U.S. patent application number 11/468695 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-20 for paintball gun having a pneumatic firing valve.
This patent application is currently assigned to SMART PARTS, INC.. Invention is credited to Danial Jones.
Application Number | 20070215133 11/468695 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26812661 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070215133 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jones; Danial |
September 20, 2007 |
Paintball gun having a pneumatic firing valve
Abstract
A paintball gun preferably includes a compressed gas storage
chamber, a bolt, and a firing valve arranged in a longitudinal
chamber of the paintball gun. The firing valve preferably includes
a valve plug arranged in a sealing engagement within a plug
receptacle to retain the compressed gas in the compressed gas
storage chamber when the firing valve is in a closed position. In
an open position, the valve plug is preferably withdrawn from the
plug receptacle to permit compressed gas from the compressed gas
storage chamber to enter the bolt. A pneumatic piston is preferably
operably connected to the firing valve to move it between an open
and closed position.
Inventors: |
Jones; Danial; (Loyalhanna,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARGER JOHNSON & MCCOLLOM, P.C.
210 SW MORRISON STREET, SUITE 400
PORTLAND
OR
97204
US
|
Assignee: |
SMART PARTS, INC.
Loyalhanna
PA
|
Family ID: |
26812661 |
Appl. No.: |
11/468695 |
Filed: |
August 30, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11117871 |
Apr 29, 2005 |
7121272 |
|
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11468695 |
Aug 30, 2006 |
|
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|
10944337 |
Sep 16, 2004 |
6901923 |
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|
11117871 |
Apr 29, 2005 |
|
|
|
10688469 |
Oct 17, 2003 |
6810871 |
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10944337 |
Sep 16, 2004 |
|
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10114915 |
Apr 1, 2002 |
6644295 |
|
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10688469 |
Oct 17, 2003 |
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60302821 |
Jul 3, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
124/73 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41B 11/71 20130101;
F41B 11/721 20130101; F41B 11/62 20130101; F41B 11/57 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
124/073 |
International
Class: |
F41B 11/00 20060101
F41B011/00 |
Claims
1. A paintball gun, comprising: a compressed gas storage chamber
configured to house compressed gas for a firing operation of the
paintball gun, said compressed gas storage area comprising a plug
receptacle; a firing valve stem having a valve plug, wherein said
valve plug comprises a sealing member arranged around an external
circumference of the valve plug, wherein said valve plug sealing
member mates within the plug receptacle in a sealing relationship
to retain compressed gas within the compressed gas storage chamber
when the valve stem is arranged in a first position, and wherein
said valve plug sealing member is disengaged from the plug
receptacle to release compressed gas from the compressed gas
storage chamber when the valve stem is arranged in a second
position; an actuating piston operably connected to the valve stem
to move the valve stem between the first position and the second
position.
2. A paintball gun according to claim 1, further comprising a
solenoid valve, wherein the actuating piston comprises a first
surface area, and wherein the solenoid valve selectively supplies a
quantity of compressed gas to and vents the quantity of compressed
gas from a port in fluid communication with the first surface area
of the actuating piston to move the valve stem between the first
position and the second position.
3. A paintball gun according to claim 2, wherein the first surface
area is a forward surface area.
4. A paintball gun according to claim 1, wherein the plug
receptacle is arranged in a compressed gas releasing port at a
forward end of the compressed gas storage chamber.
5. A paintball gun according to claim 1, wherein the compressed gas
storage area, the firing valve stem, and a bolt are all arranged
in-line in a longitudinal chamber of the paintball gun.
6. A paintball gun, comprising: a compressed gas storage area
configured to receive and store a quantity of compressed gas from a
regulated gas supply, said compressed gas storage area arranged in
a longitudinal bore of the paintball gun; a bolt arranged in the
longitudinal bore of the paintball gun, wherein said bolt is
configured to slide between a loading position and a closed
position to load paintballs into the paintball gun; and a firing
valve arranged in the longitudinal bore of the paintball gun, said
firing valve comprising a valve plug having a sealing member
arranged in a sealing relationship with a plug receptacle to retain
compressed gas in the compressed gas storage area when the firing
valve is in a closed position, wherein the valve plug sealing
member is removed from the sealing relationship with the plug
receptacle when the firing valve is in an open position, and
wherein said firing valve is configured to slide between the closed
and open position to release compressed gas from the compressed gas
storage area into the bolt.
7. A paintball gun according to claim 6, further comprising an
actuating piston, wherein said actuating piston is operatively
connected to the firing valve to move it between the closed and
open positions.
8. A paintball gun according to claim 7, wherein the actuating
piston comprises a first and a second surface area, and wherein
compressed gas is selectively supplied to and vented from the first
surface area of the firing valve to operate the firing valve and
wherein the second surface area does not receive a supply of
compressed gas.
9. A paintball gun according to claim 6, wherein the plug
receptacle is arranged in a compressed gas releasing port of the
compressed gas storage area.
10. A paintball gun according to claim 6, wherein the compressed
gas storage area is arranged in a gas storage area housing, and
wherein the firing valve and bolt are slidably arranged in a
pneumatic assembly housing, and wherein the gas storage area
housing, and the pneumatic assembly housing are connected together
end to end.
11. A paintball gun, comprising: a bolt and firing mechanism
arranged in a same longitudinal bore of the paintball gun; said
firing mechanism comprising a valve plug having a sealing member
arranged on an outer surface of the valve plug, wherein said valve
plug sealing member contacts an internal surface of a plug
receptacle in a sealing relationship while the firing mechanism is
in a closed position; a pneumatic actuator operatively connected to
said firing mechanism to move the firing mechanism between an open
and a closed position.
12. A paintball gun according to claim 11, further comprising a
compressed gas storage area, wherein the plug receptacle provides a
releasing port of the compressed gas storage area.
13. A paintball gun according to claim 12, wherein the valve plug
is withdrawn from the plug receptacle to fire the paintball
gun.
14. A paintball gun according to claim 11, further comprising a
solenoid valve, wherein the pneumatic actuator comprises a first
piston surface area, and wherein a chamber in communication with
the first piston surface area selectively receives a supply of
compressed gas from and vents the supply of compressed gas through
the solenoid valve to operate the firing mechanism.
15. A paintball gun according to claim 14, wherein the pneumatic
actuator further comprises a second piston surface area arranged
opposite the first piston surface area, wherein a chamber area in
fluid communication with the second piston surface area does not
receive a supply of compressed gas.
16. A paintball gun according to claim 15, wherein the first piston
surface area is a forward surface area and wherein the second
piston surface area is a rearward surface area.
17. A paintball gun according to claim 11, wherein compressed gas
acts on a rearward surface area of the firing mechanism to cause
forward movement of the firing mechanism.
18. A paintball gun according to claim 11, wherein the bolt and
firing mechanism are arranged together in a pneumatic assembly
housing.
19. A paintball gun according to claim 18, wherein the bolt is
operated by supplying compressed gas to a forward surface area to
move the bolt to a rearward position.
20. A method according to claim 11, wherein the pneumatic actuator
comprises a piston arranged in a pneumatic cylinder.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of copending application
Ser. No. 11/117,871, filed Apr. 29, 2005, which is a continuation
of prior application Ser. No. 10/944,337, filed Sep. 16, 2004, now
U.S. Pat. No. 6,901,923, which is a continuation of prior
application Ser. No. 10/688,469, filed Oct. 17, 2003, now U.S. Pat.
No. 6,810,871, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 10/114,915,
filed Apr. 1, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,644,295, which claims
priority from Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/302,821, filed
Jul. 3, 2001, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein
by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to pneumatic launching
devices. More specifically, however, this invention relates
primarily to pneumatic paintball guns (or "markers") for use in the
sport of paintball.
[0003] In the sport of paintball, it is generally desirable to have
a gun that is as light and maneuverable as possible. Players need
increased mobility to move from bunker to bunker quickly to avoid
being hit. Furthermore, in the sport of paintball, the marker is
treated as an extension of the body such that a hit to the marker
counts as a hit to the player. It is desirable, therefore, to have
a paintball gun with as small a profile as possible.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In one embodiment, an in-line pneumatic assembly for a
pneumatic launching device (such as a paintball gun) preferably
includes a gas storage area, a valve, and a bolt. The gas storage
area can be configured to receive compressed gas from a regulated
gas supply through a port in the valve. The valve can include two
surfaces of different cross-sectional areas. A first surface,
having a smaller cross-sectional area, receives a substantially
constant supply of compressed gas. A second surface, having a
larger cross-sectional area, selectively receives compressed gas to
actuate the valve. The bolt can be configured to slide back and
forth between a forward and a rearward position. The bolt is
preferably arranged in a forward (closed) position before the valve
is actuated to fire the gun. When the valve is actuated, compressed
gas from the compressed gas storage area is directed through the
bolt to launch a paintball.
[0005] According to another embodiment, a paintball gun preferably
includes a body having a breech. An in-line assembly preferably
includes a compressed gas storage area, a valve, and a bolt. The
valve is preferably configured to close using a force differential
between opposing surfaces of the valve. The bolt is preferably
configured to move to a closed position in the breech before the
valve is actuated. The paintball gun also preferably includes a
control valve configured to control actuation of the valve in
response to a trigger pull.
[0006] Other benefits can be achieved by providing
electro-pneumatic control of the paintball gun. A control valve,
for instance, can be an electro-pneumatic valve (such as a solenoid
valve) configured to be operated based on electronic signals from a
circuit board. The circuit board can be configured to initiate a
firing sequence based on a trigger pull. Still further benefits can
be achieved by having a closed-bolt gun that seats the paintball
within the breech before releasing the compressed gas to launch the
paintball.
[0007] According to a further embodiment, a pneumatic paintball gun
preferably includes a bolt configured to operate as at least a
portion of the firing valve. Most preferably, the bolt includes gas
entry ports formed through a lateral bolt wall at a predetermined
position along the bolt. The entry ports are preferably configured
such that when the bolt reaches a forward position, the entry ports
expose an internal bolt chamber to compressed gas from a compressed
gas storage area, permitting the compressed gas from the storage
area to flow through the bolt and out a forward exit port to launch
a paintball.
[0008] In one specific embodiment, the bolt is slidably mounted on
a valve stem. The valve stem preferably includes a sealing member
(such as an O-ring, plug, or any other sealing structure) arranged
at its forward end. The sealing member preferably prevents
compressed gas from the compressed gas storage area from entering
the bolt until the bolt reaches a predetermined forward position.
As the bolt approaches the predetermined forward position, the
entry ports preferably slide past the sealing member and expose an
interior bolt chamber to compressed gas from the storage chamber.
Compressed gas therefore passes from the compressed gas storage
chamber through the bolt to launch a paintball.
[0009] In one of many possible alternative embodiments, a sealing
member is arranged in communication with an external surface of the
bolt. The sealing member prevents compressed gas from a compressed
gas source from entering the bolt until the bolt reaches a
predetermined forward position. As the bolt approaches the
predetermined forward position, the gas entry ports preferably
slide past the sealing member and permit compressed gas to enter
the bolt and flow into communication with a paintball, thereby
launching the paintball from the marker.
[0010] In a most preferred embodiment, the bolt is moved between a
rearward and forward position using an electronic solenoid valve.
In one configuration, the bolt preferably includes two, oppositely
arranged surface areas. The solenoid valve is preferably configured
to alternately supply compressed gas to and vent compressed gas
from the two surface areas. More particularly, compressed gas is
preferably supplied from the solenoid valve to a forward surface
area and vented from a rearward surface area to move the bolt to a
rearward position. The compressed gas is preferably supplied to the
rearward surface area and vented from the forward surface area to
move the bolt to a forward position. Various types, numbers, and
configurations of solenoid valves can be used to shuttle the bolt
between a forward and rearward position.
[0011] In one alternative embodiment, for instance, a constant
supply of compressed gas can be directed to one end of the bolt,
with compressed gas being selectively supplied through the solenoid
valve to an opposite end of the bolt (having a larger surface area)
to operate the bolt.
[0012] Various other embodiments and configurations are also
possible without departing from the principles of the invention
disclosed with reference to the foregoing aspects and embodiments.
This invention is not limited to any particular embodiment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The foregoing objects, features, and advantages of the
present invention will become more readily apparent from the
following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof,
made with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of an in-line
pneumatic assembly according to one aspect of the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the in-line
pneumatic assembly of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a paintball gun
constructed according to another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the
paintball gun of FIG. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0018] The accompanying drawings illustrate the construction of a
preferred embodiment of this invention. Referring first to FIGS. 1
and 2, an in-line pneumatic assembly 8 for a paintball gun
preferably includes an end cap 12, a valve retainer 14, a firing
valve (or valve piston) 16, a compressed gas storage area 20, and a
bolt 24 and bolt cylinder 22. The end cap 12, valve retainer 14,
compressed gas storage area 20, and bolt cylinder 24 preferably
consist of separately molded components that are fitted together
end to end to form a contiguous in-line assembly housing. The
firing valve 16 is preferably disposed within the end cap 12, valve
retainer 14, and compressed gas storage area 20 portions of the
in-line assembly housing.
[0019] The end cap 12 includes a receiving port 12a arranged to
receive a regulated supply of compressed gas. A first end 16a of
the valve piston 16 is located within the end cap 12. The valve
piston 16 includes a passageway 16b for directing compressed gas
from the end cap 12 into the compressed gas storage area 20. An
opposite end of the valve piston 16 forms a plug 16c that seats
within a releasing port 21a of the compressed gas storage area 20.
When seated, the plug 16c prevents the release of compressed gas
from the compressed gas storage area 20. The valve piston 16 also
includes a first surface area that includes the surface area of the
first end 16a of the valve 16 and the surface area at the base of
the passageway 16b. A force created by the pressure of the
compressed gas on the first surface area tends to keep the valve
piston 16 in a closed position, with the plug 16c securely seated
in the releasing port.
[0020] A valve actuator 18 is located within the valve retainer 14.
The valve actuator 18 includes a forward surface 18a having a
second surface area that is larger than the first surface area of
the valve 16. The second surface area is selectively subjected to
compressed gas from a control valve through a port in the valve
retainer 14 to actuate the valve 16. The compressed gas supplied to
the second surface area preferably has the same pressure as the gas
supplied to the first surface area. Because of the difference in
cross-sectional areas, however, the force exerted on the second
surface area is greater than the force exerted on the first surface
area, thereby actuating the valve 16. When actuated, the valve 16
is forced rearward, causing the plug 16c to become unseated from
the releasing port 21a of the compressed gas storage area 20. The
gas stored in the compressed gas storage area 20 is thereby
released into and through the bolt 24.
[0021] The bolt 24 is slidably mounted within the bolt cylinder 22
and is capable of movement between a forward and a rearward
position. A port 21b in the forward end of the compressed gas
storage chamber 20 communicates compressed gas with a rearward
surface 24a of the bolt, causing the bolt 24 to rest in the forward
position while the gas storage chamber 20 is pressurized. A forward
surface 24b of the bolt 24 is preferably configured to selectively
receive compressed gas of this same pressure at the time the valve
16 is actuated.
[0022] When the valve 16 is actuated, the compressed gas is
released from the compressed gas storage area 20, thereby relieving
the pressure on the rearward surface 24a of the bolt 24. At this
same time, pressure is applied to the front end 24b of the bolt 24.
The pressure on the forward end 24b of the bolt 24 therefore causes
the bolt 24 to shift to its rearward position. When the valve 16 is
deactuated, the plug 16c is again seated in the releasing port 21a
of the gas storage chamber 20, and the pressure therein is allowed
to rebuild. The gas applied to the front 24b of the bolt 24 is
vented at the same time. The pressure applied to the rearward end
24a of the bolt 24 therefore causes the bolt 24 to shift
forward.
[0023] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, a paintball gun 7
constructed according to another aspect of this invention includes
a housing (or body) 9 having a chamber 10 preferably formed
longitudinally there through. An in-line assembly 8, such as that
described previously, is arranged within the chamber 10 and
preferably includes an end cap 12, a valve piston 16, a valve
retainer 14, a compressed gas storage area 20, a bolt cylinder 22,
and a bolt 24. A receiving port 12a in the end cap 12 is arranged
near a rearward end 10a of the bore 10 to receive a regulated
supply of compressed gas from a compressed gas source. The end cap
12 further includes a port arranged to supply a portion of this gas
to a control valve 30 though a corresponding port 13 in the gun
body 9.
[0024] In this particular embodiment, the control valve 30 is an
electro-pneumatic four-way solenoid valve (such as that available
from the Parker Hannifin Corporation) with one of the output ports
plugged. The other output port 34 is selectively pressurized or
vented, as desired. When pressurized, the output port 34 receives
compressed gas from the input port 32. A three-way solenoid valve
or other control valve could also be used.
[0025] A rearward end 16a of the valve piston 16 is located within
the end cap 12 and receives compressed gas there from. The valve
piston 16 contains a passageway 16b that selectively directs
compressed gas from the end cap 12 into the compressed gas storage
area 20 through ports 17 in the valve piston 16. A valve actuator
18 of the valve piston 16 is moveably retained in a valve retainer
14. The valve piston 16 is capable of longitudinal sliding movement
between a forward and a rearward position. In the forward position,
the forward end (the plug) 16c of the valve piston 16 is seated
within a releasing port 21a of the compressed gas storage area 20.
The gas storage area 20 receives compressed gas through the valve
piston 16 when the plug 16c is in its seated position. When the
valve is actuated, however, the ports 17 of the valve 16 are
withdrawn into the valve retainer 14 and the flow of compressed gas
from the end cap 12 to the storage area 20 is substantially cut
off. Furthermore, when the valve is actuated, the plug 16c releases
the compressed gas from the storage area 20 through the gas release
port 21a.
[0026] Ports 14a, 14b are arranged through the valve retainer 14 on
each side of the valve actuator 18. The port 14a on the rearward
end of the actuator 18 vents gas to ambient pressure. The port 14b
on the forward side of the actuator 18, on the other hand,
communicates with the output port 34 of the control valve 30 to
selectively receive or vent pressurized gas.
[0027] Compressed gas from the compressed gas storage area 20 is
directed into a bolt cylinder 22 through a port 21b formed through
a forward end 20a of the gas storage area 20. A bolt 24 is retained
within the bolt cylinder 22 and is capable of movement between an
open position, in which loading of a paintball is permitted, and a
closed position, in which loading is prevented. A port 25 arranged
near the forward end of the bolt cylinder 22 communicates with an
output port 34 of the electro-pneumatic valve 30 to receive or vent
pressurized gas.
[0028] The operation of this embodiment of the invention will now
be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. When compressed gas
is supplied to the gun 7 through the end cap 12, it contacts the
first surface of the valve piston 16 and drives the valve piston 16
into a closed position. The valve plug 16c is thereby seated within
the gas releasing port 21a of the compressed gas storage area 20. A
portion of the compressed gas supplied to the end cap 12 is
directed through port 13 to an input port 32 of the
electro-pneumatic valve 30. Compressed gas is also directed through
the passageway 16b in the center of the valve piston 16 to the
compressed gas storage area 20. Compressed gas from the compressed
gas storage area 20 then travels through the port 21b at the
forward end 20a of the storage area 20 into the rearward portion of
the bolt cylinder 22. The compressed gas in the rearward portion of
the bolt cylinder 22 contacts the rearward surface 24a of the bolt
24 and drives the bolt 24 forward into its closed position. A
paintball is thus loaded into the breech 10b and the paintball gun
7 is ready to be fired.
[0029] When the trigger 42 is pulled, it contacts and actuates a
microswitch 52 that transmits an electronic signal to a circuit
board 50. The circuit board 50 then sends a pulse (or a series of
pulses, depending on the firing mode) to actuate the
electro-pneumatic valve 30. When actuated, the electro-pneumatic
valve 30 directs compressed gas to the forward end 18a of the valve
actuator 18. Because the second surface area of the valve actuator
18 is greater than the first surface area of the valve piston 16,
the valve opens, unseating the plug 16c from the gas releasing port
21a of the compressed gas storage area 20. At the same time, the
ports 17 through the valve piston 16 are pulled into the valve
retainer 14 to preferably reduce or substantially cut off the flow
of compressed gas into the compressed gas storage area 20. The
compressed gas within the gas storage area 20 is released through
the gas releasing port 21a, through the bolt 24, into the breech
10b and into contact with the paintball, thereby launching the
paintball.
[0030] The forward end of the bolt cylinder 22 also receives
compressed gas from the electro-pneumatic valve 30 when actuated.
When the electro-pneumatic valve 30 is actuated, the compressed gas
in the storage chamber 20 is released, relieving the pressure from
the back surface 24a of the bolt 24. At the same time, pressure is
applied to the front surface 24b of the bolt 24, driving the bolt
24 rearwards into its open position. In this position, another
paintball is permitted to load into the breech 10b of the gun. At
the end of the electronic pulse, the electro-pneumatic valve 30 is
de-actuated, causing the port 14b in front of the valve actuator 18
and the port 25 in front of the bolt 24 to vent the pressurized gas
from their respective areas to ambient. As this happens, the force
on the valve actuator 18 decreases below that applied to the first
surface area of the valve piston 16, causing the valve to close.
The gas storage area 20 therefore repressurizes, further directing
pressurized gas to the rearward portion 24a of the bolt 24, and
causing the bolt 24 to close.
[0031] In an alternative construction, the forward end 24b of the
bolt 24 could be configured having a surface area smaller than that
of the rearward end 24a thereof. In this arrangement, gas of a
selected pressure could be constantly supplied to the forward end
24b of the bolt. Gas applied to the rearward end 24a of the bolt 24
from the compressed gas storage area would also be at the selected
pressure. In this configuration, as the compressed gas storage area
20 releases gas, the pressure in the storage area 20 and, hence, in
the rearward portion of the bolt cylinder 22 drops. The constant
pressure applied to the front end of the bolt cylinder 22 thereby
forces the bolt 24 rearward, allowing a paintball to seat within
the breech 10b of the marker.
[0032] At the end of the electronic pulse, the electro-pneumatic
valve 30 is de-actuated, causing the port 14b in front of the valve
actuator 18 to vent the pressurized gas to ambient. As this
happens, the force on the rearward surface areas of the valve
piston 16 increases above that on the forward surface 18a of the
valve actuator 18, causing the valve 16 to close and the compressed
gas storage area 20 to repressurize. When the gas storage area 20
repressurizes, gas is again communicated to the rearward portion
24a of the bolt 24. Because of the area differential between the
rearward and forward bolt surfaces, the force of the compressed gas
on the rearward portion 24a of the bolt 24 is greater than the
force of compressed gas on the forward portion 24b of the bolt 24,
causing the bolt 24 to return to its closed position. The marker 7
is then ready for a subsequent firing sequence.
[0033] As an additional benefit to the foregoing design, the ram
and the bolt of this embodiment can be formed in the same
longitudinal assembly. Conventional electronic guns have had
separate ram and bolt assemblies, requiring substantially more
space in the paintball gun. This design provides the ability to
reduce the overall gun size to about half the size, or less, of
conventional electro-pneumatic markers.
[0034] Having described and illustrated the principles of the
invention through the descriptions of various preferred embodiments
thereof, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art
that the invention can be modified in arrangement and detail
without departing from such principles. The claims should be
interpreted to cover all such variations and modifications.
* * * * *