Abstract:
Various embodiments of a pneumatically powered cue stick are disclosed. Both embodiments employ the use of compressed gas to derive the full range of power necessary to engage in the various games of pool and billiards, including the break shot, without the need for modification of surface area of the game table. The preferred embodiment is adaptable to existing forms of metering, triggering, portable compressed gas dispensing devices such as, but not limited to, paintball marker guns. An alternative embodiment integrates the metering, triggering, and gas dispensing components of the adaptable type, eliminating the need for the separate, adaptable devices previously mentioned. Both embodiments incorporate a cylinder assembly  14  and a cue stick rod  12  threadably, or otherwise attached, slidably mounted within a support casement  10,  to facilitate a predetermined length not unlike, but not limited to, that of a conventional cue stick. Both embodiments are suitable for one-handed operation.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. provisional patent application, Ser. No. 60/973,346, filed Sep. 18, 2007, for PNEUMATICALLY POWERED BILLIARD CUE STICK, by Bruce Kevin Johne, included by reference herein and for which benefit of the priority date is hereby claimed. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]    This application relates to billiard cue sticks and, more particularly, pertains to a new and improved billiard cue stick wherein the same is arranged for actuation and projection through the use of gas under pressure. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The traditional cue stick for use in games such as pool, billiards, snooker, etc., is an elongated, single or two piece unit held in both hands. One hand supports the front portion of the cue stick while guiding the ball-striking end, or tip, of the cue stick. The other hand grasping the rear portion, or butt end of the cue stick. 
         [0004]    To strike the object ball the user typically pulls the cue stick in a rearward motion with the hand that is grasping the butt end of the cue stick and then pushes the cue stick in a forward motion as to engage the front end, or tip, of the cue stick with the object ball. The front portion of the cue stick is supported and guided by the other hand so that the ball-striking tip of the cue stick will strikes the object ball on a predetermined area, or spot, of the object ball. Furthermore, the front portion of the cue stick must slide freely over the supporting hand and/or through the fingers of the supporting hand to provide accurate guidance for the striking tip. This process is generally referred to as a pool or billiard “shot.” 
         [0005]    There are two steps involved in accomplishing the desired result in a pool shot. First, the user must visualize the shot with the end result in mind. Second, the user must strike the ball precisely on the predetermined spot of the object ball in order to produce the desired result. This application relates to solving the problems inherent in the second step of the pool or billiard shot. After the user completes the first step of visualizing the shot, the second step requires the user to precisely coordinate the tasks required of both hands and arms in order to strike the ball on the predetermined area, or spot. 
         [0006]    After the user grasps the cue stick he/she bends over as to rest one hand on the table supporting the front of the cue stick while grasping the butt end with the other hand. Problems arise when the user performs the task of moving the cue stick back and forth to strike the ball. For all but the very practiced, it is difficult to produce a perfect, piston like motion at the cue stick tip. It is desirable that the piston motion not deviate from the longitudinal axis of the cue stick in order to strike the object ball on the predetermined spot. This perfect piston motion is crucial in accomplishing the desired end result. Furthermore, problems arise with the supporting hand when moving the cue stick back and forth on the surface of the hand and/or through the fingers of the hand. The hand must be completely free of moisture wherever the cue stick comes in contact with the skin. If not, the cue stick will not slide freely across the surface and/or through the fingers of the hand. This free-sliding action is essential for a successful end result. Also, the traditional cue stick does not lend itself to one-handed operation. 
         [0007]    The embodiments described in this application eliminate the problems associated with the second step of the shot, as discussed above. 
         [0008]    Several patents disclose cue sticks with varying degrees of automation. By and large, these patents disclose variations of complex mechanical devices in various embodiments combining forwardly biased springs, cocking and locking mechanisms, and triggered releasing devices for actuating the cue stick forward to strike a billiard ball. Prior art utilizations of these mechanisms in various embodiments are cited in U.S. Pat. No. 3,495,826 to J. F. Mizgala; U.S. Pat. No. 3,858,882 to Fox et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,526,370 to Mortellacci; U.S. Pat. No. 4,634,123 Cowan et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,181,718 to Valentine. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 788,910 to C. S. Jones, discloses a cue stick that is actuated by means of low pressure air. The claimed embodiment describes a cue stick miniature in proportion to a traditional cue stick, and is operated by using both hands; one hand holding the miniature cue stick body, and the other hand squeezing an air bulb to create low pressure air flow through a tube running between the bulb and the cue stick. The air flow is channeled from the bulb through the tube into the rear end of the cue stick whereby actuating a piston inside a cylinder in a forward motion. A piston rod is arranged forwardly so that when the air flow engages the piston, the rod is extended forward through the front end of the cylinder impacting the subject ball. 
         [0010]    The complexities associated with the mechanized, spring loaded cue sticks, while solving some of the problems associated with traditional cue sticks, create various and significant obstacles regarding performance and manufacturing. Embodiments of the prior art are, by and large, designed for two-handed operation involving one or more preparatory tasks, prior to operation. A task common to the spring-loaded cue stick involves the compression of the spring and locking a portion of the cue stick into position, whereby forward potential energy is stored in the compressed spring. Generally, in these embodiments, this is referred to as “cocking” the cue stick. Ideally, cocking requires both hands to accomplish the task. This task also requires additional time and effort creating an inconvenience for the user. 
         [0011]    Spring-loaded cue sticks, while solving some of the problems associated with traditional cue sticks, typically employ complex combinations of parts, both moving and stationary. This presents significant production design challenges creating proportionately high cost of manufacture and low margins of return on investment, whereby, inhibiting market feasibility. 
         [0012]    A demonstration of a refined, spring-loaded embodiment, may be viewed on the YouTube Internet site and is identified as the HOTSHOTS cue stick(inventor unknown). When examined carefully, this demonstration clearly reveals performance challenges facing designers and builders of spring-loaded cue stick embodiments. In the one scene of the video that shows the cue stick verifiably performing the break shot, where as all of the balls are gathered at one end of the table in a triangle shape and are subsequently scattered by the cue ball placed at the opposite end of the game table, demonstrates a shortage of striking power sufficient to effectively scatter the balls in a desirable fashion. Spring(s) with the capability to store the amount of energy necessary to supply the spring-loaded cue stick with ample power to perform the break shot may be disproportionately large and/or difficult to compress when cocking. The remedies for this deficiency may be impracticable, rendering the spring-loaded cue stick ineffective in practice. 
         [0013]    The air powered embodiment of a Billiard Cue disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 788,910 to C. S. Jones, reveals significant design deficiencies in physical size, appearance, and, most importantly, practical functionality. Billiard-type game balls are dense in nature and require a substantial amount of kinetic energy to propel them in a way sufficient to satisfy the standards of play. The squeeze bulb design in this embodiment falls far short of satisfying this standard. Recognizing this shortcoming the disclosure suggests using a miniature game table shrunk to the scale proportionate to the limited ability of the cue stick to propel the ball effectively on a conventionally sized game table. As shrinking the scale of the game provides for a theoretical fix for a power cue stick with limited capabilities, problems arise as result of diminished game surface area. In terms of scale, the smaller the surface area becomes, the larger the balls become. This embodiment is limited such that the game surface would be inadequate for practical play. The proportion of game surface area to game ball size makes this theoretical fix impracticable. 
         [0014]    As demonstrated by this applications&#39; embodiments, an effective pneumatically powered cue stick can be totally portable, aesthetically appealing, exceptionally powerful, and can be easily manufactured in large quantities. Operation is fully automatic and requires no cocking, whereby lending itself to convenient, one-handed operation. These embodiments require no adjustments to to scale of current pool and billiards surface area standards and are capable of the full range of striking requirements encountered throughout the game, including impressive ability to scatter balls on the initial break. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of billiard cue stick apparatus now present in the prior art, this application discloses various embodiments of a pneumatically powered billiard cue stick. Each embodiment enables the user to operate same through the full range of ball striking forces that are desired, and necessary to effectively participate and/or compete in the various games of pool and billiards The embodiments disclosed are similar in shape and dimension, but are not limited to, that of traditional billiard cue sticks. As such, the general purpose of the present embodiments, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved billiard cue stick apparatus which has all the advantages of the prior art billiard cue stick apparatus and none of the disadvantages. 
         [0016]    To attain this, the current embodiment&#39;s use a metered, triggerable, compact, portable, high-pressure compressed air or gas system. The system delivers a high-pressure burst of compressed air or gas to a chamber internally mounted along the longitudinal axis of the cue cue stick. A rod, internally mounted and slideable along the longitudinal axis of the cue stick, is propelled forward. As a result, the tip of the rod is extended out of the front end of the cue stick as to engage a billiard or pool ball propelling same forward. The rod is rearwardly spring-biased, whereby, automatically retracting the rod. 
         [0017]    There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the disclosed embodiments in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course additional features of the embodiments that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
         [0018]    It is therefore the object of the embodiments disclosed in this application to provide a new and improved, pneumatically powered, billiard cue stick. 
         [0019]    It is another object to provide a pneumatically powered billiard cue stick which is automatically engaged by means of a triggering device. 
         [0020]    It is another object to provide a pneumatically powered billiard cue stick with sufficient power to satisfy the striking force requirements associated with billiards and pool, including the “break” shot, where as the balls are adequately scattered about the table surface. 
         [0021]    It is another object to provide a pneumatically powered cue stick that is, in one embodiment, readily adaptable to existing metering and triggering technology for compressed air and or gas, such as a paintball marker gun. In another embodiment the compressed air or gas triggering and metering device is integral to the cue stick, as well as provisions for adaptability to, and containment of, a compressed air or gas storage bottle. 
         [0022]    Further, it is an object of the various embodiments of a pneumatically powered cue stick to be completely operable with on hand, and eliminating the need to manipulate the cue stick back and forth to effect a billiard shot 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]    A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent, detailed description, in which: 
           [0024]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the pneumatically powered cue stick invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the pneumatically powered cue stick invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  is a side, cross-sectional view of a pneumatic cylinder assembly contained in both embodiments of the pneumatically powered cue stick invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is a side, cross-sectional view of a triggering mechanism contained in the alternative embodiment of the pneumatically powered cue stick invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 3   a  is a side, cross-sectional view of an external air source adaptor in the preferred embodiment of the pneumatically powered cue stick invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 4   a  is a side, cross-sectional view of a gas valve assembly in the alternative embodiment of my invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 1   a  is a side, partially-cross-sectional view of the internals of the preferred embodiment of the pneumatically powered cue stick invention of  FIG. 1 ; and 
           [0031]      FIG. 2   a  is a side, partially-cross-sectional view of the internals of the alternative embodiment of the pneumatically powered cue stick in  FIG. 2 . 
       
    
    
       [0032]    For purposes of clarity and brevity, like elements and components will bear the same designations and numbering throughout the Figures. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0033]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the pneumatically powered cue stick invention. 
         [0034]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the pneumatically powered cue stick invention. 
         [0035]      FIG. 3  is a side, cross-sectional view of a pneumatic cylinder assembly  14  contained in both embodiments of the pneumatically powered cue stick invention. 
         [0036]      FIG. 4  is a side, cross-sectional view of a triggering mechanism  40  contained in the alternative embodiment of the pneumatically powered cue stick invention. 
         [0037]      FIG. 3   a  is a side, cutaway view of an adaptor for external gas source  18  in the preferred embodiment of the pneumatically powered cue stick invention. 
         [0038]      FIG. 4   a  is a side, cross-sectional view of a high-pressure gas valve assembly  36  in the alternative embodiment of my invention. 
         [0039]      FIG. 1   a  is a side, partially-cross-sectional view of the internals of the preferred embodiment of the pneumatically powered cue stick invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 2   a  is a side, partially-cross-section view of of the internals of the alternative embodiment of the pneumatically powered cue stick in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0041]    Referring to the figures there are shown, but not the only, various embodiments of the pneumatically powered cue stick invention. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , both embodiments comprise a support casement  10 . The support casement  10  is constructed of aluminum round bar bored and machined to specifications necassary for housing and mounting the internal components. However, other materials such as plastic or wood may be used.  FIG. 1  shows the preferred embodiment adaptable to an external, metered, triggerable, portable compressed gas dispensing device similar, but not limited to, a paintball marker gun.  FIG. 2  shows an alternative embodiment with metering, triggering, gas dispensing components integral to the cue stick, independent of the need for the external gas dispensing device. 
         [0042]    For the preferred embodiment,  FIG. 1   a  shows the internal components of  FIG. 1 . A pneumatic cylinder assembly  14  is threadably mounted to a threaded cylinder-nose mounting bore  30   a  inside the support casement  10  through a support casement bore for cylinder  14   a  inside and along the longitudinal axis to of the support casement  10 . Integral to the cylinder assembly  14 , further illustrated by  FIG. 3 , is a cylinder piston and rod  26  with a rearwardly-biased spring  28  mounted inside the cylinder between the forward end of the cylinder and the forward face of the cylinder piston and about the piston rod. Protruding forwardly and through a threaded cylinder front nose mount  30  is a threaded piston rod end  32 . 
         [0043]    A cue stick rod  12  comprises a threaded rod bore  32   a  for attaching the cue stick rod  12  to the threaded piston rod end  32  and forwardly extended from same. The cue stick rod  12  is slideably fitted into a rod bore  12   a  through, and along, the longitudinal axis of the support casement  10 . A threadably attached cue stick tip  34  is removeably engaged to the rod end threaded bore for cue stick tip  35 . In the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1  the cylinder assembly  14  is rearwardly fitted with a cylinder end cap with threaded port  16 . An adaptor for external gas source  18  is threadably attached to the cylinder end cap with threaded port  16 . The adaptor for external gas source  18  is locked in place by threadably tightening to the forward limit allowed by an adaptor locking torque plate  20  integral to, and rearward of an adaptor gas exit port  24 . The rear, outward end of the adaptor comprises an adaptor gas entry port  23  and threads  22  for removable attachment of the cue stick to the external, metered, triggerable, portable compressed gas dispensing device. 
         [0044]    The preferred embodiment of  FIGS. 1 ,  1   a ,  3 , and  3   a  show the pneumatically powered cue stick as an adaptable accessory to existing metered, triggerable, portable, gas dispensing devices such as, but not limited to, a paintball marker gun. 
         [0045]    In practice, a significant percentage of paintball marker guns comprise a threadably removeable barrel. In  FIG. 1  the barrel has been removed and replaced by the preferred embodiment of the pneumatically powered cue stick invention of  FIG. 1   a . Support casement  10  is threadably attached to the paintball marker gun with external threads  22  on adaptor for external gas source  18  and integral to adaptor gas entry port  23 . The cue stick is then screwably tightened to the limit allowed by adaptor locking torque plate  20 . With a paintball marker gun threadably mated with the cue stick, it is ready for use. 
         [0046]    In operation, when the trigger of the paintball marker gun is pulled, a predetermined amount of compressed gas is released forwardly into the adaptor gas entry port  23  subsequently flowing through the adaptor for external gas source  18 . The gas then exits through the adaptor gas exit port  24  into the cylinder assembly  14  through the cylinder end cap with threaded port  16 . The gas then engages the rear face of the cylinder piston and rod  26  thrusting same forward. 
         [0047]    Rearwardly-biased spring  28  mounted inside the cylinder assembly  14  between the forward end of the cylinder and the forward face of the cylinder piston about the piston rod, is instantly compressed, momentarily storing energy. As the cylinder piston and rod  26  are thrust forward through a threaded cylinder front nose mount  30 , the cue stick rod  12 , comprising a threaded rod bore  32   a , witch is threadably attached to a threaded piston rod end  32 , is slideably thrust forward through rod bore  12   a.  A threadably attached cue stick tip  34 , removeably engaged to a rod end threaded bore for cue stick tip  35 , is instantly thrust forward out of the forward end of the cue stick support casement  10  forcibly engaging a subject game ball. As a result of the previously mentioned spring compression internal of the cylinder assembly  14 , all of the components that are thrust forward are instantly and automatically retracted rearward by the energy stored in the rearwardly biased spring. 
         [0048]    As a result of the automatic retraction, the cue stick is immediately ready for another use, independent of any physical effort to cock, or reset the cue stick. Unlike other cue stick inventions of the spring-loaded, cocking type, or the pneumatic cue stick sited in prior art; U.S. Pat. No. 788,910 to Jones, the user can engage the cue stick repeatedly, limited only by the speed at which he or she can pull the trigger, and how much gas exists in reserve. Also, unlike U.S. Pat. No. 788,910 to Jones, the embodiments described in this application are aesthetically conformant to traditional billiard cue sticks and are sufficient in power to use on traditionally sized game tables. 
         [0049]    An alternative embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 2 . It is independent of the external, metered, triggering, portable, gas dispensing device of the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1 . Instead, the metering and triggering components are integrated into this embodiment of the pneumatically powered cue stick. As shown in  FIG. 2   a , this embodiment comprises the same components of the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 1   a , with the addition of other components, illustrated in detail in  FIGS. 4 and 4   a , to perform the tasks of the external gas dispensing device as described in the preferred embodiment. Furthermore, a component of the preferred embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 3   a , is eliminated in the described alternative embodiment. The addition and elimination of said components is described in context immediately forthcoming. 
         [0050]    A support casement  10  for the alternative embodiment is longer than that of the preferred embodiment. In this embodiment the need for the adaptor for external gas source  18  of  FIGS. 1   a  and  3   a  has been eliminated. Instead, additional support casement  10  length is provided for inclusion of a support casement bore for triggering mechanism for alternative embodiment  14   b , and a triggering mechanism  40  integrally mounted in same, as illustrated in  FIG. 2   a , and  FIG. 4 . Furthermore, located immediately behind the triggering mechanism  40 , integral to the support casement bore for triggering mechanism for alternative embodiment  14   b , are support casement threads  70  for removeably attaching a gas valve assembly  36  as seen in  FIGS. 2   a  and  4   a . The alternative embodiment also includes a modification of the cylinder end cap with threaded port  16  of the preferred embodiment. 
         [0051]    In  FIGS. 2   a  and  4  a cylinder end cap for alternative embodiment with non-threaded port  16   a  can be observed. This modification is to facilitated slideable, reciprocal movement of a gas conduit  41 . The gas conduit  41  is tubular to facilitate the passage of gas from the valve gas port  38  into the cylinder assembly  14  through the cylinder end cap for alternative embodiment with non-threaded port  16   a . The gas conduit  41  comprises a gas conduit O-ring seal  42  at the point of engagement to the valve gas port  38 . Furthermore, the gas conduit  41  steadfastly mounted longitudinally through the center of a slideable triggering cylinder and gas conduit support  48 . Additionally, the gas conduit  41  is permanently fitted with a gas conduit forward travel stop ring  46 . This stop ring prevents contact between the gas conduit  41  and the rear face of the cylinder piston and rod  26  within the cylinder assembly  14   
         [0052]    Internally mounted within the support casement bore for triggering mechanism for alternative embodiment  14   b , between the forward end of the slideable triggering cylinder and gas conduit support  48  and the rearward end of the cylinder assembly  14 , about the gas conduit  41 , is a rearwardly biased triggering-assist spring  44 . Said spring aiding in a smooth rearward motion of the slideable triggering cylinder and gas conduit support  48  when a trigger lever  52  is pulled rearward as to positively engage the gas conduit  41  with the valve gas port  38 . Integral to the trigger lever  52  is a spring-loaded trigger lever mounting hinge  50  which is attached to a trigger lever mounting tab  48   a . Said mounting tab is integral to the slideable triggering cylinder and gas conduit support  48  and extends outward from the support casement  10  bore through a trigger lever mounting tab guide slot  54 . Said guide slot allows for free reciprocal movement of the trigger lever mounting tab  48   a  protruding from the support casement  10  along the longitudinal axis of same. 
         [0053]    A gas valve assembly  36  is threadably attached with valve assembly attachment threads  70   a  and mounted at the rear of the support casement  10  into the support casement threads  70 . The gas valve assembly  36  is internally threaded at its rear with tank threads  68  as to accept a compressed gas tank. The gas valve assembly  36  comprises a valve frame  36   a , valve spring  56 , valve spring retainer  58 , valve plunger  60 , valve gas conduit  62 , valve seal  64 , and valve seal O-ring  66 . The function of the components of the gas valve assembly  36  will be discussed in the operational description that follows. 
         [0054]    In operation, the alternative embodiment of the pneumatically powered cue stick invention of  FIGS. 2 and 2   a  is almost identical to the preferred embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 1   a . The difference between the two being that the preferred embodiment is adaptable to an external metering, triggerable, portable gas dispensing device while the alternative embodiment comprises said metering, triggering, gas dispensing components within the confines of the support casement  10 . A compressed gas tank is then threadably, or otherwise attached to the rear of the support casement  10 . Once said tank is attached, the cue stick is ready for use. 
         [0055]    As rearward pressure is applied to the trigger lever  52 , trigger lever mounting tab  48   a  is moved slideably rearward through and along the longitudinal axis of trigger lever mounting tab guide slot  54 . Coincidingly, slideable triggering cylinder and gas conduit support  48  is moved rearward through and along the longitudinal axis of support casement bore for triggering mechanism for alternative embodiment  14   b . Thusly, the rearward end of gas conduit  41  with gas conduit O-ring seal  42  positively engage valve gas port  38  causing the release of compressed gas from gas valve assembly  36 . 
         [0056]    The forward end of the gas conduit  41  is slideably engaged to the cylinder assembly  14  and is moved reciprocally through cylinder end cap for alternative embodiment with non-threaded port  16   a  coincidingly with the movement of the triggering mechanism  40 . Rearwardly biased triggering-assist spring  44  aids in a smooth rearward motion of triggering mechanism  40  against forwardly spring loaded valve gas port  38 . As gas is released it flows instantly through the tubular gas conduit  41  and into cylinder assembly  14  engaging cylinder piston and rod  26  and thrusting same forward. In both embodiments, all of the components forward of the cylinder assembly  14  are identical, in reference number and function, as previously described in the preferred embodiment. 
         [0057]    Instantly following the release of gas from valve gas port  38  same is forwardly and sealably forced shut by forwardly biased valve spring  56 , stopping the flow of gas. Because the triggering mechanism  40 , including gas conduit  41  is communicated with valve gas port  38 , the triggering mechanism  40  and gas conduit  41  are thusly and instantly moved forward. As a result of the positive connection between the trigger lever  52 , the trigger lever mounting tab  48 a, slideable triggering cylinder and gas conduit support  48 , and gas conduit  41 , all are simultaneously moved instantly forward. To limit the forward travel of the triggering mechanism  40 , a gas conduit forward travel stop ring  46  is rigidly attached to the forward end of the gas conduit  41  immediately outside the rear of the cylinder assembly  14 . A spring-loaded trigger lever mounting hinge  50  is located, and positively mounted between the trigger lever  52  and the trigger lever mounting tab  48   a . As the triggering mechanism  40  is forcibly thrust forward immediately following the release of gas the spring-loaded trigger lever mounting hinge  50  allows the triggering mechanism  40  to move forward without forward movement of the trigger lever  52 . This component eliminates the discomfort that may be caused as a result of the trigger lever  52  being thrust instantly forward with rearward pulling pressure still being applied by the user. 
         [0058]    Reference is directed to  FIG. 4   a  which are details of the gas valve assembly  36  in the alternative embodiment. The gas valve assembly  36  is a poppet type valve which is spring biased to a closed position. Said assembly includes a gas valve frame  36   a  which has tank threads  68  for attachment to a compressed gas tank and valve assembly attachment threads  70   a  to engage support casement threads  70 . The valve frame  36   a  has a passage formed through which is sized to accept a valve seal  64  that comprises a valve seal O-ring  66  which seals against the loss of compressed gas. A valve plunger  60  engages the valve seal  64  to form the actual gas valve action. The valve plunger  60  is attached to the valve gas conduit  62  which is inter attached to valve gas port  38 . These three elements move together when the valve gas port  38  is engaged by gas conduit  41  with gas conduit O-ring seal  42  (not shown). The aforesaid three elements are biased to a closed position by valve spring  56  which rests against valve spring retainer  58  attached to an inlet end of valve frame  36   a . It should be understood that other valve assemblies may be contemplated for accomplishing the same valve function. 
         [0059]    Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention. 
         [0060]    Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.