Patents Assigned to Smart Parts, Inc.
  • Patent number: 6474326
    Abstract: The pneumatically operated projectile launching device is preferably comprised of three principal elements: a body which houses and interconnects all of the pneumatic components and also houses the electrical power source, a grip mounted to the body which includes an electrical switch that activates a launching sequence, and an electrical control unit housed within both the body and the grip which directs flow between the pneumatic components to load, cock and fire the gun. The body preferably contains a plurality of bores in communication with each other including a bore containing and distributing pressurized gas, a bore containing a compressed gas storage chamber and mechanisms for filling the storage chamber with gas and releasing gas from the storage chamber to fire the projectile, and a bore containing mechanisms for loading and launching the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Smart Parts, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Smith, Raymond S. Gaston, William M. Gardner, Jr., Adam Gardner
  • Patent number: 6349711
    Abstract: A paintball gun according to this invention comprises a pressure regulator, an electronic solenoid valve, a firing valve assembly, a pneumatic ram assembly, and a firing chamber. The pressure regulator is configured to provide low pressure gas to a solenoid valve to control loading and firing operations of the paintball gun. The pressure regulator is further configured to supply low pressure gas to the firing chamber via operation of the firing valve assembly during a firing operation. The firing valve assembly can be configured with an opening, a valve chamber, and an exit port in fluid communication with the firing chamber, each having a size sufficient to allow an appropriate volume of gas flow to be supplied to the firing chamber with no significant drop-off in pressure. The firing valve assembly can also be provided with an o-ring seated around the valve cap to provide sensitivity to the firing valve, allowing it to open and close quickly in order to ensure near instantaneous shutoff with minimal load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Smart Parts, Inc.
    Inventors: Rod Perry, William Gardner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6035843
    Abstract: The pneumatically operated projectile launching device is preferably comprised of three principal elements: a body which houses and interconnects all of the pneumatic components and also houses the electrical power source, a grip mounted to the body which includes an electrical switch that activates a launching sequence, and an electrical control unit housed within both the body and the grip which directs flow between the pneumatic components to load, cock and fire the gun. The body preferably contains a plurality of bores in communication with each other including a bore containing and distributing pressurized gas, a bore containing a compressed gas storage chamber and mechanisms for filling the storage chamber with gas and releasing gas from the storage chamber to fire the projectile, and a bore containing mechanisms for loading and launching the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Smart Parts, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Smith, Raymond S. Gaston, William M. Gardner, Jr., Adam Gardner
  • Patent number: 5967133
    Abstract: The pneumatically operated projectile launching device is preferably comprised of three principal elements: a body which houses and interconnects all of the pneumatic components and also houses the electrical power source, a grip mounted to the body which includes an electrical switch that activates a launching sequence, and an electrical control unit housed within both the body and the grip which directs flow between the pneumatic components to load, cock and fire the gun. The body preferably contains a plurality of chambers in communication with each other including a chamber containing and distributing pressurized gas, a chamber containing a compressed gas storage chamber and mechanisms for filling the storage chamber with gas and releasing gas from the storage chamber to fire the projectile, and a chamber containing mechanisms for loading and launching the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Smart Parts, Inc.
    Inventor: William M. Gardner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5957119
    Abstract: A pneumatic valve and regulator, and more particularly to a pneumatic valve and regulator used in a compressed gas powered gun system which is designed to project a fragile liquid-containing spherical unit which bursts upon impact with the intended target. The regulator possesses a pressure balancing device, a temperature compensating device, and relief valve features. The temperature compensator of the temperature compensating device is made of a synthetic compound material which expands and contracts at a rate that equals but is inverse to the rate of change caused by changes in the modulus of elasticity of a helical compression spring caused by a temperature differential. The valve possesses a seal made of pressure-activated material, the outer diameter of the seal is mechanically captured, the inner diameter of the seal is not constrained from moving into the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Smart Parts, Inc.
    Inventors: Roderick A. Perry, William M. Gardner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5881707
    Abstract: The pneumatically operated projectile launching device is preferably comprised of three principal elements: a body which houses and interconnects all of the pneumatic components and also houses the electrical power source, a grip mounted to the body which includes an electrical switch that activates a launching sequence, and an electrical control unit housed within both the body and the grip which directs flow between the pneumatic components to load, cock and fire the gun. The body preferably contains a plurality of chambers in communication with each other including a chamber containing and distributing pressurized gas, a chamber containing a compressed gas storage chamber and mechanisms for filling the storage chamber with gas and releasing gas from the storage chamber to fire the projectile, and a chamber containing mechanisms for loading and launching the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Smart Parts, Inc.
    Inventor: William M. Gardner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5755213
    Abstract: A pneumatic valve and regulator, and more particularly to a pneumatic valve and regulator used in a compressed gas powered gun system which is designed to project a fragile liquid-containing spherical unit which bursts upon impact with the intended target. The regulator possesses a pressure balancing device, a temperature compensating device, and relief valve features. The temperature compensator of the temperature compensating device is made of a synthetic compound material which expands and contracts at a rate that equals but is inverse to the rate of change caused by changes in the modulus of elasticity of a helical compression spring caused by a temperature differential. The valve possesses a seal made of pressure-activated material, the outer diameter of the seal is mechanically captured, the inner diameter of the seal is not constrained from moving into the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignees: Smart Parts, Inc., Pneuventures, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Gardner, Jr., Adam C. Gardner, David L. Smith, Raymond S. Gaston
  • Patent number: 5228427
    Abstract: An improved barrel for guns which do not have standard internal rifling is disclosed. The barrel has a plurality of apertures which extend a first longitudinal distance along the barrel from the muzzle end toward the breech end. The apertures may define a pair of parallel helixes. The sum of the cross-sectional areas of all apertures in the barrel exceeds the cross-sectional area of the barrel itself. Additionally, each aperture is bored at an angle so that its longitudinal axis defines an acute angle with a plane which is tangent to the barrel and which intersects the aperture. The apertures expel ambient air from the barrel and allow for expansion of compressed gas to stabilize a projectile, such as a paintball, thereby improving the accuracy of the gun. The barrel may also include two-staged honing, as well as a removable choke adjacent the breech end of the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: Smart Parts, Inc.
    Inventor: William M. Gardner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5226687
    Abstract: Apparatus and system including a hanger device which is releasably clampable to a rod. The hanger device includes a pair of blocks each having a plurality of differently configured bore sections therein adapted for cooperating with a plurality of differently configured bore sections of the other block such that predetermined ones of the cooperating bore sections may be aligned to clamp the rod therebetween, whereby the blocks may be clamped to rods of a plurality of different configurations. One of the blocks is provided with a member for suspending a hoist. The apparatus further preferably comprises structure for connecting the hanger device to a come-along device whereby the functions of the hoist and come-along device may be effectively interrelated to lift and substantially horizontally translate material in an efficient and coordinated process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Smart Parts, Inc.
    Inventor: Adam Currie