Dispenser for Firearm Ammunition Powder

The present application claims priority to and is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/103,149, filed Jan. 30, 2023, which claims priority to and is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/904,001, filed Jun. 17, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,566,878, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/862,236, filed Jun. 17, 2019, the entireties of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

The present disclosure generally relates to dispensing apparatus, and more particularly to a dispenser for dispensing powder for firearm ammunition.

Persons manufacturing or reloading firearm ammunition often use electronic powder dispensers to dispense portions of powder to be used as a propellant in a round of ammunition. Such electronic powder dispensers are typically used to dispense a certain amount of powder to a tray, and the powder is then poured into a case or shell for making the round of ammunition. Usually, the powder dispensers are used to dispense a plurality of loads of powder, one after another, for loading many rounds of ammunition. Common electronic powder dispensers suffer from various disadvantages.

In one aspect, a firearm ammunition powder dispenser is for dispensing ammunition powder to a plurality of ammunition cases. The firearm ammunition powder dispenser comprises a frame and a hopper configured to hold a supply of ammunition powder. The dispenser comprises a conveyor configured to dispense ammunition powder from the hopper. The dispenser further comprises a scale sensor configured to sense an amount of ammunition powder from the hopper. The scale sensor is configured to generate a scale sensor signal representative of the amount of ammunition powder. The conveyor being configured to dispense powder based on the scale sensor signal. The conveyor is configured to dispense powder based on the scale sensor signal. A dispensing outlet downstream from the hopper is configured to deliver ammunition powder to the plurality of cases. The dispensing outlet is supported by the frame and movable with respect to the frame to a plurality of dispensing locations for delivering ammunition powder to the plurality of ammunition cases from the plurality of dispensing locations.

In another aspect, a firearm ammunition powder dispenser is for dispensing ammunition powder to a plurality of ammunition cases. The firearm ammunition powder dispenser comprises a frame and a gantry supported by the frame. A dispensing head is supported by the gantry and movable by the gantry to a plurality of dispensing locations with respect to the frame for dispensing ammunition powder to the plurality of ammunition cases from the plurality of dispensing locations. The dispensing head includes a powder receptacle configured to hold ammunition powder. The dispensing head includes a scale sensor configured to sense an amount of powder held in the powder receptacle.

In yet another aspect, a firearm ammunition powder dispenser is for dispensing ammunition powder to a plurality of ammunition cases. The firearm ammunition powder dispenser comprises a frame and a hopper configured to hold a supply of ammunition powder. A dispensing outlet is supported by the frame. The dispensing outlet is downstream from the hopper and configured to deliver ammunition powder to the plurality of cases. An ammunition case support supported by the frame is arranged to support the plurality of ammunition cases for receiving ammunition powder from the dispensing outlet. At least one of the dispensing outlet or ammunition case support is movable with respect to the other of the dispensing outlet or ammunition case support to locate the dispensing outlet with respect to individual ones of the plurality of ammunition cases for delivery of powder from the dispensing outlet to the individual ones of the plurality of ammunition cases.

Other objects and features of the present disclosure will be in part apparent and in part pointed out herein.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

Referring to, a powder dispenser of the present disclosure is designated generally by the reference number. The dispenseris configured to dispense precise amounts of powder (e.g., gun powder or propellant powder) into ammunition cases or shells. In general, the dispenserincludes a housing, a lift, a dispensing system, and a user interface. The housingis constructed to house various electronic components of the dispenserand supports the lift, dispensing system, and user interface. In other embodiments, certain components may be unsupported by the housing or freestanding with respect to the housing.

The housingincludes a baseand a frameextending upward from the base. The baseis configured to rest on a support surface such as a table top or bench top. The frameincludes two forward columnsA, a rear columnB, and an upper rackC supported by the columns.

The liftis located in a compartment partially bounded by the baseand frameof the housing. The liftincludes a case support (e.g., platform)A, a bracket, and a guide comprising a plurality of tracks(e.g., rails, rods, etc.) on the rear columnB. The bracketis engaged with (e.g., mated with) the plurality of tracksand movable upward and downward on the tracks to move the case supportA upward and downward. The liftincludes a lift driverconfigured to drive the bracket upward and downward on the tracks. For example, the lift drivercan include a lift motor (e.g., stepper motor)A and a lift drive mechanism, which in the illustrated embodiment comprises a screwB and a screw followerC (on the bracket) mated with (e.g., in threaded engagement with) the screw. The screwB is rotatable by the lift motorA. Rotation of the screwB in a first direction moves the case supportA upward, and rotation of the screw in a second direction moves the case support downward. Other lift drivers can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the lift driver can comprise a scissors mechanism, rack and pinion, belt drive, chain drive, etc.

The arrangement is such that the case supportA is movable upward and downward (Z-axis) between a tray loading position (e.g.,) and a powder dispensing position (e.g.,). In use, a user may load a plurality of cases on a trayand then position the tray on the case supportA in the tray loading position. The case supportA is selectively movable upward to the powder dispensing position for powder to be dispensed to one or more of the cases. Powder can be dispensed to one, several, or all of the cases on the tray while the case supportA is in the dispensing position. Optionally, the case supportA can be raised and lowered in the course of dispensing powder to the cases (e.g., raised and lowered for each case). When all of the cases have received powder, the case supportA is lowered to the loading position and the tray can be removed. The case support may be stationary (e.g., fixed with respect to the frame), and/or components of the dispensing systemmay be movable upward/downward, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, the liftincludes a scale sensorB (e.g., load cell and/or strain gauge) diagrammatically illustrated in. For example, the scale sensorB can be located between the case supportA and bracket, or between the case supportA and tray, and be configured to sense a weight of powder supported by the case supportA and/or trayand to produce a corresponding signal transmitted to a control system, described below. In other embodiments, the scale sensor can be in other locations (e.g., dispensing head), as explained below.

As shown in, the trayincludes a plurality of case receiving openings or wellsA sized and shaped to receive individual ammunition cases. The wellsA may be configured to receive a particular type or types of ammunition cases (e.g., cases having the same or similar diameters). Multiple trays can be provided as a kit of trays, and a user can select from the kit a tray having wells sized and shaped for the particular type of ammunition case desired to be filled with powder. The wellsA are arranged in an array on the tray(e.g., rectangular array of columns and rows), and the tray can include a plurality of indicatorsB,C to indicate columns (e.g., A-J) and rows (e.g., 1-10) for identifying specific wells in the array (e.g., A1, C6, etc.). Other numbers of columns and/or rows and other types of arrays can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Still referring to, optionally, the case supportA includes a recessC in which the trayis receivable to precisely locate the tray in a preset position (X- and Y-axes) on the case support. The recessC is defined by at least one side wall (e.g., one, two, three, or four side walls) for engaging the trayto locate the tray on the case supportA. In one particular example, the recess comprises a first side wall, and second and third opposing side walls extending generally transversely with respect to the first side wall. Optionally, the case supportA also includes a smaller recessD configured to receive a calibration pan() to precisely locate the calibration pan in a preset position on the scale platform. It will be appreciated that the recessesC andD serve as locating structure for locating the trayand panin preset locations on the case supportA. Other types of locating structure (e.g., protrusion(s), other types of mating structure, etc.) for locating the tray and pan with respect to the supportA can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The dispensing systemis supported by the upper rackC for dispensing powder into the individual ammunition cases. The dispensing systemincludes a dispensing headand a hopperconfigured to hold a supply of powder to be dispensed. The dispensing headincludes a dispensing outletA from which powder is dropped to individual cases. The dispensing systemincludes a conveyorB (e.g., rotatable tube) for dispensing powder from the hopperin a precise, controlled manner. The hopperand/or conveyorB can be carried by the dispensing heador be mounted on the framesuch that the dispensing head is movable with respect to the conveyor and/or hopper. In other embodiments, the hopper and/or conveyor can be freestanding with respect to the frame.

The dispensing headmay also include a scannersuch as an optical scanner (e.g., camera) or laser scanner for detecting cases below the dispensing head. Such a scannermay be used to determine the number and locations of cases to be loaded with powder and to ensure the dispensing outletA is in proper registration with individual cases for delivering powder to the cases.

The dispensing systemfurther includes a gantrysupporting the dispensing head(). The gantryincludes a beamextending across an opening in the rackC. In the illustrated embodiment, the beamcomprises two parallel railsA. The beamis supported at its opposite ends by carriagesmovable forward and rearward along tracksdefined by the rackC. The dispensing headis movable along the length of the beambetween the tracks. Appropriate gantry and/or dispensing head driversA,B (e.g., including gear, wheel, screw, belt, chain, and/or other drive mechanisms) are provided for moving the gantryalong the tracksand for moving the dispensing headalong the beam. For example, the gantry driverA may include a stepper motorA′ and beltA″ (e.g., engaged with a carriage) movable by the motor to move the beam along the tracks. The dispensing head driverB may include a stepper motorB′ and beltB″ (e.g., engaged with the dispensing head) movable by the motor to move the dispensinghead (e.g., slide the dispensing head) along the beam. The arrangement is such that the dispensing headis movable in an X-axis direction along the length of the beamand in a Y-axis direction parallel to the tracks. Thus, the dispensing headis precisely movable to a plurality of dispensing locations to dispense powder to each case in the array of cases on the tray. Other configurations can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the gantry may comprise a cantilevered beam supporting the dispensing head. Other types, configurations, and/or arrangements of gantries could also be used.

As shown schematically in, a control systemof the dispenserincludes a dispenser controller(e.g., microprocessor or central processing unit), a non-transitory tangible storage medium(e.g., including forms of storage such as software and/or firmware), and the user interface, including a user inputand a display(e.g., for displaying target powder dispensing amount, actual powder dispensed amount, and/or scale readings). A power sourcesuch as batteries or a power cord can be used for providing electrical power to the control system. The control systemincludes interconnection electronics(e.g., including electrical, fiber optic lines, and/or wireless communication devices) that operatively connect the various components of the control systemwith each other and with other components of the dispenser. For example, the dispenser controllercan receive the scale signals from the sensorB, and user input signals from the user input, via the interconnection electronics.

The dispenser controlleris configured to read and execute instructions stored in the storage medium, and is responsive to the user input, for controlling operation of the dispenser. For example, the storage mediumcan store instructions for operating the dispensing systemto dispense ammunition powder responsive to a user entering a target weight of powder to be dispensed to the ammunition cases. A user can enter and/or modify instructions stored on the storage medium(e.g., target powder amount per case) via the user input. In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in, the user interfacecomprises a touch screenA and a rotary/push button knobB. Other types of user interfaces can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The user interfaceprovides command signals via the interconnection electronicsto the dispenser controller. The command signals can include changes to data stored in the tangible storage medium. The dispenser controllerresponds to the command signals and provides control signals corresponding thereto via the interconnection electronicsto the various electronic components of the dispenser. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments the dispenser controllerand/or the tangible storage mediumcan be part of another device such as a smart phone or tablet operatively connectable to the conveyorand scale sensorB (e.g., wirelessly) without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Example operations of the dispenserwill now be described. As an initial step, the user may choose to execute a powder calibration sequence during which the dispenserin a powder calibration mode executes one or more powder calibration cycles. Goals of the powder calibration sequence are to learn dispense rates of the powder at different conveyor speeds and to set dispensing parameters (e.g., conveyor speeds for calibrated dispense rates) so subsequent dispensing of the powder can be accurate. The powder calibration mode can be performed by dispensing powder into a panlocated on the second recessD of the scale platformA. The tangible storage mediumstores the X/Y location of the calibration pan recessD in the scale platformA to know the location of the calibration panto appropriately position the dispensing head in the X-axis and Y-axis directions for the calibration cycle. Alternatively, or in addition, the scannercan be used to detect the location of the calibration panand to ensure the powder is delivered to the calibration pan.

After the calibration cycle, the calibration pancan be replaced with a trayof cases to receive powder. In a dispensing mode, the user can execute a dispensing sequence to dispense a target amount of powder (typically the same for each case of a batch) into the ammunition cases. Using the user input, the user can input a type of case to receive powder and/or a target amount of powder for each case. For a powder load to be dispensed to a particular case, the dispensing sequence can include one or more dispensing cycles in which the conveyorB operates at different speeds (e.g., stepped down speeds) to optimize quickness of dispensing without sacrificing dispensing precision. During a dispensing cycle, the dispenserdesirably monitors dispensing characteristics (e.g., real time dispense rate) and sets dispensing parameters (e.g., conveyor run end time) to further optimize quickness and precision of dispensing. Optionally, the powder calibration sequence can be skipped by proceeding directly to a dispensing sequence. Desirably, the dispensing is automatic in the sense that after the user initiates the dispensing, the dispensing system proceeds to deliver powder to all of the cases, one after another, without requiring further input from the user unless an error occurs. The controlleroperates the conveyorB according to instructions stored in the storage medium, and responsive to the user inputand signals from the scale sensorB, to dispense the target amount of powder, but if the dispensed amount of powder deviates from the target amount of powder by a threshold (e.g., +/−0.1 gain, etc.), the user interfacecan signal an error to the user and/or store a record of the deviation in the storage mediumfor later viewing by the user (e.g., display) for dumping and re-dispensing powder to the ammunition case subject to the deviation.

In one embodiment, each trayof the kit of trays includes a unique ID, and the dispenseris capable of detecting the unique ID (e.g., an RFID sensorreads an RFID tagon the tray), or the user can inform the dispenser of the unique ID via the user input. The tangible storage mediumstores information regarding the number and/or location of each well of the tray(which can be associated with a unique tray ID), and the tray is positioned in the preset location on the scale platformA. Accordingly, the dispensing systemcan move the dispensing headto preset, known locations with respect to the frameC or case supportA for dispensing powder to all of the cases on the tray. In another embodiment, the scanneris used to scan the cases held by the tray. Using the scanner, the dispensing systemcan detect the number, type, and/or location of the cases on the tray(e.g., before and/or during a dispensing routine), and can ensure that the dispensing headtravels to each case during a dispensing routine to deliver powder.

If the scale sensorB is provided between the trayand supportA, or between the support and bracket, after the trayof cases is loaded onto the case supportA, the control systemcan zero the scale such that the scale sensor signal indicates the amount of powder dispensed to cases on the tray. Accordingly, the control systemcan sense the amount of powder delivered to each case. This can be used by the control systemto precisely deliver a target amount of powder to each case. Moreover, this can be used to detect whether the dispensing systemdelivered an amount of powder less than or greater than the target amount. If the target amount of powder is not achieved for a certain case, the location of the case in the array (e.g., D4, G8, etc.) can be stored in the tangible storage medium and signaled to the user via the user interface so the user knows of the deviation (e.g., exact amount dispensed versus target) and can choose whether to use the powder in that case (e.g., manually supplement) or dump the powder and add the case to the next batch of cases to be loaded with powder. If a dispensing deviation occurs, the location of the ammunition case subject to the deviation (e.g., A1, C6, etc.), can be stored by the storage mediumfor later viewing by the user (e.g., display). For example, at the conclusion of a dispensing sequence (e.g., dispensing powder to several cases on the tray), the displaymay show one or more locations of ammunition cases subject to dispensing deviation for appropriate action by the user.

In a contemplated alternative, the dispensing head may move in an arcuate travel path for dispensing powder to cases held in a circular or other non-rectangular array.

In another contemplated alternative, the tray of cases may be moved relative to the dispensing head, instead of moving the dispensing head, for locating the cases to receive powder from the dispensing head. Moreover, the dispensing head may be moved upward/downward instead of moving the ammunition case support for decreasing distance between the dispensing outlet and the case to receive powder.

Referring to, another embodiment of a dispensing system, including a hopperand dispensing head, will be described. Like parts are designated with like reference numbers, plus. It will be appreciated that the dispensing systemcould be part of a dispenser including a housing, lift, and other components similar to the housing, lift, and other components described above.

In this embodiment, the hopperis mounted on the frame(e.g., on the upper rackC) and remains stationary. A dispensing conveyorB (e.g., tube) is driven by a conveyor motorand is configured to dispense powder from the hopper. Powder from the hopper enters the conveyor via openingsB′ and moves down the conveyor due to rotation of the conveyor by the motor. In this embodiment, the hopperand conveyorB are separate from the dispensing head, and the dispensing head is movable with respect to the hopper and conveyor to deliver powder to ammunition cases.

The dispensing headincludes a receptacledefining a funnel into which powder is dispensed from the dispensing conveyorB. Powder to be loaded into an individual case is dispensed by the dispensing conveyorB into the receptacle. The dispensing headis supported by and movable by the gantry(or other movement mechanism) in a fashion as explained above. The dispensing headcan be moved by the gantryfrom a home position in which the receptacleis located to receive powder from the conveyorB to a plurality of dispensing positions (e.g., preset dispensing positions arranged in an array corresponding to an array of the ammunition cases) from which the dispensing outletA is in register with and dispenses powder to ammunition cases.

In this embodiment, the dispensing headincludes a scale sensor(e.g., strain gauge and/or load cell) configured to sense an amount of powder in the receptacle. The dispensing conveyorB is operated in coordination with the scale sensorto dispense a precise amount of powder to the receptaclefor an individual ammunition case. When the load of powder is received in the receptacle, the dispensing headis moved from the home position to a dispensing position in which the dispensing outletA is in registration with a case (e.g., supported by the ammunition case supportA). The case supportA can be raised (e.g., via lift) to decrease a distance between the case and the dispensing outletA for delivering powder to the case. The dispensing headincludes a valvethat can be opened (e.g., via the controller) to dispense the powder out of the dispensing outletA from the dispensing head to a case below the dispensing head. After the powder is dispensed to the case, the valveis closed, and the dispensing headreturns to the dispensing conveyorB to receive another load of powder. This process is repeated until powder has been loaded in all of the cases. If an amount of powder dispensed to a case deviates by a threshold from a target amount of powder intended to be dispensed to the case (e.g., if the conveyorB delivers more powder to the receptacle than desired, and the dispensing headdelivers the powder to a case), the tangible storage medium can store the location of the case, and the control system can alert the user (e.g., signal an error and identify the case via the user interface).

The dispensing headcan include a scannersimilar to the scannerdescribed above for locating the dispensing head above individual cases to be loaded with powder. Alternatively, or in addition, the locations of the cases on the platform may be preset such that the dispensing headcan be moved to preset locations for dispensing powder. In one example, trays′,″ such as shown incan be used. The trays′,″ can have a similar construction as the trayof. The trays′,″ include a number of wellsA′,A″ arranged in an array (e.g., rectangular array) on the respective tray. For example, the first tray′ can be used for .223 ammunition cases, and the second tray″ can be used for .308 ammunition cases. The wellsA′ in the first tray′ are relatively small (narrower) to closely conform to .223 ammunition cases, and the wellsA″ in the second tray″ are relatively large (wider) to closely conform to .308 ammunition cases. Although the sizes of the wellsA′,A″ are different, the tray bodies are the same shape and size (e.g., same length and width), and the trays′,″ have the wells arranged in the same arrays such that the centers of the wells are located on the first tray in the same locations the centers of the wells are located on the second tray (e.g., spacing with respect to side edges of the trays). Broadly speaking, the trays have similar locating structure (e.g., side walls, recess(es), and/or protrusion(s)) arranged to engage the case supportA, and the locating structure has the same position and/or orientation with respect to the array of openings on each tray′,″. When either tray′,″ is installed on the platform in a known location, such as described above, then the control systemwill know the location of each well and thus each case on the tray. Accordingly, the control system can move the dispensing headto the center points on the array to dispense powder to the cases no matter whether the first tray′ or second tray″ (or similar other tray with other sized wells) is installed on the platform. Other types of arrays (e.g., other numbers of columns and/or rows, or other shapes of arrays, etc.) can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring to, another embodiment of a dispensing headwill be described. Like parts are designated by like reference numbers, plus. It will be appreciated that the dispensing headcould be part of a dispensing system of a dispenser including a housing, lift, and other components similar to the housing, lift, and other components described above. This dispensing headis similar to the dispensing headand could be used with the hopperand conveyorB (and supported by a gantry similar to,) for forming a dispensing system.

The dispensing headincludes a dispensing head framewhich also serves as a housing for components of the dispensing head. The dispensing head frameincludes an upper mounting portionA (e.g., for mounting to gantry,) and a lower shroudB extending downward from the upper mounting portion. The shroudB includes an openingC for receiving the conveyorB. The dispensing headincludes, and the framesupports, a powder receptacle, a load cell, a valve, and a dispensing guide.

The powder receptacledefines a funnel into which powder is dispensed from the dispensing conveyorB. The powder receptacleincludes a wide upper mouth and a narrow lower outlet. The outlet is selectively closed and opened by the valvefor holding powder in and dispensing powder from the receptacle.

The load cellis mounted to the frameand is configured to sense an amount of powder in the receptacle. The load cellis operable to generate an electrical signal responsive to the force of gravity on a mass of powder in the receptacle. In the illustrated embodiment, the load cellincludes a barA and strain gaugesB. The barA has a proximal section mounted by screws to the frameso that the bar is supported in cantilever fashion. A distal section of the barA is free from connection to the frameto permit deflection of the bar. A beamis mounted to the barA near the distal end of the bar. The strain gaugesB are mounted on an intermediate section of the barA between the proximal and distal ends of the bar. The beamdefines a yoke including two legsA to which the powder receptacleis connected via respective arms. The arrangement is such that powder in the receptaclecauses the barA to flex and generates strain in the bar that is sensed by the strain gaugeB. The strain gaugeB generates an electrical signal representative of the strain in the barA. Other types of load cells can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the substrate (e.g., bar) on which the strain gauge is mounted can have other configurations, fewer or greater numbers of strain gauges can be used, and/or load cells not having a strain gauge can be used. Moreover, other types of scale sensors can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that the strain gauge and/or load cell may be referred to broadly as a scale sensor.

The valveis configured to open and close the outlet of the powder receptacle. In the illustrated embodiment, the valveincludes a plungerand a plunger driver. The plungerincludes a plunger headA and a stemB extending upward from the plunger head. In the illustrated embodiment, the plunger headA has an arcuate (e.g., semi-spherical) contact surface for engaging the powder receptacle. The plungeris maintained in a generally upstanding orientation by a plunger guide. The plunger guidecomprises a bar extending across the mouth of the receptaclebetween the arms. The plunger guideincludes a plunger guide openingA through which the plunger stemB extends. The plunger stemB is movable upward and downward in the plunger guide openingA to open and close the outlet of the receptacle. The plunger guide openingA is sized and shaped to maintain the plungerin the generally upstanding orientation.

The plunger driver includes a motorA (e.g., stepper motor) and a drive mechanism movable by the motor to move the plunger. The drive mechanism includes a screwB rotatable by the motorA, a screw followerC mated with (e.g., in threaded engagement with the screw) the screw, and a leverD movable by the screw follower to raise and lower the plunger. The motorA is mounted to the frame. Rotation of the screwB in a first direction moves the screw followerC upward, and rotation of the screw in a second direction moves the screw follower downward. The leverD includes a proximal portion captured by the screw followerC, an intermediate portion connected by a pinto the frame, and an armE pivotable about the pin to raise and lower the plunger. The plunger stemB defines an openingB′ larger than the cross-sectional shape of the portion of the armE in the opening.

The arrangement is such that when the armE is pivoted upward (by downward movement of the screw followerC), the arm engages the plunger stemB to lift the plungerto move the plunger headA to open the receptacle outlet, and, when the arm is pivoted downward, the plunger is permitted to fall into its closed position to block the receptacle outlet. As the plungermoves to its closed position, the armE disengages the plunger stemB. More specifically, the armE moves downward sufficiently to no longer contact the plunger stemB. The stem openingB′ is sized to permit the armE to reside in the opening with sufficient clearance to not contact the plungerin in the closed position. The armE rests on an arm restconnected to the frame, such that the arm does not bear on the receptacleor the plunger, which might adversely affect the scale sensor reading. A recess or valley is provided in the plunger guideto provide clearance for the armE to not contact the plunger guide. The arm restincludes a cradleA configured (e.g., having tapered side portions defining a valley) to guide the arm to a consistent resting position on the rest to facilitate guiding the plungerto a consistent location in the plunger guideand to ensure the arm does not contact the plunger stemB when the arm is resting on the rest. The plunger guide openingA is sized such that the stemB contacts sides of the plunger guide opening to maintain the plunger guide in the generally upstanding orientation without engaging the armE.

It will be appreciated that, the plungerreturning to a consistent position when engaged with the powder receptacleto close its outlet, the plunger maintaining a relatively consistent orientation when engaged with the powder receptacle, and weight of the armE not being carried by the powder receptacle or plunger (and thus not carried by the load cell) when the plunger is in the closed position (load cell isolated from weight of plunger driver), facilitate consistent and accurate readings from the scale sensor.

The dispensing guideis located below the powder receptacleand, in this embodiment, defines the dispensing outletA of the dispensing head. The dispensing guidecomprises a body shaped generally as a funnel having a wide upper mouth and tapering to the dispensing outletA. The dispensing guideis held in position by a dispensing guide holder. The dispensing guide holderis configured to capture and hold a peripheral flange of the dispensing guideto maintain the dispensing guide in position. The dispensing guide holderis connected to the frameby four fasteners(e.g., screws or pins) that are slidable upward into the frame to permit the dispensing guide holder and dispensing guide to move upward relative to the frame. A limit switchis mounted on the frameand includes a plungerA oriented to be engaged by the dispensing guide holderwhen the dispensing guide holder moves upward toward the frame.

The arrangement is such that as the liftmoves the case supportA upward toward the dispensing head, the ammunition case to receive powder eventually engages the dispensing guide. For example, the dispensing outletA may be sized and shaped to be received in a mouth of the case, such that the mouth of the case engages an exterior of the dispensing guide(e.g., where the dispensing guide tapers outwardly toward its mouth). Alternatively, the dispensing outletA may be sized and shaped to receive the mouth of the case therein such that an interior surface of the dispensing outlet engages the mouth of the case. As shown in, the dispensing outletA includes an inner tapered surfaceA′ arranged to funnel the mouth of the case into a centered position with respect to the dispensing outlet for delivering powder into the mouth of the case. It will be appreciated that the dispensing guidecan be part of a kit of dispensing guides that are interchangeable in the dispensing guide holderand have dispensing outlets of different sizes for properly engaging mouths of cases of different sizes.

The engagement of the case and dispensing guidecauses the dispensing guide holderto move upward and actuate the limit switch. Actuation of the limit switchcauses the liftto stop moving the case supportA upward. The limit switchacts as an ammunition case proximity sensor for the dispensing head. When the mouth of the case is engaged with the dispensing outletA, the plungeris raised to permit the powder to flow from the powder receptacleinto the case via the dispensing outlet. After the powder has been dispensed, the plungeris moved to the closed position, the case supportA is lowered, and the dispensing headA moves to its home position to receive another load of powder to be delivered to a different ammunition case. It will be appreciated that other types of stops (other than limit switch, etc.) can be used, and the stop can be omitted (e.g., replaced with indexed movement of the lift), without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring to, a control systemof a dispenser including the dispensing headis shown schematically. The control systemis similar to the control systemand like parts are indicated by like reference numbers, plus. For example, the control systemincludes a dispenser controller(e.g., microprocessor or central processing unit), a non-transitory tangible storage medium(e.g., including forms of storage such as software and/or firmware), and the user interfaceincluding a user inputand a display(e.g., for displaying target powder dispensing amount, actual powder dispensed amount, and/or scale readings). A power sourcesuch as batteries or a power cord can be used for providing electrical power to the control system. The control systemincludes interconnection electronics(e.g., including electrical, fiber optic lines, and/or wireless communication devices) that operatively connect the various components of the control systemwith each other and with other components of the dispenser. For example, the dispenser controllercan receive the scale signals from the sensor, and user input signals from the user input, via the interconnection electronics. A scannercan be provided for purposes explained above.

The dispenser controlleris configured to read and execute instructions stored in the storage medium, and is responsive to the user input, for controlling operation of the dispenser. For example, the storage mediumcan store instructions for operating the dispensing system to dispense ammunition powder responsive to a user entering a target weight of powder to be dispensed to the ammunition cases. A user can enter and/or modify instructions stored on the storage medium(e.g., target powder amount per case) via the user input. The user interfaceprovides command signals via the interconnection electronicsto the dispenser controller. The command signals can include changes to data stored in the tangible storage medium. The dispenser controllerresponds to the command signals and provides control signals corresponding thereto via the interconnection electronicsto the various electronic components of the dispenser. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments the dispenser controllerand/or the tangible storage mediumcan be part of another device such as a smart phone or tablet operatively connectable to the conveyorB and scale sensor(e.g., wirelessly) without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The dispensing headcan be used to dispense powder in a similar manner as explained above with respect to prior embodiments. After an optional calibration cycle, the user can execute a dispensing sequence to dispense a target amount of powder (typically the same for each case of a batch) into all of the cases. The user can input a type of case to receive powder and/or a target amount of powder for each case using the user input. Desirably, the dispensing is automatic in the sense that after the user initiates the dispensing sequence, the dispensing system proceeds to deliver powder to all of the cases, one after another (returning to the conveyor for new loads of powder), without requiring further input from the user unless an error occurs. The controlleroperates the conveyorB according to instructions stored in the storage medium, and responsive to the user inputand signals from the scale sensor, to dispense the target amount of powder. If the dispensed amount of powder deviates from the target amount of powder by a threshold (e.g., +/−0.1 gain, etc.), the user interfacecan signal an error to the user and/or store a record of the deviation in the storage mediumfor later viewing by the user (e.g., display) for dumping and re-dispensing powder to the ammunition case subject to the deviation.

Powder to be loaded into an individual case is dispensed by the dispensing conveyorB into the receptaclewith the dispensing head in the home position. The dispensing headis supported by and movable by the gantry(or other movement mechanism) to a plurality of dispensing positions in a fashion as explained above. The dispensing headincludes the scale sensor(e.g., strain gauge and/or load cell) configured to sense an amount of powder in the receptacle. The dispensing conveyorB is operated based on signals from the scale sensorto dispense a precise amount of powder to the receptaclefor an individual ammunition case. For example, the conveyorB can be slowed down, operated intermittently, and finally stopped as the powder sensed by the scale sensorapproaches and reaches the target powder amount. When the load of powder is received in the receptacle, the dispensing headis moved from the home position to a dispensing position in which the dispensing outlet is in registration with a case (e.g., supported by the lift). The case supportA may be moved upward to move the case closer to the dispensing outletA (e.g., as regulated by the limit switch). The valveis opened to dispense the powder out of the dispensing outletA from the dispensing headto the case below the dispensing head. After the powder is dispensed to the case, the valveis closed, the case supportA is lowered, and the dispensing headreturns to the dispensing conveyorB (home position) to receive another load of powder. This process is repeated until powder has been loaded in all of the cases.

It will be appreciated that the control systems and dispensing systems of the present disclosure can operate in a similar fashion as described in U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 2020/0064114, filed Aug. 21, 2018 (hereafter, “the '114 publication”), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. For example, the dispensing system can be operated in calibration sequences and in dispensing sequences as described in the '114 publication. Here, the dispensing head,,moves and dispenses powder into multiple cases in an array of cases, whereas in the '114 publication the conveyor delivers powder to a pan out of which the powder can be manually poured into a case. The control system and/or the dispensing system of the present disclosure could include or execute all of the functions and features described in the '114 publication. Accordingly, the dispensing system of the present disclosure can repeatedly and quickly deliver precise amounts of powder to the dispensing head,,, and thus to the ammunition cases, like the conveyor of the '114 publication repeatedly and quickly delivers precise amounts of powder to the pan. Other configurations can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

When introducing elements of aspects of the disclosure or the embodiments thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

Not all of the depicted components illustrated or described may be required. In addition, some implementations and embodiments may include additional components. Variations in the arrangement and type of the components may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims as set forth herein. Additional, different or fewer components may be provided and components may be combined. Alternatively, or in addition, a component may be implemented by several components.

It will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of aspects defined in the appended claims. It is contemplated that various changes could be made in the above constructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In the preceding specification, various embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto, and additional embodiments may be implemented, without departing from the broader scope of the claims that follow. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.