Abstract: A heat exchanger for changing a temperature of a pumped gas flow and a pump comprising the heat exchanger is disclosed. The heat exchanger comprises: at least one tube configured to contain a flow of fluid; said at least one tube being at least partially embedded within a block of material; wherein said heat exchanger comprises mounting means configured to mount said heat exchanger adjacent to a gas port of a pump such that a least a portion of said heat exchanger extends into a path for gas flow flowing through said gas port; wherein the mounting means comprises a flange, the flange being configured to connect with the gas port of the pump, the block being mounted to the flange such that the block extends towards the rotor of the pump when the flange is connected with the gas port of the pump.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a naturally cooling ceramic receptacle comprising preparing a clay body by adding ball clay and/or quartz, water and deflocculant, forming the clay body into a desired shape of the ceramic receptacle with molds by at least one of roller making, pressure casting and slip casting, demolding the formed clay body and drying at a temperature higher than a room temperature, performing a first firing of the clay body in a kiln at a temperature higher than 1050° C. to obtain a biscuit receptacle, mixing a slip casting clay with desired color pigments to produce plastic colored slip casting clay, dipping the biscuit receptacle into the colored slip casting clay and drying, and performing a second firing of the biscuit receptacle with the dried color slip casting clay in a kiln at a temperature higher than 1000° C. but lower than the temperature of the first firing.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for changing a temperature of a pumped gas flow and a pump comprising the heat exchanger is disclosed. The heat exchanger comprises: at least one tube configured to contain a flow of fluid; said at least one tube being at least partially embedded within a block of material; wherein said heat exchanger comprises mounting means configured to mount said heat exchanger adjacent to a gas port of a pump such that a least a portion of said heat exchanger extends into a path for gas flow flowing through said gas port; wherein the mounting means comprises a flange, the flange being configured to connect with the gas port of the pump, the block being mounted to the flange such that the block extends towards the rotor of the pump when the flange is connected with the gas port of the pump.

Abstract: A loader for storing and delivering paintballs to a paintball marker comprising a removable drive unit. The drive unit is arranged within a cartridge configured to be received into a cavity provided within the body of the loader. This arrangement provides for the quick removal of the drive system from the loader, facilitating ease of repair, replacement, or upgrading of the drive unit.

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.

Abstract: A protective face mask system according to the present invention comprises a flexible mask body including an opening for receiving a lens, nose portion, a central portion positioned to the rear of and extending at least partially above the nose portion, a central receiving slot located between the nose portion and the central portion, right and left temple portions, each temple portion having a shaped receiving opening therethrough, left and right cheek portions, and at least one groove located adjacent one of the left and right cheek portions. A lens is provided sized to be received upon and cover the lens opening. The lens includes right and left temple portions including openings therein positioned to correspond to and align with the openings of the mask body when the lens is positioned for attachment to the mask body. The lens including at least a portion that snappingly engages the groove when a portion of the lens is inserted into the slot.

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.

Abstract: An electric assisted steering system for a motor driven road vehicle, having assist torque signal generating means which generates an assist torque signal for the steering system in response to the driver's applied torque and sensed vehicle speed to reduce the driver's steering effort. A yaw rate haptic torque is generated which is based upon vehicle rate error and is arranged to be added to the torque assist signal such that, when the yaw rate error builds up corresponding to increasing steering instability (e.g. understeer or oversteer) of the vehicle, the haptic torque added to the torque assist signal reduces the effective road reaction feedback sensed by the driver in advance of any actual vehicle stability loss whereby to allow the driver to correct appropriately in good time before terminal steering instability is reached.

Abstract: A plug sized, shaped and formed to fit securely within the firing end of the barrel of a paintball marker, for blocking misfired or accidentally-fired paintballs. The plug is comprised of a handle and a tip. The tip is comprised of a squeegee located adjacent a terminal end portion of the tip, at least one rib along the length of the tip, a channel along the length of the tip and an energy-absorbing contact edge located adjacent the terminal end portion. The plug is preferably flexible so as to provide for a secure fit within the barrel, to absorb energy from misfired paintballs and to provide for discharge of gas and debris.

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.