Abstract: A method of firing a paintball marker and dual trigger mechanism for a paintball marker are disclosed. The dual switch includes a first and a second trigger position sensors configured and arranged to detect the position of said trigger. A circuit is operatively connected to the first and second trigger position sensors and the projectile firing mechanism of the paintball marker. The circuit is configured to initiate a firing operation with said projectile firing mechanism when the first and second trigger position sensors indicate that the trigger has been depressed. The method includes the steps of detecting the position of the trigger with the first trigger position sensor and the second trigger position sensor and initiating a firing operation when the first and second trigger position sensors indicate that the trigger has been depressed.

Abstract: A paintball marker for firing a projectile includes a main body. The main body includes a breech and a feed port connected and a feed tube connected thereto. The main body is originally configured for launching a projectile having a first size. The invention includes a conversion kit to enable a marker to launch projectiles that are smaller than what can be originally launched. A breech insert is positioned within the breech, a feed insert is positioned within the feed port and a replacement barrel, with a smaller diameter bore, are provided to reduce the size of the all conduits within the marker for launching a projectile having a second size that smaller than the first size. The feed insert directly engages the breech adapter to prevent the movement of the breech adapter. Also, connection of the barrel secures the breech insert in place.

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: An improved normally open (NO) gas pressure regulator is provided. Preferably, the regulator is employed with a paintball marker and operates as a NO regulator yet automatically purges the retained pressure downstream of the regulator upon removal of the supply pressure. The gas pressure regulator of the present invention includes a pressure-controlled plunger inside the NO regulator that allows the regulated downstream gases to be purged from the system as the supply source is removed from the marker. Accordingly, since the downstream regulated gases are allowed to exit the system when the supply source is removed, the regulated gas pressure is released and the paintball marker is rendered inoperable and safe.

Abstract: A bolt mechanism that is actuated by an electromagnetic arrangement is provided for use within a pneumatic projectile launcher or marker. The electro-magnetic arrangement provides for rapid movement and a high degree of control over the bolt. Generally, an arrangement of electro-magnetic coils is provided that exert a force on ferrous materials or permanent magnets thereby causing the bolt to reciprocate back and forth. Several embodiments are provided that disclose configurations having varied numbers of electromagnetic coils, ferrous materials and permanent magnets strategically placed within the breech and bolt of the marker, wherein energizing the coils produces movement of the bolt. Further, the electro-magnetic bolt system of the present invention is equally applicable to slide bolts as well as rotary bolts.

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: 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: The pneumatic launching assembly includes a launching body with a front end and a rear end. A first chamber is positioned in the rear end of the launching body for isolating a gas supply. A bolt is positioned in the front end of the launching body for moving a projectile into a launching position. A second chamber is coaxially forward of the first chamber for isolating the gas supply until the bolt is in a fully forward position. A firing plunger is slidably mounted in the launching body and moveable within the bolt and first chamber for regulating gas flow. In operation, the bolt moves forwardly to position the projectile into a launching position, meanwhile, the firing plunger moves rearwardly to release an gas to propel the projectile. The bolt and firing plunger are coaxially moving in opposite directions to minimize any recoil of the pneumatic launching assembly.

Abstract: A pneumatic circuit for a paintball marker is disclosed. Paintball markers generally include a gas supply, a bolt mechanism and a firing chamber. The pneumatic circuit includes an exhaust path. A gas supply inlet path is in fluid communication to the gas supply. A first supply path is in fluid communication with the gas supply inlet path and the bolt mechanism. A second supply path is in fluid communication with the gas supply inlet path and the firing chamber. A first valve is configured and arranged to selectively control fluid communication of the first supply path and the exhaust path. A second valve is configured and arranged to control fluid communication of the second supply path.

Abstract: The pneumatic launching assembly includes a launching body with a front end and a rear end. A first chamber is positioned in the rear end of the launching body for isolating a gas supply. A bolt is positioned in the front end of the launching body for moving a projectile into a launching position. A second chamber is coaxially forward of the first chamber for isolating the gas supply until the bolt is in a fully forward position. A firing plunger is slidably mounted in the launching body and moveable within the bolt and first chamber for regulating gas flow. In operation, the bolt moves forwardly to position the projectile into a launching position, meanwhile, the firing plunger moves rearwardly to release an gas to propel the projectile. The bolt and firing plunger are coaxially moving in opposite directions to minimize any recoil of the pneumatic launching assembly.

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: The pneumatic launching assembly includes a launching body with a front end and a rear end. A first chamber is positioned in the rear end of the launching body for isolating a gas supply. A bolt is positioned in the front end of the launching body for moving a projectile into a launching position. A second chamber is coaxially forward of the first chamber for isolating the gas supply until the bolt is in a fully forward position. A firing plunger is slidably mounted in the launching body and moveable within the bolt and first chamber for regulating gas flow. In operation, the bolt moves forwardly to position the projectile into a launching position, meanwhile, the firing plunger moves rearwardly to release an gas to propel the projectile. The bolt and firing plunger are coaxially moving in opposite directions to minimize any recoil of the pneumatic launching assembly.

Abstract: A method of preventing trigger bounce during the launching of a projectile by a projectile launcher includes the step of first providing a projectile launcher having a trigger capable of actuating between a full non-firing position and a full firing position. An amount of time is determined for the trigger to normally transition from a full non-firing position to a full firing position. A sensor, such as an analog optical sensor, is used to sense position of the trigger. If the time for the trigger to transition from a non-firing position to a firing position exceeds the time for the trigger to normally transition from a full non-firing position to a full firing position, launch of the projectile is delayed period of time requiring the trigger to be release to a full non-firing position.

Abstract: 20 A grip frame 21 replaces an existing grip frame 1 on a paintball marker in order to convert said paintball marker from a mechanically operated paintball marker into an electro-pneumatic paintball marker. The electronic grip frame 21 utilizes an optical sensor in order to detect the operation of a trigger 29 and a second optical sensor to detect the presence of objects within the breech of the paintball marker. Electrical signals from these sensors are taken to an electronic circuit board 24, which controls the operation of two solenoids (one shown 26) in order to fire and recock the paintball marker. A user interface comprising pushbuttons 12, 13, 14 and a multi-character display 16, allows the user to define how the grip frame 21 functions.

Abstract: The method of firing a paintball marker uses a grip frame 21 replaces an existing grip frame 1 on a paintball marker in order to convert said paintball marker from a mechanically operated paintball marker into an electro-pneumatic paintball marker. The electronic grip frame 21 utilises an optical sensor in order to detect the operation of a trigger 29 and a second optical sensor to detect the presence of objects within the breech of the paintball marker. Electrical signals from these sensors are taken to an electronic circuit board 24, which controls the operation of two solenoids (one shown 26) in order to fire and re-cock the paintball marker. A user interface comprising pushbuttons 12, 13, 14 and a multi-character display 16, allows the user to define how the grip frame 21 functions.

Abstract: 20 A grip frame 21 replaces an existing grip frame 1 on a paintball marker in order to convert said paintball marker from a mechanically operated paintball marker into an electro-pneumatic paintball marker. The electronic grip frame 21 utilises an optical sensor in order to detect the operation of a trigger 29 and a second optical sensor to detect the presence of objects within the breech of the paintball marker. Electrical signals from these sensors are taken to an electronic circuit board 24, which controls the operation of two solenoids (one shown 26) in order to fire and recock the paintball marker. A user interface comprising pushbuttons 12, 13, 14 and a multi-character display 16, allows the user to define how the grip frame 21 functions.