Abstract: An apparatus to treat a substrate includes a processing chamber including a reaction space where a substrate to be treated is placed and a plasma is formed, a ferrite core having a plurality of poles disposed outside the reaction space and a connector facing the reaction space across the plurality of poles and connecting the plurality of the poles each other, a coil winding around the plurality of poles, and an electric power unit supplying electric power to the coil.

Abstract: A method of extracting a polypeptide from avian eggshell membranes. The method includes fermenting the avian eggshell membranes in a fermentation process, harvesting a fermented product, and processing the fermented product to extract the polypeptide. Prior to fermentation, the eggshell membranes are separated. Optionally, the eggshell membranes are dried. The processing of the fermented product can extract collagen, amino acids, or other high value polypeptides. Separating the eggshell membranes from eggshells may be performed using an acidic solution to assist in eliminating contaminants.

Abstract: A system is provided herein for monitoring the quality of milk which is stored at a dairy facility comprising sensors, e.g., analog and/or digital sensors that are installed on equipment on a dairy farm. Such sensors report information through a communication device that sends the information, e.g., over wire-line or wireless telephony to a network operations center. The network operation center includes resident software which is programmed to interpret that information. Then, the software firstly determines whether the dairy farm operator needs to receive an alert or informational message via telephone or any other electronic communications device suggesting that the operator take appropriate action. Secondly, if necessary, the software then presents the alert and sensor information on a customized secure web site that the operator can access to review the information and prepare the compliance reporting for, e.g., HACCP-type activities.

Abstract: A dairy inflation includes a barrel portion connected to a milk tube portion for extracting milk from a teat of an animal. The barrel portion includes an axial passage defined by a wall, the wall having an exterior surface defining an outer periphery having a substantially circular shape. The wall further includes an interior surface defining an inner periphery having a substantially elliptical shape. The elliptical inner periphery includes a major axis and a minor axis, and the disposition of the elliptical inner periphery within the circular outer periphery creates reduced-thickness regions on opposing sides of the wall along the major axis. The reduced-thickness regions allow a controlled collapse of the barrel portion during milking operations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable water bottle and dish assembly and method for humans and pets to provide a human or pet with a readily accessible water bottle integrally attached to a delivery dish. The portable water bottle and dish assembly broadly comprises a bottle having a top portion and a body portion with an outer shell and an internal chamber that is removably attached and housed within a delivery dish. The delivery dish is configured in size and shape to provide access to a pet or human for drinking therefrom. Optionally, the bottle comprises an insulating internal chamber adapted to insulate the liquid housed therein, keeping the liquid at a constant temperature for a period of time. Alternatively, the delivery dish comprises an insulating interior compartment adapted to insulate the liquid when the bottle is within the interior compartment of the delivery dish.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable water bottle, cup and dish assembly and method for humans and pets wherein a readily accessible water bottle and cup are integrally housed within a delivery dish. The portable water bottle, cup and dish assembly provides a bottle removably housed within a central compartment of a cup. In addition, the bottle is removably attached within a delivery dish so that the bottle and the cup are removably housed therein. The cup and the delivery dish are each configured in size and shape to provide access for a human and a pet to drink therefrom, respectively. Optionally, the bottle comprises an insulating internal chamber adapted to insulate the liquid housed therein, keeping the liquid at a constant temperature for a period of time. Alternatively, the cup and/or the delivery dish comprise insulating capabilities adapted to insulate the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable water bottle and dish assembly and method for using same that provides a human or pet with a readily accessible water bottle disposed within a delivery dish. The portable water bottle and dish assembly broadly comprises a bottle having a top and body portions with an outer shell and an internal chamber that is removably attached and housed within a delivery dish. The delivery dish is configured in size and shape to provide access to a pet for drinking therefrom. Optionally, the bottle comprises an insulating internal chamber adapted to insulate liquid housed therein, keeping the liquid at a constant temperature for a period of time. Alternatively, the delivery dish comprises an insulating interior compartment adapted to insulate liquid. The present invention also provides a cup, wherein the bottle is disposed in the cup and both are integrally housed within the delivery dish.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is the use of activated carbon in amounts as low as 0.03% by wt. to control odor combined with a color-masking agent in traditional litter compositions. Powdered activated carbon (PAC) having a mean particle diameter less than 500 ?m is preferred. The color-masking agent and activated carbon can be incorporated into the litter composition by dry blending, agglomeration or spray coating.

Abstract: A pet entertainment toy is capable of motion. The toy is comprised of a propulsion system, such as a frame rollably supported by one or more driven wheels. An animal likeness is preferably connected to the frame. In one embodiment, the likeness is animated for movement and may be configured to generate sounds. A remote control is used to control the toy, such as to cause the toy to move forward, in reverse, to stop, and to turn, and in one embodiment, to activate the animal likeness animation. The toy is configured for high speed movement over long distances and over a wide range of surface. The toys animal likeness is enticing to a pet in engaging in hunting and tracking of the toy.

Abstract: A hoof trimming stall has a front gate having two pivotally mounted spaced-apart doors for swinging inwardly and outwardly. The doors are movable between a catching position in which the doors point inwardly for receiving a head of the animal entering the stall, a closed position for holding the animal in the stall with the neck of the animal caught in a gap between the doors, and an open position in which the doors point outwardly for permitting the animal to exit. A door lock/release mechanism has a slider arm movable forward and backward, a hydraulic cylinder for moving the slider arm forward and backward, a rear catcher mounted on the slider arm for preventing the doors from moving from the closed position to the catching position, a front catcher mounted on the slider arm for preventing the doors from being opened by the animal when the doors are in the closed position, and a release mechanism for permitting the doors to move from the open position to the catching position.

Abstract: A horse and/or rider training device including, a mobile device which is remotely-controlled and having a surrogate animal secured upon the mobile device, a remote-controller which transmits movement commands to the mobile device, wherein the mobile device is adapted to allow a user to control movements of the mobile device through the remote-controller.

Abstract: An inflatable bumper and method of using the bumper in an animal transportation carrier to protect against the hazards of lateral dynamic forces incident to transit, particularly directional changes, vehicle swerves, sudden stops, or accidents. The invention provides this protection while minimizing stress and discomfort of the animal. The bumper is composed of a mounting plate (40), a skirt segment (10) providing side walls; a bumper face covering (30); inflatable bags (50); an inflation tube (60); and a valve (70) to inflate and deflate the inflatable bags. In the method of the invention, the bumper is installed on one or two carrier walls, inflated after the animal is loaded on the transport and deflated immediately prior to the unloading the animal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring the presence and/or the concentration of an analyte using a gas sensor assembly and to a corresponding gas sensor assembly. The gas sensor assembly comprises, in particular, a radiation-emitting radiation source (102), a gas measurement chamber (104) which may be filled with a test gas (110) containing the at least one analyte to be measured, and at least one detector device (108) which detects the radiation (116) and generates an output signal which is dependent on the presence and/or the concentration of the analyte.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oil scraper ring groove ring arrangement for pistons of internal combustion engines. The inventive arrangement comprises a disk that is provided with parallel flanks and a bearing surface having an asymmetrical crowned form with a vertex line extended over the periphery of the disc, with the disk being arranged in a ring groove of the piston with a ring groove side opposing the piston head and a ring groove side facing the piston head. The aim of the invention is to achieve an improved oil scraping action compared to that of prior art, while reducing the friction and the abrasion in such a way that it is radially outwardly inclined to the outer diameter of the piston, the bearing surface of the disk being embodied in such a way that it corresponds to an almost worn end contour in the started engine state, and, when the oil scraper ring is mounted in the piston, the vertex line of the bearing surface is oriented in the direction of the ring groove side opposing the piston head.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved internal combustion engine, having a symmetric cylindrical arrangement and using a bevel gear train to join multiple crankshaft sections. It provides for a naturally smoother operation with less vibration than in-line engines. Better efficiency is expected with the engine than with comparable in-line engines. Manufacturing is expected to be simpler and gasket-sealing better than the in-line and V types of engines. Compactness will add to the engine's utility.

Abstract: A camshaft for an internal combustion engine includes a cam lobe for actuating a valve. The cam lobe has an opening ramp profile that acts to loft the valve gear away from contact with the cam lobe to a maximum lift of the valve, with the valve gear returning to contact with a closing ramp of the cam lobe sufficiently in advance of a minimum cam lobe closing ramp height so as to dissipate enough closing energy of the valve to minimize valve bounce after the valve contacts a corresponding valve seat.

Abstract: In a variable lift valve operating system for an internal combustion engine, an actuator for rotatably driving a control shaft of a variable lift mechanism is mounted on an engine body. The actuator includes an electric motor, a deceleration mechanism, a transmission mechanism interposed between the control shaft and the deceleration mechanism, and a default mechanism. A deceleration mechanism accommodation part for accommodating the deceleration mechanism and a default mechanism accommodation part for accommodating the default mechanism are formed in a casing of the actuator so as to sandwich therebetween a thermally vulnerable part which is directly connected to the control shaft. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the degree of freedom of amounting position of the actuator while heat damage is prevented from generating in the thermally vulnerable part of the actuator.

Abstract: A VCT phaser having a mechanical feedback in which no elaborate sensors and its concomitant electronic control loop is required. The phaser has center mounted spool valve controlling the flow of control fluid such that when a command positions the same at a predetermined position, passages within the phaser adjusts to a desired position through the mechanical feedback.

Abstract: Traction mechanism drive for an internal combustion. engine, having a crankshaft gear wheel, at least one gear wheel which is arranged on a driven shaft, a wrap-around means and an electric machine which can be actuated in order to reduce rotational non-uniformities, the electric machine (9, 10) having a rotor (12) which is arranged on the or a camshaft (1, 11) and interacts with an immobile stator (15).

Abstract: A tool useful for engaging and pivoting the rocker arm of an internal combustion engine in order to enable removal of a push rod from the engine by virtue of positioning the rocker arm in a manner that disengages the rocker arm from the push rod includes a pair of bifurcated arms which fit on opposite sides of the rocker arm and further includes cross members connecting the bifurcated arms which engage the rocker arm in a manner that facilitates manual rotation of the tool and the rocker arm.

Abstract: A motorcycle power transmission assembly including an engine, a transmission, a drive assembly, and a starter assembly. The engine includes a crankcase, and the transmission includes a transmission case coupled to the crankcase to define an engine-transmission assembly. The drive assembly includes a drive housing coupled to the engine-transmission assembly to define a drive chamber. The drive housing including an opening, and the drive assembly further includes a starter gear. The starter assembly is mounted to the drive housing and includes a nose portion that extends through the opening. The nose portion includes a pinion gear adapted to engage the starter gear.

Abstract: An intake manifold assembly includes a housing, a shaft assembly, an intake insert, and a flange seal. The shaft is a shaft manufactured from metal, preferably aluminum. Bushings are located at each end of the shaft and spaced along the shaft to absorb vibrations and provide a low friction surface for shaft assembly rotation. In addition, the bushings allow for differences in the thermal expansion of the shaft and the intake manifold housing. A bearing is located adjacent a shaft locator to provide a hard mounting surface for the shaft assembly when assembled with the housing.

Abstract: A flange seal molded as a single piece from a synthetic material which can withstand the high heat and pressure produced by the engine. The flange seal is shaped to correspond the intake manifold housing. Connecting portions on the flange seal separate the individual port openings. The flange seal is located between the intake manifold housing and the cylinder head to seal the joint. Pressure is applied to the flange seal when the fasteners are tightened to aid in sealing.

Abstract: An intake manifold assembly includes a housing, a shaft assembly, and an intake insert. The shaft assembly has a metal shaft with bearings located at each end to provide hard mounting surfaces for the shaft assembly when assembled in the housing. The bearings support the shaft within the housing and allow the shaft to freely rotate. Bushings are spaced along the shaft to absorb vibrations and assist is providing a low friction surface for shaft assembly rotation. Journal pockets in the housing and in the intake insert surround the bushings. Isolators located within the journal pockets and housing surround the bushings and assist in dampening vibrations.

Abstract: An arrangement for attaching a blade to a shaft for use in intake manifolds, uses fasteners that create a load on the blade. Fasteners are inserted through fastener holes in the blade and through shaft holes in the shaft. Once inserted outward pressure by the fastener on the shaft and the blade places the assembly under a constant load. The load prevents the shaft and the blade from vibrating against each other during engine operation. The same attachment method can also be used to retain and bias a shaft locater to the shaft.

Abstract: An air cleaner chamber is configured such that a filtering member is held between an air cleaner cover and an air cleaner case. A low-speed operation air intake passage and a high-speed operation air intake passage share an outlet passage portion near a dusty space, and are molded integrally on the air cleaner case using a synthetic resin. A passage switching valve is disposed so as to switch an aperture area of the high-speed operation air intake passage. In addition, a valve actuator for driving the passage switching valve is mounted to the air cleaner case.

Abstract: An air inlet is mounted adjacent to an actuator and an intake manifold. A valve shaft extending from the actuator to the air inlet rotates the inlet valve from an open position to a closed position, or vice versa. The actuator senses revolutions per minute of an engine to control the inlet valve position. When the inlet valve is in the closed position the amount of oxygen reaching the engine is reduced. The restricted airflow through the air inlet helps to reduce engine noise.

Abstract: An air intake control system includes valve elements disposed in intake passages for varying the cross-sectional area of each intake passage, a valve shaft for transmitting a driving force to the valve element, an actuator including a motor for producing the driving force for turning valve shaft, a worm gear mounted on a rotary shaft of the motor, and a housing accommodating the motor and the worm gear, and a driving gear which meshes with the worm gear to transmit the driving force supplied from the actuator to the valve shaft. The driving gear includes a boss portion, a tooth portion which meshes with the worm gear, and an elastic member which is sandwiched between and bonded to the boss portion and the tooth portion. The boss portion rotates together with the valve shaft, whereas the tooth portion and the elastic member can rotate relative to the valve shaft.

Abstract: A spring plate for a valve spring of an internal combustion engine, which spring plate can be connected directly to the valve stem of a charge changing valve while engaging an annular groove in the valve stem. An annular disc 12 is arranged on the valve spring and two supporting tongues which are directed radially inwardly from the annular disc and whose inner ends, in a plan view of the spring plate, comprise recesses for engaging an annular groove.

Abstract: A valve guide structure is provided which can suppress deterioration of a valve guide even if radial stress is applied on an upper portion of a stem of a valve. The valve guide structure is such that the stem 2 of the valve 1 is supported by an inner peripheral surface of the valve guide 16 to restrict moving directions of the valve 1. A recess 18 is formed on an inner peripheral surface of the valve guide 16 and extends downwardly from an upper end of the valve guide 16 along the stem 2 of the valve 1 so as to provide a clearance between the valve guide 16 and the stem 2 of the valve 1.

Abstract: Rotary valve system for controlling communication with a port in an internal combustion engine which, in one disclosed embodiment, has a crankshaft, compression and expansion pistons connected to the crankshaft for reciprocating movement within compression and expansion chambers, a combustion chamber in which air from the compression chamber is combined with fuel and burned to produce an increased gas volume.

Abstract: Rotary valve system for controlling communication with a port in an internal combustion engine which, in one disclosed embodiment, has a crankshaft, compression and expansion pistons connected to the crankshaft for reciprocating movement within compression and expansion chambers, a combustion chamber in which air from the compression chamber is combined with fuel and burned to produce an increased gas volume.

Abstract: The piston rod of the tandem-piston engine was modified to include a crosshead that slides in a crosshead guide that is machined into the lower part of the charger piston for better lateral support. The lower surface of the motor piston was changed to a simple conical surface to allow increased vertical thickness of the central region with a thinner outer region. A ceramic piston crown was clamped in compression by a piston bezel to the motor-piston base at a conical shoulder having its vertex at the base so thermal expansion will effect a sliding contact. A piston ring was used at the upper edge of the motor piston so the exposed cylinder wall will be polished to prevent heat absorption. An intake port was given a flame arresting diffuser; and its entrance was blocked when necessary by the piston valve to prevent ignition in the valve cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a motorcycle including a front wheel, a rear wheel, a frame supported by the front and rear wheels, a crankcase including a first interface portion and a first passageway exposed to the first interface portion, a reservoir located remotely from the crankcase adapted to contain a lubricant, and a transmission case supported by the frame and including a second interface portion and a second passageway exposed to the second interface portion. The second passageway is in fluid communication with the reservoir. The first interface portion is coupled to the second interface portion. The first passageway is in fluid communication with the second passageway. The first and second passageways provide fluid communication between the reservoir and the crankcase through the first and second interface portions.

Abstract: An engine has variable-valve mechanisms. An engine control system has an engine control unit for executing automatic stop and start control. At an automatic-stop, the variable-valve mechanisms are controlled to obtain a valve operation characteristic suitable for a restart of the engine. When a catalyst is in an inactivated state, the variable-valve mechanisms are controlled to reduce the amount of residual gas leaking out from cylinders. At an automatic-start, the control of the variable-valve mechanism is prohibited and an intake air is adjusted by using a throttle valve. At an automatic-stop, the engine speed is abruptly reduced so that the engine speed passes through a resonant revolution speed area in a short period of time. When the voltage of a battery is low, the control of the variable-valve mechanism may be prohibited.

Abstract: A governor system for limiting the ground speed of a vehicle and maintaining an idle speed of the engine. The governor system includes a first feedback shaft operably coupled with a transmission of the vehicle to provide a first feedback torque in response to a ground speed of the vehicle. A second feedback shaft is operably coupled with the engine to provide a second feedback torque in response to a revolutionary speed (RPM) of the engine. A ground speed governor system is coupled between the first feedback shaft and the throttle system of the engine for limiting operation of the throttle system in response to the first feedback torque, thereby limiting ground speed. An idle speed governor system is coupled between the second feedback shaft and the throttle system of the engine for actuating the throttle system in response to the second feedback torque, thereby maintaining a desired idle speed.

Abstract: A control apparatus of an internal combustion engine, for preventing a throttle valve from freezing when the internal combustion engine is stopped. A control unit is constructed to receive power from a battery ancillary to an internal combustion engine when the internal combustion engine is stopped and perform a probability determination of whether or not the probability of a throttle valve freezing is high. When this probability is high, the control unit controls the throttle valve to execute a freeze protection operation, including a valve opening and closing operation of the throttle valve, before the throttle valve freezes. The probability determination is carried out using environmental temperature detecting means, engine temperature detecting means, date/time information outputting means, location information detecting means, and a drive level of an exhaust recirculating device.

Abstract: An engine ECU executes a program including the steps of: when the port fuel injection ratio is 100% (YES at S200), sensing the engine coolant temperature THW (S210); when the engine coolant temperature THW is higher than a threshold value (YES at S220), monitoring fuel pressure P in a high-pressure delivery pipe (S230); and when fuel pressure P rises by the received heat (YES at S240), identifying that there is no error at the high-pressure fuel system.

Abstract: For an internal combustion engine having an in-cylinder injector and an intake manifold injector, setting of the ratio of fuel injection (DI ratio) between these injectors is changed depending on whether the intake manifold injector is in a high temperature state or a non-high temperature state (normal state). Specifically, when the intake manifold injector is at a high temperature, the setting of the DI ratio is controlled so that the quantity of fuel to be injected from the intake manifold injector is larger than that according to setting of the fuel injection quantity in the normal state under the same engine conditions.

Abstract: A pressure pattern estimation device of a fuel injection controller of an engine estimates a pressure transition of fuel in a common rail. A surplus pressure range calculation device of the fuel injection controller calculates a surplus pressure range in which pressure pattern data provided by the pressure pattern estimation device exceeds a target common rail pressure. The fuel injection controller releases the common rail pressure to a lower-pressure side by operating a pressure reduction valve of the common rail to eliminate the surplus pressure range calculated by the surplus pressure range calculation device. Thus, the common rail pressure (injection pressure) during an injection period is smoothed.

Abstract: An air dynamic steady state detection system for movement of a cam phaser of an internal combustion engine includes a cam position sensing device and a control module. The cam position sensing device generates a position signal based on a position of the cam phaser of the engine. The control module receives the position signal and applies first and second filters to the position signal to select either a transient or steady state condition. The control module also calculates an estimated air value based on the selection of the transient or steady state condition.

Abstract: A method for calculating transient fuel wall wetting characteristics of an operating engine is described. The method accounts for cylinder valve deactivation of cylinders in the engine in calculating the dynamic fueling compensation. In one example, fuel vaporization effects from fuel puddles in deactivated cylinders are considered when calculating the fueling compensation for active cylinders.

Abstract: A control unit calculates a quantity of air that is taken into an engine from an output current from an air flow meter that is located downstream from a throttle valve. The control unit then determines the quantity of fuel to be injected for this quantity of air. A value obtained by multiplying by two an integral value of the quantity of air from the rise point of the quantity of air until the quantity of air reaches a peak value is used for calculating the injection quantity. This value is taken as the total integrated air intake quantity of an intake stroke, and this is then divided by a predetermined air-fuel ratio so as to provide the quantity of fuel to be injected.

Abstract: In a gas circulating apparatus, a bypass pipe extends in parallel with an EGR gas cooler. The aperture end of the bypass pipe is inserted to inside of a housing of a valve device and is positioned adjacent to a valve in the housing. Accordingly, the high-temperature EGR gas heat introduced to a second exhaust gas passage of the housing from the bypass pipe is difficult to be transmitted to a first exhaust gas passage of the housing. Thus, the heat transmission of the high-temperature EGR gas to the EGR gas cooler can be reduced.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine intake device is configured to improve the uniformity with which purge gas or other introduced gas is distributed to the cylinders of an engine. The intake device basically has a throttle chamber, an intake air collector, an air induction pipe, a partitioning part and a gas introducing pipe. The air induction pipe is provided between the throttle valve and the intake air collector. The partitioning part divides the space inside the air induction pipe into first and second air induction spaces. The gas introducing pipe is configured and arranged to introduce purge gas into the space inside the air induction pipe at a position between the throttle valve and the partitioning part. In one embodiment, the partitioning part is configured such that an upstream portion thereof is slanted with respect to a rotary shaft of the throttle valve.

Abstract: An electric motor is placed on an upstream side of an exhaust gas recirculation passage of a housing in a direction that is parallel to an intake air flow direction. A first heat release part on a motor housing part of the housing is placed on an upstream side of an exhaust suction aperture in a direction of an intake air flow. A heat release of the electric motor is promoted by direct contact between a new intake air with much lower temperature than an EGR gas and the first heat release part of the motor housing part. Therefore, on the upstream side of the exhaust suction aperture in the direction of the intake air flow, the electric motor can be cooled by the new intake air. By utilizing the intake air suctioned into an inlet port of an engine, the electric motor and the like can be efficiently cooled.

Abstract: A nitrous oxide plate system having a plate adapted to fit in an intake pathway of an internal combustion engine. The plate has at least one central passage therethrough, and this passage forms a portion of the intake pathway when the plate is installed in the engine. The plate system also has a first spray bar port passing into the central passage, and at least two spray bars that are adapted to be interchangeably installed in the first spray bar port. The at least two spray bars include a first spray bar having a first plurality of distribution orifices having a first total area, and a second spray bar having a second plurality of distribution orifices having a second total area. The second total area is different from the first total area. An interchangeable spray bar for a nitrous oxide plate system is also provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process to detect the ignition phase of a cylinder in an internal combustion engine with controlled ignition, the ignition being performed by a system known as “Static twin lost spark”, formed from at least one coil (3) that includes a primary winding (4) and a secondary winding (6) wound onto a magnetic circuit (7), where the process includes the following stages: creation of a magnetic circuit (7) not directly linked to a voltage reference (14), so that its electrical potential (VN1) is an image of the mean electrical voltage of the secondary winding (6), limiting the range of variation of the electrical potential (VN1) of the magnetic circuit (7) between minimum and maximum limit values, detecting the polarity of the electrical potential (VN1) of the magnetic circuit (7) corresponding to the appearance of an ignition spark on a spark plug.

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: The procedure for feeding balls (14) to the projectile chamber (11) of a handgun (1), in particular to the projectile chamber of a paintball weapon, whereby the balls (14) are fed by means of a motor from a ball container (3), through a feeder tube (2) into a projectile chamber (11), is characterized by the fact that the motor is controlled as a function of the movement of the balls (14) in the feeder tube (2). The feeding of the balls (14) to the projectile chamber (11) is controlled in accordance with the procedure which is the subject of the invention. The invention has the advantage that the motor is controlled as a function of the actual conditions prevailing inside the feeder tube (2).