Self regulation paintball agitator system

Abstract

A paintball agitator for use with a paintball loader is provided, as is a paintball loader incorporating the paintball agitator. The paintball agitator includes a rotatable shaft having a drive end and a second end opposite the drive end. A base portion is provided adjacent the second end of the shaft. The base portion is rotatable with the shaft. At least one fin is pivotally attached to the base portion. The at least one fin is rotatable in combination with the base portion and the shaft. The paintball agitator further includes at least one adapted to detect movement of the at least one fin. A controller may be provided in communication with the sensor to control operation of the paintball loader.

1 . A paintball agitator for use with a paintball loader, comprising:
 a rotatable shaft comprising a drive end and a second end opposite the drive end;   a base portion adjacent the second end of the shaft, the base portion being rotatable in combination with the shaft;   at least one fin pivotally attached to the base portion, the at least one fin being rotatable in combination with the base portion and the shaft; and,   at least one sensor configured to detect movement of the at least one fin.   
   
   
       2 . The agitator of  claim 1 , further comprising a spring that pivotally attaches the at least one fin to the base portion. 
   
   
       3 . The agitator of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one fin is substantially rigid. 
   
   
       4 . The agitator of  claim 1 , further comprising a motor coupled to the drive end of the shaft, wherein the shaft rotates upon actuation of the motor. 
   
   
       5 . The agitator of  claim 1 , further comprising a controller that controls an operation of the agitator. 
   
   
       6 . The agitator of  claim 5 , wherein the controller is in wireless communication with the at least one sensor. 
   
   
       7 . A paintball agitator for use with a paintball loader, comprising:
 a rotatable shaft comprising
 a drive end, 
 a second end opposite the drive end, and 
 a base portion adjacent the second end; 
   at least one fin pivotally attached to the base portion; and   at least one sensor adapted to detect movement of the at least one fin.   
   
   
       8 . The agitator of  claim 7 , wherein the at least one fin is rigid. 
   
   
       9 . The agitator of  claim 7 , further comprising a motor coupled to the drive end of the shaft, wherein the shaft rotates upon actuation of the motor. 
   
   
       10 . The agitator of  claim 7 , further comprising a controller that controls an operation of the paintball loader. 
   
   
       11 . The agitator of  claim 10 , wherein the controller is in wireless communication with the at least one sensor. 
   
   
       12 . A paintball loader comprising:
 a paintball loader body adapted to receive paintballs;   an agitator mounted within the paintball loader body, the agitator comprising:
 a rotatable shaft comprising a drive end and a second end opposite the drive end, 
 a base portion adjacent the second end, the base portion rotatable in combination with the shaft, 
 at least one fin pivotally attached to the base portion; 
   at least one sensor configured to detect movement of the at least one fin; and,   a motor that rotates the shaft.   
   
   
       13 . The agitator of  claim 12 , wherein the at least one fin is rigid. 
   
   
       14 . The agitator of  claim 12 , further comprising a controller that controls an operation of the paintball loader. 
   
   
       15 . The agitator of  claim 14 , wherein the controller is in wireless communication with the at least one sensor. 
   
   
       15 . A method of operating a paintball loader filled with paintballs, comprising the steps of:
 (a) providing an agitator including at least one moveable fin;   (b) providing a sensor that detects movement of the at least one fin;   (c) transmitting a signal in response to movement of the at least one fin; and   (d) controlling operation of the agitator in response to the signal.   
   
   
       16 . A paintball loader feed system, comprising:
 a feeder including at least one moveable arm;   at least one sensor configured to detect movement of the at least one moveable arm for controlling operation of the feed system.   
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the feeder further comprises:
 a rotatable shaft; and   base portion attached to an end of the rotatable shaft;   wherein, the at least one moveable arm is movably attached to the base portion.   
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 17 , further comprising a motor that rotates the rotatable shaft. 
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the at least one moveable arm is moveable between a first position and a second position, and wherein the at least one sensor is configured to detect when the at least one moveable arm changes positions. 
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 19 , further comprising a controller, the controller configured to perform at least one of stopping or reversing a direction of rotation of the motor when the at least one sensor detects movement of the moveable arm. 
   
   
       21 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the at least one moveable arm is spring-loaded. 
   
   
       22 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the at least one moveable arm is substantially rigid. 
   
   
       23 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the at least one moveable arm moves with respect to the base portion.