METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FIRING A PROJECTILE WITH A MOTIVE GAS

Abstract

An assembly for selectively exposing a firing chamber to a motive gas is provided by using a solenoid valve to expose selected portions of a tubular sliding valve to a lower pressure control gas. The tubular sliding valve includes a through passage for transfer of the projectile from a breech to the firing chamber. An on board controller can dictate actuation of the solenoid valve in accordance with a remaining pressure of the motive gas and user input.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING”

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to firing projectiles from a gun and more particularly to the firing of projectiles with a relatively high pressure motive gas, wherein exposure of a firing chamber to the motive gas is monitored and controlled.

2. Description of Related Art

The use of a compressed gas, such as air, to fire projectiles is well known. The guns using such compressed gas are often referred to as air guns. Air guns can be generally classified in three major categories as relating to the source of power: (i) pump guns, (ii) spring guns and (iii) pre-charged or pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) guns.

Pump guns use one or more strokes from a pumping device to store a charge of compressed air in a firing chamber. The required effort to charge the gun increases with each pump as the stored pressure builds. Because the relatively low mechanical advantage of the pumping mechanism, the power of the gun depends on the strength of the shooter. These guns completely expel the air charge when fired. On firing, the pellet is initially exposed to the full pressure of the compressed air, but the available pressure falls rapidly as the pellet accelerates down the gun barrel thereby increasing the volume into which the compressed air can expand. These guns usually have moderate power, firing a pellet at about 500 feet per second.

Spring guns use a single stroke of a lever to compress a mechanical spring. On firing, the spring drives a relatively heavy piston that causes a rapid increase in air pressure within a firing chamber. The pellet is held in the gun barrel by a seal until the air pressure in the firing chamber reaches an optimum point. When this happens, the air pressure overcomes the holding ability of the seal and drives the pellet down the barrel. The piston also continues to displace air into the firing chamber, thereby helping to maintain pressure on the pellet. This method has replaced multi-stroke pumping as the most common air gun mechanism. Only one stroke of the lever accomplishes the entire cocking procedure. Thus, a spring gun usually takes less time to charge than a multi-stroke gun. However, the drawback of a spring gun is that only one stroke of the lever is available to compress the spring. The most powerful spring guns require strength beyond the limit of many people. Moreover, the spring imposes a practical limit on the amount of energy that can be stored. At least one model has replaced the mechanical spring with a compressed air “spring.” The compressed air in the “spring” is not expended but is re-compressed with the gun's lever. The air spring can store more energy in a smaller space, but considerable work must be expended by the user.

Pre-charged guns use a gas charge that is pre-packaged and inserted into the gun. The most common guns of this type use a small container of liquid carbon dioxide CO₂ to power the gun. These containers typically retain approximately 12 grams of compressed CO₂. Each firing of the gun uses a portion of the stored liquid, which rapidly vaporizes on firing. A method gaining popularity transfers compressed air from a storage bottle into a relatively large storage vessel attached to the gun. For example, air from a scuba tank or similar storage vessel is transferred into the storage vessel on the gun through a high-pressure hose and clamp assembly. The gun gets multiple shots from charges provided by the air in the storage vessel, but the accuracy of the gun diminishes with the loss of available pressure until the storage vessel is refilled. Some pre-charged guns use larger, such as 88 gram, carbon dioxide container. While these guns are moderately powerful, they also suffer from accuracy problems with the loss of available pressure in the container. Guns which use compressed air from large detached tanks can store more energy and suffer less in accuracy loss between shots. However, the detached tank (such as a scuba tank) is heavy and cumbersome. Further, the higher performing PCP guns in terms of projectile energy are limited to single digit shots and often a single shot for a given filled tank.

Therefore, the need exists for a PCP gun that can provide increased shots from a given available pressure of motive gas. The need also exists for a PCP gun that can provide enhanced performance characteristics.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present system provides a PCP gun having enhanced performance characteristics.

In one configuration, an assembly for selectively exposing a firing chamber to a motive gas to propel a projectile from the firing chamber through a barrel, includes a motive gas reservoir retaining a volume of motive gas; a tubular sliding valve movable between a first position exposing the firing chamber to the motive gas and a second position blocking motive gas from passing to the firing chamber, the tubular sliding valve having a through passage extending from a rear end of the tubular sliding valve to a front end of the tubular sliding valve, the through passage sized to pass the projectile; and a bolt having a portion slideably disposed within the through passage to be movable between a firing position disposing the projectile in the firing chamber and a loading position spaced from the firing chamber.

It is further contemplated, the loading position of the bolt is longitudinally spaced from the tubular sliding valve, thus disposing the breech longitudinally intermediate the tubular sliding valve and the bolt.

The assembly can further include a regulator fluidly connected to the motive gas reservoir to produce a volume of lower pressure control gas. A piston can be connected to the tubular sliding valve for movement with the tubular sliding valve, wherein the piston has a first surface and a fluidly separated second surface, each of the first surface and the second surface selectively exposed to the control gas. Further, a solenoid valve can be fluidly intermediate the regulator and the tubular sliding valve, wherein the solenoid is operable in response to a controller, for passing a control gas to a valve assembly retaining the tubular sliding valve—thereby controlling the passage of motive gas from a motive gas reservoir to a firing chamber.

Further, the bolt and the tubular sliding valve can at least partially define a balancing chamber, wherein the balancing chamber is selectively fluidly connected to the motive gas.

In a further configuration, an assembly for selectively exposing a firing chamber to a motive gas to propel or discharge a projectile from the firing chamber through a barrel, includes a motive gas reservoir retaining a volume of high pressure motive gas; a sliding valve movable between a first position exposing the firing chamber to the motive gas and a second position blocking motive gas from passing to the firing chamber, the sliding valve having a front end and a rear end, the front end being intermediate the rear end and the barrel; and a bolt having a portion slideably movable relative to the sliding valve between a firing position and a loading position spaced from the sliding valve; wherein the bolt and the rear end of the sliding valve at least partially define a balancing chamber. In one configuration, the motive gas passes to the balancing chamber during at least a portion of time motive gas passes through the firing chamber to the barrel.

The configuration can further include a piston connected to the tubular sliding valve for movement with the tubular sliding valve, wherein the piston has a first surface and a fluidly separated second surface, each of the first surface and the second surface selectively exposed to a control gas. In addition, a regulator fluidly can be connected to the motive gas reservoir to produce a volume of lower pressure control gas. The sliding valve can have a tubular configuration defining a through passage sized to pass the projectile. The tubular sliding valve and the bolt can be configured such that in the loading position of the bolt, the bolt is spaced from the sliding valve.

A method is provided including passing a projectile along a through passage from a rear end of a tubular sliding valve to a front end of the tubular sliding in a closed position to at least partially dispose the projectile within a firing chamber, the tubular sliding valve in the closed position precluding passage of a motive gas to the firing chamber; and moving the tubular sliding valve to permit passage of motive gas to the firing chamber and discharge the projectile from the firing chamber.

The method can also include disposing a bolt at least partially within the through passage to preclude rearward movement of the projectile. In addition, the method can include exposing a balancing chamber partially defined by the rear surface of the tubular sliding valve to the motive gas during firing of the gun. It is understood that exposing the balancing chamber to the motive gas can include venting the motive gas from the firing chamber. Further, exposing the balancing chamber to the motive gas can include passing the motive gas from a motive gas reservoir to the balancing chamber. Alternatively, exposing the balancing chamber to the motive gas can include passing motive gas through a passage in the bolt. One method can also include disposing at least a portion of a projectile within a through passage of a tubular sliding valve.

A further method is provided including moving a sliding valve from a closed position precluding passage of a motive gas to the firing chamber to a firing position permitting motive gas to pass into the firing chamber, the sliding valve having a front end and a rear end, the front end being intermediate the rear end and the firing chamber, and the front end of the sliding valve being exposed to the motive gas; and passing motive gas to act on the rear end of the sliding valve.

The method can include moving the sliding valve to the closed position and bleeding motive gas from the rear end of the sliding valve to an ambient pressure. The motive gas can act on the rear end of the sliding valve when the sliding valve is in the firing position.

A further construction provides a bolt and valve assembly for a gun, the assembly including a tubular sliding valve movable between a closed first position and a second open position, the tubular sliding valve having a through passage sized to receive the projectile; and a bolt movable between a firing position and a loading position spaced from the tubular sliding valve, the bolt extending along substantially an entire length of the through passage in the firing position.

The bolt and valve assembly can also include a bolt housing partially defining a travel path of the bolt between the first position and the second position, the bolt housing having a primary slot and a secondary slot interconnected by transverse slot.

An additional assembly is provided including a barrel extending along a longitudinal axis; a sliding valve fluidly connected to the barrel, the sliding valve movable between an open and a closed position; a bolt housing having a primary slot, a secondary slot having a front portion extending forward of the primary slot and a transverse slot interconnecting the primary slot and the secondary slot; an elongate bolt having an extending handle, a portion of the handle sized to slide within the primary slot, the secondary slot and the transverse slot; a firing control selectively permitting and precluding firing of the gun; and a slide latch overlying a portion of the secondary slot and contacting the extending handle, the slide latch movable between a rearward position and a forward position, the slide latch in the forward position retaining the extending handle in the front portion of the secondary slot and precluding passage of the extending handle to primary slot and precluding firing of the gun.

It is understood the slide latch in the forward position urges the sliding valve into the closed position. Further, movement of the slide latch can impart a change of state of the firing control. A lock can be included for engaging the slide latch to retain the slide latch in a given position. In the assemblies, the bolt housing can be a one piece or multi-piece construction.

Also, an assembly is provided having a barrel extending along a longitudinal axis; a sliding valve fluidly connected to the barrel, the sliding valve movable between an open and a closed position; a bolt housing having a primary slot, a secondary slot extending forward of the primary slot and a transverse slot interconnecting the primary slot and the secondary slot; an elongate bolt having an extending handle, a portion of the handle sized to slide within the primary slot, the secondary slot and the transverse slot; a firing control selectively permitting firing of the gun and precluding firing of the gun; a slide latch overlying a portion of the secondary slot and engaging the extending handle in the secondary slot, the slide latch movable between a rearward position and a forward position, the extending handle in the secondary slot moving the slide latch to the rearward position disposing the firing control to permit firing of the gun.

It is understood the bolt or bolt handle can either directly, or indirectly through slide latch, act on the firing control. The firing control can be any of an electrical, optical or mechanical switch.

A lock can be provided for engaging the slide latch to retain the slide latch in the locked position. In one construction, the slide latch in the firing position cooperates with the firing control to permit firing of the gun.

A further method is provided including the steps of moving a bolt forward to chamber a projectile in a firing chamber; rotating a handle of the bolt relative to a different second angular orientation to align the handle with a secondary slot; and moving the handle in the secondary slot rearwards in a direction away from the firing chamber to operably interface a fire control device to permit firing of the gun.

Additional methods include the steps moving a bolt forward to chamber a projectile in a firing chamber; rotating a handle of the bolt relative to a different second angular orientation to align the handle with a secondary slot; and moving a slide latch to engage the handle in the secondary slot and urge to the handle to a forward position in the secondary slot ahead of a forward portion of the primary slot to engage a sliding valve and preclude movement of sliding valve to a firing position.

The methods can further include locking the slide latch to retain the bolt in contact with the sliding valve and preclude movement of the sliding valve to the firing position.

A trigger assembly is also provided having a trigger having a portion for engaging a finger of a user, the trigger movable between a first position and a second position; a rest switch operably contacting the trigger in the first position; and a firing switch operably contacting the trigger between the first position and the second position, the firing switch having a throw after contacting the trigger, and movable to an activated position. It is understood that upon the firing switch contacting the trigger, the firing switch moves within a throw prior to the trigger moving into a firing position and the firing switch changing states.

A controller can be operably connected to a pressure sensor for monitoring a pressure of available motive gas, the solenoid valve and a user input for providing the firing of a maximum number of projectiles from the gun for a given pressure of available motive gas or maximizing the velocity of a number of firings of projectiles from the gun. The controller can include look up tables for the given configuration of the gun or can include a processor for calculating the control parameters.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is a right side perspective view of a gun incorporating the present system.

FIG. 2 is a left side perspective view of the gun of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the gun of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the gun as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a right side cross sectional view of the receiver.

FIG. 6 is cross sectional view of the receiver.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the valve assembly.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the receiver.

FIGS. 9-12 are cross sectional views of an alternative valve assembly configuration in the transport, ready to fire (shot complete), firing and reloading configurations, respectively.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the solenoid valve.

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of components connected to the controller.

FIGS. 15-17 are cross sectional views of the valve assembly configuration in the ready to fire (shot complete), firing and ready to fire (shot complete) configurations, respectively showing operation of the check valve within the bolt assembly.

FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the bolt housing.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a bolt locking mechanism.

FIG. 20 is a perspective cross sectional view of the bolt locking mechanism of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a perspective cross sectional view of the bolt locking mechanism of FIG. 19 in a further position.

FIG. 22 is a perspective cross sectional view of the bolt locking mechanism of FIG. 19 in another further position.

FIG. 23 is a perspective cross sectional view of the bolt locking mechanism of FIG. 19 in another position.

FIG. 24 is a cross sectional view of the bolt locking mechanism of FIG. 19 in a firing position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, the present system provides a gun 10 for selectively discharging or firing a projectile. The term “gun” is understood to encompass any device, from a small handheld weapon to a large piece of artillery that has an elongate tube or barrel through which projectiles, such as bullets or missiles are fired by an expanding motive gas. Thus, the term “gun” includes pistols, rifles or shotguns.

For purposes of description, in an exemplary configuration, the gun 10 is generally referred to in the art as a pre-charged pneumatic (PCP). As used herein, the term “motive gas” means any compressed gas including gas mixtures, which can be used to expel the projectile from the barrel, such that motive gas does not include gas resulting from combustion. Thus, motive gas includes but is not limited to compressed (at a pressure greater than ambient pressure) air, nitrogen, CO₂, helium or any other gas or mixture thereof.

As seen in FIGS. 1-4, the gun 10 includes a barrel 12, a stock 14 and a fore end 16 as well known in the art.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the gun 10 includes a motive gas reservoir 20, a control gas reservoir 30 and a regulator 40 fluidly connecting the motive gas pressure reservoir and the control gas reservoir. The gun 10 further includes a trigger assembly 60, a receiver 80, a valve assembly 100 and a bolt assembly 160. The gun 10 also includes a solenoid valve 200 fluidly intermediate the regulator 40 and the valve assembly 100 and in one configuration fluidly intermediate the control gas reservoir 30 and the valve assembly. An on board controller 240 is operably connected to selected components for controlling the components and accommodating user input for operation of the gun 10.

As seen in FIG. 5, the receiver 80 operably connects the barrel 12, the trigger assembly 60, the valve assembly 100, the fore end 16, and the stock 14. The receiver 80 is shown as a multi-component element. However, it is understood the receiver 80 can be formed of greater or fewer number of components.

Referring generally to FIGS. 6 and 7, the receiver 80 includes a central bore 81, wherein a front retainer 82 and a rear retainer 92 are located in the central bore. As seen in FIG. 8, the receiver 80 also includes cavities for retaining the controller 240 and a power supply 260. The receiver 80 also houses a breech 19, for receiving the projectile to be fired from the gun 10.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the barrel 12 has a longitudinal axis and terminates at a front end or muzzle 12a and at a rear end 12b. For purposes of description, the term forward or front is used in the description as the direction towards the muzzle 12a, and the term rear or rearward means the direction towards the opposing or rear end 12b of the barrel 12.

The rear end of the barrel 12b defines a portion of a firing chamber 17. The firing chamber 17 is the space which houses the projectile when the projectile is rapidly exposed to the motive gas to be propelled through the barrel 12. Depending upon the intended usage of the gun 10, the barrel 12 can include rifling, however it is not required that the barrel be rifled.

Referring to FIG. 7, a valve seat 18 is disposed about the rear end 12b of the barrel 12. The valve seat 18 is sized to sealingly engage a portion of the valve assembly 100. The valve seat 18 can be metal, alloy or polymeric, depending on the intended operating parameters of the gun 10. A satisfactory material for the valve seat 18 is Delrin®.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a clip or magazine 15 is operably engaged with the receiver 80 to present a projectile to the breech 19. It is understood the system is not limited to a particular clip or magazine 15 and can be operable with a single round loading of the gun 10. Further, the system is not limited by the particular configuration of the breech 19.

The motive gas reservoir 20 retains a volume (or mass) of pressurized gas, such as air. The motive gas reservoir 20 includes an inlet 22 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 4) configured to operably connect to a high-pressure gas source as know in the art.

The motive gas reservoir 20 has two outlet lines—a first outlet line 24 to the valve assembly 100 and a second outlet line 26 to the regulator 40. The first outlet line 24 presents motive gas, at the pressure of the motive gas reservoir 20, to the valve assembly 100. The second outlet line 26 presents motive gas, at the pressure of the motive gas reservoir 20, to the regulator 40.

The motive gas reservoir 20 is constructed to operate at pressures above 2,000 psi, and in certain configurations pressures above 4,000 psi to as much as 8,000 to 12,000 psi (as is known in the art). It is understood, the upper operating pressure of the motive gas reservoir 20 is not limiting to the present system.

At least one pressure sensor 28 is located to measure a pressure in at least one of the motive gas reservoir 20, the first outlet line 24, the second outlet line 26 and the valve assembly 100. It is understood additional pressure sensors can be employed to monitor the pressure in each or selected channels of the motive gas. The pressure sensor 28 is any of a variety of commercially available products such as a pressure transducer. The pressure sensors 28 are connected to the controller 240.

The regulator 40 has an inlet 42 to receive the motive gas from the motive gas reservoir 20 through the second outlet line 26. The regulator 40 drops the pressure of the motive gas from the pressure of the motive gas reservoir 20 to a control gas pressure. In one configuration, the control gas pressure is approximately 225 psi. The regulator 40 can be a single or multi stage regulator. A two-stage regulator has been found satisfactory, wherein the regulator drops the motive gas from the pressure of the motive gas reservoir 20 to approximately 700 psi to 800 psi in the first stage and then drops the pressure to the control gas pressure of approximately 225 psi. It is understood these pressures are not limiting to the present system, but are rather illustrative.

The regulator 40 has an outlet 44 for passing the control gas to the control gas reservoir 30. The control gas reservoir 30 is fluidly connected to the solenoid valve 200. While one configuration of the gun 10 uses the control gas reservoir 30 to accumulate a volume of control gas, it is understood that depending upon the intended operating parameters of the gun, the operation of the gun may not require a control gas reservoir for retaining a volume of gas at the control gas pressure.

Referring to FIG. 13, the solenoid valve 200 includes an inlet 202 for receiving the control gas from the control gas reservoir 30. The solenoid valve 200 selectively exposes the valve assembly 100 to the control gas. In one configuration, the solenoid valve 200 includes two separate outlets, a rear outlet 204 and a front outlet 206, wherein the control gas is selectively passed though one or both outlets. In addition, the solenoid valve 200 can include a vent 208 to ambient pressure, wherein the vent can be selectively connected sequentially or simultaneously to each of the rear and front outlets 204, 206.

The solenoid valve 200 is well known in the art, and suitable solenoid valves include those by Humphrey Products Company of Kalamazoo, Mich. The solenoid valve 200 is operably connected to the controller 240, such that operation of the valve is determined by signals from the controller.

As seen in FIG. 7, a rear control chamber line 214 and a front control chamber line 216 extend from the respective rear and front outlets 204, 206 of the solenoid valve 200 to the valve assembly 100.

The valve assembly 100 is intermediate the rear end 12b of the barrel 12 and the breech 19, and disposed within the receiver 80 to be intermediate the breech and partially defining the firing chamber 17. The valve assembly 100 includes a piston 110 and a tubular sliding valve 130.

As seen in FIG. 7, the piston 110 projects radially outward from the tubular sliding valve 130 and forms a peripheral seal with the central bore 81 of the receiver 80. The piston 110 thus has a rear surface 114 and a front surface 116 fluidly separated by the peripheral seal 112. The piston 110 can be integrally formed with the tubular sliding valve 130 or separately formed and subsequently connected to the tubular sliding valve.

The tubular sliding valve 130 includes a front end 132, which when in the closed position defines the firing chamber 17 in cooperation with the rear end 12b of the barrel 12 and rear end 134 adjacent to the breech 19. The front end 132 of the tubular sliding valve 130 includes a sealing surface 133 for contacting the valve seat 18 to form a sealed interface.

The receiver 80, in conjunction with the valve assembly 100, defines a motive gas chamber 120 adjacent to, and in selected configurations, forming an annulus about the firing chamber 17, such that motive gas passes from the motive gas reservoir 20 through the first outlet line 24 to continuously occupy the motive gas chamber.

The tubular sliding valve 130 is slideably disposed within the receiver 80 between a firing position and a closed position. In the firing position, the tubular sliding valve 130 permits fluid communication between the motive gas reservoir 20 and the firing chamber 17. In the closed position, the tubular sliding valve 130 precludes or blocks fluid communication between the motive gas reservoir 20 and the firing chamber 17.

The receiver 80, or as shown in FIG. 7, the receiver 80, the front retainer 82, and the rear retainer 92, define a longitudinal path along which the tubular sliding valve 130 moves between the open position and the closed position. An outside surface of the tubular sliding valve 130 forms a sealed interface with an inner surface of the front retainer 82 and the rear retainer 92. The front retainer 82 includes a central passage 83 sized to receive a portion of the tubular sliding valve 130, wherein the front retainer includes an annular groove 85 for retaining a seal 84 such as an o-ring to form the sealed interface between the front retainer and the tubular sliding valve.

As seen in FIG. 7, the rear retainer 92 includes a through passage 93 defining a shoulder 94 and annular grooves 95 for retaining corresponding seals 96 such as o-rings. The through passage 93 is sized to sealingly receive a larger diameter of the bolt assembly 160, wherein the seal 96 forms the sealed interface with the bolt assembly.

Further, the through passage 93 in the rear retainer 92 forms a sealed interface with the outside surface of the tubular sliding valve 130, rearward of the piston 110. Specifically, the through passage 93 of the rear retainer 92 includes annular grooves 97 and corresponding seals 98 such as o-rings for forming the sealed interface with the outside surface of the tubular sliding valve 130.

The tubular sliding valve 130 defines a through passage 135 from the front end 132 to the rear end 134, wherein the through passage is sized to pass a projectile. That is, the through passage 135 has a sufficient diameter to permit passage of a projectile from the rear end 134 to the front end 132.

The receiver 80, in conjunction with the piston 110 and the tubular sliding valve 130, defines a rear control chamber 144 and a front control chamber 146. As seen in FIGS. 5-7, the receiver 80 can employ the front retainer 82 and the rear retainer 92 to define the front control chamber 146 and the rear control chamber 144. The front surface 116 of the piston 110 is thus exposed to the front control chamber 146 and the fluidly independent rear surface 114 of the piston is exposed to the rear control chamber 144.

The rear and front control chambers 144, 146 are fluidly connected to the solenoid valve 200 by the respective rear control line 214 and front control line 216, such that the solenoid valve can selectively pass control gas to the rear control chamber and the front control chamber independently or simultaneously (such as in a concurrent manner). In addition, the solenoid valve 200 can thus selectively vent the rear control chamber 144 and the front control chamber 146 independently or in a concurrent manner.

Optionally, the rear control chamber 144 can include a mechanical bias mechanism, such as a spring, for urging the tubular sliding valve to the closed position.

Alternatively, as seen in FIGS. 9-12, the tubular sliding valve 130 can define the sealed interfaces with the front and rear retainers 92, 82, wherein the bolt assembly 160 and the inside surface of the tubular sliding valve define a sliding sealed interface. Further, the tubular sliding valve 130 can define a first inner diameter, a different second inner diameter, and a taper connecting the first inner diameter and the second inner diameter. A taper on the bolt assembly 160 can be configured such that upon the bolt assembly being disposed in the firing position, the tubular sliding valve 130 and the bolt assembly define the balancing chamber.

The controller 240 can be a dedicated integrated circuit or processor as commercially available, wherein the controller is programmed or programmable to provide certain functions. As seen in FIG. 3, a user interface 244 is located on an exposed surface of the gun 10 for providing user input as well as displaying selected performance characteristics of the gun 10. Although the user interface 244 can have any of a variety of configurations, in one configuration, the user interface includes a display such as an LED or LCD display for presenting performance data and parameters to the user. For example, the controller 240 can provide via the display a pressure of the available motive gas, a maximum number of shots at a given energy or velocity, an available maximum projective velocity for a given weight projectile, as well as battery life.

The user interface 244 further includes inputs for receiving user selected data, such as weight of the projectile, as well as whether the user wishes to maximize the velocity of any remaining shots, or maximize the number of remaining shots (above a given projectile velocity).

The controller 240 can determine this data in response to the pressure of the available motive gas in conjunction with either a look up table programmed into the controller, or standard gas equations.

As seen in FIG. 14, the controller 240 is operably connected to a power supply 260, the solenoid valve 200, the pressure sensor(s) 28, and the user interface 244.

The bolt assembly 160 includes a bolt housing 160, a bolt 180 and a bolt handle 182.

The bolt 180 is an elongated component terminating in a bolt nose 184 at a front end, wherein the bolt handle 182 extends radially from the bolt. In one configuration, seen in FIG. 13, the bolt 180 has a first length defined by a first diameter 183 and a second length defined by a larger second diameter 185, wherein a taper 186 separates the first diameter from the second diameter. The first diameter 183 is sized to pass along the through passage 135 of the tubular sliding valve 130 and the second diameter 185 is sized to sealingly engage the rear retainer 92.

Thus, as seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the bolt 180, the rear retainer 92 and the tubular sliding valve 130 define a balancing chamber 195 when the bolt handle 182 (and hence bolt 180) is in the firing position. The balancing chamber 195 thus acts on the rear end 134 of the tubular sliding valve 130, wherein the balancing chamber is fluidly separated from the rear control chamber 144.

Upon firing the gun 10, the balancing chamber 190 fluidly communicates with the motive gas. In cone configuration, the communication is provided from rear end 12b of the barrel 12 in the firing chamber 17. The fluid communication can be provided by longitudinally extending grooves on an outer surface of the bolt 180 and/or longitudinally extending grooves on the inner surface of the tubular sliding valve 130. Additionally or alternatively, as seen in FIGS. 15-17, the bolt 180 can include a channel 187 extending between a portion of the bolt exposed to the firing chamber 17 and a portion of the bolt exposed to the balancing chamber 195. The channel 187 can include a metering port or throat of a predetermined size so as to effectively valve or regulate the amount of motive gas passing from the firing chamber 17 to the balancing chamber 195 during firing of the gun 10. It is also contemplated that the metering port can cooperate with a threaded member to selectively change the cross sectional area of the metering port, thereby changing the available flow rate for a given pressure of motive gas.

The channel 187 can extend from the balancing chamber 195 to open at a predetermined longitudinal location along the interface of the bolt 180 and the tubular sliding valve 130, wherein the interface between the outer surface of the bolt and the inner surface of the tubular sliding valve is sealed wherein the sealed interface moves between a flow permitting and flow precluding longitudinal position during firing of the gun. Thus, motive gas will pass into the channel 187 and hence balancing chamber 195 only in predetermined longitudinal positions of the tubular sliding valve 130.

In a further configuration, a separate valve (not shown) can selectively fluidly connect the balancing chamber 195 and the motive gas reservoir, thereby selectively exposing the balancing chamber to the motive gas.

In a further configuration, the bolt 180 can include a check valve 188 in the channel 187, a selective seal 190 with the inner surface of the tubular sliding valve 130 and a longitudinal groove 191 (FIGS. 9-11) along at least one of the outer surface of the bolt and the inner surface of the tubular sliding valve, wherein the check valve precludes the passage of motive gas from the firing chamber 17 through the channel, while the seal is unseated by the motive gas passing through the firing chamber to flow into the grooves to the balancing chamber 195. Upon the pressure dropping in the firing chamber 17, the check valve 188 allows flow from the balancing chamber 195 through the channel 187 to the firing chamber to the vent through the barrel 12 to ambient pressure. Thus, the check valve 188 can allow for relatively rapid venting of the balancing chamber 195 or delayed venting of the balancing chamber, depending on the desired operating characteristics and corresponding spring bias employed in the check valve. Similarly, the channels and ports can be sized to provide a timing of the filling (or pressurization) of the balancing chamber 195 and a venting of the balancing chamber relative to the initiation and termination of motive gas passing through the firing chamber 17.

Therefore, the exposure of the balancing chamber 195 can be controlled as a function of the longitudinal position of the tubular sliding valve 130 or as a function of time. That is, with the predetermined location of opening of the channel with respect to the longitudinal position of tubular sliding valve 130, the pressurization of the balancing chamber 195 is a function of the longitudinal position of the tubular sliding valve 130. By virtue of the metering port, the pressurization of the balancing chamber 195 is a function of time, as the rate of transfer of the motive gas through the metering port can “delay” the pressurization of the balancing chamber.

Therefore, the pressure in the balancing chamber 195 can be controlled such that the respective forces from the exposed pressure on the front end and the rear end of the tubular sliding valve 130 are equal, substantially equal, a greater force acting on the rear end (thus tending to close the tubular sliding valve) or a greater force acting on the front end (thus tending to maintain the tubular sliding valve in the open position. Further, the timing of the pressurization of the balancing chamber 195 can be controlled, such as providing a greater force on the front end of the tubular sliding valve and hence tending to open the tubular sliding valve more quickly and thus provide a firing of the gun that offers greater power, though less efficient as more motive gas is used per shot. Alternatively, providing a greater force on the rear end of the tubular sliding valve can be provided and hence tend to close the tubular sliding valve more quickly and thus provide a firing of the gun that offers a reduced power, though more efficient as less motive gas is used per shot.

The bolt housing 162 receives the bolt 180 for longitudinal movement (relative to the barrel and receiver) and rotation of the bolt about the longitudinal axis. Thus, the bolt handle 182 and bolt 180 can change their angular orientation with respect to the bolt housing 162, as well known in the art. Although the bolt housing 162 can be integrally formed, as seen in FIG. 18, the bolt housing is a separate component cooperatively engaged with the receiver 80. In view of manufacturing considerations the bolt housing 162 can be formed of a plurality of components and defines a primary slot 163, a secondary slot 167 and an interconnecting transverse slot 165. The primary slot 163 extends from a rear end 163a to a front end 163b and the secondary slot 167 extends from a rear end 167a to a front end 167b. In one configuration, the front end 167a of the secondary slot 167 extends forward or ahead of the front end 163a of the primary slot 163.

The bolt assembly 160 includes a slide latch 168 which partially overlays a portion of the secondary slot 167, such that movement of the bolt handle 182 in the secondary slot imparts a corresponding movement of the slide latch. The slide latch 168 is movable between a locked position and a firing position. In the locked position, the slide latch 168 is sufficiently forward to dispose the bolt handle 182 in the front end 167a of the secondary slot 167.

The bolt 180 and the tubular sliding valve 130 are sized such that upon the slide latch 168 being disposed in the locking position, the bolt engages the tubular sliding valve to retain and urge the tubular sliding valve in the closed position, precluding passage of motive gas to the firing chamber 17.

The bolt assembly 160 can include a lock 170 such as a camming lock for retaining the slide latch 168 in the locked position.

The bolt handle 182 can be moved rearward in the secondary slot 167, thereby causing the slide latch 168 to move correspondingly rearward to the firing position and the bolt to move away from the firing chamber 17.

A firing control 174, seen in FIG. 8, is operably connected to the controller 240 and is located relative to the bolt assembly 160 so that only selected positions of the bolt 180 relative to the bolt housing 162 will permit firing of the gun 10. For example, the firing control 174 can include a switch which is contacted, changes state or activated upon the slide latch 168 being disposed in the firing position. The firing control 174 can be an electrical, mechanical or optical switch as well known in the art. Thus, the bolt handle 182 must be moved rearward in the secondary slot 167 to urge the slide latch 168 to the contact the firing control 174 and permit firing of the gun 10.

Thus, when the bolt handle 182 (and bolt 180) is disposed and locked in the forward position in the secondary slot 167, the slide latch 168 is spaced from the firing control 174 thereby inhibiting firing of the gun 10. Further, when the bolt handle 182 (and bolt 180) is disposed and locked in the forward position in the secondary slot 167 and cammed (or locked) into position, there is a mechanical force acting from the bolt to the tubular sliding valve 130 to retain the tubular sliding valve in the closed position precluding passage of motive gas to the firing chamber 17.

In the full range of motion, the bolt nose 184 moves from the furthest forward position (with the bolt handle 182 in the forward end 167a of the secondary slot 167), wherein the bolt 180 engages the tubular sliding valve 130 to dispose the tubular sliding valve in the closed position to the rearmost position, wherein the breech 19 is longitudinally intermediate the bolt nose and the firing chamber 17.

As seen in FIGS. 7, 9, 10 and 15-17, when the tubular sliding valve 130 is in the closed position, the motive gas chamber 120 extends about the outside surface of the tubular sliding valve 130 and is fluidly connected to the motive gas reservoir 20. As the outer surface of the tubular sliding valve 130 is sealed relative to the front retainer 82, the motive gas does not pass between the front retainer and the tubular sliding valve.

Referring to FIG. 5, the trigger assembly 60 includes a trigger 62, a rest switch 64, and a firing switch 66 as seen in the figures, a link 68 can be connected to or acted on by the trigger 62. The trigger 62 and link 68 can be constructed of separate pieces as shown in the Figures, or can be integrally formed.

A portion of the trigger 62 or link 68 is movable between the rest switch 64 and the firing switch 66. Each of the rest switch 64 and the firing switch 66 is moveable between at least two states. The rest switch 64 and the firing switch 66 are operably connected to the controller 240 such that the states of the switches can be monitored or sensed by the controller.

In the rest, non-firing, position of the trigger 62, the trigger engages the rest switch 64 and the state of the rest switch is monitored by the controller 240. Upon movement of the trigger 62, the portion of the trigger moves from the rest switch 64, thereby causing the rest switch to change states which change is registered by the controller 240.

Further movement of the trigger 62 then engages the firing switch 64. The firing switch 64 has an associated throw, such that the firing switch moves between an initial contact and actuation of the switch. Continued movement of the trigger 62 moves the firing switch 66 through the throw, such that upon sufficient movement of the trigger, the firing switch changes states and a firing signal is sensed by the controller 240. That is, the firing switch operably contacts the trigger between the first position and the second position, and the throw of the firing switch is engaged after contacting the trigger. Thus, the firing switch is contacted the trigger (or links coupled to the trigger) and provides for continued movement of the trigger in the throw prior to the trigger moving into the second position and prior to the firing switch changing state.

By selecting the throw and mechanical resistance of the rest switch 64 and the firing switch 66, the “feel” of the trigger 62 can be set to a particular performance.

Referring to FIGS. 19 to 24, locking plates 400 are shown for selectively engaging the bolt 180. As the bolt 180 is exposed to the motive gas, a rearward force is exerted on the bolt. In selected constructions this rearward force is countered by the bolt handle engaging the bolt housing or the receiver. The locking plates 400 provide an additional, or alternative contact between the bolt and the receiver to accommodate the rearward force on the bolt during firing of the gun 10.

As seen in FIG. 19, the bolt 180 starting in the reload (retracted) position. The locking plates 400 are spring loaded by springs 402 and are held outward and ride along on the cylindrical outer surface of the bolt 180. FIG. 20 is a section view at the starting position, showing the locking plates in their outward position riding along on the cylindrical outer surface of the bolt 180.

Referring to FIG. 21, when the bolt 180 is moved forward to the chambering position (to dispose a projectile in the firing chamber 17), the locking plates 400 are still held outward by the largest dimension of a cam surface machined into the bolt.

Referring to FIG. 22, when the bolt 180 is rotated downward to the “Fire/Safe” orientation, the locking plates 400 are released inward and rest against opposing flats on the cam surface at an intermediate dimension of the bolt.

As seen in FIG. 23, when the bolt 180 is withdrawn to the “FIRE” position, the locking plates 400 are further released inward and rest against opposing flats on the cam surface at an inner-most dimension. A sloped transition on the cam surface between the intermediate dimension and inner-most dimension forms a detent surface securing the bolt 180 in the firing position.

As seen in FIG. 24, a cross sectional view, when the bolt 180 and the locking plates 400 in the “Firing” position, the bolt transfers rearward force from a shot into the locking plates which in turn transfer force into the bolt housing which is well secured in the receiver. The bolt 180 is then operated as normally before after the shot; pushed forward, rotate up and pull back to reload. The locking plates 400 are progressively forced outward against the springs 402 in an inverse fashion to how the locking plates were released. This locking plates 400 can be used in combination with the bolt 180 and tubular sliding valve 130 safety lock of the bolt in the forward end of the secondary slot.

In operation, the gun 10 is in the full safe configuration, wherein the bolt handle 182 is contacting the forward end 167a of the secondary slot 167 in the bolt housing 162 and the slide latch 168 is mechanically locked by the lock 170 to engage and retain the bolt handle and bolt 180 in this position. As the bolt handle 182 is in the forward end 167a of the secondary slot 167, the bolt 180 is engaged with the tubular sliding valve 130 and urging the tubular sliding valve in the closed position precluding the passage of motive gas from the motive gas reservoir 20 to the firing chamber 17. Further, the slide latch 168 is spaced from the firing control 174, thereby precluding the sending of a firing signal from the firing control to the controller 240.

The slide latch 168 is unlocked and the bolt handle 182 is moved rearward from the forward position in the secondary slot 167. The bolt handle 182 is rotated in the transverse slot 165 to align with the primary slot 163. The bolt handle 182 (and bolt 180) is then slid along the primary slot 163 to the rearward position, such that the bolt nose 184 is rearward of the breech 19.

A projectile is disposed within the breech 19 and the bolt 180 is urged forward to contact the bolt nose 184 with the projectile. Continued forward movement of the bolt 180 moves the projectile from the breech 19 and into the through passage 93 of the rear retainer 92. As the bolt 180 is moved further forward, the bolt nose 184 pushes the projectile into the rear end 134 of the through passage 135 in the tubular sliding valve 130, and through the tubular sliding valve to be disposed adjacent the rear end 126 of the barrel 12 in the firing chamber 17.

The bolt handle 182 is then rotated through the transverse slot 165 to the secondary slot 167 and then slid rearwards. The rearward motion of the bolt 180 causes the bolt handle 182 to contact the slide latch 168 and move the slide latch rearwards. The rearward motion of the slide latch 168 causes the slide latch to actuate or change states of the firing control 174—indicating that the bolt assembly 160 is in the firing position. Thus, the slide latch 168, in the firing position, cooperates with the firing control 174 to permit firing of the gun 10. Movement of the trigger 62, such as by a finger of the user, without the slide latch 168 actuating the firing control 174, does not result in firing of the gun 10.

Upon activation of the firing control 174, the trigger 62 is then moved, such as by a finger of the user, causing disengagement from the rest switch 64. The controller 240 monitors the timing from the rest switch 64 changing state. If the time until the firing switch 66 is activated exceeds a predetermined limit, the controller 240 can preclude firing. If the time until the firing switch 66 is activated (or changes state) is within the predetermined limit, the controller 240 permits firing.

Upon permitting firing, the controller 240 sends a signal to the solenoid valve 200 to vent the rear control chamber 144 and pass control gas to the front control chamber 146.

The pressure difference between the rear control chamber 144 and the front control chamber 146 acting across the piston 110 causes the piston, and hence the tubular sliding valve 130 to move rearwards. The tubular sliding valve 130 thus moves rearward relative to the bolt 80. This rearward motion unseats the tubular sliding valve 130 from the sealed engagement with the valve seat 18 adjacent the barrel 12 and exposes the firing chamber 17 to the motive gas from the motive gas chamber 120 and motive gas reservoir 20.

The motive gas then acts upon the projectile in the firing chamber 17 and causes the projectile to pass through and out the barrel 12. That is, the motive gas discharges the projectile from the firing chamber 17, through the barrel 12 to exit the muzzle 12a.

In addition, the motive gas passes through the available flow path to the balancing chamber 195. It is understood the flow path can be configured or constructed to provide for a given delay in the motive gas (hence motive gas pressure) reaching the balancing chamber 195. This delay allows the tubular sliding valve 130 to open more readily, without having to act against the forward force generated by the motive gas in the balancing chamber 195 acting on the tubular sliding valve.

Upon the motive gas reaching the balancing chamber 195, the motive gas acts upon the exposed surface of the tubular sliding valve 130, thereby creating a force in the forward direction on the tubular sliding valve. The motive gas in the firing chamber 17 acts on the exposed front surface of the tubular sliding valve 130 and creates a corresponding rearward force on the tubular sliding valve.

By configuring the respective exposed surfaces of the tubular sliding valve 130 at the balancing chamber 195 and the firing chamber 17 and motive gas chamber 120, the tubular sliding valve can be substantially balanced in the open position. That is, the amount of force then required to move the tubular sliding valve 130 from the open position to the closed position is reduced as the rearward force created by the motive gas in the firing chamber 17 is balanced by the forward force created by the motive gas in the balancing chamber 195 acting on the tubular sliding valve.

Exemplary balancing from the balancing chamber 195 can be from approximately 50% of the rearward force from the motive gas in the firing chamber 17 and motive gas chamber 120 to approximately 95% to 100% of the rearward force from the motive gas in the firing chamber. That is, a portion of the force from the pressure in the firing chamber 17 and motive gas chamber 120 acting on the tubular sliding valve 130 can be balanced (or counteracted), wherein the portion of the force can be from approximately 50% to 100% (wherein the tubular sliding valve is effectively free floating).

The length of time the solenoid valve 200 passes control gas to the front control chamber 146 is at least partially determined by the remaining pressure in the motive gas reservoir 20, the weight of the projectile and the user selected performance characteristics, such as maximizing shots or maximizing energy to the projectile.

As determined by the controller 240, signals are then sent to the solenoid valve 200 to vent the front control chamber 146 and pass control gas from the control gas reservoir 30 to the rear control chamber 144.

The pressure difference between the rear control chamber 144 and the front control chamber 146 acting across the piston 110 causes the piston, and hence tubular sliding valve 130 to move forwards. This forward motion seats the tubular sliding valve 130 against the valve seat 18 adjacent the barrel 12 and precludes exposure of the firing chamber 17 to the motive gas from the motive gas reservoir 20. As the firing chamber thus returns to ambient pressure, the motive gas in the balancing chamber 195 bleeds or passes to the firing chamber and out the barrel. The low volume of the motive gas bleeding from the balancing chamber 195 is insufficient to provide any material motive force in the firing chamber.

If a subsequent projectile is to be fired, the bolt handle 182 is moved forward disengaging the slide latch 168 from the firing control—thereby precluding the controller 240 from firing the gun 10. The bolt handle 182 is then rotated from the secondary slot 167 to the primary slot 163 to dispose the bolt nose 184 rearward of the breech 19, and the above process is repeated.

Alternatively, the gun 10 can be disposed in the safe configuration, as the bolt handle 182 is urged to the forward end of the secondary slot 167 and the slide latch 168 is locked to retain the bolt handle 182. As previously set forth, this position of the bolt 180 contacts the tubular sliding valve 130 and retains the tubular sliding valve in the closed position, with the tubular sliding valve sealingly engaged with the valve seat 18.

The controller 240 can independently control the charging of the rear control chamber 144, the charging of the front control chamber 146, the venting of the rear control chamber and the venting of the front control chamber. The amount of motive gas used per firing can be accurately controlled. Further, in view of the balancing changer 195 and the resulting decrease in force (hence pressure and timing) needed to close the tubular sliding valve 130, the timing of the exposure of the firing chamber 17 to the motive gas is more accurately controlled. Thus, during firing of the gun 10, the tubular sliding valve cycles from the closed position (precluding motive gas from passing to the firing chamber 17 to the open position (permitting motive gas to pass into the firing chamber) and back to the closed position.

While not directly controlled by the controller 240, the regulation of the flow of motive gas from the firing chamber 17 through the bolt 182 (or between the bolt and the inside of the tubular sliding valve 130) determines the timing and the amount of balancing force acting on the tubular sliding valve and thus the receiving pressure differential across the piston 110 (the amount and timing of control gas passing to the rear control chamber 146) to close the tubular sliding valve.

Therefore, depending upon the pressure of the available motive gas and the user selecting operating parameters, the controller 240 may begin to introduce control gas into the rear control chamber 144 partly concurrent with introducing control gas to the front control chamber 146, thereby tending to decrease the duration of the tubular sliding valve 130 being open. As previously stated, the controller 240 also monitors the pressure of the available motive gas via the pressure sensor 28. In addition, the user interface 244 can allow the user to select performance characteristics of the gun 10 (particularly in view of the pressure of the available motive gas), thereby maximizing projectile velocity (and minimizing available shots) for a given projectile weight or maximizing the number of slots for a given pressure of the available motive gas.

In addition, as the present system reduces the amount of motive gas necessary for a given shot (by virtue of the balancing chamber 195 and reducing unproductive duration of the opening of the tubular sliding valve 130), the number of firings for a given pressure of the volume of motive gas is increased. For example, prior PCP guns have typically provided single digit number of shots for a given pressure of the motive gas reservoir 20. In contrast, the present system is able to provide multiples of tens of shots, and depending on the projectile weight and selected velocity, hundreds of repeatable firings—thereby increasing the available accuracy of the gun 10.

Therefore, the present system provides an assembly for selectively exposing the firing chamber 17 to a motive gas to fire the gun 10 and propel a projectile from the firing chamber through the barrel 12, the assembly including the sliding valve 130 movable between a first position exposing the firing chamber to the motive gas and a second position blocking motive gas from passing to the firing chamber, the sliding valve having the front end 132 and the rear end 134, the front end being intermediate the rear end and the barrel; and the bolt 180 having a portion slideably movable relative to the sliding valve between a firing position and a loading position spaced from the sliding valve; the bolt and the rear end of the sliding valve at least partially define the balancing chamber 195, the balancing chamber receiving motive gas during firing of the gun. The assembly can further be configured wherein the motive gas passes to the balancing chamber 195 in response to a position of the sliding valve 130. In addition, the motive gas can pass to the balancing chamber 195 from the firing chamber 17. The piston 110 can be connected to the sliding valve 130 for movement with the sliding valve. The regulator 40 is fluidly connected to the motive gas reservoir 20 to produce a volume of lower pressure control gas. The piston 110 can be connected to the sliding valve 130 for movement with the sliding valve, the piston having the first surface 116 and the fluidly separated second surface 114, each of the first surface and the second surface selectively exposed to the control gas. The balancing chamber 195 is selectively fluidly connected to the motive gas when motive gas is passing from or through the firing chamber 17. The balancing chamber 195 is selectively fluidly connected to the motive gas during firing of the gun 10. The sliding valve 130 is tubular and defines the through passage 135 sized to pass the projectile. As seen in FIG. 12, the loading position of the bolt 180 is spaced from the sliding valve 130.

The available methods include firing the gun 10 to propel a projectile from the firing chamber 17 by moving the sliding valve 130 from a closed position precluding passage of a motive gas to the firing chamber to a firing position permitting motive gas to pass into the firing chamber, the sliding valve having the front end 132 and the rear end 134, the front end being intermediate the rear end and the firing chamber, and the front end of the sliding valve being exposed to the motive gas; and passing motive gas to act on the rear end of the sliding valve during firing of the gun. The method provides the motive gas acting on the rear end 134 of the sliding valve 130 when the sliding valve is in the firing position. The method provides the rear end 134 of the sliding valve 130 partially defining the balancing chamber 195, and the motive gas acting on the rear end of the sliding valve is in the balancing chamber. The method further includes venting motive gas from the balancing chamber 195. The method further includes venting motive gas from the rear end 134 of the sliding valve to an ambient pressure.

Also provided is an assembly for a gun, the assembly including the elongate bolt 180 moveable in a first direction along a longitudinal axis at a first rotational orientation and moveable in an opposite second direction along the longitudinal axis at a different second rotational orientation. The assembly provides the bolt 180 in a firing longitudinal position in the second rotational orientation permitting a firing of the gun 10. The assembly provides the bolt 180 in a loaded longitudinal position in the second rotational orientation precluding a firing of the gun 10. The assembly further provides the bolt housing 162 retaining the bolt 180, the bolt housing having the primary slot 163, the secondary slot 167 and the transverse slot 165 interconnecting the primary slot and the secondary slot. The assembly further provides the valve moveable between a firing position exposing a firing chamber to a motive gas and a load position precluding passage of the motive gas to the firing chamber 17, the bolt 180 in a firing longitudinal position in the second rotational orientation permitting movement of the valve to the firing position. The assembly further provides the valve moveable between a firing position exposing a firing chamber to a motive gas and a load position precluding passage of the motive gas to the firing chamber, the bolt 180 in a loaded longitudinal position in the second rotational orientation precluding movement of the valve to the firing position.

The assembly can include the slide latch 168 in the forward position maintains the sliding valve 130 into the closed position. The assembly can provide that movement of the slide latch 168 imparts a change of state of the firing control 174. It is contemplated the bolt housing 162 can be a one piece or multi-piece construction. The gun 10 can include the lock 170 for engaging the slide latch 168 to retain the slide latch in a given position.

Also provided is an assembly in the gun 10, having the barrel 12 extending along a longitudinal axis; the sliding valve 130 fluidly connected to the barrel, the sliding valve movable between an open and a closed position; the bolt housing 162 having the primary slot 163, the secondary slot 167 extending forward of the primary slot and the transverse slot 165 interconnecting the primary slot and the secondary slot; the elongate bolt 180 having the extending handle 182, a portion of the handle sized to slide within the primary slot, the secondary slot and the transverse slot; the firing control 174 selectively permitting firing of the gun and precluding firing of the gun; and the slide latch 168 overlying a portion of the secondary slot and engaging the extending handle in the secondary slot, the slide latch movable between a rearward position and a forward position, the extending handle in the secondary slot moving the slide latch to the rearward position disposing the firing control to permit firing of the gun. The gun can provide the firing control 174 as a switch, such as, but not limited to electrical, optical or mechanical. The gun can include the lock 170 for engaging the slide latch 168 to retain the slide latch in the locked position. The slide latch 168 in the firing position can cooperate with the firing control 174 to permit firing of the gun 10.

A method is provided of moving the bolt 180 in the gun 10 by moving the bolt while in a first rotational orientation in a first direction along a longitudinal axis to chamber a projectile; rotating the bolt to a different second angular orientation; and moving the bolt while in the second angular orientation in an opposite second direction along the longitudinal axis to permit firing of the gun.

A method is provided of moving a bolt 180 in the gun 10, by moving the bolt while in a first rotational orientation in a first direction along a longitudinal axis to chamber a projectile; rotating the bolt to a different second angular orientation; and moving the bolt while in the second angular orientation in the first direction along the longitudinal axis to preclude firing of the gun.

A method is provided for engaging the firing control 174 in the gun 10 by moving a bolt along a longitudinal axis to chamber a projectile; rotating the bolt relative to a different second angular orientation; and moving the bolt while in the second angular orientation to a different position along the longitudinal axis to permit or preclude firing the gun.

A trigger assembly includes the trigger 120 having a portion for engaging a finger of a user, the trigger movable between a first position and a second position; the rest switch 64 operably contacting the trigger in the first position; and the firing switch 66 operably contacting the trigger between the first position and the second position, the firing switch having a throw after contacting the trigger, and movable to an activated position. The trigger assembly can include the link 68, wherein the link contacts at least one of the rest switch 64 and the firing switch 66. The link 68 can be separate from the trigger 120 or can be integral with the trigger. The firing switch 66 has a throw after contacting the trigger 120 before the firing switch changes states. The trigger 120 disengages the rest switch 64 prior to engaging the firing switch 66. The controller 240 can be connected to the firing switch 68 for monitoring the status of the firing switch. The controller 240 can be connected to the rest switch 64 for monitoring the status of the rest switch.

The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to a presently preferred embodiment, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. An assembly for selectively exposing a firing chamber to a motive gas to propel a projectile from the firing chamber through a barrel, the assembly comprising:

(a) a tubular sliding valve movable between a first position exposing the firing chamber to the motive gas and a second position blocking motive gas from passing to the firing chamber, the tubular sliding valve having a through passage extending from a rear end of the tubular sliding valve to a front end of the tubular sliding valve, the through passage sized to pass the projectile.

2. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a motive gas reservoir retaining a volume of motive gas.

3. The assembly of claim 2, further comprising a regulator fluidly connected to the motive gas reservoir to produce a volume of lower pressure control gas.

4. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a bolt having a portion slideably disposed within the through passage to be movable between a firing position disposing the projectile in the firing chamber and a loading position spaced from the firing chamber.

5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the loading position of the bolt is longitudinally spaced from the tubular sliding valve.

6. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the bolt and the tubular sliding valve at least partially define a balancing chamber, the balancing chamber being selectively fluidly connected to the motive gas.

7. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a piston connected to the tubular sliding valve for movement with the tubular sliding valve, the piston having a first surface and a fluidly separated second surface, each of the first surface and the second surface selectively exposed to the control gas.

8. A method of loading a projectile in a firing chamber of a gun, the method comprising:

(a) passing a projectile along a through passage from a rear end of a tubular sliding valve to a front end of the tubular sliding in a closed position of the tubular sliding to at least partially dispose the projectile within the firing chamber, the tubular sliding valve in the closed position precluding passage of a motive gas to the firing chamber.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising moving the tubular sliding valve to permit passage of a motive gas to the firing chamber and discharge the projectile from the firing chamber.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising disposing a bolt at least partially within the through passage to preclude rearward movement of the projectile.

11. The method of claim 8, further comprising exposing a balancing chamber partially defined by the rear end of the tubular sliding valve to the motive gas during firing of the gun.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising venting the motive gas from the balancing chamber.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein exposing the balancing chamber to the motive gas includes passing the motive gas from a motive gas reservoir to the balancing chamber.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein exposing the balancing chamber to the motive gas includes passing motive gas through a passage in the bolt.

15. A bolt and valve assembly for a gun, comprising:

(a) a tubular sliding valve movable between a closed first position and a second open position, the tubular sliding valve having a through passage sized to receive the projectile; and

(b) a bolt movable between a firing position and a loading position spaced from the tubular sliding valve, the bolt extending along substantially an entire length of the through passage in the firing position.

16. The assembly of claim 15, further comprising a bolt housing partially defining a travel path of the bolt between the first position and the second position, the bolt housing having a primary slot and a secondary slot interconnected by transverse slot.