Rapid feed paintball loader with pivotable deflector

Abstract

A rapid feed paintball loader for use upon a conventional paintball gun. The rapid feed paintball loader includes a container for holding a plurality of paintballs. At a bottom portion of the container is a rotatable drive cone having a plurality of vertical fins. Each fin forms a gap with an adjacent fin large enough to accommodate a paintball. At the bottom of the container is an exit tube which exits from the bottom portion of the container and leads to an inlet tube of the paintball gun. A tube extension is mounted on an interior surface of the container adjacent to the sloped exit portion of the exit tube. The tube extension is mounted at a height which is above the top feed surface of the fins, and which is approximately equal to the radius of a paintball. A pivotable deflector is also mounted on an interior surface of the container adjacent the tube extension to prevent paintball jams from occurring within the interior of the container. The deflector is positioned above the top feed surface of the fins and below the height of the tube extension. The paintball loader also includes a microprocessor to variably control the rotational speed of the drive cone. REEXAMINATION RESULTS The questions raised in reexamination proceeding No. 90/009,715, filed Jun. 3, 2010, have been considered, and the results thereof are reflected in this reissue patent which constitutes the reexamination certificate required by 35 U.S.C. 307 as provided in 37 CFR 1.570(e) for ex parte reexaminations, or the reexamination certificate required by 35 U.S.C. 316 as provided in 37 CFR 1.997(e) for inter partes reexaminations.

1. A rapid feed paintball loader for use on a paintball gun, the paintball loader comprising:
 a container for holding a plurality of paintballs having an interior space; 
 a paintball agitating device mounted on a bottom portion of the container, said paintball agitating device including a plurality of fins, said fins forming gaps therebetween;
 wherein the paintball agitating device includes a drive cone rotatably mounted on a bottom portion of the container, said drive cone having a top feed surface that slopes downward from a center axis of said drive cone; and 
 the plurality of fins affixed to the top feed surface of the drive cone, each fin having a top feed surface and forming a gap with an adjacent fin large enough to accommodate a paintball; 
 
 a motor that rotates the paintball agitating device; 
 an exit tube having an entry way exiting from the bottom portion of the container and leading to and configured to lead to lead to an inlet tube of the a paintball gun, the exit tube including a sloped exit portion; 
 a tube extension mounted on an interior surface of the container adjacent to the exit tube, the tube extension mounted at a height which is above the top feed surface of the fins and having a radius of curvature that is approximately equal to the radius of a paintball; 
 a deflector for deflecting paintballs downward into the gaps between the fins or upward to pass over the tube extension, said deflector having a first end pivotably attached to the interior surface of the container separately from and adjacent to the tube extension, 
 said deflector having a free end that extends away from the first end into the interior space of the container and pivots away from a paintball driven toward the entry way by the paintball agitating device, 
 said deflector being mounted at a height above a top surface of the agitating device and below a bottom portion of the tube extension; and 
 means for actuating the motor upon demand; 
 wherein the means for actuating the motor upon demand includes a detector for detecting a presence of paintballs at a selected position within the exit tube; 
 wherein said means for actuating the motor upon demand includes a microprocessor which variably controls a speed of the motor, said microprocessor decreasing the speed of the motor when receiving a signal from the detector that the presence of paintballs is detected in the exit tube and increasing the speed of the motor when receiving a signal from the detector that paintballs are not present in the exit tube. 
 
     
     
       2. The rapid feed paintball loader of  claim 1  wherein:
 the paintball agitating device includes:
 a drive cone rotatably mounted on a bottom portion of the container, said drive cone having a top feed surface that slopes downward from a center axis of said drive cone; and 
 a plurality of fins affixed to the top fee d surface of the drive cone, each fin having a top feed surface and forming a gap with an adjacent fin large enough to accommodate a paintball; 
 
 the exit tube includes a sloped exit portion; and 
 the tube extension is mounted at a height which is above the top feed surface of the fins and having a radius of curvature that is approximately equal to the radius of a paintball. 
 
     
     
       3. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim  2  1, wherein the motor is a DC electric motor. 
     
     
       4. The rapid feed paintball loader of  claim 2 , the means for actuating the motor upon demand includes a detector for detecting a presence of paintballs at a selected position within the exit tube. 
     
     
       5. The rapid feed paintball loader of  claim 4 , wherein said means for actuating the motor upon demand includes a microprocessor which variably controls a speed of the motor, said microprocessor decreasing the speed of the motor when receiving a signal from the detector that the presence of paintballs is detected in the exit tube and increasing the speed of the motor when receiving a signal from the detector that paintballs are not present in the exit tube. 
     
     
       6. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim  4  1, wherein said detector is a reflective infrared optical sensor. 
     
     
       7. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim  4  1, wherein said detector is an optical sensor. 
     
     
       8. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim  4  1, wherein said detector is an electromechanical switch. 
     
     
       9. The rapid feed paintball loader of  claim 4 , A rapid feed paintball loader for use on a paintball gun, the paintball loader comprising:
 a container for holding a plurality of paintballs having an interior space; 
 a paintball agitating device mounted on a bottom portion of the container, said paintball agitating device including fins, said fins forming gaps therebetween;
 wherein the paintball agitating device includes a drive cone rotatably mounted on a bottom portion of the container, said drive cone having a top feed surface that slopes downward from a center axis of said drive cone; and 
 a plurality of fins affixed to the top feed surface of the drive cone, each fin having a top feed surface and forming a gap with an adjacent fin large enough to accommodate a paintball; 
 
 a motor that rotates the paintball agitating device; 
 an exit tube having an entry way exiting from the bottom portion of the container and configured to lead to an inlet tube of a paintball gun, wherein the exit tube includes a sloped exit portion; 
 a tube extension mounted on an interior surface of the container adjacent to the exit tube, the tube extension mounted at a height which is above the top feed surface of the fins and having a radius of curvature that is approximately equal to the radius of a paintball; 
 a deflector for deflecting paintballs downward into the gaps between the fins or upward to pass over the tube extension, said deflector pivotably attached to the interior surface of the container adjacent to the tube extension, said deflector being mounted at a height above a top surface of the agitating device and below a bottom portion of the tube extension; and 
 means for actuating the motor upon demand; 
 wherein the means for actuating the motor upon demand includes a detector for detecting a presence of paintballs at a selected position within the exit tube; 
 further comprising a microprocessor communicating with the detector and the motor. 
 
     
     
       10. The rapid feed paintball loader of  claim 9  wherein said microprocessor momentarily stops the motor when said microprocessor detects a specified increase in torque output from the motor. 
     
     
       11. The rapid feed paintball loader of  claim 10 , further comprising a display positioned on the container and wherein said microprocessor displays relevant data to an operator of the a paintball gun on the display. 
     
     
       12. The rapid feed paintball loader of  claim 11 , wherein said display includes a timer. 
     
     
       13. The rapid feed paintball loader of  claim 12  wherein said timer emits an audio warning after a preselected time has elapsed. 
     
     
       14. The rapid feed paintball loader of  claim 12  wherein said timer displays a visual warning after a preselected time has elapsed. 
     
     
       15. The rapid feed paintball loader of  claim 12  wherein said time provides a vibratory alert after a preselected time has elapsed. 
     
     
       16. The rapid feed paintball loader of  claim 4 , A rapid feed paintball loader for use on a paintball gun, the paintball loader comprising:
 a container for holding a plurality of paintballs having an interior space; 
 a paintball agitating device mounted on a bottom portion of the container, said paintball agitating device including fins, said fins forming gaps therebetween;
 wherein the paintball agitating device includes a drive cone rotatably mounted on a bottom portion of the container, said drive cone having a top feed surface that slopes downward from a center axis of said drive cone; and 
 a plurality of fins affixed to the top feed surface of the drive cone, each fin having a top feed surface and forming a gap with an adjacent fin large enough to accommodate a paintball; 
 
 a motor that rotates the paintball agitating device; 
 an exit tube having an entry way exiting from the bottom portion of the container and configured to lead to an inlet tube of a paintball gun, wherein the exit tube includes a sloped exit portion; 
 a tube extension mounted on an interior surface of the container adjacent to the exit tube, the tube extension mounted at a height which is above the top feed surface of the fins and having a radius of curvature that is approximately equal to the radius of a paintball; 
 a deflector for deflecting paintballs downward into the gaps between the fins or upward to pass over the tube extension, said deflector pivotably attached to the interior surface of the container adjacent to the tube extension, said deflector being mounted at a height above a top surface of the agitating device and below a bottom portion of the tube extension; and 
 means for actuating the motor upon demand; 
 wherein the means for actuating the motor upon demand includes a detector for detecting a presence of paintballs at a selected position within the exit tube; 
 wherein said means for actuating the motor upon demand includes a microprocessor which disengages the motor when receiving a signal from the detector that the presence of paintballs is detected in the exit tube. 
 
     
     
       17. The rapid feed paintball loader of  claim 16  wherein said microprocessor momentarily reverses a rotational direction of the motor when said microprocessor detects a specified increase in torque output from the motor. 
     
     
       18. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim  2  9 wherein the sloped exit portion has a slope approximately equivalent to the slope of the top feed surface of the drive cone. 
     
     
       19. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim  2  9 wherein the exit tube is horizontally orientated approximately 45 degrees from a horizontal axis running through a mid-position of the paintball loader. 
     
     
       20. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim  2  9 wherein the plurality of fins spiral outwardly from an interior dome-shaped area located within the center of the drive cone. 
     
     
       21. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim  2  9 wherein said plurality of fins spiraling outwardly from an interior area of the drive cone. 
     
     
       22. The rapid feed paintball loader of  claim 1  further comprising: A rapid feed paintball loader for use on a paintball gun, the paintball loader comprising:
 a container for holding a plurality of paintballs having an interior space; 
 a paintball agitating device mounted on a bottom portion of the container, said paintball agitating device including fins, said fins forming gaps therebetween; 
 a motor that rotates the paintball agitating device; 
 an exit tube having an entry way exiting from the bottom portion of the container and configured to lead to an inlet tube of a paintball gun; 
 a tube extension mounted on an interior surface of the container adjacent to the exit tube; 
 a deflector for deflecting paintballs downward into the gaps between the fins or upward to pass over the tube extension, said deflector pivotably attached to the interior surface of the container adjacent to the tube extension, said deflector being mounted at a height above a top surface of the agitating device and below a bottom portion of the tube extension; 
 means for actuating the motor upon demand; 
 a detector for detecting a presence of paintballs at a selected position within the exit tube; and 
 a microprocessor communicating with the detector and the motor. 
 
     
     
       23. The rapid feed paintball loader of  claim 22  further comprising a display positioned on the container and wherein said microprocessor displays relevant data to an operator of the a paintball gun on the display. 
     
     
       24. A rapid feed paintball loader for use on a paintball gun, the paintball loader comprising:
 a container for holding a plurality of paintballs; 
 a plurality of fins located at a bottom portion of the container, each fin having a top feed surface and forming a gap with an adjacent fin large enough to accommodate a paintball; 
 means for rotating the plurality of fins about an axis running perpendicularly through the bottom portion of the container; 
 an exit tube exiting from the bottom portion of the container and leading to and configured to lead to an inlet tube of the a paintball gun, said exit tube having a sloped exit portion; 
 a tube extension mounted on an interior surface of the container adjacent to the sloped exit portion of the exit tube, said tube extension being mounted at a height which is above the top feed surface of the fins and having a radius of curvature that is approximately equal to the radius of a paintball; 
 a deflector for deflecting paintballs downward into the gaps between the fins or upward to pass over the tube extension, said deflector pivotably mounted on the interior surface of the container adjacent to the tube extension, said deflector being mounted at a height which is above the top feed surface of the fins and which is below a bottom portion of the tube extension; 
 a motor that rotates the drive cone; and 
 means for actuating the motor upon demand; 
 a detector for detecting a presence of paintballs at a selected position within the exit tube; and 
 a microprocessor communicating with the detector and the motor. 
 
     
     
       25. A rapid feed paintball loader for use on a paintball gun, the paintball loader comprising:
 a container for holding a plurality of paintballs; 
 a paintball agitating device mounted on a bottom portion of the container; 
 an exit tube exiting from the bottom portion of the container and leading to and configured to lead to an inlet tube of the a paintball gun; 
 a motor that rotates the paintball agitating device; and 
 means for actuating the motor upon demand, said means for actuating the motor upon demand including:
 a detector for detecting a presence of paintballs at a selected position within the exit tube; and 
 a microprocessor which variably controls a speed of the motor, said microprocessor decreasing the speed of the motor when receiving a signal from the detector that the presence of paintballs is detected in the exit tube and increasing the speed of the motor when receiving a signal from the detector that paintballs are not present in the exit tube. 
 
 
     
     
       26. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 27, wherein the motor is a DC electric motor. 
     
     
       27. A rapid feed paintball loader for use on a paintball gun, the paintball loader comprising:
 a container for holding a plurality of paintballs;   a paintball agitating device mounted on a bottom portion of the container, and having a plurality of fins, and a plurality of gaps between the fins;   a motor that rotates the paintball agitating device;   an exit tube having an entry way exiting from the bottom portion of the container, the exit tube including a sloped exit portion;   a tube extension mounted on an interior surface of the container adjacent to the exit tube, at least a portion of the tube extension is mounted at a height which is above at least a portion of the paintball agitating device;   a deflector for deflecting paintballs downward into the gaps between the fins or upward to pass over the tube extension, said deflector pivotably attached to the interior surface of the container adjacent to the tube extension, said deflector being mounted at a height above a top surface of the agitating device and below a bottom portion of the tube extension;   means for actuating the motor;   wherein the means for actuating the motor includes a sensor for detecting a presence of paintballs at a selected position within the exit tube;   further comprising a microprocessor which variably controls a speed of the motor, said microprocessor decreasing the speed of the motor when receiving a signal from the sensor that there is a lesser demand for paintballs detected and increasing the speed of the motor when receiving a signal from the sensor that paintballs are in higher demand.   
     
     
       28. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 27, wherein said sensor is a reflective infrared optical sensor. 
     
     
       29. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 27, wherein said sensor is an optical sensor. 
     
     
       30. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 27, wherein said sensor is an electromechanical switch. 
     
     
       31. A rapid feed paintball loader for use on a paintball gun, the paintball loader comprising:
 a container for holding a plurality of paintballs;   a paintball agitating device mounted on a bottom portion of the container, and having a plurality of fins, and a plurality of gaps between the fins;   a motor that rotates the paintball agitating device;   an exit tube having an entry way exiting from the bottom portion of the container, the exit tube including a sloped exit portion;   a tube extension mounted on an interior surface of the container adjacent to the exit tube, at least a portion of the tube extension is mounted at a height which is above at least a portion of the paintball agitating device;   a deflector for deflecting paintballs downward into the gaps between the fins or upward to pass over the tube extension, said deflector pivotably attached to the interior surface of the container adjacent to the tube extension, said deflector being mounted at a height above a top surface of the agitating device and below a bottom portion of the tube extension;   means for actuating the motor;   wherein the means for actuating the motor includes a sensor for detecting a presence of paintballs at a selected position within the exit tube;   further comprising a microprocessor communicating with the sensor and the motor.   
     
     
       32. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 31 wherein said microprocessor momentarily stops the motor when said microprocessor detects a specified increase in torque output from the motor. 
     
     
       33. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 32, further comprising a display positioned on the container and wherein said microprocessor displays relevant data to an operator of a paintball gun on the display. 
     
     
       34. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 33, wherein said display includes a timer. 
     
     
       35. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 34 wherein said timer emits an audio warning after a preselected time has elapsed. 
     
     
       36. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 34 wherein said timer displays a visual warning after a preselected time has elapsed. 
     
     
       37. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 34 wherein said time provides a vibratory alert after a preselected time has elapsed. 
     
     
       38. A rapid feed paintball loader for use on a paintball gun, the paintball loader comprising:
 a container for holding a plurality of paintballs having an interior space;   a paintball agitating device mounted on a bottom portion of the container, said paintball agitating device including fins, said fins forming gaps therebetween;   a motor that rotates the paintball agitating device;   an exit tube having an entry way exiting from the bottom portion of the container and configured to lead to an inlet tube of a paintball gun;   a tube extension mounted on an interior surface of the container adjacent to the exit tube;   a deflector for deflecting paintballs downward into the gaps between the fins or upward to pass over the tube extension, said deflector pivotably attached to the interior surface of the container adjacent to the tube extension, said deflector being mounted at a height above a top surface of the agitating device and below a bottom portion of the tube extension; and   means for actuating the motor upon demand,   wherein said means for actuating the motor upon demand includes a microprocessor which disengages the motor when receiving a signal from a detector that the presence of paintballs is detected in the exit tube.   
     
     
       39. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 38 wherein said microprocessor momentarily reverses a rotational direction of the motor when said microprocessor detects a specified increase in torque output from the motor. 
     
     
       40. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 27 wherein the sloped exit portion has a slope approximately equivalent to the slope of the top feed surface of the drive cone. 
     
     
       41. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 27 wherein the exit tube is horizontally orientated approximately 45 degrees from a horizontal axis running through a mid-position of the paintball loader. 
     
     
       42. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 27 wherein the paintball agitating device comprises a drive cone rotatably mounted on a bottom portion of the container, said drive cone having a top surface at least a portion of which slopes downward from a center axis of said drive cone; and a plurality of fins affixed to the top surface of the drive cone, each fin forming a gap with an adjacent fin large enough to accommodate a paintball; and wherein the plurality of fins project outwardly from an interior dome-shaped area located within the center of the drive cone. 
     
     
       43. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 27 wherein the paintball agitating device includes: a drive cone rotatably mounted on a bottom portion of the container, said drive cone having a top surface that slopes downward from a center axis of said drive cone; and a plurality of fins affixed to the top surface of the drive cone, each fin forming a gap with an adjacent fin large enough to accommodate a paintball; the exit tube includes a sloped exit portion; and the tube extension is mounted at a height which is above the top surface of the fins. 
     
     
       44. A rapid feed paintball loader for use on a paintball gun, the paintball loader comprising:
 a container for holding a plurality of paintballs;   a paintball agitating device mounted on a bottom portion of the container, and having a plurality of fins, and a plurality of gaps between the fins;   a motor that rotates the paintball agitating device;   an exit tube having an entry way exiting from the bottom portion of the container;   a tube extension mounted on an interior surface of the container adjacent to the exit tube;   a deflector for deflecting paintballs downward into the gaps between the fins or upward to pass over the tube extension, said deflector pivotably attached to the interior surface of the container adjacent to the tube extension, said deflector being mounted at a height above a top surface of the agitating device and below a bottom portion of the tube extension;   means for actuating the motor;   a detector for detecting a presence of paintballs at a selected position within the exit tube; and   a microprocessor communicating with the detector and the motor.   
     
     
       45. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 31 further comprising a display positioned on the container and wherein said microprocessor displays relevant data to an operator of a paintball gun on the display. 
     
     
       46. A rapid feed paintball loader for use on a paintball gun, the paintball loader comprising:
 a container for holding a plurality of paintballs, the container having an interior space;   a plurality of fins located at a bottom portion of the container, each fin forming a gap with an adjacent fin large enough to accommodate a paintball;   a motor for rotating the plurality of fins about an axis running perpendicularly through the bottom portion of the container;   an exit tube having an entry way exiting from the bottom portion of the container and configured to lead to an inlet tube of a paintball gun, said exit tube having a sloped exit portion;   a tube extension mounted on an interior surface of the container adjacent to the sloped exit portion of the exit tube, and;   a deflector for deflecting paintballs downward into the gaps between the fins or upward to pass over the tube extension, said deflector pivotably attached to the interior surface of the container adjacent to the tube extension, said deflector being mounted at a height above a top surface of the agitating device and below a bottom portion of the tube extension; and   means for actuating the motor;   further comprising a microprocessor in communication with a sensor and the motor, the microprocessor controlling operation of the motor in response to a signal from the sensor.   
     
     
       47. A rapid feed paintball loader for use on a paintball gun, the paintball loader comprising:
 a container for holding a plurality of paintballs having an interior space;   a drive cone that includes a plurality of fins rotatably mounted on the bottom portion of the container, each of the fins forming a gap with an adjacent fin large enough to accommodate a paintball;   a motor for operating the paintball agitating device;   an exit tube having an entry way;   a tube extension mounted on an interior surface of the container adjacent to the exit tube; and,   a deflector for deflecting paintballs downward into the gaps between the fins or upward to pass over the tube extension, said deflector having a first end pivotably attached to the interior surface of the container separately from and adjacent to the tube extension,   said deflector having a moveable free end that extends away from the first end into the interior space of the container and moves away from a paintball driven toward the entry way by the paintball agitating device,   said deflector being mounted at a height above a top surface of the paintball agitating device;   a detector for detecting paintballs; and,   a microprocessor which variably controls a speed of the motor, said microprocessor decreasing the speed of the motor when receiving a signal from the detector that the presence of paintballs is detected in the exit tube and increasing the speed of the motor when receiving a signal from the detector that paintballs are not present in the exit tube.   
     
     
       48. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 46, wherein the sensor is adapted to send a signal to the microprocessor when the exit tube has a number of paintballs, and the microprocessor is adapted to stop the motor in response to the signal. 
     
     
       49. A rapid feed paintball loader for use on a paintball gun, the paintball loader comprising:
 a container for holding a plurality of paintballs;   a paintball agitating device mounted on a bottom portion of the container;   an exit tube exiting from the bottom portion of the container;   a motor for operating the paintball agitating device;   a sensor for detecting at least one paintball at a selected position within the exit tube; and,   a microprocessor which variably controls a speed of the motor, said microprocessor decreasing the speed of the motor when receiving a signal from the sensor that the presence of paintballs is detected in the exit tube and increasing the speed of the motor when receiving a signal from the sensor that paintballs are not present in the exit tube.   
     
     
       50. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 49, wherein the sensor is adapted to detect a presence of the at least one paintball at a selected position within the exit tube. 
     
     
       51. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 49, wherein the sensor is adapted to send a signal to the microprocessor when the exit tube has a number of paintballs therein, wherein the microprocessor is adapted to stop the motor in response to the signal. 
     
     
       52. A rapid feed paintball loader for use on a paintball gun, the paintball loader comprising:
 a container for holding a plurality of paintballs;   a paintball agitating device mounted on a bottom portion of the container;   a motor for operating the paintball agitating device;   an exit tube exiting from the bottom portion of the container and configured to lead to an inlet tube of a paintball gun, the exit tube having an exit opening;   a tube extension adjacent the exit opening;   a sensor for detecting at least one paintball at a selected position within the exit tube; and,   and a microprocessor which variably controls a speed of the motor, said microprocessor decreasing the speed of the motor when receiving a signal from the sensor that the presence of paintballs is detected in the exit tube and increasing the speed of the motor when receiving a signal from the sensor that paintballs are not present in the exit tube.   
     
     
       53. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 52, wherein the sensor is adapted to send a signal to the microprocessor when the exit tube has a number of paintballs therein, wherein the microprocessor is adapted to stop the motor in response to the signal. 
     
     
       54. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 52, further comprising a deflector pivotably attached to the interior surface of the container adjacent to the tube extension. 
     
     
       55. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 54, wherein the paintball agitating device is a drive cone rotatably mounted on the bottom portion of the container having a plurality of fins, each of the fins forming a gap with an adjacent one of the fins large enough to accommodate a paintball, and wherein the deflector is positioned to deflect paintballs downward into the gaps between the fins or upward to pass over the tube extension. 
     
     
       56. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 52, wherein the sensor is adapted to detect a presence of a paintball at a selected position within the exit tube. 
     
     
       57. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 52, wherein said sensor is a reflective infrared optical sensor. 
     
     
       58. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 52, wherein said sensor is an optical sensor. 
     
     
       59. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 52, wherein said sensor is an electromechanical switch. 
     
     
       60. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 52, wherein said microprocessor is adapted to momentarily stop the motor upon detection of a specified increase in torque output from the motor. 
     
     
       61. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 52, wherein the microprocessor is adapted to record relevant data relating to use of the paintball loader, further comprising a display in communication with the microprocessor positioned on the container. 
     
     
       62. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 61, wherein said display includes a timer. 
     
     
       63. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 62, wherein said timer is adapted to emit an audio warning after a preselected time has elapsed. 
     
     
       64. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 62, wherein said timer is adapted to display a visual warning after a preselected time has elapsed. 
     
     
       65. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 62, wherein said timer is adapted to provide a vibratory alert after a preselected time has elapsed. 
     
     
       66. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 61, wherein the display is adapted to show information relating to the power remaining in the power supply. 
     
     
       67. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 52, wherein the paintball agitating device is a drive cone. 
     
     
       68. A rapid feed paintball loader for use on a paintball gun, the paintball loader comprising:
 a container for holding a plurality of paintballs having an interior area;   a tube extension projecting into the interior area and positioned adjacent to the exit tube;   a paintball agitating device mounted on a bottom portion of the container;   a motor that rotates the paintball agitating device;   an exit tube exiting from the bottom portion of the container and configured to lead to an inlet tube of a paintball gun, the exit tube having an exit opening;   a deflector for deflecting paintballs downward into the gaps between the fins or upward to pass over the tube extension, said deflector pivotably attached to the interior surface of the container adjacent to the tube extension, said deflector being mounted at a height above a top surface of the agitating device and below a bottom portion of the tube extension; and means for actuating the motor upon demand;   a sensor for detecting at least one paintball at a selected position within the exit tube; and   a microprocessor communicating with the sensor and the motor, the microprocessor controlling the motor's speed when the motor is actively operating the paintball agitating device, and automatically increasing an existing rate of speed of the motor in response to a signal from the sensor indicating an increased demand for paintballs.   
     
     
       69. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 68, wherein the sensor is adapted to send a signal to the microprocessor when the exit tube has a number of paintballs, and the microprocessor is adapted to stop the motor in response to the signal. 
     
     
       70. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 68, wherein the sensor detects a presence of paintballs at a selected position within the exit tube. 
     
     
       71. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 68, wherein the microprocessor is adapted to variably control a speed of the motor, said microprocessor adapted to decrease the speed of the motor when receiving a signal from the sensor that the presence of paintballs is detected in the exit tube and adapted to increase the speed of the motor when receiving a signal from the sensor that paintballs are not present in the exit tube. 
     
     
       72. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 68, wherein said sensor is a reflective infrared optical sensor. 
     
     
       73. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 68, wherein said sensor is an optical sensor. 
     
     
       74. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 68, wherein said sensor is an electromechanical switch. 
     
     
       75. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 68, wherein said microprocessor is adapted to momentarily stop the motor upon detection of an increase in torque output from the motor. 
     
     
       76. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 68, wherein the microprocessor is adapted to record relevant data relating to use of the paintball loader, the loader further comprising a display in communication with the microprocessor positioned on the container. 
     
     
       77. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 76, wherein said display includes a timer. 
     
     
       78. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 77, wherein said timer is adapted to emit an audio warning after a preselected time has elapsed. 
     
     
       79. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 77, wherein said display is adapted to display a visual warning after a preselected time has elapsed as measured by the timer. 
     
     
       80. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 77, wherein said display is adapted to provide a vibratory alert after a preselected time has elapsed as measured by the timer. 
     
     
       81. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 76, wherein the timer is adapted to display shows information relating to the power remaining in the power supply. 
     
     
       82. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 67, wherein the paintball agitating device is a drive cone. 
     
     
       83. A paintball loader, comprising:
 a container for holding a plurality of paintballs;   a paintball agitating device mounted in the container;   an exit tube exiting from the container;   a motor for operating the paintball agitating device; and   a sensor for detecting a presence of a paintball at a selected position within the exit tube; and   a microprocessor in communication with the sensor and motor,   the microprocessor which variably controls a speed of the motor, the microprocessor decreasing the speed of the motor when receiving a signal from the sensor that the presence of paintballs is detected in the exit tube and increasing the speed of the motor when receiving a signal from the sensor that paintballs are not present in the exit tube.   
     
     
       84. The paintball loader of claim 83, wherein the motor is a reversible DC electric motor. 
     
     
       85. The paintball loader of claim 83, wherein the sensor comprises a reflective infrared optical sensor. 
     
     
       86. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 83, wherein said sensor comprises a combination of optical sensors or infrared sensors. 
     
     
       87. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 83, wherein said sensor comprises an electromechanical device. 
     
     
       88. The paintball loader of claim 83, wherein the microprocessor is adapted to detect an increase in torque output from the motor, and the microprocessor is adapted to momentarily stop or reverse a rotational direction of the motor upon detection of the increase in torque. 
     
     
       89. The paintball loader of claim 83, further comprising a display positioned on the container, and wherein the microprocessor is adapted to display data to an operator of a paintball gun via the display. 
     
     
       90. The paintball loader of claim 89, wherein the display includes a timer. 
     
     
       91. A method for operating a paintball loader, the method comprising the steps of:
 (a) providing a container for holding paintballs;   (b) providing an exit tube exiting from the container;   (c) providing a paintball agitating device mounted in the container;   (d) providing a motor for operating the paintball agitating device;   (e) providing a sensor adapted to detect a paintball; and,   (f) providing a microprocessor in communication with the sensor and motor, the microprocessor variably controlling a speed of the motor, said microprocessor decreasing the speed of the motor when receiving a signal from the sensor that the presence of paintballs is detected in the exit tube and increasing the speed of the motor when receiving a signal from the sensor that paintballs are not present in the exit tube.   
     
     
       92. The method for operating a paintball loader of claim 91, further comprising the step of reversing a direction of the motor. 
     
     
       93. The method for operating a paintball loader of claim 91, wherein the sensor is adapted to detect paintballs passing through the exit tube. 
     
     
       94. The method for operating a paintball loader of claim 91, wherein the sensor is adapted to detect a demand for paintballs. 
     
     
       95. A method for operating a paintball loader, the method comprising the steps of:
 (a) providing a container for holding paintballs;   (b) providing an exit tube exiting from the container;   (c) providing a tube extension mounted on an interior surface of the container adjacent to the exit tube;   (d) providing a paintball agitating device mounted in the container, said paintball agitating device including a plurality of fins, said fins forming gaps therebetween   (e) providing a deflector for deflecting paintballs downward into the gaps between the fins or upward to pass over the tube extension, said deflector pivotably attached to the interior surface of the container adjacent to the tube extension, said deflector being mounted at a height above a top surface of the agitating device and below a bottom portion of the tube extension;   (f) providing a motor for rotating the paintball agitating device;   (g) providing a microprocessor in communication with the motor and a sensor, the microprocessor configured to automatically control the direction of rotation of the motor, the microprocessor processing a signal generated in response to the detection of a paintball;   (h) reversing a direction of the motor in response to the signal; and,   (i) automatically operating the motor in its original direction after the paintball jam has cleared.   
     
     
       96. A method for operating a paintball loader, the method comprising the steps of:
 (a) providing a container for holding paintballs;   (b) providing a paintball agitating device within the container adapted to move in either a first direction or in a second opposite direction;   (c) moving the paintballs using the paintball agitating device in the first direction toward an exit opening formed within the paintball loader, the paintball agitating device operated by a microprocessor-controlled motor, the microprocessor in communication with a sensor, the microprocessor variably controlling a speed of the motor, the microprocessor decreasing the speed of the motor when receiving a signal from the sensor that the presence of paintballs is detected in the exit tube and increasing the speed of the motor when receiving a signal from the sensor that paintballs are not present in the exit tube;   (d) detecting a paintball jam within the paintball loader with the sensor;   (e) sending a signal to the microprocessor indicating the paintball jam;   (f) stopping the motor in response to the signal received by the microprocessor indicating the paintball jam; and,   (f) automatically starting the motor after the paintball jam has cleared.   
     
     
       97. A paintball loader, comprising:
 a container for holding a plurality of paintballs;   an exit tube exiting from the container;   a tube extension adjacent the exit tube;   a paintball agitating device mounted in the container, said paintball agitating device including a plurality of fins, said fins forming gaps therebetween   a deflector for deflecting paintballs downward into the gaps between the fins or upward to pass over the tube extension, said deflector pivotably attached to the interior surface of the container adjacent to the tube extension, said deflector being mounted at a height above a top surface of the agitating device and below a bottom portion of the tube extension; and,   a reversible motor that rotates the paintball agitating device in either a first direction or in a second direction opposite the first direction, the operation of the motor controlled by a microprocessor in communication with a sensor, the microprocessor configured to change the motor's rotational direction from a first direction to a second direction in response to the sensor detecting a paintball jam, the microprocessor configured to automatically command the motor to rotate in the first direction after the paintball jam clears.   
     
     
       98. A method for operating a paintball loader, comprising the steps of:
 (a) providing a container for holding a plurality of paintballs, the container including an exit tube exiting from the container, and a tube extension mounted on an interior surface of the container adjacent to the exit tube;   (b) providing a paintball agitating device including mounted in the container, said paintball agitating device including a plurality of fins, said fins forming gaps therebetween, said paintball agitating device further including a deflector for deflecting paintballs downward into the gaps between the fins or upward to pass over the tube extension, said deflector pivotably attached to the interior surface of the container adjacent to the tube extension, said deflector being mounted at a height above a top surface of the agitating device and below a bottom portion of the tube extension;   (c) providing a motor for operating the paintball agitating device, the operation of the motor controlled by a microprocessor in communication with a sensor, the microprocessor controlling the motor's speed when the motor is actively operating the paintball agitating device, and automatically increasing an existing rate of speed of the motor in response to a signal from the sensor indicating an increased demand for paintballs; and,   (d) operating the motor in a first direction to forcibly drive paintballs within the container into the exit tube; and,   (e) automatically operating the motor in a second direction in response to a paintball jam.   
     
     
       99. The method for operating a paintball loader according to claim 97, further comprising the step of providing a sensor for detecting paintballs within the exit tube. 
     
     
       100. The method for operating a paintball loader according to claim 99, further comprising the step of providing a microprocessor in communication with the sensor and motor. 
     
     
       101. The method for operating a paintball loader according to claim 100, further comprising the step of controlling operation of the motor in response to signals transmitted from the sensor to the microprocessor. 
     
     
       102. The method for operating a paintball loader according to claim 101, further comprising the step of reversing a direction of the paintball agitating device. 
     
     
       103. A rapid feed paintball loader for use on a paintball gun for force feeding paintballs, the paintball loader comprising:
 a container for holding a plurality of paintballs;   a paintball agitator rotatably mounted on a bottom portion of said container;   at least one fin extending from the agitator, said fin forming a gap large enough to accommodate a paintball;   a motor that rotates said drive cone;   an exit tube exiting from the bottom portion of said container and configured to lead to an inlet tube of a paintball gun;   and microprocessor for controlling said motor in communication with the motor and a sensor;   whereby said agitator is adapted to receive paintballs from the container and forcibly drive the paintballs from the gap into the exit tube;   the operation of the motor controlled by the microprocessor, the microprocessor configured to stop the motor in response to the sensor detecting a paintball jam, the microprocessor variably controlling a speed of the motor, said microprocessor decreasing the speed of the motor when receiving a signal from the sensor that the presence of paintballs is detected in the exit tube and increasing the speed of the motor when receiving a signal from the sensor that paintballs are not present in the exit tube.   
     
     
       104. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 103, wherein the sensor is configured to detect a paintball. 
     
     
       105. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 104, wherein the sensor is an electro-mechanical switch. 
     
     
       106. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 104, wherein the sensor is a reflective infrared sensor. 
     
     
       107. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 103, wherein the paintball agitating device is a drive cone, and wherein the fin separates the top feed surface of the drive cone into at least one gap large enough to accommodate a paintball. 
     
     
       108. The rapid feed paintball loader of claim 107, wherein the drive cone includes a dome-shaped area located proximate its center; and the at least one fin projects outwardly from the dome-shaped area. 
     
     
       109. A rapid feed paintball loader for use on a paintball gun, the paintball loader comprising:
 a container for holding a plurality of paintballs;   a paintball agitating device mounted on a bottom portion of the container;   an exit tube exiting from the bottom portion of the container;   a motor for operating the paintball agitating device;   a plurality of sensors for detecting a demand for paintballs; and   a microprocessor in communication with the sensors and motor, the microprocessor adapted to control the motor when receiving a signal from at least one of the sensors, the microprocessor variably controlling a speed of the motor, said microprocessor decreasing the speed of the motor when receiving a signal from at least one of the sensors that the presence of paintballs is detected in the exit tube and increasing the speed of the motor when receiving a signal from at least one of the sensors that paintballs are not present in the exit tube.   
     
     
       110. The paintball loader of claim 109, wherein the microprocessor is adapted to detect an increase in torque output from the motor, and the microprocessor is adapted to momentarily stop or reverse a rotational direction of the motor upon detection of the increase in torque. 
     
     
       111. The paintball loader of claim 109, wherein the microprocessor variably controls a speed of the motor, said microprocessor decreasing the speed of the motor when receiving a signal from a sensor that there is a lesser demand for paintballs detected and increasing the speed of the motor when receiving a signal from the sensor that paintballs are in higher demand.