With Check Valve Permitting Recharge, And Control Valve For Discharge, Of Fluid Pressure Patents (Class 124/70)
  • Patent number: 12138672
    Abstract: A projectile launching apparatus for cleaning the inner surface of a tube by forcing a projectile through the tube, comprising: a main body containing a breech chamber terminating in an exit port, wherein the breech chamber is provided with a loading port in a side thereof for radially loading a projectile into the breech chamber; a slide disposed on an exterior surface of the main body, the slide being axially movable between a first position wherein the loading port is exposed for loading of a projectile into the breech chamber and a second position wherein the loading port and the breech chamber are sealed; a gas gun operatively connected to the main body in pneumatic communication with the breech chamber; and an exit nozzle connected to the exit port and being connectable to a first end of the tube to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: DiversiTech Corporation
    Inventors: Tim Robb, Michael Hardy, Victor Ceci, Steve Bitondo, Joseph Franzino
  • Patent number: 11162756
    Abstract: A compressed gas gun having a bolt and piston movable by the application of compressed gas, and a removable inline cylinder, are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: KORE OUTDOOR (US), INC.
    Inventors: Jerrold M. Dobbins, Gerald Dobbins
  • Patent number: 10830555
    Abstract: A projectile launching system for pneumatically launching projectiles is disclosed. The projectile launching system includes a nozzle that is positioned within an engine body and movable between a rearward, loading position and a forward, firing position. A valve stem contained within the engine body is moveable to selectively control the discharge of pressurized gas to propel the projectile. The movement of the valve stem controls the supply of pressurized air to move the nozzle to the rearward, loading position upon firing of a projectile. A trigger assembly is used to selectively control the venting of pressurized air to atmosphere to control the movement of the valve stem within the projectile launching system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Inventors: Daniel D. Harvey, James Tentes
  • Patent number: 9835404
    Abstract: A pneumatic firing device includes a rear section engaging a cylinder, a solenoid valve engaging the rear section from under, an adjusting element disposed inside the rear section, a piston disposed inside the cylinder to form a first chamber and a second chamber, an airflow guiding element engaging the cylinder at a front thereof, a moving rod having a tail end engaging the piston and a front end stretching through the cylinder into the airflow guiding element for operation control of the airflow guiding element, and a front section engaging a front of the airflow guiding element and having a plurality of passage to displace the delivery tube through a hole thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Inventor: Liang-Chi Shen
  • Patent number: 9360269
    Abstract: A mechanically-actuated pneumatic valve can comprise an input port receiving compressed gas and one or more output ports. A face seal can be arranged in the valve body and be configured to move between two positions. In a first position, the face seal can permit compressed gas from the input port to be supplied to a first output port. In a second position, the face seal can vent compressed gas from the valve body through an exhaust port. An actuator, such as a pin or pin-shaped actuator, for example, can be configured and arranged to move the face seal from the first position to the second position. An actuator of an operative device could be configured to physically contact a surface of the pin-shaped actuator and drive the face seal to its second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventors: William M. Gardner, Jr., Hans Semelsberger, Richard D. Galinson
  • Patent number: 8925538
    Abstract: Here is disclosed a reusable pneumatic distraction device having a housing which encloses a first and a second gas reservoir which are configured to contain a quantity of high and low pressure gas, respectively. A valve member seals off an exhaust in the first gas reservoir, the valve member movable between a closed position sealing the exhaust and an open position. The device also includes a pneumatic drive for urging the valve towards its opened position. The pneumatic drive configured to apply a lower urging force followed by a larger urging force as the valve opens. The device is also provided with a lock pin releasably coupled to the valve for preventing the valve from moving towards its open position. Finally, the device includes a delay mechanism to delay the opening of the piston when the lock pin is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Carlton Chong
  • Patent number: 8905012
    Abstract: This invention relates to “high-power pneumatic weapon system”. It is the weapon shooting by means of compressed air, having double pistons engaged each other, fore-sight with multiple adjustments and rotatable around its own axis, and mechanism for releasing excessive air, of which the trigger tightens up after shooting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Atak Silah Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketti
    Inventor: Yigit Zafer
  • Patent number: 8833351
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a striking apparatus of a paintball gun is provided. The striking apparatus is received in a receiving chamber of a gun body. The gun body has a screw-jointing hole for being screwed and fixed to the striking apparatus. The striking apparatus includes a sleeve, a striking unit, a valve, and a pressure adjuster. The striking unit and the valve are received in the sleeve in sequence, and then the pressure adjuster is screwed to the sleeve. Being a unitary structure, the striking apparatus can be separated from the gun body completely and directly, and thus is easy to disassemble, maintain, and assemble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Yi Tsong Chen
  • Patent number: 8667956
    Abstract: A controllable launcher for propelling a payload through a predictable and repeatable trajectory to a desired height. The launcher has an energy source for propelling a carriage and a piston in substantially opposing directions and a controller for controlling the trajectory of the propelled payload to enable the payload to land gently at a safe impact distance from the edge of a destination structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Richard J. Lanigan
  • Patent number: 8490830
    Abstract: An amusement device for collecting and storing a quantity of air/gas from a selected source and expelling the stored air/gas as desired includes a collapsible bladder having an enclosed interior volume. The bladder being biased against collapse such that the bladder is expanded until being squeezed and such that the bladder once again expands when no longer being squeezed. The bladder including first and second openings into the enclosed interior volume. A first one-way valve is disposed across the first opening and configured to permit the flow of air into the enclosed interior volume through the first opening. A second one-way valve is disposed across second opening and configured to permit the flow of air out of the enclosed interior volume through the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Buttercup Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross K. Magers
  • Patent number: 8464454
    Abstract: An upper receiver is provided for cooperatively engaging a lower receiver, wherein the lower receiver includes at least a trigger and a lower hammer. The upper receiver includes an upper sear movable in response to movement of the lower hammer, thereby permitting an upper hammer in the upper receiver to actuate a valve in the upper receiver and pass a motive gas to a firing chamber and thereby expel a projectile through a barrel of the upper receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Crosman Corporation
    Inventors: James Martin, Scott Pilkington
  • Publication number: 20130042332
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for inflicting brain injury on a laboratory animal that employs a platform for supporting the laboratory animal. The platform defines an opening for positioning the head of the laboratory animal over the opening. A projectile is launched from a projectile launching device orientated below the opening of the platform. The projectile launching device has a means for propelling the projectile directly at and/or through the opening of said platform, thereby inflicting brain injury on the animal via either a pressure wave or concussive impact of the projectile. Without helmet, direct impact of the projectile results in severe traumatic brain injury. Use of helmet protects animals from skull fracture, subdural hematoma, intracerebral hemorrhage and contusion yet produces mild concussion-like pathology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: Zhiyong Chen, Zhilin Liao, Frank C. Tortella, Xi-Chun May Lu, Jitendra R. Dave, Jay E. Bartlett, Mark F. Arnold, Mark P. Easterday, Mark W. Brown, Larry R. Holmes, Zachary J. Larimore, Kara E. Schmid, Deborah A. Shear, Lai Yee Leung, Andrea Mountney
  • Patent number: 8312870
    Abstract: Among other things, methods and apparatus regarding collection, dissemination and display of information concerning paintball loaders and markers are disclosed. A loader includes a heads-up display, electronic devices for gathering, storing and disseminating information, and an antenna for sending and receiving data. Wireless voice communications among paintball players is possible via associated headsets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: HTR Development, LLC
    Inventors: John Higgins, Benjamin Lynn Frederick
  • Patent number: 8302590
    Abstract: A controllable launcher for propelling a payload through a predictable and repeatable trajectory to a desired height. The launcher has an energy source for propelling a carriage and a piston in substantially opposing directions and a controller for controlling the trajectory of the propelled payload to enable the payload to land gently at a safe impact distance from the edge of a destination structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Richard J. Lanigan
  • Patent number: 8061343
    Abstract: A controllable launcher for propelling a payload through a predictable and repeatable trajectory to a desired height. The launcher has an energy source for propelling a carriage and a piston in substantially opposing directions and a controller for controlling the trajectory of the propelled payload to enable the payload to land gently at a safe impact distance from the edge of a destination structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Richard J. Lanigan
  • Patent number: 7984708
    Abstract: Disclosed is a projectile launching apparatus capable of launching a projectile, such as a pellet, a BB, an arrow, a dart and a paintball. The projectile launching apparatus includes a motor driven linear motion converter, a cylinder, a breech assembly and a compression valve arrangement. The linear motion converter converts a rotational movement of a motor into a linear movement of a piston by a gear reduction mechanism. The linear movement of the piston within the cylinder compresses a gas with a high compression exponent. The compressed gas is further released into a barrel of the breech assembly through the compression valve arrangement. The compressed gas expands in the barrel causing a projectile to be launched from the barrel with a force of the compressed gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Impulse Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Pedicni, John Witzigreuter
  • Patent number: 7882829
    Abstract: The present device is a launcher for a projectile, comprising an enclosure that is adapted to be held by a human hand. The enclosure comprises a barrel aperture, a pump aperture, and a trigger aperture. The launcher further comprises a pump assembly that comprises a pump piston traversing the pump aperture. The pump piston is configured to be actuated by a user and can be reciprocated in and out of a pump cylinder. The launcher comprises a compression chamber in fluid communication with the piston cylinder through a check valve that only allows air to pass from within the piston cylinder into the compression chamber. The launcher comprises a trigger that opens the compression chamber and sends compressed air into a barrel that can have a projectile stored therein. The trigger is configured to be manually operated by a user. The barrel is in fluid communication with the compression chamber through a trigger valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventor: John D. Witzigreuter
  • Patent number: 7806112
    Abstract: An apparatus for launching balls for sports practice comprising a tank (2) for housing a pressurised gaseous fluid, connected by means of an exhaust duct (5) to a launch tube (3) whose section substantially corresponds to that of a ball (4) to be launched, and which has a seat (8) for positioning the ball (4). A rapid opening device (6) allows to discharge on command the fluid from the tank (2) to the launch tube (3) through the exhaust duct (5), in order to cause the launch of the ball (4). The apparatus (1) further comprises throttling means (37) mounted in the exhaust duct (5) to determine the transfer of the fluid from the tank (2) to the launch tube (3), as well as means (43) for varying the position of the seat (8) for the ball (4) to be launched, which can be operatively associated to each other to vary the position of the seat (8) according to the regulation of the transfer of the fluid from the tank (2) to the launch tube (3) and vice versa, according to a pre-determined relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventors: Alfredo Benetti, Claudio Benetti, Antonio Meneghini
  • Patent number: 7784455
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved grenade which launches a plurality of pellet projectiles. The grenade includes a housing containing at least one spiral launch tube, said launch tube having a breech end and a muzzle end. A plurality of projectiles are loaded in the launch tube between the breech and muzzle ends. The grenade includes a gas reservoir for storing a compressed gas coupled to the breech end of the launch tube. A valve is interposed between the reservoir and the breech end of the launch tube for controlling the flow of compressed gas from the reservoir to the breech end of the launch tube. The valve is moveable between a closed state and an open state wherein said compressed gas enters the breech end of the launch tube to propel the projectiles from the muzzle end, the valve being biased towards its open state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Carlton le Loong Chong
  • Patent number: 7712244
    Abstract: An apparatus for releasable attachment to a fishing rod, said apparatus including: a barrel having a first end and a releasably sealed first region; wherein the first region of the barrel includes a space within the barrel substantially bounded by a second end of the barrel and a protrusion disposed inside the barrel; and a means of selectably adjusting the volume of the first region including adjusting the position of the protrusion along a length of the barrel; and wherein when the protrusion is disposed inside the barrel, it extends radially-inwardly of the barrel in a substantially transverse orientation to an elongate axis of the barrel; and a means of controllably feeding a propellant into the releasably sealed first region; and a means of expanding the propellant whereby the said expansion of the propellant causes a projectile disposed within the barrel to be propelled outwardly of the barrel via the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Tautofi Taurik'i Mamae
  • Patent number: 7712464
    Abstract: A valve for paint ball guns includes a case for receiving a first piston rod therein in which a first end of a second piston rod is movably received. The case includes several chambers defined therein so as to introduce pressurized air into the barrel of the paint ball gun. The first piston rod includes two piston rings and one of which is larger than the other. The first piston rod is biased by a first spring. The first end of the second piston rod in the first piston rod is biased by a second spring which is easily overcome by pushing the second piston rod by a driving member. The movement of the second piston rod introduces pressurized air to apply to the piston ring of larger area to generate a force to overcome the force from the first spring and the piston ring of the smaller area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Yao-Gwo Gan
    Inventor: Sheng-Jen Lian
  • Publication number: 20100031943
    Abstract: There is provided a coupler assembly for dispensing fluid from a compressed fluid source, the coupler assembly comprising a chamber, an inlet port, the inlet port comprising a releasable member to be connected to a hose originating from a compressed fluid source, the releasable member comprising a valve, the inlet port further comprising a receiving member for receiving the releasable member, the receiving member being in fluid communication with the chamber, an outlet port in fluid communication with the chamber and a fluid control mechanism operatively coupled to the chamber for controlling an amount of fluid dispensed from the inlet port to the outlet port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: K&L Air Products Inc.
    Inventors: Fernand Armand Kirouac, Claude Longpre
  • Patent number: 7658302
    Abstract: A retractable spring loaded pop-up shield for a water gun. The shield can assume one of two positions of either a folded, reclined position or of an unfolded, upright standing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen Berman
  • Patent number: 7614394
    Abstract: A pneumatic toy gun includes a pneumatic assembly and an air valve. The pneumatic assembly has an air intake duct to receive high pressure gas and includes a first duct, a rear push rod, a front push rod and a harness element. A first gas chamber is formed between the rear push rod and the first duct. A second gas chamber is formed between the front push rod and the first duct. The second gas chamber has a second thrust surface smaller than a first thrust surface of the first gas chamber. The front push rod has a recess. When the front push rod is moved and the recess is located beneath the first sealing element, the second gas chamber communicates with an air outlet through the recess. The pneumatic toy gun of the invention can provide a strong instantaneous blast force without increasing battery voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventor: Jin-Fong Li
  • Patent number: 7533663
    Abstract: A gun device includes a housing having a gas supplying passage communicating with a gas storage chamber of the housing for coupling to a pressurized gas supplying source, a feed tube for feeding a bullet into the housing. The pressurized gas supplied into the gas storage chamber of the housing may all be used to fire the bullet. In addition, the pressurized gas supplied into a manifold of the housing may be used to move a cylinder and a piston and may also be recycled and used to fire the bullet such that the bullet may be fired or propelled with a greater quantity of the pressurized gas and thus may be fired or propelled for a longer distance, for economizing the pressurized gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventor: Yiauguo Gan
  • Patent number: 7254914
    Abstract: A hydrogen operated gun for shooting projectiles such as a paint pellet. Hydrogen gas is supplied to a combustion chamber and is combusted by a trigger controlled piezo igniter. The hydrogen may be supplied by a hydrogen generator or by a hydrogen storage container located in the gun housing. Suitable valve mechanisms are provided to control the flow of hydrogen to the combustion chamber and the expelling of exhaust gases from the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Lund Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce D. Lund, Michael D. Starrick
  • Patent number: 7086393
    Abstract: A hybrid airgun includes a compressed gas chamber; a barrel; a firing valve between chamber and barrel; a secondary cylinder divided into front and back volumes by a secondary piston, the front volume connected to the chamber; a liquefied gas chamber connected to the back volume; a valve for transferring liquefied gas into the liquefied gas chamber; a cocking mechanism; and a firing mechanism. The cocking mechanism fills the compressed gas chamber with a compressed first gas, and/or transfers a liquefied second gas into the liquefied gas chamber. The firing mechanism opens the firing valve. During flow of the first gas into the barrel, pressure exerted by the second gas in the back volume moves the secondary piston and partially disengages it from the secondary cylinder, thereby enabling the second gas to flow into the compressed gas chamber, through the firing valve, and into the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventor: Robert A. Moss
  • Patent number: 6904901
    Abstract: An air-powered projectile launcher. A double-acting piston within a pump tube is employed. A separate magazine tube is used to hold a plurality of projectiles. One end of the magazine tube feeds into a barrel assembly. The opposite end is closed by a one-way valve. The muzzle of the barrel is closed by a muzzle valve. When the piston is pulled through a back stroke, an air manifold directs the flow to induce a vacuum in the end of the magazine tube proximate the barrel. The vacuum closes the muzzle valve and opens the one-way valve on the opposite end of the magazine tube. The vacuum then pulls the first projectile into the barrel. When the piston is pushed through a forward stroke, pressure is directed behind the first projectile and in front of the second projectile. The second projectile is forced back into the magazine tube. The pressure within the magazine tube closes the one-way valve, effectively making the second projectile the base of a closed firing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: Jeffrey R. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6889682
    Abstract: An electro-pneumatically operated paint ball gun operates without the use of a mechanical sear, and includes a pneumatically operated hammer assembly effective to bump open a discharge valve and fire the gun. A programmable, microprocessor-based controller allows default values for time intervals of operation of the gun to be programmed, and also allows a user of the gun to access and change default values so that the operation of the gun can be modified to better meet the user's preferences. A cyclic rate of fire of as much as 30 paint ball shots per second or more is possible with a paint ball gun according to this invention. Further, a retrofit kit assembly provides for conversion of a conventional “autococker” type of paint ball gun into a gun embodying the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Inventors: Leon Styles, Jason Gardner
  • Patent number: 6808436
    Abstract: A aerial toy comprises a hollow sleeve member and a base member to receive and accommodate the hollow sleeve member longitudinally for sliding movement, the base member having a cap provided with a plurality of holes permit air entrance into the base member when it is pulled and an air insulation member bendably placed thereof inside the cap in a position opposite to the holes to prevent air exit from the base member when it is pushed to permit easy sliding of the base member along the hollow sleeve member while maintaining sufficient compressed air thereof. The aerial toy apparatus further comprises an air chamber into which the hollow sleeve member fits securely and a launch tube into which the air chamber fits securely to receive the compressed air from the hollow sleeve member and a flying member mountable onto an upper end of the launch tube to be pushed off of the apparatus by the compressed air released from the launch tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Inventor: Kong Wai Siu
  • Patent number: 6796260
    Abstract: A system for launching bodies from a submarine includes a pump for transferring seawater to an elastomeric ejection tank, and a check valve that permits transfer of the seawater to the tank, and closes upon filling of the tank. The valve includes a head and a seat, a stem having fixed thereon the head and a disk having a circular protrusion extending toward the seat, a cup mounted around the stem and having a circular depression in a surface thereof, and radially extending holes disposed in the cup. During valve closure, the disk protrusion enters the cup depression forcing water in the depression to exit the cup through a primary restrictive path of an annular gap between the protrusion and depression and a secondary restrictive path of the radially extending holes, to slow the valve head in movement during engagement with the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: William P. Barker
  • Patent number: 6776079
    Abstract: An elastomeric disk for use in an elastomeric ejection system in which a thickened curvature protrudes from both sides of a central plane of the disk. Integral to each curvature is an annulet which dovetails from the curvatures to a periphery of the disk. The thickness of the annulet in regard to the central plane is greater on the fluid pressure side of the disk thereby shifting material strain to the center of the disk during expanding deformation. The annulet shape is attachable to the elastomeric ejection system by a clamp of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: William P. Barker, Jeffrey R. Milburn
  • Patent number: 6701908
    Abstract: Apparatus for storing and discharging gas includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet. A floating differential piston is mounted to reciprocate in the housing and divide the housing into a storage chamber adjacent the housing inlet and a discharge chamber adjacent the housing outlet. A check valve in the housing inlet admits gas to the storage chamber. A conduit extends through the piston from the storage chamber to the discharge chamber. A pressure relief valve in the conduit is set to maintain a higher pressure in the storage chamber than in the discharge chamber. A first sliding seal is disposed between the housing and an end of the piston adjacent the housing inlet. A second sliding seal is disposed between the housing and an end of the piston adjacent the housing outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Alfred F. Nibecker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6698414
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pneumatic toy gun which may include a cylinder having an open end and an outlet, a piston disposed within the open end of the cylinder, and a valve having a valve inlet and a discharge outlet. The valve may have a normal position wherein the discharge outlet is sealed to prevent the flow of air through the discharge outlet, and an open position wherein the discharge outlet is unsealed to permit the flow of air through the discharge outlet, with the outlet of the cylinder being in fluid communication with the valve inlet. The pneumatic toy gun may further include a pressure gauge in fluid communication with the outlet of the cylinder and the valve inlet, with the pressure gauge having a cavity with a fluid disposed therein, and the cavity having a transparent portion through which the fluid is visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Hasbro Inc
    Inventors: Steven M. Menow, Michael Waters, John Freitas
  • Patent number: 6581585
    Abstract: An air gun includes an air pump with a pumping piston mounted to reciprocate within a pump cylinder, which is mounted on the barrel of the gun to pivot about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the barrel so that as the pump cylinder is moved back and forth around the pivot, the cylinder and piston reciprocate relative to each other to pump air into a high pressure housing carried by the pump cylinder. A discharge conduit is also provided for releasably connecting the high pressure to the breach end of the barrel when the pump is moved toward the barrel. A firing valve in the discharge conduit releases air from the high pressure housing in to the breach end of the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Alfred F. Nibecker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6557542
    Abstract: A gas accumulator is provided for attachment to a gun having a gun body, a compressed gas chamber in the gun body, and a compressed gas power source. The accumulator comprises a body portion defining a gas accumulator chamber and connector means for connecting the accumulator releasably to the gun body so that the gas chamber in the gun body is in communication with the accumulator chamber. Compression means are provided in the accumulator chamber which is compressed when the accumulator chamber receives gas under pressure, the compression means forcing gas from the accumulator chamber into the gas chamber when the gun is fired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Robert G. Orr
  • Publication number: 20030005918
    Abstract: A pneumatic assembly preferably includes a compressed gas storage area, a firing valve, and a bolt arranged along substantially the same horizontal axis. A valve retainer, a compressed gas storage area housing, and a bolt assembly are preferably arranged to form a substantially contiguous assembly housing. The firing valve is preferably configured to open when gas pressure is applied to a surface area thereof through a control valve. The bolt is preferably configured to move to a closed position before the firing valve is actuated. The control valve is preferably an electro-pneumatic valve configured to actuate the firing valve in response to a trigger pull of a paintball gun.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Danial Jones
  • Patent number: 6474325
    Abstract: A gas regulator, relating in particular to a regulator for a gas or air cylinders, for supplying compressed air to a paintball gun or other compressed air powered projectile firing devices. A micro controller operably associated with the gas regulator is adapted to generate a shots remaining signal by receiving a pressure drop signal from a pressure transducer and a set of shot fired signals corresponding to the gas pressure drop signal. A method is also provided for generating the shots remaining signal using a second gas cylinder temperature signal, a temperature compensated shots remaining calibration constant and a gas regulator input pressure signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: NPF Limited
    Inventors: John Ronald Rice, Nicholas John Marks
  • Patent number: 6450160
    Abstract: A confetti discharge device includes a tube with an air cylinder located in one end of the tube and confetti packed in the tube between the cylinder and a discharge end of the tube. A release mechanism includes a stopper located in a mouth of the cylinder and a keeper. The keeper is held in place by a latch that is manually releaseable by a user to allow the stopper to come out of the mouth of the cylinder due to air pressure so that the air in the cylinder discharges the confetti from the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Winco Fireworks International, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jlang Ze Fu, Nie Ye Ji
  • Patent number: 6439216
    Abstract: A fluid gun (700) is disclosed having an electric pump (704) for conveying air to a pressure chamber (701) having a release valve (702) for controlling the release of fluid. The activation of the electric pump is controlled by a pressure sensitive actuation switch (713) which senses the pressure within the pressure chamber and activates the pump when the sensed pressure falls within a minimal range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventors: Lonnie G. Johnson, John T. Applewhite, Jeffrey Shane Matthews
  • Patent number: 6439217
    Abstract: A paintball gun in the present invention is provided with a screw hole formed in a back of a grip and extended through a chamber for being screwed with an adjusting screw whose inner end is protruded into the chamber and pressed against one sidewall surface of a magnetic-attraction plate, by which the adjusting screw is capable of being adjusted to make an inner end of the adjusting screw push the magnetic-attraction plate slightly forward or backward so that a lower end of a locking member is pushed by an outer end of a push rod of the magnetic-attraction plate to adjust the displacement height of the locking member for being fitted with different types of said gun bodies, and thus a single said grip is suited for being assembled with a gun body of different style to decrease the manufacturing of gun bodies with varied styles and lower the production cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Pao-Tung Shih
  • Patent number: 6405722
    Abstract: A single stage regulator is disclosed wherein a piston-type configuration is utilized to regulate an input working pressure as high as 4,500 PSI, to an output delivery pressure from 200 PSI to 1100 PSI. The single stage regulator can be used on paintball guns, markers and similar devices powered by compressed gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: Daniel H. Colby
  • Patent number: 6371099
    Abstract: A paint ball gun includes a gun barrel mounted on a gun handle. The gun barrel is formed with parallel propelling and recuperator chambers for respectively receiving a propelling member and a recuperating unit. A connecting rod interconnects the propelling member and a recuperator member such that the propelling member is movable together with the recuperator member. A manually operable pull unit is mounted in the propelling chamber posteriorly of the propelling member, and includes a pull rod with a front rod portion formed with an elongated slot and a rear rod portion which extends out of the propelling chamber. The connecting rod extends through and is slidable along the elongated slot. The pull unit further has a biasing spring for biasing the pull rod forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: Yi-Hsin Lee
  • Patent number: 6343599
    Abstract: A gas operated paintball gun includes a barrel, a breech connected to a rear end of the barrel, a movable trigger, a bolt movable in the breech and a hammer connected to the bolt and mounted for sliding movement in a chamber. A pneumatic circuit in the gun operates the hammer and includes a pulse valve, a trigger-activated switch mechanism for operating the pulse valve and a gas regulator for supplying gas to the pulse valve. A further valve mounted in the gun is opened by engagement by the hammer and, when open, releases pressurized gas into the barrel to propel the paintball. The pulse of gas created by the pulse valve is delivered to the hammer chamber and acts to drive the hammer to its firing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Inventor: Aldo Perrone
  • Patent number: 6170477
    Abstract: A pneumatic spear gun (11) comprising a barrel (27) having an open end (33) through which a shaft (15) of a spear (13) can be received. A first piston (35) is slidingly and sealingly received in the barrel (27) for movement towards and away from a retracted position. A retaining means (41) is provided for releasably retaining the piston (35) in the retracted position. A source of compressible fluid such as air is contained in a reservoir (59) and is arranged to undergo compression upon movement of the piston (35) into the retracted position and to propel the piston along the barrel (27) from the retracted position upon release of the piston thereby to propel the spear (13). A control means is provided for selectively increasing the pressure of the compressible fluid for varying the propulsive force applied to the piston (35). The control means includes a cylinder (43) forming part of the resevoir (59) and having a second piston (45) slidingly and sealingly mounted therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Nicolas James Horlock
  • Patent number: 6142135
    Abstract: An air powered gun system for allowing a user to fire large projectiles at extremely high velocities by utilizing a conventional air pump. The inventive device includes a stock, a barrel attached to the stock, an air valve connected to the rear end of the barrel, an air chamber connected to the air valve opposite of the barrel, a conventional valve stem attached to the air chamber a trigger lever connected to the air valve, a spring connected to the trigger lever, and a loading shaft for loading a standard projectile or a lighted projectile. A pressure gauge may also be attached to the air chamber to show the pressure within the air chamber. The user inserts the standard projectile or the lighted projectile into the rear portion of the barrel by utilizing the loading shaft. A conventional air pump is removably connectable with the valve stem of the air chamber for inputting pressurized air into the air chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventor: Eugene R. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6053157
    Abstract: A fluid propulsion device is used to discharge a working fluid at a predemined variable discharge rate. The fluid propulsion device includes a fluid chamber that is expandable upon receiving the working fluid. The fluid chamber has a plurality of chamber sections that contract at different predetermined rates to discharge the working fluid from the fluid chamber at the variable discharge rate. In one example, an elastomeric bladder defines the fluid chamber and includes a plurality of bladder sections each having a different coefficient of elasticity, causing the bladder sections to contract at the different predetermined rates. In one application, the fluid propulsion device is used in a projectile launching system, such as an airgun. The fluid propulsion system controls the launching of the projectile by discharging the working fluid at the variable discharge rate, resulting in a corresponding acceleration of the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Thomas A. Frank
  • Patent number: 6003503
    Abstract: A fluid pulsator for a compressed gun (10) or water gun (30) is provided having a housing (404) with a fluid inlet (409) and a fluid outlet (410), an internal tube (405) reciprocally mounted within the housing, and a sealing member (406) reciprocally mounted to the internal tube. The housing and internal tube define a rearward fluid pressure chamber (412) and a forward fluid pressure chamber (413). The pulsator also has a variable flow fluid control valve which varies the flow of fluid passing into the forward fluid pressure chamber to regulate the action of the pulsator. The sealing member has a sealing head (431) having a first portion (432) sized and shaped to overlap the housing about the fluid outlet and a second portion sized and shaped to be received within the fluid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Johnson Research & Development Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Lonnie G. Johnson, John T. Applewhite
  • Patent number: 6000386
    Abstract: A fluid pulsator for a compressed gun (10) or water gun (30) is provided having a housing (604) with a fluid inlet (607) and a fluid outlet (608), an internal tube (605) reciprocally coupled to the housing, and a sealing member (606) reciprocally mounted to the internal tube. The housing and internal tube define a rearward pressure chamber (632) and a forward fluid pressure chamber (631). The fluid pulsator also has means for actuating the movement of the sealing member that can be manually manipulated to vary the actuation rate of the pulsator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Johnson Research & Development Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Lonnie G. Johnson, John T. Applewhite
  • Patent number: 5913304
    Abstract: An air compressed gun (10) is provided having a pressure chamber (35), a moveable magazine (18) and a conduit conveying pressurized air from the pressure chamber to the magazine. The conduit has a resilient sealing gasket (42) which is reconfigurable between a relaxed configuration and an expanded configuration with the presence of pressurized air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Johnson Research & Development Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Lonnie G. Johnson