Abstract:
A linked control system for loading projectiles in a compressed projectile accelerator that includes controllers that automate the securing of stored projectiles on a players body. Where said stored projectiles are in storage containers or pods that are held and release to the player from the carrying belt or harness by the said controllers that are connected to relationship sensors. Further, the opening and closing of the containment lids of the storage pods, as well as, the containment lid of the loader or hopper that&#39;s attached to a projectile accelerator is also controlled and automated by the said controllers that are connected to relationship sensors. The system&#39;s linked controllers can also control one or more operating parameters of said compressed projectile accelerator through said relationships or proximity sensors, while informing the player of understandable operational information and/or game information.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/139,680 filed on Dec. 22, 2008 entitled Compressed Gas Projectile Accelerator, and U.S. Utility Pat. No. 8,360,042 B2 filed on Dec. 22, 2009 entitled Compressed Gas Projectile Accelerating Linked System For Loading And Expelling Multiple Projectiles At Controlled Varying Velocities, and is a continuation of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 13/753,410 filed on Jan. 29, 2013 entitled Projectile Accelerator That Expels Multiple Projectiles At Controlled Varying Energy Levels In A Inconsistent Manner, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to compressed gas projectile accelerators and associated projectile equipment. More particularly, configuring compressed gas projectile accelerators and/or the associated projectile equipment to allow users to more effectively engage differing targets and/or opponents. 
         [0003]    In the sport of paintball, the maximum velocity at which projectiles are permitted to be expelled from the barrel of a paintball gun or marker is tightly controlled in both recreational and tournament play. Most tournaments and recreational paintball venues only permit a paintball marker to shoot paintballs at a maximum speed of 300 feet per second (“FPS”). All markers are subjected to testing by chronographs before and sometimes after a tournament round or match. Some tournaments even randomly take chronograph readings of players&#39; markers during actual tournament play. Shooting a hot marker, one that shoots paintballs at over 300 FPS, can subject a player or team to disqualification, a loss of points, or the player not being allowed on the field. 
         [0004]    Current paintball markers provide various methods to adjust the speed at which a projectile is expelled from the marker. However, once the speed of the marker is adjusted to just below the maximum permitted velocity setting, the marker is not capable of being easily readjusted without the use of a tool, such as an allen wrench. Carrying tools that can be used to adjust marker velocity settings onto the field is strictly prohibited. As such, the paintball marker is only capable of being adjusted to operate on the field at one set velocity setting. 
         [0005]    Further, current paintball markers do not provide a method to adjust the speed of the projectiles that is automatic and/or automated. Furthermore, current paintball markers do not provide an automatic and/or automated velocity adjustment method that does not allow the user to exceed a selected upper velocity limit. 
         [0006]    Also, current paintball marker barrels do not provide a method to adjust and/or control the speed of the expelled projectile. As such, current paintball markers with current barrels are only capable of expelling projectiles at one velocity setting. 
         [0007]    While current paintball markers and/or current associated projectile equipment provide various methods to load or feed projectiles, with some of these methods compensating for a side to side tilt (i.e.—left/right tilt) and some others even force feeding the projectiles. None provide an automatic and/or automated compensation for a forward/backward tilt that is inherit in lobbing a projectile at a target/opponent. 
         [0008]    In the sport of paintball, as the proficiency of the players grows, the pace of the game has increased. There by, amplifying the need for quick and easily understandable operational information and/or game information. While some current paintball markers and/or current associated equipment provide some operational and/or game information, none provide the user their overall information picture, a means of selecting the prudent information, and/or an effective means of receiving it. Further because of this increased game pace, the need for automation of the loading sequence, from the player&#39;s on body storage harness and pods to the on accelerators hoppers has also been amplified. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    One embodiment of the present application discloses a linked control system that automates the loading sequence from projectiles stored on the player&#39;s body to the loader or hopper attached to a projectile accelerator and controls one or more of operating parameters of a linked projectile accelerator, while keeping the player informed of needed game and/or operational info. Other embodiments include unique apparatus, devices, systems, means, operational modes and/or methods for allowing an informed user to quickly and effectively maintain a supply of projectiles to a projectile accelerator. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits of the present application shall become apparent from the detailed description and figures included herewith. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  illustrates a player shooting projectiles at targets on a paintball playing field using a compressed gas projectile accelerator. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  illustrates a player shooting projectiles at targets on a paintball playing field using a compressed gas projectile accelerator. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  illustrates a player shooting projectiles at targets on a paintball playing field using a compressed gas projectile accelerator. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  illustrates a player shooting projectiles at targets on a paintball playing field using a compressed gas projectile accelerator. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative compressed gas projectile accelerator. 
           [0016]      FIGS. 6   a - 6   c  set forth rear views of a compressed gas projectile accelerator including a velocity adjustment mechanism. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  illustrates a side view of a compressed gas projectile accelerator including velocity adjustment mechanism positioned in a different location. 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  illustrates a side view of a compressed gas projectile accelerator including velocity adjustment mechanism positioned in a different location. 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  illustrates a side view of a compressed gas projectile accelerator including velocity adjustment mechanism positioned in a different location. 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile accelerator having a velocity adjustment mechanism. 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile accelerator in cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism. 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile accelerator in cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism. 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile accelerator in cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism. 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile accelerator in cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism. 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile accelerator in cross-sectional form having an assisted velocity adjustment mechanism. 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile accelerator in cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism. 
           [0027]      FIG. 17  illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile accelerator in cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism. 
           [0028]      FIG. 18  illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile accelerator in cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism. 
           [0029]      FIG. 19  illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile accelerator in cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism. 
           [0030]      FIG. 20  illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile accelerator in cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism. 
           [0031]      FIGS. 21   a - 21   c  illustrates cross-sectional views of an adjustment dial of a velocity adjustment mechanism. 
           [0032]      FIG. 22   a  illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile accelerator in cross-sectional form having an assisted velocity adjustment mechanism. 
           [0033]      FIG. 22   b  illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile accelerator in cross-sectional form having an assisted velocity adjustment mechanism. 
           [0034]      FIG. 22   c  illustrates cross-sectional views of an adjustment dial of an assisted velocity adjustment mechanism. 
           [0035]      FIG. 23  illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile accelerator in cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism. 
           [0036]      FIG. 24  illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile accelerator in cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism. 
           [0037]      FIG. 25  illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile accelerator in cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism. 
           [0038]      FIG. 26  illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile accelerator barrel in cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism. 
           [0039]      FIG. 27  illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile accelerator barrel in cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism. 
           [0040]      FIG. 28  illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile accelerator barrel in cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism. 
           [0041]      FIG. 29   a  illustrates a side view of a compressed gas projectile accelerator including a barrel having a velocity adjustment mechanism. 
           [0042]      FIG. 29   b  illustrates a side view of a compressed gas projectile accelerator barrel including a velocity adjustment mechanism. 
           [0043]      FIG. 30   a  illustrates a side view of a compressed gas projectile accelerator including an assisted velocity adjustment mechanism in cross-sectional form. 
           [0044]      FIG. 30   b  illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile accelerator including an assisted velocity adjustment mechanism in cross-sectional form. 
           [0045]      FIG. 30   c  illustrates a side view of a compressed gas projectile accelerator including an assisted velocity adjustment mechanism in cross-sectional form. 
           [0046]      FIG. 30   d  illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile accelerator including an assisted velocity adjustment mechanism in cross-sectional form. 
           [0047]      FIG. 31   a  illustrates a side view of a compressed gas projectile accelerator including assisted velocity adjustment mechanisms in cross-sectional form. 
           [0048]      FIG. 31   b  illustrates a side view of a compressed gas projectile accelerator having a velocity adjustment mechanism barrel and an assisted velocity adjustment mechanism in cross-sectional form. 
           [0049]      FIG. 31   c  illustrates a side view of a compressed gas projectile accelerator including velocity adjustment mechanisms, one in cross-sectional form. 
           [0050]      FIG. 31   d  illustrates a side view of a compressed gas projectile accelerator including velocity adjustment mechanisms, one in cross-sectional form. 
           [0051]      FIG. 31   e  illustrates a side view of a compressed gas projectile accelerator including velocity adjustment mechanisms, one in cross-sectional form. 
           [0052]      FIG. 32  illustrates a player shooting projectiles at targets on a paintball playing field using a compressed gas projectile accelerator. 
           [0053]      FIG. 33  illustrates a player shooting projectiles at targets on a paintball playing field using a compressed gas projectile accelerator. 
           [0054]      FIG. 34  illustrates a gridded overhead view of a tournament paintball field with players, target areas, and obstacles. 
           [0055]      FIG. 35   a - 35   b  illustrates views of a portion of a player with a compressed gas projectile accelerator including an assisted loading mechanism. 
           [0056]      FIG. 36  illustrates a portion of a player with a compressed gas projectile accelerator including an assisted loading mechanism. 
           [0057]      FIG. 37   a - 37   e  illustrates side views of compressed gas projectile accelerators including assisted loading mechanisms. 
           [0058]      FIG. 37   f  illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile accelerator in front cross-sectional form having an assisted loading mechanism. 
           [0059]      FIG. 38   a - 38   c  illustrates side views of compressed gas projectile accelerators including assisted loading mechanisms. 
           [0060]      FIG. 39   a - 39   d  is cross-sectional views of illustrative compressed gas projectile accelerators including assisted loading mechanisms. 
           [0061]      FIG. 40   a - 40   c  illustrates side views of compressed gas projectile accelerators including assisted loading mechanisms. 
           [0062]      FIG. 41   a  is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative compressed gas projectile accelerator. 
           [0063]      FIG. 41   b  illustrates a side view of compressed gas projectile accelerator including an assisted loading mechanism. 
           [0064]      FIG. 42  is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative compressed gas projectile accelerator. 
           [0065]      FIG. 43  is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative compressed gas projectile accelerator. 
           [0066]      FIG. 44  is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative compressed gas projectile accelerator. 
           [0067]      FIG. 45  illustrates a player with a compressed gas projectile accelerator and associated projectile equipment including a linked informational system. 
           [0068]      FIG. 46   a  illustrates a portion of a player with a compressed gas projectile accelerator and associated projectile equipment including a linked informational system. 
           [0069]      FIG. 46   b  illustrates a portion of a player with a compressed gas projectile accelerator and associated projectile equipment including a linked informational system. 
           [0070]      FIG. 47  illustrates representative executable modules of an electronic circuit board. 
           [0071]      FIG. 48  illustrates representative executable modules of a lobbing mode module. 
           [0072]      FIG. 49  illustrates representative executable modules of a straight fire module. 
           [0073]      FIG. 50  illustrates representative executable modules of one form of the compressed gas projectile accelerator. 
           [0074]      FIG. 51   a  illustrates a side view of a compressed gas projectile accelerator including linked assisted velocity adjustment mechanisms in cross-sectional form. 
           [0075]      FIG. 51   b  illustrates a side view of a compressed gas projectile accelerator including linked assisted velocity adjustment mechanisms in cross-sectional form. 
           [0076]      FIG. 52   a  illustrates representative executable modules of one form of the compressed gas projectile accelerator. 
           [0077]      FIG. 52   b  illustrates representative executable modules of one form of the compressed gas projectile accelerator. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0078]    For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention is illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. 
         [0079]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a user  10  is illustrated firing projectiles or paintballs at two respective targets  12   a ,  12   b  using a compressed gas projectile accelerator or paintball marker  50 . User  10  is shooting at target  12   a  with a marker  50  that is set or configured to expel paintballs at target  12   a  at an upper velocity setting, which can comprise the maximum allowable velocity setting of 300 FPS. As illustrated, since user  10  is a substantial distance from target  12   a , thus requiring the paintball to travel a greater distance (e.g.—200 feet), the paintball tends to travel along somewhat of an arced path after traveling a predetermined distance due to the force of gravity on the paintball. 
         [0080]    As further illustrated, user  10  is somewhat closer to target  12   b  who is hiding behind an obstacle  16 , which is illustrated as a barrel for representative purposes only. Also illustrated, user  10  firing paintballs at target  12   b  with marker  50  set at the upper velocity setting. Obstacle  16  is providing cover for target  12   b  making it extremely difficult, if not impossible, for user  10  to hit target  12   b . This is because the paintball will travel along a relatively straight path  15  toward target  12   b  thereby causing the paintball to strike obstacle  16  and not target  12   b . Despite the effect that gravity has on the paintball, at the maximum allowed velocity setting, paintballs are expelled from the marker  50  along a relatively straight path over short distances. 
         [0081]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , again user  10  is illustrated firing projectiles at two respective targets  12   a ,  12   b  using a compressed gas projectile accelerator  50 . User  10  is shooting at target  12   a  with a marker  50  that is set or configured to expel paintballs at target  12   a  at an upper velocity setting, as described above. 
         [0082]    Further, if user  10  was able, when engaging target  12   b , to lower the velocity at which paintballs are expelled from barrel of marker  50 , as well as adjust the angle of the barrel of marker  50  upward at a predetermined angle; the likelihood of user  10  being able to strike target  12   b  behind obstacle  16  with a paintball is greatly improved. This is because the paintball will travel along a substantially arc shaped path  18  as a function of the speed at which the paintball exits the barrel and the angle of the barrel. Therefore, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , user  10  is capable of lobbing a paintball onto target  12   b  thereby eliminating the player, which is illustrated as target  12   b.    
         [0083]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , still again user  10  is illustrated firing projectiles at two respective targets  12   a ,  12   b  using a compressed gas projectile accelerator  50 . User  10  is shooting at target  12   a  with a marker  50  that is set or configured to expel paintballs at target  12   a  at an upper velocity setting, as described above. 
         [0084]    As in the above form, user  10  is lobbing paintballs on to target  12   b  with marker  50 , also described above. Further, if user  10  was able to expel a multiple of paintballs at said lower velocity, and in a controlled velocity spread from the barrel of marker  50  to lets say, for example, a 5 shot volley of 160-170-180-190-200 FPS. And adjust the angle of barrel of marker  50  upward at a predetermined angle as before, the likelihood of user  10  being able to strike target  12   b  behind obstacle  16  with a paintball would greatly improve yet again. This is because the spread velocity of paintballs traveling along the enlarged arc shaped paths  18  would have greater and more uniformed area coverage, as a function of the fire mode of marker  50 . 
         [0085]    As those skilled in the art would recognize, delivering a controlled spread or volley of paintballs along the enlarged or substantially arc shaped paths  18  onto target  12   b  would reduce the possible inaccuracies or miscalculations of user  10  and/or marker  50 . The controlled spread or volley would also reduce the ability of target  12   b  to react to or avoid the incoming paintballs. Therefore, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , user  10  is capable of lobbing a spread of paintballs onto target  12   b  thereby eliminating the player, which is illustrated as target  12   b.    
         [0086]    Further, those skilled in the art would also recognize that different arc angles and different lowered velocities can be used to lob paintballs onto a target like target  12   b.    
         [0087]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , yet again user  10  is illustrated firing projectiles at two respective targets  12   a ,  12   b  using a compressed gas projectile accelerator  50 . User  10  is shooting at target  12   a  with a marker  50  that is set or configured to expel paintballs at target  12   a  at an upper velocity setting, as described above. 
         [0088]    As in the above forms, user  10  is lobbing paintballs on to target  12   b  with marker  50 , also described above. Further again, if user  10  was able to expel paintballs switching between the single velocity lobbing fire mode  17  (see  FIG. 2 ) and the multiple velocity spreader lobbing fire mode  19  (see  FIG. 3 ). And adjust the angle of barrel of marker  50  upward at a predetermined angle as before, the likelihood of user  10  being able to strike target  12   b  behind obstacle  16  with a paintball would greatly improve further still. This is because the paintballs traveling along the arc shaped path  18  of the single velocity lobbing fire mode  17  would indicate to user  10  the flight path and its impact, and act as a spotting round. Thus, allowing user  10  to adjust marker  50  and/or the barrel angle before firing in the velocity spreader fire mode  19 . 
         [0089]    Still further, in another form, if user  10  was able to combine the single velocity lobbing fire mode  17  and the multiple velocity spreader lobbing fire mode  19  into a combination or singular fire mode—a spotter round velocity spreader fire mode, the likelihood of user  10  being able to strike target  12   b  behind obstacle  16  with a paintball would greatly improve yet again. 
         [0090]    This is because, firing a lobbing spotter round in combination with a controlled spread of paintballs of the velocity spreader mode along said arc shaped paths  18  onto target  12   b  would yet again, reduce the possible inaccuracies or miscalculations of user  10  and/or marker  50 , as before; while further reducing the ability of target  12   b  to react to or avoid the incoming paintballs, due to the abbreviated time between said fire modes. 
         [0091]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , in this form paintball marker  50  includes an on the fly velocity adjustment mechanism  52 . Velocity adjustment mechanism  52  is operable or configured to allow user  10  to manually and/or selectively adjust the velocity setting at which paintballs are expelled from barrel  54  of marker  50 . Marker  50  is operationally configured to expel projectiles from barrel  54  at a range of velocities ranging from an upper velocity setting to a lower velocity setting. In one form, the upper velocity setting corresponds to the maximum velocity at which a paintball is allowed to be expelled from barrel  54 , which can be 300 FPS for example. Further, in one form, the lower velocity setting corresponds to the lowest possible or functional velocity setting at which marker  50  is capable of expelling a paintball from barrel  54 . Different user preferred upper and lower velocity limit settings can be utilized in various other forms of the present invention. 
         [0092]    In one form, marker  50  includes a housing or frame body  56 , a grip frame rail  58 , a grip or grip frame  60 , a trigger mechanism  62 , and a feed tube  64  to which is connected a paintball hopper  63  (see e.g.  FIG. 4 ). As illustrated, body  56  is connected with grip frame rail  58 . Alternatively, grip frame rail  58  can be an integral part of body  56  or grip frame  60 . Barrel  54  is connected with one respective end of body  56  and, in this illustrative form, velocity adjustment mechanism  52  is connected with the opposite end of body  56 . Feed tube  64 , which paintball hopper  63  (see  FIG. 4 ) is removably connected with and feeds paintballs to marker  50 , is also integrated with or formed as a part of body  56 . Trigger mechanism  62  is movably connected with grip frame rail  58  or grip frame  60  and is configured to, with each trigger pull, expel one or more paintballs from barrel  54 . 
         [0093]    Marker  50  includes an electronic circuit board or controller  66  connected with a power source  68 . Although illustrated as being housed in grip frame  60 , it should be appreciated that circuit board  66  and power source  68  can be housed in other locations of marker  50 . Power source  68  is connected with circuit board  66  and provides power to circuit board  66 . As such, an electro-pneumatic marker  50  is disclosed in this representative form. Marker  50  further includes a trigger sensor  70 , a velocity or speed sensor  72 , and a solenoid valve  74  that are connected with circuit board  66 . 
         [0094]    Trigger sensor  70  is configured or operable to generate a trigger signal to indicate when trigger mechanism  62  is pulled by user  10 . Trigger sensor  70  can comprise an optical eye, a LED sensor, a magnetic sensor, a Hall effect sensor, or any other suitable type of sensor. The trigger signal is sent to circuit board  66 . In response to the trigger signal, circuit board  66  generates a solenoid firing signal that is sent to solenoid valve  74 , in one form. Upon receipt of the solenoid firing signal, solenoid valve  74  is operable to release a predetermined amount of compressed gas, as a function of the trigger signal, to expel a paintball from marker  50 . 
         [0095]    In one form, after a predetermined amount of time, circuit board  66  can generate a solenoid deactivate signal sent to solenoid valve  74  thereby stopping the release of compressed gas used to expel the paintball from barrel  54  of marker  50 . In another form, circuit board  66  deactivates or ceases generating the trigger signal to stop solenoid valve  74  from releasing compressed gas from source  100  (see  FIG. 7 ). As set forth in greater detail below, depending on the respective firing mode that marker  50  is currently configured to operate in, circuit board  66  is configured to generate one or more solenoid signals to cause marker  50  to expel one or more paintballs from barrel  54 . In addition, circuit board  66  is configured to selectively control or adjust the velocity at which paintballs are expelled from marker  50  by controlling the amount of volume of compressed gas used to expel paintballs. In one form, this is accomplished by controlling the amount of time compressed gas is allowed to be released by solenoid valve  74  from source  100  (see  FIG. 7 ). 
         [0096]    Speed sensor  72  can comprise a laser, an optical eye, a LED speed sensor, a sonic sensor, a radar, or any other suitable type of speed sensor. Speed sensor  72  and solenoid valve  74  can be housed in other locations of marker  50  other than in grip frame rail  58 , as illustrated. Speed sensor  72  is configured or operable to generate a speed signal indicative of the velocity at which paintballs are expelled from barrel  54  of marker  50 . The speed signal is directed to or detected by circuit board  66 , which is operable to adjust operation of solenoid valve  74  to adjust the velocity at which paintballs are fired according to various firing modes as a function of the speed signal. 
         [0097]    A velocity controller  76  is connected with circuit board  66 . Velocity controller  76  can comprise a plurality of push buttons, a dial, a slider, or other types of control mechanisms. In one form, velocity controller  76  is configured to allow user  10  to manually adjust the velocity at which paintballs are expelled from barrel  54  of marker  50 . Circuit board  66  is configured to monitor the setting or position of velocity controller  76  and adjust the operation of marker  50  according to this setting. Velocity controller  76 , in one form, is operable to adjust marker  50  to operate between a maximum or upper and minimum or lower velocity setting. 
         [0098]    A breech sensor  78  is connected with circuit board  66  and is positioned along breech  79 . Breech sensor  78  can comprise a laser, an optical eye, a LED sensor, an infrared sensor, or any other suitable type of sensor for indicating breech status or condition sensing. Breech sensor  78  can also comprise a plurality or array of suitable sensors. Breech sensor  78  is configured to monitor the status of a breech  79  of marker  50 . For example, breech sensor  78  is configured to send a paintball loaded signal to circuit board  66 . In yet another form, breech sensor  78  is configured to send a breech obstruction signal to circuit board  66  indicating a problem has occurred. In this example, circuit board  66  can be configured to shut marker  50  down or cease operation until the problem has been corrected. 
         [0099]    A pressure sensor  46  is connected with circuit board  66 . Pressure sensor  46  can comprise an electronic sensor, pneumatic sensor, or any other suitable type of pressure sensor. Pressure sensor  46  is configured to monitor a pressure value associated with marker  50 . In particular, in one form, pressure sensor  46  is configured to monitor the pressure value at which compressed gas, supplied from compressed gas source  100  (see  FIG. 7 ), is being supplied to solenoid valve  74 . As set forth in greater detail below, a pressure signal is sent to circuit board  66  from pressure sensor  46  which is in turn, configured to control the amount of time solenoid valve  74  is opened during a firing operation at least partially as a function of the value of the pressure signal. For example, as marker  50  is operational and has fired several shots in a row, the pressure value of compressed gas available to solenoid valve  74  to fire the next shot can decrease somewhat, thereby requiring a greater volume of compressed gas to expel a paintball at a desired or controlled FPS value. Circuit board  66  is configured to increase the amount of time that solenoid valve  74  is opened as a function of the desired FPS value (which can vary in different firing modes) and the compressed gas pressure value available to solenoid valve  74 . 
         [0100]    Circuit board  66  can also be configured to control various additional operating parameters of marker  50  as a function of signals received from pressure sensor  46 . In one form, circuit board  66  is configured to place marker  50  in a stand-by mode or shut marker  50  off if, for example, the signal received from pressure sensor  46  indicates compressed gas pressure levels above a predetermined safe threshold or a predetermined operational threshold. While pressure sensor  46  is illustrated in the grip frame rail  58 , it should be appreciated that it can be positioned in other locations on marker  50 . 
         [0101]    In another form, a distance sensor  75  is connected with circuit board  66 . Distance sensor  75  can comprise a laser distance sensor, an optical distance sensor, an ultrasonic distance sensor, a range finder, or any other suitable type of distance sensor. In this form, as user  10  aims barrel  54  at potential targets  12   a ,  12   b , distance sensor  75  is configured to generate an electronic distance signal, which can be an analog or digital signal, that is sent to circuit board  66 . The distance signal is indicative of the distance from marker  50  to one of the respective targets  12   a ,  12   b.    
         [0102]    Circuit board  66  is configured and operable to use the distance signal to calculate the velocity at which paintballs need to be expelled from marker  50  and the angular tilt required for barrel  54  of marker  50  to lob or launch a volley or salvo of paintballs down field to strike target  12   a ,  12   b . In the alternative, circuit board  66  can be configured to automatically determine a proper velocity to expel paintballs as a function of a tilt sensor signal received from tilt sensors  48  and the distance signal. In yet another form, distance sensor  75  can include or be connected with a button  97  that selectively transmits a distance signal to circuit board  66  every time it is pressed by user  10 . 
         [0103]    Marker  50  can also include tilt sensors  48  connected with circuit board  66 . Tilt sensors  48  are configured to sense or measure, in two axes in one form, the tilting of marker  50 . In particular, tilt sensors  48  are used to monitor the angular position of barrel  54  in comparison to a reference plane, which in this case comprises the ground G. Tilt sensors  48  can comprise an electrolytic tilt sensor, an electronic clinometer or inclinometer, an accelerometer, a piezoelectric accelerometer, a gyro sensor, a full motion sensor, or any other suitable type of sensor. Although tilt sensors  48  are illustrated as being housed in grip frame  60  and feed tube  64 , it should be appreciated that these elements can be located in other locations of marker  50 . 
         [0104]    In yet another form, one or more user controls  77  are connected with circuit board  66 . Controls  77  can comprise push button controls, dial controls, or any other suitable type of controls. In one form, controls  77  provide manual control to user  10  for adjustment of one or more of the components or operations of marker  50 . For example, controls  77  can finely adjust or fine tune the operation of tilt sensors  48 , trigger sensor  70 , distance sensor  75 , velocity controller  76 , and/or breech sensor  78 . Further, controls  77  can be configured substitutable and/or alternate with the components or operations, for example, being a manual or overriding controller for tilt sensors  48 . 
         [0105]    Controls  77  can also be configured to operate as a manual distance controller, wherein controls  77  can be utilized to manually input a distance to a respective target  12   a ,  12   b  that is utilized by circuit board  66 . In addition, controls  77  can also be used to select different firing modes (e.g.—semi-automatic, automatic, three shot burst, five shot burst, lobbing mode, etc.). As such, in this form, controls  77  inform circuit board  66  of the firing mode desired by user  10 . 
         [0106]    In one form, marker  50  includes an electronic velocity adjustment mechanism. A velocity controller  76 , which can comprise a push button control, a dial control, a sliding control, or any other suitable type of control, is connected with circuit board  66  for allowing a user to selectively set a velocity setting at which projectiles are expelled from barrel  54 . For example, if velocity controller  76  comprises two buttons (e.g.—a velocity up and a velocity down button), each press of one of the respective buttons causes a signal to be sent to circuit board  66 . In response, circuit board  66  will either raise or lower the velocity setting of marker  50  in predetermined increments (e.g.—5 FPS, 10 FPS, and so forth). Controls  77  can be utilized to set the increments in which user  10  desires each button press to raise or lower the velocity setting. 
         [0107]    Velocity controller  76  can be configured as the primary velocity adjustment feature, as a secondary velocity adjustment feature, and/or as an additional velocity adjustment feature on marker  50 . In one form, circuit board  66  is configured to not allow marker  50  to expel paintballs above a predetermined maximum velocity or below a predetermined operational velocity. As such, regardless of how many times user  10  attempts to increase or decrease the velocity once one of these thresholds is reached; circuit board  66  is configured to ignore the request. Although controls  77  and velocity controller  76  are illustrated as being housed in grip frame  60 , it should be appreciated that these elements can be located in other locations of marker  50 . 
         [0108]    In one form, where the velocity setting is not permitted to go above a predetermined maximum value, circuit board  66  is configured to control one or more operating parameters of solenoid  74  as a function of the velocity setting. In particular, in one form, in response to the user selected velocity setting, circuit board  66  is operable to control the timed release of compressed gas by solenoid  74  as a function of the velocity setting. The higher the velocity setting, the longer circuit board  66  will control solenoid  74  to release compressed gas to expel the paintball from marker  50 . As such, circuit board  66  controls the velocity of the paintballs by controlling the volume of compressed gas that is released by solenoid  74  during a firing operation. 
         [0109]    In one form, like the above form, the velocity setting is not permitted to go above a predetermined maximum value, and circuit board  66  is configured with rounds per second (“RPS”) setting that does not permit marker  50  to go above a predetermined maximum RPS value. Circuit board  66  is configured to control one or more operating parameters of solenoid  74  as a function of the velocity setting and/or the RPS setting. Again, controls  77  can be used to adjust the RPS setting (at least to an upper threshold value) of marker  50 . 
         [0110]    As previously set forth, in some forms, marker  50  includes a velocity or speed sensor  72  which is configured to allow circuit board  66  to determine the velocity of projectiles exiting barrel  54  of marker  50 . Circuit board  66  is adapted to adjust one or more operating parameters of marker  50 , in one form the operating parameters of solenoid  74 , as a function of the velocity determination, the velocity setting and/or the RPS. Further, signals from speed sensor  72  can be utilized by circuit board  66  to verify that a projectile was properly loaded and expelled from barrel  54 , as well as, the RPS of projectiles being expelled. 
         [0111]    Marker  50  can also include a breech sensor  78  connected with circuit board  66 . Breech sensor  78  is configured to permit determination of breech status, in one form, as a function of the velocity setting. For example, in the illustrated form breech sensor  78  is an array of sensors arranged in breech  79  to determine or verify an operational members&#39; position (e.g.—such as bolt  112  (see  FIG. 11 )) in respect to a paintball&#39;s position and/or any separation from the paintball. Circuit board  66  can then control one or more operating parameters as it relates to breech status and/or the velocity setting. Such as, for example; circuit board  66  can disregard an upcoming signal from speed sensor  72  when a paintball, loaded in the breech  79 , is separated from the bolt  112  above a set threshold. 
         [0112]    One or more conditional indicators  73  are also connected with circuit board  66 . Indicators  73  can comprise lights, LED&#39;s, indication displays, or any other suitable indicators or display device. Although indicators  73  are illustrated as being on the rear of marker  50 , it should be appreciated that they can be positioned in other locations on marker  50 . Indicators  73  allow user  10  to monitor the operational status or parameters of marker  50 . In addition, indicators  73  can also be used to inform the user of marker  50  of barrel  54  alignment in various firing modes. Further, indicators  73  can also be used to inform the user of a proper velocity setting for marker  50 . 
         [0113]    Indicators  73  can be combined with and/or into other components or features. For example, indicators  73  can be combined with breech sensor  78 . In one form, as illustrated, breech sensor  78  being an array of sensors in breech  79  would give user  10  a representative external view of breech  79 , such as a paintball&#39;s position or the severity of a fouled breech. Also, indicators  73  can be combined with velocity controller  76  or controls  77  such that user  10  adjusts marker  50  with the indicators  73  that are illuminated by circuit board  66 . 
         [0114]    As previously set forth, marker  50  includes tilt sensors  48  connected with circuit board  66 . Circuit board  66  can be configured with a safety feature of one or more operating parameters of marker  50  as a function of signals received from tilt sensors  48 . For example, when marker  50  is laid down, is pointed straight up or straight down, circuit board  66 , which is capable of sensing this angular orientation of marker  50  as a function of a tilt sensor signal, can be configured to automatically place marker  50  in a stand-by mode thereby disabling marker  50  from expelling projectiles. The stand-by mode can also be an energy saving mode. 
         [0115]    Circuit board  66  can also be configured to control other operational parameters of marker  50  as a function of a tilt sensor signal received from tilt sensors  48 . For example, when marker  50  is positioned in or exceeds a predetermined angle in relation to ground G, circuit board  66  is configured to switch or change firing modes or change the velocity settings of marker  50 . Controls  77  can also be configured to adjust or fine tune the signal (i.e.—the determined angle of marker  50 ) generated by tilt sensors  48 . Also, controls  77  may be configured as a manual mode controller. In one form, user  10  can use controls  77  to set a predetermined angular setting indication thereby overriding the determination made by tilt sensors  48 . Controls  77  when configured as a manual mode controller can be configured as a primary, secondary, or additional mode controller. 
         [0116]    In still another form, the projectile accelerator  50  includes a motion sensor  47  connected with circuit board  66 . Motion sensor  47  can be configured to comprise an operational control of one or more operating parameters. For example, when user  10  moves said marker  50  in preset and/or preprogrammed series of motions, actions, and/or gestures, marker  50  would automatically switch fire modes. Gestures such as a quick barrel flick left followed by a quick barrel flick upward would automatically switch marker  50  from semi auto fire mode into full auto fire mode. To further illustrate an example of a preprogrammed gesture; user  10  moves marker  50  in three quick horizontal motions—forward thrust/backward thrust/forward thrust, marker  50  then automatically self switches from full automatic mode to burst fire mode. While motion sensor  47  is illustrated housed in the grip frame  60 , it should be appreciated that it can be positioned in other locations on marker  50 ; said motion sensor  47  could comprise a manual sensor, electronic sensor, pneumatic sensor, or any other suitable type of motion sensor for detecting and/or measuring the motion and/or movement of marker  50 . Motion sensor  47  connected with circuit board  66  can be configured with a safety mode. For example, when motion sensor  47  senses a sudden and/or severe impact, such as a fall, circuit board  66  can place marker  50  into a stand by mode. 
         [0117]    In yet another form, the projectile accelerator  50  includes a directional/locational sensor  43  connected with circuit board  66 . Directional/locational sensor  43  can be configured to comprise an operational control of one or more operating parameters. Directional/locational sensor  43  can be configured to be pre programmable and/or reprogrammable. For example, in the sport of paintball; the playing fields, of major tournament paintball events, are laid out and/or designed prior to the event, for the teams to inspect and plan game strategy; with most major paintball events posting virtual field layouts on the internet. Further; the players of the more established teams, know well before game play begins what position on the field they will be playing and what their responsibilities are. Also established players pretty much know, before play starts, what opponents and bunkers they will be playing against. As such a player could pre register and/or pre program their marker to fit to the perceived play for the beginning of a game. For example, an established player might know their starting position is behind their own back right corner bunker; and must eliminate or pin down any opponents in the far left and right corner bunkers on the opposite end of the playing field. Said established player also understands the low lay down bunker on the 50 yard line in the center of the field is the biggest threat to their game plan, if occupied by an opponent. Thus, said established player configures his/her marker, before play starts, to automatically lob paintballs at a set selected lower velocity setting when pointed at the 50 yard line bunker. Also, said marker would shoot at the upper velocity setting when pointed at the far opposing corner bunkers. Since directional/locational sensor  43  was preregistered with the starting position of said established player; once established player leaves his starting position or bunker, marker  50  would no longer lob paintballs, at the set lower velocity setting, when pointed in a directional heading that matched the directional heading for the earlier 50 yard line lobbing shot. 
         [0118]    In another form, directional/locational sensor  43  connected with circuit board  66  of marker  50  could be programmed to automatically switch to stand by/off mode in the staging area or parking lot. While the directional/locational sensor  43  is illustrated being located on the front of marker  50 , it should be appreciated that it can be positioned in other locations on marker  50 . Said directional/locational sensor  43  could comprise a GPS sensor, magnetic sensor, I.R. sensor, R.F. sensor, or any other suitable type of sensor for the measuring and/or sensing of said marker  50  positional direction or bearing; and/or its positional location. 
         [0119]    In another form, projectile accelerator  50  includes a vibration/sound sensor  41  connected with circuit board  66 . Vibration/sound sensor  41  can be configured to comprise an operational control of one or more operating parameters. Also vibration/sound sensor  41  can be configured to allow the gathering or collection of operational data for analysis or examination by said user and/or marker technician. For example, in the sport of paintball, communication between team members is a very important part of a winning strategy. While some paintball markers have gotten some what quieter in recent years, they can still be fairly loud individually; but can be very loud collectively, when all the markers on a playing field are firing during a game. Also having the player&#39;s own firing paintball marker close to the player&#39;s own head and ears, while said player is wearing protective goggles with ear protection, makes hearing other team members difficult at times. The games can be so loud that players have to yell information and/or instruction to fellow team members, causing most teams to develop and use codes knowing the opposing team might hear said information and/or instruction. Further still, established team members sometimes relay said information and/or instruction across the field from one team member to other team members. This noisy environment or situation could make for unsafe field conditions, and makes controlling the game difficult for field officials/referees. 
         [0120]    The vibrations from the firing markers are also a concern. The vibrations from a firing marker not only produce unwanted noise, said vibrations produce unwanted wear and tear on both the player and said marker. These vibrations also influence the marker&#39;s velocity consistency and/or accuracy. While some vibrations are inherit to the design of the marker, other vibrations are from mistuned markers and/or marker operations. Still other vibrations develop during a game. Such as, different members or components of a marker can loosen during the firing of said marker causing even more vibrations. For example, it&#39;s common for experienced players to reach down and twist their marker&#39;s barrel before a game starts. These experienced players are reseating or affixing their barrel that might have unscrewed or vibrated loose during the pre game testing; some experienced players even twist their barrels during a game. 
         [0121]    Vibration/sound sensor  41  can be configured to allow the collection of operational data for analysis off the playing field. Vibration/sound sensor  41  connected with circuit board  66 , can indicate increased vibrations, audible level noises, inaudible noises and/or sub level noise levels through indicators  73 ; such as a barrel vibrating loose, as detailed above. Further, vibration/sound sensor  41  could be configured to adjust and/or change one or more of operating parameters through circuit board  66 . In one form, the operating parameters of the solenoid valve  74  could be adjusted and/or changed by vibration/sound sensor  41  through circuit board  66 . For example, vibration/sound sensor  41  connected with circuit board  66  detects exceptionally high sub level noises and/or vibrations when user  10  reaches the set RPS limit (i.e. 13 balls/rounds per second), thus the RPS limit is lowered by circuit board  66 , (i.e. 11 balls/rounds per second) where said sub level noises and/or vibrations are at acceptable levels. Vibration/sound sensor  41  could comprise a sonic sensor, audio sensor, acoustic sensor, vibration sensitive sensor or any other suitable type of sensor for the measuring and/or sensing acoustical sounds and/or vibrations of said marker  50 . Vibration/sound sensor  41  can be housed in other locations of marker  50  than in grip frame rail  58 , as illustrated. 
         [0122]    In yet another form, projectile accelerator  50  includes a vibration/sound sensor  41  which can be connected with circuit board  66  or can have a separate controller and/or circuit board. Also vibration/sound sensor  41  can be connected to a separate power source. Vibration/sound sensor  41  could be configured to include acoustical sending and/or output members and/or devices; as well as, vibration sending and/or output members and/or devices. Further, said acoustical and/or vibration output devices can be included into or housed in other components of marker  50 , while still being connected to vibration/sound sensor  41 . Further still, vibration/sound sensor  41  with said connected acoustical and/or vibration output devices could be configured to comprise the sending and/or transmitting anti sound waves and/or sound canceling signals; as well as, the sending and/or transmitting anti vibration waves and/or vibration canceling signals. 
         [0123]    Referring collectively to  FIGS. 6   a - 6   c , a rear view of one representative form of marker  50  is depicted to better illustrate one form of velocity adjustment mechanism  52 . In this form, velocity adjustment mechanism  52  includes a primary and/or main velocity adjustor  80 . Main velocity adjustor  80  is configured to adjust a velocity setting of marker  50 . In particular, main velocity adjustor  80  is designed to configure marker  50  so that marker  50  cannot expel paintballs above a predetermined upper or maximum velocity setting, which, for illustrative purposes only, is 300 FPS. In this illustrative example, main velocity adjustor  80  comprises an allen head screw configured to adjustably control the upper velocity setting of marker  50 . For example, adjustment of main velocity adjustor  80 , by tightening or loosening main velocity adjustor  80 , increases or decreases the maximum velocity setting of marker  50 . 
         [0124]    Velocity adjustment mechanism  52  includes an adjustment device or member  82  that is connected with main velocity adjustor  80 . In this form, adjustment device  82  comprises a lever selector that is secured to main velocity adjustor  80  with a retention member or set screw  84 . Adjustment device  82  includes an aperture  85  that fits around an outside diameter of main velocity adjustor  80 . Once main velocity adjustor  80  is set to cause marker  50  to function at the user preferred or authorized upper velocity setting, which is just below 300 FPS in this example, lever selector  82  is positioned about a dial  86  in a user selected position and then set screw  84  is used to tightly secure lever selector  82  to main velocity adjustor  80 . In this example, as illustrated in  FIG. 6   a , user  10  has selected a twelve o-clock position for lever selector  82  as the setting for the maximum or upper velocity setting. 
         [0125]    In order to prevent user  10  from being able to turn lever selector  82  clockwise, thereby increasing the velocity at which a projectile may be expelled, lever selector  82  must be restricted. As previously discussed, any velocity setting above the upper or maximum velocity setting, would cause marker  50  to be viewed as a “hot marker” as understood by those skilled in the art. In this example, dial  86  includes a plurality of apertures  88  that are positioned around a circumference or perimeter of dial  86 . A blocking pin  90  is positioned or placed in a respective aperture  88  immediately next to lever  82  to prevent lever selector  82  from being rotated any further in the clockwise direction. As such, this prevents user  10  from being able to adjust the velocity setting of marker  50  above the upper velocity setting. This is an important feature as user  10  would not be allowed to use marker  50  on the playing field if he/she was capable of adjusting marker  50  to shoot above the maximum allowed velocity setting. 
         [0126]    In this form, as user  10  rotates lever selector  82  counterclockwise, the velocity at which paintballs are expelled from barrel  54  of marker  50  begins to decrease. For example, at the setting illustrated in  FIG. 6   b , marker  50  is set to expel paintballs at an intermediate or transitional FPS setting. The further lever selector  82  is adjusted counterclockwise, the velocity at which paintballs are expelled from marker  50  decreases until, as illustrated in  FIG. 6   c , lever selector  82  reaches a lowest functional or lower velocity setting. In  FIG. 6   c , the lower velocity setting is controlled by placement of pin  92  in a user  10  selected aperture  88  of dial  86 . 
         [0127]    During operation, lever selector  82  will hit or bump up against pins  90  and  92 , which does not allow lever selector  82  to be adjusted any further beyond the upper and lower velocity settings. Selector  82  can also include a detainment mechanism, which is a detent  94  in this example, that is located in alignment with apertures  88  on dial  86  to help temporarily secure said selector  82  in place once a velocity setting is chosen by user  10 . Pins  90 ,  92  can comprise standard pins, set screws, or any other type of equivalent device that will restrict movement of lever selector  82  beyond the upper and lower velocity settings. Apertures  88  can be threaded and in one form, dial  86  is connected to body  56  (see  FIG. 10 ) of marker  50  and in another form, dial  86  is formed as an integral part of body  56 , pressure regulator  106  (see  FIG. 8 ), compressed gas adapter  102  (see  FIG. 9 ), or other components of marker  50  as disclosed herein. 
         [0128]    In another form, a rear view of electro-pneumatic marker  50  is depicted. Velocity adjustment mechanism  52  comprises a main velocity adjustor  80 , selector  82 , set screw  84 , aperture  85 , dial  86 , apertures  88 , blocking pin  90 , blocking pin  92 , and detent  94 , as disclosed in the above form(s). Velocity adjustment mechanism  52  also comprises indicators  73  connected with circuit board  66  (see  FIG. 5 ). Indicators  73  can comprise any suitable indicators, as described above and/or as illustrated  FIGS. 5 ,  6   a - 6   c . Indicators  73  can be configured as part of and/or with controls  77 . Furthermore, in one form, velocity adjustment mechanism  52  comprises situational connecters, connectors, or links  44  and  45 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6   b , connected with circuit board  66 . Situational connecters or links  44  and  45  can comprise optical eyes, electric contacts, magnetic sensors; or any other suitable type of sensors, contactor, and/or link. Connectors  44  and  45  cooperate to generate an electric output signal that informs circuit board  66  of the velocity setting of marker  50 . Connector  44  and connectors  45  are illustrated on selector  82  and dial  86 , but it should be appreciated that it can be positioned in other locations on marker  50 . 
         [0129]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , a side view of one illustrative form of marker  50  is illustrated showing velocity adjustment mechanism  52  located directly on marker  50 . In this form, velocity adjustment mechanism  52  is illustrated as being located or positioned at the back or rear of body  56 ; however, those skilled in the art should appreciate that the velocity adjustment mechanism can be located at several other positions on marker  50 . Marker  50  includes a compressed gas source  100 , which can contain compressed air, CO 2 , nitrogen, or any other type of suitable compressed gas, which is removably connected with a compressed gas adapter  102  of marker  50 . The compressed gas is used to expel projectiles from barrel  54  of marker  50 . 
         [0130]    In this illustrated form, a gas line  104  connects an output of compressed gas adapter  102  to a pressure regulator  106 . Compressed gas from compressed gas source  100  is in communication with pressure regulator  106 . Pressure regulator  106  prevents gas pressures from rising above a predetermined threshold level before entering marker  50 , to prevent damage of the internal components of marker  50 . Pressure regulator  106  includes an adjustment knob  108  that provides for adjustment of one or more operating parameters of pressure regulator  106 . 
         [0131]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , in this representative form, velocity adjustment mechanism  52  is configured as an integral part of pressure regulator  106 . As such, movement of selector  82  on regulator  106  between an upper set point and a lower set point will cause marker  50  to expel projectiles from barrel  54  between a maximum or upper velocity setting and a minimum or lower velocity setting. 
         [0132]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , in this representative form, velocity adjustment mechanism  52  has been incorporated as a component of compressed gas adapter  102 . Movement of selector  82  on compressed gas adapter  102  between an upper set point and a lower set point will cause marker  50  to expel projectiles from barrel  54  between an upper velocity setting and a lower velocity setting. All of the features discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 6   a - 6   c  are hereby incorporated by reference into the representative forms set forth in  FIGS. 7 ,  8 , and  9 . 
         [0133]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , in this representative form, velocity adjustment mechanism  52  is mounted on a side of marker  50 . Selector  82  is illustrated as being set at the maximum velocity setting. Rotation of selector  82  clockwise causes main velocity adjustor  80  to block a gas passage in marker  50  thereby allowing user  10  to incrementally reduce the velocity of paintballs that are expelled from barrel  54 . For the sake of brevity, those skilled in the art should recognize that the remaining features of marker  50  and velocity adjustment mechanism  52  are the same as those set forth with respect to  FIGS. 6   a - 6   c.    
         [0134]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , another representative form of marker  50  is illustrated that includes a velocity adjustment mechanism  110 . In this representative example, marker  50  includes a bolt  112  that travels back and forth along a longitudinal axis in a bolt chamber or bore  114  inside body  56  of marker  50 . Bolt  112  includes a gas passage  116  through which compressed gas passes in order to expel paintballs from barrel  54 . As bolt  112  travels forward, a gas port  118  in bolt  112  reaches a valve passage  120 . During operation, once trigger mechanism  62  is pressed, trigger mechanism  62  releases a hammer  122  that travels forward under the pressure or force provided by a hammer spring  124 . Said tension force of hammer spring  124  is adjusted with main velocity adjustor  302  housed in hammer spring end cap  182 . After traveling a predetermined distance, hammer  122  strikes a respective end of a valve  126 , thereby actuating valve  126 . 
         [0135]    Actuation of valve  126  causes compressed gas, which is stored in a compressed gas storage chamber  128  on an opposite side of valve  126 , to vent through valve passage  120  into gas passage  116  of bolt  112  through gas port  118 . It should be appreciated that bolt  112  and hammer  122  move together and gas port  118  is positioned on bolt  112  such that gas port  118  is aligned with valve passage  120  when hammer  122  strikes valve  126 . A bolt and hammer connecting pin  127  is used to connect bolt  112  with hammer  122 . As such, compressed gas is permitted to travel from compressed gas storage chamber  128  to valve passage  120  and then into gas passage  116  of bolt  112  via gas port  118 . This compressed gas is then used to expel a paintball from the barrel  54 . After compressed gas is expelled from chamber  128 , a spring  129  connected to an end of valve  126  forces valve  126  shut or closed, thereby stopping the flow of compressed gas through valve passage  120 . At the same time compressed gas is passed through passage  120 , compressed gas is also directed to a hammer chamber  131 , which causes hammer  122  and bolt  112  to recoil for another shot. 
         [0136]    As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , an adjustable relief valve  130  is a venting mechanism connected with an exposed end of bolt  112 . Adjustable relief valve  130  is used to control or limit the pressure that is supplied from the flow of compressed gas utilized to expel paintballs from barrel  54 . As such, when compressed gas is introduced to gas passage  116  of bolt  112 , compressed gas travels forward to expel a paintball from barrel  54  and backwards towards venting mechanism on end  134  of bolt  112 . Depending on the desired velocity setting, a predetermined amount of compressed gas will vent through velocity adjustment mechanism  110 . Adjustable relief valve  130  includes an adjustment mechanism  136 , a knob or wheel in this illustrative example, that allows user  10  to adjust velocity settings between the maximum or upper velocity setting and the minimum or lower velocity setting. 
         [0137]    In another form, an electro-pneumatic marker  50  is represented. Venting mechanism of velocity adjustment mechanism  110  is electronically controlled; in one form, by circuit board  66 , described above (see  FIG. 5 ). In yet another form, velocity adjustment mechanism  110  of electro-pneumatic marker  50  is pneumatically controlled; in one form, by solenoid valve  74  connected to circuit board  66 . 
         [0138]    Referring to  FIG. 12 , in yet another illustrative form, marker  50  includes a velocity adjustment mechanism  110  located on body  56 . In particular, velocity adjustment mechanism  110  is a venting mechanism located at an end  150  of barrel  54 . In this form, bolt  112  does not travel completely to end  150  of barrel  54 . As such, a gap exists between an end  152  of bolt  112  and end  150  of barrel  54  during a firing operation such that a seal is not formed between barrel  54  and bolt  112 . Body  56  includes a gas port  154  that is connected with a venting mechanism, which is an adjustable relief valve  156  in this form. As with the previous form, during a firing operation, compressed gas travels through gas passage  116 . A predetermined amount of this compressed gas is redirected into gas port  154  and is vented through adjustable relief valve  156 . Velocity adjustment mechanism  110  includes a knob  158  that is used by user  10  to control the amount of compressed gas that is released from adjustable relief valve  156 . Adjustable relief valve  156  is thus capable of allowing marker  50  to expel projectiles between a maximum or upper velocity setting and a minimum or lower velocity setting. 
         [0139]    In another form, an electro-pneumatic marker  50  is represented. Venting mechanism of velocity adjustment mechanism  110  is electronically controlled; in one form, by circuit board  66 , described above (see  FIG. 5 ). In yet another form, velocity adjustment mechanism  110  of electro-pneumatic marker  50  is pneumatically controlled; in one form, by solenoid valve  74  connected to circuit board  66 . 
         [0140]    Referring to  FIG. 13 , in yet another form, bolt  112  includes a gas passage  116  that includes input port  118  and an output port  160 , in addition to a port  162  used to expel paintballs from barrel  54 . Body  56  includes a gas port  164  that aligns with output port or vent  160  of bolt  112  during a firing operation and redirects a predetermined amount of compressed gas to a venting mechanism. As with the previous forms, marker  50  includes a velocity adjustment mechanism  166 , which comprises an adjustable relief valve  168  that acts or functions as the venting mechanism. In this form, velocity adjustment mechanism  166  is located behind feeder  64  in body  56 . Adjustable relief valve  168  includes a knob  170  that is used by user  10  to control the amount of compressed gas that is released from adjustable relief valve  168 . Adjustable relief valve  168  is thus capable of allowing marker  50  to expel projectiles between a maximum velocity setting and a minimum velocity setting. 
         [0141]    In another form, an electro-pneumatic marker  50  is represented. Venting mechanism of velocity adjustment mechanism  166  is electronically controlled; in one form, by circuit board  66 , described above (see  FIG. 5 ). In yet another form, velocity adjustment mechanism  166  of electro-pneumatic marker  50  is pneumatically controlled; in one form, by solenoid valve  74  connected to circuit board  66 . 
         [0142]    Referring to  FIG. 14   a , a portion of another representative marker  50  is illustrated that includes a velocity adjustment mechanism  180 . In this representative form, a hammer spring end cap  182  is connected with an end  184  of body  56 . Hammer spring end cap  182  can be threadably connected with body  56  or friction fit with body  56 . A threaded end  185  of a main velocity adjustor  186  is secured in a threaded aperture  188  of hammer spring end cap  182 . Main velocity adjustor  186  has an unthreaded end  190  that extends from threaded end  185  into the body  56  of marker  50  and includes a spring retention collar  192 . An end  194  of hammer spring  124  fits around unthreaded end  190  of main velocity adjustor  186  and rests against collar  192 . A portion of main velocity adjustor  186  fits within a retention aperture  196  of end cap  182 . 
         [0143]    In this form, main velocity adjustor  186  is used to set the maximum or upper velocity setting by adjustment of main velocity adjustor  186  in end cap  182 . Main velocity adjustor  186  is used to adjust the tension on hammer spring  124 . The more tension that is applied to hammer spring  124  (i.e.—by screwing main velocity adjustor  186  further into end cap  182 ), the harder hammer  122  strikes valve  126  during a firing operation. The harder hammer  122  strikes valve  126 , the longer valve  126  is activated and a greater volume of compressed gas is released from valve  126 , thereby expelling paintballs from barrel  54  at a higher velocity. Likewise, loosening main velocity adjustor  186 , which lessens the tension applied to hammer  122  by spring  124 , causes hammer  122  to strike valve  126  with less force during a firing operation. This causes a quicker activation of valve  126  and a release of a lesser gas volume during a firing operation, thereby expelling paintballs from barrel  54  at a lower velocity. 
         [0144]    As with the form illustrated in  FIGS. 6   a - 6   c , this form can include an adjustment device  82  (e.g.—a selector lever). Once main velocity adjustor  186  has been set to expel projectiles at an upper velocity level or setting, selector  82  can be connected with or adjusted on main velocity adjustor  186 . Although dial  86  is not included in this form, it could be connected with end cap  182 . In this form, end cap  182  includes apertures  88 . As with the forms disclosed in  FIGS. 6   a - 6   c , pins or set screws  90  and  92  can be positioned in apertures  88  to ensure that selector  82  cannot be adjusted above the upper velocity setting or below the minimum or lower velocity setting. See  FIGS. 6   a - 6   c . Set screw  84  is used to secure selector  82  to main velocity adjustor  186 . 
         [0145]    Referring to  FIG. 15 , a portion of an electro-pneumatic marker  50  is illustrated that includes a velocity adjustment mechanism  180 . In this representative form, a hammer spring end cap  182  includes an electric threaded shaft motor or actuator  195 . In another form, motor/actuator  195  is configured or constructed to interchange with or replace end cap  182 . Threaded shaft  186  of electric actuator  195 , (like main velocity adjustor  186  of  FIG. 14 ), includes a threaded end  185  that is positioned in a threaded aperture  188  of hammer spring end cap  182 . Threaded shaft adjustor  186  has an unthreaded end  190  that extends from threaded end  185  into the body  56  of marker  50  and includes a spring retention collar  192 . An end  194  of hammer spring  124  fits around unthreaded end  190  of main velocity adjustor  186  and rests against collar  192 . A portion of threaded shaft adjustor  186  fits within a retention aperture  196  of end cap  182 , as in the above form. 
         [0146]    In this form, like the above form (see  FIG. 14 ), threaded shaft adjustor  186  is used to set the maximum or upper velocity setting by adjustment of threaded shaft adjustor  186  in end cap  182 . Said adjustment of threaded shaft adjustor  186  in end cap  182  can be made by actuator  195  through wiring harness  197  to connected circuit board  66  with velocity controller  76  and/or controls  77 , in one form (see  FIG. 5 ). Also, said adjustment of threaded shaft adjustor  186  in end cap  182  can be made manually; in one form, through allen head screw end, as described above (see  FIG. 6   a - 6   c ). Threaded shaft adjustor  186  is used to adjust the tension on hammer spring  124 . The more tension that is applied to hammer spring  124  (i.e.—by screwing threaded shaft adjustor  186  further into end cap  182 ), the harder hammer  122  strikes valve  126  during a firing operation. The harder hammer  122  strikes valve  126 , the longer valve  126  is activated and a greater volume of compressed gas is released from valve  126 , thereby expelling paintballs from barrel  54  at a higher velocity. Likewise, loosening threaded shaft adjustor  186 , which lessens the tension applied to hammer  122  by spring  124 , causes hammer  122  to strike valve  126  with less force during a firing operation. This causes a quicker activation of valve  126  and a release of a lesser gas volume during a firing operation, thereby expelling paintballs from barrel  54  at a lower velocity. 
         [0147]    Again, as with the forms illustrated in  FIGS. 6   a - 6   c  and  FIG. 14 , this form can include an adjustment device  82  (e.g.—a selector lever). Once threaded shaft adjustor  186  has been set to expel projectiles at an upper velocity level or setting, selector  82  can be connected with or adjusted on threaded shaft adjustor  186 . Although dial  86  is not included in this form, it could be connected with end cap  182 . In this form, end cap  182  includes apertures  88 . As with the forms disclosed in  FIGS. 6   a - 6   c , pins or set screws  90  and  92  can be positioned in apertures  88  to ensure that selector  82  cannot be adjusted above the upper velocity setting or below the minimum or lower velocity setting. See  FIGS. 6   a - 6   c . Set screw  84  is used to secure selector  82  to threaded shaft adjustor  186 . Adjustment device  82  can be, in one form, a manual velocity adjustor or over riding velocity adjustor. Further in one form, selector  82  secured to threaded shaft adjustor  186  will hit or bump up against pins  90  and  92 , as described above (see  FIG. 6   a - 6   c ); and prevent the adjustment of threaded shaft adjustor  186  by motor/actuator  195  beyond the upper and lower velocity settings. Although illustrated as being housed in spring end cap  182 , it should be appreciated that actuator  195  can be housed in other locations of marker  50 . Also, actuator  195  can be connected to a separate controller and/or power source through wiring harness  197 . Electric actuator  195  can comprise a servo, solenoid, stepper motor, indirect drive motor, direct drive motor, ball screw drive, worm gear drive or any other suitable type of motor, drive, and/or actuator. 
         [0148]    Further, as those skilled in the art would recognize, electric actuator  195  can be alternated or substituted with pneumatic and/or hydraulic motors, drives, and/or actuators. Said pneumatic/hydraulic motors, drives, and/or actuators can comprise a servo, solenoid, fluidic muscle actuator, indirect drive actuator, direct drive actuator, ball screw drive, vane actuator, rotary vane motor, multi stage cylinder or any other suitable type of motor, drive, and/or actuator. Pneumatic actuator  195  can be activated and/or controlled by solenoid valve  74 , connected with circuit board  66 , in one form; and activated and/or controlled by an independent or secondary solenoid valve, in another form. 
         [0149]    Referring to  FIG. 16 , in this form, marker  50  includes a velocity adjustment mechanism  200  that adjusts the tension applied by spring  129  to valve  126 . As those skilled in the art would recognize, the velocity adjustment mechanism  200  can be configured additionally on marker  50  with or without the above described main velocity adjustor  186  (see  FIG. 14 ), main velocity adjustor  302  (see  FIG. 11 ), or main velocity adjustor  80  (see  FIG. 6   a - 6   c ). Velocity adjustor  202  is positioned in a valve spring retention member  204 . Retention member  204  is connected with body  56  and is positioned in chamber  128 . Velocity adjustor  202  includes a threaded end  206 , a sealing member  208 , an extension member  210 , and a collar  212 . Threaded end  206  is threaded into an internally threaded aperture  214  of retention member  204  and transitions into sealing member  208 . Sealing member  208  includes one or more seals  216  that form a fluid tight seal between sealing member  208  and an internal bore  218  of retention member  204 . Extension member  210  extends away from sealing member  208  inside internal bore  218  and transitions into collar  212 . An end  220  of spring  129  is connected with collar  212  and an opposite end  222  of spring  129  is connected with an end of valve  126 . 
         [0150]    Velocity adjustment mechanism  200  works in conjunction with hammer  122  in this form. Velocity adjustment mechanism  200  is used to adjust the force applied to the end of valve  126 . The more force that is applied to valve  126 , the faster valve  126  shuts after being struck by hammer  122 . As such, as threaded end  206  is tightened into retention member  204 , more force is applied to valve  126  by spring  129 . Likewise, as threaded end  206  is loosened from retention member  204 , less force is applied to valve  126 . The faster valve  126  closes, the less volume of compressed gas is allowed to pass through valve  126  to expel projectiles from barrel  54  of marker  50 . As such, adjustment of threaded end  206  to a predetermined location or setting allows user  10  to set an upper velocity setting. As with the previous embodiments, velocity adjustment device  82  can then be used to raise and lower the velocity at which paintballs are expelled from barrel  54 . 
         [0151]    As those skilled in the art would recognize, actuator  195  (see  FIG. 15 ) is adaptable to velocity adjustment mechanism  200 . For example, if valve spring retention member  204  extended outward in length, as well as, threaded end  206  of velocity adjustor  202 ; actuator  195  could be housed in valve spring retention member  204  as illustrated in  FIG. 15 . All other features of this form remain the same as previously set forth with respect to  FIGS. 6   a - 6   c ,  14 , and  15 . 
         [0152]    Referring to  FIG. 17 , in this form, marker  50  includes a velocity adjustment mechanism  250  that adjusts the volume of gas and the tension on spring  129  to control the force at which a paintball is expelled from barrel  54 . Velocity adjustment mechanism  250  includes a velocity adjustor  252  that is threaded into body  56  of marker  50 . In particular, velocity adjustor  252  is threaded into chamber  128  of marker  50 . Velocity adjustor  252  includes a threaded segment  254 , an extension segment  256 , and a spring receiving segment  258 . Threaded segment  254  is threaded into an internally threaded segment  260  of bore  253 . 
         [0153]    Extension segment  256  extends away from threaded segment  254  a predetermined distance into bore  253 . At an opposite end of extension segment  256  is a spring receiving segment  258 . Spring receiving segment  258  includes an aperture  262  that receives a first end  264  of spring  129 . A second end  266  of spring  129  is connected with or engages an end  268  of valve  126 . At least one seal  278  is positioned between spring receiving segment  258  and bore  253  to provide a fluid tight seal for chamber  128 , which is defined by bore  253 , spring receiving segment  258  and valve  126 . 
         [0154]    In this form, chamber  128  comprises a compressed gas storage chamber that is refilled with compressed gas after each shot. The compressed gas has a predetermined pressure level, which is controlled by regulator  106 , and a predetermined volume. While the pressure level does not change, velocity adjustment mechanism  250  is configured to change the volume or amount of compressed gas that is stored in chamber  128 . In addition, the tension on spring  129  is also adjusted which, in turn, changes the amount of force applied to end  266  of spring  129 . 
         [0155]    During setup, velocity adjustor  252  is configured to allow marker  50  to expel paintballs from barrel  54  at a maximum or upper velocity setting. As with the previous forms, adjustment device or selector  82  allows user  10  to adjust operation of marker  50  between the upper velocity setting and the lower velocity setting. Tightening, or screwing in velocity adjustor  252 , increases the tension on spring  129 , thereby causing valve  126  to close faster when hammer  122  strikes valve  126 , as well as decreases the volume of chamber  128 . 
         [0156]    Loosening velocity adjustor  252  decreases the force placed on valve  126  and increases the volume of chamber  128  (i.e.—thereby allowing more compressed gas into chamber  128 ), which allows paintballs to be expelled from barrel  54  at a higher or increased velocity. Movement of adjustment device  82  tightens and loosens velocity adjustor  252 , thereby allowing adjustment of marker  50  between the upper velocity setting and lower velocity setting. As with the representative form set forth with respect to  FIGS. 6   a - 6   c ,  14  and  15 , movement of adjustment device  82  is prevented from occurring above or below the upper velocity setting and lower velocity setting. 
         [0157]    As with  FIG. 16 , those skilled in the art would recognize, actuator  195  (see  FIG. 15 ) is adaptable to velocity adjustment mechanism  250 . For example, in one form, if the outer diameter of velocity adjustor  252  was reduced and threaded, on outer end of velocity adjustor  252  (end under barrel  54 ); and actuator  195  could be housed and/or secured in bore  253  as illustrated in  FIG. 15 . All other features of this form remain the same as previously set forth with respect to  FIGS. 6   a - 6   c ,  14 , and  15 . 
         [0158]    Referring to  FIG. 18 , yet another form of marker  50  is illustrated that includes a velocity adjustment mechanism  300 . In this form, a first velocity adjustor  302  is used to set marker  50  to operate at the maximum or upper velocity setting. This is accomplished by adjusting the tension or force applied to hammer  122  by spring  124  similar to the manner described above. During this adjustment, velocity adjustment mechanism  300  is positioned such that a gas chamber blocker  304  is located in a fully closed or forward position. The outer diameter of gas chamber blocker  304  includes a seal  306  that forms a fluid tight seal with a rear gas chamber  308  in bolt  112 . 
         [0159]    A rear portion of bolt  112  includes an aperture  310  running from an open end  312  of bolt  112  to rear gas chamber  308 . A rod  314  is connected with gas chamber blocker  304  and runs through the rear end of bolt  112  out of open end  312 . A portion  316  of the rear end of bolt  112  contains internal threads and a portion  318  of the end of rod  314  contains external threads. An adjustment knob  320  is connected with the exposed end of rod  314 . 
         [0160]    Adjustment knob  320  is used to screw rod  314  in and out of bolt  112 . When adjustment knob  320  is in the fully closed position, gas chamber blocker  304  blocks or closes off chamber  308 . As adjustment knob  320  is unscrewed or adjusted outwardly, more of chamber  308  becomes exposed thereby increasing the total volume of gas passage  116 . In this form, during a firing operation, valve  126  is configured to release a set amount of compressed gas at a set pressure. As the bolt air chamber, or total size of gas passage  116 , increases with the rearward adjustment of rod  314 , moving gas chamber blocker  304  further back into gas chamber  308 , the velocity of the paintball during a firing operation decreases. This allows user  10  to adjust marker  50  to expel paintballs between the upper velocity setting and a lower velocity setting through the adjustment of knob  320 . 
         [0161]    Again, those skilled in the art would recognize, actuator  195  (see  FIG. 15 ) is adaptable to velocity adjustment mechanism  300 . For example, in one form, actuator  195  could be housed and/or secured in rear end of bolt  112  near open end  312 , with portion  318  of the end of rod  314  threading through actuator  195 . Since the upper velocity setting, in this form, is set with main velocity adjustor  302  with gas chamber blocker  304  in the forward or closed position, as described above. Velocity of marker  50  can be adjusted between the upper velocity setting and lower velocity setting with actuator  195  of velocity adjustment mechanism  300  by, in this form, increasing or decreasing the volume of gas chamber  308  and/or gas passage  116 . Actuator  195 , in one form, is connected with circuit board  66 , and/or as described in  FIG. 15 . Also, said adjustment of gas chamber blocker  304  can still be made manually; in one form, through the adjustment of knob  320 . 
         [0162]    Further, as those skilled in the art would recognize, actuator  195  can be configured pneumatically, as described above (see  FIG. 15 ), and controlled by solenoid valve  74 , connected with circuit board  66 , in one form. Thus, gas chamber  308  can be increased and/or decreased pneumatically, in one form, to adjust the velocity of electro-pneumatic marker  50  between said upper velocity setting and said lower velocity setting. 
         [0163]    Referring to  FIG. 19 , yet another representative marker  50  is disclosed that includes a velocity adjustment mechanism  350 . This form is similar to that disclosed with respect to  FIG. 18  except that instead of the volume adjustment occurring in connection with bolt  112 , it takes place with respect to valve  126 . Once the upper velocity setting is set using first or main velocity adjustor  302 , as described above, velocity adjustment mechanism  350  can be used to adjust the velocity setting between the upper velocity setting and the lower velocity setting. In this form, a forward end of body  56  includes a longitudinal bore  354  that houses valve  126 . 
         [0164]    A valve plug  356  is secured in bore  354  that defines a rear gas chamber  358   b  and a forward gas chamber  358   a , which together define a gas storage chamber. In this form, valve plug  356  includes an outer threaded portion  360  that is threaded into an internally threaded portion  362  of bore  354 . Valve plug  356  also includes a spring retention member  364  that includes an aperture  366 . An end  368  of spring  129  rests against a respective surface of spring retention member  364 . At least one seal  369  is used to provide a fluid tight seal between bore  354  and valve plug  356 . A valve  370 , which can comprise a solenoid valve, is used to selectively supply compressed gas to the rear gas chamber  358   b  and forward gas chamber  358   a.    
         [0165]    Velocity adjustment mechanism  350  includes a velocity adjustor  352 . Velocity adjustor  352  includes an outer threaded portion  372  that engages an inner threaded portion  374  of valve plug  356 . Velocity adjustor  352  includes a gas chamber blocker  376 . An outer diameter of gas chamber blocker  376  includes a seal  378  that forms a fluid tight seal between gas chamber blocker  376  and an inner wall of rear gas chamber  358   b . Velocity adjustor  352  also includes an adjustment knob  380  that extends or is positioned outwardly from the end of valve plug  356 . 
         [0166]    When marker  50  is being adjusted for use or play, velocity adjustor  352  is secured or screwed all the way into rear gas chamber  358   b  as far as possible. Valve plug  354  includes a gas supply aperture  382  that is in alignment with a gas supply passage  384 . In this example, gas chamber blocker  376  is in approximate alignment with gas supply aperture  382 . Once velocity adjustor  352  is in the forward most position, first/main velocity adjustor  302  is used to set the upper velocity setting of marker  50 . 
         [0167]    During play, user  10  can lower the velocity setting of marker  50  by unscrewing or adjusting the position of velocity adjustor  352 . Adjusting the position of velocity adjustor  352  outwardly by turning knob  380 , increases the volume of rear gas chamber  358   b . Since compressed gas is supplied to the gas storage chamber, which as previously set forth comprises rear gas storage chamber  358   b  and forward gas storage chamber  358   a , at a set pressure and set volume, increasing the volume of the gas storage chamber causes a decrease in velocity of paintballs that are expelled from barrel  54 . 
         [0168]    Yet again, those skilled in the art would recognize, actuator  195  (see  FIG. 15 ) is adaptable to velocity adjustment mechanism  350 . For example, in one form, actuator  195  could be housed and/or secured in valve plug  356  and adjust velocity adjustor  352 , which includes gas chamber blocker  376 . As such, actuator  195  of velocity adjustment mechanism  350  can increase or decrease the volume of the gas storage chamber, thus in one form, increasing or decreasing the velocity of electro-pneumatic marker  50  between said upper velocity setting and said lower velocity setting. Those skilled in the art would again recognize, velocity adjustment mechanism  350  with actuator  195  can be configured pneumatically, as illustrated in  FIGS. 15 and 18 . 
         [0169]    Referring to  FIG. 20 , a portion of yet another form of marker  50  is illustrated that includes another representative form of a velocity adjustment mechanism  400 . Velocity adjustment mechanism  400  includes a dial selector, which in this form comprises an adjustable gas passage blocker  402  positioned in a slot  404  of body  56 . Valve  126  includes a valve body  406  that includes a gas port  408 . Adjustable gas passage blocker  402  is positioned in slot  404  of body  56  on a swivel pin  410 . As set forth in greater detail below, as gas passes from chamber  128  through port  408  of valve  126 , the gas also passes through adjustable gas passage blocker  402  before entering input port  118  of gas passage  116  in bolt  112 . 
         [0170]    Referring to  FIGS. 21   a - 21   c , which depicts top cross sectional views of marker  50  along hash A-A in  FIG. 20 , a more illustrative view of adjustable gas passage blocker  402  is illustrated. A portion of gas passage blocker  402  protrudes outwardly from a side  412  of body  56 . Adjustable gas passage blocker  402  includes a plurality of passages  414  positioned about a circumference or perimeter of adjustable gas passage blocker  402 . Each passage  414  has a different diameter or size. Main velocity adjustor  302  (see  FIG. 11 ) is used to set the upper velocity setting of marker  50  and adjustable gas passage blocker  402  is used to lower the velocity setting to different settings as a function of which passage  414  is selected. 
         [0171]    As set forth above, gas passage blocker  402  includes passages  414  that are sized according to the amount of restriction that is desired. For example, in  FIG. 21   a , the largest diameter passage  414  is aligned with gas port  408  or valve  126 . As such, marker  50  is set at the upper velocity setting.  FIG. 21   b  represents a middle setting and  FIG. 21   c  represents the lower velocity setting. An adjustment member  416  protrudes outwardly from gas passage blocker  402 . A cutaway or slot  418  is located in body  56  that provides a passageway for adjustment member  416  to travel through. 
         [0172]    Referring to  FIGS. 22   a - 22   c , in another form, marker  50  includes another representative form of velocity adjustment mechanism  400 ; velocity adjustment mechanism  400 , like in above form (see  FIGS. 20 and 21 ), includes a dial selector, which also comprises an adjustable gas passage blocker  402  positioned in a slot  404  of body  56 . As before, adjustable gas passage blocker  402  is positioned in slot  404  of body  56  on a swivel pin  410 . Adjustable gas passage blocker  402  is configured to selectively restrict compressed gas flow from the valve  126  (see  FIG. 20 ) to gas passage  116  in bolt  112 , as described above. The upper velocity setting of marker  50  is set through main velocity adjustor  302 , while the largest diameter passage  414  is aligned with gas port  408  or valve  126 . The progressive selection of smaller and smaller diameter passages  414  further increases the restriction on the compressed gas flow, progressively. Thus, velocity adjustment mechanism  400  can be used to adjust the velocity setting between the upper velocity setting and the lower velocity setting. 
         [0173]    In another representative form, an electro-pneumatic marker  50  is illustrated that includes actuator  195 . Actuator  195  is positioned in external cavity or indentation  405 . Actuator  195  includes a friction drive wheel or tension drive gear  403 , in this form, that mates to and selectively rotates adjustable gas passage blocker  402 , in slot  404 . As such, actuator  195  connected to circuit board  66  can adjust the velocity setting between the upper velocity setting and the lower velocity setting, in one form, with velocity controller  76 , controls  77 , and/or with a operational fire mode (see  FIG. 5 ), in another form. 
         [0174]    Yet again, actuator  195  can be configured pneumatically, as described above (see  FIG. 15 ), and controlled by solenoid valve  74 , connected with circuit board  66 , in one form. Thus, restriction on compressed gas flow with adjustable gas passage blocker  402  can be increased and/or decreased pneumatically, in one form, to adjust the velocity of electro-pneumatic marker  50  between said upper velocity setting and said lower velocity setting. 
         [0175]    Referring to  FIG. 23 , in yet another form, marker  50  includes a velocity adjustment mechanism  450  that comprises a bolt passage blocker  452  that is designed to partially block port  118  of bolt  112 . Bolt passage blocker  452  is connected with a rod  454  that fits within an aperture  456  in bolt  112 . Bolt passage blocker  452  fits within a retaining aperture  458  bored in bolt  112 . An end portion  460  of rod  454  includes an externally threaded portion  462  that engages an internally threaded portion  464  of bolt  112 . The end of rod  454  is connected with an adjustment knob  466 . 
         [0176]    Bolt passage blocker  452  is configured to block port  118  of bolt  112  such that gas is restricted from flowing into passage  116  of bolt  112 . As knob  466  is screwed in and out, bolt passage blocker  452  adjusts to either increasingly or decreasingly block port  118 . As a result, the velocity at which paintballs are expelled from barrel  54  can be adjusted between a maximum velocity setting and a minimum velocity setting. The maximum velocity setting can be configured on marker  50  by using main velocity adjustor  302 , as previously set forth. When the maximum velocity is set, bolt passage blocker  452  is set in a fully retracted state or position so that user  10  cannot increase the velocity while on the field to an excessive velocity setting. 
         [0177]    Similar to  FIG. 18 , actuator  195  (see  FIG. 15 ) is adaptable to velocity adjustment mechanism  450 . For example, in one form, actuator  195  could be housed and/or secured in the rear end portion of bolt  112 , with the externally threaded portion  462  of rod  454  threading through actuator  195 . Since the upper velocity setting, in this form, is set with main velocity adjustor  302 , while passage blocker  452  is in a retracted position, as described above. The velocity of marker  50  can be adjusted between the upper velocity setting and lower velocity setting with actuator  195  of velocity adjustment mechanism  450  by, in this form, increasing or decreasing the restriction on compressed gas flow with connected passage blocker  452 . Again, actuator  195 , in one form, is connected with circuit board  66 , and/or as described in  FIG. 15 . Also, said adjustment of passage blocker  452  could still be made manually; in one form, through the adjustment of knob  466 . 
         [0178]    Yet again, actuator  195  can be configured pneumatically, as described above (see  FIG. 15 ), and controlled by solenoid valve  74 , connected with circuit board  66 , in one form. Thus, restriction on compressed gas flow with connected passage blocker  452  can be increased and/or decreased pneumatically, in one form, to adjust the velocity of electro-pneumatic marker  50  between said upper velocity setting and said lower velocity setting. 
         [0179]    Referring to  FIG. 24 , another representative form of marker  50  is illustrated that includes a velocity adjustment mechanism  500 . In this form, the position of bolt  112  is adjusted such that, during a firing operation, port  118  of bolt  112  is misaligned with gas passage  120 . As such, the misalignment of port  118  restricts the flow of compressed gas to passage  116 , thereby slowing down the velocity of paintballs being expelled from barrel  54 . The bolt and hammer connecting pin  127  is positioned in vertical slot or aperture  510  in bolt  112 . One end of a rod  502  is connected with bolt and hammer connecting pin  127 . Another end of rod  502  is connected with a knob  506 . Rod  502  is positioned in an aperture  504  in bolt  112 . An end portion  508  of rod  502  includes external threads that mate with internal threads in aperture  504 . With bolt and hammer connecting pin  127  joined to hammer  122 , rotation of rod  502  with knob  506  repositions bolt  112  back and forth along a longitudinal axis in bolt chamber or bore  114  inside body  56  of marker  50 . The maximum velocity is ready to set when knob  506  is fully unscrewed and bolt  112  is in the forward most position. Then maximum velocity setting is configured on marker  50  using main velocity adjustor  302 , as previously set forth. 
         [0180]    As knob  506  is screwed in, bolt  112  moves rearward, thereby causing port  118  to become misaligned with passage  120 . The more port  118  becomes misaligned with passage  120 , by adjustment of bolt  112  on the bolt and hammer connecting pin  127  through knob  506 , the lower the velocity of paintballs expelled from barrel  54  will be. In addition, when bolt  112  is misaligned with passage  120 , some compressed gas will be vented through feed tube  64 , thereby also lowering the velocity of the paintball. 
         [0181]    Again, similar to  FIG. 18 , actuator  195  (see  FIG. 15 ) is adaptable to velocity adjustment mechanism  500 . For example, in one form, actuator  195  could be housed and/or secured in the rear end portion of bolt  112 , with the external threads of end portion  508  threading through actuator  195 . Since the upper velocity setting, in this form, is set with main velocity adjustor  302  while bolt  112  is in the forward most position, as described above. The velocity of marker  50  can be adjusted between the upper velocity setting and lower velocity setting with actuator  195  of velocity adjustment mechanism  500  by the repositioning of bolt  112 ; thus, increasing or decreasing the restriction on compressed gas flow between passage  120  and port  118 . Also, said adjustment of bolt  112  can still be made manually; in one form, through the adjustment of knob  506 . 
         [0182]    Further, actuator  195  can be configured pneumatically, as described above (see  FIG. 15 ), and controlled by solenoid valve  74 , connected with circuit board  66 , in one form. Thus, the restriction of compressed gas flow between passage  120  and port  118  can be increased and/or decreased pneumatically, in one form, to adjust the velocity of electro-pneumatic marker  50  between said upper velocity setting and said lower velocity setting. 
         [0183]    Referring to  FIG. 25 , another representative form of marker  50  is illustrated that includes a velocity adjustment mechanism  550 . In this form, velocity adjustment mechanism  550  creates controllable separation between a paintball  566  and bolt  112 . Velocity adjustment mechanism  550  comprises a paintball repositioning member  552  that pushes paintballs further into barrel  54  during a firing operation. Paintball repositioning member  552  is connected with a rod  554  that passes through gas passage  116  and an aperture  556  in bolt  112 . An end  558  of bolt  112  includes an internally threaded portion  560  and an end  568  of rod  554  includes an externally threaded portion  562  that threads into internally threaded portion  560 . A knob  564  is connected to end  568  of rod  554  and allows adjustment of ball repositioning member  552 . 
         [0184]    Ball repositioning member  552  is configured to push a paintball  566  into barrel  54  at various depths. The further paintball  566  is pushed out of the breech into barrel  54 , the greater the separation from said bolt  112 , thereby the slower or less velocity paintball  566  will be expelled from barrel  54  during a firing operation. Knob  564  allows user  10  to adjust the depth at which paintball  566  is pushed into barrel  54 , thereby allowing adjustment of the velocity at which paintball  566  is expelled from barrel  54  between an upper velocity setting and a lower velocity setting. As those skilled in the art would recognize, the ball repositioning member  552  is for the controllable separation of the paintball  566  from the compressed gas forces of compressed gas passage  116 , of bolt  112 . 
         [0185]    Yet again, similar to  FIG. 18 , actuator  195  (see  FIG. 15 ) is adaptable to velocity adjustment mechanism  550 . For example, in one form, actuator  195  could be housed and/or secured in the end  558  of bolt  112 , with externally threaded portion  562  of rod  554  threading through actuator  195 . Since the upper velocity setting, in this form, is set with main velocity adjustor  302  while paintball repositioning member  552 , of bolt  112 , is in the rearward most position. The velocity of marker  50  can be adjusted between the upper velocity setting and lower velocity setting with actuator  195  of velocity adjustment mechanism  550  by the positioning of paintball  566 ; thus, increasing or decreasing the compressed gas forces on paintball  566 . 
         [0186]    Further, actuator  195  can be configured pneumatically, as described above (see  FIG. 15 ), and controlled by solenoid valve  74 , connected with circuit board  66 , in one form. Thus, the energy to expel paintball  566  can be increased and/or decreased pneumatically, in one form, to adjust the velocity of marker  50  between said upper velocity setting and said lower velocity setting. 
         [0187]    Referring collectively to  FIGS. 24 and 25 ; another representative form of marker  50  is illustrated that includes a velocity adjustment mechanism, which is a combination of velocity adjustment mechanism  500  and velocity adjustment mechanism  550 . Said combination velocity adjustment mechanism would position the paintball, similar to velocity adjustment mechanism  550 , through longitudinal movement of the bolt  112  into barrel  54 . Said representative bolt  112  would be the ball repositioning member itself; pushing paintball  566  into barrel  54  at various depths. Those skilled in the art would recognize that the represented bolt and the valve mechanism might be independent of each other; in one form, such as not including connecting pin  127 . The independent movement of the bolt is more commonly associated with electro-pneumatic markers. 
         [0188]    Referring collectively to  FIGS. 7 ,  26 ,  27 , and  28 ; yet another representative marker  50  is disclosed that includes a velocity adjustment mechanism  672 . Velocity adjustment mechanism  672  includes a compressed gas venting method in barrel  54  of marker  50 .  FIGS. 26 and 27  depicts top cross sectional views of barrel  54  between hashes B-B to C-C in  FIG. 7 , for a more illustrative view of the compressed gas venting method of velocity adjustment mechanism  672 . Barrel  54  includes a plurality of venting outlets or ports  680  allowing user  10  to controllably vent compressed gas behind paintball  566 , as paintball  566  travels down inner bore  674  of barrel  54 . Venting ports  680  are positioned, in this illustrated form, in a plurality of circular depressions or grooves  678  around the outer diameter of barrel  54 . O-rings or seals  676  in barrel grooves  678  allow user  10  to controllably close and/or seal off venting ports  680 . The position and the quantity of venting ports  680  that are opened allow the control of the force, of the compressed gas behind paintball  566 . The ports  680  of barrel  54  that are closer to breech  79  of marker  50  or the paintball  566  starting point will permit more compressed gas venting, as would the quantity of opened venting ports  680 . User  10  would start with all venting ports  680  closed and adjust marker  50  with the main velocity adjustor, as described above, to the upper velocity setting. Then user  10  can selectively adjust the velocity of paintball  566  from marker  50  between the upper velocity setting and a lower velocity setting though the selective opening of venting ports  680  in barrel  54 . 
         [0189]    In another form, velocity adjustment mechanism  672  includes a compressed gas venting method in barrel  54  of marker  50 , as described above.  FIG. 28  also depict a top cross sectional view of barrel  54  between hashes B-B to C-C in  FIG. 7 . As before, barrel  54  includes a plurality of venting outlets or ports  680  allowing user  10  to controllably vent compressed gas behind paintball  566 , as paintball  566  travels down inner bore  674  of barrel  54 . Venting ports  680  are positioned in a plurality of circular depressions or grooves  678  around the outer diameter of barrel  54 . In this form, o-rings or seals  676  are secured in slide able or positional sleeve members  675 ; alternatively, in another form, o-rings or seals  676  can be an integral part of sleeve members  675 . Seals  676  are situated in movable sleeve members  675 , to allow seals  676  to fit into barrel depressions  678 , there by sealing off venting ports  680 . User  10  would start with sleeve members  675  positioned so that seals  676  close all venting ports  680 , then user  10  can adjust marker  50  with the main velocity adjustor  302  to the upper velocity setting, as described above. Subsequently, user  10  can selectively slide sleeve members  675  to open selected venting ports  680 . In one form, user  10  can fully open selected venting ports  680  producing an opening or venting gap  673 ; in another form, user  10  can semi open selected venting ports by slightly moving sleeve members  675 , there by creating a vent chamber between the o-rings or seals  676 . Therefore, user  10  can selectively adjust the velocity of paintball  566  from marker  50  between the upper velocity setting and a lower velocity setting through the selective opening of venting ports  680  with sleeve members  675  of barrel  54 . 
         [0190]    Referring collectively to  FIG. 29   a - 29   b , another representative form of marker  50  is illustrated that includes a velocity adjustment mechanism  652 . In this form, portions of barrel  54  are added or removed to control the velocity of marker  50  between the upper velocity setting and the lower velocity setting. User  10  would set the upper velocity setting on marker  50  with the main velocity adjustor, as described above, and with all barrel  54  portions connected. Said portions or components of barrel  54  include starting or base component  658 , a plurality of velocity adjustor or spacer components  654 , and an end or tip component  656 . In this illustrated form, barrel components are connected by joining the male ends  655  of said barrel components with female ends  657  of other barrel components. User  10  with upper velocity set on marker  50  and a fully assembled barrel  54 , can now selectively remove adjustor components  654  from base component  658  to lower the velocity of marker  50  toward and/to the lower velocity setting. This is because the compressed gas propelling the paintball down the barrel  54  loses its effectiveness on shorter and shorter barrel lengths as more compressed gas escapes around the paintball when it exits a shortened barrel  54  before utilizing its full propelling force. Thus user  10  can adjust the velocity of marker  50  with velocity adjustment mechanism  652 , by adding or removing a plurality of velocity adjustor components  654 , between said upper velocity setting and said lower velocity setting. 
         [0191]    Referring collectively to  FIGS. 30   a  and  30   b , a representative form of marker  50  is illustrated that includes a pressure regulator  106 . Pressure regulator  106  controls and/or regulates the compressed gas of marker  50 , in one form, the compressed gas is used to expel projectiles from barrel  54  of marker  50 . As illustrated, in one form, compressed gas is supplied to pressure regulator  106  through gas line  104  from connected compressed gas source  100 . Yet, in another form, the compressed gas from compressed gas source  100  is supplied to pressure regulator  106  internally through grip frame  60 , grip frame rail  58 , and/or body  56  of marker  50 . In one form, Pressure regulator  106  can adjust, control and/or regulate the compressed gas of marker  50  by controlling and/or regulating the aspects, qualities, and/or characteristics of the compressed gas used, such as, the volume, pressure, flow, flow rate, storage area, timed released, and/or temperature of the compressed gas. 
         [0192]    In one representative form, pressure regulator  106  of marker  50  is configured to comprise velocity adjustment mechanism  852 . In one form, velocity adjustment mechanism  852 , being similar to velocity adjustment mechanism  52  of  FIG. 8 , is configured as an integral part of pressure regulator  106 . In another form, velocity adjustment mechanism  852  is an additional and/or supplementary member or component to a pressure regulator  106  of marker  50 . For example, end cap or housing  108  of  FIG. 30   a  can be an alternate or substitution for adjustment knob  108  of  FIG. 7 . Although illustrated as being housed in end cap  108  it should be appreciated that velocity adjustment mechanism  852  can be housed in other locations of pressure regulator  106  or marker  50 . 
         [0193]    Velocity adjustment mechanism  852  of pressure regulator  106  includes a main velocity adjustor  80 . In this form, main velocity adjustor  80  is used to set the maximum or upper velocity setting, of marker  50 , through the adjustment of the compressed gas, as described above. Main velocity adjustor  80  can be adjusted by actuator  195  (see  FIG. 15 ), in one form, or adjusted manually through allen head screw end, as described above (see  FIG. 6   a - 6   c ), in another form. 
         [0194]    Again, as illustrated in  FIGS. 6   a - 6   c  and  FIG. 15 , this form can include an adjustment device  82  (e.g.—a selector lever). Once main velocity adjustor  80  has been set to expel projectiles at an upper velocity level or setting, selector  82  can be connected with or adjusted on main velocity adjustor  80 . In one form, end cap  108  includes apertures  88 . As with the forms disclosed in  FIGS. 6   a - 6   c , pins or set screws  90  and  92  can be positioned in apertures  88  to ensure that selector  82  cannot be adjusted above the upper velocity setting or below the minimum or lower velocity setting. See  FIGS. 6   a - 6   c . Set screw  84  is used to secure selector  82  to main velocity adjustor  80 . Adjustment device  82  can be, in one form, a manual velocity adjustor or over riding velocity adjustor. Further in one form, selector  82  secured to main velocity adjustor  80  will hit or bump up against pins  90  and  92 , as described above (see  FIG. 6   a - 6   c ); and prevent the adjustment of main velocity adjustor  80  by motor/actuator  195  beyond the upper and lower velocity settings. 
         [0195]    Still further, in another form, velocity adjustment mechanism  852  of pressure regulator  106 , can be configured to include situational connectors  44  and  45  (see  FIG. 6   b ) connected with circuit board  66  (see  FIG. 5 ). In one form, circuit board  66  knowing the position of main velocity adjustor  80  and selector  82 , through connectors  44  and  45 , can adjust or actuate main velocity adjustor  80  and selector  82  between the upper and lower velocity settings. Therefore, user  10  can set the upper actuation limit and the lower actuation limit for actuator  195  through circuit board  66 , thereby setting the upper velocity setting and the lower velocity setting. 
         [0196]    Also, in another form, actuator  195  can be configured with a positional sensor that determines the respective positions of main velocity adjustor  80 , and the degrees of actuation of actuator  195  and/or main velocity adjustor  80 . Thus, actuator  195 , with the incorporated positional sensor, in one form, would not adjust the velocity of marker  50  beyond the upper velocity setting and lower velocity setting, as set by user  10 . In one form, user  10  can set the upper and lower velocity setting or limit, for actuator  195 , through circuit board  66  with controls  77  and/or velocity controller  76  (see  FIG. 5 ), as described above. In another form, velocity adjustment mechanism  852  of pressure regulator  106 , connected with circuit board  66 , can be configured with pressure sensor  46  (see  FIG. 5 ). Circuit board  66  in communication with pressure sensor  46  can adjust or control one or more operating parameters of pressure regulator  106 , of marker  50 . For example, user  10  sets the upper velocity setting and lower velocity setting for marker  50  with controls  77  and/or velocity controller  76 , connected with circuit board  66 , which is connected with pressure sensor  46 . Circuit board  66  knowing the operation pressure or its determined value, of the compressed gas of marker  50 , for the upper velocity setting and the lower velocity setting, would only adjust actuator  195  between those determined pressures and/or values. 
         [0197]    Also, circuit board  66  in communication with pressure sensor  46 , can adjust actuator  195  to lower the velocity and/or operational pressure of marker  50 , such as, when the gas pressure of marker  50  and/or pressure regulator  106  exceeds a preset safety limit, or the velocity of marker  50  exceeds the upper velocity setting. In one form, speed sensor  72  connected with circuit board  66  (see  FIG. 5 ), can determine, analyze and/or verify the velocity of an expelled paintball, respective to a determined value of pressure sensor  46 , a selected velocity setting, and/or the adjustment of main velocity adjustor  80  through actuator  195  of pressure regulator  106 . 
         [0198]    All of the features discussed above with reference to  FIG. 5 ,  FIGS. 6   a - 6   c , and  FIG. 15  are hereby incorporated by reference into the representative forms set forth in  FIGS. 30   a  and  30   b . Also, those skilled in the art would recognize that marker  50  can be configured with a plurality of pressure regulators with electric and/or pneumatic adjustment mechanisms, such as, velocity adjustment mechanism  852 . For example, many paintball markers of today are configured with a plurality of pressure regulators; such as, a pressure regulator to control the force or velocity at which the paintball is expelled and a pressure regulator to control the pressure of compressed gas that is used to operate the marker&#39;s functions. 
         [0199]    Referring collectively to  FIGS. 30   c  and  30   d , another representative form of marker  50  is illustrated that includes a velocity adjustment mechanism  852 , that is, in connection or relationship with, the compressed gas source  100 , through compressed gas adapter  102 , in one form. In another form, velocity adjustment mechanism  852  can be configured into or part of compressed gas source  100  itself, such as, many of the compressed gas sources or tanks sold today. Some of these tanks or sources are controlled or regulated with an attached external regulator, while others are configured with an internal regulator. Still other tanks or sources, attach to an adapter, such as illustrated compressed gas adapter  102 . Thus, an electric and/or a pneumatic controlled velocity adjustment mechanism, such as velocity adjustment mechanism  852 , can be configured internally into, externally onto, and/or in connection with a compressed gas source or tank  100 . Again, for the sake of brevity, all of the features discussed above with reference to  FIG. 5 ,  FIGS. 6   a - 6   c ,  FIG. 15 , and  FIGS. 30   a - b  are hereby incorporated by reference into the representative forms set forth in  FIGS. 30   c  and  30   d.    
         [0200]    Further, those skilled in the art would also recognize that pressure regulators with electric and/or pneumatic adjustment mechanisms, such as, those representatively illustrated in  FIGS. 30   a  to  30   d , would allow a user to retrofit many paintball markers sold to date with a velocity adjustment that allowed the user to expel paintballs between an upper velocity setting and a lower velocity setting, as set forth in greater detail below. 
         [0201]    Referring collectively to  FIGS. 31   a  to  31   e , in this form, representative marker  50  can include a plurality of velocity adjustment mechanisms. As described above, marker  50  can include a primary or main velocity adjustor (i.e.—main velocity adjustor  302 , main velocity adjustor  80 , main velocity adjustor  186 , etc.) and a secondary velocity adjustor (i.e.—selector lever  82 , adjustment mechanism  110 , adjustment mechanism  180 , adjustment mechanism  200 , adjustment mechanism  250 , etc). Further, as described above, marker  50  can include an additional adjustment mechanism, such as actuator  195 , to the primary velocity adjustor or to a secondary velocity adjustor. Even though, also described above, markers of today can be configured with a plurality of different adjustment means or mechanisms, such as, a regulator to control tank pressure (i.e.—compressed gas adapter  102 ), vertical regulator to control expelling pressure (i.e.—pressure regulator  106 ), main velocity adjustor  302 , etc.; still markers of today are configured to be used or played with at one velocity setting, an upper velocity setting. 
         [0202]    As representatively illustrated in  FIG. 31   a - e , marker  50  can be configured with a plurality of velocity adjustment mechanisms or means that allow a user  10  to further adjust or finely adjust the velocity setting(s) of marker  50 , between an upper velocity setting and a lower velocity setting. For example, see  FIG. 31   a , marker  50  can be configured with velocity adjustment mechanism  852  (see  FIG. 30   a - b ) and velocity adjustment mechanism  180  (see  FIG. 15 ). In a further example, see  FIG. 31   b , marker  50  can be configured with velocity adjustment mechanism  652  (see  FIG. 29   a - b ) and velocity adjustment mechanism  852  (see  FIG. 30   c - d ). 
         [0203]    Further still, user  10  can configure one velocity adjustment mechanism for one purpose and/or function, while configuring an additional velocity adjustment mechanism for another purpose and/or function. For example, see  FIG. 31   c - e , marker  50  can be configured with velocity adjustment mechanism  52 , that adjusts the pressure and/or volume of compressed gas used by marker  50 , and with velocity adjustment mechanism  180 , that adjusts the force or tension of hammer spring  124 , there by adjusting the timing of valve  126  (see  FIGS. 14 and 16 ). In the above illustrative form, velocity adjustment mechanism  180  adjusts the force, speed, and/or time hammer  122  activates or interacts with valve  126 , through the tension and/or force of hammer spring  124 . In the above representative form, spring end cap  182  is held or retained in body  56  with body/cap pin  172 . End cap  182  includes cam or progressive thread and/or surfaces  174  that allow the adjustment of end cap  182  and spring  124 , while still being held or retained in body  56  with body/cap pin  172 , such as, an intermediate velocity position and/or setting illustrated in  FIG. 31   d  or a lower velocity position and/or setting illustrated in  FIG. 31   e . Also, in one form, adjusting end cap  182 , of velocity adjustment mechanism  180 , can include non-adjusting positions or surfaces  173 , that do not allow the adjustment of end cap  182 , as in restrictive tournaments (see  FIG. 31   c ). 
         [0204]    Also, in another representative form, user  10  can configure one velocity adjustment mechanism for a segment or portion of a purpose and/or function, while configuring an additional velocity adjustment mechanism for another segment or portion of a purpose and/or function. For example, one velocity adjustment mechanism can be configured to adjust marker  50  quickly in 20 FPS increments, while another velocity adjustment mechanism can be configured to finely adjust marker  50  in 5 FPS increments. Also, one velocity adjustment mechanism can be configured to adjust marker  50  through the upper half of the velocity settings, while another velocity adjustment mechanism can be configured to adjust marker  50  through the lower half of the velocity settings, of the velocity settings falling between the upper velocity setting and the lower velocity setting (i.e.—300 FPS to 220 FPS for one velocity adjustment mechanism and 219 FPS to 140 FPS for another velocity adjustment mechanism). Further, for example, one velocity adjustment mechanism can be configured to adjust the velocity settings of marker  50  in a lobbing mode, while another velocity adjustment mechanism can be configured to adjust the velocity settings of marker  50  in an energy saving mode, as set forth in greater detail below. 
         [0205]    Also, a plurality of velocity adjustment mechanisms or means can be combined into a single velocity adjustment mechanism or means that is multi functional. For example, see  FIG. 14 , hammer spring end cap  182  can be threadably connected with body  56 , thus hammer spring end cap  182  can be configured as a velocity adjustment mechanism to lessen the spring force of hammer spring  124 , similar to velocity adjustor  252  in  FIG. 17  or velocity adjustor  180  in  FIG. 31   d - e ; while still being configured with lever  82  of velocity adjustment mechanism  180  (see  FIG. 14 ). There by allowing one velocity adjustment mechanism or means to adjust the velocity setting of marker  50  for one purpose while allowing the other velocity adjustment mechanism or means to adjust the velocity setting of marker  50  for another purpose, as described above, although being configured and/or housed in a single unit or member. 
         [0206]    Referring collectively to  FIGS. 32 and 33 , a user  10  is illustrated firing projectiles or paintballs at two respective targets  12   a ,  12   b  using a compressed gas projectile accelerator or paintball marker  50 . User  10  is shooting at target  12   a  with a marker  50  that is configured to expel paintballs at target  12   a  at an upper velocity setting, which in this form, comprises the maximum allowable velocity setting of 300 FPS, as described above. Again, since user  10  is a substantial distance from target  12   a , thus requiring the paintball to travel a greater distance, the paintball tends to travel along somewhat of an arced path after traveling a predetermined distance due to the force of gravity on the paintball. 
         [0207]    User  10  is also lobbing paintballs on to target  12   b  with marker  50  set at the lower velocities of the lobbing mode, also described above (see  FIG. 32 ). As user  10  adjusts or positions barrel  54  of marker  50  along latitudinal axis LA-LA, relative to the ground G, the impact of the paintballs of the lobbing mode changes, outwardly then inwardly; if said lower velocities remain unchanged. For example, user  10  is lobbing paintballs at target  12   b , in target area TA, with marker  50  configured to one set of lower velocities and starting with low barrel  54  angle while impacting target area TA. As user  10  increased the angle of barrel  54  along latitudinal axis LA-LA the impact of the paintballs would extend increasing past target area TA, until the paintballs reached their distance limit for that set of said lower velocity settings. Then, their impact would increasingly return to target area TA, as user  10  continued to increase the angle or position of barrel  54  towards a greater predetermined angle. 
         [0208]    Further, as illustrated in  FIG. 33 , a lobbed paintball, of said lower velocity settings, can have more than one predetermined expelling angle for any particular velocity setting. For example, user  10  is lobbing paintballs at target  12   b  with marker  50  configured to one velocity setting of the said lower velocity settings. User  10  is lobbing paintballs at target  12   b  in two different arc shaped paths, a high radius HR shaped arced path and a low radius LR shaped arced path. The high radius HR shaped arced path and the low radius LR shaped arced path are comparatively representative of the substantially arc shaped paths  18  that can be used or selected by user  10 , to lob paintballs onto target  12   b  in target area TA. 
         [0209]    Referring to  FIG. 34 , an overhead representative example of a paintball playing field is illustrated; in particular, a tournament playing field. Tournament paintball playing fields are typically designed or arranged to be tactically balanced for two opposing teams, with equal and mirror like qualities. Tournament fields are normally laid out on fairly level ground with various shaped bunkers or obstacles that provide cover to the players. The dimensional size of the field, the placement of obstacles and the quantity of obstacles on the field routinely depends on the number of allowed players per playing team, such as 3 man teams, 5 man teams, 10 man teams, etc. The playing fields for most major tournament paintball events are generally pre designed for the teams to inspect and plan game strategy; with many major paintball events posting virtual version of the field layouts on the internet, as described above (see  FIG. 5 ). 
         [0210]    As illustrated, user  10  is playing or opposing at least two opponents, represented as target  12   c  and target  12   d . Target  12   c  is playing behind obstacle  16   a  that is located in grid R2/C2 and target  12   d  is playing in grid R1/C8 behind an obstacle located in grid R2/C8. User  10  is playing behind or off the back right bunker or obstacle; which is, the representative upright cylindrically shape in grid R9/C8. User  10  is expelling paintballs at target  12   c  and target  12   d  with marker  50 , set at the upper velocity setting, as described above. User  10 , in this illustrative example, recognizes the low tubular obstacle  16   b , on the 50 yard line in the center of the field as the biggest threat to team&#39;s game plan, if occupied by an opponent. Thus, user  10  preregistered grid R5/C5, illustrated as target area TA1; as well as, other target areas in other grids behind other opposing obstacles, illustrated as target area TA2 and target area TA3. The preregistering of grids and/or target areas into marker  50  by user  10 , allows user  10  to expel paintballs at or onto targets in said target areas quicker and more precisely. In one form, marker  50  includes directional/locational sensor  43 , as described above (see  FIG. 5 ); directional/locational sensor  43  allows user  10  to position marker  50  in the preregistered directional heading of a pre selected target area and marker  50  will self select or auto select the preregistered preferences and/or factors (i.e. selected velocity settings, firing mode, etc.) that were selected and input by user  10  before the game began. Said preregistering of a target area can be done for the straight fire mode and the lobbing fire mode. For example, user  10  could preregister grid R1/C2 behind obstacle  16   a  for the upper velocity setting of the straight fire mode or grid R5/C5, target area TA1, for a lower velocity setting of the a lobbing fire mode. Further, besides presetting the velocity setting or settings for a particular target area, as well as, the firing mode (i.e.—straight fire mode, lobbing mode, velocity spreader lobbing, lobbing burst mode, etc.); user  10  can preregister a delivery arc or angular path, such as a high radius HR shaped path and/or a low radius LR shaped path, as described above (see  FIG. 33 ). The preregistering of the delivery path allows user  10  to consider and/or compensate for, the shape and/or size of an obstacle in front of an opponent or a target area. For example, user  10  can register a high radius HR shaped path for a taller obstacle and register a low radius LR shaped path for a shorter obstacle. In one form, marker  50  includes indicators  73 , as described above (see  FIG. 5 ); said indicators  73  can guide user  10  to the proper and/or selected angle for barrel  54  for the selected preregistered delivery path, such as the high radius HR or the low radius LR shaped path, during play of the game. 
         [0211]    The preregistering of marker  50  can be done before play begins on the paintball field. This preregistering of marker  50  can be accomplished through trial and error, with positive results being acknowledged and input into marker  50 , during a pre game test firing. Also, the preregistering of marker  50  can be accomplished through above described configured marker (see  FIG. 5 ). For example, said configured marker  50  includes directional/locational sensor  43 ; allowing user  10  to input the starting location for marker  50 . The distance and direction to a selected target or target area can be determined by marker  50  through directional/locational sensor  43 ; such as, during the pre game field walk user  10  inputs said starting location into marker  50 , then user  10  walks over to the selected target area and inputs its location, thus marker  50  knows the distance between the two entered locations and the directional heading. Additionally, the distance to a selected target or target area can be input by user  10  through included distance sensor  75  or controls  77  configured as a manual distance control, as described above. This, input of the distance to a selected target or target area, by controls  77 , is aided by the announcement of the dimensional fields lay outs or designs, by event promoters. In one form, directional/locational sensor  43 , distance sensor  75 , and/or manual distance control  77  can be used to verify and/or cross reference, the others, distance to target determination. Other aspects and/or factors can be input or preregistered by user  10  before the game, such as, preferred velocity settings, preferred delivery paths, firing modes, RPS, activating barrel angles of the auto select mode, the directional heading of a selected target relative to the starting position, etc. The registering of marker  50 , similar to the pregame preregistering, can be done during play of the game while on the playing field, as described above (see  FIG. 5 ). Also, the pregame preregistered factors, aspects, determinations, and/or preferences can be adjusted or changed during play of the game, such as; with controls  77 , also described above (see  FIG. 5 ). 
         [0212]    Further, the preregistering of an angular path limit or angle limit for barrel  54  can also be set for any velocity setting, at or above a specified velocity setting, as a safety mode. For example, a tournament promoter or official of a representative paintball event comprehends that a lob paintball from a barrel of a marker with an angle of more than 70 degrees, at a velocity of more than 240 FPS could drift over the safety netting, which is in front the viewing area. Thus, a preregistered limit might be imposed or set to, 65 degrees or less for any velocity setting above 235 FPS. In this example, any barrel  54  angle above 65 degrees would be limited to an upper velocity setting of 235 FPS by the configured marker. 
         [0213]    Referring collectively to  FIG. 35   a - b , a representative form of a paintball feeding system is illustrated. In particular, a paintball feed system and/or method  30  that considers, counteracts, and/or compensates for the angle or positional position of marker  50  and/or paintball hopper  63 . For example, when a marker of today, with fixed vertical feed tube, is placed in a predetermined angle in order to lob paintballs onto a target such as target  12   b , the feed tube  64  of marker  50  would be 90 degrees to that predetermined angle. That is, if the barrel  54  of marker  50  is at a predetermined lobbing angle of 60 degrees, the feed tube  64  is at 90 degree angle to that 60 degree angle of the barrel  54 , and not at 90 degrees to the ground. Further for example, if the barrel  54  of marker  50  is pointing at 1 o&#39;clock (from a side view), then the feed tube  64  would be pointing at 10 o&#39;clock. Thus the paintball hopper  63  could have feeding problems and/or miss feeds. However, if marker  50  included a pivoting, rotating, and/or hinged member or component, such as feed tube  64 , that considered, counteracted, and/or compensated for the angle or positional position of barrel  54  and marker  50 ; paintball hopper  63  would feed paintballs as it&#39;s designed. Also, paintball hopper  63  can be configured to consider, counteract, and/or compensate for its angular or positional position, as set forth in greater detail below. Those skilled in the art would recognize that most paintball hoppers in use today are designed and perform best in a level or more level position; and that most paintball markers in use are designed with fixed vertical feed tubes for this reason. 
         [0214]    Referring to  FIG. 36 , another representative form of paintball feed system and/or method  30  is illustrated. Similar to the above form, in this illustrated form; paintball feed system  30  includes a method that considers, counteracts, and/or compensates for the angular or positional position of marker  50  and/or paintball hopper  63 , where the angle is a downward angle. For example, when user  10  is not engaging an opponent, marker  50  might be placed in a resting or downward angle, as illustrated. Thus, paintball hopper  63  would not be fully ready to feed paintballs through feed tube  64  to marker  50  as designed; if marker  50  has a fixed vertical feed tube, as described above. In this representative form, marker  50  includes a pivoting, rotating, and/or hinged feed tube  64  that considered, counteracted, and/or compensated for the angle or positional position of barrel  54  and marker  50 ; there by allowing paintball hopper  63  to be fully ready and able to feed paintballs once user  10  engaged a target. Again, paintball feed system  30  can include a paintball hopper  63  configured to consider, counteract, and/or compensate for its angular or positional position. 
         [0215]    Further, in the sport of paintball; tournament paintball allows the “bunkering” of an opponent, that is where a player or user runs up to an opponent&#39;s bunker or obstacle, and shoots said opponent. Many times said opponent is kneeling or laying prone behind the bunker causing the “bunkering” player or user to shoot downward to eliminate said opponent. This downward shooting causes the paintball hopper  63  to be out of its preferred level position. But, as illustrated in this form; marker  50  and/or paintball hopper  63  can comprise a pivoting, rotating, and/or hinged feed method that considers, counteracts, and/or compensates for the angular or positional position marker  50  and/or paintball hopper  63 , there by allowing the proper feeding of paintballs to marker  50 . 
         [0216]    Referring collectively to  FIG. 37   a - f , in this representative form, paintball marker  50  includes paintball feed system  30 . In this form, paintball feed system  30  of marker  50  can be configured to includes a pivoting, rotating, and/or hinged member or component, which is feed tube  64  in this representation, that considers, counteracts, and/or compensates for the angle or positional position of paintball hopper  63  and/or marker  50  (see  FIG. 37   d - e ), as described above. In a representative form of the above form, feed tube  64  can be configured as a vertical feed tube, but with a side entry or feed, that is, a side mounted feed tube. The upper portion of side feed tube  64  turns into marker  50  through transitional sections  37  allowing paintballs to be fed to marker  50  from the side. The side mounting of feed tube  64  can be configured into the right side of marker body  56  (see  FIG. 37   a ) and/or the left side of marker body  56  (see  FIG. 37   c ). In one form, user  10  can switch feed tube  64  from one side of marker  50  to the other side of marker  50 . Feed system  30  can include a seal or plug  38  (see  FIG. 37   b ) to allow the closing or sealing off of bore  114  (see  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 37   f ) on one side of body  56  when feed tube  64  is configured on the other side of marker  50 . 
         [0217]    In one representative form, feed tube  64  of feed system  30  can pivot or rotate 360 degrees around its mounted position on body  56  of marker  50 . Further, feed system  30  can include a positional system and/or method, such as actuator  195  (see  FIG. 15  and  FIG. 37   f ), to allow the assisted movement or placement of feed tube  64 . In one form, actuator  195  of feed system  30  can be connected to circuit board  66  (see  FIG. 5 ) of marker  50 . In another form, actuator  195  of feed system  30  can be connected to a separate controller or circuit board  66  and/or a separate power supply  68  (see  FIG. 5 ). Further, feed system  30  can include sensors, such as tilt sensors  48  (see  FIG. 5 ), configured to allow user  10  and/or circuit board  66  of marker  50  to position feed tube  64  and/or paintball hopper  63  in a better or premium position and/or situation. For example, user  10  can position barrel  54  of marker  50  in a predetermined angle to lob paintballs onto a target area TA. Feed system  30 , with circuit board  66  and connected tilt sensor  48 , then moves or repositions feed tube  64  and/or paintball hopper  63  to an improved feeding position through the activation of actuator  195 . In one illustrated form (see  FIG. 37   a  and  FIG. 37   f ), actuator  195  is secured or connected to feed tube  64  through bands or brackets  191 . Actuator  195  includes a shaft driven drive wheel or gear  193  which companions or mates to a suitable surface, such as gear teeth impressions  194  (see  FIG. 37   a  and  FIG. 37   f ), on the body  56  of marker  50 . Thus, movement or rotation of drive gear  193  by actuator  195  causes the connected feed tube  64  to pivot or rotate around its connection to body  56  of marker  50 , there by allowing circuit board  66  and connected tilt sensor  48  to position feed system  30  into a more preferred feeding position and/or situation. 
         [0218]    Actuator  195  of the above form, similar to a form of  FIG. 15 , can comprise an electric means or manner, such as, a servo, solenoid, stepper motor, indirect drive motor, direct drive motor, ball screw drive, worm gear drive or any other suitable type of motor, drive, and/or actuator. Also, actuator  195  can comprise a pneumatic and/or hydraulic means or manner, such as with, pneumatic and/or hydraulic motors, drives, and/or actuators. Said pneumatic/hydraulic motors, drives, and/or actuators can further comprise a servo, solenoid, fluidic muscle actuator, indirect drive actuator, direct drive actuator, ball screw drive, vane actuator, rotary vane motor, multi stage cylinder or any other suitable type of motor, drive, and/or actuator. Pneumatic actuator  195  can be activated and/or controlled by solenoid valve  74  (see  FIG. 5 ), connected with circuit board  66 , in one form; and activated and/or controlled by an independent or secondary solenoid valve, in another form. Although illustrated in connection feed tube  64 , it should be appreciated that actuator  195  can be configured in other locations of marker  50  and/or feed system  30 . 
         [0219]    Referring collectively to  FIG. 38   a - c , another representative form of paintball marker  50  is illustrated, that includes paintball feed system  30 . In this form, paintball feed system  30  of marker  50  can be configured to include a pivoting, rotating, and/or hinged member or component, such as feed tube  64 , that considers, counteracts, and/or compensates for the angle or positional position of barrel  54  and marker  50 , as described above (see  FIG. 35   a - b ,  FIG. 36 ). In this form, paintball feed system  30  of marker  50  can include a vertical feed tube  64 , that is similar to fixed vertical feed tubes of most paintball markers of today. While feed tube  64  of paintball feed system  30  feed paintballs to marker  50  from the top, feed tube  64  of paintball feed system  30  is not fixed or held in place or one position. In one form, feed tube  64  of paintball feed system  30  can be configured to saddle or outwardly conform to the upper sides of body  56  of marker  50 . Also, feed tube  64  includes a hinged and/or pivot point, such as pivot screw  32 , that allows feed tube  64  to rotate forward and/or backward, while still feeding paintballs to marker  50 . Paintball feed system  30  of marker  50  can be configured with slide plates or covers  34  that expose and/or cover the elongated feed port or passage for paintball expelling bore  114  (see  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 37   f ). In this representative form, slide covers  34  can be spring loaded or assisted and are moveably secured with retaining screws  33 . 
         [0220]    In another representative form, paintball feed system  30  can be configured to include assisted movement and/or positioning. In one form, feed system  30  includes actuator  195  (see  FIG. 15  and  FIG. 37   f ) to allow user  10  and/or circuit board  66  to position feed system  30  into a preferential feeding position and/or situation, as described herein. 
         [0221]    Referring collectively to  FIG. 39   a - d , a further representative form of paintball marker  50  is illustrated, that includes paintball feed system  30 . In one form, paintball feed system  30  of marker  50  can be configured to include a pivoting, rotating, and/or hinged feed tube  64  that considers, counteracts, and/or compensates for the angle or positional position of marker  50  and/or paintball hopper  63 , as described above. In one representative form, feed tube  64  can be configured as an angled, curved, or slanted feed tube that can be rotationally positional to allow feed system  30  to be placed into a preferred or more preferred feeding position and/or situation (see  FIG. 39   a - b ). In another form, feed system  30  includes a pivoting or rotating body segment or section  35  of body  56  that can be rotationally positional to allow feed system  30  to be placed into a preferred or more preferred feeding position and/or situation. In one representative form, feed tube  64  of feed system  30 , being rotationally connected with positional body segment  35 , can be positioned spherically or around body  56  of marker  50  (see  FIG. 39   c - d ). 
         [0222]    In another form, feed tube  64  and/or positional body segment  35 , of feed system  30 , can be configured with or be connected to actuator  195  (see  FIG. 37   f ). In one form, feed system  30  includes circuit board  66  connected with actuator  195 . In another representative form, feed system  30  includes tilt sensors  48  connected with circuit board  66 . There by, allowing user  10  and/or circuit board  66  with connected tilt sensors  48 , through the pivoting, rotating, and/or hinged movement of angled feed tube  64  and/or movable body segment  35 , to position and/or reposition feed system  30  into an improved feeding arrangement and/or configuration. The repositioning of feed system  30 , during play of a game, can be automatic or self selected through circuit board  66  and tilt sensors  48  connected with actuator  195 . Also, the repositioning of feed system  30 , during play of a game, can be manually performed or completed through controls  77  (see  FIG. 5 ) or by hand, by user  10 . 
         [0223]    Referring collectively to  FIG. 40   a - c , a representative form of a paintball feeding system  30  is illustrated. In this form, paintball feeding method  30  considers, counteracts, and/or compensates for the angle or positional position of marker  50  and/or paintball hopper  63 , as described above (see  FIG. 35   a - b  and  FIG. 36 ), through the configuration and/or cooperation of paintball hopper  63 . In one representative form, paintball hopper  63  of paintball feeding system  30  includes a moveable and/or positional member, such as feed neck  65 , that pivots, rotates, and/or is hinged to allow paintball feeding system  30  to feed paintballs to marker  50  in an improved or preferred position and/or situation. In one representative form, feed neck  65  can be configured with a moveable and/or positional connection  61  to paintball hopper  63 . In another form, paintball hopper  63  can be configured with a moveable and/or positional connection  61  to feed neck  65  and/or feed tube  64 . 
         [0224]    In one form, the configuration of the improved or preferred feeding position of paintball feeding system  30  can be through the configuring of paintball hopper  63 , as described above (see  FIG. 40   a ). In another form, the configuration of the improved or preferred feeding position of paintball feeding system  30  can be through the configuring of marker  50 , as described above (see  FIGS. 37   a  to  39   d ). In yet another form, the configuration of the improved or preferred feeding position of paintball feeding system  30  can be through the configuring of marker  50  and paintball hopper  63 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 40   b  and  40   c . For example, marker  50  of paintball feeding system  30  can be configured with a moveable and/or positional feed tube  64  (see  FIG. 38   a - c ), while paintball hopper  63  of paintball feeding system  30  can be configured with a moveable and/or positional feed neck  65  (see  FIG. 40   a - c ). 
         [0225]    Further, in another form, paintball hopper  63  of feed system  30  can be configured with or be connected to actuator  195  to allow the assisted positioning of paintball hopper  63 , as described above. Again, in one form, feed system  30  can include circuit board  66  connected with actuator  195 . There by, allowing user  10 , through controls  77  (see  FIG. 5 ) connected with circuit board  66 , to position and/or reposition feed system  30  into an improved feeding arrangement and/or configuration. Also, in another representative form, feed system  30  can also include sensors, such as tilt sensors  48 , connected with circuit board  66 . There by, allowing circuit board  66  to automatically configure paintball hopper  63  and/or marker  50  of paintball feed system  30  into an improved feeding arrangement and/or configuration. 
         [0226]    Referring collectively to  FIG. 41   a - b , in this representative form, paintball marker  50  includes a plurality of tilt sensors  48  connected with circuit board  66 . In this form, tilt sensors  48  connected with circuit board  66  can be configured to sense and/or measure the tilt position, angular position, and/or axial position of components or members of marker  50 . In one form, tilt sensors  48  can be configured to sense and/or measure the position of components or members in comparison or reference to other components or members of marker  50 . In another form, tilt sensors  48  can be configured to sense and/or measure the position of components or members in comparison or reference to the ground G. For example, tilt sensor  48  illustrated in grip frame  60  can be configured to sense the tilt or angular position of marker  50  or its members in reference to the ground G, while tilt sensor  48  illustrated as part of the feed tube  64  and/or hopper  63  can be configured to sense the tilt or angular position of the paintball feed system  30 , in reference to other members of marker  50 . 
         [0227]    In one representative form, elements or members of marker  50  can be connected, such as tilt sensors  48 , and/or connected to circuit board  66  through a detachable or separable connection. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 41   b , tilt sensor  48  of paintball hopper  63  can be connected to circuit board  66  in grip frame  60  through connector or link  292  and connector or link  294 . In one form, connector  292  of feed neck  65  can be configured to mate and/or connect to connector  294  of feed tube  64  when paintball hopper  63  is connected to or companioned with marker  50 . In another representative form, elements or members of marker  50  can be connected, such as tilt sensors  48 , and/or connected to circuit board  66  through included data links or transfer elements, as set forth in greater detail below. 
         [0228]    Similar to an above form (see  FIG. 5 ), tilt sensors  48  can comprise an electrolytic tilt sensor, an electronic clinometer or inclinometer, an accelerometer, a piezoelectric accelerometer, a gyro sensor, a full motion sensor, or any other suitable type of sensor. Although tilt sensors  48  are illustrated as being housed in grip frame  60 , feed tube  64 , and paintball hopper  63  it should be appreciated that these elements can be located in other locations of marker  50 . Also tilt sensors  48  can be combined into a single member or element. 
         [0229]    Referring to  FIG. 42 , in another representative form, paintball marker  50  includes a plurality of motion sensors  47  connected with circuit board  66 . In this form, motion sensors  47  can be configured to sense, detect and/or measure the motion and/or movement of marker  50  or its members. For example, in one form, motion sensors  47  connected with circuit board  66  can be configured to sense, detect and/or measure the motion and/or movement of marker  50 , as described above (see  FIG. 5 ); and in another form, motion sensors  47  can be configured to sense, detect and/or measure the motion and/or movement of a member or component, such as a paintball feed system (see  FIGS. 35 and 36 ). 
         [0230]    Similar to an above form (see  FIG. 5 ), while motion sensors  47  is illustrated housed in the grip frame  60  and feed tube  64 , it should be appreciated that these elements can be positioned in other locations on marker  50 . Also, motion sensors  47  can comprise a manual sensor, electronic sensor, pneumatic sensor, or any other suitable type of motion sensor for detecting and/or measuring the motion and/or movement of marker  50 . Further, motion sensors  47  can be combined into a single member or element. Again, in one representative form, elements or members of marker  50  can be connected, such as motion sensors  47 , and/or connected to circuit board  66  through a detachable or separable connection, as described above. Also, in another representative form, elements or members of marker  50  can be connected, such as motion sensors  47 , and/or connected to circuit board  66  through included data links or transfer elements, again as set forth in greater detail below. 
         [0231]    Referring to  FIG. 43 , in another representative form, paintball marker  50  includes a plurality of vibration/sound sensors  41  connected with circuit board  66 . In one form, paintball marker  50  includes a plurality of acoustical and/or vibration output devices and/or members  42 . As described above (see  FIG. 5 ), vibration/sound sensors  41  can be configured to allow the collection, reading, and/or analysis of vibrations, audible level noises, inaudible noises and/or sub level noises produced by marker  50  or its members. Also, in another form, in cooperation with vibration/sound sensors  41 , acoustical/vibration output devices  42  can be configured to send, produce, and/or transmit anti sound waves and/or sound canceling signals; as well as, anti vibration waves and/or vibration canceling signals. 
         [0232]    Again, similar to an above form, while vibration/sound sensors  41  are illustrated housed in the barrel  54 , grip frame rail  58 , and feed tube  64 , it should be appreciated that these elements can be positioned in other locations on marker  50 . Also, it should be appreciated that acoustical/vibration output devices  42  can be positioned in other locations on marker  50  as well. Vibration/sound sensors  41  and/or acoustical/vibration output devices  42  can be combined into a single member or members, and/or configured into or with other members or components of marker  50 . Vibration/sound sensors  41  could comprise a sonic sensor, audio sensor, acoustic sensor, vibration sensitive sensor or any other suitable type of sensor for the measuring and/or sensing acoustical sounds and/or vibrations of marker  50  or its members. 
         [0233]    Again, in one representative form, elements or members of marker  50  can be connected, such as vibration/sound sensors  41 , and/or connected to circuit board  66  through a detachable or separable connection, as described above. Also, in another representative form, elements or members of marker  50  can be connected, such as vibration/sound sensors  41 , and/or connected to circuit board  66  through included data links or transfer elements, again as set forth in greater detail below. 
         [0234]    Referring collectively to  FIG. 44 ,  FIG. 45 , and  FIG. 46   a - b , a representative form of a linked or networked paintball system  750  is illustrated. In one form of the above form, linked paintball system  750  can be configured that allows most, if not all, of paintball equipment used by user  10  to be linked and/or sharing data. In one form, linked system  750  can be configured with marker  50  that includes a data or information system  760  that informs or transmits the operational status, condition, or parameters of marker  50  and/or other paintball equipment, to user  10  and/or other paintball equipment. Information system  750  can be further configured to inform, guide, warn, and/or instruct user  10  of other operational information, as well as, overall game information. In another form, information system  750  can be configured to share, inform, instruct, and/or transmit the operational status, condition, instructions, or parameters of paintball equipment or equipment members with other paintball equipment or equipment members. In one form, information system  750  includes transfer elements or data links  752  connected with a circuit board  66 , such as circuit board  66  of marker  50 , as described above (see  FIG. 5 ). The transfer elements or data links  752  can comprise a laser, an optical eye, a LED sensor, an infrared sensor, an infrared transmitter, R.F. sensor, R.F. transmitter, sonic sensor, sonic transmitter, or any other suitable type of transmitter, receiver, and/or sensor. 
         [0235]    In one representative form, selected operational information is sent or transferred to a player unit or element  754  that is worn, affixed, and/or attached to user  10  and/or to equipment that is worn, affixed, and/or attached to user  10 , such as, the paintball pod harness  772  or goggle system  762 . For example, player unit  754  can be configured with a signaling or informing unit, which is a vibrating unit or device  757  in this form. Player unit  754  can be attached to user  10 , such as, on the belt of user  10 , to inform user  10  of significant information (i.e.—a low compressed gas pressure signal from pressure sensor  46  or a fouled breech signal from breech sensor  78  (see FIG.  5 )), through detectable vibrating signals. Further, information indicated and/or displayed through indicators  73  of marker  50 , as described above (see  FIG. 5 ), can be additionally indicated and/or displayed through indicators  73  configured into the goggle system  762  of user  10  (see  FIG. 46   a - b ). Also, the player unit  754  can be configured into or connected with said goggle system  762  of user  10 . In one form, indicators  73  connected with player unit  754 , of said goggle system  762  are configured to allow user  10  to receive information without looking away from a target. 
         [0236]    In one form, player unit  754  can be configured with an acoustical device or element  755  affixed or attached to the goggle system  762  of user  10 , such as, on the protective face/ear covering. In another form, the acoustical element  755  of player unit  754  can be incorporated into and/or housed into the goggle system  762  of user  10 . Further, in one representative form, the acoustical element  755  of player unit  754  can be configured to allow user  10  to again receive information without looking away from a target. For example, acoustical element  755  of player unit  754  could inform user  10  of the proper angle(s) of barrel  54  for lobbing paintballs onto target  12   b  (see  FIG. 4 ). Thus, user  10  could position barrel  54  in a lobbing angle without looking at indicators  73  on marker  50 . 
         [0237]    While some paintball markers of today send or transmit a signal to the paintball hopper  63  that the marker has fired a paintball and another paintball needs to be loaded; none transmit operational information directly to the user  10 . Also, some paintball markers and paintball hoppers of today are configured with game play information, such as a game timer, none transmit this game play information to the user in an effective and/or efficient manner. Further, while some goggle systems can include acoustical game timers, none of the goggle systems of today include operational information of the marker and/or the paintball hopper. Those skilled in the art would recognize that most, if not all, the paintball equipment, such as, the marker  50 , the paintball hopper  63 , the goggle system  762 , the paintball pod harness  772 , etc. can be linked together. Also, said paintball equipment can be linked with a user  10 . Further, a user  10  can be linked to said paintball equipment. For example, the goggle system  762  can be configured with a data link  752  that allows user  10  to control one or more operating parameters of marker  50 . In one form of the above form, data link  752  can be configured with an audio pick up or microphone  764  (see  FIG. 46   a - b ), there by allowing user  10  to acoustically control marker  50 , such as, “marker semi auto mode” to change marker  50  to semi automatic fire mode, “marker energy saving mode” to change marker  50  to a set energy saving fire mode (as set forth in greater detail below), “marker 10 RPS” to change the RPS of marker  50  to 10 rounds per second, etc. 
         [0238]    Further, player unit  754  can be configured with a controller, such as, circuit board  66  connected with a power source  68 . In one form, circuit board  66  can be connected and/or configured with sensors, as described herein. For example, player unit  754  with a data link  752  can be configured with motion sensor  47  (see  FIG. 5 ) attached to goggle system  762 , thus user  10  can control one or more operating parameters of marker  50  through programmed head gestures. 
         [0239]    In another form, information system  750  includes a paintball hopper unit or element  756 . Hopper unit  756  can be configured with a data link  752 , there by allowing the operational status, condition, or parameter information of hopper  63  to be transferred, transmitted, or shared with marker  50  and/or user  10  through player unit  754 . In one form, hopper unit  756  can be configured with a controller, such as, circuit board  66  connected with a power source  68 . In another form, hopper unit  756  can be configured with an existing controller and/or power source of hopper  63 . In one form, circuit board  66  can be connected and/or configured with sensors, as described herein. For example, hopper unit  756  with a data link  752  can be configured with sensors or a sensor array, similar to breech sensor  78  (see  FIG. 5 ), to monitor or determine the status and/or condition of paintball hopper  63 , such as whether or not paintball hopper  63  has a low level of paintballs or paintball hopper  63  is fouled with broken paintballs. 
         [0240]    In another form, hopper unit  756  with a data link  752 , in communication with circuit board  66  of marker  50 , can be configured to control or influence one or more operating parameters of marker  50 . For example, part of information system  750  can include circuit board  66  of marker  50  configured with data link  752  and hopper unit  756  configured with data link  752 . Another part of information system  750  can include player unit  754  configured with data link  752  incorporated into and/or housed into or on the goggle system  762 ; player unit  754  in this illustrative example includes acoustical element  755  and indicators  73 . Hopper unit  756  senses a low level or quantity of paintballs in the reservoir or cavity of paintball hopper  63  through a connected conditional sensor array, as described above. Hopper unit  756  shares this determined value with circuit board  66  of marker  50  and player unit  754  through transmitted signals from and to respectively connected data links  752 . Thus, circuit board  66  of marker  50  reduces the RPS limit from 13 RPS to 10 RPS, as pre configured and/or programmed by user  10 . Also, user  10  being aware of or alerted to the status of paintball hopper  63  through the acoustical element  755 , as well as the visual indication or alert from indicators  73  of player unit  754  of goggle system  762 , is able to refill paintball hopper  63  before running out of paintballs. 
         [0241]    In another representative form, units or elements of linked system  750 , as well as, other paintball equipment of user  10 , can be configured to include proximity and/or relationship components  69  (see  FIG. 46   b ). In one form, proximity components  69  can react to, confirm, consider, measure, and/or analyze their relationship to other proximity sensors  69 . In another form, proximity components  69  can react to, confirm, consider, measure, and/or analyze their lack of relationship to other proximity components  69 . In one form, proximity components  69  can be configured to be a transmittal and/or contributive component in nature or design. In another form, proximity components  69  can be configured to be a receptive and/or receiver able component in nature or design. Further, in one form, proximity components  69  can be configured to be a transmittal and/or contributive component in nature or design, while also being, a receptive and/or receiver able component in nature or design. In one representative form, proximity components  69  and/or members of proximity components  69  can be configured to be passive and/or reactive in nature or design. While in another representative form, proximity components  69  and/or members of proximity components  69  can be configured to be responsive and/or active in nature or design. Proximity and/or relationship component  69  of linked system  750  can comprise an optical eye or component, a LED sensor or component, a magnetic sensor or component, a sonic sensor or component, a radar, an infrared sensor or component, a laser sensor or component, R.F. sensor or component, or any other suitable type of proximity and/or relationship sensor or component. 
         [0242]    In one representative form, information system  750  can be configured with a plurality of relationship components  69  in or on the paintball equipment and/or elements of user  10 . While, in another form, information system  750  can be configured with a plurality of relationship components  69  in or on the paintball playing field or area, such as, in the obstacles or bunkers. In yet another form, linked system  750  with proximity components  69  can be configured to measure, confirm, consider, and/or analyze their relationship to other proximity components  69  of other players and/or their lack of relationship to other proximity components  69  of said other players. 
         [0243]    In one form, linked information system  750  can include a plurality of circuit boards  66  configured with a plurality of relationship components  69 . In one form of the above form, the circuit boards  66  with connected relationship components  69  can be configured to control, adjust and/or change one or more of operating parameters of a user&#39;s elements and/or equipment, such as marker  50 . For example, when user  10  is in close proximity to an opponent, marker  50  would automatically switch to an energy saving mode and/or a safety mode, as described above. In another illustrated example, user  10  trips and drops marker  50 . Circuit board  66  of marker  50  would go into stand by mode from determined value of the separation of the proximity components  69  in user&#39;s  10  gloves and the proximity components  69  in marker  50 . 
         [0244]    Further, in another illustrated example, user  10  has configured goggle system  762  of information system  750  to primarily display the determined tilt angle for barrel  54  of marker  50 , through indicators  73  when lobbing paintballs at an opponent, such as target  12   b , as described above. User  10  has also configured player unit  754  attached to goggle system  762 , with proximity component  69  connected to circuit board  66 , to switch display or indication modes of indicators  73  when a respective proximity component  69  of user&#39;s  10  glove is in relationship to a proximity component  69  of player unit  754  of goggle system  762 . There by, allowing user  10  to switch between information displayed with indicators  73  by positioning a non trigger finger near player unit  754  of goggle system  762 . Such as, no finger proximity component  69 =determined lobbing angle display, first finger proximity component  69 =operational status of marker  50  display, second finger proximity component  69 =operational status of paintball hopper  63  display, third finger proximity component  69 =overall game information display, first and second finger proximity components  69 =mute of acoustical element  755  of player unit  754  of goggle system  762 , etc. 
         [0245]    In another representative example, user  10  can configure paintball pod harness  772  to release and/or open a paintball pod when a proximity component  69 , of user&#39;s  10  glove, is in relationship with a proximity sensor  69  of paintball pod harness  772 . Also, paintball hopper  63  can be configured to self open with an actuator, such as actuator  195  (see  FIG. 15  and  FIG. 22   a - c ), when a proximity component  69  in user&#39;s  10  glove or in a paintball pod, is in relationship with a proximity component  69  of paintball hopper unit  756 . Further, hopper  63  can be configured to automatically reposition, to ease the loading of paintballs, through paintball feed system  30  (see  FIG. 37   a - f ), when a proximity component  69  in user&#39;s  10  glove, is in relationship with a proximity component  69  of paintball hopper unit  756 . 
         [0246]    Those skilled in the art would recognize that some of the sharing, linking, and/or communicating between paintball equipment and/or elements of information system  750  can be configured physically or mechanically. For example, circuit board  66  of marker system  760  can be connected, linked, and/or in association with paintball hopper  63  and hopper unit  756  through physical connections, such as, connector or link  292  and connector or link  294  (see  FIG. 41   b ). Also, it would be recognized that particular, specific, and/or individual information systems  750  can be configured and/or linked into a group information system, such as, a team informational sharing system. For example, user  10  could be aware that a fellow team member is running low on compressed gas and has switched to an energy saving mode, through the grouping of the team&#39;s systems  750 . Thus, user  10  could take over the fellow team member&#39;s pregame assigned longer shots and said fellow team member could be assigned a new duty or position on the play field. Also, the viewing audience or spectators can be informed of the situation and alerted to watch for said fellow team member to make a move up the field. 
         [0247]    Further, it would be recognized by those skilled in the art, that the units, components, and/or members of the information system  750  can be configured to include a plurality of electronic circuit boards  66  that are configured to monitor and/or control various functional aspects of the paintball equipment of user  10 , such as marker  50 , paintball hopper  63 , goggle system  762 , paintball pod harness  772 , etc. Also, said plurality of electronic circuit boards  66  of system  750  can be connected with controls and/or sensors, as described herein. In one representative form, the units, components, and/or members of the information system  750  that include a circuit board  66 , can be configured to include a processor  101  that is programmable to execute one or more software routines, as illustrated in player unit  754  of the paintball pod harness  772  (see  FIG. 46   a ) and/or player unit  754  of the player hand wear or gloves (see  FIG. 46   b ). Processor  101  can comprise a microprocessor or microprocessors that include on-board memory for storing executable program code and/or memory may be connected with processor  101 . 
         [0248]    Still further, it would be recognized by those skilled in the art, that the components and/or members of the information system  750  can be configured, housed, or laid out in a different manner or method. Also, the linking, sharing, communicating, and/or exchange of instructions, information, determined values, and/or status conditions can be configured or laid out in a different manner or method. 
         [0249]    Referring collectively to  FIGS. 1 to 46 ; in one representative form, projectile accelerator  50  comprises an on the fly velocity adjustment feature or method, which is operable to allow user  10  to manually and/or selectively adjust the velocity at which paintballs are expelled from barrel  54  of marker  50  at a range of velocities ranging from an upper velocity setting to a lower velocity setting. In another form, marker  50  includes a velocity adjustment feature or method that is automatically configured to adjust the velocity at which paintballs are expelled from barrel  54  of marker  50  at a range of velocities ranging from an upper velocity setting to a lower velocity setting; as well as a RPS setting and/or a firing mode. In yet another form; marker  50  includes a velocity adjustment method that suggests or advises user  10  of possible velocity settings and/or their value, ranging from an upper velocity setting to a lower velocity setting, as well as possible angles of barrel  54 , RPS setting, and/or fire mode for the elimination of a selected target. 
         [0250]    In another form, user  10  is illustrated firing projectiles or paintballs at target  12   a , using a marker  50  set or configured to expel paintballs at an upper velocity setting (see  FIG. 3 ). User  10  is firing said projectiles at target  12   a  in a semi automatic firing mode. User  10  then engages target  12   b , which is behind obstacle  16 , with marker  50  which includes distance sensor  75 , indicators  73 , and tilt sensors  48  connected with circuit board  66  (see  FIG. 5 ). Circuit board  66  of marker  50  being aware of the distance to target  12   b  through distance sensor  75  can calculate or determine one or more angles for barrel  54  and then indicate the proper angle(s) of barrel  54  to user  10  through tilt sensors  48  and indicators  73 . 
         [0251]    As an example, as illustrated in  FIG. 6   a , circuit board  66  is configured to illuminate either the up or down arrows of indicators  73  to inform user  10  which way to move barrel  54  of marker  50  to place marker  50  at the one or more calculated angles. The circular shaped light of indicators  73  is used to inform user  10  that marker  50  has been positioned at a proper angle. Once user  10  positions marker  50  in a respective calculated angle, circuit board  66  can calculate or determine the proper projectile velocity settings required to lob projectiles or paintballs on to target  12   b . In one form of the above form, circuit board  66  automatically controls one or more operating parameters of marker  50  to achieve said calculated velocity settings for user  10 . User  10  then presses trigger  62  thereby causing marker  50  to expel projectiles from marker  50  at the plurality of calculated velocities. For example, in 5-shot burst mode, marker  50  automatically expels five paintballs at five different velocities at target  12   b . In the alternative, marker  50  could be set to expel projectiles in a lobbing manner at the same velocity. 
         [0252]    In another form, user  10  again engages target  12   b  which is behind obstacle  16  with marker  50  which comprises distance sensor  75 , indicators  73 , and tilt sensors  48  connected with circuit board  66  (see  FIG. 5 ). Circuit board  66  of marker  50  knowing the distance to target  12   b  through distance sensor  75  indicates to user  10  one or more calculated barrel  54  angle(s) and velocity setting(s) (see  FIG. 6   a - 6   c ) through indicators  73 , in order to lob projectiles on to target  12   b . In this form, although circuit board  66  has calculated the velocity and preferred angle, user  10  may have set a preference, via controls  77 , for manual adjustment of the velocity using either velocity controller  76  or velocity adjustment mechanism  52 . Once user  10  has adjusted the velocity setting to the calculated setting, circuit board  66  is configured to illuminate an indicator  73  thereby informing user  10  that the calculated velocity setting has been reached. As with the previous form, circuit board  66  can also be configured to illuminate indicators  73  informing user  10  that the velocity setting needs to be increased or decreased in order to reach the calculated velocity setting. For example, the up and down or right and left indicators  73  illustrated in  FIG. 6   a  could be used. 
         [0253]    In one form, user  10  can configure marker  50  to recognize and/or add value to a preference for a velocity setting or velocity settings between an upper velocity setting and a lower velocity setting. Also, user  10  can configure marker  50  to recognize and/or add value to a preference for an angle or angles of barrel  54 . For example, user  10  is firing projectiles or paintballs at target  12   a , using a marker  50  set or configured to expel paintballs at an upper velocity setting (see  FIG. 3 ). User  10  then engages target  12   b  with marker  50  which includes distance sensor  75 , indicators  73 , and tilt sensors  48  connected with circuit board  66  (see  FIG. 5 ). Circuit board  66  knowing the distance to target  12   b  through distance sensor  75  can calculate one or more angles for barrel  54  and one or more velocity settings between an upper velocity setting and a lower velocity setting. User  10  having preset a preference for a preferred angle of barrel  54 , circuit board  66  can determine if one or more of calculated velocity settings are appropriate, that is, for the user preferred angle at that determined distance. If so, circuit board  66  can configure marker  50  to expel projectiles at the proper velocity setting, in one form, or guide user  10  to the proper velocity setting through indicators  73 , in another form. User  10  then positions barrel  54  in the user pre selected angle through indicators  73 . 
         [0254]    If the pre selected preferred angle for barrel  54  does not have a matching calculated velocity setting for target  12   b , circuit board  66  can inform user  10  of closest calculated angle for barrel  54  through indicators  73 , circuit board  66  can then calculate a velocity setting for marker  50  when user  10  positions barrel  54  in said closest calculated angle. Thus, circuit board  66  can calculate one or more velocity settings for an angle of barrel  54  and/or circuit board  66  can calculate one or more angles of barrel  54  for a velocity setting. 
         [0255]    In another form, user  10  is firing projectiles at target  12   a , using marker  50  set or configured to expel paintballs at an upper velocity setting (see  FIG. 3 ). User  10  again is firing projectiles at target  12   a  in semi automatic mode. User  10  then engages target  12   b  which is behind obstacle  16  with marker  50 . In this form, circuit board  66  of marker  50  is configured for burst mode (i.e. 5 shot burst per trigger pull) when marker  50  is lobbing projectiles between an upper velocity setting and a lower velocity setting. Tilt sensors  48  of marker  50  can be configured to selectively select between fire modes of circuit board  66 . 
         [0256]    In another form, circuit board  66  is configured to automatically selectively select between different firing modes of marker  50  as a function of signals received from tilt sensors  48 . For example user  10  is firing at target  12   a  in semi automatic mode, and then fires at target  12   b  in 5 shot lobbing burst mode by positioning marker  50  in a calculated or predetermined angle as before. This pre programmed self selection of the firing mode is determined by the angle of the marker  50  through tilt sensors  48  and circuit board  66 . Marker  50  is configured to selectively select or self select the semi automatic mode when user  10  returns to firing at target  12   a  as a function of tilt sensors  48  and circuit board  66 . 
         [0257]    The automatic or self selection of the upper velocity setting in the semi automatic mode from the lobbing burst mode, would also occur when target  12   b  came around obstacle  16  and was exposed to user  10 , thereby giving user  10  a more direct shot at target  12   b . This automatic selection of the upper velocity setting in the semi-automatic mode can be a function of the sensor reading received by circuit board  66  from tilt sensor  48 . As marker  50  is tilted or positioned along latitudinal axis LA-LA (see  FIG. 32 ), such that barrel  54  is positioned at a predetermined angle relative to the ground G, circuit board  66  is programmed or configured to automatically switch firing modes. For example, in this mode of operation, if tilt sensor  48  senses that marker  50  is positioned at an angle anything less than 35° relative to ground G, circuit board  66  is configured to set marker  50  in semi-automatic straight fire mode such that marker  50  shoots directly at target  12   b . If tilt sensor  48  senses that marker  50  is positioned at an angle greater than 35° relative to ground G, circuit board  66  is configured to automatically set marker  50  in  5  shot lobbing burst mode. Marker  50  can be configured to fire in any one of a number of straight shot firing modes, such as semi-automatic mode, burst mode, ramp mode or fully automatic mode. 
         [0258]    Further, in another form, user  10  is firing projectiles at target  12   a , using marker  50  set or configured to expel paintballs at an upper velocity setting (see  FIG. 3 ). User  10  is firing projectiles at target  12   a  in semi automatic straight shot mode. User  10  then engages target  12   b  which is behind obstacle  16  with marker  50 . In this form, marker  50  comprises the self selecting lobbing burst mode as a function of tilt sensors  48  and circuit board  66  as described above. Further, marker  50  is configured to include a velocity spreader mode, which can be used in conjunction with different fire modes (i.e. semi auto, burst, ramp, full auto, etc.). The velocity spreader mode separates projectiles fired into selected or programmed groups or volleys, and then separates the velocity of the projectiles within these volleys such that each projectile is assigned a distinct velocity. For example in this form, user  10  is engaging targets  12   a ,  12   b  as described before (target  12   a —upper velocity setting/self selecting semi automatic mode,  12   b —reduced velocity setting/self selecting lobbing burst mode). In the velocity spreader mode, in this form, the velocity of the projectiles within the lobbing burst mode&#39;s volley are separated or spread out (i.e. 5 shots—160-170-180-190-200 FPS). The spread in velocity of the paintballs in substantially arc shaped paths  18 , of the self selecting lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode, allows user  10  more coverage and/or control of a larger target area TA and provides for quicker target acquisition. Thus the above configured marker  50  with self selecting lobbing burst mode and velocity spreader mode, allows user  10 , on the fly, to engage and eliminate target  12   b  behind obstacle  16  efficiently, while still engaging target  12   a  at will, such as in the semi automatic straight shot mode. 
         [0259]    Those skilled in the art would recognize that the above configured marker  50  with lobbing mode and/or velocity spreader mode is programmable for the “semi automatic only” rules used by some paintball venues or fields. For example, in this form, user  10  is engaging targets  12   a ,  12   b  as described above (see  FIG. 3 ), but in semi automatic mode only. As before user  10  switches engagement from target  12   a  to target  12   b  such that the lobbing mode is self selected through the cooperation of tilt sensors  48  and circuit board  66 . Then configured marker  50  with the velocity spreader mode cycles though the programmed number of shots as in the burst mode, but one trigger pull at a time (i.e.—5 trigger pulls=160-170-180-190-200 FPS, starting over every 5 trigger pulls). Those skilled in the art would also recognize that the above configured marker  50  with velocity spreader mode is programmable for the full auto or ramp modes (i.e. 160-170-180-190-200 FPS, starting over every 5 shots until trigger activation stops) or (i.e. 160-170-180-190-200 FPS for the first 5 shots, then 200-190-180-170-160 FPS for the next 5 shots; replicating until trigger activation stops). 
         [0260]    The number of shots in a spread of the velocity spreader mode is programmable (i.e. 2 shot—burst or spread, 3 shot—volley or spread, 4 shot—group or spread, etc.), and that groups or volleys of the velocity spreader mode can be assembled in clusters and/or collections (i.e. 3 shot group followed by 5 shot group, replicating). Further, it would be recognized that the velocity spread or velocity difference in a group or volley is also programmable (i.e. 5 FPS spread between projectiles, 10 FPS spread between projectiles, etc.). Still further, the position of the calculated velocity is programmable, as well. For example, as in an illustrative form above, 180 FPS is the calculated or determined velocity needed for user  10  to lob projectiles on to target  12   b  which is behind obstacle  16 . Also in above illustrated examples; 180 FPS is in the center position of 5 shot group or volley, 2 positions before 180 FPS and 2 positions after, as in 160-170-180-190-200 FPS. This calculated velocity (i.e. 180 FPS) can be programmable set and/or positioned in a group and/or cluster (i.e. {5 shot volley} from: 160-170-180-190-200 FPS, to: 170-180-190-200-210 FPS); or (i.e. {3 shot-5 shot cluster} from: 170-180-190 FPS/160-170-180-190-200 FPS, to: 170-180-190 FPS/170-180-180-180-190 FPS). Further still, it would be recognized that the RPS in a group is programmable and the RPS in a collection of groups is programmable (i.e. {3 shot-5 shot cluster or collection} 13 RPS-rounds per second pace for the 3 shot group and 10 RPS—rounds per second pace for the 5 shot group). 
         [0261]    In another form, marker  50  can be configured to include a saturation mode. For example, user  10  engages target  12   b  behind obstacle  16  with marker  50 . User  10  is lobbing paintballs onto target  12   b  using the velocity spreader mode arranged into a collection or cluster of 3 groups with 3 shots each. In this example, the middle group in the cluster is part of a programmable saturation mode, while the first and last groups are velocity spreader mode groups, as described above, (i.e.—{first group} 170-180-190 FPS, {second group} 180-180-180 FPS, {third group} 170-180-190 FPS). The saturation mode allows user  10  to program a distinct velocity setting into a group or in a collection of groups. Further, the saturation mode allows user  10  to program a distinct value to a calculated velocity or a velocity setting. For example, marker  50  includes distance sensor  75 ; circuit board  66  of marker  50 , in cooperation with distance sensor  75 , determines the calculated velocity setting is 180 FPS for the angle of barrel  54  and for the distance to target  12   b . User  10  programs marker  50  for the velocity spreader mode in 3 shot groups clustered into 3 groups, as described above. The center group, in this form, is a saturation group that has a distinct value, such as plus 5 FPS (i.e.—{first group} 170-180-190 FPS, {second group} 185-185-185 FPS, {third group} 170-180-190 FPS) or such as minus 5 FPS, as in (i.e.—{first group} 170-180-190 FPS, {second group} 175-175-175 FPS, {third group} 170-180-190 FPS). 
         [0262]    The velocity spreader mode configured with the saturation mode, in a collection of groups, allows the velocity spreader groups to act as spotters for the saturation groups. For example, user  10  is lobbing projectiles at target  12   b  behind obstacle  16 . Obstacle  16 , in this example, is too tall or large for user  10  to conclude whether the projectiles of a single velocity lobbing mode are over shooting target  12   b . Thus, user  10  configures marker  50  for 3 shot-3 group velocity spreader mode with saturation mode, as described above and as in (i.e. {first group} 170-180-190 FPS, {second group} 185-185-185 FPS, {third group} 170-180-190 FPS). The first and third groups give user  10  some area coverage of the target area TA and the center group saturates the target area TA. Also, in this illustrated example, the 170 FPS projectiles of first and third groups impact the ground G in front of obstacle  16 , while the 180 FPS projectiles of first and third groups impact on said enlarged obstacle  16 , thus both can be used by user  10  as trajectory guides, for the other unseen projectiles of the collection. The distinct value of plus 5 FPS added to calculated velocity of 180 FPS allows user  10  to clear the enlarged obstacle  16 . 
         [0263]    In yet another form, a lobbing fire mode can include or be combined with a spotter round, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . For example, a spotter round can be included in or combined with the lobbing burst mode, the lobbing full automatic mode, the lobbing semi automatic mode, the lobbing ramp mode, the velocity spreader mode, etc. Further, a spotter round can be independently programmed to a distinct velocity setting and/or a distinct value. For example, user  10  engages target  12   b , hiding behind obstacle  16 , with marker  50  configured to the spotter round velocity spreader fire mode (see  FIG. 4 ). User  10 , in this illustrated form, does not want to possibly pre warn target  12   b  to the forth coming projectiles of the velocity spreader mode, and thus user  10  sets the spotter round to a distinct value of minus 20 FPS. The spotter round falls predicatively short and unseen by target  12   b , while still allowing user  10  to make any necessary adjustments for the upcoming velocity spreader mode. 
         [0264]    In still another form, the velocity spreader mode can be configured as a probing fire mode. In one form, the probing fire mode can allow user  10  to determine a velocity setting, for a barrel angle, to lob paintballs onto a target area TA. For example, user  10 , not knowing the distance to target area TA, in this example, position marker  50  in a lobbing angle and set marker  50  to full automatic velocity spreader mode, in a  15  paintball grouping, with a starting velocity setting of 130 FPS. User  10  aims marker  50  towards the target area TA and activates trigger sensor  70 , while maintaining the angle of barrel  54 . Marker  50  would then expel projectiles in a forward progressive walking manner toward the target area TA. The projectiles would continue progressing or walking toward and overcome the target area TA unless they reached their grouping limit of 15 paintballs. In one form, user  10  can stop the progression of paintballs walking toward target area TA, once the target area is reached, through controls  77 . In one form, circuit board  66  of marker  50  can save this stopping point as a determined velocity setting. Thus, user  10  can then use this determined velocity setting to reengage the target area TA, if necessary, without the probing fire mode. 
         [0265]    Those skilled in the art, in particularly, those skilled in tournament paintball would recognize that probing fire mode would allow established players to zero in the upper edge of an opponent&#39;s bunker or obstacle. Thus, lipping or slightly over shooting the obstacle to eliminate and/or pin down the opponent. For example, in one form, the lipping of an obstacle can allow the user  10  to lob projectiles at an opponent, such as target  12   b , while maintaining a low angle of barrel  54 . While, the lobbing of projectiles, having a reduced velocity setting(s) of a lobbing mode, with a low angle of barrel  54 , might allow said opponent to avoid being eliminated; the lipping of paintballs, with a lower velocity setting, over obstacle  16 , still allows user  10  to pin down target  12   b  while his/her team mates maneuver. Further still, the low angle of barrel  54  allows user  10  a quicker shot at a possible maneuvering opponent or other targets, such as target  12   a . Thus, user  10  can select a low arced path, intermediate arced path, and/or a high arced path to lob projectiles at a target, such as target  12   b , as desired by user  10 . 
         [0266]    In another form, user  10  is firing projectiles at target  12   a , using marker  50  set or configured to expel paintballs at an upper velocity setting (see  FIG. 3 ). User  10  then engages target  12   b  which is behind obstacle  16  with marker  50 . In this form, marker  50  includes the self selecting lobbing mode as a function of the tilt sensors  48  and circuit board  66 ; and programmable velocity spreader mode, as described above. Also in this form, marker  50  comprises controls  77 . While circuit board  66  is the principal controller, controls  77  are an additional or secondary controller. Controls  77  are a programmable controller for the tuning or adjustment of one or more operating parameters of marker  50 . For example, as described, user  10  engages target  12   b  behind obstacle  16  with marker  50 , but is shooting into a strong head wind. Controls  77  can be configured to allow user  10  to adjust or tune the reading from distance sensor  75  and/or tilt sensors  48 , or their values. Thus, allowing user  10  to properly engage target  12   b  despite the strong head wind. 
         [0267]    Further, in another example, user  10  is currently firing projectiles at target  12   b  with marker  50  in the lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode, but is unable to eliminate target  12   b  because of uncontrollable circumstances. However, user  10  is keeping target  12   b  pinned down and effectively out of play of the game. Controls  77  of marker  50  are configured to allow user  10  to adjust the rate of fire or rounds per second (RPS) of the lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode, so that user  10  can pin down target  12   b  more effectively and/or longer before reloading. In another form of the above form, where controls  77  are programmed to adjust the RPS within the lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode of marker  50 , controls  77  can be further programmed to switch marker  50  to “semi automatic only” at one end the controller, and to full auto at the other end of the controller; while controlling the RPS of the lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode with the in-between settings of controls  77 . 
         [0268]    Yet further, in still another example, user  10  is currently firing projectiles at target  12   b  with above configured marker  50  in the lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode, but is unable to currently eliminate target  12   b  because of uncontrollable circumstances, as in the above example. In this example however, user  10  needs to eliminate target  12   b . If controls  77  of marker  50  were programmed to adjust the spread of the velocity within the lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode (i.e. from 10 FPS programmed velocity spread like 160-170-180-190-200 FPS to a 5 FPS programmed velocity spread like 170-175-180-185-190 FPS). The more concentrated fire of the now adjusted velocity spreader mode will allow user  10  to better eliminate target  12   b  behind obstacle  16 , while still having some of the area coverage of the velocity spreader mode. Thus, user  10  can pre program and/or re program the self selecting lobbing fire mode and/or velocity spreader fire mode. 
         [0269]    In another form, user  10  is illustrated firing projectiles or paintballs at target  12   a , using a compressed gas projectile accelerator  50  set or configured to expel paintballs at an upper velocity setting (see  FIG. 3 ). User  10  then engages target  12   b  which is behind obstacle  16  with said marker  50  which includes indicators  73  and tilt sensors  48  connected with circuit board  66  (see  FIG. 5 ). In this form, distance sensor  75  is not connected to circuit board  66  or is not allowed. However controls  77  can be programmed to set the known or estimated distance to target  12   b . Circuit board  66  of marker  50  knowing the distance to target  12   b  through controls  77  can calculate or determine possible angle or angles for barrel  54  and then indicate said angle(s) of barrel  54  to user  10  through tilt sensors  48  and indicators  73 . Once user  10  positions marker  50  in one or more calculated angles, circuit board  66  can automatically calculate or determine the projectile velocity settings required to lob projectiles or paintballs on to target  12   b.    
         [0270]    In another form, user  10  is firing projectiles at target  12   a  and target  12   b  with marker  50 . Marker  50  includes distance sensor  75 , indicators  73 , and tilt sensors  48  connected with circuit board  66  (see  FIG. 5 ). And in this form, marker  50  includes the self selecting lobbing burst mode as a function of the tilt sensors  48  and circuit board  66 ; and programmable velocity spreader mode, as described above. Also in this form, distance sensor  75  and/or its determined value are programmable and/or re programmable to adjust one or more operating parameters of said marker  50 . For example, user  10  is firing projectiles at target  12   a  with marker  50  configured to expel projectiles at an upper velocity setting (see  FIG. 3 ). User  10  then tries to eliminate target  12   a  using the self selecting lobbing burst mode by positioning marker  50  in a predetermined lobbing angle, as described above. Marker  50  being aware of the distance to target  12   a  through distance sensor  75 , recognizes target  12   a  is beyond the set or programmed distance limit of the self selecting lobbing burst mode and thus remains in semi automatic mode. 
         [0271]    Further, in another example, user  10  is currently firing projectiles at target  12   b  behind obstacle  16 , with above configured marker  50  in the self selecting lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode (see  FIG. 3 ), but is unable to eliminate target  12   b  because of uncontrollable circumstances. Target  12   b  moves to get an advantage and runs by user  10 . If user  10  engaged now adjacent target  12   b , marker  50  would self select the semi automatic mode, at the upper velocity setting; as a function of the more level angular position of marker  50  as sensed by tilt sensors  48 . Marker  50  knowing the distance to target  12   b  through distance sensor  75  automatically adjusts the velocity setting of marker  50  to a safer and/or lower velocity setting. Many, if not most, paintball fields or venues have a surrender rule for recreational paintball players (i.e. a player is not allowed to shoot another player at 10 feet or closer, one of the players must surrender). This is for the players&#39; safety, because the markers are set at one velocity setting; which comprises the upper velocity setting. 
         [0272]    The described safer and/or lower velocity setting for an adjacent opponent or target can be configured as an operational fire mode. This surrender mode, for the sake of brevity, can be configured to be pre programmable and/or re programmable. Such as, the distance to a target or the determined value from distance sensor  75  could be set, reset, and/or adjusted. Also the selected velocity setting for the safer lower velocity setting could be set, reset, and/or adjusted. Also the surrender mode can be configured as the default setting for the lobbing mode, such as a low power source situation. Further, the surrender mode can be user  10  selected through controls  77 . 
         [0273]    In another form, user  10  is illustrated firing projectiles or paintballs at target  12   a , using a compressed gas projectile accelerator  50  set or configured to expel paintballs at an upper velocity setting (see  FIG. 3 ). User  10  is also engaging target  12   b  which is behind obstacle  16  with marker  50  in the self adjusting and/or selecting lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode. In this form, marker  50  includes distance sensor  75 , indicators  73 , and tilt sensors  48  connected with circuit board  66  (see  FIG. 5 ); described above. Additionally, marker  50  includes speed sensor  72  connected with circuit board  66 . Speed sensor  72  is configured to permit determination of a velocity of a projectile exiting marker  50 . Circuit board  66  is adapted to adjust one or more operating parameters of marker  50  as a function of the velocity determination from speed sensor  72  and the desired velocity setting. Thus, circuit board  66  in cooperation with speed sensor  72  is configured to adjust the velocity of marker  50  to the calculated or desired velocity setting to allow user  10  to engage target  12   b  with the lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode more effectively. For example, user  10  tunes in or verifies marker  50  is performing properly before play starts, such as being under the upper velocity limit and is on target while in the lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode. Then as the ambient temperature and/or the temperature of marker  50  changes the operating gas pressure of marker  50  during play, user  10  can then stay on target in the lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode through speed sensor  72 . Also user  10  will not exceed the upper velocity setting when not in lobbing mode when engaging target  12   a . Further, user  10  will not exceed the RPS setting, as speed sensor  72  can be configured to verify and adjust marker  50  to a RPS setting. 
         [0274]    In yet another form, user  10  is firing projectiles or paintballs at target  12   a , using a marker  50  set or configured to expel paintballs at an upper velocity setting (see  FIG. 3 ). User  10  is also engaging target  12   b  which is behind obstacle  16  in the lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode with marker  50 ; which includes distance sensor  75 , indicators  73 , controls  77 , tilt sensors  48  and speed sensor  72  connected with circuit board  66  (see  FIG. 5 ). Marker  50  also includes pressure sensor  46  connected with circuit board  66 . Pressure sensor  46  is configured to permit determination of the operational pressure of compressed gas and/or its value. Circuit board  66  is configured to adjust one or more operating parameters of marker  50 , as a function of the sensed pressure value by pressure sensor  46 , and the desired velocity setting, and/or the fire mode. For example, as in previous illustrated form, user  10  is engaging target  12   a  and target  12   b  with marker  50  configured, as described above. As the ambient temperature and/or the temperature of marker  50  changes the operating gas pressure of marker  50  during play, user  10  can then stay on target in the lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode through speed sensor  72  and/or pressure sensor  46 . Also during play marker  50  determines that the desired pressure determination and/or its value for engaging target  12   b  cannot be maintained in the lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode at its current RPS setting. Pressure sensor  46  adjusts or reduces the RPS setting to allow user  10  to stay properly engaged with target  12   b.    
         [0275]    In still another form, user  10  is illustrated firing projectiles or paintballs at target  12   a , using a compressed gas projectile accelerator  50  set or configured to expel paintballs at an upper velocity setting (see  FIG. 3 ). User  10  is also engaging target  12   b  which is behind obstacle  16  in the lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode with marker  50 , which includes distance sensor  75 , indicators  73 , controls  77 , tilt sensors  48  and speed sensor  72  connected with circuit board  66  (see  FIG. 5 ). Marker  50  also includes breech sensor  78  connected with circuit board  66 . Breech sensor  78  is configured to permit determination of the status of breech  79 . For example, since the breech sensor  78  is an array of sensors, breech sensor  78  can determine or verify an operational members&#39; position (i.e. such as the bolt) in respect to a paintball&#39;s position and/or their separation, as a function of the velocity setting and firing modes and/or their values. 
         [0276]    Additionally in the above form, breech sensor  78  can be configured to determine the breech&#39;s status and/or condition, such as whether or not breech  79  is fouled with broken paintballs. A fouled breech can affect the velocity of fired paintballs and/or affect the readings from speed sensor  72 . For example, user  10  is engaging target  12   a  with above configured marker  50  at the upper velocity setting. User  10  is also engaging target  12   b  behind obstacle  16  with marker  50  in the lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode. Breech  79  of marker  50  becomes fouled in the engagement, breech sensor  78  then indicates the fouled breech to user  10  through indicators  73 . Also, the fouled breech status from breech sensor  78  in marker  50  allows circuit board  66  to compensate for and/or change the lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode; or allows user  10  to compensate for the broken paintballs in breech  79  of marker  50  with controls  77 . 
         [0277]    In still another form, projectile accelerator  50  is configured with manually selected velocity adjustment mechanism  52 , which includes a main velocity adjustor  80 , selector  82 , set screw  84 , aperture  285 , dial  86 , apertures  88 , blocking pin  90 , blocking pin  92 , and detent  94 , disclosed above (see  FIG. 6   a - 6   c ). Also velocity adjustment mechanism  52  comprises distance sensor  75 , indicators  73 , and tilt sensors  48  connected with circuit board  66  (see  FIG. 5 ). In this illustrated form, user  10  sets the upper velocity setting through main velocity adjustor  80  of velocity adjustment mechanism  52 , prior to the start of play. User  10  is then able to lob projectiles at a range of velocities ranging from an upper velocity setting to a lower velocity setting; once play begins. In one form of the above form, user  10  is able to lob projectiles at a range of velocities ranging from an upper velocity setting to a lower velocity setting, as calculated and/or indicated by circuit board  66  of marker  50  through indicators  73 . For example, user  10  is firing projectiles at target  12   a  in semi automatic mode, with configured and set marker  50 . User  10  then engages target  12   b  which is behind obstacle  16  with marker  50 . Circuit board  66  of marker  50  being aware of the distance to target  12   b  through distance sensor  75  can calculate or determine one or more angles for barrel  54  and then indicate the angle(s) of barrel  54  to user  10  through tilt sensors  48  and indicators  73 . Once user  10  positions marker  50  in a calculated angle, circuit board  66  can automatically calculate or determine the projectile velocity setting needed to lob projectiles or paintballs on to target  12   b . Circuit board  66  can then indicate the calculated velocity setting for velocity adjustment mechanism  52  of marker  50  to user  10  through indicators  73 . 
         [0278]    In another form, marker  50  is configured with velocity adjustment mechanism  52  (see  FIG. 6   a - 6   c ). Marker  50  includes distance sensor  75 , indicators  73 , and tilt sensors  48  connected with circuit board  66  (see  FIG. 5 ); as detailed in the above form. In this form though, velocity adjustment mechanism  52  includes speed sensor  72 , breech sensor  78 , controls  77 , and situational connectors or links  44  and  45  connected with circuit board  66 . Situational connectors or links  45  are a plurality of connectors positioned on dial  86  to match up with connector  44  of selector  82  of velocity adjustment mechanism  52  (see  FIG. 6   b ). Circuit board  66  being status aware and/or situational alert to marker  50  can further advise user  10  through indicators  73 . For example, circuit board  66  of marker  50  can indicate corrections, recalculations, determination changes and/or status changes, and/or their value to user  10  through indicators  73 . 
         [0279]    As an example, user  10  is illustrated firing projectiles at target  12   a , using above configured marker  50  set to expel paintballs at an upper velocity setting (see  FIG. 3 ). User  10  is also lobbing projectiles, along one or more arc shaped paths  18 , onto target  12   b  behind obstacle  16 . As user  10  switches between target  12   a  and target  12   b , circuit board  66  can indicate the appropriate barrel  54  angle(s) of marker  50  as related to the user  10  selected position of selector  82 , or circuit board  66  can indicate a new calculated setting for selector  82  of velocity adjustment mechanism  52  for a current angle of barrel  54 . In another example, circuit board  66  of marker  50  can also indicate, through indicators  73 , changes in barrel  54  angle(s) or position of selector  82  of velocity adjustment mechanism  52 , as it relates to a determined value of speed sensor  72  and/or breech sensor  78 . Also, the determined value of speed sensor  72  and/or breech sensor  78  can be adjusted by controls  77 , as described above. 
         [0280]    In another form, marker  50  is configured with velocity adjustment mechanism  52  (see  FIG. 6   a - 6   c ). Again marker  50  also includes distance sensor  75 , indicators  73 , speed sensor  72 , breech sensor  78 , a trigger sensor  70 , controls  77 , connectors  45 , connector  44 , and tilt sensors  48  connected with circuit board  66  (see  FIGS. 5 ,  6   b ). While those skilled in the art would recognize that above configured marker  50  could lob projectiles onto a target, such as target  12   b  (see  FIG. 3 ), in a lobbing burst mode (as disclosed above) as a function of velocity adjustment mechanism  52  and tilt sensors  48  connected with circuit board  66 . Those skilled in the art would also recognize that configured marker  50  could also lob projectiles onto a target, such as target  12   b  (see  FIG. 3 ), in a velocity spreader mode (also disclosed above) as a manual function of selector  82  of velocity adjustment mechanism  52  connected with circuit board  66  through connectors  45  and connector  44 ; and indicators  73  and tilt sensors  48  also connected with circuit board  66 . 
         [0281]    In yet another form, marker  50  is configured with velocity adjustment mechanism  52  (see  FIG. 6   a - 6   c ). Marker  50  also comprises distance sensor  75 , indicators  73 , speed sensor  72 , breech sensor  78 , trigger sensor  70 , controls  77 , connecters  45 , connecter  44 , solenoid valve  74 , and tilt sensors  48  connected with circuit board  66  (see  FIG. 5 ). Since circuit board  66  of marker  50  can comprise the self selecting lobbing burst mode and/or the velocity spreader mode, with manual assistance. Circuit board  66  of marker  50  can be configured for the combination fire mode, the self selecting lobbing burst-velocity spreader mode (as described above), but with manual assistance. For brevity, the self selecting lobbing burst-assisted velocity spreader mode. For example, user  10  is firing projectiles at target  12   a , at an upper velocity setting with marker  50  (see  FIG. 3 ). User  10  is also engaging target  12   b  in the self selecting lobbing burst—assisted velocity spreader mode with said marker  50 . 
         [0282]    Marker  50  includes velocity adjustment mechanism  52  (see  FIGS. 6   a - 6   c ) connected with circuit board  66 , through connecter  44  and connecters  45 . Circuit board  66  being aware of the distance to target  12   b  through distance sensor  75 , and status aware through speed sensor  72  and breech sensor  78 . User  10  simply positions marker  50  in the predetermined angle for barrel  54 , with the assistance of indicators  73 ; and moves selector  82  of velocity adjustment mechanism  52  from the upper velocity setting (i.e.  FIG. 6   a ) to the lower velocity setting (i.e.  FIG. 6   c ), while activating trigger sensor  70 . Thus, circuit board  66  would release a fire sequence to solenoid valve  74  every time connecter  44  of selector  82  linked with and/or connected with a connecter  45  that had value, that is, value to the programmed and/or calculated fire commands to lob projectiles in one or more substantially arc shaped paths  18  of a self selecting lobbing burst-assisted velocity spreader mode. 
         [0283]    The release of fire commands and/or sequences from circuit board  66  to solenoid valve  74 , as related to moving selector  82  of velocity adjustment mechanism  52  and velocity spreader mode, could be increasing and/or decreasing in nature (i.e. upper velocity setting to lower velocity setting or lower velocity setting to upper velocity setting). Thus, user  10  could lob projectiles onto target  12   b , back to front then front to back as a function of the movement of selector  82  from the upper velocity setting to the lower velocity setting, and then from the lower velocity setting to the upper velocity setting, while activating trigger sensor  70 . Additionally, the release of fire commands and/or operational commands from circuit board  66  to solenoid valve  74 , as related to moving or rotating selector  82  of velocity adjustment mechanism  52  and velocity spreader mode while activating trigger sensor  70 , can be further controlled through circuit board  66  and/or controls  77 . 
         [0284]    For example, in the above form, user  10  is engaging target  12   b , which is behind obstacle  16 , with the above described configured marker  50 . User  10  is moving or rotating selector  82  of velocity adjustment mechanism  52  as a function of the assisted velocity spreader mode, while activating trigger sensor  70 . User  10  moves selector  82  to fast and marker  50  is in jeopardy of exceeding the programmed RPS limit, as such one or more values of the fire commands are ignored by circuit board  66 . Thus, the release of fire commands and/or operational commands from circuit board  66 , of the assisted velocity spreader mode are programmable and/or re programmable. 
         [0285]    In another form, marker  50  includes an energy saving mode. In particular, marker  50  includes a compressed gas saving mode. The compressed gas saving mode allows a user  10  to expel more paintballs, more efficiently during a game. For example, in the sport of paintball, players are limited by the number of shots they can get from the compressed gas source  100  (see  FIG. 7 ) connected to their marker. Some efforts have been made in recent years to improve the gas usage or efficiency of today&#39;s paintball markers. And players sometimes have a choice of the compressed gas used in their marker to expel paintballs. Also, players sometimes have a choice of the size of tank or gas source  100  used on their marker. Paintball markers still have a common efficiency limitation; they shoot at one upper velocity setting, using the same amount of compressed gas to shoot a target, whether the target is 25′ away or 250′ away. For an illustrated example, one could estimate that user  10  can engage a target 100′ away, with a starting marker velocity of 300 FPS, and impact said target at 155 FPS, in about a ½ second. One could also estimate, in this illustrated example, that user  10  can engage a target 55′ away, with a starting marker velocity of 270 FPS, and impact said target at 185 FPS, in about a ¼ second. While the above illustrated example can only estimated because paintballs are not perfect spheres, as such, throwing off the drag forces, lift effect, wake effect, etc. Those skilled in the art would recognize, that a paintball expelled at a target 100 feet away, with a starting velocity set at an upper velocity setting (i.e. 300 FPS) and a paintball expelled at a target 50 feet away, with a starting velocity set at a lower velocity setting (i.e. 270 FPS) will similarly mark and eliminate said target. Thus, user  10  can also use marker  50  configured with the velocity adjustment mechanisms and/or methods illustrated and/or described herein, to expel projectiles at user selected targets in a straight fire mode; while saving or conserving compressed gas. 
         [0286]    Those skilled in the art would also recognize, that marker  50  configured with a lobbing mode, an energy saving mode, and/or a surrender mode will potentially gain in impact accuracy and/or uniformity. Marker  50  configured with a lobbing mode, an energy saving mode, and/or a surrender mode will also potentially gain in velocity consistency and/or uniformity. For example, the possibility of the expelled paintball spinning and/or having a variable spin is reduced as the velocity is lowered. 
         [0287]    Referring to  FIG. 47 , as previously set forth, marker  50  includes electronic circuit board  66  that is configured to monitor and/or control various functional aspects of marker  50 . In one representative form, circuit board  66  includes a processor  101  that is programmable to execute one or more software routines. Processor  101  can comprise a microprocessor including on-board memory for storing executable program code and/or memory may be connected with processor  101 . In some prior art electronic markers, it is envisioned that the markers can be retrofit with a new circuit board, as well as other components, to incorporate one or more features of the present invention. 
         [0288]    In one form, circuit board  66  includes a firing mode module or routine  600  that allows user  10  to select a desired firing mode for marker  50 . User  10  can configure marker  50  to fire in a straight fire mode, a lobbing mode, or an auto-select mode. In one form, controls  77  are used by user  10  to select a respective firing mode within the firing mode module  600 . Selection of the straight fire mode causes marker  50  to execute a straight fire mode module  602 . In straight fire mode, marker  50  is configured to fire projectiles as a conventional marker  50 . For the sake of brevity, most conventional markers of today are configured to fire projectiles in a conventional fire mode, such as, semi-automatic mode, fully automatic mode, burst mode, and/or ramp mode. In other words, marker  50  can be configured to fire projectiles at the upper velocity setting and can fire projectiles in either semi-automatic mode (e.g.— 1  projectile per trigger pull), fully automatic mode (e.g.—continuous projectile fire as long as trigger is depressed), burst mode (e.g.—5 projectiles per trigger pull) or ramp mode (e.g.—12 projectiles per 6 trigger pulls). As such, in one form, straight fire mode module  602  can be configured to selectively execute a semi-automatic mode module  604 , a fully automatic mode module  606 , a burst mode module  608 , and/or a ramp module  605 . Each of the above-referenced modules  604 - 608  configures marker  50  to operate according to each respective firing mode. 
         [0289]    Firing mode module  600  also allows user  10  to configure marker  50  to fire in a lobbing mode by execution of a lobbing mode module  610 . As previously set forth, the lobbing mode allows user  10  to lower the velocity at which projectiles are expelled from barrel  54  of marker  50  such that the projectiles travel along arc shaped paths. Together with angling barrel  54  at predetermined angles, the lobbing mode allows user  10  to strike targets  12   b  behind obstacles  16  that would otherwise be able to avoid being struck if marker  50  was firing in straight fire mode. This is because at lower velocity settings, projectiles leaving barrel  54  of marker  50  travel along various arc shaped paths as a function of the velocity setting of marker  50 . As previously set forth, in one form, circuit board  66  is configured to control operation of solenoid valve  74  to allow marker  50  to expel projectiles at varying velocity settings. 
         [0290]    Firing mode module  600  also allows user  10  to select an auto-select mode module  612  that configures marker  50  to operate in an auto-select fire mode. As used herein, the phrase auto-select fire mode should be construed to mean that marker  50  is configured to automatically select either a straight fire mode or lobbing mode as a function of a sensor signal, such as, from tilt sensor  48 . For example, as previously set forth, if tilt sensor  48  indicates that barrel  54  of marker  50  is angled above a predetermined threshold value (e.g.—any angle above 35° relative to ground G), which would indicate that marker  50  is positioned to lob projectiles on target  12   b , auto-select mode module  612  is configured to switch marker  50  to lobbing mode. If marker  50  is positioned below the predetermined threshold value, which would indicate that marker  50  is positioned to fire substantially directly at a target  12   a , auto-select mode module  612  is configured to switch marker  50  to straight fire mode. Also, as previously set forth, the automatic selection of a straight fire mode or lobbing mode can be a function of other signals, such as, a signal from motion sensor  47  or directional/locational sensor  43 . 
         [0291]    Referring to  FIG. 48 , lobbing mode module  610  is configured to allow user  10  to set marker  50  to fire in a semi-automatic firing mode  616 , a full-automatic firing mode  617 , a burst firing mode  614 , or a ramp firing mode  615 . If burst firing mode  614  or ramp firing mode  615  is selected by user  10 , a configuration module  618  allows user  10  to configure a projectile per trigger pull (e.g. burst firing mode—3 projectiles per trigger pull, 5 projectiles per trigger pull, and so forth) or (e.g. ramp firing mode—12 projectiles per second for 6 trigger pulls per seconds). A spreader mode module  620  allows user  10  to determine whether or not marker  50  is configured to expel projectiles in a spread of velocity settings in which each projectile is assigned a distinct velocity within a range of velocities. If user  10  selects velocity spreader mode, a velocity spread setting module  622  allows user  10  to set the FPS difference between respective rounds. For example, user  10  can configure marker  50  to expel projectiles in increments of 5 FPS, 10 FPS, and so forth. Also, velocity spread setting module  622  allows user  10  to set the RPS setting, assign placement in the volley to the determined velocity, and combine volleys or groups into collections, as previously set forth. 
         [0292]    Once user  10  configures marker  50  to function in lobbing mode and selects the velocity spreader mode, a progressive mode module  624  provides user  10  with the option to select a progressive mode. Progressive mode module  624  allows marker  50  to expel projectiles in a progressive up, a progressive down, or a progressive up and down manner. For example, marker  50  is configured to expel projectiles in a progressive mode such that the velocity settings progresses up and down in the spreader mode (e.g.—first 5 shot burst at velocities of 160 FPS, 170 FPS, 180 FPS, 190 FPS, and 200 FPS; second  5  shot burst at velocities of 200 FPS, 190 FPS, 180 FPS, 170 FPS, 160 FPS). As such, progressive mode module  624  configures marker  50  to function in a velocity progressive mode as represented at  626 . As previously set forth, user  10  can use controls  77  to configure the operation of marker  50  amongst the various operating modes. 
         [0293]    Referring to  FIG. 49 , another representative form of straight fire mode module  602  is illustrated; in this form, straight fire mode module  602  is configured to allow user  10  to set marker  50  to fire in an energy saving mode. Selection of the energy saving mode causes marker  50  to execute an energy saving mode module  630 . In one form, as previously set forth, the energy saving mode is configured to save compressed gas used to expel paintballs from marker  50 . The energy saving mode module  630  allows user  10  to determine whether or not marker  50  is configured with a straight fire auto selection mode, thereby executing straight fire auto selection mode module  632 . Selection of the straight fire auto selection mode allows user  10 , in the straight fire auto selection mode module  632 , to configure marker  50  to the self selection or automatic selection of an energy saving mode as a function of a sensor signal, such as, from directional/locational sensor  43 . For example, as previously set forth, if directional/locational sensor  43  indicates that barrel  54  of marker  50  is positioned in the directional heading of a preregistered target area TA and/or opponent obstacle  16 , while being located in a preregistered location, straight fire auto selection mode module  632  is configured to switch marker  50  to an energy saving mode, with a selected lower velocity setting. In one form, the selected lower velocity setting is set with the energy saving configuration mode module  634 ; energy saving configuration mode module  634  also allows user  10  to further configure marker  50 . For example, user  10  can set distinct velocity settings to different target areas, which have distinct directional headings. Also, user  10  can set different distinct velocity settings to different target areas, which have distinct directional headings, when user  10  is located in different locations on the playing field. Further, user  10  can set different energy saving lower velocity settings as a function of different sensor signals. For example, user  10  can set a distinct energy saving velocity setting for a directional heading, when located in a preregistered location and still set a different distinct energy saving velocity setting for a distinct gesture in cooperation with motion sensor  47 . 
         [0294]    The non selection of the straight fire auto selection mode, which is described above, still allows user  10  to select an energy saving lower velocity setting, through energy saving conventional mode module  636 . Energy saving conventional mode module  636  allows user  10  to preset a lower velocity setting, in one form, and choose a selectable or adjustable lower velocity setting, in another form. The selectable or adjustable lower velocity setting can be controlled or managed by controls  77  or velocity controller  76 , as described above (see  FIG. 5 ). 
         [0295]    Further, as in an above form (see  FIG. 47 ), straight fire mode module  602  can be configured to selectively execute a semi-automatic mode module  604 , a fully automatic mode module  606 , a burst mode module  608 , and/or a ramp module  605 . Again, each of the above-referenced modules  604 ,  605 ,  606 , and  608  configures marker  50  to operate according to each respective firing mode. Thus, each of the above-referenced modules  604 ,  605 ,  606 , and  608  can be configured with an upper velocity setting and/or energy saving lower velocity settings. 
         [0296]    Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 50 , in one form marker  50  is configured in the lobbing mode to automatically calculate velocity settings and angles of barrel  54  as a function of readings obtained from distance sensor  75  and tilt sensors  48 . For the sake of brevity, marker  50  has already been configured by user  10  to either operate in the lobbing mode or the auto-select mode. During play, user  10  encounters target  12   b , which is hidden behind a respective obstacle  16 . Using distance sensor  75 , a distance reading module  700  allows user  10  to obtain a distance reading to target  12   b . In the alternative, user  10  can manually enter a distance to target  12   b  using controls  77 . 
         [0297]    Marker  50  includes a lobbing algorithm module  702  that is configured to calculate a plurality of angles for barrel  54  to be positioned at and a plurality of velocity settings needed for marker  50  to be able to lob projectiles onto target  12   b . In one form, the velocity settings are calculated as a function of the calculated angles. As such, one respective calculated angle setting will have a first set of velocity settings used to lob projectiles onto target  12   b  and another calculated angle setting will have a second set of velocity settings, and so forth. Multiple angles and sets of velocity settings may be required to lob projectiles onto target  12   b  depending on various factors, such as the height of the obstacle, the distance to target  12   b , and so forth. As such, lobbing algorithm module  702  is configured to calculate a plurality of angles and sets of velocity settings corresponding to each respective calculated angle in order to lob projectiles onto target  12   b.    
         [0298]    In another form, marker  50  also includes an indicator control module  704  configured to control operation of indicators  73  to guide user  10  to position barrel  54  of marker  50  at the one or more calculated angles. Indicator control module  704  uses signals from tilt sensor  48  to determine when barrel  54  of marker  50  is positioned in at one or more of the calculated angles. As previously set forth, up and down arrows (see  FIG. 6   a ) of indicators  73  can be used to guide user  10  to place marker  50  in the proper angular position. Once marker  50  is placed at one or more of the calculated angles, a respective indicator  73  is illuminated to indicate marker  50  is positioned at a one or more of the calculated angles. 
         [0299]    A firing module  706  monitors the status of trigger  62  and in response to a pull of trigger  62 , marker  50  expels a plurality of projectiles in a spreader mode at target  12   b . In this form, marker  50  expels the projectiles at the set of velocity settings corresponding to the calculated angle. As should be appreciated, varying the angle of barrel  54  will vary the arc shaped path that projectiles that are expelled from marker  50  travel to reach target  12   b . As the angle of barrel  54  is changed, the set of calculated velocities that projectiles need to be expelled to reach target  12   b  adjusts as a function of the distance to target  12   b  and the angular position of barrel  54  of marker  50 . 
         [0300]    Referring collectively to  FIGS. 30   a - d  and  FIG. 51   a - b , a representative form of a mechanized, computerized, and/or automated paintball regulator  866  is illustrated. In one representative form, said paintball regulator  866  includes an electronically and/or pneumatically controlled adjustment mechanism, such as, adjustment mechanism  852  (see  FIG. 30   a - b ). In one form, paintball regulator  866  can be configured with an adjustment device and/or method, such as, motor or actuator  195 , as described above (see  FIG. 15 ). In another form, paintball regulator  866  can include and/or be in communication with a control(s), such as control  77 , as described above (see  FIG. 5 ). Further, in another form, said mechanized or automated paintball regulator  866  can include and/or be in communication with a controller, such as circuit board  66 , also described above. 
         [0301]    In one form, said mechanized or automated paintball regulator  866  includes controls  77  and/or a controller, such as circuit board  66 , that is independent or separate from marker  50  and/or circuit board  66  of marker  50 . There by, allowing a user  10  to configure said pressure regulator  866  onto different markers. Paintball players often own or have access to more than one paintball marker, and often own or have access to more than one style of marker. Some markers are mechanically operated, while other markers are electronically operated or electro-pneumatically operated, still other markers are electronically assisted mechanical markers, such as mechanically operated markers with an electronic trigger. While normally only found on lower end or level markers, some markers and/or styles of markers of today are still unregulated from the source or tank to the marker, although, this is normally only markers that use CO2 solely as the compressed gas. Further still, other markers and/or styles of markers of today, regulate the compressed gas at or near the compressed gas source or tank  100 , as described above and as illustrated in  FIGS. 30   c - d.    
         [0302]    Those skilled in the art would recognize the benefits of a regulator or an additional regulator, even on the lower end or level markers. They would also recognize the benefits of a regulator and/or an additional regulator configured with an independent or separate controller, such as a circuit board  66 , there again, allowing the pressure regulator to be switched or configured to different markers and/or styles of markers. In one form, said mechanized or automated pressure regulator  866 , with a separate or individual controller, such as a circuit board  66 , can be configured with transfer elements or data links  752 , as described above (see  FIGS. 45 to 46   b ). For example, user  10  can configured a manually operated marker  50  with automated pressure regulator  866 , in the vertical pressure regulator  106  form (see  FIG. 51   a ) or the source pressure regulator in adapter  102  form (see  FIG. 51   b ), that includes circuit board  66  and controls  77 ; also electric and/or pneumatic adjustment mechanism  852  can be included, as described above (see  FIGS. 15 and 30   a - d ). Further, circuit board  66  of said pressure regulator  866  can be configured with data link(s)  752 , electric power source  68 , and pressure sensor(s)  46  (see  FIG. 5 ). User  10  having set the upper velocity limit for manually operated marker  50  through a manual velocity adjustor, such as velocity adjustor  302  (see  FIG. 11 ), user  10  can set the matching upper pressure and/or velocity limit for said pressure regulator  866 , through circuit board  66  with connected controls  77 . There by, allowing user  10  to adjust manually operated marker  50  between an upper velocity setting and a lower velocity setting through adjustment mechanism  852 , controlled by controls  77  connected to circuit board  66 . Further, circuit board  66  of said pressure regulator  866 , through connected data link  752 , can indicate a determined and/or set pressure/velocity setting to user  10  through indicators  73  and/or acoustical element  755 , of networked paintball system  750 , as described above (see  FIGS. 45 to 46   b ). 
         [0303]    In a further example, as in the above example, user  10  is using a manually operated marker  50  lacking a circuit board  66  of its own. User  10  can configure circuit board  66  of regulator  866 , in the vertical pressure regulator  106  form (see  FIGS. 51   a ) and/or the source pressure regulator in adapter  102  form (see FIGS.  51   b ), to instruct paintball hopper  63  to load another paintball, through data link  752  of hopper unit  756  and data link  752  connected to circuit board  66  of said regulator  866 , as described above. The determined value that the manually operated marker  50  has fired and needs another paintball loaded can come from the swift variation or momentary change in compressed gas pressure, as determined by pressure sensor(s)  46  connected to circuit board  66  of said regulator  866 . 
         [0304]    As those skilled in the art would recognize that a mechanized, computerized, and/or automated pressure regulator  866  could be configured to include the other aspects, features, sensors, and/or methods described and/or disclosed herein. There by, allowing a user  10  to configure and/or retrofit many, if not most, paintball markers with most of the aspects, features, and/or abilities described and/or disclosed herein. For example, said pressure regulator  866  configured with a circuit board  66  and power source  68 , can as include proximity sensors  69  (see  FIG. 46   b ), allowing said pressure regulator  866  to automatically be placed into a safety mode or stand by mode, where by the flow of compressed gas is restricted or cut off when separated from the user  10 . Also, in one illustrative form, circuit board  66  of said pressure regulator  866  can be configured with other disclosed sensors, such as tilt sensor(s)  48 , distance sensor  75 , directional/locational sensor  43 , vibration/sound sensor(s)  41 , and/or motion sensor(s)  47 , as described above (see  FIG. 5 ). Further, in another illustrative form, circuit board  66  of said pressure regulator  866  can be configured to link to separate, unattached, and/or independent sensors and/or members, such as speed sensor  72 , breech sensor  78 , situational connecters  44 - 45 , and/or indicators  73 , as described above (see  FIGS. 5 ,  6 , and  46   b ). Still, in another illustrative form, circuit board  66  of said pressure regulator  866  can be configured to connect with separate, unattached, and/or independent sensors and/or members, such as with connector or link  292  and  294 , as described above (see  FIG. 41   b ). In one form, as described above, circuit board  66  of said pressure regulator  866  can be configured to be connected to and/or in communication with a plurality of sensors, of one or more types or forms. 
         [0305]    Further, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that circuit board  66  and/or controls  77  can be configured internally or externally with a vertical pressure regulator  106  (see  FIGS. 30   a - b  and  51   a ), a source pressure regulator, such as in adapter  102  (see  FIGS. 30   c - d  and  51   b ), and/or any other pressure regulator, such as the low pressure regulators  105  used for internally operating some markers (see  FIG. 51   b ). Also, circuit board  66  and/or controls  77  can be configured and/or housed with any other paintball equipment of user  10 , such as into or onto marker  50  and/or hopper  63 , while still being in control of, in connection with and/or in communication with said pressure regulator  866 . In one form, circuit board  66  and/or controls  77  of said pressure regulator  866  or their aspects, features, processes and/or operations can be configured and/or combined with other circuit boards  66  and/or controls  77  used by user  10  in other paintball equipment, such as marker  50 , hopper  63 , player unit  754 , hopper unit  756 , etc. 
         [0306]    In one representative form, said mechanized, computerized, and/or automated paintball regulator  866  can be configured as a member or part of a paintball system, such as, linked system  750 , as described above (see  FIG. 46   b ). In another form, automated regulator  866  can be configured as a member or part of a paintball marker  50 , as described above (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ). The higher end or upper level markers of today are commonly electronically assisted markers and/or electro-pneumatic markers that include an electronic controller and/or circuit board. Thus, a user  10  can configure and/or retrofit these upper level markers to be in connection or communication with said pressure regulator  866 , by replacing, enhancing and/or upgrading the existing controller and/or circuit board. There by, allowing a user  10  to configure and/or retrofit the upper level paintball markers with many, if not most, of the aspects, features, and/or abilities described and/or disclosed herein, while not reconfiguring or replacing entire marker. For example, user  10  can replace or retrofit an existing circuit board so that the new configured circuit board includes disclosed aspects, abilities, features, sensors, and/or methods, while still retaining its normal operational controls, such as in respect to the trigger sensor  70  or solenoid valve  74 . The replaced or retrofitted circuit board  66  of marker  50  can include some of aspects, features, and/or sensors, such as, tilt sensors  48 , motion sensors  47 , vibration/sound sensors  41 , proximity sensors  69 , and/or transfer elements  752 ; while other aspects, features, sensors, and/or methods can be include with the linked or connected automated regulator  866  to eases and/or simplify the configuration of marker  50 , such as, pressure sensor  46 , directional/locational sensor  43 , distance sensor  75 , and/or transfer elements  752 . Further still, other aspects, features, sensors, and/or methods, such as, speed sensor  72  and/or breech sensor  78 , can be linked or connected to circuit board  66  of said pressure regulator  866  and/or circuit board  66  of marker  50 , through data links  752 . Therefore, user  10  can configure, reconfigure, and/or retrofit the majority, if not most, paintball markers of today to include most, if not all, the aspects, features, and/or abilities described and/or disclosed in  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 52   b , depending on the original design and/or configuration of marker  50 . 
         [0307]    In another representative form, circuit board  66  in connection with said automated regulator  866  can be configured to include a processor  101  that is programmable to execute one or more software routines. In one form, processor  101  can comprise a microprocessor or microprocessors that include on-board memory for storing executable program code and/or memory may be connected with processor  101 . 
         [0308]    Referring collectively to  FIG. 52   a - b , as previously set forth, electronic circuit board(s)  66  can be configured to monitor, apply, and/or control various functional aspects, features, abilities, and/or methods that are described and/or disclosed herein. In one form, electronic circuit board(s)  66  include executable software routines that allow user  10  to set and/or program desired settings and/or values. For example, in one form of the above form, the desired value can be a determined value, such as, the determined value to allow user  10  to lob paintballs onto target  12   b , as described above. In another form of the above form, a determined value can decide and/or influence a desired value, such as, the determined tilt angle or its value, of marker  50 , influences the positioning of hopper  63  to maintain a level position or value. In another representative form, the desired value can be a settable constant value, such as, 300 FPS upper velocity limit, 13 BPS upper limit, etc. 
         [0309]    In one form, the executable software routine determines the difference or discrepancy between a desired value  732  and an undesired value  734 . In one form of the above form, the software routine determines the needed change or adjustment to the undesired value  734  for the achievement of the desired value  732 . For example, user  10  has reset marker  50  to a desired velocity setting of 180 FPS and its corresponding value, the software routine of electronic circuit board  66  knowing the previous, now undesired, velocity setting and value can determine the adjustment  736  needed to the previous value to achieve the desired 180 FPS or its value. In one form, the software routine changes the value for user  10  through circuit board  66 , as described above. In another form, the software routine guides or instructs user  10  through the determined adjustment of the value  736 , from the undesired value  734  to the desired value  732 , also described above. 
         [0310]    In another form, as representatively illustrated in  FIG. 52   b , the software routine of electronic circuit board  66  can be configured to check or verify the determined adjustment of the value  736 . In one form of the above form, the determined adjustment of the value  736  is verified, that is, the value is changed and/or adjusted. In another form, the determined adjustment of the value  736  is verified to the adjusted value  738 . The verified adjusted value  738  can be compared to the desired value  732 , the software routine can then correct and/or change the determined adjustment  737  of the determined adjustment of the value  736 . 
         [0311]    Another aspect of the present invention discloses a method, comprising the steps of a) configuring a compressed gas projectile accelerator to expel multiple projectiles from multiple selected velocity settings falling between a first velocity setting and a second velocity setting; and b) providing a controller configured to allow a user to selectively choose, program, and/or re program a plurality of velocity settings falling between the first and second velocity settings. 
         [0312]    Yet another aspect of the present invention discloses a method, comprising the steps of a) configuring a compressed gas projectile accelerator to expel multiple projectiles from multiple selected velocity settings falling between a first velocity setting and a second velocity setting; and b) providing a programmable controller configured for selectively choosing a plurality of velocity settings falling between the first and second velocity settings. 
         [0313]    A further aspect of the present invention discloses a method, comprising the steps of a) configuring a compressed gas projectile accelerator to expel multiple projectiles from multiple selected velocity settings falling between a first velocity setting and a second velocity setting; and b) providing a programmable controller configured for selectively choosing an operational mode from a plurality of operational modes with velocity settings falling between the first and second velocity settings. 
         [0314]    A further aspect of the present invention discloses a projectile accelerator. The projectile accelerator includes a compressed gas source; a gas releasing mechanism in communication with the compressed gas source; a trigger mechanism for selectively controlling the gas releasing mechanism; and a controller associated with said gas releasing mechanism for allowing said projectile accelerator to be selectively controlled in a manner in which projectiles are expelled from said projectile accelerator between an upper velocity setting and a lower velocity setting, where said projectiles are expelled from said projectile accelerator in a lobbed manner with differing lower velocities and in a non-lobbed manner with an upper velocity setting. 
         [0315]    Another aspect of the present invention discloses a compressed gas projectile accelerator, comprising a compressed gas source; a compressed gas control mechanism in communication with said compressed gas source for selectively controlling compressed gas to expel a multiple of projectiles; and a projectile velocity controller configured to selectively expel projectiles at a multitude of selected velocity settings falling within a range of velocity settings. 
         [0316]    Yet another aspect of the present invention discloses an electronic projectile accelerator, comprising: an electronic circuit board; a velocity control in communication with the electronic circuit board for allowing the velocity selection from a variety of velocity settings at which projectiles are expelled from a barrel, where a velocity selection is not permitted to go above a predetermined maximum value; and a fire mode within the electronic circuit board, where the fire mode is configured to control one or more operating parameters of the electronic circuit board as a function of the velocity selection. 
         [0317]    Another aspect of the present invention discloses an electronic projectile accelerator, comprising: an electronic circuit board; a controller connected with said electronic circuit board to allow the selection of velocity settings from a range of velocity settings at which projectiles are expelled from a barrel, while not permitting said velocity setting to go above a predetermined maximum value; and an operational mode in association with said electronic circuit board, where said electronic circuit board is configured to control one or more operating parameters of said electronic projectile accelerator as a function of said velocity settings, while not permitting a determined value to go above a predetermined maximum value in said operational mode. 
         [0318]    A further aspect of the present invention discloses a circuit board for a compressed gas projectile accelerator. The circuit board includes software routines or modules that include a firing module configured to operate the compressed gas projectile accelerator in a straight fire mode and a lobbing mode. The straight fire mode is operable to configure the marker to operate in a semi-automatic mode, a fully-automatic mode, and a burst mode. The lobbing mode is configured to expel a group of projectiles at varying velocities within a range of velocities falling between an upper velocity limit and a lower velocity limit. Each projectile in the group of projectiles is assigned a distinct velocity setting. 
         [0319]    Another aspect of the present invention discloses a kit for retrofitting a compressed gas projectile accelerator  50 . The kit includes a velocity control method, as disclosed and described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-52   b , that is configured to allow marker  50  to expel a plurality of projectiles between a defined range of velocity settings, within a range of operational modes. A component controller or circuit board can be included in the kit for allowing a user to selectively configure, program, and/or re-program the velocity control method or operational modes. The exact components included in the kit will vary depending on the design of marker  50 , paintball hopper  63 , paintball pod harness  772 , goggle system  762  and/or other paintball equipment, but will include one or more of the methods described and set forth with respect to  FIGS. 1-52   b.    
         [0320]    Another aspect of the present invention discloses a kit for retrofitting a compressed gas projectile accelerator  50  and/or projectile feeding system  63 . The kit includes a feeding method, as disclosed and described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-52   b , that is configured to allow marker  50  to expel projectiles while positioned in a plurality of positions and/or angles. The exact components included in the kit will vary depending on the design of marker  50 , paintball hopper  63 , paintball pod harness  772 , goggle system  762  and/or other paintball equipment, but will include one or more of the methods described and set forth with respect to  FIGS. 1-52   b.    
         [0321]    Another aspect of the present invention discloses a kit for retrofitting the paintball equipment of a user  10 . The kit includes a data or information transfer method, as disclosed and described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-52   b , that is configured to allow the paintball equipment and/or user  10  to share data or information. The exact components included in the kit will vary depending on the design of marker  50 , paintball hopper  63 , paintball pod harness  772 , goggle system  762  and/or other paintball equipment, but will include one or more of the methods described and set forth with respect to  FIGS. 1-52   b.    
         [0322]    Another aspect of the present invention discloses a kit for retrofitting the paintball equipment of a user  10 . The kit includes a relationship or proximity sensing method, as disclosed and described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-52   b , that is configured to allow the paintball equipment and/or user  10  to sense and/or gauge the relational position of differing equipment elements or members. The exact components included in the kit will vary depending on the design of marker  50 , paintball hopper  63 , paintball pod harness  772 , goggle system  762  and/or other paintball equipment, but will include one or more of the methods described and set forth with respect to  FIGS. 1-52   b.    
         [0323]    Another aspect of the present invention discloses a kit for retrofitting the paintball equipment of a user  10 . The kit includes a vibration and/or acoustic sensing method, as disclosed and described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-52   b . Further, the kit can include a vibration and/or acoustic reducing method, as disclosed and described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-52   b , that is configured to allow the paintball equipment and/or user  10  to operate at reduced vibration and/or sound levels. The exact components included in the kit will vary depending on the design of marker  50 , paintball hopper  63 , paintball pod harness  772 , goggle system  762  and/or other paintball equipment, but will include one or more of the methods described and set forth with respect to  FIGS. 1-52   b.    
         [0324]    Another aspect of the present invention discloses a kit for retrofitting a compressed gas regulator  866  for a paintball marker  50 . The kit includes a velocity control method, as disclosed and described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-52   b , that is configured to allow marker  50  to expel a plurality of projectiles between a defined range of velocity settings, within a range of operational modes. A component controller or circuit board can be included in the kit for allowing a user to selectively configure, program, and/or re-program the velocity control method, operational modes and/or functional operations. The exact components included in the kit will vary depending on the design of marker  50 , paintball hopper  63 , paintball pod harness  772 , goggle system  762  and/or other paintball equipment, but will include one or more of the methods described and set forth with respect to  FIGS. 1-52   b.    
         [0325]    Those skilled in the art would recognize that the described components, features and/or members of the above described paintball equipment may be configured, laid out, or connected in a different manner or configuration; and the described components, features and/or members can be combined or separated into single components, features and/or members. The described components, features and/or members may be duplicated or copied in plural forms in the above described paintball equipment. Also, the described components, features and/or members may be connected directly to power source  68  or have a separate source of power. 
         [0326]    Those skilled in the art would also recognize that the described modes, methods, and/or manners of the above described paintball equipment may be configured, laid out, or formulated in a different style or configuration; and the described modes, methods, and/or manners can be combined or separated into single modes, methods, and/or manners. The described modes, methods, and/or manners may be duplicated or copied in plural forms in the above described paintball equipment. 
         [0327]    While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions are desired to be protected. It should be understood that while the use of words such as preferable, preferably, preferred or more preferred utilized in the description above indicate that the feature so described may be more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessary and embodiments lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope of the invention, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. In reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” or “at least one portion” are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” is used the item can include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.