Abstract: This invention is an airgun that is loaded and fired electronically. It is comprised of an "electronic decision maker" 12 capable of accepting input and supplying output, sensors (8, 22, 24, 26) to report to the decision maker 12 the condition of various parts of the airgun or the projectile 18 to be fired, and actuators (2, 28, 4) that will effect the operations required to load and fire the airgun and are capable of responding to the commands of the decision maker 12 so it may `oversee` these operations. The present invention will be applicable to paintball, bb, pellet, and other projectile firing airguns. Instead of relying on unreliable and "dumb" mechanical mechanisms, this airgun senses its projectile 18 and mechanism positions to determine when it can fire, using an electronic decision maker 12. This decision maker 12 can also be used to determine firing rate and velocity, adding more flexibility than a fixed, mechanical determination of these functions.

Abstract: A mechanical device for throwing projectiles is disclosed which is disposed on a ground surface to throw variously-sized balls to a practicing basketball shooter or a practicing baseball hitter. The device includes an elongated base disposed on the ground surface, a pivoting arm which is attached to the base and which throws the ball, and an electromechanical solenoid whose actuation causes the arm to pivot and throw the ball. When the device is used for basketball practice shooting, a frame is disposed on the ground and around the device, and the frame includes a pole, a backboard secured to the pole, and a rim extending perpendicular from the backboard. A plurality of support arms are attached to the frame, and the arms include an integrally attached net which is disposed around the backboard for collecting thrown basketballs and directing them to the device.

Abstract: A bowstring release apparatus for use with a bowstring affixed to a bow is disclosed. The bowstring release apparatus comprises an activation switch connected to a timing device which in turn is connected to a release mechanism. Actuation of the activation switch initiates a time period whose length is established by the timing device. The release mechanism releases the secured bowstring after expiration of the time period. Additionally, a method for improving the shooting accuracy of an archer by providing a bow, a bowstring affixed to the bow, an arrow and a bowstring release apparatus is disclosed. The method includes the archer drawing the bowstring and activating an activation switch. After completion of a time period, the bowstring will automatically be released. The duration of the time period is determined by a timing device which is responsive to the activating of the activation switch.

Abstract: A hand-held multi-function target presentation control system with interchangeable operator control modules for communicating with at least one wireless target control modules. The operator control module having a user interface for selectively controlling a plurality of stations, each station having at least one target launch machine, for inputting and tracking a plurality of shooters, and for inputting a target launch sequence and a score for each shooter.

Abstract: A bow string releasing apparatus for releasing a drawn string of a bow including an activation housing for mounting to a handle of a bow. A transmitter is mounted within the activation housing for transmitting an activation signal. A grip housing can be held by an archer and engaged to a string of a bow to facilitate manual drawing of the string. A receiver is mounted within the grip housing for receiving a signal from the transmitter and effecting releasing of the string such that a hand of an archer holding the handle of the bow can be utilized to trigger releasing of the string to propel an arrow from the bow.

Abstract: A hand-held multi-function target presentation control system with interchangeable operator control modules for communicating with at least one wireless target control modules. The operator control module having a user interface for selectively controlling a plurality of stations, each station having at least one target launch machine, for inputting and tracking a plurality of shooters, and for inputting a target launch sequence and a score for each shooter.

Abstract: An attachment to a paint ball gun which adapts the gun to fire in automatic, semiautomatic, or in essentially any desired pattern of fire. The gun attachment has a mechanical mechanism for manipulating a protrusion on the gun, such as a bolt handle, a programmable pulse generator for determining the pattern of fire, and an electromechanical device for converting the signals generated by the pulse generator into a mechanical motion for driving the mechanical mechanism which manipulates the bolt handle or protrusion.

Abstract: A toy gun with a shooting control structure comprising an operation system, a transmission system, a bullet pushing system, and a shooting system, the operation system having a trigger to make two conductors contact with each other to power a motor in the transmission system to turn a half gear to move a piston in the shooting system, the bullet pushing system having an air valve around a tube at the front of a cylinder in the shooting system for a bullet to be shot through out of the opening of the barrel, the air valve being able to be moved forward to push a bullet in the barrel and also function as the extension of the tube, the shooting system having a cylinder and a tubular piston to extend in the cylinder and to be moved by a rack provided with the piston engaging with and moved by a half gear in the transmission system so as to compress the air in the tube to shoot out a bullet.

Abstract: A two handed bow and a bowstring release mechanism for launching an arrow along a shooting axis includes a riser, a pair of flexible limbs mounted on the riser and a bowstring connected between the free ends of the limbs. A pair of handgrips are pivotally mounted on the riser. The bowstring release mechanism is carried by a harness adapted to be worn by the archer and includes a body member having an elongated bowstring opening for receiving the bowstring and a pair of retaining arms pivotally mounted on the body member to selectively close and open the bowstring opening. A cam and electrically operated plunger operate the retaining arms to selectively close and open the bowstring opening. A retractable arrow rest is mounted on the riser and includes a shaft engaging surface for positioning the arrow along the shooting axis when the bowstring is in its full draw position.

Abstract: A toy gun includes a barrel assembly comprising a plurality of side-by-side barrel elements, a plurality of missiles which are receivable in the barrel elements, and a firing assembly for impacting sequential missiles in order to launch them from the barrel assembly. The firing assembly includes a resiliently deflectable firing member and a deflecting mechanism for deflecting and releasing the firing member so that it is resiliently propelled into impacting engagement with sequential missiles for launching the missiles from the barrel assembly.

Abstract: Improved loading mechanism for weapons which principally consists of a piston (15), driven by a spring (16) and an electric driving motor (4) with reduction gear, characterized in that the spring (16) is compressed by the piston (15) of which the compression movement which results in putting the aforementioned spring (16) under tension is controlled by the piston (15) working together with a continuous traction device.

Abstract: A ball-launching system for a dog's ball which automatically launches or shoots a ball along an airborne path, thereby enabling the dog to chase the ball, fetch it and return it to the system. The system includes a ball collection area for receiving the returned ball, dropped or otherwise deposited therein by the dog, and for feeding the returned ball, under the force of gravity along, into the hollow interior of a ball-launching tube. As the ball rolls down the hollow interior of the tube, a sensing device detects the passage of the ball therover and generates a command signal. The command signal is delayed a predetermined period of time, sufficient to enable the ball to contact the rear end of the tube and come to rest in a firing position.

Abstract: An airgun in which a spring-operated piston is provided for compressing air n a chamber, wherein arming of the gun is accomplished by a transport mechanism which acts on the piston to compress the spring, with the transport mechanism being driven by a battery-powered electric motor, the transport mechanism, electric motor and battery being incorporated within the airgun.

Abstract: A dummy fire-arm (1) for training comprising a sighting device (2,3) and housing a laser tube (5). The fire-arm houses a high voltage portion (9) of the laser tube (5) triggering device (25, 30) as well as an optical focusing device (10, 11). This fire-arm (1) is carried by a lower portion (12) having a hand grip (13) housing the electronic control device of the laser as well as an electro-mechanical (25 to 31) shot departure triggering device.

Abstract: An automatic clay target feeder attachment that can be attached to a clay target trap shooting machine that will self-load the trap shooting machine without need of manual assistance within the forward trap pit on the shooting range. Such feeder attachment can be selectively set to drop onto the flinger arm of the trap shooting machine either two targets or but one target at a time including means that will move the dropped targets outwardly along the flinger arm preparatory to the release of the flinger arm by the shooter's referee upon the shoot being made by the trap shooters. The operation of the attachment to load the flinger arm with targets is done in response to actuation of the trap machine and the release of its flinger arm.

Abstract: A target launcher having multiple throwing arms which are driven by an electronic control assembly to launch each throwing arm sequentially at a predetermined timed interval. The target launcher will accommodate a variety of different kinds of targets to provide the shooting enthusiast, in particular the archer, with an automatically controlled supply of moving targets. Each throwing arm is released from a lock position to impart a substantially vertical trajectory to one or more targets loaded therein. The timing of the release of each throwing arm is preset manually prior to actuation of the control assembly circuitry. Actuation of the control assembly selectively drives a solenoid associated with each throwing arm to effect the sequential release of each throwing arm in accordance with the timing selected.

Abstract: A toy gun for firing pellets wherein a trigger operates a firing mechanism which reciprocates a hammer through a firing point in the gun barrel to sequentially discharge pellets therefrom. The mechanism is operated by an electric motor which reciprocates the hammer by means of a cam and follower mechanism. This mechanism successively withdraws and releases the hammer which is continuously biased in a firing mode by a spring. Also disclosed is a pellet delivery system in which a magazine is slidably mounted on the gun body enabling one of a plurality of pellet sources in the magazine to be in communication with the barrel and firing mechanism.

Abstract: The bow string release has a body having a notch receiving a string which is retained by a pivoted sear capturing the string. The body is connected to a handle. A thrust bearing is located between the body and the handle, allowing the body and the handle to rotate relative to one another. A spring loaded plunger latches the sear to retain the string until the plunger is moved back by a trigger pivotally connected to the handle. A spring is compressed between the plunger head and a seat which can be adjusted to alter the trigger pull force. The trigger stroke is adjusted by the screw in the trigger adjustably engaging the hole in the wall of the release handle. Another embodiment has provision for triggering the release of a spring loaded piston which strikes the plunger to release the sear. A further embodiment uses a small solenoid in the handle to move the plunger to release the sear.

Abstract: A machine for propelling a ball comprising an elongated barrel having an axially compressible coil spring therein that is controlled by an axially reciprocable screw disposed coaxially with and internally of said spring. A nut is threadably engaged on the screw whereby said screw is axially advanced and retracted. A coupling on the end of the screw first engages then releases said spring.

Abstract: A launcher for target pigeons of the kind having propellor type wings and which includes a drive unit having a rotating shaft to which a target pigeon is releasably connected. The target pigeon is releasably secured by a retainer head mounted on the rotating shaft and which is actuated by a control rod that is remotely actuated. The drive unit is mounted on a pivot to swivel during a launching operation. In one form, the drive unit is operatively associated with a vane which allows the launcher to oscillate when in operation to launch a target. In another embodiment, the oscillation of the launcher is effected by an eccentric mechanical drive which is connected to the drive unit.

Abstract: An archery bow is provided with a system whereby of which the force applied to bending the bow is multiplied when the drawstring is pulled back by the user. This is accomplished by attaching a second string between the bow limbs and using a mechanical gearing or other force-multiplying system actuated by a lever which is pulled with the main drawstring. At full draw both strings are simultaneously released. Electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic force multiplying devices can also be used to draw the second string.

Abstract: A practice device which allows the simulation of firing of a weapon such as a light antitank weapon wherein the weapon can be fired in an armory for practice by soldiers without requiring the actual tactical missile to be fired which requires a large firing range with extreme protection of personnel. The invention comprises attaching a gas powered pellet gun within the barrel of the missile launcher and loading such pellet gun with a round of ammunition after which the gun is cocked and the weapon is sighted toward a target provided therefore and the pellet gun is fired with a suitable trigger for simulating and practicing actual use of the weapon. When the trigger is depressed it causes a solenoid to be momentarily energized, which draws a sear away from a firing cylinder causing actuation of a valve to fire the pellet gun.

Abstract: A machine is provided for pitching one or more balls at selected intervals by selectively connecting a clutch mechanism to a pitching arm.

Abstract: A game employing a gun capable of emitting a light beam can be played using a target apparatus which ejects objects each time this apparatus is approximately actuated by a light beam. The target apparatus includes a turntable which is capable of being rotated by a motor. The turntable includes a plurality of holders, each of which is adapted to hold an object to be ejected from the apparatus. An ejection lever is mounted on the base of the apparatus so as to be capable of ejecting an object from a holder positioned directly above it. After such an object is ejected the motor rotates the turntable. Structures are provided for returning the ejection lever to a position in which it can eject an object from an adjacent holder and for indexing the turntable so that an adjacent holder is above the lever as a result of such rotation of the turntable. A circuit including a photocell is provided on the apparatus for operation of the ejection lever so as to eject an object from a holder positioned above this lever.

Abstract: Ball propelling apparatus comprising a housing forming an in-line ball storage and supply path terminating at a ball stop positioning station, a ball launching hammer operable by a spring actuated propelling force as the spring is gradually cocked and moved over a dead center position to advance the ball hammer rapidly to knock the ball out of the apparatus under a controllable pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for a game including a playing board having means for pivotally mounting a plurality of projectile shooting cannons. The playing board includes first and second orthogonal grid indicia arrays so that the location of a movable target may be designated by indicating specific first and second grid indicia, of the first and second orthogonal arrays, respectively. Also included is a plotting chart which comprises a scale reproduction of the playing board, including grid indicia arrays which are scaled duplicates of the grid indicia arrays of the playing board. A direction and range finder is provided for use with the plotting chart so that the direction and range of the movable target on the playing board may be determined by marking the location of the target on the plotting chart with a plotting pin and then rotating the direction range finder until it engages the plotting pin.

Abstract: A target release system, particularly suited for use in simulating the hunting of wild game, characterized by a portable signal transmitter for transmitting detectable signals in a terrestrial space environment, a plurality of visually secluded signal receivers for singly detecting signals transmitted by said transmitter, and a target release subsystem connected with each of the signal receivers for releasing at least one target in response to transmitted signals detected by the receiver.

Abstract: A target pigeon has a hub centered on a pigeon axis and formed at this axis with a bore. A plurality of wings extend radially from the hub and each wing is tilted relative to the axis propeller-fashion so that when spun about the axis the pigeon will displace itself axially through the air. A launching apparatus has a base on which a support is pivotal about an upright axis. A launch head on the support is rotatable about an axis inclined upwardly to the horizontal and is formed with a tip receivable in the bore of the pigeon hub. A drive continuously rotates the head and the pigeon about the inclined axis and oscillates the entire support back and forth about the upright axis. A remotely controlled catch normally holds the pigeon on the launch head, but operation of this catch can release the pigeon which will fly off for shooting practice.

Abstract: A target throwing apparatus in which a revolving magazine having a number of stacks of targets is independently and fixedly supported relative to an oscillating target throwing housing. A cocking means stops the throwing arm just before reaching the over-center position whereupon initiating of the next cocking cycle throws the target. A power train consists of three equal-sized gears mounted on three parallel shafts to throw the targets and to oscillate the housing. The magazine includes a ramp and cam means by which the entire column of targets is lowered by gravity prior to having springbiased fingers engage the second target from the bottom and having the lower-most target fall onto a predetermined drop pad on a target launching plate, which pad location does not change regardless of the position of the oscillating housing and launching plate. A scotch yoke assembly is utilized in translating rotary shaft motion to symmetrical reciprocating motion to oscillate the housing.

Abstract: A compact pneumatically powered apparatus for automatically propelling game balls, especially tennis balls and the like intended to be stroked by a hand held racket or other implement, for training players in the proper return of the simulated ball action. Each ball is ejected from the apparatus with a combination of forward or straight-line acceleration together with a predetermined amount of ball spin to closely approximate the intentional spin placed on tennis balls when stroked obliquely by a tennis racket. This is achieved in the apparatus by a mechanism for flexing an elongate pliable member, such as a flexible belt, between an initial slackened looped condition and a straightened tensioned condition. The tennis balls are successively fed into a launching position contacting a surface portion of the slackened, looped belt that faces generally forwardly toward the direction of ball propulsion and is initially rearwardly of the final orientation of the tensioned belt.

Abstract: Apparatus for throwing objects, and particularly "clay pigeons" for target shooting, wherein a spring driven throwing arm is locked in a position wherein the spring is in tension but the arm must be further mechanically driven against the spring tension to an equilibrium point where the throwing stroke will take place under the influence of the spring. The position of the throwing arm is controlled by an electric motor, a pair of parallel circuits for controlling the energization of the motor and a drive train between the motor and the shaft which supports the throwing arm; the drive train including a ratchet type arrangement which constrains the arm to movement in only one direction and "captures" the arm on "rebound" of the spring at the end of a throw.