| 摘要 |
<p>An automatic pneumatic projectile launcher (10) for automatically launching compressible cleaning projectiles (22) into a hose, pipe or tube is disclosed. The launcher (10) comprises a moveable hopper (12) having an opening (14) provided at a lower end thereof coupled to a feed tube (16). The hopper (12) is moved up and down vertically in a reciprocating motion by four double acting pneumatic rams (25), located adjacent each corner of the hopper (12). The feed tube (16) acts as a magazine for the projectiles (22), is stationary and is slidably received through the hopper base plate (18) so that it projects upwards into the hopper during a downward stroke. The shape of the feed tube (16) is selected so that projectiles (22) enter the mouth of the tube in a predetermined orientation one above the other. A self-loading mechanism (26) is operatively coupled to the feed tube (16) for loading a projectile (22) received therefrom into an air chamber (28). When a source of compressed air is connected to the air chamber (28) the projectile is launched into the hose, pipe or tube. The launcher (10) removes the need for manual loading and firing of projectiles and therefore eliminates operator fatigue.</p> |
