Importance

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Abstract

An automatic bullet feeding mechanism is intended for use with a typical rifle or pistol cartridge reloading machine. More particularly, the bullet feeding mechanism of the present invention includes a generally cylindrical main housing which is adapted to be received within the main frame structure of the reloading machine. A reservoir attached to the upper end of the mechanism provides the main housing with a continuous supply of bullets. A pivoting lever arm, which includes a lower catch finger, is adapted to be received and mounted within a generally vertical groove formed in one side housing cylinder. Opposing the pivoting lever arm is an upper catch slide assembly which is movably mounted within a second generally vertical groove formed in the other side of the housing cylinder. A swiveling linkage, which passes around the exterior surface of the housing, connects the pivoting lever arm and an upper catch finger included in the upper catch slide assembly such that the relative motions of the upper and lower catch fingers are generally synchronized. Prior to actuation, the bullet to be loaded is generally supported by the lower catch finger, while the upper catch finger is completely withdrawn or retracted. With actuation of the pivoting lever arm, the lower catch finger is withdrawn such that the lowermost bullet is allowed to drop or fall past. As the lower catch finger is withdrawn, the upper catch finger is simultaneously inserted into the housing so as to generally catch and support the next bullet in the feed stack, thereby preventing the next bullet and necessarily all others above it from falling through and out of the housing in an uncontrolled manner. As actuation of the pivoting lever arm ceases, the lower catch finger is re-inserted into the housing while the upper catch finger is withdrawn. Consequently, the bullet being temporarily supported by the upper catch finger is allowed to drop downwardly until it reaches and is supported by the re-inserted lower catch finger.

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First Claim