alterations in the preferred form of the invention set forth, all of -which may be made Without departing from the, "spirit: and scope of the invention a set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is: 1. Apparatus for the detection of defective components in:an ammunitionbelt of the type consisting of a series of like belt links articulately interconnected by cartridges, comp-rising beltfeedingmechanism including supporting means for such-belt, gaging means arranged to detect a defective component in the belt, mechanism for ,1; 1' extracting a pair of cartridges from the component determined to be defective, driving mechanism for said feeding mechanism and for said extracting mechanism and including a driving element, a first driven element arranged to dIlVB said feeding mechanism, a second driven element arranged to drive said extracting mechanism, clutch means shiftable between said driven elements -:and selectively positionable to connect either driven element to said driving element, a-

rockable control member, means on said control member connected to said clutch means for shifting said clutch means upon rocking of said control member, means operably connected between said control member and said gaging means and operable in response to detection of a defective component by said gaging means to rock said control member for shifting said clutch means from said first drive element to said second driven element, and timing means connected to said controlmember and'operable in response to predetermined operation of said extracting mechanism to rock said control member for re-shifting said clutchmeans from said second driven ele- -ment to said first driven element.

2..Apparatus for the detection of defective component in an ammunition belt of the type consisting of a series of like belt links articulately interconnected by cartridges, comprising beltfeeding mechanism including supporting means for such belt, gaging means arranged to detect a defective component in the belt, mechanism for extractin a pair of cartridges from the component determined to be defective, driving mechanism for-said feeding mechanism and for said extracting mechanism and including connectible and disconnectible drive means for each mech- 1 anism, control means arranging said drive means ISO thatinormally. said feeding mechanism is con- .ztnectediordriying andtheldrive to said extracting Furthermore, the 2 means such as the means and operable in response to completion of extraction by said extracting means to actuate control means for disconnecting said extracting mechanism drive means and connecting said feeding mechanism drive means.

3. Apparatus for the detection of defective components in an ammunition belt of the type consisting of a series of like belt links articulately interconnected by cartridges, comprising beltfeeding mechanism including supporting means for such belt, gaging means arranged to detect a defective component in the belt, mechanism for extractin a pair of cartridges from the component determined to be defective, driving mechanism for said feeding mechanism and for said extracting mechanism and including a driving element, a first driven element arranged to drive said feeding mechanism, a second driven element arranged to drive said extracting mechanism, a connecting element selectively connectible and disconnectible between the driving element and either of said driven elements and normally connected to said first driven element, means connected between said connecting element and said gaging means and operable in response to detection by said gaging means of a defective component to disconnect said connecting element from said first driven element and to connect said connecting element to said second drive element, and means connected between said control means and said second driven element and operable in response to predetermined movementof the latter to disconnect said connecting element from said second driven element and to connect said connecting element to said first driven element.

4. Apparatus for the detection of defective components in an ammunition belt of the type consisting of a series of like belt links articulately interconnected by cartridges, comprising a support for such belt, means for feeding the belt across said support, gage means associated with said su port and arranged to detect defective components of the belt, disconnectible means for driving said feeding means, means operably connected between said gage means and said drive means for said feedin means and responsive to the detection of a defective component in the belt to disconnect said drive means, means for extracting a pair of cartridges from a component determined by said gage means to be defective, connectible drive means for said extracting means, and means responsive to the detection of a defective link by said gage means to connect said drive means for the extracting means.

5. Apparatus for the detection of defective components in an ammunition belt of the type consisting of a series of like belt links articulately interconnected by cartridges, comprising a support for such belt, means for feeding the belt across said support, gage means associated with said support and arranged to detect defects in components of the belt, disconnectible means for driving said feeding means, means operably connected between said gage means andlsaid siverto the detection of a defective componentin vthe belt todisconnect said; drive means; means for extracting a pair of cartridges from a component determined by said gage means to be defective, connectible .drive means :for said extracting means, and means responsive to disconnection of said drive means :for said feeding means to connect said drive means for the extracting means.

:6. Apparatus for :the detection of defects in an ammunition .beltof the flexible :type containing a series of removablecartridges, comprising a support for such belt, means associated with said support for ieedingthe belt across said support, connectible and disconnectible drive means for said feeding means, means associated with said support for extracting a cartridge from the belt, connectible and disconnectible drive means for said extracting means, means associated with said support for .detecting a defect in the belt, and means connected between said detecting means and both of said drive means and operable in response to the detection of a defect in the belt for disconnecting the drive means for the feeding means and for connecting the drive means for the extracting means.

7. Apparatus for the detection of defects in an ammunition belt of the flexible type containing a series of removable cartridges, comprising a support for such belt, means associated with said support for feeding the belt across said support, connectible and disconnectible drive means for said feeding means, means associated with said support for extracting a cartridge from the belt, connectible and disconnectible drive means for said extractingmeans, means associated with said support for detecting a defect in the belt, means connected between said detecting means and both of said drive means and-operable in response to the detection of a defect in the belt for disconnecting thedrive means for the-feeding means and for connecting the drive means for the extracting means, and means connected between said .drive means and operable in response to predetermined operation of said extracting means to disconnect said drive means or said extracting means and to connect said drive means for said feeding means.

8. Apparatus for .the detection of defective components in an ammunition belt of the type consisting of a series of like belt links articulately interconnected by cartridges, comprising a support for such belt, means for feeding the belt across said support, gage means associated with said support and arranged to detect defects in components .of the belt, means for extracting a pair of .cartridgesirom a component determined by said gage means to be defective, connectible and disconnectible drive means for said extracting means, and means responsive to the detection of a defective component by said gage means to connect said .drive means for the extracting means for the extraction of a pair of cartridges from the defective link.

9. Apparatus for the detection of defective components in an ammunition belt of the type consisting of a series of like belt links articulately interconnected by cartridges, comprising a. support for such belt, means "for feeding the belt across said support, gage means associated with said support and arranged to detect defects in components of the belt, means for "extracting a cartridge from a component determined by said gage means to be defective, connectible and disconnectible drive means for said extracting means, and means responsive to the detection of a defective component by said gage means "to con- 18 :nec't said drive means :for the extracting means for the extraction -;of a cartridge from the defec- 'tive link.

10. In .an apparatus including age meansifor the detection of defects in :a cartridge belt -:or the (like, meansiorextracting cartridges upon the .detection of a defect and driving means for the extracting means; electrical controlmeans for the driving .meanscomprising, :in combination with thegagemeans, asourceof electrical energy, first switch means connected :to said source of energy and arranged for actuation :by said gage means upon the detection of a-defect in thebelt, a solenoidconnectedto said first switch meansand en ergizable thereby upon operation of the gage means, second switch means connected to said source of energy and arranged for actuation to effect operation of the drive means for the extracting means, retractable means operable in response to energizing .of said solenoid by said first switch means to close said second switch means, means connected to said retractable means andoperable in response to initial energiz- "ing of said solenoid to maintain closed position of said .second switch means even though sa-id solenoid isde-energized, and means operable :in response to completion-of cartridge extraction-for retracting said retractable means to open said second switch means.

11. In an apparatus including gage means -for the detection of defects in a cartridge belt. or the like, :means for extracting cartridges upon the detection .of a defect and driving means for the extracting means, electrical control means .for the driving means comprising, in combination with the gage means, a source of electrical energy, first switch means connected to said source of energy and arranged for actuation by said a e means upon the detection of a defect in the belt, a solenoid connected to said first switch {11183118 and ienergizable thereby upon operation of :the gage means, secondswitch means c.01

nected tosa-id source of energy and arranged for actuation to effect operation of the drive means for the extractin meanS retractabIe means including a normally cocked latch operable in response to energizingof said solenoid by said first switch means .to close said second switch means, means connected to said retractable :means and operable in response to initial energizing of said solenoid for releasing said cocked latch to maintain closed position of said second switch means even though said solenoid is de-energized, .and means operable 'in response to completionof cartridge extraction .ior retracting said retractable means and rec0.cklng said latch to open said second switch means.

12,. Apparatus for detecting defects in an ammunition belt of the type containing a series of axially removable cartridges, comprising a support for carrying such ,belt with the axes of the cartridges lying generally in .a horizontal plane, age means associated with said support and arranged in gaging relation to the belt to detect defects therein, feeding means for movin the belt past said gage means, .means connected "between said gage means and feeding means and operable in response to detection of a defect in the belt to interrupt operation of said feedin means, means operable to extract a cartridge generally horizontally axially from the portion of the belt determined to be .defestive and means operating said extracting means only in response to detection of .a defect in said beltby said gage means.

19 V 13. An apparatus as claimed in claim '12, in which said extracting means includes a supporting element for supporting the cartridge to be extracted generally in its horizontal position during the extracting operation.

l4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, in which said extracting means comprises a plurality of gripping elements for gripping the extracting groove of the cartridge to be extracted, one of said elements having a supporting portion for supporting the cartridge generally in its horizontal position during the extracting operation.

15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, in which said extracting means includes means for releasably gripping the cartridge to be extracted, a generally hollow member into which the extracted cartridge may be withdrawn by said gripping means, means for supporting the cartridge generally in its horizontal position during extraction thereof and while the cartridge is being withdrawn into said hollow member, means for releasing said gripping means when the cartridge is within said hollow member, and means forming an elongated generally horizontal opening in said hollow member through which the extracted and released cartridge may pass.

16. Apparatus for detecting defects in an ammunition belt of the type containing a series of axially removable cartridges, comprising a support for carrying such belt with the axes of the cartridges lying generally in a horizontal plane, gage means associated with said support and arranged in gaging relation to the belt to detect defects therein, feeding means for moving the belt past said gage means, and operable in response to detection of a defect in the belt to interrupt operation of said feeding means, means for releasably gripping a cartridge and extracting the same from the belt portion determined to be defective, means operable in response to detection of a defect in said belt by said gage means to interrupt operation of said feeding means and effect operation of said extracting means to extract a cartridge at the defective portion of said belt means for supporting the extracted cartridge generally in its horizontal position during the extracting operation, and means operable upon completion of the extracting operation for releasing said gripping means for freeing the cartridge therefrom.

17. Apparatus for detecting defects in a flexible ammunition belt containing a plurality of axially removable cartridges, comprising a support for carrying such belt, gage means associated with said support and arranged in gaging relation to the belt to detect defects therein, feeding means for moving the belt past said gage means, means for extracting a cartridge axially from the belt portion determined to be defective and means operable in response to detection of a defect in said belt to interrupt operation of said feeding means and simultaneously to extract a cartridge axially from said belt at the defective portion thereof.

18. Apparatus as claimed in claim 17, in which said extracting means includes a supportin element for supporting the cartridge to be extracted generally in its original horizontal position during the extracting operation.

- 19. Apparatus as claimed in claim 17, in which said extracting means comprises a plurality of gripping elements for gripping the extracting groove of each cartridge to be extracted, one of said elements havin a supporting portion for translating the cartridge axially during the extracting operation.

20. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17, in which said extracting means includes means for releasably gripping each cartridge to be extracted, a generally hollow member into which the extracted cartridges may be withdrawn by said gripping means, means for translating the cartridgeaxially during extraction thereof toward said hollow member, and means for releasing said gripping means when the cartridge is within said hollow member, there being an elongated opening in said hollow member so disposed and shaped that the extracted and released cartridges may pass therethrough.

21. Apparatus for detecting defects in an ammunition belt of the type containing a plurality of axially removable cartridges, comprising a support for carrying such belt with the axes of the cartridges lying generally in a horizontal plane, gage means associated with said support and arranged in gaging relation to the belt to detect defects therein, feeding means for moving the belt past said gage means, and operable in response to detection of a defect in the belt to interrupt operation of said feeding means, means for releasably gripping a cartridge and extracting the same from the belt portion determined by said gage means to be defective, means operable in response to detection of a defect in said belt to interrupt operation of said feeding means and simultaneously to effect operation of said extracting means, said extracting means translating the extracted cartridge axially, and means operable in response to completion of the extracting operation for releasing said gripping means for freeing the cartridge therefrom.

22. Apparatus for detecting defects in an ammunition belt of the type containing a plurality of axially extractible cartridges the nose and base portions of which project laterally respectively at opposite sides of the belt, comprising a support for carrying such belt for movement in a path along the main axis of the belt, means on said support including a pair of guide elements spaced laterally of the path of movement of the belt over the support, said elements being arranged respectively to engage nose and base portions of cartridges in the belt,'gage means arranged on the support intermediate said guide elements and having a gage portion spaced laterally a predetermined distance from one of said elements and disposed to engage side portions of the belt and may be laterally displaced and therefore non-coincident with said distance, and means connected to said gage means to indicate lateral displacement of belt portions with respect to nose and base portions of the cartridges.

23. Apparatus for detecting defects in an ammunition belt of the type containing a plurality of axially extractible cartridges the nose and base portions of which project laterally respectively at opposite sides of the belt, comprising a support for carrying such belt for movement in a path along the main axis of the belt, means on said support including a pair of guide elements spaced laterally of the path of movement of the belt over the support, said elements being arranged respectively to engage nose and base portions of cartridges in the belt, gage means arranged on the support intermediate said guide elements and having a gage portion spaced laterally a predetermined distance from one of said elements and disposed to engage side portions of the belt that may be laterally displaced and therefore non-coincident with said distance, means on said support for extracting a pair of cartridges from a, belt portion passing the gage means, and means connected between said extracting means and said gage means and operable in response to detection by said gage means of lateral displacement of a belt portion with respect to nose and base portions of a pair of cartridges for actuatin said extracting means for the extraction of said pair of cartridges.

24. In an apparatus for the detection of defective links in an ammunition belt of the type wherein a series of like belt links are articulately interconnected by cartridges, comprising, means for supporting an ammunition belt, gaging means associated with said supporting means, means operable to advance said belt on said supporting means in step-by-step movement past and in operative relation with said gaging means, means operable to extract the pair of cartridges pivoted in the link in gaging relation with said gaging means, power means, drive means operable alternatively to connect said power means to said belt advancing means or to said cartridge extracting means and normally connected to drive said advancin means, and means responsive to detection of a defective link by said gaging means to disconnect said drive means from said advancing means and to simultaneously connect the same to said extracting means.

STEPHEN C. OLSZEWSKI.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS

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