Abstract: A paintball marker using a piston and compression spring mounted in an air focus tube for generating compressed air for launching a paintball down a barrel. A trigger and sear are used to catch the compression spring when it is compressed to control the launching of the paintball. Exterior pull handles mounted behind the marker, and slideably mounted on the barrel are described for compressing the spring. Also, a pivotally mounted barrel is provided as another embodiment for compressing the spring.

Abstract: A paintball gun preferably includes an electro-pneumatic flow distribution mechanism such as a solenoid valve having a port connected to a pneumatic mechanism. For instance, the solenoid valve may include an input port receiving compressed gas from a compressed gas supply and an output port connected to the pneumatic mechanism. The solenoid valve can be enabled to direct compressed gas to and/or from the pneumatic mechanism to operate a bolt. The bolt may be coupled to the pneumatic mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for feeding projectile balls into the ball chamber of a handgun, especially into the ball chamber of a paintball gun, having a ball container with an outlet port, a feeder tube between the outlet port and the ball chamber, and an essentially cylindrical feeder with an axis for feeding the balls from the ball container to the feeder tube. The device comprises a flexible element that is disposed inside the ball container adjacent to the outlet port. A first end of the flexible element is fixed to the ball container and the flexible element is essentially rigid in the direction of the axis. Balls that are not in the correct position when approaching the outlet port are deflected back into the ball container, instead of hitting the edge of the outlet port. This way, jamming of the balls and explosion by excessive pressure are prevented.

Abstract: A valve, possibly for use in a paintball marker, has a longer threaded portion that insures a canister that engages the valve must undergo many twists to become unscrewed from the valve. Alternatively, the valve has an elongated threaded portion with gas bleed channels that extend along a substantial portion of the threading. Still alternatively, the valve may use visual markings along the length of the threaded portion to indicate to a user that the canister is being unscrewed.