Electronic paintball marker

Abstract

An electronic paintball marker has a breech having an opening that receives a paintball to be fired, the paintball having substantially two positions within the breech, a loaded position and a firing position, and a bolt with two corresponding rearward and forward positions that moves the paintball between the loaded and firing positions. The marker also has a sensor in communication with an electronic controller and positioned to detect a paintball in the loaded position within the breech, wherein, when the sensor detects the paintball in the loaded position, the sensor sends a detection signal to the electronic controller which in turn allows the bolt to move from the rearward to the forward position. Finally, the marker has a trigger that sends a firing signal to the electronic controller, the firing signal initiating a firing sequence comprising the sensor detecting a paintball within the breech, the electronic controller moving the valve from the closed state to the open state, and firing the paintball.

1 . In a pneumatic gun in which a projectile is radially admitted into a breech through an aperture, a firing mechanism which comprises: a first sensor positioned to issue a first signal indicating the presence of an object in a section of said breech opposite said aperture; a second sensor positioned to issue a second signal indicating the presence of an object in a section of said breech proximate said aperture; means for interpreting said first and second signals; and means responsive to said means for interpreting, for controlling the firing of said marker.  
     
     
         2 . The mechanism of  claim 1 , wherein said means for interpreting comprise means for detecting the presence of said first signal.  
     
     
         3 . The mechanism of  claim 2  which further comprises means, responsive to said means for detecting, for generating a fire-enabling command.  
     
     
         4 . The mechanism of  claim 3 , wherein said means for interpreting further comprises: means for recognizing the presence of said second signal in the absence of said first signal; and means, responsive to said means for recognizing, for generating a fire-disabling command.  
     
     
         5 . The mechanism of  claim 1 , wherein said means for interpreting comprise means for recognizing the presence of said second signal in the absence of said first signal.  
     
     
         6 . The mechanism of  claim 1 , wherein said means for interpreting comprises means for perceiving the absence of said second signal.  
     
     
         7 . The mechanism of  claim 6  which further comprises means, responsive to said means perceiving, for delaying the firing of said gun for a second period of time.  
     
     
         8 . In a pneumatic gun in which a projectile is radially admitted into a breech through an aperture, a firing mechanism which comprises: a proximity sensor positioned to detect whether a projectile is either completely inserted into said breech, partially inserted into said breech, or not present within said breech; an electronic logic circuit responsive to said sensor and programmed to allow firing of said gun when a projectile is completely inserted into said breech, and to prevent firing of said gun when a projectile is only partially inserted into said breech.  
     
     
         9 . A method for controlling the firing of a gun having a breech into which a projectile is radially fed through an aperture, said method comprising; detecting by means of a first sensor associated with said breech, whether a projectile is partially inserted therein; detecting by means of a second sensor associated with said breech, whether a projectile is fully inserted therein; enabling a firing if a projectile is fully inserted in said breech; enabling a delayed firing if no projectile is either partially or fully inserted in said breech; and disabling firing if a projectile is only partially inserted in said breech.