MULTI-PELLET LAUNCHER WITH ADJUSTABLE PAYLOAD

Abstract

A multi-pellet launcher includes a hollow elongated tube having a closed end and an open end. A spring and a plurality of “n” pellets are placed inside the tube, and a binary latch interacts between the pellets and the tube. Specifically, the binary latch is established to compress the spring against the closed end of the tube, and to hold the pellets in the tube in response to the static force “Fs” that is generated by the compressed spring. In various configurations, the binary latch is always configured according to the value of “n”, and is established such that, prior to launch, “Fs” is substantially constant for all configurations of the binary latch. The binary latch is acceleration-activated.

Description

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 13/298,124 filed Nov. 16, 2011, which is currently pending. The contents of application Ser. No. 13/298,124 are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains generally to projectiles used by man-powered weapons. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a launcher (i.e. projectile) that is to be used with a man-powered weapon for launching a plurality of pellets, in flight, for impact on a target. The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, useful as a multi-pellet launcher that allows the user to establish a desired pellet momentum according to the (draw weight)/(draw length) ratio for a particular weapon.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Studies have shown that the momentum of a projectile is a more efficacious indicator of its effect on a target than is the velocity of a projectile. Indeed, for many applications, momentum may be the most important consideration for on-target effect. In the case of a conventional “vertical” bow, these observations lead appropriately to considerations of both impulse and momentum.

By definition, momentum is the dynamical quality of a moving body, measured as a product of its mass and velocity (momentum=mv). Also by definition, impulse is a force that acts on a body for a brief period of time (impulse=FΔt). Impulse and momentum are related in that the impulse of a force on a body equals the change in momentum of the body (i.e. FΔt=Δmv=mv₁−mv₂). For the specific case of a conventional bow and arrow (i.e. the “vertical” bow), “F” depends on the manpower input, and the time duration “Δt” of the impulse force on the arrow (projectile) extends from the time the bow string is released by the archer, to the time the arrow is free from the bow. For this specific case, the starting momentum (mv₁) of the projectile equals zero. Consequently, the on-target momentum of the arrow will be substantially equal to mv₂ (slightly less due to in-flight drag on the arrow).

In the context of man-powered weapons, as noted above, the momentum of a projectile from a conventional bow, at the time of target impact, will depend on the capabilities of both the bow and the archer. More precisely, the on-target energy of a projectile depends on the (draw weight)/(draw length) ratio of the weapon. With a consideration of this (draw weight)/(draw length) ratio, insofar as momentum is concerned, there is a trade-off between the mass of the particular projectile that is used, and the capabilities of the archer and the weapon. Stated differently, for a given mass, the momentum of the projectile will depend on the impulse force that can be generated (i.e. the magnitude of (draw weight)/(draw length)). On the other hand, for a given impulse force the momentum of a projectile can be varied by changing the mass of the projectile.

With the above in mind, it is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-pellet launcher wherein the launcher mass can be varied to optimize the on-target momentum of pellets in the launcher. Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-pellet launcher wherein the number of pellets in the launcher can be selectively varied to alter the mass of the launcher. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-pellet launcher wherein a binary latch for holding pellets in the launcher can be variously configured to accommodate the number of pellets being used in the launcher. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-pellet launcher that is easy to assemble, is simple to use, and is cost effective.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a multi-pellet launcher for use with a conventional arrow includes a hollow elongated tube that is formed with a lumen. The tube has a closed proximal end and an open distal end, and a spring is positioned inside the lumen, against the proximal end of the tube. A plurality of an “n” number of pellets is placed inside the lumen with the spring located between the pellets and the proximal end of the tube. Also, an acceleration-activated binary latch is established to interact between the pellets and the tube. Specifically, this interaction is based on a configuration for the latch that is selected, and this depends on how many pellets are used (i.e. based on the value of “n”). For all configurations, the latch is established to compress the spring and to hold the pellets in the lumen of the launcher tube in response to a static force “F_s” that is generated by the compressed spring. In general, “F_s” will be substantially constant for all configurations of the binary latch and can be determined by the expression “F_s”=k(Δx), where “k” is the spring constant and “Δx” is the distance the spring is compressed (extended) from its relaxed state.

During a launch of the multi-pellet launcher, the impulse force of the launch imparts momentum to the multi-pellet launcher. At the same time, a proximally directed acceleration force “F_a” is imposed on the pellets that force causes them to move in a proximal direction relative to the launcher tube. This movement of the pellets then activates the binary latch and releases the pellets for expulsion from the tube by the compressed spring. Several embodiments for the binary latch are envisioned for the present invention and, depending on the number of pellets used for the multi-pellet launcher (i.e. the value of “n”), each embodiment can have several different configurations.

For one embodiment of the present invention the launcher tube is formed with a plurality of “m” vents that are aligned along the length of the tube. A retainer plug is positioned distal to the pellets inside the lumen of the tube and this retainer plug is selectively engaged with one of the vents. For this embodiment, the retainer plug is formed with a distal ring and a proximal ring, and a mid-section that is formed between the distal ring and the proximal ring with a proximally decreasing taper. A latch sphere is positioned in a selected vent of the launcher tube to establish a configuration for the binary latch. In detail, the latch sphere is trapped between a distal edge of the vent and the proximal ring of the retainer plug by the influence of the static force “F_s” of the spring. This holds the retainer plug and pellets in the lumen of the tube until an acceleration force “F_a” is imposed on the retainer plug, at launch, to release the latch sphere for ejection from the vent to activate the binary latch. An important consideration for this embodiment of the binary latch is that the vents are aligned with an axial distance “d” between their centers. Consequently, when pellets are removed from the plurality of pellets to vacate a distance “md” in the lumen (where “m” is an integer), the binary latch is established at an “m” number of vents from the most distal vent.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the launch tube is formed with a pair of axially opposed, substantially parallel slots that extend in a proximal direction from the distal end of the tube. A plurality of detents is formed along each slot, and are positioned to establish axially opposed pairs of detents. For this embodiment, a retainer plug is formed with a pair of axially opposed pins (not shown) that extend radially outward from the retainer plug. The pins are thus received in a respective slot of the launch tube, and are engaged with a respective detent to hold the retainer plug in the selected configuration. In a similar arrangement to the embodiment disclosed above, the detents along the slots are aligned with an axial distance “d” between adjacent detents. Accordingly, when pellets are removed from the plurality of pellets to vacate a distance “md” in the lumen (again “m” is an integer), the binary latch is established at an “m” number of detents from the most distal detent.

For yet another embodiment of the present invention, the tube is formed with only a single vent, or a single detent, and an appropriate retainer plug, as disclosed above, is used. For this embodiment, a plurality of inserts of different lengths is provided to establish the desired configuration for the binary latch. Thus, depending on the value of “n”, an insert of appropriate length is selected and positioned in the lumen of the tube somewhere between the retainer plug and the proximal end of the tube. Specifically, the insert is dimensioned to replace the space that is vacated by pellets that may be removed from the plurality of pellets in the lumen. For yet another alternative embodiment, rather than inserts, a plurality of differently sized retainer plugs can be used. In this case, each retainer plug is extended proximally through a distance that is necessary to replace the space vacated by pellets removed from the plurality of pellets in the lumen.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:

FIG. 1A is an elevation view of a conventional bow ready to launch an arrow that includes a multi-pellet launcher of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a view of the bow and multi-pellet launcher shown in FIG. 1A, immediately after launch;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a multi-pellet launcher of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a multi-pellet launcher of the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the multi-pellet launcher as seen along the line 4-4 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the multi-pellet launcher shown in FIG. 4A after the removal of some pellets from the launcher;

FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of a multi-pellet launcher showing the use of an insert to replace space in the launcher tube that was vacated by the removal of pellets; and

FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view of a multi-pellet launcher showing the use of an extended retainer plug to replace space in the launcher tube that was vacated by the removal of pellets.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring initially to FIG. 1A a projectile launcher is shown in an operational environment and is designated 10. As shown, the launcher 10 is attached to the distal end on an arrow 12 and is mounted on a bow 14, ready for launch. In FIG. 1B the arrow 12 is shown after it has been shot from the bow 14, and after a plurality of pellets 16 have been launched from the projectile launcher 10 in the direction of arrow 18. The dynamics of this sequence of events is disclosed in detail in the parent application of the present application, and is incorporated herewith. Specifically, this parent application is application Ser. No. 13/298,124 (hereinafter referred to as the “Parent”).

FIG. 2 shows the launcher 10 as an embodiment having a plurality of vents 20 which are aligned along the axis 22 of the launcher 10. In this embodiment, the vents 20a, 20b and 20c are only exemplary. Further, FIG. 3 shows the embodiment of a launcher 10′ which, instead of vents 20, is formed with an axially aligned slot 24 having a plurality of detents 26a, 26b and 26c positioned along the length of the slot 24. It is to be appreciated that, though not shown, the launcher 10′ will include a symmetrically identical slot 24 with detents 26 that is diametrically opposed from the slot 24 and detents 26 shown in FIG. 3. Again, a full disclosure of embodiments for the launchers 10 and 10′ is provided in the Parent of the present invention. For both embodiments of the present invention, however, i.e. launcher 10 (FIG. 2) and launcher 10′ (FIG. 3), the respective vents 20 and detents 26 are respectively distanced from adjacent vents 20 and detents 26 by the same distance “d”.

With reference to FIG. 4A, it will be seen that the launcher 10 is essentially a straight, hollow tube 27 having a closed proximal end 28 and an open distal end 30, with a lumen 31 extending between the ends 28 and 30. Further, the proximal end 28 can be constructed to establish a fixed engagement of the tube 27 with the arrow 12 in any manner well known in the pertinent art. The contents of the tube 27, and their interaction with each other, will be disclosed here beginning at the proximal end 28 and proceeding through the lumen 31 in a distal direction. First there is a spring 32 that has an unstressed length “x” and a spring constant “k”. Next, a separator 34 is positioned between the spring 32 and a plurality of pellets 16. Although FIG. 4A shows only six pellets 16, and shows them linearly aligned inside the lumen 31, it is to be appreciated that many more pellets 16, and various arrangements of these pellets 16 within the lumen 31, are contemplated by the present invention for the launcher 10. Distal to the pellets 16 is a retainer plug 36.

For a preferred embodiment of the launcher 10, as shown in FIG. 4A, the retainer plug 36 is formed with a distal ring 38 and a proximal ring 40, and it has a tapered mid-section 42 between the rings 38 and 40 that is tapered with a decreasing cross-section in the proximal direction. It is an important feature for the particular embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 4A that the structure of the retainer plug 36 interacts with a latch sphere 44 to hold the retainer plug 36 stationary in the lumen 31. More specifically, for this purpose the latch sphere 44 interacts between both the retainer plug 36 and a selected vent 20 of the tube 27. To establish this interaction, the static force “F_s” that is created by the spring 32, when it is compressed, pushes the proximal ring 40 of the retainer plug 36 against the latch sphere 44. In turn, the latch sphere 44 is forced against the vent 20 to hold the retainer plug 36 stationary. In accordance with the present invention, the particular vent 20 that is used will depend on the number “n” of pellets 16 that are to be used in the launcher 10. In FIG. 4A, the vent 20a is used, and “n” is equal to six. This, however, is only exemplary.

As indicated above, it is envisioned for the present invention that the number “n” of pellets 16 to be employed with the launcher 10 may vary. Nevertheless, the static force “F_s” that is generated when spring 32 is compressed should remain substantially constant for all launchers 10. And, this will be so regardless of the value of “n”. Specifically, for each launcher 10, where the unstressed length of the spring 32 is “x”, and the spring is compressed through a distance “Δx”, F_s=kΔx. To maintain F_s constant, and still change the value of “n”, consider both FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B. In these figures it will be seen that the launcher 10 shown in FIG. 4B, has two fewer pellets 16 than the launcher 10 shown in FIG. 4A. Specifically, pellets 16a and 16b, have been removed from the lumen 31 of tube 27, and the space that would otherwise be occupied by these pellets 16a and 16b has been vacated. Return for the moment to FIG. 2 and note that the vents 20 are distanced from each other by the distance “d”. Accordingly, an axial distance “md” can be selected (where “m” is an integer) that will equal the distance vacated by the non-use of pellets 16a and 16b. In the example given here, “m” equals two. Thus, when the latch configuration of retainer plug 36 with vent 20a (FIG. 4A) is moved to a latch configuration of retainer plug 36 with vent 20c (FIG. 4B), the space that is created by the removal (i.e. non-use) of pellets 16a and 16b is compensated for. An important consequence of this is that the relationship F_s=kΔx is maintained (i.e. F_s is the same for the latch configurations of both FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B).

A similar result as disclosed above for the launcher 10 (FIG. 2), will also obtain when changing the number “n” of pellets 16 in the launcher 10′ (FIG. 3). In this case, however, “m” will pertain to the number of detents 26 that need to be resolved. In all important respects, the operation of launcher 10′ will be the same as for the launcher 10.

For alternate embodiments of the launchers 10 and 10′, a single vent 20a or a single detent 16a can be used, and the number “n” of pellets 16 can still be varied. For one such embodiment shown for the launcher 10 in FIG. 4C, the space “md” that is vacated by the removal of pellets 16a and 16b can be replaced by an insert 46. For another such embodiment shown for the launcher 10 in FIG. 4D, the space “md” that is vacated by the removal of pellets 16a and 16b can be replaced by an extension 48 of proximal ring 40. Again, for these embodiments, the relationship F_s=kΔx is maintained as before.

An assembly of either the launcher 10 or 10′ essentially involves similar steps. To begin, a launch tube 27 as disclosed above is provided. The spring 32 is then positioned inside the lumen 31 of the launch tube 27, and against its closed proximal end 28. A plurality of a selected “n” number of pellets 16 is then loaded into the tube 27, and is located distal to the spring 32. Next, an acceleration-activated, binary latch assembly is engaged with the tube 27. In detail, the latch assembly includes the retainer plug 36 that is positioned in the lumen 31 of the launch tube 27 distal to the pellets 16. Moreover, the latch assembly is configured to contact and hold the pellets 16 stationary in the tube 27, prior to an acceleration-release of the retainer plug 36 from the tube 27. An important aspect of the assembly of a launcher 10 or 10′ is the configuration of the assembly.

In order to properly configure a latch assembly for the present invention, a user needs to first determine a distance “md” along the length of the launch tube 27. Specifically, this distance “md” characterizes the space that is vacated by a removal or non-use of pellets 16 from the plurality of “n” pellets 16. Once this distance “md” has been determined, the latch assembly is configured to compensate for the removal (or non-use) of pellets 16. This may be accomplished in any of several ways by simply moving the contact point between the retainer plug 36 and the pellets 16 in the tube 27, in a proximal direction through the distance “md”. As disclosed above, this can be done using different vents 20 (launcher 10) or different detents 26 (launcher 10′). Or, it can be done by adding appropriately sized inserts 46 or providing appropriately sized extensions 48 on the retainer plug 36. The consequence of each of these alternative configurations for the latch assembly is to compress the spring, and to thereby create the predetermined static force “F_s” that is needed for launching the pellets 16 from the tube 27 upon an acceleration-release of the retainer plug 36. For the present invention, it is envision that F_s=kΔx, that F_s will be substantially constant, and will be the same regardless of the configuration for the latch assembly.

While the particular Multi-Pellet Launcher With Adjustable Payload as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A multi-pellet launcher which comprises:

a hollow elongated tube formed with a lumen and having a closed proximal end and an open distal end;

a spring having a first end and a second end, wherein the spring is positioned inside the lumen with its first end at a set distance from the proximal end of the tube;

a plurality of “n” pellets placed inside the lumen with the spring located between the pellets and the proximal end of the tube; and

a binary latch established to interact between the pellets and the tube in a configuration selected from a plurality of configurations, wherein the selected configuration is dependent on the value of “n” and is established to compress the spring and to hold the pellets in the lumen in response to a static force “Fs” generated by the compressed spring, wherein Fs is substantially constant for all configurations of the binary latch.

2. A launcher as recited in claim 1 wherein the binary latch is activated by a proximally directed acceleration force “Fa” imposed by the pellets pushing against the spring when the launcher is launched in a distal direction, and wherein an activation of the binary latch releases the pellets for expulsion from the tube by the compressed spring.

3. A launcher as recited in claim 1 wherein the spring has a relaxed length “x” and a spring constant “k”, and the static force “Fs” is generated when the spring is compressed through a distance “Δx” (Fs=k(Δx).

4. A launcher as recited in claim 1 wherein the tube is formed with a plurality of vents aligned along the length of the tube and the binary latch comprises:

a retainer plug positioned distal to the pellets inside the lumen of the tube, wherein the retainer plug is formed with a distal ring dimensioned to move within the lumen and a proximal ring dimensioned to move within the lumen, and a mid-section formed with a proximally decreasing taper between the distal ring and the proximal ring; and

at least one latch sphere positioned in a selected vent to establish the selected configuration, wherein the latch sphere is trapped between a distal edge of the vent and the proximal ring of the retainer plug by the influence of the static force “Fs” to hold the retainer plug and pellets in the lumen of the tube until an acceleration force “Fa” is imposed on the retainer plug to release the latch sphere for ejection from the vent to activate the binary latch.

5. A launcher as recited in claim 4 wherein the spring has a relaxed length “x” and a spring constant “k”, and the static force “Fs” is generated when the spring is compressed through a distance “Δx” (Fs=k(Δx).

6. A launcher as recited in claim 5 wherein the vents are aligned with an axial distance “d” between centers of adjacent vents, wherein pellets removed from the plurality of pellets vacate a distance “md” in the lumen (where “m” is an integer), and wherein the binary latch is established at an “m” number of vents from the most distal vent.

7. A launcher as recited in claim 1 wherein the launch tube is formed with a pair of axially opposed, substantially parallel slots extending in a proximal direction from the distal end of the tube, with a plurality of detents formed along each slot, wherein the detents are formed as axially opposed pairs, and wherein the launcher further comprises:

a retainer plug; and

a pair of axially opposed pins extending radially outward from the retainer plug to be received in a respective slot of the launch tube for engagement with a respective detent to hold the retainer plug in the selected configuration.

8. A launcher as recited in claim 7 wherein the spring has a relaxed length “x” and a spring constant “k”, and the static force “Fs” is generated when the spring is compressed through a distance “Δx” (Fs=k(Δx).

9. A launcher as recited in claim 8 wherein the detents are aligned with an axial distance “d” between adjacent detents, wherein pellets removed for the plurality of pellets vacate a distance “md” in the lumen (where “m” is an integer), and wherein the binary latch is established at an “m” number of detents from the most distal detent.

10. A launcher as recited in claim 1 wherein the tube is formed with a vent and the binary latch comprises:

a retainer plug positioned distal to the pellets inside the lumen of the tube, wherein the retainer plug is formed with a distal ring dimensioned to move within the lumen and a proximal ring dimensioned to move within the lumen, and a mid-section formed with a proximally decreasing taper between the distal ring and the proximal ring;

a latch sphere positioned in the vent, wherein the latch sphere is trapped between a distal edge of the vent and the proximal ring of the retainer plug by the influence of the static force “Fs” to hold the retainer plug and pellets in the lumen of the tube until an acceleration force “Fa” is imposed on the retainer plug to release the latch sphere for ejection from the vent to activate the binary latch; and

an insert positioned in the lumen of the tube between the retainer plug and the proximal end of the tube, wherein the insert is dimensioned to replace space vacated by pellets removed from the plurality of pellets in the lumen.

11. A launcher as recited in claim 1 wherein the tube is formed with a vent and the binary latch comprises:

a retainer plug positioned distal to the pellets inside the lumen of the tube, wherein the retainer plug is formed with a distal ring dimensioned to move within the lumen and a proximal ring dimensioned to move within the lumen, and a mid-section formed with a proximally decreasing taper between the distal ring and the proximal ring, and further wherein the proximal ring is extended proximally through a distance to replace space vacated by pellets removed from the plurality of pellets in the lumen; and

a latch sphere positioned in the vent, wherein the latch sphere is trapped between a distal edge of the vent and the proximal ring of the retainer plug by the influence of the static force “Fs” to hold the retainer plug and pellets in the lumen of the tube until an acceleration force “Fa” is imposed on the retainer plug to release the latch sphere for ejection from the vent to activate the binary latch.

12. A system for propelling a plurality of pellets from a launch tube which comprises:

a retainer plug for holding a plurality of an “n” number of pellets inside the launch tube in response to a bias force “Fs” imposed on the pellets by a compressed spring;

a latch assembly established on the launch tube for restraining a forward movement of the retainer plug in response to the bias force imposed by the compressed spring, wherein the latch assembly is selected from a plurality of latch assemblies, and wherein the selected assembly is dependent on the value of “n”, and wherein the bias force “Fs” is substantially constant for all latch assemblies; and

a means for propelling the launch tube in a forward direction to create an acceleration force for moving the retainer plug and the pellets in a rearward direction to further compress the spring and release the latch assembly from the retainer plug for a subsequent forward propulsion of the retainer plug and the plurality of pellets from the launch tube in response to the bias force of the compressed spring.

13. A system as recited in claim 12 wherein the launch tube is formed with a plurality of vents aligned along the length of the tube, and wherein the retainer plug is formed with a distal ring dimensioned to move within the lumen and has a proximal ring dimensioned to move within the lumen with a mid-section formed with a proximally decreasing taper between the distal ring and the proximal ring, and the latch assembly includes a latch sphere positioned in a selected vent and trapped therein between a distal edge of the vent and the proximal ring of the retainer plug to establish the selected configuration.

14. A system as recited in claim 13 wherein the vents are aligned with a distance “d” between centers of adjacent vents, wherein pellets removed for the plurality of pellets vacate a distance “md” in the lumen (where “m” is an integer), and wherein the latch assembly is established at an “m” number of vents from the most distal vent.

15. A system as recited in claim 12 wherein the launch tube is formed with a pair of axially opposed, substantially parallel slots extending in a proximal direction from the distal end of the tube, with a plurality of detents formed along each slot, wherein the detents are formed as axially opposed pairs, and wherein the retainer plug is formed with a pair of axially opposed pins extending radially outward from the retainer plug to be received in a respective slot of the launch tube for engagement with a respective detent to hold the retainer plug in the selected assembly.

16. A system as recited in claim 15 wherein the detents are aligned with an axial distance “d” between adjacent detents, wherein pellets removed from the plurality of pellets vacate a distance “md” in the lumen (where “m” is an integer), and wherein the latch assembly is established at an “m” number of detents from the most distal detent.

17. A system as recited in claim 12 further comprising an insert positioned in the lumen of the tube proximal the retainer plug, and wherein the insert is dimensioned to replace space vacated by pellets removed from the plurality of pellets in the lumen.

18. A system as recited in claim 12 wherein the retainer plug is extended proximally through a distance to replace space vacated by pellets removed from the plurality of pellets in the lumen.

19. A method for assembling a multi-pellet launcher which comprises the steps of:

providing a hollow elongated launch tube formed with a lumen and having a closed proximal end and an open distal end;

positioning a spring inside the lumen of the launch tube against the closed proximal end thereof, wherein the spring has a relaxed length “x” and a spring constant “k”, and wherein the spring can be compressed through a distance “Δx” to create a predetermined static force “Fs”, where Fs=kΔx;

loading the launch tube with a plurality of a selected “n” number of pellets, with the pellets being located in the lumen of the tube, distal to the spring;

engaging an acceleration-activated, binary latch assembly with the tube, wherein the latch assembly includes a retainer plug located distal to the pellets to contact and hold the pellets stationary in the tube, prior to an acceleration-release of the retainer plug from the tube; and

configuring the latch assembly to compress the spring to create the predetermined static force “Fs” for launching the pellets from the tube upon an acceleration-release of the retainer plug.

20. A method as recited in claim 19 wherein the configuring step further comprises the steps of:

determining a distance “md” along the length of the launch tube, wherein the distance “md” is vacated by a non-use of pellets from the plurality of “n” pellets; and

adjusting the latch assembly configuration to compensate for the removal of pellets in the determining step by moving the contact of the retainer plug with the pellets in a proximal direction through the distance “md”.