Abstract: A football passing machine is configured to eject a prolate-spheroid-shaped football. The football passing machine includes a frame member, an adjustable launch surface mounted to the frame member, a ball magazine positioned above the adjustable launch surface that is configured to contain a plurality of footballs, a moveable escapement arm that is configured to successively dispense footballs that are contained within the ball magazine onto the launch surface, a moveable ball carriage configured to move a football between a first point on the launch surface that is located directly beneath the ball magazine and a second point on the launch surface that is adjacent a football launch mechanism that is configured to eject a football from the football passing machine. An orientation of the adjustable launch surface is configured to be adjusted to change a launch angle of a football while the frame member and the ball magazine remain stationary.

Abstract: A toy pump action rifle for launching discs having an outer housing, a stock, a grip, a trigger, a handle for cocking the rifle and a revolving drum for storing multiple discs. Within the housing is a mechanism for removing discs, one at a time, from the drum where the discs are arranged in a first position, rotating each disc 90° to a second position, and transporting each disc to a discharge chamber. The mechanism includes a transfer arm to remove each disc from the drum, a disc pocket for receiving the removed disc, the pocket being rotatable to reorient the disc, and disc pocket also being slidable to carry the disc to the discharge chamber. Activation of the trigger releases a cocked launch arm that snaps forward and strikes the disc to cause discharge.

Abstract: A rifle bow assembly is disclosed herein. The rifle bow assembly includes: an outer barrel slide subassembly having an elongate cavity, the outer barrel slide subassembly configured to be attached to a bow assembly; a projectile barrel subassembly having a first end and a second end, the projectile barrel subassembly configured to be slidingly received within the elongate cavity of the outer barrel slide subassembly, and the projectile barrel subassembly having a helical projectile passageway extending in a lengthwise direction thereof; a magazine subassembly coupled to the second end of the projectile barrel subassembly, and having attachment means for securing a projectile magazine thereto; and a release subassembly coupled to an end portion of the magazine subassembly, the release subassembly including at least one string release mechanism for releasably engaging a bow string of the bow assembly. A rifle bow, which incorporates the rifle bow assembly, is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A toy gun that includes a dart ejecting device and a magazine for loading darts and shells is disclosed herein. The gun also includes a shell ejecting device having a driving mechanism and a shell ejecting mechanism. The driving mechanism includes a handle, a linkage through the center of the magazine, and a sliding piece, each of which are joined together in sequence. Other modifications and features suitable for practice therewith, and methods and means of operating the device, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the dart in a barrel of a toy gun is provided. The apparatus includes a dart sensor lever, a linkage, a transmission mechanism between the dart sensor lever and the linkage, and a pivot attached to the gun body. The dart sensor lever is linked with the pivot so that it will swing around the pivot. The transmission mechanism is linked with the linkage, which causes the linkage to move. Other modifications and features suitable for practice therewith, and methods and means of operating the device, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems, apparatuses, articles, methods, and tires for throwing machines are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: An apparatus for launching sheets such as paper money. The apparatus includes an upper housing and a lower housing detachably coupled to the upper housing. The apparatus includes a feed assembly, mounted to an interior space of the lower housing, and the feed assembly includes a plate with a planar upper surface for receiving the sheets and at least one spring element applying a spring force upon the plate to urge the planar upper surface toward the upper housing. The apparatus also includes an ejection assembly, supported within an interior space of the upper housing, adapted to sequentially eject the sheets from an opening in the upper housing or the lower housing. The ejection assembly includes an electric motor and a battery selectively powering the electric motor. Spaced apart wheels are provided on an axle driven by the motor to eject the sheets a distance of one to three feet.

Abstract: A system for delivering objects, such as soccer balls, the system including a delivery device and a methodology for training individuals that can be used with the delivery device, the delivery device including an accelerator that accepts, accelerates, and launches the balls with motion characteristics, and a control system having an electronic controller structured to store and execute a training program that includes ball service specifications and player service variables, ball speed and spin control inputs, and random selection of values within a range of values of the player service variables that include a starting position of the player relative to the device, a direction of motion of the player relative to the device, an identification of at least one location on the player's body to touch the ball, a time interval to wait before delivering the ball, and an action for the user to take with the ball.

Abstract: It comprises a barrel (1), a casing (6) joined to said barrel, with an aperture (7), a pellet-loading element (2) arranged inside the casing (6), with a notch (3) that ends facing the barrel (1) mouth (4) in the open or pellet-loading position, a handle (5) firmly joined to the pellet-loading element that protrudes beyond the casing (6) through the aperture (7) that rotates the pellet-loading element (2) from the closed position to the open position and vice versa, with referred handle (5) resting on a first side (11) of said aperture (7) and a spring pusher (8), characterised in that it comprises a spring (9) between the barrel (1) and pellet-loading element (2), and a partial necking (10) on the first side (11) of the aperture (7) along which necking (10) the handle (5) moves from the open position to closed position and vice versa, during which same time it moves the pellet-loading element (2) away from the mouth (4) by action of the spring (9), each time the handle (5) is at the necking (10).

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an automated ball launching method and apparatus. The apparatus includes ball pick and place mechanisms, an air cannon, spin and velocity inducing belt drive assemblies, electric leveling jack stands, electric angle linear drive, and a computer control system. The apparatus is capable of automatically controlling ball spin, velocity, and launch angle.

Abstract: A paintball marker feed conduit for illuminating paintballs, comprising an inlet end for coupling relative to a paintball hopper, an outlet end for coupling relative to a paintball marker body, and a contained path between the inlet and outlet, the feed conduit being arranged to house a plurality of paintballs in single file and supply said paintballs in succession from the hopper to the paintball marker body inside which a foremost one of said paintballs rests ready for firing from the marker, wherein the feed conduit includes a light mounted to shine light directly onto said foremost paintball to charge the paintball while resting inside the paintball marker body.

Abstract: This apparatus is a helical path paintball delivery system, comprising a structure with an internal helical type cavity that interfaces between a paintball marker with unique design characteristics preventing the use of alternative hoppers and any paintball hopper, regardless of manufacturer, providing a path for paintballs residing in a player's chosen hopper to flow freely from the hopper through the helical path paintball delivery connector into the firing chamber of the paintball marker.

Abstract: An electronically controlled, brushless DC, electromagnetic induction drive apparatus for use in a paintball marker active loader capable of directly driving the feeder element in the active loader while providing independently user selectable torque transfer capability and rotational speed whether used to continuously or intermittently rotate the loader feeder element. A plurality of selectively polarity reversible electromagnets are disposed in the loader housing and act to move a plurality of magnetic drive elements disposed on the rotating feed cone to rotate the feed cone a predetermined amount for each polarity cycle and cause paintballs to be fed into the paintball marker via a feed tube. A controller linked to the marker firing sequence manages the number and frequency of the sequential polarity changes of the electro-magnets to cause the feed cone to rotate in response to sensed movement of paintballs in the feed tube.

Abstract: The plural option loading system for a pneumatic gun. The pneumatic gun has a receiver with the first and second loading port disposed to permit loading either by gravity or forced loading such as from a magazine. The barrel can be locked to the receiver to permit loading through only one of the two ports depending on the orientation in which it is locked to the receiver and permits selective loading through only a selected port at any time.

Abstract: An electronically controlled, brushless DC, electromagnetic induction drive apparatus for use in a paintball marker active loader capable of directly driving the feeder element in the active loader while providing user selectable torque transfer capability and rotational speed whether used to continuously or intermittently rotate the loader feeder element. A plurality of selectively polarity reversible electromagnets are disposed in the loader housing and act to move a plurality of magnetic drive elements disposed on the rotating feed cone to rotate the feed cone and cause paintballs to be fed into the paintball marker via a feed tube. A controller linked to the marker firing sequence manages the sequential polarity changes of the electro-magnets to cause the feed cone to rotate in response to movement of paintballs in the feed tube.

Abstract: A shuttlecock launching apparatus which comprises a storage for shuttlecocks, first and second launching wheels, a transfer assembly for transferring a single shuttlecock from the storage to the launching wheels, the transfer assembly being controlled by a cam wheel and cam follower which causes and guides the horizontal movement of the transfer assembly.

Abstract: A paintball marker in one embodiment of which a regulator can be located to multiple positions due to multiple flow paths to the valve assembly. For example, in some situations it could be desired to position the regulator on the grip of the marker. In other situations, the user might want the regulator to be located on a vertical grip of the marker. In another embodiment, the paintball marker has an anti jam feature including a capacitive sensor.

Abstract: A link for a toy ammunition chain made up of a plurality of links hinged together side-by-side in articulated fashion includes a cylindrical body adapted to receive a soft projectile. A first hinge component extends laterally from the body and has a pair of hinge pins. A second hinge component extends laterally from the body at a position opposite the first hinge component and has a pair of recesses each for pivotally receiving a hinge pin of an adjacent link in the chain.

Abstract: The present invention is a toy projectile launcher in the form of a role play accessory such as a belt. The belt assembly includes a strap, a launcher housing, and projectiles stored on the belt strap. The belt strap feeds through the launcher housing so that projectiles may be launched from the strap. In one embodiment the launcher is hand-held, and includes a handle which serves both as a means for holding the launcher during operation and as a power switch for the launcher. Projectiles may be discharged singly from the launcher or continuously in a rapid-fire mode.

Abstract: An improved pneumatic launching apparatus is disclosed having both a partition apparatus for enabling a projectile, such as filled capsules used in paintball, marking devices or crowd control, to be loaded and readied for expulsion and a venting-pressure regulator. When the partition apparatus is in an open position, an aperture is exposed allowing a projectile of complimentary size and shape to transfer to the receiving chamber. The shape of the partition is such that a next projectile is gently cradled and separated from the receiving chamber during a closing movement. Further, the partition facilitates the projectile reaching a containing area and it creates a seal that on the chamber that significantly inhibits the escape of pressurized gas during a firing operation and facilitates the projectile loading into a containing area. The venting-pressure regulator utilizes opposed pistons with an escape mechanism to allow venting to occur without requiring a separate adjustment.

Abstract: A paintball sensor installing and positioning structure includes a sensor unit screwed to the bottom end of a paintball dropping conduit. A transmitting end and a receiving end of the sensor unit are received respectively in receiving grooves bilaterally provided on the paintball dropping conduit. Positioning elements protruding from the bottom end of the paintball dropping conduit correspond in position to positioning recesses in a gun body to provide secure positioning. A pin at a lower portion of the sensor unit is inserted in a socket of the gun body. Gas inlet ducts provided in the inner wall of the gun body are separate from a paintball dropping port of the paintball dropping conduit such that gas need not pass through the paintball dropping conduit. Hence, corresponding gas ducts can be connected regardless of the precision with which the paintball dropping conduit is installed in the gun body.

Abstract: A barrel for prohibiting the paintball from dropping therefrom is provided by the present invention. The barrel includes a main body and an elastic ring. In which, a rear end of the main body is formed with a combining portion to combine with a paintball gun, and an extension is extended rearward from the combining portion. A bore penetrates through the main body, the combining portion and the extension. Around an outer periphery of the extension is disposed an annular groove, and at least one slot is formed in the annular groove, while the slot communicating the bore proximate to the extension. In addition, the elastic ring has a smaller perimeter than that of the annular groove. The elastic ring is disposed in the annular groove, and a part of the elastic ring sinks into the slot, overlapping a part of the bore.

Abstract: An assembly for rapid loading and feeding of paintballs in a paintball marker comprises a receiver mountable on the marker, having an opening to receive and secure a magazine carrying paintballs, and a gate opening mechanism to open the magazine, releasing the paintballs. An ejection mechanism to clear a magazine from the opening may also be provided. The magazine comprises a resiliently biased gate means to protect the paintballs until the magazine is inserted into the receiver. The magazine may be opened to refill it with paintballs, and may be disassembled for cleaning or maintenance.

Abstract: A baseball batting practice equipment includes a base provided with a movable member controlled to operate by the retaining post of a ball pitching speed adjustment device that is disposed with bevel gears and an actuating member for regulating the speed of ball pitching. An elastic member has opposite sides respectively secured with the movable member and the base for assisting the movable member to recover its original position. The base is further provided with a hooking member for holding an elastic plate and, after the movable member touches the hooking member, releasing the elastic plate for pitching balls. A ball pitching apparatus is provided with an elastic member for adjusting and delaying time of ball pitching, a gear unit and an actuating rod for winding tight or unwinding loose the elastic member. A power unit with a pedal is to carry out pitching balls.

Abstract: There has been a problem that a projected part of a rear part of a pellet gets stuck with an end side of an attachment wall and rotation is interrupted when a rotary clip moves from a hit pin concave to an end side (i.e., attachment wall) of a magazine main body if the rear end of a pellet in a bore projects from a bore. In order to resolve the problem, there is proposed a magazine main body 1 and a magazine main body 1 having a rotary clip 2 rotatably attached to a rotary clip attachment part 3 of a magazine main body 1 characterized in that a clip opposing wall surface 33 of an attachment wall 34 of a clip opposing wall surface 33 gradually moves away from a cylindrical end surface of opposing rotary clip 2 towards an end side 31 of an attachment wall 34 within a range 35 of a rotational opposing surface positioned between a hit pin concave 32 and a side surface part 10 in the rotational direction of rotary clip 2.

Abstract: [PROBLEMS] Since a conventional self-loading bolt assembly for airguns is complicated in construction, the cost of its production comes expensive. [MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS] A simple piston-cylinder mechanism was found to decrease a component count of the self-loading bolt assembly. Since the present invention remarkably decreases the component count, the cost of the production of the assembly is drastically decreased with striking success.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an automated ball launching method and apparatus. The apparatus includes ball pick and place mechanisms, an air cannon, spin and velocity inducing belt drive assemblies, electric leveling jack stands, electric angle linear drive, and a computer control system. The apparatus is capable of automatically controlling ball spin, velocity, and launch angle.

Abstract: The present invention is a toy projectile launcher in the form of a role play accessory such as a belt. The belt assembly includes a strap, a launcher housing, and projectiles stored on the belt strap. The belt strap feeds through the launcher housing so that projectiles may be launched from the strap. In one embodiment the launcher is hand-held, and includes a handle which serves both for holding the launcher during operation and as a power switch for the launcher. Projectiles may be discharged singly from the launcher or continuously in a rapid-fire mode.

Abstract: A paintball marker includes a main body and a dual feed adapter coupled to the main body. The dual feed adapter has a hollow interior, a top feed port and a bottom feed port. A top feed storage hopper is detachably connected to the dual feed adapter at the top feed port, and a bottom feed storage magazine is detachably connected to the dual feed adapter at the bottom feed port. A sleeve with an opening is rotatable within the dual feed adapter between a first position where the sleeve opening aligns with the top feed port for feeding therethrough a first group of paintballs from the hopper, and a second position where the sleeve opening aligns with the bottom feed port for feeding therethrough a second group of paintballs from the magazine.

Abstract: A pitching machine contains a pitching arm that vertically rotates at a speed of about 5 to 15 rpm, picks up a ball from the ball cradle at a pick-up point in its rotation, and then releases the ball at a release point in its rotation to provide a first velocity component to the ball. The pitching machine also contains a wheel that vertically rotates at a speed of about 300 to 3000 rpm. The wheel is positioned at the release point of the pitching arm to provide a second velocity component to the ball and to pitch the ball at an initial launch angle.

Abstract: A paintball feeding device of a paintball gun includes a container, in which paintballs are received, mounted on the paintball gun. A transporting member is received in the container. The transporting member has ball carrying portions to hold the paintballs. The paintball gun has a frame with a chamber therein, and the frame is provided with an inlet and an outlet on opposite sides thereof to be communicated with the chamber respectively. A driving member is connected to the transporting member for driving the transporting member to have the ball carrying portions entering the chamber via the inlet in sequence and leaving the chamber via the outlet.

Abstract: A pneumatic paintball gun preferably includes a bolt having an interior chamber. The interior chamber of the bolt is preferably arranged to communicate with a compressed gas storage area to effectively increase the volume of compressed gas stored in the compressed gas storage area without increasing the size of the paintball gun.

Abstract: An improved bolt construction for use in a paintball marker assembly is provided. The improved bolt assembly is generally formed to include a cut-out in the top surface thereof along its leading edge. The cut-out has a size and shape that functions in an manner that prevents the bolt from clipping or otherwise damaging a second incoming paintball projectile as the bolt reciprocates forward to ready a first paintball that is already loaded into the breech in preparation for launch. As the bolt is moved forward to push the first paintball into a position that is ready for launch, the leading edge of the cutout passes beneath the second paintball such that the top surface of the cutout impacts the bottom of the second paintball to push the second paintball upwardly as it advances, thereby clearing it from the breech and preventing the bolt from clipping the second paintball.

Abstract: A paintball agitator for use with a paintball loader is provided, as is a paintball loader incorporating the paintball agitator. The paintball agitator includes a rotatable shaft having a drive end and a second end opposite the drive end. A base portion is provided adjacent the second end of the shaft. The base portion is rotatable with the shaft. At least one fin is pivotally attached to the base portion. The at least one fin is rotatable in combination with the base portion and the shaft. The paintball agitator further includes at least one adapted to detect movement of the at least one fin. A controller may be provided in communication with the sensor to control operation of the paintball loader.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a ball feed mechanism and associated method for use in a paintball loader. The ball feed mechanism includes a feeder which conveys or impels balls toward a feed neck, and a drive member which is concentric with the feeder. The feeder is coupled to the drive member. An electric motor is used to rotate the drive member which in turn causes the feeder to rotate. The feed mechanism includes sensors which detect the motion of the feeder and the drive member. A controller determines the position of the feeder relative to the drive member and actuates a motor when necessary.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for feeding ball-like ammunition, so-called paint balls, into the projectile chamber of a sporting arm. The magazine is arranged separately from the arm and is connected to same by a feeder tube. A feeder driven by a motor feeds the balls from the ball container into the feeder tube. Traction from the motor is transmitted via a connection or clutch which can consist of a flexible member and a transmission element. Protrusions are arranged on both the flexible member and the transmission element, which come to bear on each other for transmitting traction. The protrusions are at least partially flexible, so that the transmitted force is limited. This way, explosion of the balls from excessive pressure is prevented. In addition, the feeder is detachably connected to the drive element by means of a bayonet-like connection to facilitate the cleaning of the ball container.

Abstract: An active feed paintball loader for supplying paintballs to a paintball marker. The loader includes a container for storing a plurality of paintballs. An outfeed tube on the container is connected to an inlet tube on the marker. The loader further includes a drive shaft, a feeder rotatably disposed in the container for feeding paintballs into the outfeed tube, and a drive spring having first and second ends. The first end is engaged to the feeder to provide a driving force to rotate the feeder within the container. The second end is coupled to the drive shaft. The drive shaft operates to wind the drive spring to maintain sufficient tension on the drive spring to maintain a paintball stack in the outfeed tube. The loader further includes a mechanical drive handle accessible externally of the loader and connected to the drive shaft to manually wind the drive spring.

Abstract: An acceleration-sensing loader activation system can include an acceleration sensor configured to generate an electrical signal corresponding to the magnitude and periodicity of movement of a marker or loader body or a marker or loader component. A signal filter circuit can be arranged in communication with the acceleration sensor to receive and filter the electrical signal. A signal amplifier circuit can be arranged in communication with the signal filter circuit to amplify a signal from the signal filter circuit and transmit the amplified signal to a signal processing circuit. The signal processing circuit can be programmed to evaluate the incoming signal and determine whether it corresponds to a desired actuation event (such as a firing event). If the signal processing circuit determines that a desired actuation event has occurred, it can then send a control signal to a control circuit to activate a feed device of the loader.

Abstract: A paintball gun loading device includes a main body, a tightening ring and a retaining ring. The main body has a first clamping section and a second clamping section. The first clamping section comprises a first inclined surface and the second clamping section comprises a second inclined surface. The tightening ring comprises a third inclined surface and a fourth inclined surface. The third inclined surface is engaged with the first inclined surface of the first clamping section, while the fourth inclined surface corresponds to a fifth inclined surface of the retaining ring. The retaining ring further comprises a sixth inclined surface corresponding to the second inclined surface of the second clamping section. This tightness of the retaining ring does not apply to the main body direct. There is no deformation concern of the main body.

Abstract: A paintball gun loading device includes a main body, a tightening ring and a retaining ring. The main body has a first clamping section and a second clamping section. The first clamping section comprises a first inclined surface and the second clamping section comprises a second inclined surface. The tightening ring comprises a third inclined surface and a fourth inclined surface. The third inclined surface is engaged with the first inclined surface of the first clamping section, while the fourth inclined surface corresponds to a fifth inclined surface of the retaining ring. The retaining ring further comprises a sixth inclined surface corresponding to the second inclined surface of the second clamping section. This tightness of the retaining ring does not apply to the main body direct. There is no deformation concern of the main body.

Abstract: A device 10 for illuminating luminescent paintballs before the paintballs are projected down the barrel of a paintball gun includes a conduit 12 configured to form a forty-five degree angle to promote the arranging of luminescent paintballs into a single row as the paintballs “fall” from an enclosure and into the conduit 12 to ultimately exit the conduit 12 and drop into a discharge mechanism, a plurality of ultraviolet lamps 14 that are positioned about an inner portion of the conduit 12 to illuminate the luminescent paintballs thereby urging the paintballs to “glow” in the dark, a “horseshoe” configured bracket 16 that disposes the lamps 14 at preselected portions of the conduit 12 that maximizes the exposure of the paintballs to ultraviolet light from the lamps 14, a low voltage D.C.

Abstract: A pneumatically actuated clip for a paintball gun may include a driving member such as a soft sealing ball or a flexible drive piston that conforms in shape and size to a cross-sectional area of a passageway containing a supply of paintballs. The passageway preferably provides a paintball route (or pathway) inside the clip that supplies the paintballs to the paintball gun. In one embodiment, the driving member creates a pneumatic chamber (sealing as it moves) in the area behind the driving member. Pressurized gas supplied to the pneumatic chamber preferably drives the driving member and the supply of paintballs forward along the pathway. The pressurized gas that drives the driving member can, for instance, be controlled by means of an integrated regulator or can be a timed pulse of air supplied through a solenoid valve as controlled by a signal from a control board.

Abstract: A paintball gun loading device includes a gun body, a loading member and a funnel. The loading member comprises a fixture at an upper portion thereof. The fixture comprises a circular trough with a plurality of slots along the circular trough. A clamp sleeved on the circular trough is tightened with a quick-release rod and a nut to fasten the funnel in a different size.

Abstract: A paintball gun utilizing the Coanda effect in firing and/or loading paintballs. A Coanda chamber located in the bolt, feed tube, or barrel propels, loads, or spins a paintball. The Coanda chambers, which can be used in any combination include a port for receiving air, an inner cell, an outer cell and an annular ring defining a passageway between the cells. The chamber located in the bolt for propelling the ball includes walls in the outer cell. The air follows the sloped walls and hits the ball at its periphery, eliminating distortion and breakage of the ball. The chamber located in the feed tube forces the ball into the barrel and creates a vacuum to eliminate the ball blowing back up the feed tube. The annular ring in the chamber in the barrel is partially blocked, directing the air to put a spin on the ball.

Abstract: A paint ball gun includes an agitator mounted on the end of a rotary motor shaft. Rotational direction of the motor shaft is controlled by an electronic circuit responsive to a tilt sensor. The inclusion of tilt sensor provides an enhanced paint ball gun capable of operating optimally during periods of gun tilt. Several preferred magazine designs incorporating the tilt sensor are illustrated. An additional double-rotation of the motor is disclosed which enables short bursts of oppositely directed agitator rotation, which frees any jams that may occur. These short bursts may be triggered manually, electronically responsive to a sensed condition indicative of a jam, or through a timed interval. The paint ball gun is capable of rapidly firing more paint balls under otherwise sub-optimal conditions than previously known in the art.

Abstract: A ball launching apparatus configured to launch balls to a user. The ball launching apparatus is configured such that a user may change an angle of trajectory T of launched balls by simply resting the ball launching apparatus on one of two different base portions. The ball launching apparatus is configured to receive, feed, and launch balls having different shapes, such as baseballs and footballs. A ball feed mechanism of the ball launching apparatus is driven by ball propulsion mechanism of the ball launching apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ball projecting apparatus having a ball singulator with a fork-and-actuator mechanism that is adjustable to allow the apparatus to be used for a variety of different sports. A fork assembly is adjustable or replaceable to convert the apparatus from use with balls of one sport to use with balls of a different sport. Each fork may be referred to as a “rocker,” since it is pivoted from a first position in which a foremost ball is impeded from advancing to a second position in which the foremost ball is released, but the next ball is impeded. The rocking motion alternates which of two prongs is within the ball-supply path. When the forward prong is in the ball-supply path, all balls are prevented from advancing. Alternatively, when the rearward prong is in the ball-supply path, the foremost ball is allowed to advance.

Abstract: Fires in tanks storing combustible liquids are treated by introducing a fire extinguishing media comprising frozen projectiles onto the surface of the burning liquid. The media is applied across the surface of the burning fluid to extinguish the fire and prevent its re-ignition.

Abstract: The present invention provides jam free paintball feeding systems for use with a paintball gun. Such paintball feeder systems include a feeder for feeding paintballs to a paintball gun which includes a first compliant moveable component, such as a rotating disk or conveyor belt, and a second compliant or non-compliant surface, the space between said first moveable component and said second component being less than the diameter of said paintballs to be fed to the paintball gun. The first moveable component includes a flexible material that is compliant to a paintball when said paintball contacts said first moveable component, such that said paintballs are frictionally engaged between said first moveable component and said second component. Additional aspects combine jam free feeders in storage containers, such as paintball hoppers, with the paintball feeding systems. Methods of feeding paintballs to a paintball gun by use of the paintball feeders of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: This invention can make a valve compact in function and improve using efficiency of a compressed gas and make an air gun compact. To achieve this object, an air gun is constructed by a hit pin arranged in a cylinder portion, a valve body arranged within a hollow portion of the cylinder portion and having a bullet supplying nozzle chamber and a valve pin chamber, a gas inlet port opened to a sleeve-shaped circumferential face of the valve pin chamber, a bullet supplying nozzle arranged within the bullet supplying nozzle chamber, and a valve pin arranged within the valve pin chamber. The hit pin is pressed on a muzzle side and the valve pin is slid to the muzzle side so that an airtight state between a valve pin flange portion and a side face of the valve pin chamber on its gun rear end side is released. A compressed gas is supplied to a nozzle chamber side opening and a valve pin chamber side opening from a clearance between the valve pin flange portion and the gun rear end side face of the valve pin chamber.