Indexing shell reloader

Abstract

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

1 . An improved system for loading shells comprising: 
 (a) a shell loading tool;    (b) a shell;    (c) means for moving a shell loading tool and a shell into and out of contact with one another;    (d) means for detecting a predetermined overload condition as said shell loading tool and said shell move into and out of contact with one another;    and    (e) means for attenuating said moving means in response to said detecting means detecting said predetermined overload condition.    
   
   
       2 . The improved system for loading shells of  claim 1 , wherein said attenuating means is means for stopping said moving means in response to said detecting means detecting said predetermined overload condition.  
   
   
       3 . The improved system for loading shells of  claim 2 , wherein said moving means is an electric motor.  
   
   
       4 . The improved system for loading shells of  claim 3 , wherein said detecting means is a current sensor.  
   
   
       5 . The improved system for loading shells of  claim 1 , wherein said moving means is an electric motor.  
   
   
       6 . The improved system for loading shells of  claim 1 , wherein said detecting means is a current sensor.  
   
   
       7 . The improved system for loading shells of  claim 1 , wherein said moving means comprises: 
 (a) a rotary motion converter; and    (b) means coupled to said rotary motion converter for rotating said rotary motion converter through at least three hundred degrees of rotation.    
   
   
       8 . The improved system for loading shells of  claim 7 , wherein said rotating means is an electric rotary motor.  
   
   
       9 . The improved system for loading shells of  claim 8 , wherein said detecting means is a current sensor.  
   
   
       10 . The improved system for loading shells of  claim 9 , wherein said attenuating means is means for stopping said moving means in response to said detecting means detecting said predetermined overload condition.  
   
   
       11 . An automatic indexer for a shell loader comprising: 
 (a) a reciprocator;    (b) means for coupling said reciprocator to a shell loader;    (c) means coupled to said reciprocator for detecting a predetermined overload condition; and    (d) means for attenuating said reciprocator in response to said detecting means detecting said predetermined overload condition.    
   
   
       12 . The automatic indexer for a shell loader of  claim 11 , wherein said attenuating means is means for stopping said reciprocator.  
   
   
       13 . The automatic indexer for a shell loader of  claim 11 , wherein said reciprocator comprises an electric motor.  
   
   
       14 . The automatic indexer for a shell loader of  claim 13 , wherein said detecting means is a current sensor.  
   
   
       15 . The automatic indexer for a shell loader of  claim 11 , wherein said detecting means is a current sensor.  
   
   
       16 . The automatic indexer for a shell loader of  claim 11 , wherein said reciprocator comprises a rotary motion converter, and means coupled to said rotary motion converter for rotating said rotary motion converter through at least three hundred degrees of rotation.  
   
   
       17 . An automatic indexer for a shell loader comprising: 
 (a) a shell loading tool;    (b) means for reciprocating said shell loading tool;    (c) means for detecting a predetermined resistance condition during reciprocation of said shell loading tool; and    (d) means for attenuating said reciprocating means in response to detecting means detecting said predetermined resistance condition.    
   
   
       18 . The automatic indexer for a shell loader of  claim 17 , wherein said attenuating means is means for stopping said reciprocating means in response to said detecting means detecting said predetermined resistance condition.  
   
   
       19 . The automatic indexer for a shell loader of  claim 18 , wherein said reciprocating means is an electric motor.  
   
   
       20 . The automatic indexer for a shell loader of  claim 19 , wherein said attenuating means is a current sensor.