US20090199834A1 - Compressed Gas Projectile Accelerator for Expelling Multiple Projectiles at Controlled Varying Velocities - Google Patents
Compressed Gas Projectile Accelerator for Expelling Multiple Projectiles at Controlled Varying Velocities Download PDFInfo
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- US20090199834A1 US20090199834A1 US12/340,825 US34082508A US2009199834A1 US 20090199834 A1 US20090199834 A1 US 20090199834A1 US 34082508 A US34082508 A US 34082508A US 2009199834 A1 US2009199834 A1 US 2009199834A1
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- Prior art keywords
- velocity
- compressed gas
- projectile accelerator
- projectiles
- controller
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
- F41A1/00—Missile propulsion characterised by the use of explosive or combustible propellant charges
- F41A1/06—Adjusting the range without varying elevation angle or propellant charge data, e.g. by venting a part of the propulsive charge gases, or by adjusting the capacity of the cartridge or combustion chamber
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
- F41A19/00—Firing or trigger mechanisms; Cocking mechanisms
- F41A19/03—Shot-velocity control
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F41B11/00—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns
- F41B11/50—Magazines for compressed-gas guns; Arrangements for feeding or loading projectiles from magazines
- F41B11/57—Electronic or electric systems for feeding or loading
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F41B11/00—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns
- F41B11/60—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns characterised by the supply of compressed gas
- F41B11/62—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns characterised by the supply of compressed gas with pressure supplied by a gas cartridge
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F41B11/00—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns
- F41B11/70—Details not provided for in F41B11/50 or F41B11/60
- F41B11/71—Electric or electronic control systems, e.g. for safety purposes
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F41B11/00—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns
- F41B11/70—Details not provided for in F41B11/50 or F41B11/60
- F41B11/72—Valves; Arrangement of valves
- F41B11/721—Valves; Arrangement of valves for controlling gas pressure for both firing the projectile and for loading or feeding
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F41B11/00—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns
- F41B11/70—Details not provided for in F41B11/50 or F41B11/60
- F41B11/72—Valves; Arrangement of valves
- F41B11/724—Valves; Arrangement of valves for gas pressure reduction
Definitions
- FIG. 20 illustrates a side view of an illustrative compressed gas projectile accelerator.
- FIG. 24 illustrates representative executable modules of a lobbing mode module.
- marker 50 includes a housing or frame body 56 , a grip frame rail 58 , a grip or grip frame 60 , a trigger mechanism 62 , and a feed tube 64 for a projectile or paintball hopper 63 (See FIG. 1 ).
- body 56 is connected with grip frame rail 58 or alternatively grip frame rail 58 may be an integral part of body 56 or grip frame 60 .
- Barrel 54 is connected with one respective end of body 56 and, in this illustrative form, velocity adjustment mechanism 52 is connected with the opposite end of body 56 .
- Feed tube 64 which a paintball hopper (not shown) is removably connected with and feeds paintballs to marker 50 , is also connected with or formed as part of body 56 .
- this form may include an adjustment device 82 (e.g.—a selector lever).
- main velocity adjustor 186 Once main velocity adjustor 186 has been set to expel projectiles at an upper velocity level or setting, selector 82 may be connected with or adjusted on main velocity adjustor 186 .
- dial 86 is not included in this form, it could be connected with end cap 182 .
- end cap 182 includes apertures 88 .
- pins or set screws 90 and 92 may be positioned in apertures 88 to ensure that selector 82 cannot be adjusted above the upper velocity setting or below the minimum or lower velocity setting. See FIGS. 3 a - 3 c .
- Set screw 84 is used to secure selector 82 to main velocity adjustor 186 .
- An end portion 508 of rod 502 includes external threads that mate with internal threads in aperture 504 .
- rotation of rod 502 with knob 506 repositions bolt 112 back and forth along a longitudinal axis in bolt chamber or bore 114 inside body 56 of marker 50 .
- the maximum velocity is ready to set when knob 506 is fully unscrewed and bolt 112 is in the forward most position. Then maximum velocity setting is configured on marker 50 using main velocity adjustor 302 , as previously set forth.
- kits for retrofitting a compressed gas projectile accelerator 50 includes a velocity adjustment mechanism, as disclosed and described above with respect to FIGS. 1-18 , that is configured to allow the compressed gas projectile accelerator 50 to expel projectiles between a defined range of velocity settings.
- a velocity controller is included in the kit for allowing a user to selectively adjust the velocity adjustment mechanism to a respective velocity setting falling in the range of velocity settings.
- the exact components included in the kit will vary depending on the design of the compressed gas projectile accelerator 50 , but will include one or more of the components described and set forth with respect to FIGS. 1-18 .
- user 10 is able to expel a plurality of paintballs at a lower velocity setting, and in particular, at a controlled velocity spread from barrel 54 of marker 50 to lets say, for example, a 5 shot volley or burst of 160-170-180-190-200 FPS.
- this firing mode if user 10 also adjusts the angle of the barrel 54 of marker 50 upward at a predetermined angle relative to the location of target 12 b , the likelihood of user 10 being able to strike target 12 b behind obstacle 16 with a paintball is greatly improved yet again. This is because the paintballs are traveling along substantially arc shaped paths 18 at a plurality of velocities, instead of the same velocity, thereby providing a greater and more uniformed area of coverage when the paintballs land in the target area TA.
- a velocity controller 76 is connected with circuit board 66 .
- Velocity controller 76 can comprise a plurality of push buttons, a dial, a slider, or other types of control mechanisms.
- velocity controller 76 is configured to allow user 10 to manually adjust the velocity at which paintballs are expelled from barrel 54 of marker 50 .
- Circuit board 66 is configured to monitor the setting or position of velocity controller 76 and adjust the operation of marker 50 according to this setting.
- Velocity controller 76 in one form, is operable to adjust marker 50 to operate between a maximum and lower velocity setting.
- a distance sensor 75 is connected with circuit board 66 .
- Distance sensor 75 can comprise a laser distance sensor, an optical distance sensor, an ultrasonic distance sensor, a range finder, or any other suitable type of distance sensor.
- distance sensor 75 is configured to generate an electronic distance signal, which can be an analog or digital signal, that is sent to circuit board 66 .
- the distance signal is indicative of the distance from marker 50 to one of the respective targets 12 a , 12 b.
- Circuit board 66 can also be configured to control other operational parameters of marker 50 as a function of the tilt sensor signal received from tilt sensor 48 . For example, when marker 50 is positioned in or exceeds a predetermined angle in relation to ground G, circuit board 66 is configured to switch or change firing modes or change the velocity settings of marker 50 . Controls 77 can also be configured to adjust or fine tune the signal (i.e.—the determined angle of marker 50 ) generated by tilt sensor 48 . Also, controls 77 may be configured as a manual mode controller. In other words, user 10 can use controls 77 to set a predetermined angular setting indication thereby overriding the determination made by tilt sensor 48 . Controls 77 when configured as a manual mode controller can be configured as a primary, secondary, or additional mode controller.
- Velocity adjustment mechanism 52 includes a component adjuster or lever selector 82 that is connected with main velocity adjustor 80 .
- lever selector 82 is secured to main velocity adjustor 80 with a retention member or set screw 84 .
- Lever selector 82 includes an aperture 85 that fits around an outside diameter of main velocity adjustor 80 .
- lever selector 82 In order to prevent user 10 from being able to turn lever selector 82 clockwise, thereby increasing the velocity at which a projectile may be expelled, lever selector 82 must be restricted. As previously discussed, any velocity setting above the upper or maximum velocity setting would cause marker 50 to be viewed as a “hot marker” as understood by those skilled in the art.
- dial 86 includes a plurality of apertures 88 that are positioned around a circumference or perimeter of dial 86 .
- a blocking pin 90 is positioned or placed in a respective aperture 88 immediately next to lever 82 to prevent lever selector 82 from being rotated any further in the clockwise direction. As such, this prevents user 10 from being able to adjust the velocity setting of marker 50 above the upper velocity setting. This is an important feature as user 10 would not be allowed to use marker 50 on the playing field if he/she was capable of adjusting marker 50 to shoot above the maximum allowed velocity setting.
- marker 50 automatically expels five paintballs at five different velocities at target 12 b .
- marker 50 could be set to expel projectiles in a lobbing manner at the same velocity.
- user 10 is currently firing projectiles at target 12 b with marker 50 in the lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode, but is unable to eliminate target 12 b because of uncontrollable circumstances.
- user 10 is keeping target 12 b pinned down and effectively out of play of the game.
- Control 77 of marker 50 is configured to allow user 10 to adjust the rate of fire or rounds per second (RPS) of the lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode, so that user 10 can pin down target 12 b more effectively and/or longer before reloading.
- RPS rounds per second
- the more concentrated fire of the now adjusted velocity spreader mode will allow user 10 to better eliminate target 12 b behind obstacle 16 , while still having some of the area coverage of the velocity spreader mode.
- user 10 can re-program the self selecting lobbing fire mode and/or velocity spreader fire mode.
- user 10 is illustrated firing projectiles or paintballs at target 12 a , using a marker 50 set or configured to expel paintballs at an upper velocity setting (see FIG. 19 ).
- User 10 then engages target 12 b which is behind obstacle 16 with marker 50 which includes indicators 73 and tilt sensor 48 connected with circuit board 66 (see FIG. 20 ).
- distance sensor 75 is not connected to circuit board 66 or is not allowed.
- controls 77 can be programmed to set the known or estimated distance to target 12 b .
- Circuit board 66 of marker 50 knowing the distance to target 12 b through controls 77 can calculate or determine one or more angles for barrel 54 and then indicate the angle(s) of barrel 54 to user 10 through tilt sensor 48 and indicators 73 .
- circuit board 66 can automatically calculate or determine the projectile velocity settings required to lob projectiles or paintballs on to target 12 b.
- user 10 is firing projectiles at target 12 a and target 12 b with marker 50 .
- Marker 50 includes distance sensor 75 , indicators 73 , and tilt sensor 48 connected with circuit board 66 (see FIG. 21 ).
- marker 50 includes the self selecting lobbing burst mode as a function of the tilt sensor 48 and circuit board 66 ; and programmable velocity spreader mode, as described above.
- distance sensor 75 and/or its determined value are programmable to adjust one or more operating parameters of marker 50 .
- user 10 is firing projectiles at target 12 a with marker 50 configured to expel projectiles at an upper velocity setting (see FIG. 19 ).
- circuit board 66 can indicate the appropriate barrel 54 angle(s) of marker 50 as related to the user 10 selected position of selector 82 , or circuit board 66 can indicate a new calculated setting for selector 82 of velocity adjustment mechanism 52 for a current angle of barrel 54 .
- user 10 is engaging target 12 b , which is behind obstacle 16 , with the above described configured marker 50 .
- User 10 is moving or rotating selector 82 of velocity adjustment mechanism 52 as a function of the assisted velocity spreader mode, while activating trigger sensor 70 .
- User 10 moves selector 82 to fast and marker 50 is in jeopardy of exceeding the programmed RPS limit, as such one or more values of the fire commands are ignored by circuit board 66 .
- the release of fire commands and/or operational commands from circuit board 66 , of the assisted velocity spreader mode are programmable and/or re programmable.
- Firing mode module 600 also allows user 10 to configure marker 50 to fire in a lobbing mode by execution of a lobbing mode module 610 .
- the lobbing mode allows user 10 to lower the velocity at which projectiles are expelled from barrel 54 of marker 50 such that the projectiles travel along arc shaped paths. Together with angling barrel 54 at predetermined angles, the lobbing mode allows user 10 to strike targets 12 b behind obstacles 16 that would otherwise be able to avoid being struck if marker 50 was firing in straight fire mode. This is because at lower velocity settings, projectiles leaving barrel 54 of marker 50 travel along various arc shaped paths as a function of the velocity setting of marker 50 .
- circuit board 66 is configured to control operation of solenoid valve 74 to allow marker 50 to expel projectiles at varying velocity settings.
- Firing mode module 600 also allows user 10 to select an auto-select mode module 612 that configures marker 50 to operate in an auto-select fire mode.
- auto-select fire mode should be construed to mean that marker 50 is configured to automatically select either a straight fire mode or lobbing mode as a function of a sensor signal from tilt sensor 48 .
- a predetermined threshold value e.g.—any angle above 35° relative to ground G
- auto-select mode module 612 is configured to switch marker 50 to lobbing mode. If marker 50 is positioned below the predetermined threshold value, which would indicate that marker 50 is positioned to fire substantially directly at a target 12 a , auto-select mode module 612 is configured to switch marker 50 to straight fire mode.
- Marker 50 includes a lobbing algorithm module 702 that is configured to calculate a plurality of angles for barrel 54 to be positioned at and a plurality of velocity settings needed for marker 50 to be able to lob projectiles onto target 12 b .
- the velocity settings are calculated as a function of the calculated angles.
- one respective calculated angle setting will have a first set of velocity settings used to lob projectiles onto target 12 b and another calculated angle setting will have a second set of velocity settings, and so forth.
- Multiple angles and sets of velocity settings may be required to lob projectiles onto target 12 b depending on various factors, such as the height of the obstacle, the distance to target 12 b , and so forth.
- lobbing algorithm module 702 is configured to calculate a plurality of angles and sets of velocity settings corresponding to each respective calculated angle in order to lob projectiles onto target 12 b.
- Another aspect of the present invention discloses a method, comprising the steps of a) configuring a compressed gas projectile accelerator to expel multiple projectiles from multiple selected velocity settings falling between a first velocity setting and a second velocity setting; and b) providing a controller configured to allow a user to selectively choose, program, and/or re program a plurality of velocity settings falling between the first and second velocity settings.
- a further aspect of the present invention discloses a method, comprising the steps of a) configuring a compressed gas projectile accelerator to expel multiple projectiles from multiple selected velocity settings falling between a first velocity setting and a second velocity setting; and b) providing a programmable controller configured for selectively choosing an operational mode from a plurality of operational modes with velocity settings falling between the first and second velocity settings.
Abstract
A compressed gas projectile accelerator that includes a velocity adjustment mechanism and/or method configured to allow the compressed gas projectile accelerator to expel a plurality of projectiles between a first velocity setting and a second velocity setting. The velocity adjustment mechanism and/or method includes a velocity controller configured to allow the selective selection of velocity settings falling between the first velocity setting and the second velocity setting. The first velocity setting comprises an upper or maximum velocity setting and the second velocity setting comprises a lower or minimum velocity setting.
Description
- The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/069,086 filed on Feb. 7, 2008 entitled Compressed Gas Projectile Accelerator Having Multiple Projectile Velocity Settings, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- The present invention relates generally to compressed gas projectile accelerators and more particularly, to compressed gas projectile accelerators configured to allow players to release a controlled salvo or volley of paintballs each traveling at a different respective controlled velocity from a respective compressed gas projectile accelerator.
- In the sport of paintball, the maximum velocity at which projectiles are permitted to be expelled from the barrel of a paintball gun or marker is tightly controlled in both recreational and tournament play. Most tournaments and recreational paintball venues only permit a paintball marker to shoot paintballs at a maximum speed of 300 feet per second (“FPS”). All markers are subjected to testing by chronographs before and sometimes after a tournament round or match. Some tournaments even randomly take chronograph readings of players' markers during actual tournament play. Shooting a hot marker, one that shoots paintballs at over 300 FPS, can subject a player or team to disqualification, a loss of points, or the player not being allowed on the field.
- Current paintball markers provide various methods to adjust the speed at which a projectile is expelled from the marker. However, once the speed of the marker is adjusted to just below the maximum permitted velocity setting, the marker is not capable of being easily readjusted without the use of a tool, such as an allen wrench. Carrying tools that can be used to adjust marker velocity settings onto the field is strictly prohibited. As such, the paintball marker is only capable of being adjusted to operate on the field at one set velocity setting.
- In the sport of paintball, firing modes are also controlled, even though the firing modes that are allowed will differ between various playing fields, events, or tournaments. Firing modes are the manner or method by which projectiles are expelled from a marker. An example of said manner or method would be the semi-automatic fire mode, where one pull of the trigger or one activation of the firing sequence expels one projectile from the marker. Many paintball markers offered allow the user the choice of several firing modes, such as semi-automatic, three shot burst, and full auto. Other paintball markers offer assisted trigger or enhanced trigger firing modes, often referred to as a ramp mode. The ramp mode might be defined as the combination of the semi-automatic fire mode, the burst fire mode and the full auto fire mode. An example of a ramp mode is when the paintball marker expels projectiles up to a set number of RPS (rounds per second) after just a few trigger pulls or activations. Such as, for example, six to twelve trigger activations per second equals 12 RPS from the marker, the 12 RPS continues nonstop, like full auto mode, until the trigger activations dip below six trigger activations per second, where the marker is returned to semi-automatic fire mode.
- Although the user might have the choice of different firing modes, the velocity is set to one velocity setting throughout the selection of the different fire modes and the velocity within a selected firing mode is set to one velocity setting, as described above. Generally, a properly tuned paintball marker firing within its functional RPS (rounds per second) capacity will expel projectiles at or near its one set velocity, regardless of the firing mode used.
- The rate of fire of a paintball gun or marker is also tightly controlled at various playing fields, events, or tournaments. The rate of fire is referred to or measured in rounds per second (RPS). Again, most tournaments and recreational paintball venues only permit a paintball marker to shoot paintballs at or below a maximum RPS limit. While many paintball markers offered allow the user to set the maximum RPS limit; most if not all, do not offer a different RPS setting for the different fire modes, different RPS settings within a fire mode, and/or an efficient method for changing the RPS setting for the different fire modes during the play of a game.
- One embodiment of the present application discloses a compressed gas projectile accelerator that is capable of expelling a plurality of projectiles at a plurality of velocity settings that do not exceed a maximum allowed velocity setting. Other embodiments include unique apparatus, devices, systems, means, operational modes and/or methods for expelling projectiles from a compressed gas projectile accelerator at user selected and/or self selected varying velocities so that users are capable of lobbing projectiles at targets as well as shooting straight at targets. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits of the present application shall become apparent from the detailed description and figures included herewith.
- The figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.
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FIG. 1 illustrates a player shooting projectiles at targets on a paintball playing field using a compressed gas projectile accelerator. -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative compressed gas projectile accelerator. -
FIGS. 3 a-3 c set forth rear views of a compressed gas projectile accelerator including a velocity adjustment mechanism. -
FIGS. 4 a-4 c illustrates side views of a compressed gas projectile accelerator including velocity adjustment mechanisms positioned at different locations. -
FIG. 5 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile accelerator having a velocity adjustment mechanism. -
FIG. 6 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile accelerator in cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism. -
FIG. 7 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile accelerator in cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism. -
FIG. 8 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile accelerator in cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism. -
FIG. 9 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile accelerator in cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism. -
FIG. 10 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile accelerator in cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism. -
FIG. 11 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile accelerator in cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism. -
FIG. 12 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile accelerator in cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism. -
FIG. 13 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile accelerator in cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism. -
FIG. 14 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile accelerator in cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism. -
FIGS. 15 a-15 c illustrates cross-sectional views of an adjustment dial of a velocity adjustment mechanism. -
FIG. 16 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile accelerator in cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism. -
FIG. 17 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile accelerator in cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism. -
FIG. 18 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile accelerator in cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism. -
FIG. 19 illustrates a player shooting projectiles at targets on a paintball playing field using a compressed gas projectile accelerator. -
FIG. 20 illustrates a side view of an illustrative compressed gas projectile accelerator. -
FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of an illustrative compressed gas projectile accelerator. -
FIGS. 22 a-22 c set forth rear views of a compressed gas projectile accelerator including a velocity adjustment mechanism. -
FIG. 23 illustrates representative executable modules of an electronic circuit board. -
FIG. 24 illustrates representative executable modules of a lobbing mode module. -
FIG. 25 illustrates representative executable modules of one form of the compressed gas projectile accelerator. - For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention is illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
- Referring to
FIG. 1 , auser 10 is illustrated firing projectiles or paintballs at tworespective targets paintball marker 14.User 10 is shooting attarget 12 a with amarker 14 that is set or configured to expel paintballs attarget 12 a at an upper velocity setting, which in this form comprises the maximum allowable velocity setting of 300 FPS. As illustrated, sinceuser 10 is a substantial distance fromtarget 12 a, thus requiring the paintball to travel a greater distance (e.g.—200 feet), the paintball tends to travel along somewhat of an arced path after traveling a predetermined distance due to the force of gravity on the paintball. - As further illustrated,
user 10 is somewhat closer to target 12 b (e.g.—80 feet) who is hiding behind anobstacle 16, which is illustrated as a barrel for representative purposes only. Ifuser 10 fires a paintball attarget 12 b withmarker 14 set at the upper velocity setting, it would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, foruser 10 to hittarget 12 b due to the fact thatobstacle 16 is providing cover fortarget 12 b. This is because the paintball will travel along a relatively straight path towardtarget 12 b thereby causing the paintball to strikeobstacle 16 and not target 12 b. Despite the effect that gravity has on the paintball, at the maximum allowed velocity setting, paintballs are expelled from themarker 14 along a relatively straight path over short distances, which are the typical distances encountered on the field when shooting at arespective target - If
user 10 was able to lower the velocity at which paintballs are expelled from the barrel ofmarker 14 to lets say, for example, 180 FPS, as well as adjust the angle of the barrel ofmarker 14 upward at a predetermined angle, the likelihood ofuser 10 being able to striketarget 12 b behindobstacle 16 with a paintball is greatly improved. This is because the paintball will travel along a substantially arc shapedpath 18 as a function of the speed at which the paintball exits the barrel and the angle of the barrel. Therefore, as illustrated inFIG. 1 ,user 10 is capable of “lobbing” a paintball ontotarget 12 b thereby eliminating the player, which is illustrated astarget 12 b. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , arepresentative paintball marker 50 is illustrated that includes an on the flyvelocity adjustment mechanism 52.Velocity adjustment mechanism 52 is operably configured to allowuser 10 to manually and selectively adjust the velocity at which paintballs are expelled from abarrel 54 of themarker 50.Marker 50 is configured to expel projectiles frommarker 50 at a range of velocities ranging from an upper velocity setting to a lower velocity setting. In one form, the upper velocity setting corresponds to the maximum velocity at which a paintball is allowed to be expelled frombarrel 54, which may be 300 FPS for example. Further, in one form, the lower velocity setting corresponds to the lowest possible velocity setting at whichmarker 50 is capable of expelling a paintball frombarrel 54. As those skilled in the art would recognize, different user preferred upper and lower velocity settings may be utilized in various other forms of the present invention. - In one form,
marker 50 includes a housing orframe body 56, agrip frame rail 58, a grip orgrip frame 60, atrigger mechanism 62, and afeed tube 64 for a projectile or paintball hopper 63 (SeeFIG. 1 ). As illustrated,body 56 is connected withgrip frame rail 58 or alternativelygrip frame rail 58 may be an integral part ofbody 56 orgrip frame 60.Barrel 54 is connected with one respective end ofbody 56 and, in this illustrative form,velocity adjustment mechanism 52 is connected with the opposite end ofbody 56.Feed tube 64, which a paintball hopper (not shown) is removably connected with and feeds paintballs tomarker 50, is also connected with or formed as part ofbody 56.Trigger mechanism 62 is movably connected withgrip frame rail 58 and is configured to, with each trigger pull, expel a paintball from barrel 54 (at least in semi-automatic firing mode). In automatic firing mode, a plurality of paintballs are expelled frombarrel 54. - In another representative form, an electro-
pneumatic marker 50 is disclosed that includes anelectronic circuit board 66 and apower source 68. Although illustrated as being housed ingrip frame 60, it should be appreciated thatcircuit board 66 andpower source 68 may be housed in other locations ofmarker 50.Power source 68 is connected withcircuit board 66 and provides power tocircuit board 66. Electro-pneumatic marker 50 includes atrigger sensor 70 that is connected withcircuit board 66. A velocity orspeed sensor 72 and asolenoid valve 74 are also connected withcircuit board 66.Speed sensor 72 could comprise a laser, an optical eye, a LED speed sensor, or any other suitable type of speed sensor. As set forth in greater detail below, in this form, avelocity controller 76 is also connected withcircuit board 66. - Referring collectively to
FIGS. 3 a-3 c, a rear view ofmarker 50 is depicted to better illustrate one form ofvelocity adjustment mechanism 52. In this form,velocity adjustment mechanism 52 includes amain velocity adjustor 80.Main velocity adjustor 80 is configured to adjust a velocity setting ofmarker 50. In particular,main velocity adjustor 80 is configured to adjustmarker 50 so thatmarker 50 cannot expel paintballs above a predetermined upper or maximum velocity setting, which, for illustrative purposes only, is at or below 300 FPS. In this illustrative example,main velocity adjustor 80 comprises an allen head screw configured to adjustably control the upper velocity setting ofmarker 50. For example, adjustment ofmain velocity adjustor 80, by tightening or looseningmain velocity adjustor 80, increases or decreases the maximum velocity setting ofmarker 50. -
Velocity adjustment mechanism 52 includes an adjustment device ormember 82 that is connected withmain velocity adjustor 80. In this form,adjustment device 82 comprises a lever selector that is secured tomain velocity adjustor 80 with a retention member or setscrew 84.Adjustment device 82 includes anaperture 85 that fits around an outside diameter ofmain velocity adjustor 80. Oncemain velocity adjustor 80 is set to causemarker 50 to function at the user preferred or authorized upper velocity setting, which is just below 300 FPS in this example,lever selector 82 is positioned about adial 86 in a user selected position and then setscrew 84 is used to tightlysecure lever selector 82 tomain velocity adjustor 80. In this example, as illustrated inFIG. 3 a,user 10 has selected a twelve o-clock position forlever selector 82 as the setting for the maximum or upper velocity setting. - In order to prevent
user 10 from being able to turnlever selector 82 clockwise, thereby increasing the velocity at which a projectile may be expelled,lever selector 82 must be restricted. As previously discussed, any velocity above the upper or maximum velocity setting would causemarker 50 to be viewed as a “hot marker” as understood by those skilled in the art. In this example, dial 86 includes a plurality ofapertures 88 that are positioned around a circumference or perimeter ofdial 86. A blockingpin 90 is positioned or placed in arespective aperture 88 immediately next to lever 82 to preventlever selector 82 from being rotated any further in the clockwise direction. As such, this preventsuser 10 from being able to adjust the velocity setting ofmarker 50 above the upper velocity setting. This is an important feature asuser 10 would not be allowed to usemarker 50 if he/she was capable of adjustingmarker 50 to shoot above the maximum allowed velocity setting by simply movinglever selector 82. - In this form, as
user 10 rotateslever selector 82 counterclockwise, the velocity at which paintballs are expelled frombarrel 54 ofmarker 50 begins to decrease. For example, at the setting illustrated inFIG. 3 b,marker 50 is set to expel paintballs at approximately 215 FPS. Thefurther lever selector 82 is adjusted counterclockwise, the velocity at which paintballs are expelled frommarker 50 decreases until, as illustrated inFIG. 3 c,lever selector 82 reaches a lower velocity setting. InFIG. 3 c, the lower velocity setting is controlled by placement of a blockingpin 92 in another user selectedaperture 88 ofdial 86. - During operation,
lever selector 82 will hit or bump up againstpins lever selector 82 to be adjusted any further beyond the upper and lower velocity settings.Selector 82 may also include a detainment mechanism, which is adetent 94 in this example, that is located in alignment withapertures 88 ondial 86 to help temporarily secure theselector 82 in place once a velocity setting is chosen byuser 10.Pins lever selector 82 beyond the upper and lower velocity settings.Apertures 88 may be threaded and in one form, dial 86 is connected tobody 56 ofmarker 50 and in another form, dial 86 is formed as an integral part ofbody 56 or other components ofmarker 50 disclosed herein. - Referring to
FIG. 4 a, a side view of one illustrative form ofmarker 50 is illustrated showingvelocity adjustment mechanism 52 located directly onmarker 50. In this form,velocity adjustment mechanism 52 is illustrated as being located or positioned at the back or rear ofbody 56; however, those skilled in the art should appreciate that velocity adjustment mechanism may be located at several other positions onmarker 50.Marker 50 includes a compressedgas source 100, which may contain compressed air, CO2, nitrogen, or any other type of suitable compressed gas, which is removably connected with atank adapter 102 ofmarker 50. The compressed gas stored insource 100 is used to selectively expel projectiles frombarrel 54 ofmarker 50. - In this illustrated form, a
gas line 104 connects an output oftank adapter 102 to apressure regulator 106. Compressed gas from compressedgas source 100 is in communication withpressure regulator 106.Pressure regulator 106 prevents gas pressures from rising above a predetermined threshold level before enteringmarker 50, to prevent damage of the internal components ofmarker 50.Pressure regulator 106 includes anadjustment knob 108 that provides for adjustment of one or more operating parameters ofpressure regulator 106. - Referring to
FIG. 4 b, in this representative form,velocity adjustment mechanism 52 is configured as an integral part ofpressure regulator 106. As such, movement ofselector 82 onregulator 106 between an upper set point and a lower set point will causemarker 50 to expel projectiles frombarrel 54 between a maximum or upper velocity setting and a minimum or lower velocity setting. - Referring to
FIG. 4 c, in this representative form,velocity adjustment mechanism 52 has been incorporated as a component oftank adapter 102. Movement ofselector 82 ontank adapter 102 between an upper set point and a lower set point will causemarker 50 to expel projectiles frombarrel 54 between an upper velocity setting and a lower velocity setting. All of the features discussed above with reference toFIGS. 3 a-3 c are hereby incorporated by reference into the representative forms set forth inFIGS. 4 b and 4 c. - Referring to
FIG. 5 , in this representative form,velocity adjustment mechanism 52 is mounted on a side ofmarker 50.Selector 82 is illustrated as being set at the maximum velocity setting. In this form, rotation ofselector 82 clockwise causesmain velocity adjustor 80 to block a gas passage inmarker 50 thereby allowinguser 10 to incrementally reduce the velocity of paintballs that are expelled frombarrel 54. For the sake of brevity, those skilled in the art should recognize that the remaining features ofmarker 50 andvelocity adjustment mechanism 52 are the same as those set forth with respect toFIGS. 3 a-3 c. - Referring to
FIG. 6 , another representative form ofmarker 50 is illustrated that includes avelocity adjustment mechanism 110. In this representative example,marker 50 includes abolt 112 that travels back and forth along a longitudinal axis in a bolt chamber or bore 114 insidebody 56 ofmarker 50.Bolt 112 includes agas passage 116 through which compressed gas passes in order to expel paintballs frombarrel 54. Asbolt 112 travels forward, agas port 118 inbolt 112 reaches avalve passage 120. During operation, oncetrigger mechanism 62 is pressed,trigger mechanism 62 releases ahammer 122 that travels forward under the pressure or force provided by ahammer spring 124. After traveling a predetermined distance,hammer 122 strikes a respective end of avalve 126, thereby actuatingvalve 126. - Actuation of
valve 126 causes compressed gas, which is stored in a compressedgas storage chamber 128 on an opposite side ofvalve 126, to vent throughvalve passage 120 intogas passage 116 ofbolt 112 throughgas port 118. It should be appreciated thatbolt 112 and hammer 122 move together andgas port 118 is positioned onbolt 112 such thatgas port 118 is aligned withvalve passage 120 whenhammer 122strikes valve 126. A bolt andhammer connecting pin 127 is used to connectbolt 112 withhammer 122. As such, compressed gas is permitted to travel from compressedgas storage chamber 128 tovalve passage 120 and then intogas passage 116 ofbolt 112 viagas port 118. This compressed gas is then used to expel a paintball from thebarrel 54. After compressed gas is expelled fromchamber 128, aspring 129 connected to an end ofvalve 126forces valve 126 shut or closed, thereby stopping the flow of compressed gas throughvalve passage 120. At the same time compressed gas is passed throughpassage 120, compressed gas is also directed to ahammer chamber 131, which causeshammer 122 and bolt 112 to recoil for another shot. - As illustrated in
FIG. 6 , anadjustable relief valve 130 is a venting mechanism connected with an exposed end ofbolt 112.Adjustable relief valve 130 is used to control or limit the pressure that is supplied from the flow of compressed gas utilized to expel paintballs frombarrel 54. As such, when compressed gas is introduced togas passage 116 ofbolt 112, compressed gas travels forward to expel a paintball frombarrel 54 and backwards towards venting mechanism onend 134 ofbolt 112. Depending on the desired velocity setting, a predetermined amount of compressed gas will vent throughvelocity adjustment mechanism 110.Adjustable relief valve 130 includes anadjustment mechanism 136, a knob or wheel in this illustrative example, that allowsuser 10 to adjust velocity settings between the maximum or upper velocity setting and the minimum or lower velocity setting. - Referring to
FIG. 7 , in yet another illustrative form,marker 50 includes avelocity adjustment mechanism 110 located onbody 56. In particular,velocity adjustment mechanism 110 is a venting mechanism located at anend 150 ofbarrel 54. In this form,bolt 112 does not travel completely to end 150 ofbarrel 54. As such, a gap exists between anend 152 ofbolt 112 and end 150 ofbarrel 54 during a firing operation such that a seal is not formed betweenbarrel 54 andbolt 112.Body 56 includes agas port 154 that is connected with a venting mechanism, which is anadjustable relief valve 156 in this form. As with the previous form, during a firing operation, compressed gas travels throughgas passage 116. A predetermined amount of this compressed gas is redirected intogas port 154 and is vented throughadjustable relief valve 156.Velocity adjustment mechanism 110 includes aknob 158 that is used byuser 10 to control the amount of compressed gas that is released fromadjustable relief valve 156.Adjustable relief valve 156 is thus capable of allowingmarker 50 to expel projectiles between a maximum or upper velocity setting and a minimum or lower velocity setting. - Referring to
FIG. 8 , in yet another form,bolt 112 includes agas passage 116 that includesinput port 118 and anoutput port 160, in addition to aport 162 used to expel paintballs frombarrel 54.Body 56 includes agas port 164 that aligns with output port or vent 160 ofbolt 112 during a firing operation and redirects a predetermined amount of compressed gas to a venting mechanism. As with the previous forms,marker 50 includes avelocity adjustment mechanism 166, which comprises anadjustable relief valve 168 that acts or functions as the venting mechanism. In this form,velocity adjustment mechanism 166 is located behindfeeder 64 inbody 56.Adjustable relief valve 168 includes aknob 170 that is used byuser 10 to control the amount of compressed gas that is released fromadjustable relief valve 168.Adjustable relief valve 168 is thus capable of allowingmarker 50 to expel projectiles between a maximum velocity setting and a minimum velocity setting. - Referring to
FIG. 9 , a portion of anotherrepresentative marker 50 is illustrated that includes avelocity adjustment mechanism 180. In this representative form, a hammerspring end cap 182 is connected with anend 184 ofbody 56. Hammerspring end cap 182 is threadably connected withbody 56 or friction fit withbody 56. A threadedend 185 of amain velocity adjustor 186 is secured in a threadedaperture 188 of hammerspring end cap 182.Main velocity adjustor 186 has an unthreadedend 190 that extends from threadedend 185 into thebody 56 ofmarker 50 and includes aspring retention collar 192. Anend 194 ofhammer spring 124 fits around unthreadedend 190 ofmain velocity adjustor 186 and rests againstcollar 192. A portion ofmain velocity adjustor 186 fits within a retention aperture 196 ofend cap 182. - In this form,
main velocity adjustor 186 is used to set the maximum or upper velocity setting by adjustment ofmain velocity adjustor 186 inend cap 182.Main velocity adjustor 186 is used to adjust the tension onhammer spring 124. The more tension that is applied to hammer spring 124 (i.e.—by screwingmain velocity adjustor 186 further into end cap 182), theharder hammer 122strikes valve 126 during a firing operation. Theharder hammer 122strikes valve 126, thelonger valve 126 is activated and a greater volume of compressed gas is released fromvalve 126, thereby expelling paintballs frombarrel 54 at a higher velocity. Likewise, looseningmain velocity adjustor 186, which lessens the tension applied to hammer 122 byspring 124, causes hammer 122 to strikevalve 126 with less force during a firing operation. This causes a quicker activation ofvalve 126 and a release of a lesser gas volume during a firing operation, thereby expelling paintballs frombarrel 54 at a lower velocity. - As with the form illustrated in
FIGS. 3 a-3 c, this form may include an adjustment device 82 (e.g.—a selector lever). Oncemain velocity adjustor 186 has been set to expel projectiles at an upper velocity level or setting,selector 82 may be connected with or adjusted onmain velocity adjustor 186. Althoughdial 86 is not included in this form, it could be connected withend cap 182. In this form,end cap 182 includesapertures 88. As with the forms disclosed inFIGS. 3 a-3 c, pins or setscrews apertures 88 to ensure thatselector 82 cannot be adjusted above the upper velocity setting or below the minimum or lower velocity setting. SeeFIGS. 3 a-3 c. Setscrew 84 is used to secureselector 82 tomain velocity adjustor 186. - Referring to
FIG. 10 , in this form,marker 50 includes avelocity adjustment mechanism 200 that adjusts the tension applied byspring 129 tovalve 126. As those skilled in the art would recognize, thevelocity adjustment mechanism 200 can be configured additionally onmarker 50 with or without the above describedmain velocity adjustor 186.Velocity adjustor 202 is positioned in a valvespring retention member 204.Retention member 204 is connected withbody 56 and is positioned inchamber 128.Velocity adjustor 202 includes a threadedend 206, a sealingmember 208, anextension member 210, and acollar 212. Threadedend 206 is threaded into an internally threadedaperture 214 ofretention member 204 and transitions into sealingmember 208. Sealingmember 208 includes one ormore seals 216 that form a fluid tight seal between sealingmember 208 and aninternal bore 218 ofretention member 204.Extension member 210 extends away from sealingmember 208 insideinternal bore 218 and transitions intocollar 212. Anend 220 ofspring 129 is connected withcollar 212 and anopposite end 222 ofspring 129 is connected with an end ofvalve 126. -
Velocity adjustment mechanism 200 works in conjunction withhammer 122 in this form.Velocity adjustment mechanism 200 is used to adjust the force applied to the end ofvalve 126. The more force that is applied tovalve 126, thefaster valve 126 shuts after being struck byhammer 122. As such, as threadedend 206 is tightened intoretention member 204, more force is applied tovalve 126 byspring 129. Likewise, as threadedend 206 is loosened fromretention member 204, less force is applied tovalve 126. Thefaster valve 126 closes, the less volume of compressed gas is allowed to pass throughvalve 126 to expel projectiles frombarrel 54 ofmarker 50. As such, adjustment of threadedend 206 to a predetermined location or setting allowsuser 10 to set an upper velocity setting. As with the previous embodiments,velocity adjustment device 82 may then be used to raise and lower the velocity at which paintballs are expelled frombarrel 54. All other features of this form remain the same as previously set forth with respect toFIGS. 3 a-3 c and 9. - Referring to
FIG. 11 , in this form,marker 50 includes avelocity adjustment mechanism 250 that adjusts the volume of gas and the tension onspring 129 to control the force at which a paintball is expelled frombarrel 54.Velocity adjustment mechanism 250 includes avelocity adjustor 252 that is threaded intobody 56 ofmarker 50. In particular,velocity adjustor 252 is threaded intochamber 128 ofmarker 50.Velocity adjustor 252 includes a threadedsegment 254, anextension segment 256, and aspring receiving segment 258. Threadedsegment 254 is threaded into an internally threadedsegment 260 ofbore 253. -
Extension segment 256 extends away from threaded segment 254 a predetermined distance intobore 253. At an opposite end ofextension segment 256 is aspring receiving segment 258.Spring receiving segment 258 includes anaperture 262 that receives afirst end 264 ofspring 129. Asecond end 266 ofspring 129 is connected with or engages anend 268 ofvalve 126. At least oneseal 278 is positioned betweenspring receiving segment 258 and bore 253 to provide a fluid tight seal forchamber 128, which is defined bybore 253,spring receiving segment 258 andvalve 126. - In this form,
chamber 128 comprises a compressed gas storage chamber that is refilled with compressed gas after each shot. The compressed gas has a predetermined pressure level, which is controlled byregulator 106, and a predetermined volume. While the pressure level does not change,velocity adjustment mechanism 250 is configured to change the volume or amount of compressed gas that is stored inchamber 128. In addition, the tension onspring 129 is also adjusted which, in turn, changes the amount of force applied to end 266 ofspring 129. - During setup,
velocity adjustor 252 is configured to allowmarker 50 to expel paintballs frombarrel 54 at a maximum or upper velocity setting. As with the previous forms, adjustment device orselector 82 allowsuser 10 to adjust operation ofmarker 50 between the upper velocity setting and the lower velocity setting. Tightening, or screwing invelocity adjustor 252, increases the tension onspring 129, thereby causingvalve 126 to close faster whenhammer 122strikes valve 126, as well as decreases the volume ofchamber 128. - Loosening
velocity adjustor 252 decreases the force placed onvalve 126 and increases the volume of chamber 128 (i.e.—thereby allowing more compressed gas into chamber 128), which allows paintballs to be expelled frombarrel 54 at a higher or increased velocity. Movement ofadjustment device 82 tightens and loosensvelocity adjustor 252, thereby allowing adjustment ofmarker 50 between the upper velocity setting and lower velocity setting. As with the representative form set forth with respect toFIGS. 3 a-3 c and 9, movement ofadjustment device 82 is prevented from occurring above or below the upper velocity setting and lower velocity setting. - Referring to
FIG. 12 , yet another form ofmarker 50 is illustrated that includes avelocity adjustment mechanism 300. In this form, afirst velocity adjustor 302 is used to setmarker 50 to operate at the maximum or upper velocity setting. This is accomplished by adjusting the tension or force applied to hammer 122 byspring 124 similar to the manner described above. During this adjustment,velocity adjustment mechanism 300 is positioned such that agas chamber blocker 304 is located in a fully closed or forward position. The outer diameter ofgas chamber blocker 304 includes aseal 306 that forms a fluid tight seal with arear gas chamber 308 inbolt 112. - A rear portion of
bolt 112 includes anaperture 310 running from anopen end 312 ofbolt 112 torear gas chamber 308. Arod 314 is connected withgas chamber blocker 304 and runs through the rear end ofbolt 112 out ofopen end 312. Aportion 316 of the rear end ofbolt 112 contains internal threads and aportion 318 of the end ofrod 314 contains external threads. Anadjustment knob 320 is connected with the exposed end ofrod 314. -
Adjustment knob 320 is used to screwrod 314 in and out ofbolt 112. Whenadjustment knob 320 is in the fully closed position,gas chamber blocker 304 blocks or closes offchamber 308. Asadjustment knob 320 is unscrewed or adjusted outwardly, more ofchamber 308 becomes exposed thereby increasing the total volume ofgas passage 116. In this form, during a firing operation,valve 126 is configured to release a set amount of compressed gas at a set pressure. As the bolt air chamber, or total size ofgas passage 116, increases with the rearward adjustment ofrod 314, movinggas chamber blocker 304 further back intogas chamber 308, the velocity of the paintball during a firing operation decreases. This allowsuser 10 to adjustmarker 50 to expel paintballs between the upper velocity setting and a lower velocity setting through the adjustment ofknob 320. - Referring to
FIG. 13 , yet anotherrepresentative marker 50 is disclosed that includes avelocity adjustment mechanism 350. This form is similar to that disclosed with respect toFIG. 12 except that instead of the volume adjustment occurring in connection withbolt 112, it takes place with respect tovalve 126. Once the upper velocity setting is set usingfirst velocity adjustor 302, as described above,velocity adjustment mechanism 350 can be used to adjust the velocity setting between the upper velocity setting and the lower velocity setting. In this form, a forward end ofbody 56 includes alongitudinal bore 354 that housesvalve 126. - A
valve plug 356 is secured inbore 354 that defines arear gas chamber 358 b and aforward gas chamber 358 a, which together define a gas storage chamber. In this form,valve plug 356 includes an outer threadedportion 360 that is threaded into an internally threadedportion 362 ofbore 354.Valve plug 356 also includes aspring retention member 364 that includes anaperture 366. Anend 368 ofspring 129 rests against a respective surface ofspring retention member 364. At least oneseal 369 is used to provide a fluid tight seal betweenbore 354 andvalve plug 356. Avalve 370, which may comprise a solenoid valve, is used to selectively supply compressed gas to therear gas chamber 358 b andforward gas chamber 358 a. -
Velocity adjustment mechanism 350 includes avelocity adjustor 352.Velocity adjustor 352 includes an outer threadedportion 372 that engages an inner threadedportion 374 ofvalve plug 356.Velocity adjustor 352 includes agas chamber blocker 376. An outer diameter ofgas chamber blocker 376 includes aseal 378 that forms a fluid tight seal betweengas chamber blocker 376 and an inner wall ofrear gas chamber 358 b.Velocity adjustor 352 also includes anadjustment knob 380 that extends or is positioned outwardly from the end ofvalve plug 356. - When
marker 50 is being adjusted for use or play,velocity adjustor 352 is secured or screwed all the way intorear gas chamber 358 b as far as possible.Valve plug 354 includes agas supply aperture 382 that is in alignment with agas supply passage 384. In this example,gas chamber blocker 376 is in approximate alignment withgas supply aperture 382. Oncevelocity adjustor 352 is in the forward most position,first velocity adjustor 302 is used to set the upper velocity setting ofmarker 50. - During play,
user 10 can lower the velocity setting ofmarker 50 by unscrewing or adjusting the position ofvelocity adjustor 352. Adjusting the position ofvelocity adjustor 352 outwardly by turningknob 380, increases the volume ofrear gas chamber 358 b. Since compressed gas is supplied to the gas storage chamber, which as previously set forth comprises reargas storage chamber 358 b and forwardgas storage chamber 358 a, at a set pressure and set volume, increasing the volume of the gas storage chamber causes a decrease in velocity of paintballs that are expelled frombarrel 54. - Referring to
FIG. 14 , a portion of yet another form ofmarker 50 is illustrated that includes another representative form of avelocity adjustment mechanism 400.Velocity adjustment mechanism 400 includes a dial selector, which in this form comprises an adjustablegas passage blocker 402 positioned in aslot 404 ofbody 56.Valve 126 includes avalve body 406 that includes agas port 408. Adjustablegas passage blocker 402 is positioned inslot 404 ofbody 56 on aswivel pin 410. As set forth in greater detail below, as gas passes fromchamber 128 throughport 408 ofvalve 126, the gas also passes through adjustablegas passage blocker 402 before enteringinput port 118 ofgas passage 116 inbolt 112. - Referring to
FIGS. 15 a-c, which depicts top cross sectional views ofmarker 50 along hash A-A inFIG. 14 , a more illustrative view of adjustablegas passage blocker 402 is illustrated. A portion ofgas passage blocker 402 protrudes outwardly from aside 412 ofbody 56. Adjustablegas passage blocker 402 includes a plurality ofpassages 414 positioned about a circumference or perimeter of adjustablegas passage blocker 402. Eachpassage 414 has a different diameter or size. Main velocity adjustor 302 (seeFIG. 12 ) is used to set the upper velocity setting ofmarker 50 and adjustablegas passage blocker 402 is used to lower the velocity setting to different settings as a function of whichpassage 414 is selected. - As set forth above,
gas passage blocker 402 includespassages 414 that are sized according to the amount of restriction that is desired. For example, inFIG. 15 a, thelargest diameter passage 414 is aligned withgas port 408 orvalve 126. As such,marker 50 is set at the upper velocity setting.FIG. 15 b represents a middle setting andFIG. 15 c represents the lower velocity setting. Anadjustment member 416 protrudes outwardly fromgas passage blocker 402. A cutaway orslot 418 is located inbody 56 that provides a passageway foradjustment member 416 to travel through. - Referring to
FIG. 16 , in yet another form,marker 50 includes avelocity adjustment mechanism 450 that comprises abolt passage blocker 452 that is designed to partially blockport 118 ofbolt 112.Bolt passage blocker 452 is connected with arod 454 that fits within anaperture 456 inbolt 112.Bolt passage blocker 452 fits within a retainingaperture 458 bored inbolt 112. Anend portion 460 ofrod 454 includes an externally threadedportion 462 that engages an internally threadedportion 464 ofbolt 112. The end ofrod 454 is connected with anadjustment knob 466. -
Bolt passage blocker 452 is configured to blockport 118 ofbolt 112 such that gas is restricted from flowing intopassage 116 ofbolt 112. Asknob 466 is screwed in and out,bolt passage blocker 452 adjusts to either increasingly ordecreasingly block port 118. As a result, the velocity at which paintballs are expelled frombarrel 54 can be adjusted between a maximum velocity setting and a minimum velocity setting. The maximum velocity setting may be configured onmarker 50 by usingmain velocity adjustor 302, as previously set forth. When the maximum velocity is set,bolt passage blocker 452 is set in a fully retracted state or position so thatuser 10 cannot increase the velocity while on the field to an excessive velocity setting. - Referring to
FIG. 17 , another representative form ofmarker 50 is illustrated that includes avelocity adjustment mechanism 500. In this form, the position ofbolt 112 is adjusted such that, during a firing operation,port 118 ofbolt 112 is misaligned withgas passage 120. As such, the misalignment ofport 118 restricts the flow of compressed gas topassage 116, thereby slowing down the velocity of paintballs being expelled frombarrel 54. The bolt andhammer connecting pin 127 is positioned inaperture 510 inbolt 112. One end of arod 502 is connected with bolt andhammer connecting pin 127. Another end ofrod 502 is connected with aknob 506.Rod 502 is positioned in anaperture 504 inbolt 112. Anend portion 508 ofrod 502 includes external threads that mate with internal threads inaperture 504. With bolt andhammer connecting pin 127 joined to hammer 122, rotation ofrod 502 withknob 506 repositionsbolt 112 back and forth along a longitudinal axis in bolt chamber or bore 114 insidebody 56 ofmarker 50. The maximum velocity is ready to set whenknob 506 is fully unscrewed and bolt 112 is in the forward most position. Then maximum velocity setting is configured onmarker 50 usingmain velocity adjustor 302, as previously set forth. - As
knob 506 is screwed in, bolt 112 moves rearward, thereby causingport 118 to become misaligned withpassage 120. Themore port 118 becomes misaligned withpassage 120, by adjustment ofbolt 112 on the bolt andhammer connecting pin 127 throughknob 506, the lower the velocity of paintballs expelled frombarrel 54 will be. In addition, whenbolt 112 is misaligned withpassage 120, some compressed gas will be vented throughfeed tube 64, thereby also lowering the velocity of the paintball. - Referring to
FIG. 18 , another representative form ofmarker 50 is illustrated that includes avelocity adjustment mechanism 550. In this form,velocity adjustment mechanism 550 creates controllable separation between apaintball 566 andbolt 112.Velocity adjustment mechanism 550 comprises apaintball repositioning member 552 that pushes paintballs further intobarrel 54 during a firing operation.Paintball repositioning member 552 is connected with arod 554 that passes throughgas passage 116 and anaperture 556 inbolt 112. Anend 558 ofbolt 112 includes an internally threadedportion 560 and anend 568 ofrod 554 includes an externally threadedportion 562 that threads into internally threadedportion 560. Aknob 564 is connected to end 568 ofrod 554 and allows adjustment ofball repositioning member 552. -
Ball repositioning member 552 is configured to push apaintball 566 intobarrel 54 at various depths. Thefurther paintball 566 is pushed out of the breech intobarrel 54, the greater the separation from saidbolt 112, thereby the slower orless velocity paintball 566 will be expelled frombarrel 54 during a firing operation.Knob 564 allowsuser 10 to adjust the depth at whichpaintball 566 is pushed intobarrel 54, thereby allowing adjustment of the velocity at whichpaintball 566 is expelled frombarrel 54 between an upper velocity setting and a lower velocity setting. As those skilled in the art would recognize, theball repositioning member 552 is for the controllable separation of thepaintball 566 from the compressed gas forces ofcompressed gas passage 116, ofbolt 112. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , in yet another form of the present invention, an electronicprojectile accelerator 50 is disclosed that includes an electronic velocity adjustment mechanism. Electronicprojectile accelerator 50 includes an electronic controller, which in this form comprises anelectronic circuit board 66 connected with apower source 68. Avelocity controller 76, which may comprise a push button control, a dial control, or any other suitable type of control, is connected with theelectronic circuit board 66 for allowing a user to selectively set a velocity setting at which projectiles are expelled from abarrel 54. - In one form, the velocity setting is not permitted to go above a predetermined maximum value. A solenoid or
solenoid valve 74 is connected with theelectronic circuit board 66. Theelectronic circuit board 66 is configured to control one or more operating parameters of thesolenoid 74 as a function of the velocity setting. - The electronic
projectile accelerator 50 further includes asensor 72 configured to permit determination of a velocity of a projectile exiting the electronicprojectile accelerator 50. Theelectronic circuit board 66 is adapted to adjust one or more operating parameters of the electronicprojectile accelerator 50, in one form, operating parameters ofsolenoid 74, as a function of the velocity determination and the velocity setting. - Another aspect of the present invention discloses a kit for retrofitting a compressed
gas projectile accelerator 50. The kit includes a velocity adjustment mechanism, as disclosed and described above with respect toFIGS. 1-18 , that is configured to allow the compressedgas projectile accelerator 50 to expel projectiles between a defined range of velocity settings. A velocity controller is included in the kit for allowing a user to selectively adjust the velocity adjustment mechanism to a respective velocity setting falling in the range of velocity settings. The exact components included in the kit will vary depending on the design of the compressedgas projectile accelerator 50, but will include one or more of the components described and set forth with respect toFIGS. 1-18 . - Referring to
FIGS. 19 and 20 , auser 10 is illustrated firing projectiles or paintballs at tworespective targets paintball marker 50.User 10 is shooting attarget 12 a with amarker 50 that is set or configured to expel paintballs attarget 12 a at an upper velocity setting, which in this form, comprises the maximum allowable velocity setting of 300 FPS. As illustrated, sinceuser 10 is a substantial distance fromtarget 12 a, thus requiring the paintball to travel a greater distance (e.g.—200 feet), the paintball tends to travel along somewhat of an arced path after traveling a predetermined distance due to the force of gravity on the paintball. - As further illustrated,
user 10 is somewhat closer to target 12 b (e.g.—80 feet) who is hiding behind anobstacle 16, which is illustrated as a barrel for representative purposes only. Ifuser 10 fires a paintball attarget 12 b withmarker 50 set at the upper velocity setting, it would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, foruser 10 to hittarget 12 b, due to the fact thatobstacle 16 is providing cover fortarget 12 b. This is because the paintball will travel along a relatively straight path towardtarget 12 b thereby causing the paintball to strikeobstacle 16 and not target 12 b. Despite the effect that gravity has on the paintball, at the maximum allowed velocity setting, paintballs are expelled from themarker 50 along a relatively straight path over short distances, which are the typical distances encountered on the field when shooting at arespective target - If
user 10 was able to lower the velocity at which a paintball is expelled frombarrel 54 ofmarker 50 to lets say, for example, 180 FPS, as well as adjust the angle ofbarrel 54 ofmarker 50 upward at a predetermined angle relative to ground G, the likelihood ofuser 10 being able to striketarget 12 b behindobstacle 16 with a paintball is greatly improved. This is because the paintball will travel along a substantially arc shapedpath 18 as a function of the speed at which the paintball exits thebarrel 54 and the angle of thebarrel 54. In other words,user 10 would be lobbing paintballs ontotarget 12 b instead of shooting paintballs directly attarget 12 b. As illustrated, lowering the velocity at which paintballs are expelled frommarker 50 as well as adjusting the angle ofbarrel 54 affects the flight path of paintballs thereby causing the paintballs to travel along a greater arc shaped trajectory. - As such, in another form,
user 10 is able to expel a plurality of paintballs at a lower velocity setting, and in particular, at a controlled velocity spread frombarrel 54 ofmarker 50 to lets say, for example, a 5 shot volley or burst of 160-170-180-190-200 FPS. In this firing mode, ifuser 10 also adjusts the angle of thebarrel 54 ofmarker 50 upward at a predetermined angle relative to the location oftarget 12 b, the likelihood ofuser 10 being able to striketarget 12 b behindobstacle 16 with a paintball is greatly improved yet again. This is because the paintballs are traveling along substantially arc shapedpaths 18 at a plurality of velocities, instead of the same velocity, thereby providing a greater and more uniformed area of coverage when the paintballs land in the target area TA. - Delivering a controlled spread or volley of paintballs along substantially arc shaped
paths 18 ontotarget 12 b reduces the possible inaccuracies or miscalculations ofuser 10 and/ormarker 50. The controlled spread or volley would also reduce the ability oftarget 12 b to react to or avoid the incoming paintballs. Therefore, as illustrated inFIG. 19 ,user 10 is capable of lobbing a controlled spread or volley of paintballs ontotarget 12 b at various velocity settings, thereby eliminatingtarget 12 b. - Referring to
FIG. 20 , a side view of one illustrative form ofmarker 50 is illustrated.Marker 50 includes a compressedgas source 100, which may contain compressed air, CO2, nitrogen, or any other type of suitable compressed gas, which is removably connected with atank adapter 102 ofmarker 50. The compressed gas stored insource 100 is used to selectively expel projectiles frombarrel 54 ofmarker 50. In this illustrated form, agas line 104 connects an output oftank adapter 102 to apressure regulator 106. Compressed gas from compressedgas source 100 is in communication withpressure regulator 106.Pressure regulator 106 regulates the pressure of the compressedgas entering marker 50 to a set pressure. It accomplishes this by cutting offsource 100 when the pressure in a chamber of theregulator 106 reaches a predetermined pressure.Pressure regulator 106 includes anadjustment knob 108 that provides for adjustment of the set pressure ofpressure regulator 106. - Referring collectively to
FIGS. 20 and 21 , in thisform paintball marker 50 includes an on the flyvelocity adjustment mechanism 52.Velocity adjustment mechanism 52 is operable or configured to allowuser 10 to manually and/or selectively adjust the velocity setting at which paintballs are expelled frombarrel 54 ofmarker 50.Marker 50 is operationally configured to expel projectiles frombarrel 54 at a range of velocities ranging from an upper velocity setting to a lower velocity setting. In one form, the upper velocity setting corresponds to the maximum velocity at which a paintball is allowed to be expelled frombarrel 54, which may be 300 FPS for example. Further, in one form, the lower velocity setting corresponds to the lowest possible or functional velocity setting at whichmarker 50 is capable of expelling a paintball frombarrel 54. Different user preferred upper and lower velocity limit settings may be utilized in various other forms of the present invention. - In one form,
marker 50 includes a housing orframe body 56, agrip frame rail 58, a grip orgrip frame 60, atrigger mechanism 62, and afeed tube 64 to which is connected a paintball hopper 63 (see e.g.FIG. 19 ). As illustrated,body 56 is connected withgrip frame rail 58. Alternatively,grip frame rail 58 can be an integral part ofbody 56 orgrip frame 60.Barrel 54 is connected with one respective end ofbody 56 and, in this illustrative form,velocity adjustment mechanism 52 is connected with the opposite end ofbody 56.Feed tube 64, which paintball hopper 63 (seeFIG. 19 ) is removably connected with and feeds paintballs tomarker 50, is also integrated with or formed as a part ofbody 56.Trigger mechanism 62 is movably connected withgrip frame rail 58 orgrip frame 60 and is configured to, with each trigger pull, expel one or more paintballs frombarrel 54. -
Marker 50 includes an electronic circuit board orcontroller 66 connected with apower source 68. Although illustrated as being housed ingrip frame 60, it should be appreciated thatcircuit board 66 andpower source 68 can be housed in other locations ofmarker 50.Power source 68 is connected withcircuit board 66 and provides power tocircuit board 66. As such, an electro-pneumatic marker 50 is disclosed in this representative form.Marker 50 further includes atrigger sensor 70, a velocity orspeed sensor 72, and asolenoid valve 74 that are connected withcircuit board 66. -
Trigger sensor 70 is configured or operable to generate a trigger signal to indicate whentrigger mechanism 62 is pulled byuser 10.Trigger sensor 70 can comprise an optical eye, a LED sensor, a magnetic sensor, a Hall effect sensor, or any other suitable type of sensor. The trigger signal is sent tocircuit board 66. In response to the trigger signal, in one representativeform circuit board 66 generates a solenoid firing signal that is sent tosolenoid valve 74. Upon receipt of the solenoid firing signal,solenoid valve 74 is operable to release a predetermined amount of compressed gas, as a function of the trigger signal, to expel a paintball frommarker 50. - In one form, after a predetermined amount of time,
circuit 66 can generate a solenoid deactivate signal sent tosolenoid valve 74 thereby stopping the release of compressed gas used to expel the paintball frombarrel 54 ofmarker 50. In another form,circuit board 66 deactivates or ceases generating the trigger signal to stopsolenoid valve 74 from releasing compressed gas fromsource 100. As set forth in greater detail below, depending on the respective firing mode thatmarker 50 is currently configured to operate in,circuit board 66 is configured to generate one or more solenoid signals to causemarker 50 to expel one or more paintballs frombarrel 54. In addition,circuit board 66 is configured to selectively control or adjust the velocity at which paintballs are expelled frommarker 50 by controlling the amount of volume of compressed gas used to expel paintballs. In one representative form, this is accomplished by controlling the amount of time compressed gas is allowed to be released bysolenoid valve 74 fromsource 100. -
Speed sensor 72 can comprise a laser, an optical eye, a LED speed sensor, a sonic sensor, a radar, or any other suitable type of speed sensor.Speed sensor 72 andsolenoid valve 74 can be housed in other locations ofmarker 50 other than ingrip frame rail 58, as illustrated.Speed sensor 72 is configured or operable to generate a speed signal indicative of the velocity at which paintballs are expelled frombarrel 54 ofmarker 50. The speed signal is directed to or detected bycircuit board 66, which is operable to adjust operation ofsolenoid valve 74 to adjust the velocity at which paintballs are fired according to various firing modes as a function of the speed signal. - A
velocity controller 76 is connected withcircuit board 66.Velocity controller 76 can comprise a plurality of push buttons, a dial, a slider, or other types of control mechanisms. In one form,velocity controller 76 is configured to allowuser 10 to manually adjust the velocity at which paintballs are expelled frombarrel 54 ofmarker 50.Circuit board 66 is configured to monitor the setting or position ofvelocity controller 76 and adjust the operation ofmarker 50 according to this setting.Velocity controller 76, in one form, is operable to adjustmarker 50 to operate between a maximum and lower velocity setting. - A
breech sensor 78 is connected withcircuit board 66 and is positioned alongbreech 79.Breech sensor 78 can comprise a laser, an optical eye, a LED sensor, an infrared sensor, or any other suitable type of sensor for indicating breech status or condition sensing.Breech sensor 78 can also comprise a plurality or array of suitable sensors.Breech sensor 78 is configured to monitor the status of abreech 79 ofmarker 50. For example,breech sensor 78 is configured to send a paintball loaded signal tocircuit board 66. In yet another form,breech sensor 78 is configured to send a breech obstruction signal tocircuit board 66 indicating a problem has occurred. In this example,circuit board 66 is configured to shutmarker 50 down or cease operation until the problem has been corrected. - A
pressure sensor 46 is connected withcircuit board 66.Pressure sensor 46 can comprise an electronic sensor, pneumatic sensor, or any other suitable type of pressure sensor.Pressure sensor 46 is configured to monitor a pressure value associated withmarker 50. In particular, in one form,pressure sensor 46 is configured to monitor the pressure value at which compressed gas, supplied from compressedgas source 100, is being supplied tosolenoid valve 74. As set forth in greater detail below, a pressure signal is sent tocircuit board 66 frompressure sensor 46 which is in turn, configured to control the amount oftime solenoid valve 74 is opened during a firing operation at least partially as a function of the value of the pressure signal. For example, asmarker 50 is operational and has fired several shots in a row, the pressure value of compressed gas available tosolenoid valve 74 to fire the next shot can decrease somewhat, thereby requiring a greater volume of compressed gas to expel a paintball at a desired or controlled FPS value.Circuit board 66 is configured to increase the amount of time that solenoidvalve 74 is opened as a function of the desired FPS value (which can vary in different firing modes) and the compressed gas pressure value available tosolenoid valve 74. -
Circuit board 66 can also be configured to control various additional operating parameters ofmarker 50 as a function of signals received frompressure sensor 46. In one form,circuit board 66 is configured to placemarker 50 in a stand-by mode or shutmarker 50 off if, for example, the signal received frompressure sensor 46 indicates compressed gas pressure levels above a predetermined safe threshold or a predetermined operational threshold. Whilepressure sensor 46 is illustrated in thegrip frame rail 58, it should be appreciated that it may be positioned in other locations onmarker 50. - One or more
conditional indicators 73 are also connected withcircuit board 66.Indicators 73 can comprise lights, LED's, indication displays, or any other suitable indicators or display device. Althoughindicators 73 are illustrated as being on the rear ofmarker 50, it should be appreciated that they can be positioned in other locations onmarker 50.Indicators 73 allowuser 10 to monitor the operational status or parameters ofmarker 50. In addition,indicators 73 can also be used to inform the user ofmarker 50 ofbarrel 54 alignment in various firing modes. - In another form, a
distance sensor 75 is connected withcircuit board 66.Distance sensor 75 can comprise a laser distance sensor, an optical distance sensor, an ultrasonic distance sensor, a range finder, or any other suitable type of distance sensor. In this form, asuser 10 aimsbarrel 54 atpotential targets distance sensor 75 is configured to generate an electronic distance signal, which can be an analog or digital signal, that is sent tocircuit board 66. The distance signal is indicative of the distance frommarker 50 to one of therespective targets -
Circuit board 66 is configured and operable to use the distance signal to calculate the velocity at which paintballs need to be expelled frommarker 50 and the angular tilt required forbarrel 54 ofmarker 50 to lob or launch a volley or salvo of paintballs down field to striketarget circuit board 66 can be configured to automatically determine a proper velocity to expel paintballs as a function of the tilt sensor signal received from atilt sensor 48 and the distance signal. In yet another form,distance sensor 75 can include or be connected with abutton 97 that selectively transmits a distance signal tocircuit board 66 every time it is pressed byuser 10. -
Marker 50 can also include atilt sensor 48 connected withcircuit board 66.Tilt sensor 48 is configured to sense or measure, in two axes in one form, the tilting ofmarker 50. In particular,tilt sensor 48 is used to monitor the angular position ofbarrel 54 in comparison to a reference plane, which in this case comprises the ground G. In one form,tilt sensor 48 can comprise an electrolytic tilt sensor, an electronic clinometer or inclinometer, an accelerometer, a piezoelectric accelerometer, a gyro sensor, or a full motion sensor, for example. Althoughtilt sensor 48 is illustrated as being housed ingrip frame 60, as arecontrols 77 andvelocity controller 76, it should be appreciated that these elements can be located in other locations ofmarker 50. - In yet another form, one or more user controls 77 are connected with
circuit board 66.Controls 77 can comprise push button controls, dial controls, or any other suitable type of controls. In one form, controls 77 provide manual control touser 10 for adjustment of one or more of the components or operations ofmarker 50. For example, controls 77 can finely adjust or fine tune the operation oftilt sensor 48,trigger sensor 70,distance sensor 75,velocity controller 76, and/orbreech sensor 78. Further, controls 77 can be configured substitutable and/or alternate with the components or operations, such as, for example, being a manual or overriding controller fortilt sensor 48. -
Controls 77 can also be configured to operate as a manual distance controller, wherein controls 77 can be utilized to manually input a distance to arespective target circuit board 66. In addition, controls 77 can also be used to select different firing modes (e.g.—semi-automatic, automatic, three shot burst, five shot burst, lobbing mode, etc.). As such, in this form, controls 77 informcircuit board 66 of the firing mode desired byuser 10. - In one form,
marker 50 includes an electronic velocity adjustment mechanism. Avelocity controller 76, which can comprise a push button control, a dial control, a sliding control, or any other suitable type of control, is connected withcircuit board 66 for allowing a user to selectively set a velocity setting at which projectiles are expelled frombarrel 54. For example, ifvelocity controller 76 comprises two buttons (e.g.—a velocity up and a velocity down button), each press of one of the respective buttons causes a signal to be sent tocircuit board 66. In response,circuit board 66 will either raise or lower the velocity setting ofmarker 50 in predetermined increments (e.g.—5 FPS, 10 FPS, and so forth).Controls 77 can be utilized to set the increments in whichuser 10 desires each button press to raise or lower the velocity setting. -
Velocity controller 76 can be configured as the primary velocity adjustment feature, as a secondary velocity adjustment feature, and/or as an additional velocity adjustment feature onmarker 50. In one form,circuit board 66 is configured to not allowmarker 50 to expel paintballs above a predetermined maximum velocity or below a predetermined operational velocity. As such, regardless of howmany times user 10 attempts to increase or decrease the velocity once one of these thresholds is reached,circuit board 66 is configured to ignore the request. - In one form, where the velocity setting is not permitted to go above a predetermined maximum value,
circuit board 66 is configured to control one or more operating parameters ofsolenoid 74 as a function of the velocity setting. In particular, in one representative form, in response to the user selected velocity setting,circuit board 66 is operable to control the timed release of compressed gas bysolenoid 74 as a function of the velocity setting. The higher the velocity setting, thelonger circuit board 66 will controlsolenoid 74 to release compressed gas to expel the paintball frommarker 50. As such,circuit board 66 controls the velocity of the paintballs by controlling the volume of compressed gas that is released bysolenoid 74 during a firing operation. - In one form, like the above form, the velocity setting is not permitted to go above a predetermined maximum value, and
circuit board 66 is configured with rounds per second (“RPS”) setting that does not permitmarker 50 to go above a predetermined maximum RPS value.Circuit board 66 is configured to control one or more operating parameters ofsolenoid 74 as a function of the velocity setting and/or the RPS setting. Again, controls 77 can be used to adjust the RPS setting (at least to an upper threshold value) ofmarker 50. - As previously set forth, in some forms,
marker 50 includes a velocity orspeed sensor 72 which is configured to allowcircuit board 66 to determine the velocity ofprojectiles exiting barrel 54 ofmarker 50.Circuit board 66 is adapted to adjust one or more operating parameters ofmarker 50, in one form the operating parameters ofsolenoid 74, as a function of the velocity determination, the velocity setting and/or the RPS. Further, signals fromspeed sensor 72 can be utilized bycircuit board 66 to verify that a projectile was properly loaded and expelled frombarrel 54, as well as, the RPS of projectiles being expelled. -
Marker 50 can also include abreech sensor 78 connected withcircuit board 66.Breech sensor 78 is configured to permit determination of breech status, in one form, as a function of the velocity setting. For example, in the illustratedform breech sensor 78 is an array of sensors arranged inbreech 79 to determine or verify an operational members' position (e.g.—such as bolt 112 (seeFIG. 6 )) in respect to a paintball's position and/or any separation from the paintball.Circuit board 66 can then control one or more operating parameters as it relates to breech status and/or the velocity setting. Such as, for example,circuit board 66 can be programmed and operable to disregard an upcoming signal fromspeed sensor 72 when a paintball, loaded inbreech 79, is separated from thebolt 112 above a set threshold value. - As previously set forth,
marker 50 includestilt sensor 48 connected withcircuit board 66.Circuit board 66 can be configured with a safety feature of one or more operating parameters ofmarker 50 as a function of signals received fromtilt sensor 48. For example, whenmarker 50 is laid down, is pointed straight up or straight down,circuit board 66, which is capable of sensing this angular orientation ofmarker 50 as a function of the tilt sensor signal, can be configured to automatically placemarker 50 in a stand-by mode thereby disablingmarker 50 from expelling projectiles. The stand-by mode can also be an energy saving mode. -
Circuit board 66 can also be configured to control other operational parameters ofmarker 50 as a function of the tilt sensor signal received fromtilt sensor 48. For example, whenmarker 50 is positioned in or exceeds a predetermined angle in relation to ground G,circuit board 66 is configured to switch or change firing modes or change the velocity settings ofmarker 50.Controls 77 can also be configured to adjust or fine tune the signal (i.e.—the determined angle of marker 50) generated bytilt sensor 48. Also, controls 77 may be configured as a manual mode controller. In other words,user 10 can usecontrols 77 to set a predetermined angular setting indication thereby overriding the determination made bytilt sensor 48.Controls 77 when configured as a manual mode controller can be configured as a primary, secondary, or additional mode controller. - Referring collectively to
FIGS. 22 a-22 c, a rear view of one representative form ofmarker 50 is depicted. In this form,velocity adjustment mechanism 52 includes a primary ormain velocity adjustor 80.Main velocity adjustor 80 is configured to adjust a velocity setting ofmarker 50. In particular,main velocity adjustor 80 is designed to configuremarker 50 so thatmarker 50 cannot expel paintballs above a predetermined upper or maximum velocity setting, which, for illustrative purposes only, is 300 FPS. In this illustrative example,main velocity adjustor 80 comprises an allen head screw configured to adjustably control the upper velocity setting ofmarker 50 as previously described with respect to other forms disclosed herein. For example, adjustment ofmain velocity adjustor 80, by tightening or looseningmain velocity adjustor 80, increases or decreases the maximum velocity setting ofmarker 50. -
Velocity adjustment mechanism 52 includes a component adjuster orlever selector 82 that is connected withmain velocity adjustor 80. In this form,lever selector 82 is secured tomain velocity adjustor 80 with a retention member or setscrew 84.Lever selector 82 includes anaperture 85 that fits around an outside diameter ofmain velocity adjustor 80. Oncemain velocity adjustor 80 is set to causemarker 50 to function at the user preferred or authorized upper velocity setting,lever selector 82 is positioned about adial 86 in a user selected position and then setscrew 84 is used to tightlysecure lever selector 82 tomain velocity adjustor 80. In this example, as illustrated inFIG. 22 a,user 10 has selected a twelve o-clock position forlever selector 82 as the setting for the maximum or upper velocity setting. - In order to prevent
user 10 from being able to turnlever selector 82 clockwise, thereby increasing the velocity at which a projectile may be expelled,lever selector 82 must be restricted. As previously discussed, any velocity setting above the upper or maximum velocity setting would causemarker 50 to be viewed as a “hot marker” as understood by those skilled in the art. In this example, dial 86 includes a plurality ofapertures 88 that are positioned around a circumference or perimeter ofdial 86. A blockingpin 90 is positioned or placed in arespective aperture 88 immediately next to lever 82 to preventlever selector 82 from being rotated any further in the clockwise direction. As such, this preventsuser 10 from being able to adjust the velocity setting ofmarker 50 above the upper velocity setting. This is an important feature asuser 10 would not be allowed to usemarker 50 on the playing field if he/she was capable of adjustingmarker 50 to shoot above the maximum allowed velocity setting. - In this form, as
user 10 rotateslever selector 82 counterclockwise, the velocity at which paintballs are expelled frombarrel 54 ofmarker 50 begins to decrease. For example, at the setting illustrated inFIG. 22 b,marker 50 is set to expel paintballs at an intermediate or transitional FPS setting. Thefurther lever selector 82 is adjusted counterclockwise, the velocity at which paintballs are expelled frommarker 50 decreases until, as illustrated inFIG. 22 c,lever selector 82 reaches a lowest functional or lower velocity setting. InFIG. 22 c, the lower velocity setting is controlled by placement of blockingpin 92 in auser 10 selectedaperture 88 ofdial 86. - During operation,
lever selector 82 will hit or bump up againstpins lever selector 82 to be adjusted any further beyond the upper and lower velocity settings.Selector 82 can also include a detainment mechanism, which is adetent 94 in this example, that is located in alignment withapertures 88 ondial 86 to help temporarily securelever selector 82 in place once a velocity setting is chosen byuser 10.Pins lever selector 82 beyond the upper and lower velocity settings.Apertures 88 may be threaded and in one form, dial 86 is connected tobody 56 ofmarker 50 and in another form, dial 86 is formed as an integral part ofbody 56 or other components ofmarker 50 as disclosed herein. - In another form,
marker 50 includesindicators 73 connected with circuit board 66 (seeFIG. 21 ).Indicators 73 can comprise any suitable indicators, as described above and/or as illustratedFIGS. 21 and 22 a-22 c.Indicators 73 can also be configured as part of and/or withcontrols 77. Furthermore, in one formvelocity adjustment mechanism 52 includes situational connectors orlinks FIG. 22 b.Connectors 45 are connected withcircuit board 66. Situational connectors orlinks Connectors circuit board 66 of the velocity setting ofmarker 50. Those skilled in the art would recognize that the described components or members ofmarker 50 may be configured, laid out, or connected in a different manner or configuration; and the described components or members may be combined or separated into single members. Also, the described members may be connected directly topower source 68 or have a separate source of power. - Referring collectively to
FIGS. 19 , 20, 21 and 22 a-c, in one representative form,marker 50 includes an on the fly velocity adjustment feature, which is operable to allowuser 10 to manually and/or selectively adjust the velocity at which paintballs are expelled frombarrel 54 ofmarker 50 at a range of velocities ranging from an upper velocity setting to a lower velocity setting. In another form,marker 50 includes a velocity adjustment feature that is automatically configured to adjust the velocity at which paintballs are expelled frombarrel 54 ofmarker 50 at a range of velocities ranging from an upper velocity setting to a lower velocity setting, as well as an RPS setting and/or a firing mode. In yet another form,marker 50 includes a velocity adjustment feature that suggests or advisesuser 10 of possible velocity settings and/or their value, ranging from an upper velocity setting to a lower velocity setting, as well as possible angles ofbarrel 54, RPS setting, and/or fire mode for the elimination of a selected target. -
User 10 is illustrated firing projectiles or paintballs attarget 12 a, usingmarker 50 set or configured to expel paintballs at an upper velocity setting (seeFIG. 19 ).User 10 is firing the projectiles attarget 12 a in a semi-automatic firing mode.User 10 then engagestarget 12 b, which is behindobstacle 16, withmarker 50 which includesdistance sensor 75,indicators 73, andtilt sensor 48 connected with circuit board 66 (seeFIG. 21 ).Circuit board 66 ofmarker 50 being aware of the distance to target 12 b through signals fromdistance sensor 75 is configured to automatically calculate or determine one or more angles forbarrel 54 and then indicate the proper angle(s) ofbarrel 54 touser 10 through signals received bytilt sensor 48 andindicators 73. - As an example, as illustrated in
FIG. 22 a,circuit board 66 is configured to illuminate either the up or down arrows ofindicators 73 to informuser 10 which way to movebarrel 54 ofmarker 50 to placemarker 50 at the one or more calculated angles. The circular shaped light ofindicators 73 is used to informuser 10 thatmarker 50 has been positioned at a proper angle. Onceuser 10positions marker 50 at a respective calculated angle,circuit board 66 is then configured to automatically calculate or determine a proper projectile velocity settings required to lob projectiles or paintballs ontotarget 12 b as a function of the angular position ofbarrel 54 ofmarker 50. In one form of the above form,circuit board 66 automatically controls one or more operating parameters ofmarker 50 to achieve the calculated velocity settings foruser 10.User 10 then presses trigger 62 thereby causingmarker 50 to expel projectiles frommarker 50 at the plurality of calculated velocities. For example, in 5-shot burst mode,marker 50 automatically expels five paintballs at five different velocities attarget 12 b. In the alternative,marker 50 could be set to expel projectiles in a lobbing manner at the same velocity. - In another form,
user 10 again engagestarget 12 b which is behindobstacle 16 withmarker 50.Circuit board 66 ofmarker 50 knowing the distance to target 12 b throughdistance sensor 75 indicates touser 10 one or more calculated angles ofbarrel 54 throughindicators 73 in order to lob projectiles ontotarget 12 b. In this form, althoughcircuit board 66 has calculated the velocity and preferred angle,user 10 may have set a preference, viacontrollers 77, for manual adjustment of the velocity using eithervelocity controller 76 orvelocity adjustment mechanism 52. Onceuser 10 has adjusted the velocity setting to the calculated setting,circuit board 66 is configured to illuminate anindicator 73 thereby informinguser 10 that the calculated velocity setting has been reached. As with the previous form,circuit board 66 can also be configured to illuminateindicators 73 informinguser 10 that the velocity setting needs to be increased or decreased in order to reach the calculated velocity setting. For example, the up and down or right and leftindicators 73 illustrated inFIG. 22 a could be used. - In another form,
user 10 is firing projectiles attarget 12 a, usingmarker 50 set or configured to expel paintballs at an upper velocity setting (seeFIG. 19 ).User 10 again is firing projectiles attarget 12 a in semi-automatic mode.User 10 then engagestarget 12 b, which is behindobstacle 16 withmarker 50. In this form,circuit board 66 ofmarker 50 is configured for burst mode (i.e.—5 shot burst per trigger pull) whenmarker 50 is lobbing projectiles between an upper velocity setting and a lower velocity setting. - In one form,
circuit board 66 is configured to automatically selectively select between different firing modes ofmarker 50 as a function of signals received fromtilt sensor 48. For example,user 10 is firing attarget 12 a in semi-automatic mode, and then fires attarget 12 b in 5 shot lobbing burst mode (seeFIG. 19 ) by positioningmarker 50 in a calculated or predetermined angle as before. This pre-programmed self selection of the firing mode is determined by the angle ofmarker 50 throughtilt sensor 48 andcircuit board 66.Marker 50 is configured to selectively select or self select the semi-automatic mode whenuser 10 returns to firing attarget 12 a as a function of a sensor reading received fromtilt sensor 48 bycircuit board 66. - The automatic or self selection of the upper velocity setting in the semi-automatic mode from the lobbing burst mode, would also occur when
target 12 b came aroundobstacle 16 and was exposed touser 10 thereby giving user 10 a more direct shot attarget 12 b. This automatic selection of the upper velocity setting in the semi-automatic mode is a function of the sensor reading received bycircuit board 66 fromtilt sensor 48. Asmarker 50 is tilted or positioned along latitudinal axis LA-LA (seeFIG. 19 ), such thatbarrel 54 is positioned at a predetermined angle relative to the ground G,circuit board 66 is programmed or configured to automatically switch firing modes. For example, in this mode of operation, iftilt sensor 48 senses thatmarker 50 is positioned at an angle anything less than 35° relative to ground G,circuit board 66 is configured to setmarker 50 in semi-automatic straight fire mode such thatmarker 50 shoots directly attarget 12 b. Iftilt sensor 48 senses thatmarker 50 is positioned at an angle greater than 35° relative to ground G,circuit board 66 is configured to automatically setmarker 50 in 5 shot lobbing burst mode.Marker 50 could be configured to fire in any one of a number of straight shot firing modes, such as semi-automatic mode, burst mode, ramp mode or fully automatic mode. - Further, in another form,
user 10 is firing projectiles attarget 12 a, usingmarker 50 set or configured to expel paintballs at an upper velocity setting (seeFIG. 19 ).User 10 is firing projectiles attarget 12 a in semi-automatic straight shot mode.User 10 then engagestarget 12 b which is behindobstacle 16 withmarker 50. In this form,marker 50 comprises the self selecting lobbing burst mode as a function oftilt sensor 48 andcircuit board 66 as described above. Further,marker 50 is configured to include a velocity spreader mode, which may be used in conjunction with different fire modes (i.e. semi-automatic, burst, ramp, full auto, etc.). - The velocity spreader mode separates projectiles fired into selected or programmed groups or volleys, and then separates the velocity of the projectiles within these volleys such that each projectile is assigned a distinct velocity. For example, in this form,
user 10 is engagingtargets paths 18, of the self selecting lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode, allowsuser 10 to cover a larger target area TA and provides for quicker target acquisition. Thus, the above configuredmarker 50 with self selecting lobbing burst mode and velocity spreader mode, allowsuser 10, on the fly, to engage and eliminatetarget 12 b behindobstacle 16 efficiently, while still engagingtarget 12 a at will in semi-automatic mode. -
Circuit board 66 of the above configuredmarker 50 with lobbing mode and/or velocity spreader mode is programmable for the “semi-automatic only” rules used by some paintball venues or fields. For example, in this form,user 10 is engagingtargets FIG. 19 ), but in semi-automatic mode only. As before,user 10 switches engagement fromtarget 12 a to target 12 b such that the lobbing mode is self selected through the cooperation oftilt sensor 48 andcircuit board 66. Then,marker 50 with the velocity spreader mode cycles through the programmed number of shots as in the burst mode, but one trigger pull at a time (i.e.—5 trigger pulls=160-170-180-190-200 FPS, starting over every 5 trigger pulls). Velocity spreader mode can also work inmarkers 50 with full auto or ramp modes (i.e. 160-170-180-190-200 FPS, starting over every 5 shots until trigger activation stops) or (i.e. 160-170-180-190-200 FPS for the first 5 shots, then 200-190-180-170-160 FPS for the next 5 shots; replicating until trigger activation stops). - The number of shots in a spread of the velocity spreader mode is programmable (i.e. 2 shot—burst or spread, 3 shot—burst or spread, 4 shot—group or spread, etc.), and that groups or volleys of the velocity spreader mode can be assembled in clusters and/or collections (i.e. 3 shot group followed by 5 shot group, replicating). Further, the velocity spread or velocity difference in a group or volley is also programmable (i.e. 5 FPS spread between projectiles, 10 FPS spread between projectiles, etc.). Still further, the position of the calculated velocity is programmable as well. For example, as in an illustrative form above, 180 FPS is the calculated or determined velocity needed for
user 10 to lob projectiles on to target 12 b which is behindobstacle 16. Also in above illustrated examples, 180 FPS is in the center position of 5 shot group or volley, 2 positions before 180 FPS and 2 positions after, as in 160-170-180-190-200 FPS. This calculated velocity (i.e. 180 FPS) can be programmable set and/or positioned in a group and/or cluster (i.e. {5 shot volley} from: 160-170-180-190-200 FPS, to: 170-180-190-200-210 FPS); or (i.e. {3 shot-5 shot cluster} from: 170-180-190 FPS/160-170-180-190-200 FPS, to: 170-180-190 FPS/170-180-180-180-190 FPS). Further still, it would be recognized that the RPS in a group is programmable and the RPS in a collection of groups is programmable (i.e. {3 shot-5 shot group} 13 RPS for the 3 shot group and 10 RPS for the 5 shot group). - In another form,
user 10 is firing projectiles attarget 12 a, usingmarker 50 set or configured to expel paintballs at an upper velocity setting (seeFIG. 19 ).User 10 then engagestarget 12 b which is behindobstacle 16 withmarker 50. In this form,marker 50 includes the self selecting lobbing mode as a function of the signal fromtilt sensor 48 andcircuit board 66; and programmable velocity spreader mode, as described above. Also in this form,marker 50 comprisescontrols 77. Whilecircuit board 66 is the principal controller, controls 77 are an additional or secondary controller.Controls 77 are controls for tuning or adjusting one or more operating parameters ofmarker 50. For example, as described,user 10 engagestarget 12 b behindobstacle 16 withmarker 50, but is shooting into a strong head wind.Controls 77 can be configured to allowuser 10 to adjust or tune the reading fromdistance sensor 75 and/ortilt sensor 48, or their values. Thus, allowinguser 10 to properly engagetarget 12 b despite the strong head wind. - Further, in another example,
user 10 is currently firing projectiles attarget 12 b withmarker 50 in the lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode, but is unable to eliminatetarget 12 b because of uncontrollable circumstances. However,user 10 is keepingtarget 12 b pinned down and effectively out of play of the game.Control 77 ofmarker 50 is configured to allowuser 10 to adjust the rate of fire or rounds per second (RPS) of the lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode, so thatuser 10 can pin downtarget 12 b more effectively and/or longer before reloading. In another form of the above form, where controls 77 are programmed to adjust the RPS within the lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode, ofmarker 50, controls 77 can be further programmed to switchmarker 50 to “semi-automatic only” at one end the controller, and to full auto at the other end of the controller; while controlling the RPS of the lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode with the in-between settings ofcontrols 77. - Yet further, in still another example,
user 10 is currently firing projectiles attarget 12 b with above configuredmarker 50 in the lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode, but is unable to currently eliminatetarget 12 b because of uncontrollable circumstances, as in the above example. In this example however,user 10 needs to eliminatetarget 12 b. Ifcontrols 77 ofmarker 50 were programmed to adjust the spread of the velocity within the lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode (i.e. from 10 FPS programmed velocity spread like 160-170-180-190-200 FPS to a 5 FPS programmed velocity spread like 170-175-180-185-190 FPS). The more concentrated fire of the now adjusted velocity spreader mode will allowuser 10 to better eliminatetarget 12 b behindobstacle 16, while still having some of the area coverage of the velocity spreader mode. Thus,user 10 can re-program the self selecting lobbing fire mode and/or velocity spreader fire mode. - In another form,
user 10 is illustrated firing projectiles or paintballs attarget 12 a, using amarker 50 set or configured to expel paintballs at an upper velocity setting (seeFIG. 19 ).User 10 then engagestarget 12 b which is behindobstacle 16 withmarker 50 which includesindicators 73 andtilt sensor 48 connected with circuit board 66 (seeFIG. 20 ). In this form,distance sensor 75 is not connected tocircuit board 66 or is not allowed. However, controls 77 can be programmed to set the known or estimated distance to target 12 b.Circuit board 66 ofmarker 50 knowing the distance to target 12 b throughcontrols 77 can calculate or determine one or more angles forbarrel 54 and then indicate the angle(s) ofbarrel 54 touser 10 throughtilt sensor 48 andindicators 73. Onceuser 10positions marker 50 in the one or more calculated angles,circuit board 66 can automatically calculate or determine the projectile velocity settings required to lob projectiles or paintballs on to target 12 b. - In another form,
user 10 is firing projectiles attarget 12 a andtarget 12 b withmarker 50.Marker 50 includesdistance sensor 75,indicators 73, andtilt sensor 48 connected with circuit board 66 (seeFIG. 21 ). In this form,marker 50 includes the self selecting lobbing burst mode as a function of thetilt sensor 48 andcircuit board 66; and programmable velocity spreader mode, as described above. Also in this form,distance sensor 75 and/or its determined value are programmable to adjust one or more operating parameters ofmarker 50. For example,user 10 is firing projectiles attarget 12 a withmarker 50 configured to expel projectiles at an upper velocity setting (seeFIG. 19 ).User 10 then tries to eliminatetarget 12 a using the self selecting lobbing burst mode by positioningmarker 50 in a predetermined lobbing angle, as described above.Marker 50 being aware of the distance to target 12 a throughdistance sensor 75, recognizestarget 12 a is beyond the set or programmed distance limit of the self selecting lobbing burst mode and thus remains in semi-automatic mode. - Further, in another example,
user 10 is currently firing projectiles attarget 12 b behindobstacle 16, with above configuredmarker 50 in the self selecting lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode (seeFIG. 19 ), but is unable to eliminatetarget 12 b because of uncontrollable circumstances.Target 12 b moves to get an advantage and runs byuser 10. Ifuser 10 engaged nowadjacent target 12 b,marker 50 would self select the semi-automatic mode, at the upper velocity setting; as a function of the more level angular position ofmarker 50 as sensed bytilt sensor 48.Marker 50, knowing the distance to target 12 b throughdistance sensor 75, automatically adjusts the velocity setting ofmarker 50 to a safer and/or lower velocity setting. Many, if not most, paintball fields or venues have a surrender rule for recreational paintball players (i.e.—a player is not allowed to shoot another player at 10 feet or closer, one of the players must surrender). This is for the players' safety, because the markers are set at one velocity setting, which comprises the upper velocity setting. - The described safer or lower velocity setting for an adjacent opponent or target can be configured as an operational fire mode. This surrender mode, for the sake of brevity, can be configured to be pre programmable and/or re programmable. Such as, the distance to a target or the determined value from
distance sensor 75 could be set, reset, and/or adjusted. Also the selected velocity setting for the safer lower velocity setting could be set, reset, and/or adjusted. Also the surrender mode can be configured as the default setting for the lobbing mode, such as a low power source situation. Further, the surrender mode can be selected byuser 10 throughcontrols 77. - In another form,
user 10 is illustrated firing projectiles or paintballs attarget 12 a, using a compressedgas projectile accelerator 50 set or configured to expel paintballs at an upper velocity setting (seeFIG. 19 ).User 10 is also engagingtarget 12 b which is behindobstacle 16 withmarker 50 in the self adjusting and/or selecting lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode. In this form,marker 50 includesdistance sensor 75,indicators 73, andtilt sensor 48 connected with circuit board 66 (seeFIG. 21 ), described above. Additionally,marker 50 includesspeed sensor 72 connected withcircuit board 66.Speed sensor 72 is configured to permit determination of a velocity of aprojectile exiting marker 50.Circuit board 66 is adapted to adjust one or more operating parameters ofmarker 50 as a function of the velocity determination fromspeed sensor 72 and the desired velocity setting. Thus,circuit board 66 is configured to adjust the velocity ofmarker 50 to the calculated or desired velocity setting to allowuser 10 to engagetarget 12 b with the lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode more effectively. For example,user 10 tunes in or verifiesmarker 50 is performing properly before play starts, such as being under the upper velocity limit and is on target while in the lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode. Then, as the ambient temperature and/or the temperature ofmarker 50 changes the operating gas pressure ofmarker 50 during play,user 10 can then stay on target in the lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode throughspeed sensor 72. Alsouser 10 will not exceed the upper velocity setting when not in lobbing mode when engagingtarget 12 a. Further,user 10 will not exceed the RPS setting, asspeed sensor 72 can be configured to verify and adjustmarker 50 to a RPS setting. - In yet another form,
user 10 is firing projectiles or paintballs attarget 12 a, using amarker 50 set or configured to expel paintballs at an upper velocity setting (seeFIG. 19 ).User 10 is also engagingtarget 12 b which is behindobstacle 16 in the lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode withmarker 50, which includesdistance sensor 75,indicators 73, controls 77,tilt sensor 48 andspeed sensor 72 connected with circuit board 66 (seeFIG. 21 ).Marker 50 also includespressure sensor 46 connected withcircuit board 66.Pressure sensor 46 is configured to permit determination of the operational pressure of compressed gas and/or its value.Circuit board 66 is configured to adjust one or more operating parameters ofmarker 50 as a function of the sensed pressure value bypressure sensor 46, and the desired velocity setting, and/or the fire mode. For example, as in previous illustrated form,user 10 is engagingtarget 12 a andtarget 12 b withmarker 50 configured as described above. As the ambient temperature and/or the temperature ofmarker 50 changes the operating gas pressure ofmarker 50 during play,user 10 can then stay on target in the lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode throughspeed sensor 72 and/orpressure sensor 46. Also, during play,marker 50 determines that the desired pressure determination and/or its value for engagingtarget 12 b cannot be maintained in the lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode at its current RPS setting.Pressure sensor 46 adjusts or reduces the RPS setting to allowuser 10 to stay properly engaged withtarget 12 b. - In still another form,
user 10 is illustrated firing projectiles or paintballs attarget 12 a, using a compressedgas projectile accelerator 50 set or configured to expel paintballs at an upper velocity setting (seeFIG. 19 ).User 10 is also engagingtarget 12 b which is behindobstacle 16 in the lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode withmarker 50, which includesdistance sensor 75,indicators 73, controls 77,tilt sensor 48 andspeed sensor 72 connected with circuit board 66 (seeFIG. 21 ).Marker 50 also includesbreech sensor 78 connected withcircuit board 66.Breech sensor 78 is configured to permit determination of the status ofbreech 79. For example, since thebreech sensor 78 is an array of sensors,breech sensor 78 can determine or verify an operational members' position (i.e. such as the bolt) in respect to a paintball's position and/or their separation, as a function of the velocity setting and firing modes and/or their values. - Additionally, in the above form,
breech sensor 78 is configured to determine the breech's status and/or condition, such as whether or not breech 79 is fouled with broken paintballs. A fouledbreech 79 can affect the velocity of fired paintballs and/or affect the readings fromspeed sensor 72. For example,user 10 is engagingtarget 12 a with above configuredmarker 50 at the upper velocity setting.User 10 is also engagingtarget 12 b behindobstacle 16 withmarker 50 in the lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode.Breech 79 ofmarker 50 becomes fouled in the engagement,breech sensor 78 then indicates the fouled breech touser 10 throughindicators 73. Also, the fouled breech status frombreech sensor 78 inmarker 50 allowscircuit board 66 to compensate for and/or change the lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode; or allowsuser 10 to compensate for the broken paintballs inbreech 79 ofmarker 50 withcontrols 77. - In still another form,
projectile accelerator 50 is configured with manually selectedvelocity adjustment mechanism 52, which includes amain velocity adjustor 80,selector 82, setscrew 84,aperture 85, dial 86,apertures 88, blockingpin 90, blockingpin 92, anddetent 94, disclosed above (seeFIGS. 22 a-22 c). Alsovelocity adjustment mechanism 52 comprisesdistance sensor 75,indicators 73, andtilt sensor 48 connected with circuit board 66 (seeFIG. 21 ). In this illustrated form,user 10 sets the upper velocity setting throughmain velocity adjustor 80 ofvelocity adjustment mechanism 52 prior to the start of play.User 10 is then able to lob projectiles at a range of velocities ranging from an upper velocity setting to a lower velocity setting once play begins. In one form of the above form,user 10 is able to lob projectiles at a range of velocities ranging from an upper velocity setting to a lower velocity setting, as calculated and/or indicated bycircuit board 66 ofmarker 50 throughindicators 73. For example,user 10 is firing projectiles attarget 12 a in semi-automatic mode with configured and setmarker 50.User 10 then engagestarget 12 b which is behindobstacle 16 withmarker 50.Circuit board 66 ofmarker 50 being aware of the distance to target 12 b throughdistance sensor 75 can calculate or determine one or more angles forbarrel 54 and then indicate the angle(s) ofbarrel 54 touser 10 throughtilt sensor 48 andindicators 73. Onceuser 10positions marker 50 in a calculated angle,circuit board 66 can automatically calculate or determine the projectile velocity setting needed to lob projectiles or paintballs on to target 12 b.Circuit board 66 can then indicate the calculated velocity setting forvelocity adjustment mechanism 52 ofmarker 50 touser 10 throughindicators 73. - In another form,
marker 50 is configured with velocity adjustment mechanism 52 (seeFIGS. 22 a-22 c).Marker 50 includesdistance sensor 75,indicators 73, andtilt sensor 48 connected with circuit board 66 (seeFIG. 21 ); as detailed in the above form. In this form though,velocity adjustment mechanism 52 includesspeed sensor 72,breech sensor 78, controls 77, and situational connectors orlinks circuit board 66. Situational connectors orlinks 45 are a plurality of connectors positioned ondial 86 to match up withconnector 44 ofselector 82 of velocity adjustment mechanism 52 (seeFIG. 22 b).Circuit board 66 being status aware and/or situational alert tomarker 50 can further adviseuser 10 throughindicators 73. For example,circuit board 66 ofmarker 50 can indicate corrections, recalculations, determination changes and/or status changes, and/or their value touser 10 throughindicators 73. - As an example,
user 10 is illustrated firing projectiles attarget 12 a, using above configuredmarker 50 set to expel paintballs at an upper velocity setting (seeFIG. 19 ).User 10 is also lobbing projectiles, along one or more substantially arc shapedpaths 18, ontotarget 12 b behindobstacle 16. Asuser 10 switches betweentarget 12 a andtarget 12 b,circuit board 66 can indicate theappropriate barrel 54 angle(s) ofmarker 50 as related to theuser 10 selected position ofselector 82, orcircuit board 66 can indicate a new calculated setting forselector 82 ofvelocity adjustment mechanism 52 for a current angle ofbarrel 54. In another example,circuit board 66 ofmarker 50 can also indicate, throughindicators 73, changes inbarrel 54 angle(s) or position ofselector 82 ofvelocity adjustment mechanism 52 as it relates to a determined value ofspeed sensor 72 and/orbreech sensor 78. Also, the determined value ofspeed sensor 72 and/orbreech sensor 78 could be adjusted bycontrols 77, as described above. - In another form,
marker 50 is configured with velocity adjustment mechanism 52 (seeFIGS. 22 a-22 c). Againmarker 50 also includesdistance sensor 75,indicators 73,speed sensor 72,breech sensor 78, atrigger sensor 70, controls 77,connectors 45,connector 44, andtilt sensor 48 connected with circuit board 66 (seeFIGS. 21 , 22 b). While those skilled in the art would recognize that above configuredmarker 50 could lob projectiles onto a target, such astarget 12 b (seeFIG. 19 ), in a lobbing burst mode (as disclosed above) as a function ofvelocity adjustment mechanism 52 andtilt sensor 48 connected withcircuit board 66. Those skilled in the art would also recognize that configuredmarker 50 could also lob projectiles onto a target, such astarget 12 b (seeFIG. 19 ), in a velocity spreader mode (also disclosed above) as a manual function ofselector 82 ofvelocity adjustment mechanism 52 connected withcircuit board 66 throughconnectors 45 andconnector 44; andindicators 73 andtilt sensor 48 also connected withcircuit board 66. - In yet another form,
marker 50 is configured with velocity adjustment mechanism 52 (seeFIGS. 22 a-22 c).Marker 50 also includesdistance sensor 75,indicators 73,speed sensor 72,breech sensor 78,trigger sensor 70, controls 77,connectors 45,connector 44,solenoid valve 74, andtilt sensor 48 connected with circuit board 66 (seeFIG. 21 ). Sincecircuit board 66 ofmarker 50 can comprise the self selecting lobbing burst mode and/or the velocity spreader mode, with manual assistance.Circuit board 66 ofmarker 50 can be configured for the combination fire mode, the self selecting lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode (as described above), but with manual assistance. For brevity, the self selecting lobbing burst-assisted velocity spreader mode. For example,user 10 is firing projectiles attarget 12 a, at an upper velocity setting with marker 50 (seeFIG. 19 ).User 10 is also engagingtarget 12 b in the self selecting lobbing burst-assisted velocity spreader mode with saidmarker 50. -
Marker 50 includes velocity adjustment mechanism 52 (seeFIGS. 22 a-22 c) connected withcircuit board 66, throughconnector 44 andconnectors 45.Circuit board 66 being aware of the distance to target 12 b throughdistance sensor 75 and status aware throughspeed sensor 72 andbreech sensor 78.User 10 simply positionsmarker 50 in the predetermined angle forbarrel 54 with the assistance ofindicators 73, movesselector 82 ofvelocity adjustment mechanism 52 from the upper velocity setting (i.e.FIG. 22 a) to the lower velocity setting (i.e.FIG. 22 c), while activatingtrigger sensor 70. Thus,circuit board 66 would release a fire sequence to solenoidvalve 74 everytime connector 44 ofselector 82 linked with and/or connected with aconnector 45 that had value, that is, value to the programmed and/or calculated fire commands to lob projectiles in one or more substantially arc shapedpaths 18 of a self selecting lobbing burst-assisted velocity spreader mode. - The release of fire commands and/or sequences from
circuit board 66 tosolenoid valve 74, as related to movingselector 82 ofvelocity adjustment mechanism 52 and velocity spreader mode, could be increasing and/or decreasing in nature (i.e. upper velocity setting to lower velocity setting or lower velocity setting to upper velocity setting). Thus,user 10 could lob projectiles ontotarget 12 b, back to front then front to back as a function of the movement ofselector 82 from the upper velocity setting to the lower velocity setting, and then from the lower velocity setting to the upper velocity setting, while activatingtrigger sensor 70. Additionally, the release of fire commands and/or operational commands fromcircuit board 66 tosolenoid valve 74, as related to moving or rotatingselector 82 ofvelocity adjustment mechanism 52 and velocity spreader mode while activatingtrigger sensor 70, can be further controlled throughcircuit board 66 and/or controls 77. - For example, in the above form,
user 10 is engagingtarget 12 b, which is behindobstacle 16, with the above described configuredmarker 50.User 10 is moving or rotatingselector 82 ofvelocity adjustment mechanism 52 as a function of the assisted velocity spreader mode, while activatingtrigger sensor 70.User 10moves selector 82 to fast andmarker 50 is in jeopardy of exceeding the programmed RPS limit, as such one or more values of the fire commands are ignored bycircuit board 66. Thus, the release of fire commands and/or operational commands fromcircuit board 66, of the assisted velocity spreader mode are programmable and/or re programmable. - Another aspect of the present invention discloses a kit for retrofitting a compressed
gas projectile accelerator 50. The kit includes a velocity control method, as disclosed and described above with respect toFIGS. 1-22 c, that is configured to allowmarker 50 to expel a plurality of projectiles between a defined range of velocity settings, within a range of operational modes. A component controller or circuit board is included in the kit for allowing a user to selectively configure, program, and/or re-program the velocity control method or operational modes. The exact components included in the kit will vary depending on the design ofmarker 50, but will include one or more of the methods described and set forth with respect toFIGS. 1-22 c. - Referring to
FIG. 23 , as previously set forth,marker 50 includeselectronic circuit board 66 that is configured to monitor and control various functional aspects ofmarker 50. In one representative form,circuit board 66 includes aprocessor 101 that is programmable to execute one or more software routines.Processor 101 can comprise a microprocessor including on-board memory for storing executable program code or memory may be connected withprocessor 101. In some prior art electronic markers, it is envisioned that the markers can be retrofit with a new circuit board, as well as other components, to incorporate one or more features of the present invention. - In one form,
circuit board 66 includes a firing mode module or routine 600 that allowsuser 10 to select a desired firing mode formarker 50.User 10 can configuremarker 50 to fire in a straight fire mode, a lobbing mode, or an auto-select mode. In one form, controls 77 are used byuser 10 to select a respective firing mode within the firingmode module 600. Selection of the straight fire mode causesmarker 50 to execute a straightfire mode module 602. In straight fire mode,marker 50 is configured to fire projectiles as aconventional marker 50. In other words,marker 50 is configured to fire projectiles at the upper velocity setting and can fire projectiles in either semi-automatic mode (e.g. —1 projectile per trigger pull), fully automatic mode (e.g.—continuous projectile fire as long as trigger is depressed), burst mode (e.g. —5 projectiles per trigger pull) or ramp mode (e.g.—12 projectiles per 6 trigger pulls). As such, in one form, straightfire mode module 602 is configured to selectively execute asemi-automatic mode module 604, a fullyautomatic mode module 606, aburst mode module 608, or aramp mode module 605. Each of the above-referenced modules 604-608configures marker 50 to operate according to each respective firing mode. -
Firing mode module 600 also allowsuser 10 to configuremarker 50 to fire in a lobbing mode by execution of a lobbingmode module 610. As previously set forth, the lobbing mode allowsuser 10 to lower the velocity at which projectiles are expelled frombarrel 54 ofmarker 50 such that the projectiles travel along arc shaped paths. Together with anglingbarrel 54 at predetermined angles, the lobbing mode allowsuser 10 to striketargets 12 b behindobstacles 16 that would otherwise be able to avoid being struck ifmarker 50 was firing in straight fire mode. This is because at lower velocity settings,projectiles leaving barrel 54 ofmarker 50 travel along various arc shaped paths as a function of the velocity setting ofmarker 50. As previously set forth, in one form,circuit board 66 is configured to control operation ofsolenoid valve 74 to allowmarker 50 to expel projectiles at varying velocity settings. -
Firing mode module 600 also allowsuser 10 to select an auto-select mode module 612 that configuresmarker 50 to operate in an auto-select fire mode. As used herein, the phrase auto-select fire mode should be construed to mean thatmarker 50 is configured to automatically select either a straight fire mode or lobbing mode as a function of a sensor signal fromtilt sensor 48. As previously set forth, iftilt sensor 48 indicates thatbarrel 54 ofmarker 50 is angled above a predetermined threshold value (e.g.—any angle above 35° relative to ground G), which would indicate thatmarker 50 is positioned to lob projectiles ontarget 12 b, auto-select mode module 612 is configured to switchmarker 50 to lobbing mode. Ifmarker 50 is positioned below the predetermined threshold value, which would indicate thatmarker 50 is positioned to fire substantially directly at atarget 12 a, auto-select mode module 612 is configured to switchmarker 50 to straight fire mode. - Referring to
FIG. 24 , lobbingmode module 610 is configured to allowuser 10 to setmarker 50 to fire in asemi-automatic firing mode 616, a full-automatic firing mode 617, aburst firing mode 614, or aramp firing mode 615. If burst firingmode 614 orramp firing mode 615 is selected byuser 10, a configuration module 618 allowsuser 10 to configure a projectile per trigger pull ((e.g.—burst firing mode—3 projectiles per trigger pull, 5 projectiles per trigger pull, and so forth) or (e.g.—ramp firing mode—12 projectiles per second for 6 trigger pulls per second)). Aspreader mode module 620 allowsuser 10 to determine whether or notmarker 50 is configured to expel projectiles in a spread of velocity settings in which each projectile is assigned a distinct velocity within a range of velocities. Ifuser 10 selects velocity spreader mode, a velocityspread setting module 622 allowsuser 10 to set the FPS difference between respective rounds. For example,user 10 can configuremarker 50 to expel projectiles in increments of 5 FPS, 10 FPS, and so forth. Also, velocity spread settingmodule 622 allowsuser 10 to set the RPS setting, assign placement in the volley to the determined velocity, and combine volleys or groups into collections, as previously set forth. - Once
user 10 configuresmarker 50 to function in lobbing mode and selects the velocity spreader mode, aprogressive mode module 624 providesuser 10 with the option to select a progressive mode.Progressive mode module 624 allowsmarker 50 to expel projectiles in a progressive up, a progressive down, or a progressive up and down manner. For example,marker 50 is configured to expel projectiles in a progressive mode such that the velocity settings progresses up and down in the spreader mode (e.g.—first 5 shot burst at velocities of 160 FPS, 170 FPS, 180 FPS, 190 FPS, and 200 FPS; second 5 shot burst at velocities of 200 FPS, 190 FPS, 180 FPS, 170 FPS, 160 FPS). As such,progressive mode module 624 configuresmarker 50 to function in a velocity progressive mode as represented at 626. As previously set forth,user 10 can usecontrols 77 to configure the operation ofmarker 50 amongst the various operating modes. - Referring to
FIGS. 21 and 25 , in oneform marker 50 is configured in the lobbing mode to automatically calculate velocity settings and angles ofbarrel 54 as a function of readings obtained fromdistance sensor 75 andtilt sensor 48. For the sake of brevity,marker 50 has already been configured byuser 10 to either operate in the lobbing mode or the auto-select mode. During play,user 10 encounters target 12 b, which is hidden behind arespective obstacle 16. Usingdistance sensor 75, adistance reading module 700 allowsuser 10 to obtain a distance reading to target 12 b. In the alternative,user 10 can manually enter a distance to target 12 b using controls 77. -
Marker 50 includes alobbing algorithm module 702 that is configured to calculate a plurality of angles forbarrel 54 to be positioned at and a plurality of velocity settings needed formarker 50 to be able to lob projectiles ontotarget 12 b. In one form, the velocity settings are calculated as a function of the calculated angles. As such, one respective calculated angle setting will have a first set of velocity settings used to lob projectiles ontotarget 12 b and another calculated angle setting will have a second set of velocity settings, and so forth. Multiple angles and sets of velocity settings may be required to lob projectiles ontotarget 12 b depending on various factors, such as the height of the obstacle, the distance to target 12 b, and so forth. As such,lobbing algorithm module 702 is configured to calculate a plurality of angles and sets of velocity settings corresponding to each respective calculated angle in order to lob projectiles ontotarget 12 b. - In another form,
marker 50 also includes anindicator control module 704 configured to control operation ofindicators 73 to guideuser 10 to positionbarrel 54 ofmarker 50 at the one or more calculated angles.Indicator control module 704 uses signals fromtilt sensor 48 to determine whenbarrel 54 ofmarker 50 is positioned in at one or more of the calculated angles. As previously set forth, up and down arrows (seeFIG. 22 a) ofindicators 73 can be used to guideuser 10 to placemarker 50 in the proper angular position. Oncemarker 50 is placed at one or more of the calculated angles, arespective indicator 73 is illuminated to indicatemarker 50 is positioned at a one or more of the calculated angles. - A
firing module 706 monitors the status oftrigger 62 and in response to a pull oftrigger 62,marker 50 expels a plurality of projectiles in a spreader mode attarget 12 b. In this form,marker 50 expels the projectiles at the set of velocity settings corresponding to the calculated angle. As should be appreciated, varying the angle ofbarrel 54 will vary the arc shaped path that projectiles that are expelled frommarker 50 travel to reachtarget 12 b. As the angle ofbarrel 54 is changed, the set of calculated velocities that projectiles need to be expelled to reachtarget 12 b adjusts as a function of the distance to target 12 b and the angular position ofbarrel 54 ofmarker 50. - Another aspect of the present invention discloses a method, comprising the steps of a) configuring a compressed gas projectile accelerator to expel multiple projectiles from multiple selected velocity settings falling between a first velocity setting and a second velocity setting; and b) providing a controller configured to allow a user to selectively choose, program, and/or re program a plurality of velocity settings falling between the first and second velocity settings.
- Yet another aspect of the present invention discloses a method, comprising the steps of a) configuring a compressed gas projectile accelerator to expel multiple projectiles from multiple selected velocity settings falling between a first velocity setting and a second velocity setting; and b) providing a programmable controller configured for selectively choosing a plurality of velocity settings falling between the first and second velocity settings.
- A further aspect of the present invention discloses a method, comprising the steps of a) configuring a compressed gas projectile accelerator to expel multiple projectiles from multiple selected velocity settings falling between a first velocity setting and a second velocity setting; and b) providing a programmable controller configured for selectively choosing an operational mode from a plurality of operational modes with velocity settings falling between the first and second velocity settings.
- A further aspect of the present invention discloses a projectile accelerator. The projectile accelerator includes a compressed gas source; a gas releasing mechanism in communication with the compressed gas source; a trigger mechanism for selectively controlling the gas releasing mechanism; and a controller associated with said gas releasing mechanism for allowing said projectile accelerator to be selectively controlled in a manner in which projectiles are expelled from said projectile accelerator between an upper velocity setting and a lower velocity setting, where said projectiles are expelled from said projectile accelerator in a lobbed manner with differing lower velocities and in a non-lobbed manner with an upper velocity setting.
- Another aspect of the present invention discloses a compressed gas projectile accelerator, comprising a compressed gas source; a compressed gas control mechanism in communication with said compressed gas source for selectively controlling compressed gas to expel a multiple of projectiles; and a projectile velocity controller configured to selectively expel projectiles at a multitude of selected velocity settings falling within a range of velocity settings.
- Yet another aspect of the present invention discloses an electronic projectile accelerator, comprising: an electronic circuit board; a velocity control in communication with the electronic circuit board for allowing the velocity selection from a variety of velocity settings at which projectiles are expelled from a barrel, where a velocity selection is not permitted to go above a predetermined maximum value; and a fire mode within the electronic circuit board, where the fire mode is configured to control one or more operating parameters of the electronic circuit board as a function of the velocity selection.
- Another aspect of the present invention discloses an electronic projectile accelerator, comprising: an electronic circuit board; a controller connected with said electronic circuit board to allow the selection of velocity settings from a range of velocity settings at which projectiles are expelled from a barrel, while not permitting said velocity setting to go above a predetermined maximum value; and an operational mode in association with said electronic circuit board, where said electronic circuit board is configured to control one or more operating parameters of said electronic projectile accelerator as a function of said velocity settings, while not permitting a determined value to go above a predetermined maximum value in said operational mode.
- A further aspect of the present invention discloses a circuit board for a compressed gas projectile accelerator. The circuit board includes software routines or modules that include a firing module configured to operate the compressed gas projectile accelerator in a straight fire mode and a lobbing mode. The straight fire mode is operable to configure the marker to operate in a semi-automatic mode, a fully-automatic mode, and a burst mode. The lobbing mode is configured to expel a group of projectiles at varying velocities within a range of velocities falling between an upper velocity limit and a lower velocity limit. Each projectile in the group of projectiles is assigned a distinct velocity setting.
- While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions are desired to be protected. It should be understood that while the use of words such as preferable, preferably, preferred or more preferred utilized in the description above indicate that the feature so described may be more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessary and embodiments lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope of the invention, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. In reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” or “at least one portion” are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” is used the item can include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.
Claims (116)
1. A compressed gas projectile accelerator, comprising:
a controller configured to dynamically expel projectiles within a range of velocity settings falling between an upper velocity setting and a lower velocity setting.
2. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 1 , where said controller is further configured to expel a plurality of projectiles at a plurality of velocities falling within said range of velocity settings.
3. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 2 , where said controller is configured to expel a plurality of projectiles at a plurality of velocities in a controlled manner falling within said range of velocity settings.
4. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 3 , where said controller is configured to expel a plurality of projectiles at a plurality of velocities assembled in one or more groups in a controlled manner falling within said range of velocity settings.
5. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 1 , further comprising a tilt sensor connected with said controller, said controller being configured to control one or more operational parameters of said compressed gas projectile accelerator as a function of signals received from said tilt sensor.
6. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 1 , further comprising a breech sensor connected with said controller, where said controller is configured to control one or more operational parameters of said compressed gas projectile accelerator as a function of signals received from said breech sensor.
7. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 1 , further comprising a velocity sensor connected with said controller, where said controller is configured to control one or more operational parameters of said compressed gas projectile accelerator as a function of signals received from said velocity sensor.
8. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 1 , further comprising a distance sensor connected with said controller, where said controller is configured to control one or more operational parameters of said compressed gas projectile accelerator as a function of signals received from said distance sensor.
9. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 1 , where said controller is connected with a solenoid valve and is configured to control one or more operational parameters of said solenoid valve as a function of one or more velocity settings.
10. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 1 , further comprising a secondary velocity controller configured to control one or more operational parameters of said compressed gas projectile accelerator.
11. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 1 , further comprising a pressure sensor connected with said controller, where said controller is configured to control one or more operational parameters of said compressed gas projectile accelerator as a function of signals received from said pressure sensor.
12. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 1 , further comprising a selector configured to control one or more operational parameters of said compressed gas projectile accelerator.
13. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 1 , where said controller comprises a microprocessor based programmable controller.
14. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 1 , where said controller comprises an electronic circuit board.
15. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 1 , where said controller comprises an electronic circuit board configured to control one or more operational parameters to expel projectiles within said range of velocity settings.
16. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 1 , where said controller is configured to expel projectiles in a plurality of firing modes within said range of velocity settings.
17. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 16 , where said firing modes are either pre-programmed or re-programmable.
18. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 1 , where said controller is automatically configured to enter a surrender fire mode where projectiles are expelled at a low velocity setting if a target is below a predetermined distance threshold.
19. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 1 , where said controller is configured to place said compressed gas projectile accelerator in an energy saving mode if a tilt sensor senses said compressed gas projectile accelerator is positioned in a predetermined angular alignment relative to a reference point.
20. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 1 , where said controller is configured to variably control a number of projectiles expelled in a group of projectiles.
21. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 1 , where said controller is configured to automatically expel projectiles in a plurality of groups of projectiles and vary the velocity setting at which one or more of said groups of projectiles are expelled from said compressed gas projectile accelerator.
22. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 1 , where said controller is configured to vary velocity settings of one or more projectiles in a group of projectiles being expelled from said compressed gas projectile accelerator.
23. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 1 , where said controller is connected with a tilt sensor and a distance sensor, where said controller is configured to automatically calculate one or more velocity settings within said range of velocity settings to expel projectiles at a target as a function of signals received from said distance sensor and said tilt sensor.
24. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 23 , where said controller is further configured to automatically calculate an angular alignment of said compressed gas projectile accelerator relative to a reference point as a function of said velocity settings.
25. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 24 , further comprising one or more indicators connected with said controller, where said controller is configured to guide a user to said angular alignment using said indicators.
26. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 1 , where said controller controls said velocity settings as a function of readings determined from an array of sensors.
27. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 1 , where said controller is configured to self select an operational firing mode.
28. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 1 , where said controller is configured to combine different operational firing modes.
29. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 1 , where said controller is configured to self select a velocity setting from said range of said velocity settings.
30. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 1 , where said controller is configured to determine a proper velocity setting from said range of velocity settings as a function of a distance to target value.
31. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 30 , where the distance to target value is input by a user.
32. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 30 , where the distance to target value is obtained from a distance sensor connected with said controller.
33. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 30 , where said controller is further configured to determine a proper angular position for a barrel of said compressed gas projectile accelerator as a function of the distance to target value
34. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 1 , where said controller is configured to expel a plurality of projectiles in arc shaped paths within said range of velocity settings.
35. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 1 , where said compressed gas projectile accelerator is configured to expel a plurality of projectiles at diverse velocity settings chosen from within said range of velocity settings.
36. A method, comprising:
configuring a compressed gas projectile accelerator to dynamically expel projectiles at a variety of selected velocity settings falling between an upper velocity setting and a lower velocity setting.
37. The method of claim 36 , further comprising prohibiting the selection of a velocity setting above said upper velocity setting.
38. The method of claim 36 , further comprising controlling operation of a solenoid to control projectile velocity between said upper and lower velocity settings.
39. The method of claim 36 , further comprising setting a velocity setting as a function of a signal from a tilt sensor.
40. The method of claim 36 , further comprising setting a velocity setting as a function of a signal from a breech sensor.
41. The method of claim 36 , further comprising setting a velocity setting as a function of a signal from a distance sensor.
42. The method of claim 36 , further comprising setting a velocity setting as a function of a signal from a velocity sensor.
43. The method of claim 36 , further comprising setting a velocity setting with a selector.
44. The method of claim 36 , further comprising setting a velocity setting as a function of a reading from a pressure sensor.
45. The method of claim 36 , further comprising providing a firing sequence configured to control projectile velocity such that projectiles are expelled having multiple velocity settings within said upper and lower velocity settings.
46. The method of claim 36 , further comprising configuring said compressed gas projectile accelerator to include a plurality of firing modes.
47. The method of claim 36 , further comprising allowing a predetermined number of projectiles to be expelled relative to trigger activations.
48. The method of claim 36 , further comprising configuring said compressed gas projectile accelerator to fire projectiles in a group in response to a trigger pull.
49. The method of claim 48 , further comprising automatically selecting a distinct velocity setting for each projectile in said group.
50. The method of claim 36 , further comprising calculating an expelling angle of a barrel for selected velocity settings falling between said upper and lower velocity settings.
51. The method of claim 36 , further comprising configuring said compressed gas projectile accelerator to dynamically select a firing mode as a function of one or more sensed values.
52. The method of claim 51 , where said sensed value comprises a distance sensor signal.
53. The method of claim 51 , where said sensed value comprises a tilt sensor signal.
54. The method of claim 36 , further comprising automatically entering a safety mode as a function of a sensed value.
55. The method of claim 54 , where said sensed value comprises a distance sensor signal, where said safety mode comprises automatically setting a velocity setting to a low velocity setting as a function of said distance sensor signal.
56. The method of claim 54 , where said sensed value comprises a sensed angular position of a barrel of said compressed gas projectile accelerator.
57. The method of claim 54 , where said safety mode comprises restricting said compressed gas projectile accelerator from expelling projectiles.
58. The method of claim 36 , further comprising configuring said compressed gas projectile accelerator to include a projectile lobbing mode.
59. The method of claim 58 , where said projectile lobbing mode is configured to automatically expel at least one group of projectiles at varying velocity settings within said upper and lower velocity settings.
60. The method of claim 58 , where said projectile lobbing mode comprises expelling projectiles in a collection of groups at velocity settings falling within said upper and lower velocity settings.
61. The method of claim 58 , where said projectile lobbing mode comprises expelling projectiles with selected positions within a group at varying velocity settings.
62. The method of claim 36 , further comprising obtaining a distance to target signal from a distance sensor.
63. The method of claim 62 , further comprising calculating one or more angles for a barrel position as a function of said distance to target signal.
64. The method of claim 63 , further comprising calculating one or more sets of velocity settings corresponding to each said one or more angles.
65. The method of claim 64 , further comprising monitoring an angular position of said barrel and generating an indication to a user when said barrel reaches said one or more calculated angles.
66. The method of claim 65 , further comprising expelling projectiles at said calculated set of velocity settings corresponding to said one or more calculated angles.
67. A compressed gas projectile accelerator, comprising:
a compressed gas source;
a compressed gas releasing mechanism in communication with said compressed gas source for selectively releasing compressed gas to expel projectiles; and
a controller connected with said compressed gas releasing mechanism configured to selectively expel projectiles at a plurality of velocity settings falling within a range of velocity settings.
68. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 67 , further comprising a selector for adjustably selecting a velocity setting in said range of velocity settings.
69. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 67 , further comprising a spreader mode module stored in said controller configured to expel a plurality of projectiles, where said plurality of projectiles are each assigned a distinct velocity setting
70. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 67 , further comprising a auto-select mode module configured to automatically change firing modes as a function of a sensed value.
71. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 70 , where said sensed value comprises a tilt sensor signal.
72. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 67 , where said controller is configured to expel projectiles in a projectile grouping mode.
73. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 67 , where said controller is configured to determine one or more velocity settings for projectiles as a function of a distance determination.
74. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 67 , where said controller is configured to determine one or more velocity settings for projectiles as a function of an angle determination of a barrel.
75. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 67 , where said controller is configured to determine one or more angles of a barrel as a function of a velocity setting falling within said range of velocity settings.
76. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 67 , where said controller is configured to determine one or more velocity settings for projectiles from a velocity determination.
77. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 67 , where said controller is configured to determine one or more velocity settings for projectiles from a pressure determination.
78. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 67 , where said controller is configured to control and verify a number of projectiles expelled in a time setting.
79. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 67 , where said controller is configured to expel projectiles in a group of projectiles, where each projectile in said group of projectiles is assigned a distinct velocity setting.
80. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 67 , where said controller is configured to expel projectiles separated into groups falling within said range of velocity settings.
81. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 67 , where said controller is configured to advise a user of calculated angular positions of a barrel such that projectiles are expelled from said barrel at a target in a lobbed manner.
82. A kit for retrofitting a compressed gas projectile accelerator, comprising:
a controller configured to allow the selection of a straight firing mode and a lobbing firing mode, where said controller is further configured to expel projectiles in a range of velocity settings.
83. The kit for retrofitting a compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 82 , where said controller comprises an electronic circuit board.
84. The kit for retrofitting a compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 82 , where said lobbing firing mode is operable to expel a group of projectiles.
85. The kit for retrofitting a compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 84 , where each projectile in said group of projectiles is assigned a distinct velocity.
86. The kit for retrofitting a compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 82 , further comprising a distance sensor connected with said controller.
87. The kit for retrofitting a compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 86 , where said controller is configured to expel a group of projectiles at distinct velocity settings as a function of a distance signal generated by said distance sensor.
88. The kit for retrofitting a compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 82 , further comprising a user control connected with said controller.
89. The kit for retrofitting a compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 88 , where said controller is configured to expel projectiles in said range of velocity settings as a function of a distance to target value input with said user control.
90. The kit for retrofitting a compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 82 , further comprising a tilt sensor connected with said controller.
91. The kit for retrofitting a compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 90 , where said controller is configured to expel a group of projectiles as a function of a signal from said tilt sensor.
92. The kit for retrofitting a compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 82 , where said controller is configured to automatically select a respective firing mode from a group of firing modes.
93. A projectile accelerator, comprising:
an electronic circuit board; and
a controller connected with said electronic circuit board configured to allow tool less selection of velocity settings from a range of velocity settings at which projectiles are expelled from a barrel.
94. The projectile accelerator of claim 93 , further comprising a sensor configured to permit determination of a velocity of a projectile exiting said projectile accelerator.
95. The projectile accelerator of claim 94 , where said electronic circuit board is adapted to adjust one or more operating parameters of said projectile accelerator as a function of said velocity.
96. The projectile accelerator of claim 93 , further comprising a sensor configured to permit determination of an angular position of said projectile accelerator.
97. The projectile accelerator of claim 96 , where said electronic circuit board is adapted to adjust one or more operating parameters of said electronic projectile accelerator as a function of said angle.
98. The projectile accelerator of claim 93 , further comprising a sensor configured to permit determination of a distance to a target.
99. The projectile accelerator of claim 98 , where said electronic circuit board is configured to adjust one or more operating parameters of said projectile accelerator as a function of said distance to said target.
100. The projectile accelerator of claim 93 , further comprising a sensor configured to permit determination of a breech status of said projectile accelerator.
101. The projectile accelerator of claim 100 , where said electronic circuit board is configured to adjust one or more operating parameters of said projectile accelerator as a function of said breech status.
102. The projectile accelerator of claim 93 , further comprising a sensor configured to permit determination of an operational pressure of said projectile accelerator.
103. The projectile accelerator of claim 93 , where said electronic circuit board is configured to adjust one or more operating parameters of said projectile accelerator as a function of said operational pressure.
104. The projectile accelerator of claim 93 , further comprising a sensor configured to permit determination of a number of projectiles expelled in a time setting from said projectile accelerator.
105. The projectile accelerator of claim 104 , where said electronic circuit board is configured to adjust one or more operating parameters of said projectile accelerator as a function of said number of projectiles expelled in said time setting.
106. The projectile accelerator of claim 93 , further comprising a user control configured alternatively to a sensor.
107. A compressed gas projectile accelerator, comprising;
a compressed gas source;
a compressed gas control mechanism in communication with said compressed gas source for selectively controlling compressed gas to expel a plurality of projectiles; and
a projectile velocity controller configured to selectively expel projectiles at a plurality of selected velocity settings falling within a range of velocity settings.
108. A projectile accelerator, comprising:
a compressed gas source;
a gas releasing mechanism in communication with said compressed gas source;
a trigger mechanism for selectively controlling said gas releasing mechanism; and
a controller associated with said gas releasing mechanism for allowing said projectile accelerator to be selectively controlled in a manner in which projectiles are expelled from said projectile accelerator between an upper velocity setting and a lower velocity setting, where said projectiles are capable of being expelled from said projectile accelerator in a straight fire mode and a lobbing fire mode.
109. The projectile accelerator of claim 108 , where said lobbing fire mode expels projectiles at controlled lower velocity settings such that projectiles travel along an arced shaped path.
110. A circuit board for a compressed gas projectile accelerator, comprising:
a firing module configured to operate said compressed gas projectile accelerator in a straight fire mode and a lobbing mode.
111. The circuit board of claim 110 , where said straight fire mode is configured to operate said compressed gas projectile accelerator in a semi-automatic mode, a fully-automatic mode, a ramp mode and a burst mode.
112. The circuit board of claim 110 , where said lobbing mode is configured to expel a group of projectiles at varying velocities within a range of velocities falling between an upper velocity limit and a lower velocity limit.
113. The circuit board of claim 112 , where each projectile in said group of projectiles is assigned a distinct velocity setting.
114. The circuit board of claim 110 , where said lobbing mode includes a progressive mode configured to expel a group of projectiles at varying velocities that increase and decrease in velocity within a range of velocities.
115. The circuit board of claim 110 , where said lobbing mode is configured to operate said compressed gas projectile accelerator in a semi-automatic mode, a fully-automatic mode, a ramp mode and a burst mode.
116. A compressed gas projectile accelerator, comprising;
a compressed gas source;
a compressed gas control mechanism in communication with said compressed gas source for selectively controlling compressed gas to expel projectiles; and
a tilt sensor configured to sense the angular position of said compressed gas projectile accelerator.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/340,825 US20090199834A1 (en) | 2008-02-07 | 2008-12-22 | Compressed Gas Projectile Accelerator for Expelling Multiple Projectiles at Controlled Varying Velocities |
PCT/US2009/000752 WO2009099635A1 (en) | 2008-02-07 | 2009-02-06 | Compressed gas projectile accelerator having multiple projectile velocity settings |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/069,086 US7806113B2 (en) | 2008-02-07 | 2008-02-07 | Compressed gas projectile accelerator having multiple projectile velocity settings |
US12/340,825 US20090199834A1 (en) | 2008-02-07 | 2008-12-22 | Compressed Gas Projectile Accelerator for Expelling Multiple Projectiles at Controlled Varying Velocities |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US12/069,086 Continuation-In-Part US7806113B2 (en) | 2008-02-07 | 2008-02-07 | Compressed gas projectile accelerator having multiple projectile velocity settings |
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US20090199834A1 true US20090199834A1 (en) | 2009-08-13 |
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US12/340,825 Abandoned US20090199834A1 (en) | 2008-02-07 | 2008-12-22 | Compressed Gas Projectile Accelerator for Expelling Multiple Projectiles at Controlled Varying Velocities |
Country Status (2)
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US (1) | US20090199834A1 (en) |
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